text:
6 June 2012
Salesforce signals social intention with $689 million Buddy Media acquisition
Salesforce.com, the cloud computing company confirmed its acquisition of social enterprise technology company Buddy Media for $689 million USD. In contrast, on 23 May, Oracle its competitor confirmed the acquisition of cloud-based social media marketing and engagement platform Vitrue for a reported $300 million USD, so these are the current front runners. Even in a global recession its clear that social media is high on the agenda for technology firms keen on investing in the potential of the channel, now and in the future.
Founded in 2007, Buddy Media was created to help brands and agencies to optimise social media marketing campaigns across resources like Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. With its other recent acquisition being social media monitoring tool Radian6, Salesforce.com has further strengthened its social credentials in being able to measure and manage social media activity.
"Salesforce.com now has the number one players in social listening and marketing – Radian6 and Buddy Media," said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of salesforce.com. Benioff continues, "With CMOs surpassing CIOs in spend on technology within the next five years, our Marketing Cloud leadership will allow us to capitalize on this massive opportunity."
In the press release issued and its conference call, Salesforce.com states that: "It will acquire Buddy Media for approximately $467 million in cash and $184 million in salesforce.com common stock, and $38 million in vested salesforce.com options and restricted stock units." Salesforce.com expects the deal to be completed within three-months and finalised at the end of October.
The recent acquisitions and IPOs of technology companies have been under much scrutiny, now more than ever and has some watchers are rightly wondering when the tipping point will be. The Salesforce.com move may be a shrewd move, but for others such as Russian social network Vkontakte, confidence isn't so high, resulting in it putting its IPO on hold based on the Facebook share rise and consequence fall.
According to Bloomberg, Salesforce.com doesn't appear to be the only technology makers eyeing this space with Oracle Corp, SAP AG and others snapping up or looking to acquire social media specialists. The space continues to intensify demonstrating the importance of social media to technology makers with Oracle upping the yet ante again announcing the acquisition of cloud-based intelligence company Collective Intellect yesterday, in which the financial terms were not disclosed. Simply the firm helps organisations transform social conversations into actionable decisions responding from social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
For these types of technology superpowers the direction will most certainly include integrating software and a service (SaaS) into business generation, development and marketing, so this could be a taster of what to come.
A replay of the conference call will be available until 04 July, 2012
+1(800) 585-8367 or +1(855) 859-2056, passcode: 87397859, with the audiocast available from http://www.media-server.com/m/p/q4wdbzf8.
In the meantime, the chatter around Buddy Media isn't all about the almighty dollar. In an inspirational video from CEO its Michael Lazerow, "A New Beginning - Is Fear Holding You Back?" he shares how after being born with a heart defect and a near-death experience focuses him to live without fear encouraging others to contemplate the same.
A New Beginning - Is Fear Holding You Back?
A version of this article first appeared on Technorati.
Categories: Technology, Social media, News
Tags: Salesforce.com, Salesforce, Buddy Media, social media, social media marketing, Cloud Computing, Radion6, Oracle, Vitrue, Collect Intellect
Related entries
Salesforce Radian6 hooks up its monitoring service to Twitter firehose
on June 14th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Salesforce.com teams up with microblogging service Twitter allowing its social media monitoring t...read more»
Trackback URL
Trackback to this blog post using the URL below


text: Like sparkling jewels in a turquoise sea, the islands of the Caribbean and Bermuda offer endless beauty and charm. Each island has a culture and personality all its own. You can sunbathe on a pink-sand beach in Bermuda. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters off Antigua. Or enjoy world-class shopping in St.Thomas.

subset: commoncrawl


text: I think that efficiency is most of the job. Learning how to become efficient is more important than knowing how to pump up a tire or screw in a bolt. I'd rather be on a smaller team and have control than be on a big team without it. It's all about preparation. For example you bring lots of wheels, as many as you can, to a race already prepared. If you have a flat you grab a new wheel. There's no reason to be changing tires when there are 10 bikes to be washed, because you can take care of that ahead of time.—Fernando Tapia, Contract Mechanic


text: WHITE CITY, Ore. — A Central Point man who died in a motorcycle crash is being honored at a place that is not only special to him but to dozens of his family members. Billy Hammon has been a racer for eight years and he often competed at the Southern Oregon Speedway. "He was known out there … Continue reading »


text: My grandma has just had an operation to remove a bowel abscess. She was in and out of the hospital for nearly a year and they never knew what it was until transferring her to another hospital. It was then after being there for less than 24 hours they found out what actually was going on. since it had been going on for so long, they've had to remove part of her bowel, leaving her with a bag. If they had actually bothered about her instead of cancelling meetings to diagnose her sooner, she might have been able to avoid this life changing operation.


text:
spring song
the green of Jesus
is breaking the ground
and the sweet
smell of delicious Jesus
is opening the house and
the dance of Jesus music
has hold of the air and
the world is turning
in the body of Jesus and
the future is possible
It took those last days of Lent to really drive the point home that salvation is wildly unpredictable. It's not something I understand – why seasons of spiritual earnestness must be punctuated here and there with unforeseen episodes of crashing and burning. I take comfort always in the example of the Apostle Peter who thrice denied his beloved Christ, and beat his breast over it, was wracked with agonizing regret, and yet came through to the other side of that self-disgust more in awe of his Christ- Jesus' Passion, His controversial message of humility and Love, His miraculous Resurrection – than ever.
This year, I'm approaching Holy Week like the prodigal son, head bowed, still reeking of my infirmities and foolishness, more keenly aware than usual of how thoroughly undeserving I am of this the Feast of all Feasts. Does this not blow your mind?!
And he shows mercy upon the last, and cares for the first; and to the one he gives, and upon the other he bestows gifts. And he both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering. Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second. You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day. Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.
- from St. John Chrysostom's Paschal Homily
Holy Week and Pascha contain the purest Joy there is – Joy unattached to circumstances or accomplishments, unfettered by potential loss – Joy whole, complete, in and of itself – Joy untainted by disappointment, Joy undiluted, Joy victorious! I feel hope welling up like a spring in my soul, that just a little while ago had seemed dry and barren as a desert. I'm preparing for Jesus' death with a song of triumph on my lips: Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen!


text: Meet some Canucks, get free Best Buy gift cards with a BlackBerry Michael Kwan / Thursday, March 18, 2010, 3:32 pm / No CommentsHey Vancouver hockey fans! As the hometown Canucks gear up for a potential playoff run, you'll have an opportunity to meet a couple of the team's star players and cash in on some free stuff while you're at it. They're not quite Roberto Luongo, but you still want to meet these Canucks.I got an email in my inbox from Best Buy, informing me that Alex Burrows will be making an appearance at the Cambie Best Buy on Sunday, March 21st between 2pm and 4pm. Presumably, he'll be there for autographs and photo ops.more → Posted in: Uncategorized Tagged with: bell mobility, nhl, vancouver


text:
*A Devil and Her Love Song Books 1 and 2 — Recommended
Posted in Manga Reviews on April 23, 2012 by Johannaby Miyoshi Tomori; adapted by Ysabet MacFarlane
published by Viz; $9.99 US
If you've missed the enjoyable Secret Notes of Lady Kanoko series, A Devil and Her Love Song is a more than suitable replacement. Although both have a charmingly grumpy protagonist learning to make friends and fit in, Devil is preferable to me because it's less episodic. With its continuing story chapters, there's more potential for character revelation and development.
Maria, the "devil" of the title, is a new student previously at a Catholic school. She has a unique combination of abilities: she's preternaturally insightful about why people behave or react a certain way, and she has nearly no empathy. Without the ability to put herself in someone else's place and predict their feelings, her extraordinary truth-telling seems demonic in the pain she causes others by revealing their innermost motivations. Yet her commitment to authenticity is strangely compelling.
She's a fascinating character, especially once you layer on her own emotions. She's convinced that she "taints" everyone around her, yet she's still trying to overcome that perceived curse. If this was a sitcom, we'd be speculating on how much Asperger's she has, but in this romantic high school story, we feel her pain at not fitting in. Yet I admire her strength, as well, since she doesn't bow to bullying (of which there is a lot) or peer pressure. She knows her own goal — to be accepted — and regardless of the words or deeds cast against her, she continues to struggle to reach it.
(Also, if this was an American comic, Maria's faith, demonstrated by the cross she wears, and her truth-telling individuality would be more praised, less seen as a sign that she's evil. The girls who haze her would also be more subtle about it. But since this is Japanese, the way she can't help standing out is a bad thing, considered her fault.)
Miyoshi Tomori draws Maria as very attractive, almost sly, but not in a purposeful (from the character's perspective) or creepy (from the reader's perspective) way. She's calm, self-possessed, demonstrating her quiet inner strength.
Maria is not completely alone. There are two boys who admire and crush on her in different combinations. Yusuke is an outgoing talker who wants everyone to like him. He's the one who teaches her how to rephrase her comments in a more positive fashion (although the way she often gets that wrong is entertaining). His goal is to make everything beautiful, regardless of what lurks underneath. Shin is more of a loner, but his appreciation of her seems more honest, more aware of who she really is.
There's also another girl, Tomoyo, who over the course of these two volumes goes from a kind of class mascot, tagging along with the mean girls just to fit in, to a proto-goth making her own decisions about who is really her friend. At first, she's used by the other girls in the class to set up Maria and get her in trouble, but in the second book, we learn more about her motivations.
The challenge there revolves around an upcoming school choral competition. The cowardly teacher puts Maria in charge to set her up for failure. He wants to get rid of her because her presence makes too many problems visible that he's not capable of coping with.
Before that, though, book two opens with Yusuke and Maria visiting Tomoyo at home. She hasn't been coming to school. The other kids think it's because Maria hurt her, but it's really something more complex. There are a lot of layers among the class politics in this series, which makes it an involving portrait of teen life, anchored by the captivating Maria. (The publisher provided review copies.)
6 Comments
- hapax
04/25/2012 at 9:37 PMHuh. Just goes to show how tastes differ.
I bought these books on the basis of rave previews, and HATED them. I thought the characters' personalities and motivations were all over the place, and totally inconsistent with the way they were described; and the constant, universal, overt bullying (by both students AND teachers) completely unbelievable. I hated every single character (well, except Tomoyo, who just annoyed me) and wished horrible things to happen to them all.
Also, you didn't mention the art much. I thought it was harsh and muddy, and inserted chibi stylings in the most inappropriate moments.
I'm not saying that I'm right and you're wrong, but I thought it only fair to express a different opinion amidst the (apparently uniform) positive reviews.
(Of course, I really dislike BAKUMAN, too, so obviously I'm out of step with the majority of reviewers. FWIW)
[…] that we're firmly into A Devil and Her Love Song, the story's become about introducing new characters and situations to highlight […]
[…] A Devil and Her Love Song […]
[…] happened to Maria's mother, as Maria has begun having short, confusing flashbacks. Maria and her friend Yusuke are becoming closer, with him trying to take care of her in spite of cool guy Shin trying to warn […]
- Cindy
02/08/2014 at 3:51 PMHow heavy on the romance is this series? I am looking for something less romantic but interesting for my 12-yr old daughter.
Leave a Reply
Comments are closed.


text:
Carved Sea Life Bowl
No longer available
Prized for its beautiful grain as well as its durability, acacia wood is a natural, sustainable choice for serving ware. Our salad bowl is hand carved with a pattern of seashells, and the clear finish adds rustic warmth.
12.5" diameter, 3.5" high
Hand-carved acacia wood with a stained finish.


text:
If you've ever had the opportunity to meet someone "famous" and have a real conversation with them, you know the nervous feeling that wells up inside the pit of your stomach. You just hope you act normal.
That was the way I felt in anticipation of my interview with Amy Grant today. It's funny, we have lots of bands that come and visit the K-LOVE studio, but this was different. This was Amy Grant. I tried to pretend like I was all "whatever" this is cool, but inside I was a nervous wreck.
But, once I started talking with her, the nervousness melted away, and I felt calm. She has this amazing ability to bring peace and calm into a room. Just the sound of her voice made me breathe a sigh of relief and remember, she's Amy Grant, yes, but she's a person. She's like all of us, trying to juggle the demands of career and family, and serve God. I admire the way she lives her life.
What I was most impressed by was her desire, and ability to keep life simple. She is able to prioritize on what really matters to her, and has the guts to say no to things that don't. She said a friend of hers challenged her to, "make a list of what matters to you, and then see how you are spending your time in relationship to that list, and if month after month after month, you're not spending any time there, you ought to rewrite that list. Because those things don't really matter."
Her simple life even extends to her spending. Amy admits to going an entire year of "no spending for sport". Her New Year's Resolution for 2012 was to "read the books on your shelf, listen to the music you've already downloaded, play the games in your closet. She says it changed her, because now she knows it's possible not to always give in to the desire to spend on stuff. Although she does admit to buying Christmas presents that year.
Her first CD released in 10 years, is out today. She says that the song, "Don't Try So Hard" was written to herself. She says, "I need to hear this. I'm a woman who is trying to raise her kids, keep her house clean, and keep her head above water - all of that work somehow gets misplaced in my faith. The song is just saying stop removing the wonder of God's free gift of love by beating yourself up because you don't deserve it."
On her family, I was most inspired when she revealed what was going through her mind on the day she married, Vince Gill. "I knew like I had never known anything before that I wanted the strength of his character by my side."
After our conversation ended, I kept thinking about one of my favorite bible verses paraphrased in the message. Somehow it seems Amy has figured out how to live this, and I don't know you, but she encouraged me to "don't try so hard" as well.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. -Matthew 11: 28-30 MSG
In case you missed the interview or would like to listen back, here it is!
Now Playing: He Knows Artist: Jeremy Camp On-Air: Monika Kelly


text:
Steve Caywood and Garrett Looney joined the staff of Sterling College earlier this month. Caywood returned to Sterling College's physical plant to serve as director, and Looney became the coordinator of online student services.
Christopher Stump, Salem, Va., had a specific idea in mind when it came to choosing an online college—one in which he could obtain a theological degree under the direction of a reformed theological perspective. While his search was somewhat difficult, he finally found Sterling College Online—a college that met all his criteria.
Sterling College Online senior Destiny Lalicker of Kinsley, Kan., was awarded the Doug Barnett History Student Scholarship by the Kansas Association of American Educators on Jan. 17.
Lowering tuition prices on online summer classes is causing students to take a second look at their summer plans. With over 60 percent off of the regular price, classes through Sterling College Online are $135 per credit hour for the summer 2014 sessions.
The three Welch children-Elijah, 7; Faith, 6; and Grace, 3-attended Sterling College's graduation on May 15, 2010. They weren't there to support a cousin, an older sibling or a young aunt or uncle. They were there to watch as their parents, Josh and Amanda Welch, became the first married couple to graduate through e.Sterling, the College's online division.


text:
What's New
BugfixesApp Description
Have your ever tried shooting Jewels? Crush, Smash, Break and Explode Jewels in this fun and unique game. Spooky House Studios presents Jewel Destroyer!Features:
•500 levels
•Awesome Jewel explosions
•Beautiful animations
•Game Center leaderboards and achievements
•Accelerometer assisted aiming
•Bonus levels
•Bonus jewels
•Bonus shapes
•Combo bonuses
•Immersive Jungle environment
•Game by creators of Bubble Explode and Rail Maze
Play Jewel Destroyer now!
App Changes
September 29, 2013 New version 2.1.2
November 30, -0001 Initial Release


text:
Tag: dream thief
Showing results 1-11 of 11
EXCL. PREVIEW: Nitz & Smallwood's "Dream Thief: Escape" #2
Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood's acclaimed series heads to Miami Beach in this exclusive preview of "Dream Thief: Escape" #2
REVIEW: Nitz & Smallwood's "Dream Thief: Escape" #1
Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood reunite for "Dream Thief: Escape" #1, a "wonderful contribution to the comic book landscape."
Jai Nitz Goes All In With "Dream Thief: Escape"
Jai Nitz and Russ Manning Award nominee Greg Smallwood's superhero crime comic "Dream Thief" returns, and the pair have plans for even more in the future.
"The Goon," "Dream Thief" Return in Dark Horse's June 2014 Solicitations
"The Goon: One For the Road" and "Dream Thief: Escape" both debut from Dark Horse Comics this June, along with plenty more new releases.
When Words Collide - 12/16/2013
Tim looks back at work by Derek Ballard, Ulises Farinas, Paul Pope, Chris Roberson, Grant Morrison, Charles Forsman as he counts down the BEST COMICS OF 2013.
EXCL. PREVIEWS: "Blood Brothers," "Conan" "Dream Thief" & More
Courtesy of Dark Horse, CBR presents exclusive previews for books hitting stores July 17, including "Blood Brothers" #1, Wood & Gianfelice's "Conan" #18, Lance Henriksen's "To Hell You Ride" and more!
EXCL. PREVIEWS: "Conan," "Dark Horse Presents," "Baltimore" & More
Courtesy of Dark Horse, CBR presents exclusive previews of titles on sale June 19 including "Baltimore: The Inquisitor" #1, "Conan" #17, "DHP" #25, "Dream Thief" #2 and more!
REVIEW: "Dream Thief" #1
Greg McElhatton gives the debut issue of "Dream Thief" by Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood 4.5 stars, saying the issue "hits each beat at just the right moment, in a way that builds the suspense and surprises perfectly."
When Words Collide - 5/13/2013
Tim talks with Greg Smallwood, artist of Dark Horse's upcoming "Dream Thief" series, about comics, process, crime films of the 1970's and the influence of Eclipse, circa the mid 1980s.
Jai Nitz Wakes Up with "Dream Thief"
Comic Book Resources spoke with Jai Nitz about his upcoming "Dream Thief" from Dark Horse Comics, upending expectations, getting help from your friends and writing for yourself.
When Words Collide - 2/18/2013
Tim previews the first two issues of Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood's upcoming Dark Horse series "Dream Thief," discovering a superstar artist in the making and a comic that's well worth a look.
Archives: All | Comic Books | TV/Film | Video Games | Web Comics


text:
Bonaparte, Tallinn
Estonia 10133
Tel: 372 646 4444
Estonia 10133
Tel: 372 646 4444
Concierge.com's insider take:
Everything at this delightful restaurant—including the breads, pastries, and ice cream—is made on the premises. The mostly French menu includes a mushroom cappuccino soup with Brie mille-feuille, escargot in a Pernod-flavored béchamel sauce, and some international add-ons, such as pasta and Waldorf salad. Bonaparte is housed in a 13th-century building (one of the oldest in Tallinn) and has a suitably rustic atmosphere, but the neighboring Bonaparte Deli is one of the town's most modern food shops. It's also the best place to pick up picnic fixings and a bottle of wine, or just a scoop of brown bread–and-basil ice cream (47 Pikk; 372-646-4024).
Open Mondays through Saturdays noon to midnight.


text:
THE MEMORY HOLE REVISITED....Yesterday I posted about the White House blocking access to parts of their site from search engines like Google. Was it an effort to prevent Google from caching pages that they might later want to change behind our backs?
Probably not. Ryan at the Dead Parrot Society says that 2600 magazine looked into this via the sneaky ruse of actually talking to someone at the White House and received an explanation that seems pretty innocent. I guess there might be more to this, but unless someone with more technical mojo than me can poke a hole in their explanation I'd judge it to be pretty reasonable too. Looks like they're probably off the hook for this one.


text:
Discussing: Hunted
Message: 6064
19 Mar 03 7:54 PM
Original Post
General Audience
Message: 6064
19 Mar 03 7:54 PM
Original Post
General Audience
For the new folks, here's the short history. I started writing fanfic in mid-January of 2002 after being inspired by a number of things. By the end of April, I had a 750+ page AU of FoTR on my hands. I showed it around to the HA group and got mixed reviews and a lot of great suggestions. It was all a bit overwhelming at the time, so I stuffed it off into a corner and tried to figure out what I was doing. I liked the basic story and tried to think about what didn't work and why, the ways it could be improved, what were technical errors (legion), what were interpretive problems, and generally where could the story telling itself be better.
A few weeks ago, my cigar-chomping, martini-swilling, Bronx-mouthed muse decided it was time to start rewriting. (If anyone want to trade muses, mine's available.) I wrapped up the first of the 15 stories in the overall series on Sunday, and finished reformatting it today.
It's an AU, 10th member, OFC epic. There's a nuzgul waiting for Dwim in Chapter 7. It's all intro and no resolution.
It is also kind of ironic that it has appeared right now, given the Mary Sue & 10th Member discussions going on, so all I can do is quote Elrond:
"That is the purpose for which you are called hither. Called, I say, though I have not called you to me, strangers from distant lands. You have come and are here met, in this very nick of time, by chance as it may seem. Yet it is not so. Believe rather that it is so ordered that we, who sit here, and none others, must now find counsel for the peril of the world."
Though whether we 10-Mem folks are combatting the peril or are the cause of it remains to be seen. ;-)
Comments of any kind are appreciated, as always. I hope you enjoy the read.
Re: Hunted
(My definition of Sue/Stu: original main character that closely interacts with canon charcters ... It's a good Sue/Stu if the canon characters remain in character and the presense of the original main character allows an interesting story to be told.)
I'm glad you're working on this timeline again.
happy reader
Re: Hunted
Of course my definition of a Sue is still evolving. My current definition of a good Sue story:
Must be a character that interests and involves the reader for her own sake not just because of her relations with canon characters.
Must be there for a good plot reason aside from romance; she is necessary to further or support the plot, not the other way around.
But Laurë isn't involved in a romance, isn't there just to show off.
Bottom line: whatever we call her, I love the story!
Re: Hunted
[Ang dives under ottoman with muse, peers out fearfully]
Yeah, well, Finduilas is busy with other things and isn't talking to me again, so Laurë said she'd be better mannered if I'd pay some attention to her. Sigh. My zoo is really a temperamental pack of ingrates. The recent distractions have really been keeping me from concentrating on the new stuff. Even the hobbits are getting reticent.
The changes between Laurë and Aragorn in Hunted are small, but important. He's not as polite and she's less pushy. The Hobbits were pretty good the first go-around, so didn't need too much work. As I said, It's all intro to the bigger story.
Glorfindel was completely re-done & the conversation between him & Aragorn redefines what is going on (or I hope it does). They are both all businesss about strangers on the Road (female or not), and Glorfindel is poised to do some more interesting things in the next installment.
Question - was Glorfindel in Middle-earth at the time of the Last Alliance?
The next story will probably be 65% - 75% altered. Elrond's role in particular is changing drastically, as will Arwen's. Bilbo is asking for more page space and I'm resisting giving him a good smack. Scene stealer. So, I wrote up a bunch of notes and will see which story line is talking when my big site project wraps up at the end of the month.
Re: Hunted
Yes, according to Last Writings in the Peoples of Middle-earth.
A quote: 'it seems far more likely that he was sent in the crisis of the Second Age, when Sauron invaded Eriador, to assist Elrond, and that though not (yet) mentioned in the annals recording Sauron's defeat he played a notable and heroic part in the war.'
Re: Hunted
I agree with your comment in another place that Ch. 3 is now the weakest part of Hunted, though I'm not certain what to do with it. I'm going to leave it for a while & think about it.
Toodles - Ang
Re: Hunted
Re: Hunted
[Ang goes into giggle fits]
Well, yes, that about sums her up. Though I think you're a bit harsh on the horse - he didn't name himself and he does try to live up to it. ;-)
There isn't much about her that is likeable. Her one endearing trait *is* that she likes Hobbits. You are correct that she is not meant to be a particularly sympathetic character - she's hostile, arrogant, secretive, bitter, suspicious and rude. She shares more than a few character traits with Gollum, to my mind. They are not terribly dissimilar.
What do *I* like about her? Not much. I side with Frodo in this who says he trusts her, but he doesn't particularly like her. I like her honesty and I admire her tenacity. She's on a thankless quest from hell to prove a point of honor and she can see only two ways it can end - badly and worse than that. Which is pretty much the story of her life, so I can appreciate her being in a permanent bad mood.
Laurë is like is a character out of a Greek tragedy whom the fates have marked for special attention; damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. She would agree with the wisdom of Silenius:
Not to be born surpasses thought and speech.
The second best is to have seen the light
And then to go back quickly whence we came.
That does not make for a likeable character, and I don't intend her as such.
I am curious about this reaction, which I have received from several readers - you want the character to be likeable, sympathetic, "good" in some way, and are upset when you can't find that. Does it change your perception when I say you are not supposed to like or identify with this character?
Re: Hunted -- chapter 3
I can remember that in one of the first emails I sent you, I was apologizing for "not liking Laure". I figured that since she liked hobbits I was "supposed" to like her. So I got surprised. Authors don't usually do that, wanting readers to question the motivations of their main characters!
So I "like" her as a character. That she likes hobbits is a point in her favor, but it is right that characters & readers look at her perplexed. I like the mystery. I don't know that I'd want to meet her personally. Or, more to the point, be in the kind of situation where she'd show up. (Probably dire.)
Re: chapter 3: "Argument in the Weather Hills". Hmm. First off, the chapter title gives a wrong impression. It isn't one argument, it's a collection of discussions. Ch 1 introduced Laure to hobbits, Ch 2 is her meeting with Strider (and Frodo being uppity) -- both rather single purpose & focused chapters. Ch 4 is about the attack … this middle chapter is rather unfocused.
So I'd suggest having a "bits & pieces" title that would have the reader expect that.
Aside: "food" discussion. I don't quite follow the math. The hobbits get 1/2 the food food but they're also (by weight & volume) less than half an average man's weight. I think. So I'd more stress the "cover same distance at same pace" angle & not how many cups of food. (Gaits: a man's fast walk is a hobbit's trot??)
What else is discussed? In order: Laure keeping "the dirty Ranger in his place"; Dragonheart is finicky about how he's riden; 4 hobbit reactions to riding said horse; [food discussion]; how Big People ignore hobbits & talk as if they're not there; Big People cause trouble in the Shire; Merry gets an assignment & reports conclusions. So, to summarize, it's mostly about Big People being pushy/paternalistic to & about hobbits. With the food discussion as an oblique example (need more food because having to walk so fast). And the riding a horse / Dragonheart nipping at Aragorn feeling a bit out of place.
The story purpose of the horse passages is to place Frodo on Dragonheart so he can say to Aragorn "That is about athe angle my head has to be … not very comfortable, is it?" Maybe the detail of how each hobbit reacts could be trimmed down or redistributed?
Does that help? Thanks for the very specific beta question; it got me thinking productively.
Re: Hunted -- chapter 3
That's the biggest problem with it.
Here's what I'm trying to do with it. I want a chapter with Merry as the POV and main voice. I've set Merry up as a somewhat chauvanistic person, fundamentally good-natured, very, *very* responsible for his age, all the makings of a stable and sensible leader, but with a certain animosity towards "Big People" because of the exposed nature of Buckland. Ordinarily, it would not come out in any obvious way, but under the stress of the travel, Merry is not inclined to be very generous to Strider.
In the original, the Hobbits have no choice but to put their trust in Strider, and they really don't until after he defends them against the Riders on Amon Sul. Even then, Sam draws a sword on him when Strider first approaches the wounded Frodo. I take this to show that (at least up until that point) the Hobbits may do as he says, but they are still wary of this dour stranger.
When another person is added to the mix, someone who appears to be pretty big and tough (compared to a Hobbit) but who, unlike Strider, makes a big point of being friendly to them and solicitous of them, they are not so quick to be obedient to Strider, and they rather enjoy seeing this big, strange, scary person being cut a down to size. Frodo is at one end and Merry is at the other.
So the focus is really how the dynamics of the relationship between Strider & the Hobbits shift with this new person. It's also to show that Laurë is *not* being helpful. She's cuing the horse to be a bastard towards Strider. She wants the Hobbits trusting her more than him, and making him look ridiculous is one way to do it. She's also pumping the Hobbits for information, which Strider knows she's doing, but can't really call her on it, which increases his distance on the others. He wants to get them to Rivendell asap, does not want this unknown person with them, and is not terribly personable. Even in the book, it really isn't until Amon Sul, and reciting the poem, that he "loosens up" with his companions - the extra person exacerbates that situation.
Frodo, though he was angered at the idea of leaving this woman alone while the Nazgul were about and challenged Strider on it, trusts Strider more than Laurë. Gandalf's assurance about Strider in the misplaced letter counts most in Frodo's opinion. It's important that it is Merry & Pippin who talk to her about the Shire, not Frodo. Strider angers him again by ignoring Merry, but (in the end) he backs Strider, not Merry, making Merry responsible for solving a real problem. It also forces Merry to interact with Strider in a non-antagonistic manner.
Hobbit dynamics - among themselves and between themselves and these two strangers - is what I'm looking at.
Hope that makes sense.
Re: Hunted -- chapter 3
Re: Hunted
"rider of the horse with the pompous name"
"Well, yes, that about sums her up. Though I think you're a bit harsh on the horse - he didn't name himself and he does try to live up to it. ;-)"
i like the horse! he's probably in the same situation as a child called "galadriel" or "aragorn" by tolkien fanatic parents - in all probability with a surname like "smith", "miller" or "jones".... poor things.
"she is not meant to be a particularly sympathetic character - she's hostile, arrogant, secretive, bitter, suspicious and rude. She shares more than a few character traits with Gollum, to my mind. They are not terribly dissimilar."
then why do i not have anything against gollum? if she were but "hostile, arrogant, secretive, bitter, suspicious and rude" - i'm sure, i would love her.
"She's on a thankless quest from hell to prove a point of honor and she can see only two ways it can end - badly and worse than that.
Laurë is like is a character out of a Greek tragedy whom the fates have marked for special attention; damned if she does, damned if she doesn't."
there. that's it! with this you take away the role of tragic hero from frodo, who is supposed to play it. i just think: you rob every major character of its best traits to give them to her. you take from sam his mothering instincts and give them to her - she always cuddles the hobbits and of course understands them better then everyone else... (food question). she is a better warrior than aragorn (with much better weapeons of course). she is wiser than gandalf. she is mothering BOROMOR! of all people! she even has the most beautiful hair in all of middle earth when arwen's maid has shown her how to coiffure herself!
"That does not make for a likeable character, and I don't intend her as such."
in that case: well done!
"I am curious about this reaction, which I have received from several readers - you want the character to be likeable, sympathetic, "good" in some way, and are upset when you can't find that. Does it change your perception when I say you are not supposed to like or identify with this character?"
no, i do not want her to be good, not at all. i want her to be believable. you are creating this nietzesche über-mensch by taking from the characters that originally own these traits and you put her centerstage and shine a spotlight on her. as i cannot believer her, i do not like her and she is forever blocking my view on the characters i care about and find more interesting. i have forced myself through the whole thing just for tiny glimpses on the hobbits every now and then - just for finding them discussing this bitch!
it is not that i cannot understand the wish to be there and play a part in that story. i admit to have envisaged myself dousing down the balrog with a power fire extinguisher ("there you go, bob! this one's on the house!" malicious grin) and thereby saving the day. but these things only work as parodies. you try to do this seriously and you will have irate readers like me detesting your main character. and of course you have in one way or another to like the main character (even if she is an evil bitch) and bond with her/him - otherwise why read the damn thing?
Re: Hunted
... which is one oft cited trait of a Mary Sue. I'm getting a different reaction. I don't inherently mind Mary Sues or Stews, as I've said. I'm more likely to react badly to main canon characters or cultures being shoved out of character for whatever reason the author has for writing his story -- and the presence/absence of a Sue/Stew is irrelevant.
This boils down to personal preference. Her mystery intrigues me. There's two parallel stories happening in the Two Towers series (I've read up through Parth Galen) one is the Quest and other is Laure's mystery. She's an OFC; Ang took apart canon to fit her in, then put it back together again - and the choice of changes and what gets talked about is interesting to me. There are reasons other than "put the spotlight on Laure". Rather, my reaction is to Tolkien's choices: did the hobbits trust Strider right off, what's it feel like for a hobbit to deal with Big Folk, what's this feud between elves and dwarves, if Rivendell always welcomes dwarves, what's Sauron's history, how do the Powers decide when and where to intervene? Ang reworking the mythology makes the starting point more interesting to me. I find Tolkien's mythology and how he deals with fate/destiny to be in the spotlight rather than being over-shadowed by the OFC. Canon characters are put in different situations and personalities examined and gapfilled. It's the "connection to canon" that hooked me into this timeline.
Therefore I do "bond" with the character, and that's why I'm reading the "damn thing".
So mostly I think this is a difference of opinion. But your reaction of "spotlight on Laure" is a description of your reaction rather than (necessarily) a description of Ang's writing process. As I said above, I'm feeling the spotlight on Tolkien's mythology. So, for me, this is a "10th member" fic that "works".
collector of AUs
Re: Hunted
what is a mary-sue?
Aliana, A Mary Sue is a female charater. She is wise, beautiful, witty, strong, usually of noble or elvish birth. She often has a tragic past or some horrid secret. For some inexplicable reason, every male character in the general vicinity falls madly in love with her. Well, she is better-looking than Luthien, after all. And she manages to best Aragorn in a swordfight (one handed and blindfolded, of course). Oh, and Gandalf does go to her for advice on a daily basis.
In other words, Mary Sue is perfect, infallible, cliche, boring, irritating; most often the projected self-image of hormonal authors wishing they could go to Middle-Earth and, ahem... get it on with their favourite characters.
And has long silky hair in some hithertofore unknown colour, don't forget that!
well, in how far that is correct for Laure, you have to decide for yourself. i think it hits the mark except for the "madly falling in love"-part.
Re: Hunted
So I did, and I'm rather enjoying it. Of course, I'm not altogether comfy with the OC but I gather I'm not supposed to be. And while I'm not wildly excited about how pompous she sometimes seems with Aragorn, it's okay with me. It seems to suit the character, and I'm not finding Aragorn to be out of character, so that's good. But I'm thinking maybe the comment about Boromir is from the pre-revisions version...? 'Cause in the one I'm reading they haven't even gotten to Rivendell yet.
As for kete's complaint that making Laure a tragic figure takes the role of tragic figure away from Frodo, I'm frankly baffled. Leaving aside the question of whether Frodo manages to retain his role as tragic figure in this story, I wanna point out that there's a double handful of tragic figures in LOTR as it was written. How does adding another one remove the role from someone else?
Hoping to see someone mothering Boromir -
Re: Hunted
Re: Hunted
I think that the original version of the stories (in particular the "Rivendell" sequence) is wince-inducing. You are painting with a bit of a broad brush here, however, as there *is* more to this OC than being a half-elven princess who is perfect and who wins hearts. Part of the problem here, of course, is that you read the original version of the story (refer to winces above) and it is in revision.
I can pretty much go through the check list and show that Laurë does not match it in the superficial regards - her hair is blonde and dirty most of the time, she isn't particularly beautiful, none of the males have fallen in love with her, and (that little incident with Boromir not withstanding) none of them will. She mouths off at Gandalf, but it is not clear he takes any of her advice, etc. I also think that part of the problem with using "Mary-Sue" as a critical term is that it gets reduced to a check-list such as the one you presented - and if you can find an attribute to be checked, you don't need to take the character seriously after that.
By that standard, I can dismiss just about any OFC (or any significant write up of a minor canonical) as a "Mary Sue", because I can find a good collection of these attributes in any OFC.
The one thing that is true is that Laurë is intended as a character of enormous power and influence within the Arda-verse, though not for trivial reasons. This is poorly handled, particularly in the early stories, and is the main reason that the character fails. However, again, if you use a check-list approach, any OFC that isn't an ordinary human or Hobbit is by definiton a Mary Sue. She has super-powers, ergo, she's a Sue.
So much for the particular character.
Of greater interest to me at the moment is *can* a truly "Mary-Sue" situation be written in a way that does not end up becoming a travesty or a self-parody? While I love any number of the stories that have come out of the Mary Sue challenge, they tend to veer pretty sharply away form the description you give above. They tend to succeed as stories in direct proportion as they are not in accord with the usual conventions of the Mary-Sue genre.
So, can it be done? To the degree that "Mary-Sue" is an epithet, not a description, no, it can't. If a story succeeds, it can't be a Mary Sue. But if we take certain tenants of the genre as descriptive (odd powers, tragic past, uncanny knowledge, striking appearance, etc.) rather than as flags of dismissal, is it possible to write a story that will succeed?
The ultimate challenge is a 10th member fic. Can it be done, and not as a parody? I can say with total assurance that the Laurë stories are light years better than the majority of such attempts - but that doesn't mean that they work. So, I'm back to the word processor to figure out whether they can be reworked. Only time will tell if I can do it.
Toodles - Ang
Re: Hunted
Well, I tend to think they can. Now, odds are good that there will be those for whom it cannot work because they reject the premise as by its nature too destructive - simply having a tenth member ruins something for them. I don't personally understand that, but hey, I don't have to.
If I can drag myself out from under this wretched, clawing, biting thing that is my current obsession (why can't I be this obsessed with An End To Innocence right now? *sob*) I will go back and read Hunted with a very close eye, and see if I can add my $0.02 worth about where it is or isn't working.
But now it's 9PM and I'm still at the office, darn it, so it may not be tonight.
Re: Hunted
Re: Hunted
All comments appreciated, if not always agreed with. ;-)
I did post a number of small revisions to Hunted a day or so ago, but have not tried to do a rewrite on Chapter 3, which is bugging me mightily. I think it needs a radical rewrite and I haven't been inspired.
I can understand the 10th member rejection reaction, and in every case I've read it is more or less justified (Though "Meg Goes to Middle-earth" may be the true break-through story) given the way in which the authors go about it. Note I'm including my own first-round efforts in that pack of failures.
If I didn't think is couldn't be done, I wouldn't try it. If we get enough folks together, maybe we should make it a formal challenge. Or at least a real Nuzgul.\
Re: Hunted
i said: "except the madly falling in love"-part. OK, your reason to write this was NOT hormonal - accepted. however, you managed to stumble into the same traps as 14-olds do with creating this über-persona - for whatever reasons.... and she is of the noblest birth whatsoever being a maia. as i said in my mail it could perhaps be topped by ERU's mother in law, but owise....
"Part of the problem here, of course, is that you read the original version of the story (refer to winces above) and it is in revision."
i'm just trying to force myself throught he whole thing a second time - so don't you tell me, that isn't a labour of love... (i'd do EVERYTHING for "four more, four more")!
"I can pretty much go through the check list and show that Laurë does not match it in the superficial regards - her hair is blonde and dirty most of the time,"
but later on one of the hobbits looks at it (when it is washed) and thinks it was the most beautiful hair he had ever seen (having seen such stunning women as goldberry and arwen...).
"She mouths off at Gandalf, but it is not clear he takes any of her advice, etc."
she calls him "old fool" which i take as a personal insult and which induces the thought she is intended to be wiser than he is. which of course is ridiculous.
"I also think that part of the problem with using "Mary-Sue" as a critical term is that it gets reduced to a check-list such as the one you presented - and if you can find an attribute to be checked, you don't need to take the character seriously after that. By that standard, I can dismiss just about any OFC (or any significant write up of a minor canonical) as a "Mary Sue", because I can find a good collection of these attributes in any OFC."
but NOT so massive! why can't she be a little bit more modest/subdued/reduced whatever? there is an excellent story on ff.net called "and left the tenderness of tears" by someone called lurea. it's not 10.member as it is postquest, but the sue/OFC works phantastic! because she is NOT special. she is just a normal hobbit woman, attractive in the way of movie!rosie and not specially wise, witty, combative or something. she has lost her husband in the bywater-battle and later their mutual child to sickness and is grieving when she meets frodo. at first she can't stand him and he also is not right away falling in love. this OFC is used as a lens to shine a new light on a character we care for and want to know more about and that is a way that really works, IMO. for WHY do we read fanfic? because we want to know more about the characters we love.
"The one thing that is true is that Laurë is intended as a character of enormous power and influence within the Arda-verse, ... She has super-powers, ergo, she's a Sue."
why can't she just hide her enormous powers then? make her ride a downtrodden horse, give her flimsy weapons, let her keep her mouth shut most of the time and let the others not take her so serious. someone so powerful shouldn't feel the need to show off so much.
"Of greater interest to me at the moment is *can* a truly "Mary-Sue" situation be written in a way that does not end up becoming a travesty or a self-parody? ... They tend to succeed as stories in direct proportion as they are not in accord with the usual conventions of the Mary-Sue genre."
i have no idea, but am ogling a nuzgul for adoption that deals with that question...
"So, can it be done? To the degree that "Mary-Sue" is an epithet, not a description, no, it can't. If a story succeeds, it can't be a Mary Sue. But if we take certain tenants of the genre as descriptive (odd powers, tragic past, uncanny knowledge, striking appearance, etc.) rather than as flags of dismissal, is it possible to write a story that will succeed?"
a mary-sue is simply an OFC that is an incorporation of the writer, IMO. the a.m. character traits are symptoms of a bad/silly/immature sue/writer. sure it can be done in a way that works and still be a sue. when I would be a 10. member you can be sure it will be NOT for the benefit of the quest and - sadly - no one will fall in love with me. still I will be there.
"I can say with total assurance that the Laurë stories are light years better than the majority of such attempts"
OK, i'll concede - but not up to the standards i expect of you (after L/OMY which i consider literature).
Re: Hunted
When I read the original version of this story cycle, I thought you had actually done a pretty fair job of making the 10th member not so pointless. Part of it was that she kept claiming to not really be part of the Fellowship, just going in the same direction. Part of it was that you kept using her to look at parts of the characters and the journeys that Tolkien didn't show us. I thought particularly the handling of Boromir, and how the Ring was taking over his soul, was terrific. However, after Lorien, even Laure succumbed to being pointless. If she truly is there for her own purposes, at some point she has to go off and take care of them.
Re: Hunted
The interaction between Strider and Laure feels too one-sided, she is calm and completely right, and he is completely wrong. The interaction between Frodo and Strider also feels that way to me.
The best thing about it was that Laurë knew how to keep the dirty Ranger in his place.
I understand what you mean about seeing it through Merry's prejudices, but perhaps you could have the reader see Merry's opinions on the exchange, but the reader would not draw the same conclusions. Right now the reader (this reader, anyway) sees Strider made small by Laurë and by Frodo. It appears that Strider is really dense, and everyone else is reasonable.
I think it will be hard for me to go from the memory of this scene to seeing Strider as the greater figure he becomes.
and they rather enjoy seeing this big, strange, scary person being cut a down to size. Frodo is at one end and Merry is at the other.
Frodo, though he was angered at the idea of leaving this woman alone while the Nazgul were about and challenged Strider on it, trusts Strider more than Laurë.
What I see happening in this chapter is that it is unclear who is in charge, and that's causing problems among the group. It comes through to me as if Frodo is the person in charge. Merry would prefer Laure to Strider, as you say, but he seems to be seeing Frodo as the one in charge.
Frodo may prefer Strider, but to the reader, it almost appears that it's because he can control Strider. The elements you mention are good, perhaps they need to be subtler?
Re: Hunted
Laurë is less important in this chapter than the pony, except as Merry's idea of a nice Big Person who doesn't scare him so much.
The interaction between Frodo and Aragorn needs to be much more subtle and less one-sided. More Frodo realizing that something wrong is happening and trying to derail Merry's antagonism, which Aragorn cannot do by himself.
Thanks so much!
Re: Hunted
I went to the garden and weeded, still thinking about this applied to writing in general. On one of the forums Dwim and AfterEver had a discussion about a specific character acting as a lens, and how it could focus too much on certain things. AfterEver and I discussed it further, and certain characters, for whatever reason, act as stronger 'lenses.' So even though it's not a favorite, or one you identify with, many of us tend to have some characters be better lenses than others. Merry is doing this, for whatever reason.
Laure does not. Whatever she feels won't affect us much, we don't believe her. Frodo, I think, would be a strong lens also. Strider more than Laure, much less than Frodo or Merry. Sam we would discount, because he worries excessively.
I'm babbling now, but I'm trying to understand for my own story. Must think about this.
Re: Hunted
Why would Merry be such a powerful lens? Perhaps because he is not distracted (or seeks to distract himself with a sharp focus), or because there are few shades of grey in his current thinking. He presents a powerful (if contrary) opinion and clings to it grimly. I find myself wanting to argue with him, pointing out that he's being quite blind.
It is a different kind of focus than you will find in Strider or Frodo. With them, the focus is the conflict and the shades of grey. They examine complexities and help clarify our own thoughts.
Sam, like Merry, has a single focus, but it is Frodo. There is almost no thought of himself in this, though his thinking is far from servile. And, yet, there is also a part of Sam that is attuned to the situation in an almost unconscious way. For me, this comes out in his poetry and his reflections on stories. Unlike Frodo, he does not apprehend the quest conceptually - he's too ordinary and common-sense a fellow for that kind of abstract thinking - but he does perceive it as part of the tale of Arda, woven in with other stories, songs, poems and so forth. His is a very odd perspective. He is making a tale of their adventures as they happen, rendering it in poetry and myth.
Laurë does provide a lens, but an oblique one, glancing away from herself to reflect on others. The opacity is difficult to convey.
Hey, I've been busy this AM, too! I launched a new Web site for a client:
Great Pyrenees Club of Puget Sound
I like the design because it is "stretchy". The middle panel expands or contracts to fill the screen, so it works really well with most monitor resolutions. They only use 3 images on the entire site to keep it fast for dial-up connections. Like HASA, the really cool parts of the site are in the Members area. They have a really slick little calendar for tracking club events, and the big part of it is a vital statistics database where they track champions, litters, and some health related information about particular animals.
Toodles - Ang


text:
This is an angled and nicely chiselled brush, with the perfect size, fullness and softness for perfect blush placement and a natural application, more diffuse than your average little contour brush. The head is quite a bit fuller and larger than the WTF? angled blush brush head, and the longer handle makes it easier to use for me. Not cheap at $34, but I got it for $25 at one of CM's regular 30% off deals. I personally prefer softer bristles, and this one isn't as soft as, say, Paula's Choice or LM, but the firmer bristles do help pick up colour better and are still soft enough not to feel scratchy on my sensitive skin.
Club Monaco makes an excellent set of brushes that is highly overlooked by most people. The brushes are made of excellent quality and have a nice unique handle. This angled blush brush is excellent for applying blush. DOnt miss out on these brushes!
I adore this brush. Perfect for applying shimmer blushes or those with micro-particles (micro-glitter) that you want on the apples of cheeks and no place else. The head just the right size, very soft and the application is flawless.


text:
Current Time
Bermuda restaurants
As in the rest of the world, globalization has finally arrived at Bermuda's dinner table. With its rich British history, Bermuda has always loved its lamb chops and mashed potatoes for dinner, or a heavy crock of shepherd's pie at the pub. Recently, however, a flurry of sushi places have opened, in keeping with the island's current love of all things Japanese, from hand rolls to lanterns to shiatsu. Italian and French restaurants abound in Bermuda, as do a plethora of places with general "Mediterranean" menus featuring pasta, meats, and seafood. When it comes to more exotic choices such as Thai, Vietnamese, or Brazilian, you're pretty much out of luck…but you never know what may open next week.
Traditionally Bermuda has been known for highly organized dining arrangements, such as eating at your hotel on a food plan, or dining with fellow guests at an assigned table so that you all might mix and mingle. Formal attire was not only suggested but required. You may still find more casual vestiges of these customs at classic hotels like Cambridge Beaches, where dress is called "smart." For the most part, though, you can sit down—at your own table—in khaki pants and a collar shirt or a sundress. Jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, and flip-flops, however, are not looked upon kindly, so gussy up a bit before going out.
This bustling spot on Hamilton's main street serves up interesting takes on fresh local seafood. Among the best dishes on the lunch menu are the...more
Far less swanky than Elbow Beach's two formal restaurants, Mickey's still manages to charge steep rates for surprisingly ordinary food. The service, however, is...more
Bermuda's version of a low-key diner, with friendly waitresses who greet regulars by name, does solid versions of pan-fried wahoo and seafood gumbo, and a...more
Located in the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (worth a postmeal visit for its fascinating exhibit on shipwrecks and treasure hunting), Harbourfront is...more
Hidden among the shops (and foot traffic) of Reid Street, Coconut Rock requires sleuthlike skills to find. But once you taste the spicy linguine with tiger...more
The British—and Bermudans—may dismiss the French, but they sure do love their food. This recent addition to the Hamilton dining scene finally...more
If you can look past the remote location of the Belmont Hills Golf Club, you'll find the culinary experience at its restaurant well worth the trouble. The...more


text:
One Bedroom Suite in Manhattan
With breathtaking views of New York City architect, our one-bedroom spacious suite measures 526-673 sq. ft. The suites offer warm, relaxing traditional furnishings complete private bedroom, kitchenette, queen size sleeper sofa in living room and two deluxe marble bathrooms. All of our Midtown Manhattan suites are equipped with deluxe amenities including flat screen TV, free WIFI, in-room safe and robes.
- King size bed
- Queen sleeper sofa
- Kitchenette with refrigerator, sink, dishwasher
- Microwave
- Coffee/tea maker
- Living room
- Pillow-top mattress and cotton duvets
- High thread-count sheets
- Flat screen LCD TV with digital cable and pay-per-view channels
- Sony Dream Machine
- Work desk with complimentary wireless high speed Internet access
- Two Marble baths with shower, hair dryer and toiletries
- Robes
- Individual climate control
- Iron, ironing board, in-room safe, luggage rack and extra pillows


text:
Little Valentine's Day Cards. For you. For free.
February 2, 2009
Some Valentine's day cards I whipped up, using quotes from one of my all-time fave romantic movies, Moulin Rouge! And since free is all the rage these days, below is a downloadable PDF of these little cards, sized just like the ones you'd buy from the supermarket (back in the day) and hand out to all your school friends. Remember those?
Ryan challenged me do to some Twilight-themed valentines so, I may be sharing more designs this week. But in the meantime, hope you enjoy these!
Moulin Rouge inspired Valentines (PDF Download)
39 Comments
Comment by Ryan on February 2, 2009 3:58 pm
Awesome! Can I eat those chocolate bars now?
Comment by Jenn on February 2, 2009 3:59 pm
Sorry dude, those are going to my visiting teachees. Just kidding. Yes, you can have some.
Comment by Raya on February 2, 2009 4:44 pm
Yay! These are awesome. I posted a link on my blog, hope you don't mind!
Comment by Whitney on February 2, 2009 4:51 pm
I, too, posted a link of my blog – too fun to not let others know. Hope it is ok. So cute, thank you!
Comment by Jen@OurDailyBigTop on February 2, 2009 5:11 pm
These rock. You are so talented. I'm going to post a link too.
Comment by Jenn on February 2, 2009 5:37 pm
Thanks for sharing the links, ladies!!
Comment by Pam on February 2, 2009 6:07 pm
Thanks for the adorable freebie — I will certainly be putting to good use. Teachers will adore these.
Comment by Valerie Zeko on February 2, 2009 7:58 pm
I know Anneke would love some Twilight-themed Valentines, so let me know when they're ready!!!
Comment by Janaan on February 2, 2009 8:45 pm
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Aubrei on February 2, 2009 8:49 pm
wow jenn! LOVE these cards! you are so freakin creative. also, i'm on for zumba, just tell me when. i have to post a link if you don't mind.
Comment by Michelle on February 2, 2009 9:04 pm
Cute, cute, cute! Hope you don't mind I'm going to also post your picture on my blog. I gotta share the freebies with my peeps (they'll love it)! If not ok let me know and I'll delete.
Comment by Jenn on February 2, 2009 9:09 pm
Aubrei, Michelle, feel free to share. : )
Comment by Amy on February 2, 2009 9:34 pm
You know I don't blog, but I will put these to use the good old fashioned way…..printing them up and giving them out. Very cute. I will of course give you all the props when the compliments come in:)
Comment by Janet on February 2, 2009 10:03 pm
So generous and sweet! Love these and you!
Comment by Becky on February 2, 2009 10:39 pm
Seriously, when do you have the time woman?
These are great.
Comment by Lizzie on February 3, 2009 11:17 am
Very nice idea… but l'amour should have an apostrophe to make sense in French!
Comment by Rachel on February 3, 2009 12:25 pm
Aww these are darling! Thanks so much for sharing, I'll be linking to these.
Comment by Jenn on February 3, 2009 2:08 pm
Rachel, thank you!
And Lizzie, ohhh yes, you are so right! Didn't catch that (I was trying to replicate Baz's famous sign — which does indeed have an apostrophe upon closer inspection).
Comment by dana on February 3, 2009 2:35 pm
awesome. I love them. thanks for sharing with us all!
Comment by Solera on February 3, 2009 3:18 pm
Thanks! My husband is a walking Moulin Rouge jukebox–these are perfect!
Comment by Ashley on February 3, 2009 3:28 pm
LOVE THEM! Classic and hip. Also, my I please request that you do Twilight themed ones as well. As they would make my day! xo
Came via paperpony.net
Comment by Amy @ Living Locurto on February 3, 2009 6:39 pm
Great stuff!!
Comment by Chrislynn on February 4, 2009 12:42 pm
Thanks for the cards! I love your blog.
Comment by Susanna on February 6, 2009 4:32 pm
Super cute Jenn.
I love them and LOVE Moulin Rouge. -
Pingback by Surviving College Life » Love, Love, Love: A DIY Valentine's Day - Survive College with tips about roommates, studying, and more! on February 6, 2009 7:18 pm
[...] Colorful Printable Valentines [...]
Comment by Moira on February 8, 2009 8:39 pm
Thank you, they're lovely
Comment by elisa on February 8, 2009 9:22 pm
Yeah Jenn! They are fabulous! Can't wait to see what you'll do with a letterpress!
oh! otis is offering a letterpress class right now in LA on Saturday with Gerald Lange. Look him up (bieler press). I'll give you a call this week! Can't wait to chat!!! :) elisa -
Comment by holly on February 10, 2009 9:01 pm
thank you!!! for those of us who don't want to buy "high school musical" cards.
made my day! :)
Trackback by chandler pilates on May 6, 2009 3:03 am
chandler pilates…
Really love yoga myself!…
Comment by Jenn on January 20, 2010 3:31 am
Hi. I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your blog and that I mentioned this entry in my recent blog post.Thanks so much for your great ideas and free printables. I hope you will take a look at my blog when you get a chance. BTW, I love your sons name. My sons name is Kai as well. My significant other is Japanese so we chose his name because it means ocean. :)
Pingback by Says Christian to Satine: | { Ambrosia Girl } on January 26, 2010 4:02 pm
[...] many things, but a new card design for the shop is in the works. I'll also soon be listing these cards from last year, precut and professionally printed. I'm sort of on an ink cartridge strike [...]
Comment by Beta on January 29, 2010 3:35 am
Thanks for this beautiful idea! I have thought about sharing it with my readers and I hope you are not sorry if I have inserted her in my post of S. Valentine (http://bimbumbeta.blogspot.com/2010/01/s-valentino-il-gri-gri-per-una.html). If you had to not make you like I will handle to remove the link to your blog. Regards, Beta
Comment by USB to Serial on December 3, 2010 8:26 am
during valentines day, i always give my girlfriend a very warm hug that she enjoys *~,
Pingback by Howaito de « LIVLIG on March 14, 2011 2:04 am
[...] http://mollythepirate.blogspot.com/2009/02/love-magic.html http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/little-valentines-day-cards-for-you-for-free/ http://spoonfullofsugargirls.blogspot.com/2009/02/quick-valentine-garland.html [...]
Comment by Cards on April 3, 2011 11:22 am
Fantastic! I'll do some next year. Valentines day has already passed. Do you have some Graduation cards out there? Maybe you can share it also. So I can add some of my designs and styles on cards. thanks
Comment by libbywilko on May 18, 2012 3:48 am
<3 ! Thank you.
Pingback by Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » 10 Free Printable Valentine Greetings on February 10, 2013 11:39 pm
[...] [Miniature Valentine Cards by Ambrosia Creative] [...]
Comment by http://emailcardlgy.mojahd.com/ on May 2, 2013 2:10 am
San Francisco world travelers looking for great gift ideas should be sure to check out Magellan Jets.
The proverbial box of chocolates (regular or sugar-free),
a sampler of hot chocolate, or a specialty brownie mix for the busy working
woman–all of the above are sure winners with the fairer sex.
Nowadays there are also DJs playing music and strobe
lighting to illuminate the dance floor. -
Pingback by Inspiration: {10 Unique Valentine's Crafts} | kraft&mint on January 16, 2014 1:45 pm
[...] Valentine's Printables 8. The House that Lars Built: Valentine's Heart Attack 9. Ambrosia Girl: DIY Valentine's Printable 10.Go Make Me: Bleeding Hearts Valentine's Day [...]
Leave a comment


text:
Great location. Good staff and excellent breakfasts. Clean and good sized room with good facilities. Would definitely stay again. Walking distance from centre, all markets and 15 minutes walk from train station. Great!
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Priceline and Odigeo so you can book your Luhmann's Hotel am Rathaus reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


text:
Lymphoma Life is dedicated to supporting people though life with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). It's aimed at anyone who's been diagnosed with NHL, but also has information for carers and friends of NHL patients.
So please encourage anyone who wants to know more about NHL to visit Lymphoma Life - bearing in mind that nothing you find here should replace advice from your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional.
And remember: you are not alone. Your healthcare team, patient and carer support groups, and of course Lymphoma Life, are here to support you. At Lymphoma Life we provide information to help you and your family understand NHL so you can discuss the disease and its treatment more easily with your doctor. We'll be here for you all the way, from diagnosis to treatment and healthcare decisions.


text:
Cory Gunz releases a 2nd visual from his recent Datz WTF I'm Talkin' Bout project.
PREVIOUS: Cory Gunz – Datz WTF I'm Talkin' Bout (Video)
Posted in Video | Tags: cory gunz
this dude is dusted. get him the fuck outta here.
Huge disappointment..all this time off and this is what you bring to the table son?! Go paint a house or get a job at the post office son...
oh baraka, like mortal kombat..this nigga sucks.
That was really awkward.
what the fuck is this lol
hahaha @horrible... nailed it
he put a young money tatt on his chest damn son is losing
poverty video
poverty rap
can't look at a nigga the same after you seen him and his pops on reality shows. this shit bangs though, I like it
where is this guys shirt
My son was kidnapped by a druggie cult. Please help me get him back. I think he might have been butt raped after taking molly. Someone tell him we miss him back home
The budget was $3 tops!


text:
D-backs Press Releases
Thursday, March 5, 2015
D-backs To Wear Retro Uniforms On Throwback Thursdays, Presented By Chase
With help from Chase, the Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks, @LosDbacks) will pay tribute to the team's history by wearing the Alternate Home Vest Uniform (worn from 1998-2006) at every Thursday home game throughout the 2015 season.
D-backs to wear patch in memory of Kayla Mueller during Spring Training games
The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) will wear a black patch with "KAYLA" written on the sleeve in memory of Prescott resident Kayla Mueller.
D-backs named No. 1 place to work in the state by Ranking Arizona
The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks @LosDbacks) were named the No. 1 organization in Ranking Arizona's 2015 annual list of the "Best Places to Work." The D-backs topped the list in the category of small businesses across the state.
Fox Sports Arizona announces its 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks schedule
Television's best coverage of the D-backs includes 150 games, pre & post game shows, original programming and Cactus League games
D-backs expand Give Back Jersey Program to 61 Youth Leagues across Arizona
The Arizona Diamondbacks have expanded their D-backs Give Back Jersey program to 61 youth leagues across the state of Arizona. Last season, the D-backs launched the program which outfitted more than 22,000 kids enrolled in 30 youth leagues in the Phoenix area. This year, the program will include more than 35,000 youth in 61 leagues across the state.
What's new at Salt River Fields in 2015?
The Arizona Diamondbacks will host Arizona State University for the first game in 2015 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 3 and fans will have much to look forward to at the D-backs' award-winning Spring Training facility, including a 3-D printer and a food truck featured on the hit TV show "Shark Tank."
D-backs announce SUBWAY Fan Fest details for this Sunday
The Arizona Diamondbacks will host the 11th annual SUBWAY® D-backs Fan Fest from Noon-4:00 p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 22, at Chase Field.
D-backs executives head to Dominican Republic for two major events
The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks, @LosDbacks) will send a contingent of high-ranking executives, led by President & CEO Derrick Hall, on a four-day trip to the Dominican Republic this weekend to participate in a pair of significant events.
D-backs to host two Los D-backs Fiesta de la Familia events in April
The Arizona Diamondbacks will host two Los D-backs Fiesta de la Familia events, presented by Fry's Food Stores, for fans on April 12 and 26 at Chase Field. Los D-backs Fiesta de la Familia is free and will provide fans with the opportunity to enjoy multicultural pregame entertainment.


text:
The Training Exchange is recognised regionally as a major provider of management, drug & alcohol related training and professional development courses.
Do you work with people who experience both mental health and substance misuse problems?
This is a two day course - 30 November & 1 December 2011 or 23 & 24 May 2012
This is a one day course - 24th January 2012
Steroid users rarely see themselves as 'drug users' and can find drug projects intimidating.
Administrative staff and those providing telephone support and advice are often the first point of contact for service users.
Two days of learning and reflection on good practice in group facilitation.


text:
UC Irvine School of Medicine and its faculty members, "are dedicated to making tomorrow happen today."
Read More »
Researchers led by a UC Irvine epilepsy specialist find biomarker to help identify which children may develop temporal lobe epilepsy.
Yale grad Sam Vesuna is pursuing his medical degree at UC Irvine because of its approach to the future of healthcare.
A program launched by UC Irvine medical students brings the therapeutic sound of music into hospital rooms.


text:
Journey to the Heart of China
Medieval Villages, Hanging Temples & Buddhist Caves on the Silk Road
with Roger Williams
Repertory Trip: Next Offered April 5-30, 2015
Trip Details at-a-Glance
Cost From: | $13,795 |
Length: | 26 days |
Arrive: | Beijing, China |
Depart: | Shanghai, China |
Lodging: | 24 nights hotel, 1 overnight train |
Meals: | All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner |
Activity: | Cultural Adventures |
Trip Level: |
Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations, optional light hikes
- Six spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one adventure!
- Explore the 5th century Yungang Caves, holding 51,000 exquisitely carved Buddhist statues, and see the spectacular murals in Mogao Grottoes at the edge of the Gobi
- Xi'an's stunning tomb of Terra Cotta Warriors
- Join Buddhist Pilgims to walk the sacred Kora at Labrang Monastery on the Tibetan Plateau
- Walk atop the mist-shrouded peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
- Learn the traditional arts—and savor the fun!—of tea tasting, dumpling making, paper-cutting, woodblock-printing, and more
This was another spectacular adventure with Roger Williams. It more than met my expectations. What a wonderful opportunity to travel this part of the Silk Road and better understand the rise of Buddhism in China.Judith M.—Albuquerque, NM
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Departure Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Repertory Trip
This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered every two to five years. It will be several years before this journey is offered again. Now is the time to go!
China is an ancient land laden with cultural treasures and natural riches, and you simply won't find an exploration of the "Middle Kingdom" more fascinating than this WT expedition with Roger Williams. We'll seek out the oldest alleyways of awe-inspiring Beijing, then venture into the heart of China to see the Buddhist cave art of the Yungang Grottoes and sacred Hengshan, a 5th century temple clinging impossibly to a cliff. In the ancient city of Pingyao, we walk atop city walls for bird's eye views of Ming Dynasty merchants' mansions, and head back in time to a castle where miles of tunnels lie hidden below ground. Along the Silk Road, we'll marvel at Xi'an's formidable Terracotta Warriors, and the remote cliff-set Majishan grottoes that house thousands of Buddhist sculptures. Onward we'll venture to 18th-century Labrang Monastery, where we meet Tibetan Buddhist monks and learn the ancient art of woodblock printing, then travel to the edge of the Taklamakan desert for an exploration of the legendary Mogao cave complex and a sunset camel ride across the dunes. We'll stroll the Bund in fashionable Shanghai, then explore the mist-shrouded peaks of evocative Yellow Mountain, the tranquil farm villages of Anhui, and China's heavenly Yangtze River delta. Throughout our unforgettable journey, you'll be immersed in the essence of this ancient land, with private tea tastings, local market excursions, dumpling-making lessons, visits with Tibetan families in their grassland yurts, and an itinerary that includes six spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Roger has spent decades exploring the hidden corners of Asia and is the perfect guide for our adventure. Join us to discover the remarkable story of this 5,000-year-old civilization.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-3
Beijing / Datong
We gather in Beijing for a welcome dinner of roast duck, followed by a full day exploration of the city's hutongs, markets, lakes, and a special tea ceremony. In Datong, once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, we'll explore China's best preserved 12th and 13th century temples, and 5th century Yungang Grottoes, holding 51,000 exquisitely carved Buddha statues.
Days 4-7
Hengshan / Yingxian / Pingyao
We'll marvel at the architectural wonder of Hangshen, a labyrinthine monastery suspended dramatically 200 feet above a gorge and one of China's hidden gems, then visit Yingxian, the tallest wooden pagoda in the world. On our walks along the cobbled lanes of the ancient city of Pingao, we take a step back in time to explore the courtyard mansions of the wealthy Ming Dynasty bankers that flourished here in the 12th and 13th centuries, and enjoy overnights in a restored courtyard mansion the heart of the old city.
Days 8-10
Xi'an / Terra Cotta Warriors / Han Yanglin
We fly to to Xi'an, cradle of Chinese history and starting point of the legendary Silk Road, where the astounding army of 8,000 Terra Cotta warriors and their steeds were buried in the 3rd century BCE. We'll roam the Muslin quarter, try our hand at making dumplings, and the next day explore Han Yangling Tombs and Wild Goose Pagoda.
Days 11-13
Tianshui / Maijishan Grottoes / Lanzhou
Following the Silk Road, we'll see Tang Dynasty royal treasures at Baoji's Famen Temple, then enjoy a full day exploration (and special access!) to the sculpture-filled caves of breathtaking Maijishan Grottoes. In Lanzhou, our walk brings us along the Yellow River and to the top of White Pagoda Hill.
Days 14-16
Xiahe / Labrang Monastery
We boat up the Yellow River to the Binglingsi Caves, explore the mosques and markets of Linxia, then venture to the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and up to the bustling Tibetan town of Xia'he, where ethereal Lanbrang Monastery (9,850 feet) welcomes pilgrims with miles of prayer wheels. We'll walk the kora and in the nearby Sangke Grassland, our visits with Tibetan families in their yurts are unforgettable.
Days 17-18
Dunhuang/ Mingsha Dunes / Mogao Grottoes
Arriving by overnight train, we explore the Silk Road city of Dunhuang, the Mingsha Dunes and the oasis of Crescent Lake, with a spectacular camel ride across the rolling sands. On our full day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mogao Grottoes, we enjoy special access to the intruiguing caves whose treasures once included the Diamond Sutra, believed to be one of the oldest printed books in existence.
Days 19-20
The historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel is the perfect base for our adventures in Shanghai, which include walks along the lovely Bund promendade, the car-free district of Xintiadi, and the art galleries of Tianzifang.
Days 21-23
Huangshan / Xidi / Hongcun & Chengkan
Our walk atop the craggy peaks of Huangshan reveals the ancient temples, floating clouds, and gnarled pines dotting China's celebrated Yellow Mountains, which have captivated artists and poets for centuries. In the tranquil rural villages of Xidi and Hongcun, we see the incredibly well-preserved Anhui houses that have earned these villages a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Days 24-26
Hangzhou / Shanghai / Depart
The intricately painted roof ceilings of Lingyin Temple and the willow-lined shores and ancient bridges of West Lake are a highlight of our visit to Hangzhou, and our walks take you through nearby tea plantations (we'll stop for a tasting!) and to the home of a local family for lunch. The bullet train whisks us back to Shanghai for our farewell dinner and next day departure.
For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate. This is not designed as a hiking trip, but we'll enjoy full days of exploring sites on foot, with a few optional exploration walks of several hours. We've selected a range of accommodations for this expedition, ranging from 5-star hotels in Beijing and Shanghai, to comfortable and ideally-located modern hotels in smaller cities like Dunhuang, to former merchant homes converted to boutique inns in Pingyao and Anhui, and even an overnight train. While this trip is not expected to be physically strenuous, there are six days with drives of 4-5 hours, and transportation conditions may be demanding. Overland travel is in minivans and small buses, depending upon the size of the group. In Xiahe and at the Labrang Monastery, we are at an altitude of 10,000 feet for a few days, with excursions that take us a bit higher. Individuals vary widely in their physical response to high altitude. It is not uncommon to experience mild headaches or sleeplessness for a day or two when you first arrive at high altitude. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. We believe that the most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting a country where tourism infrastructure can vary greatly between regions.
Departures & Leaders
This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered only every two to five years. This journey will not be offered again for several years. Now is the Time to Go!
Apr 5-30, 2015 Roger Williams
Trip Cost
Prices are for 2015
$13795 (10-12 members)
$14795 (8-9 members)
$15995 (6-7 members)
Single supplement: $2795
Forced single supplement: $2795
Internal airfare: $995 (subject to change)
more on pricing
Trip Payment Schedule
At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure:
of trip cost
60 days prior to departure:
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
More than 90 days prior to departure: No charge!
90-46 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Trip Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of Roger Williams and local guides
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Accommodations as indicated
- All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Land transportation and sightseeing as indicated
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in itinerary
Trip Cost Does Not Include:
Internal airfare, international airfare, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, any meals not specified after each itinerary day, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, hotels en route to and home from the trip, any additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by international airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations, visa fees, travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, internet, etc.).Roger Williams
In 1986, Roger Williams led his first Wilderness Travel trip. Nearly 30 years later, he shows no sign of stopping, with added trips filling up quicker than the one before. If it isn't the surplus of knowledge Roger brings when he leads a trip that makes it so unique, including his cultural insight to places like Nepal (where he spent eight years studying Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist iconographics, Himalayan languages, and woodblock art) and Japan (where he spent another two years studying Japanese woodblock art, Japanese language, and Shingon Shu, an esoteric sect of Japanese Buddhism), then it may be his awareness for cultural preservation that keep clients coming back. In July 2014, he returned from The Great Game journey, a special Wilderness Travel Expedition that included visits to the Wakhan Valley as well as Mazar i-Sharif and Balk (formally Bactria) in northern Afghanistan. Roger has also been working as a technical advisor with USAID consulting in tourism development projects in Mongolia, Armenia and Croatia. When not leading trips, Roger is the director of Snow Lion Graphics/SLG Books in Berkeley, California, a publishing house specializing in books and calendars relating to Asian cultures. "There should be a rating higher than excellent for Roger," one client wrote after her Central Asia Explorer trip with Roger. "His knowledge, energy planning, and attentiveness are superlative."
Upcoming Trips:
Journey to the Heart of China, April 5-30, 2015
Adventures in Shangri-La, June 3-24, 2015
Journey to the Roof of the World, June 24-July 4, 2015
Central Asia Explorer, August 23-September 15, 2015
Iran: The Land of Cyrus the Great, September 15-28, 2015
China's Wild Southwest, October 13-November 4, 2015
India's Malabar Coast, January 27-February 20, 2016
Iran, March 10-April 2, 2016
Trans-Caucasus Adventure, May 2016
The Great Game, September 2016
Wonders of Nepal, October 2016
Eastern Bhutan and India's Wild Northeast Frontier, November 2016
Client Testimonials:
Tibet is a place like no other on the planet! Roger's language skills and knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism opened many doors.Connie D., Alamo CA
Heart of Tibet
Exceedingly knowledgeable, very caring.Priscilla and Franklin O., Malvern PA
Mystical Bhutan
Roger knows how to run a trip. He's very organized and clearly communicates the daily plan. Also, he's a lot of fun and I was impressed with his expertise on Buddhist iconography.Fran M., Mill Valley, CA
Hidden Himalayas
Roger is remarkable. This trip showed him at his best. We could never have traveled across the roof of the world without his preparation and energy. Thanks for a grand experience!Ruth and Frank H., Edmonds WA
In the Footsteps of the Great Game
Roger takes good care of his travelers and we learned a lot about the people, their culture, and history. His love for this part of the world is infectious.Ruth G., Del Mar CA
In the Footsteps of the Great Game
Roger is great! Hard working, knowledgeable, personable. He really makes a difference.Bill R., Walnut Creek, CA
Passage to India
I can understand why Roger has such a big following. He worked all the time to make the trip the best it could be.Marsha S., New York, NY
The Great Game
Roger is clearly a well-seasoned professional. He is passionate about India and it shows everyday, whether it is interacting with the locals or talking about the iconographics and sites.Grace L., Boston, MA
Passage to India
Exceptional dedication, passion, and professionalism. Roger has the right personality and attitude for this.Jonathan T., Boston, MA
Passage to India
Roger is a wealth of knowledge and very well traveled. He takes his duties as trip leader extremely seriously and goes out of his way to please each client.Terri H., Berkeley, CA
Armenia and Beyond
Roger provided a unique and enjoyable travel experience. His knowledge and familiarity with the sites visited and enthusiasm for these countries and peoples made this a great travel experience.Judy A., Davis, CA
The Burma Road: Kunming to Rangoon
Roger's extensive travel experience and knowledge of Asian culture and Buddhism greatly enhanced the trip. And all the planning he did before and during the trip ensured an excellent itinerary and made everything run smoothly.Nancy R., Walnut Creek, CA
Tribal China
There should be a rating higher than excellent for Roger. His knowledge, energy planning, and attentiveness are superlative.Debra B., Jackson, WY
Central Asia Explorer
Roger is the best tour leader with lots of experiece and profound knowledge of the subject area. Kudos to him and WT.Tan Kiet T., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tribal China
Roger has tremendous skills as a trip leader. He has a real gift with people and his relationship with local guides enriches the areas we visit.Joan L., Baltimore, MD
Journey to the Heart of China
Roger is simply a brilliant organizer and always finds the very best services available. He also brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to anything Asian.Elizabeth M., Providence, RI
The Burma Road: Kunming to Rangoon
I'm struck again with the magnitude of the incredible adventure you led us on. I have pretty much traveled the world since that trip, with adventures galore...but nothing has, or ever will, compare to it.Aleen S., Cedar Mountain, NC
The Great Silk Road
Roger is an exceptional trip leader with an historian's grasp of the influences shaping this part of the world.Kathe W., Pittsburgh, PA
The Best of Southeast Asia
Roger was nothing short of outstanding as a trip leader...managing people as well as logistics of a 25+ day intensive trip. He has a clear desire to share his knowledge, interest, and excitement about Southeast Asia. We've had a lot of good Trip Leaders and I'd rate Roger as #1 on my list.Greg W., Pittsburgh, PA
The Best of Southeast Asia
Roger was well organized, with careful planning and terrific knowledge of the culture and religion. His interaction with the group was unlike anything we have experienced on prior trips. He is a real treasure for WT, one of your best.Donald H., Farmington, CT
The Best of Southeast Asia


text:
Lyrics Depot | |
Lyrics » Subhumans Lyrics » Fade Away Lyrics |
Lyrics Depot is your source of lyrics to Fade Away by Subhumans. Please check back for more Subhumans lyrics. |
Fade Away LyricsArtist: SubhumansAlbum: Worlds Apart And in between we sit and wonder why Why must we someday die? Tried and tested We live our lives like our dear parents did Tied down and restricted Of gods and guns do we need to die For Christ's sake or for anyone? They call it religion And so we pray For god to save us from our evil ways They call it self-decay We live we die In fear of gods and guns and never knowing why Why must we someday die? So live your life In fear of no one We must have our say Before we fade away
Related: |
All lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. |


text: CARS Car Galleries New Cars Of 2013 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA BMW 4 Series BMW 4 Series 2014 Cadillac ELR 2014 Cadillac ELR Caffeine And Octane Caffeine And Octane Coming Next OR 0 12 Back to Top ▲ New Cars Of 2013 New Cars Of 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish Jeff St. Aubin Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 0 Shares It's tough to compete when there's an Aston in the room. Few manufacturers can create such lust-inducing curves as the British marque, and the 2013 Vanquish is no exception. Equipped with a 565 hp, 5.9-liter V12 that churns out 457 lb-ft of torque, the Vanquish, like the naughty girl it is, has an exposed carbon-fiber skirt exposing its performance underpinnings for all to see. Next Page Comments Show Comments More Like This Promoted Around the Web Special Features


text:
Mexican Volcanoes > Iztaccihuatl > Climber's Log
Iztaccihuatl Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
shknbke | La Arista del Sol Date Climbed: Dec 30, 2014 | |
A storm about a week prior to the climb left snow on the mountain to all the way below the La Joya TH. We had to pack in the last couple miles. The snow was very firm in the morning. Crampons and ice axe were mandatory once on the ridge traverses, but the snow softened up by early afternoon. 10.5 hours round trip. | ||
Posted Jan 4, 2015 11:02 pm |
Renews | Normal Route - Ixta Date Climbed: Dec 3, 1982 | |
Finished Thanksgiving (turkey tacos) rafting trip on Moctezuma River at Tamazunchale and headed for volcanoes. Camped somewhere around 14K. Got up during night too early (read watch wrong), hid my camp gear, and started walk up. Realized it was too early when I got to high hut with no sign of light. Proceeded to stomp around in hut for several hours with a bivy sac over my head to keep warm. Wondered what anyone would have thought had they walked into the hut and seen me doing that routine. Got going again with first light. No problems other than splitting headache which was abetted by my inadequate water supply. Stuck it out through false summits. Nice and clear on top. | ||
Posted Jan 1, 2015 8:37 pm |
Monster5 | summit Date Climbed: Nov 22, 2012 | |
Thanksgiving climb (date might be off). Trail runner conditions. | ||
Posted Nov 9, 2014 6:29 pm |
Ted Bauer | Great Mountain Date Climbed: Apr 24, 2014 | |
Made it to the top of the knees before storm clouds came in and we decided to go down. Safety first, but I am still kicking myself for not pushing on. | ||
Posted Apr 30, 2014 5:53 pm |
Kiefer | Walking Route Date Climbed: Feb 8, 2014 | |
...with Sarah and Senad. | ||
Posted Feb 19, 2014 1:17 pm |
SenadR | La Arista del Sol Date Climbed: Feb 8, 2014 | |
Iztaccihuatl climb were more than i expected, beautiful day with good friends, and weather was fantastic too. Second time in Mexico and another great trip. | ||
Posted Feb 12, 2014 10:34 pm |
Sarah Simon | La Arista del Sol Date Climbed: Feb 8, 2014 | |
We got a nice 01:30 start from the La Joya TH. Some steep going once past the higher hut. The sunrise toward Orizaba, Sierra Negra and La Malinche was pretty amazing - even if the blood-red hue was due to air pollution. This mountain serves up more "bang for the buck" than I thought! I had a great time and was good and tired by the time I got to the hotel in Mexico City. | ||
Posted Feb 10, 2014 11:02 am |
Cloud Ocean | A long but gorgeous hike Date Climbed: Dec 12, 2012 | |
Climbed over two days, with an overnight at the Grupo de los Cien hut. The hike was long and lovely, with no wind, clear skies, and fantastic views of Popo and Orizaba. A wonderful red/orange sunrise illuminated Orizaba and bathed Izta in glowing colors. Very memorable and highly recommended. | ||
Posted Jan 30, 2014 2:11 pm |
bcrowell2 | fun Date Climbed: Jan 8, 2014 | |
Fun climb of the Arista del Sol route with Rich Kim. Day hike from Altzomoni. Seems to me that the crux on this route is the "knees" -- we found these confusing to navigate through, and ended up sketched out in a couple of places. A scenic and varied route. | ||
Posted Jan 12, 2014 3:46 pm |
Kevintheclimber | glorious climb Date Climbed: Nov 25, 2013 | |
a great acclimatization climb for orizaba. Encountered a lot more snow that we expected, but posed no problems. Generally an enjoyable and non technical climb/hike in the high altitude | ||
Posted Dec 27, 2013 11:36 pm |
vanman798 | November 30, 2013 Date Climbed: Nov 30, 2013 | |
Dropped off at La Joyita, November 29, 2013. Spent the evening at the run down hut, "slept" on the picnic table. Hiking by 3:00 am. Got to hut by 6:00 am, and summit by 10:15 am. Returned to La Joya by 3:30 pm. Scenic hiked. No need for crampons or axe. | ||
Posted Dec 4, 2013 10:20 pm |
Deb | La Arista del Sol Date Climbed: Nov 23, 2013 | |
Cold with lots of low clouds, then eventual graupel pummeling on descent. I truly enjoyed doing most of this volcano solo and passing lots of men. HAHA! More fun than Orizaba for sure! "Easy" day hike with great snow conditions, never even put on crampons but I saw plenty of guys who did. | ||
Posted Nov 30, 2013 9:39 pm |
yadahzoemtn | Windy Date Climbed: Dec 3, 2007 | |
Sporting the biggest shiner ever. I was sprinting to get out of the way of a rolling rock, fell face down and came up with one big bad black eye. | ||
Posted Sep 15, 2013 9:14 am |
B-Grooms | Success Date Climbed: Feb 13, 2013 | |
This was my first summit on a trip climbing Ixtaccihuatl and El Pico de Orizaba in 9 days. Great climb, a lot different than Orizaba, nice approach to high camp at 15,000 ft. Beautiful country, got acclimated on a hike and sleep at 10,000 ft two nights before on La Malinche. Great climb. Popo was giving a show the entire time with rumbling and smoke throughout the days. | ||
Posted Mar 23, 2013 11:55 pm |
ncst | Solo up Ayoloco glacier Date Climbed: Dec 9, 2012 | |
Took the bus Saturday morning from Puebla to Cholula, from there the combi to Xalixintla. After walking for an hour with some pilgrims (they walk to Basilica Guadelupe in Mexico city) I got a ride to paso de cortés. Then walked to La Joyita (2h), from there to the refugio a the bottom of the glacier (5h). Next morning up the glacier on to the summit (3h), down the arista del sol. Lots of people on the mountain, great weather, great shots of Popos fumarolas. | ||
Posted Dec 12, 2012 2:06 pm |
donutslayer | Great climb | |
I managed to the volcano after talking a few students from Cuenavaca to rent a car with me. Everyone hiked up to the hut and I went on to the summit the following morning. It was a great climb with a beautiful night skyline of DF's lights. | ||
Posted Nov 14, 2012 2:55 pm |
jmarkham | Iztaccihuattl | |
Fantastic last climb of the three big volcanoes including Popo and Orizaba. We had to fast head down to avoid lightning from an incoming storm. | ||
Posted Nov 14, 2012 2:22 pm |
Daria | del Sol Date Climbed: Dec 22, 2011 | |
Bad case of altitude sickness, but managed to pull through. Very pretty place. Climbed before Orizaba | ||
Posted Sep 22, 2012 2:36 pm |
Matt Lemke | La Arista del Sol Date Climbed: Mar 17, 2012 | |
Took 3 days...packed into the Grupo de los Cien hut and camped. Climbed to the summit and camped again before heading out. After Pico de Orizaba this peak was easy lol! | ||
Posted Mar 21, 2012 12:52 am |
cab | La Arista del Sol Date Climbed: Feb 29, 2012 | |
Left the Grupo de los Cien hut at 2am under cloudless and windless skies. The routefinding up to the knees was a little tricky in the dark, but not too bad - just look for paint marks and cairns. We used crampons and axes right from the hut. From the knees the route was relatively straightforward although we were breaking trail since no one had been up since the last storm. I really enjoyed this climb since it's so different than the standard volcano slog for thousands of feet up a snowfield or glacier. Great views of the city lights on the way up and the sunrise from the summit. This was our second climb of the trip after La Malinche and before Pico de Orizaba. | ||
Posted Mar 5, 2012 3:06 pm |