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Auction Selling Terms
"We have been full time stamp and collectible dealers for over 35 years and we strive to maintain honorable and pleasant transactions at all times. You may buy from us at auction and through the mail with confidence as thousands of others have done over the years."
We now accept
and American Express as well as MasterCard, VISA, and Discover card on sales over $30. You must provide us with the card number and expiration date. We welcome checks, but reserve the right to hold the merchandise for ten working days to allow for clearance. Immediate shipment on Credit card or Money order payments. We also accept US postage stamps at Face value as payment for orders under $10.
We guarantee all our stamps to be genuine and as described. If you choose to send a stamp off for authentication, we extend the guarantee period to 90 days from the date of our shipment to you providing that you inform us that you are sending the item for authentication within ten days of receiving same, and to whom you are sending it. In the unlikely event the stamp should come back as spurious, upon its return to us within the 90 day period, we will immediately reimburse the full selling price, the cost of delivery and 10% of the selling price additionally (not to exceed $20), to help offset the costs of authentication.
On the day an auction closes, you are notified by both the auction house and us for your success, how much, and to whom the money is to be sent. We expect this should be sufficient to insure that your remittance is in the mail within 3 days of closing or you contact us in that period if circumstances prevent same. In the event we do not receive payment or contact within ten days of the close of the auction, we will, at our option, void the sale and notify the auction of your default, or send a reminder to you. Under certain circumstances, the Auction may choose to provide penalties for default.
Auction Selling Terms
All items are guaranteed to please with a ten day MONEY BACK guarantee, less commission and delivery charges, if returned in the same condition as when shipped. We cannot, however accept the return of bulk lots like collections or accumulations as there is no way to ascertain intactness.
Our delivery charge includes packing, handling, postage, and insurance. All items are sent insured either by the US Postal service or by our private Collectibles Insurance policy. In the event of loss, you are required to send us a signed statement of non-arrival. We will handle the rest.
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Pioneer of the Plains
Welcome to Oklahoma, a land once dubbed "Indian Country," with a past as complex as the network of streams that cut through its grasses. When it joined the nation as part of the Louisiana Purchase, Oklahoma (then only a territory) was assigned to the Five Civilized Tribes in exchange for their traditional lands in the east. Between 1830 and 1846, U.S. troops forced over 16,000 Creeks, Choctaws, Chicasaws, Seminoles, and Cherokees to march into Oklahoma along the "trail of tears." Only 12,000 survived the journey, but their legacy still remains - today Oklahoma has the largest population of Native Americans in the nation. | ||||
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In 1889, prospective homesteaders gathered on the Kansas border, awaiting a gigantic race for claims. Those who jumped the gun, called "Sooners," often lathered their horses with soap to make it seem like they'd rushed there fairly (they often lost their land later, in court). The rest took parcels of excellent farmland, where wheat, corn, and livestock are grown today. Much of this land also hid rich preserves of oil and natural gas. Explore Oklahoma's wonders, from the gypsum hills and high plains of the panhandle region, to the forests of the east. In between you'll find wildlife in the buffalo grass, rock formations, mesas, and lakes. Play in the sand dunes, fish in the waters, and keep your eyes open for deer, rabbits, skunks, armadillos, and birds of all kinds. | ||||
images courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism |
- Category: Oklahoma

subset: commoncrawl


text: ADRIAN— Debra Gautz, age 57, of Adrian, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2012, at the Lynwood Manor under the care of Promedica Hospice Erie West. Born August 11, 1955, in Adrian, she was the daughter of Mina H. (Rodesiler) and Richard J. Dunbar. On November 14, 1982, she married Conrad "CJ" Gautz at Trinity Lutheran Church, Riga. They all survive. Debra graduated from Blissfield High School in 1973 and then attended Siena Heights College where she earned her B.S. degree. She worked as a lab technician at a Toledo medical lab. She later drove bus for Sand Creek Schools. She was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Riga; she had many interests including raising goats, crafts and gardening. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Debra is survived by her children Kellie Gautz of Adrian and Kurtis (Melanie Burke) Gautz, of Kalamazoo; and her brother Dave (Peggy) Dunbar of Palmyra. Her father-in-law, John C. Gautz, preceded her in death. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Debra will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Riga on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 2 pm. with Rev. Angela Zimmann officiating. Visitation will take place from 1 pm until the time of the service. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Riga, or Erie West Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church. Arrangements were handled by Tagsold Chapel, Wagley Funeral Home in Blissfield where on line condolences may be made to the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com


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"Chapter 21: The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay (2011), 195–203
"Chapter 21," Teachings: David O. McKay, 195–203
Chapter 21
The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel
I know the gospel is divine, and the world needs it.1
President David O. McKay was always kind and respectful to people of other faiths, and he praised the good work of all churches. However, he was firm in his testimony that the fulness of the gospel is found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To teach the importance of obeying the principles and ordinances of the restored gospel, he spoke of membership in the Church as citizenship in a great kingdom:
"All churches and all creeds contain some good which lead toward the kingdom of our Father; but to become a citizen of that kingdom everyone must conform to the requirements made by the King. Indeed, there is only one way in which entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ may be obtained, and that is the way marked out by Jesus Christ, the Lord. 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.' (John 14:6.)
"The means of obtaining citizenship in the Church of Jesus Christ are very explicit; so clear, indeed, that it is surprising that so many seemingly intelligent and well-read people … [assume] that they can gain entrance by other and various means.
"There is only one who has the right to prescribe the means of human salvation. Surely he spoke not meaninglessly when he said what is necessary to citizenship in his kingdom.
"Note how explicit are his words: 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' [John 3:3; italics added.] In explanation of this seemingly enigmatical saying to Nicodemus, the Master continued:
"'Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.' [John 3:5; italics added.]
"Evidently Peter, the chief Apostle, attached significance to this requirement as an essential means of gaining not only citizenship in the Church, but also salvation in the kingdom of God, for, when the multitude pricked in their hearts cried out, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' [Acts 2:37] he answered and said:
"'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.' (Acts 2:38.) Thus are given the four requirements, the four essential principles and ordinances, obedience to which are essential to membership in Christ's Church: [namely,] faith, repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Ghost. …
"There are many roads being pointed out as leading to the kingdom of God, but there is only one gate through which entrance and citizenship therein may be obtained. Christ plainly pointed this out when he was among men; and he has again revealed it through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The way is simple and easy to find, and as infinitely sublime as it is eternal.
"There are many roads … leading sincere people toward the church and kingdom of God, but those who would participate in the privileges and blessings of citizenship therein must obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ."2
Teachings of David O. McKay
Faith in Jesus Christ is the most fundamental principle of the Church.
An unwavering faith in Christ is the most important need of the world today.3
What does it mean to keep the faith? It means first, that we accept Jesus Christ, not merely as a great teacher, a powerful leader, but as the Savior, the Redeemer of the world. … He who keeps the faith will accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. I would have all men keep that faith. I think it is fundamental to man's happiness, fundamental to his peace of mind. I think it is the cardinal principle of the Church of Jesus Christ.4
It is such faith as must have sustained the eleven Apostles and at least seventy disciples who met Christ after the resurrection. In their minds there was absolutely no doubt of his personality. They were witnesses of the fact. They knew because their eyes beheld, their ears heard, their hands felt the corporeal [bodily] presence of the risen Redeemer.
It is that unwavering faith which brought forth this glorious vision given to the Prophet Joseph Smith:
"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 76:22–24.)
Those who have such assurance in their hearts accept him as "The Way, the Truth, and the Life," as the one safe guide in this perplexing universe.5
Faith in the Gospel is the first step toward true knowledge, and leads thru sacrifice, to wisdom and happiness.6
Faith in God cannot of course be other than personal. It must be yours; it must be mine; and, to be effective, must spring from the mind and heart.7
What we need today is faith in the living Christ, which is more than a mere feeling, but a power that moves us to action—a faith that will put purpose into life and courage into the heart. We need the gospel of application.8
The Church does not accept the doctrine that a mere murmured belief in Jesus Christ is all that is essential to salvation. A man may say he believes but if he does nothing to make that belief or faith a moving power to do, to accomplish, to produce soul growth, his protestation will avail him nothing. "Work out your own salvation" is an exhortation to demonstrate by activity, by thoughtful obedient effort the reality of faith.9
Repentance involves a change of life, thought, and action.
It is inconceivable to think that anyone can even question the essentiality of repentance. Every principle of the gospel when studied carefully reveals a harmony with truth that is simply sublime. Each seems to be all comprehensive, either leading into or embracing other principles. Thus, faith in a perfect being, inspiring one to live righteously, seems to include repentance.10
The message of [the Church] is to help men recognize their weaknesses and to help man overcome those sins and weaknesses. Here we have not time to discuss what sin is, but John Wesley's mother [John Wesley was a noted theologian] reputedly has given us this:
"Would you judge of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of pleasure? Take this rule: Now note—whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem in itself."
The message of [missionaries] who are going in all parts of the world, the message of the Church to all the world is: Repent of those things which contribute to the superiority of the physical senses over our love for spirituality. That is why they cry repentance! What does repentance mean? A change of life, a change of thought, a change of action. If you have been angry and hateful, change that hatred and enmity to love and consideration. If you have cheated a brother, let your conscience smite you and change that, and ask his forgiveness, and never do it again. In thus changing your life from those things which are on the animal plane, you repent of your sins. If you profane Deity, never do it again! Instead of profaning his name, worship him! And once that feeling of change comes to the soul, you desire to be born again, to have a new life. …
This changing of life, this repenting is what the world needs. It is a change of heart. Men must change their way of thinking! Change their way of feeling! Instead of hating and fighting and crushing one another, they should learn to love!11
Repentance is the turning away from that which is low and the striving for that which is higher. As a principle of salvation, it involves not only a desire for that which is better, but also a sorrow—not merely remorse—but true sorrow for having become contaminated in any degree with things sinful, vile, or contemptible.
It is not uncommon for people to have remorse for mistakes made, for follies and sins committed, but to have no turning away from such frailties and evils. They may even feel penitent; but "penitence," we are told, "is transient, and may involve no change of character or conduct." Repentance, on the other hand, "is sorrow for sin with self-condemnation, and complete turning away from the sin." It is, therefore, more than mere remorse; "it comprehends a change of nature befitting heaven."12
True faith and repentance lead to baptism.
When an applicant for baptism stood at the water's edge, before being buried with Christ in baptism, he possessed an implicit faith that the Church of Jesus Christ is established upon the earth, and that this organization is the best in the world today for the fostering of spiritual life, for the attaining of true religious development, for the salvation of the soul.
I repeat that this implicit faith was within him; and with that, there was a true repentance, and that repentance carried with it a desire to leave off everything in the past life that was contrary to the teachings of the gospel or the Church. His old life, and the sins, if there were any connected with it, he truly repented of. He looked forward to the time when he would be born anew in the kingdom of God. He was about to go through the ordinance of baptism, typical of the burial of his old life, and with it all the imperfections, the frailties, the evils, the sins that accompanied that old living. He was to be buried by baptism, that as Christ was raised from the dead by the power and the glory of the Father, so he might come forth in newness of life, a member of the Church of God, a child of the Father, a citizen in the kingdom of Christ. By baptism he was born again, and became a fit recipient of the Holy Spirit. His body came forth anew, and the Holy Ghost was bestowed upon him; he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. That is where we all stood at one time. Those were our feelings, our faith, our hope.13
To Nicodemus Jesus said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5.)
To the members of the Church, Paul and Peter wrote, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:26–27.) "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us … by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21.)
In these three instances we have set forth clearly the threefold purpose of the ordinance of baptism, [namely]:
A rite established by God himself and associated with the eternal principle of righteousness, compliance with the law, therefore, being established to man's salvation.
An initiatory ordinance—the gateway leading to membership in the fold of Christ.
A beautiful and sublime symbol typifying the burial of the "former" man with all his weaknesses and impurities, and the coming forth into a newness of life.
The ordinance of baptism is a law of God, obedience to which, in sincerity, in purity, in simplicity, brings inevitably the promised blessing of the Comforter, a divine Guide. … Though men may scoff at it, ridicule it, and doubt its efficacy, baptism remains ever, even in its simplicity, not only one of the most beautiful symbols known, but also one of the most effective laws operating for the salvation of man.14
God help us all to proclaim to the world the necessity of repentance, the importance of baptism, first to fulfil all righteousness, second as the entrance into the kingdom of God, the doorway into his Church, and third to bury our old life and be guided by his holy spirit.15
After we sincerely exercise faith, repent, and are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Only those who sincerely believe in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of the World and who repent of their sins receive the Holy Ghost. Those who are baptized without faith and repentance are mere pretenders.16
The channel of communication is open, and the Lord is ready to guide, and does guide, his people. … The testimony of the Holy Ghost is a special privilege. It is like tuning in the radio and hearing a voice on the other side of the world. Men who are not within that radiation cannot hear it, but we hear it, and we are entitled to that voice and the guidance of it. It will come to us if we do our part.17
God help us all to keep our consciences clear, our characters sound, responsive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, which is real, if we shall but put our ears and listen to it.18
I testify to you that divine inspiration is a reality. Men and women who obey the principles of life and salvation, sincerely repent of their sins, and as sincerely strive to live in accordance with the principles of the gospel, are guided and inspired by the Holy Ghost, and are shown things to come. I testify that that guidance is with this Church and has been since the Prophet Joseph Smith established it.19
The Latter-day Saints have learned the truth that the everlasting Gospel has been restored. And what does this knowledge bring to them? It brings to all, who have honestly and sincerely obeyed the principles of repentance and baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, which enlightens their minds, quickens their understandings, and imparts unto them a knowledge of Christ.
The Latter-day Saints have a guide, a help, a means to assist in their acquisition of truth, in their desire to know what their duty is, that the world does not possess. And this guide is necessary; man cannot find out truth; he cannot find out God by intellect alone. It has been said that no man can find out God by a microscope. Reason alone is not a sufficient guide in searching for truth. There is another, higher, more sure guide than reason. …
[Faith is] that principle which draws our spirit into communion with the Higher Spirit which will bring all things to our remembrance, show us things to come, and teach us all things. To acquire that Spirit is the responsibility of the Latter-day Saint who would know truth.20
Suggestions for Study and Discussion
What is faith in Jesus Christ? (See pages 196–98.) Why is faith in Jesus Christ the fundamental principle of the gospel? (See pages 196–98.) What must we do to develop and strengthen our faith in Him?
In what ways can we put our faith in Jesus Christ into action? How have you been blessed as you have exercised such faith in Jesus Christ?
Why does true faith in Jesus Christ lead to repentance? How is repentance more than simply stopping a certain behavior? (See pages 198–200.) What must we do to completely repent of our sins? What are the risks of failing to repent?
What is the symbolism of the ordinance of baptism? (See pages 200–201.) What covenant or promise do we make at baptism? What does the Lord promise in return? How can we remember our baptismal covenant and continue to enjoy the blessings associated with it?
What is the mission of the Holy Ghost? (See pages 201–2.) What is required of us to be in tune with the promptings of the Holy Ghost? (See pages 201–2.) Why is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost necessary to return to our Father in Heaven?
How can we recognize when we are being guided by the Holy Ghost? What experiences have you had in which you were guided by inspiration from the Holy Ghost?
Related Scriptures: John 14:26; James 2:14–20; 2 Nephi 2:21; 2 Nephi 32:5; Mosiah 18:8–10; Alma 32:21; Moroni 10:5; D&C 11:13–14; 58:43; 121:26


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Governorships within ISSP, Academy Partners and other state schools
In the majority of cases, the schools are partner schools or within the ISSP and the governance function has been developed as part of the partnership.
The aim of each governorship is to provide support to our partner schools by the provision of relevant skills and expertise.
Simon Henderson, Head Master - Holyport College, London Academy of Excellence & Wycombe Abbey
Tom Hawkins, House Master - The Langley Academy
James Scragg, House Master is Chairman of Governors at Slough & Eton CofE Business & Enterprise College
Simon Henderson, Head Master; David Gregg, Deputy Head (Pastoral); Tom Arbuthnott, Director of Outreach & Partnership; Nick Roberts and William Moore, both former House Masters and Serena Hedley-Dent, Clerk & Legal Advisor to the Provost & Fellows - Holyport College
Susan Wijeratna, Lower Master - St Stephen's CE Primary
Steve Hermes - Upton Court Grammar School
Lord Waldegrave, Provost is a member & Tom Arbuthnott, Director of Outreach & Partnership is a director of Schools in the Slough and East Berks. CofE Multi Academy Trust (SEBMAT)
In each case, minimum commitment of one Governors meeting and one Committee meeting per term and in the case of Chairs and Vice-Chairs significantly more.


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French Books
Browse New & Used French Books
Do you speak French? Or more appropriately, parlez-vous Francais? If you would like to and you are in need of some affordable text books to help the process along, we can help out today. You can buy used French textbooks from us that will help every student from the beginner to the more advanced. We have titles such as French in Action: A Beginning Course in Language and Culture, the Capretz Method; The Ultimate French Review and Practice with CD-ROM; Grammaire Progressive Du Francais Niveau Avance; and Parlez-Vous Francais: Learn French, The Basics. These merely scratch the surface of the incredible and affordable range of pre-owned books we can offer you. Make sure you come back regularly to add more of the cheapest books to your collection. Buy cheap French textbooks and sell back at another time if you outgrow them. That is the beauty of using our website whenever you need these books.


text: [Ben Heck] has put the final touches on his Pelican case Xbox 360. This prototype was constructed for use by troops stationed overseas. When he announced the project in October, he already knew some of the hurdles he would face. An industrial Velcro style product is used for all component mounting so the air/water-tight seal of the case remains intact. He sanded the surface so that it would stick better. [Ben] mentions that he ended up using less Velcro than he planned on because it held so well. Not being able to cut the case meant the DVD drive had to be converted to top-loading. The tray movement limit switches have been relocated so they now respond to lid position. He regrets not being able to motorize the lid, but let it go since this is still just the first attempt. Extra copper was added to all of the heat sinks to improve cooling. This Xbox is for sale and he'd love to hear from anyone that wants to put it into production. The write-up has a ton of pictures and you can see a video of it below.


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The Buddhist nun and the cellphone novel
It sounds like the start of a bad joke but instead it's the truth: An 86-year-old Buddhist nun is the author of Japan's latest cellphone novel.
What makes it even more interesting is that Jakucko Setouchi is not just any 86-year-old Buddhist nun. Also known as Harumi Setouchi (her name before taking vows as a nun in 1973), Setouchi is an esteemed writer famed for her translation of 11th-century epic romance "The Tale of the Genji."
Her new cellphone novel (just released last week) is entitled "Tomorrow's Rainbow" and tells the story of a teenage girl deeply hurt by her parents' divorce.
The cellphone novel is a hugely popular phenomenon in Japan where, last year, five of the 10 bestselling novels in the country were originally cellphone novels. Most of the country's cellphone novelists, however, are young women, often with little writing experience.
"Love Sky," a cellphone novel sometimes described as a tear-jerker and authored by a young woman named Mika, has been read by 20 million readers. "Love Sky" is now being made into a movie.
The cellphone novel genre is said to be surging in popularity in China as well. In the US, however, some experts predict it will find little foothold. Americans use their cellphones for text messaging and movie viewing far less often than do Japanese. The Japanese also typically commute longer distances on public transportation than do Americans, making the cellphone a more useful tool for entertainment.
In addition, the Roman alphabet is less adapted to the form than the more compact Japanese characters.
As for Setouchi, she is reported to have said that while she wanted to try the genre, she does not expect to write any further cellphone novels.


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In Season Now: Quince – Click Here for Recipes!
Although they are not as enduring as the diamond in an engagement ring, quinces do have something besides hardness in common with this romantic gemstone. Ancient Roman suitors used to give quinces to their lovers as a sign of commitment. The Greeks associated quinces with romance, too. Mythology holds that the quince was a gift from Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and it was a custom in ancient Greece to toss whole quinces into bridal chariots.
Some scholars speculate that quinces may have been the true forbidden fruit, as well. Not only are quinces native to the Caucasus region where the Garden of Eden is thought to have been located, but they also have a pretty apple shape, inviting golden skin tone, and alluring aroma (they're a relative of the rose) that could easily have tempted Eve to try a bite.
And there is a practical reason why quinces may have developed a reputation for being a fruit forbidden to orchard snackers like Eve. Unlike the apples and pears they resemble, quinces are inedible raw. The pale flesh is pithy and very tannic before cooking, so one bite will genuinely leave a bad taste in your mouth. However, slow cooking coaxes forth a sweet, wonderful flavor―like a perfumed apple―that matches their scrumptious fragrance. With cooking, quinces develop a slightly grainy texture similar to a firm pear and a lovely rosy, amber color. Their complex taste is compatible with flavors like vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon.
While British cooks traditionally use quinces to make tarts, preserves, and other sweet items, the fruit is also a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern meat stews, where they add sweetness, astringency, and texture. In Latin countries, such as Uruguay and Spain, a quince paste called membrillo is often used in tapas dishes that contain Manchego cheese.
Compared to other fruits, quinces are relatively high in pectin, the natural gelling agent that allows jams and jellies to thicken and set. This quality made quinces very popular as a base for preserves in antiquity. In fact, the word marmelo, which is Portuguese for quince, evolved over time into the word marmalade.
Because their season is fleeting―from October to December―you should get quinces while you can. Look for them in large supermarkets, farmers' markets, and specialty or ethnic stores. They'll fill an entire room with their enticing scent, and their mottled skins are lovely. They make a good centerpiece for the table. But they're even better to cook with; try this alluring fruit in the recipes above for everything from hors d'oeuvres to entrées to desserts.
Courtesy of "Cooking Light"


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Rice is officially, official. And in her first interview with reporters as UN Ambassador, she suggests that reviving the "P-5 plus one" diplomacy on Iran (short hand for the Security Council plus Germany) is a top priority.
Meanwhile, the official Chinese news service Xinhua seems to forget that civil rights icon and longtime Atlanta mayor Andrew Young served as President Carter's UN Ambassador.
Susan Rice, the new U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, Monday presented her credentials to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon here.
Rice is the first African American to assume the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations as the new U.S. administration and the United Nations both vowed to work closely with each other to address major global problems, such as the Middle East peace process and the climate change.
UPDATE: Read below the fold for a transcript of Amb. Rice's first press availability at the UN.
Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative, After Presentation of Credentials to the Secretary General, at the United Nations Stakeout, January 26, 2009
Ambassador Rice: Good Morning. How are you all? Well, I'm delighted to be here on my first day. It really is a great honor and a privilege to represent the United States at the United Nations. I come at a time when there are many, many important and pressing issues on the United Nations agenda, issues that are of central importance to the United States and indeed to the entire world.
President Obama's view is clear, that our security and well-being can best be advanced in cooperation and in partnership with other nations. And there is no more important forum, for that effective cooperation, than the United Nations. And I am looking very much forward to engaging in a cooperative, constructive fashion with my colleagues here in New York.
I will listen. I will engage. And I will work to advance the United States interest, recognizing that in many, many instances, our national interests are best advanced when we are working hand in hand with that of others.
I had a very good, excellent meeting with the Secretary-General this morning. It was a privilege to present my credentials. And then we had about 45 minutes of detailed discussion. We covered a range of issues, including climate change, the Millennium Development Goals, the challenges and importance of United Nations peacekeeping. We touched on non-proliferation, on Sudan, on the situation in the Middle East and a number of other issues. It was obviously an initial conversation. And I look very much forward to continuing my dialogue with him and the leadership here in the Secretariat.
During the rest of the day, I'll begin the process of meeting my colleagues and counterparts here, other permanent representatives. And it is very much a beginning, but a beginning that I am enthusiastic about and very much looking forward to pursuing.
The United Nations is a vitally important institution. It has great potential. It still has room for great improvement. And in this regard, with the Secretary-General, we had an opportunity also to touch on the challenge of how we make the organization more efficient and effective and continue the process of reform, so that it's best-suited to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
I am delighted to take a couple of your questions. And I look forward to continuing our dialogue beyond today.
Reporter: Ambassador, welcome to the U.N.
Ambassador Rice:Thank you
Reporter: John Heilprin with the Associated Press. I'm wondering, if you can, outline for us what your goals and priorities will be and how quickly and what sort of action we can expect in places like Darfur, Iran, North Korea, Mideast.
Ambassador Rice: Well, you've listed a large range of challenges. And all of these are daily on the agenda of the United Nations and important to the United States. The President has spoken of his commitment to act with determination in the face of genocide and poverty and disease. And that will be an important part of our agenda.
But in my testimony before Congress, I outlined four priorities that are of equal importance that we will pursue energetically, over a period of months and years, in partnership with other member states.
Strengthening the capacity of the organization to engage effectively in complex peace operations, at a time when the burdens and the challenges placed on the institution are greater than ever. Advancing our national and collective agenda to address climate change and the challenges of non-proliferation are two other important objectives. And putting the United States at the center of international efforts to support poverty reduction, development, fighting disease and achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which President Obama has said repeatedly, will now be America's goals as well.
Reporter: Madame Ambassador, welcome. On Iran, will you be taking up the issue again here in the Security Council? Or will this wait till President Obama makes contact with Iran directly?
And on Gaza, will you be building up on 1860, the last resolution, with all its details? Could that be possible if there is no investigation?
Ambassador Rice: Well, let me say broadly on Iran, as the President has said on a number of occasions, we remain deeply concerned about the threat that Iran's nuclear program poses to the region, indeed to the United States and the entire international community. We look forward to engaging in vigorous diplomacy, that includes direct diplomacy with Iran as well as continued collaboration and partnership with the P-5 plus one. And we will look at what is necessary and appropriate with respect to maintaining pressure towards that goal of ending Iran's nuclear program.
The dialogue and diplomacy must go hand in hand with a very firm message from the United States and the international community that Iran needs to meet its obligations as defined by the Security Council, and its continued refusal to do so will only cause pressure to increase.
And with respect to Gaza, let me say that you have heard the President speak very forthrightly about his grave concern about the current humanitarian crisis. This is an issue that we will have an opportunity to discuss in the Council tomorrow and it is our desire to contribute in a very active and concerted away, along with other members of the international community, to respond effectively to those humanitarian needs.
But what is required is a durable cease-fire. And we will work diplomatically and through other means to try to support efforts to ensure that that cease-fire is lasting, and in that context for border crossings to open and be available for humanitarian as well as day-to-day economic development imperatives.
And the President, who will be meeting with his new special envoy, Senator Mitchell, and as Senator Mitchell goes out into the region later this week, has underscored the United States commitment to be engaged in an active and sustained way from the earliest days of this administration in the longer-term effort to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on two states living side by side in peace and security.
Just one more question.
Reporter: Ambassador, Darfur. The Democrats are back here. When the Democrats were in power last, Rwanda happened. You've talked about a need to be more robust in places like Darfur after what happened with Rwanda. Perhaps you can talk about what new specifics you would bring here, the administration, or is it going to be more of the same? You said it was genocide in Washington. And what are the implications if al-Bashir is — an arrest warrant is sent for him?
Ambassador Rice: Well, obviously we remain very deeply concerned about the ongoing genocide in Darfur. The priority at this point has to be effective protection for civilians. And in that regard, our effort and attention will be, and as we discussed this morning with the Secretary-General and colleagues, on effective efforts to support the full and complete deployment of UNAMID so that there is the capacity on the ground to begin to effect that civilian protection.
Obviously, we will continue to look at what is necessary to deal with any obstruction, continued violence or reprisals that may occur anyway or may emanate as a result of a potential indictment. And we want to be supportive of the Special Envoy's efforts to negotiate a lasting peace and resolve the underlying political differences.
Thank you very much.


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Holly Black's Tithe came out in 2002, instantaneously positioning her as a major figure in young adult dark fantasy. She's since produced two sequels to that novel, the three-volume Curse Workers series, and the bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles for younger readers, all to rave reviews. In her new novel, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown (Little, Brown), she takes on a topic that might seem to have been done to death – vampires – but somehow she's produced another winner.
This isn't meant to sound hostile, but: after Twilight and a thousand imitators, why a vampire novel?
I think that's a great question. I've loved vampires for a very long time. In eighth grade, I guess, my research paper was on vampires. I've read countless vampire books and in all the time that I have loved vampires they've either been so over that you'd be crazy to write a vampire book, or so popular that writing one would be a waste of time because there were too many of them. Eventually I said to myself, there's never going to be a time when it makes sense to write a vampire book, so just write one.
Although vampire novels are by definition bloody, you seem to have gone out of the way to make The Coldest Girl in Coldtown particularly gruesome, at least for a YA book. Why did you do that?
I thought about the things that I really liked about vampire books, the things I really missed, and I felt that there wasn't as much blood in recent books as I remembered in older ones. I really wanted there to be more blood, the presence of it, the description of it. "For the blood is the life." I wanted there to be horror elements in the book. I was really going after the vampire books that I had loved as a younger reader.
Which are your favorites?
I loved Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire and The Vampire Lestat. I found a copy of Interview when I was in seventh grade at a garage sale for 25 cents. It had a crazy cover. On the back Louis and Lestat are in white suits, possibly with pink details, with their faces all painted white. It was a truly powerful cover. I have no idea what made me pick it up except that I guess it looked both intriguing and not that scary. I must have read that book a hundred times, over and over. I also really loved Tanith Lee's Sabella, or the Bloodstone, and Suzy McKee Charnas's The Vampire Tapestry. I went back to read these books because it had been so long and I wanted to remember what it was about them that I loved.
Before this new book, you published a short story called "The Coldest Girl in Cold Town." How are the two related?
I wrote the story for an anthology, The Eternal Kiss (Running Press, 2009). It was then that I stopped and thought, there are so many great vampire books, there have been so many beloved vampire books, do I really have something to say about vampires? Well, I sat down to write the story and I just loved writing it. I really felt like there was something there and so I filed away the idea that maybe I would come back and turn the short story into a novel. When I got around to doing it, I was going to include more of the characters from the short story, but I started writing and I wound up having to throw out the beginning that I wrote because that was the most interesting thing that was ever going to happen to Matilda. I also realized that it wasn't the beginning that I wanted to tell. I got the idea for a completely different start for the novel, but I decided to keep the title.
The idea of vampires as reality-show stars is novel. Where did that come from?
Well, I watch a lot of reality shows and I was thinking about the way we experience the world today. We tweet about it, we Instagram it, and by "we" I completely mean "me." Things happen in your life and you wind up sharing them so easily with other people, so I thought, well, these vampires are going to be sharing things that way as well. If we live in a world with vampires, people are going to follow the vampires. Reality shows are already an extension of our lives. I wanted to have it where the official shows are the vampire-hunting ones, but the shows that people are really watching at home are the ones where the vampires are heroes, or anti-heroes really. People are watching the live feed from the vampire's house.
Also unusual is the idea that the government would not only set up ghetto-like coldtowns to house the vampires but would also allow uninfected people to join them if they want to. Can you talk about this idea?
The coldtowns were supposed to act as quarantine zones, but they're a little bit out of control. So you have areas that are cut off, but there are some people in them and also a bunch of vampires. The thing about this world and the way the infection spreads is that there are these old vampires who have their own rules and rituals for turning new vampires, and then you have newer vampires who don't follow the rules and may not be as smart about it. Now there are too many vampires. The coldtowns work pretty effectively as a way of limiting the vampire infection, and because having uninfected people inside to become victims keeps it working the government is not messing with it.
With its glitz and excitement, and of course the potential for immortality, Coldtown does have its attractions. Given the choice, would you like to live there?
No. I'm not sure that at this point in my life I need to make that kind of bargain, but I might have, sure, when I was young. I might at some later point in my life.
Immortality would certainly give you plenty of time to write. Still, you're quite productive. Do you write every day? Tell us about your process.
First of all, thank you very much for saying I'm productive, because some days I don't feel that way. Yes, I try to write a thousand words every day. I've actually put up my daily word counts online for my last several novels. I do this to keep myself honest, saying exactly when I wrote what part of the book. Certainly the comment I most often get is, "That's not really a lot of words," but it goes to show that just steadily working will get you a book. I try to make a thousand words a day, but that isn't always the reality.
Your novel Doll Bones, a ghost story for younger readers featuring a china doll, came out just a few months before Coldtown. Did the writing of the two overlap? How did the two tales affect each other?
They did overlap. I stopped writing one to edit the other. So I finished Doll Bones before I finished Coldtown. One of the great things about writing middle-grade books is that it's really a nice break, when you're writing super intense stuff like Coldtown, to be able to write something a little lighter – calm down and do something different.
You've done a number of collaborative projects with artists. How have those gone? How does it feel to get someone else's view of what your characters look like?
Growing up, my mom was a painter, my best friend was a painter, my husband is a painter. For a long time I knew artists and I didn't know any writers. Later, I had an idea for a book and ended up working with Tony [DiTerlizzi, on The Spiderwick Chronicles]. He was a really good friend of mine, so it was great to have it be as collaborative as it was, to have it be as collaborative as it could be. With Ted Naifeh [the artist on the graphic novel The Good Neighbors], I didn't know him as well. It was great to get to know him, but our collaboration was different. I think there's this moment when you think you know your characters, but then you see someone draw them and you feel, "Oh! I didn't know that about them!" I remember when Tony sent me a sketch of some of my characters and I immediately thought of them in a totally different way.
You've also worked with Cassandra Clare, a fellow writer. What's that been like?
I've collaborated on two stories with Cassandra, and we're doing a middle-grade project together, The Iron Trial [first in the Magisterium series, due out from Scholastic in fall 2014]. Part of the reason we're doing it is because of how much fun we had on the short stories. We have a kind of crazy collaborative method, which is that we will sit in the same room and pass the computer back and forth. It's amazingly quick because whenever I'm stopped – that moment when you don't know what happens next – I can hand the computer to another person. The other person goes over whatever you wrote and messes with it a little so it may be hard for people to tell who wrote what. It was nice that the voice seemed to work. We'd talk about what might happen and then maybe I would write a rough draft and we'd hand it back and forth so it would come out a very different way. Having someone like Cassandra, with whom I share influences, really helped because we had a vocabulary. Also she's different from me and can do the stuff I feel that I struggle with. I know we've had a really easy time.
Any other projects in the offing?
I'm working on a fairyland book. I wanted to be able to use what I wanted of fairy folklore and so I set it in a different place. It's called The Darkest Part of the Forest. I'm trying to finish it right now.
And what about Coldtown? The book ends with your protagonist's immediate problems solved, but many other issues left up in the air. Do she and her vampire lover, Gavriel, have a future? Are the coldtowns ultimately stable or is a vampire-human war inevitable? Is there a sequel in the offing?
I don't know! I don't know. I'm sure they'll do fine. A friend was saying, "These coldtowns, I feel like they're not sustainable." I responded, "You could be right, but don't feel bad." No, I think one of the real pleasures about writing a book is that you can walk away. Will I ever do a sequel? Maybe at some point. What I really like about the ending is that the questions about what's happening to the main characters are pretty settled for now. Should I come back to the book, I'll have to answer those other questions.
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. Little, Brown, $19 (Sept.) ISBN 978-0-316-21310-3


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I was informed by our favorite Slovenian stunt rider, Rok Bagoroš, that today is apparently Valentine's Day — the much feared day of forced romance.
For those in the motorcycling community opting not to call today Anna Howard Shaw Day, February 14th is really a day best spent with your special someone — that v-twin or inline-four in your life that really makes your heart race each time you are around her.
To help show your appreciation for everything she does throughout the year, gifts are always welcomed of course, and what girl doesn't like a new pair of shoes? Some Bridgestone or Pirellis perhaps?
Maybe your special someone is into some more…hardcore, in which case we recommend getting some fresh kneepucks and maybe a chain or two (properly tensioned of course).
Lastly, don't forget your leather suit, and always practice safe motorcycling.


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The Fate/zero series is available in the following languages:
- English - Complete
- Español (Spanish)
- Polski (Polish)
- Français (French)
- Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
- Português do Brasil (Brazilian Portuguese)
- Magyar (Hungarian)
- Italiano (Italian)
- Fate/Zero ~ Indonesian Version
- Biełaruskaja (Belarusian)
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
Fate/Zero (English) is a translation project undertaken by various members of the Beast's Lair forum and Baka-Tsuki, hosted only by Baka-Tsuki. Be sure to thank them accordingly!
All four volumes of Fate/zero had been translated into English. It's been almost five years since we started, and we can't thank the readers enough for keeping us going all the way till the end. We're honoured to bring you this majestic work by Urobuchi Gen, and wish from the bottom of our hearts that you would enjoy reading it as much as we did translating it.
And personally I'd like to thank everyone on the staff list, who had contributed to this project and enriched it with your input. All my translators and editors had been invaluable, and thank you all so much for putting up with me and keeping this project going. I hope everything goes well for you, and perhaps we would be able to work together in the future if luck permits it.
Once again, we present to you Fate/zero, the tale of the Fourth Heaven's Feel, the prequel to Fate/stay night.
It is only the story of a man who wanted to be a hero of justice.
Translation is finished but editors are still working on type-editing and checking translations against the original Japanese text. Updates will go live as they are completed. Thanks for sticking with us to the end! It means a lot to us! --mewarmo990
View the official thread here: Beast's Lair
Unofficial Light Novel Scrubbing Project!
As stated, an unofficial one-man show, aiming to clean up and revamp the existing translation while remaining faithful to the original Japanese (as far as possible). Project aims here. Edits may be incorporated into existing translations with permission and enough time. Help from any Japanese translators greatly appreciated, comment on the blog or PM troydenite on the Beast's Lair forums. Follow on Tumblr for all the latest updates!
Currently Released (Links to downloadable Word files in posts)
Volume 1
- Prologue
Story Synopsis
War of the Holy Grail - Pursuing the power of the "Holy Grail" which grants a miracle, this is a contest in which seven magi summon seven Heroic Spirits to compete for it. In that battle whose conclusion was postponed three times, now, the fourth war commenced again. Entrusting their dearest wish of victory, the magi joined the battleground called "Fuyuki", but amongst them, there was a man who was always alone, and could not find out the meaning behind his fights. His name was Kotomine Kirei. Not comprehending the guidance of fate, Kirei was lost, and had kept questioning. Why someone like his was given the Command Seals. However, the fate of his fights crossed Kirei's path with a nemesis by chance. That person is - Emiya Kiritsugu. A man who was sterner than anyone else, more merciless than anyone else, and who sought the miracle of the Holy Grail.
Merely recited in fragments in Fate/Stay Night, this is the Fourth War of the Holy Grail 10 years ago. The truth which unfolded behind the battle between Shirō's foster father, Rin's father, and the younger Kotomine Kirei, is finally revealed......
Those who wish to contribute are asked to first post at the Beast's Lair Fate/zero staff thread.
Translators are asked to register the chapters they plan to work on.
Format Standards
To Translators/Editors: It is highly suggested that you use terminology and concepts from the TYPE-MOON Wiki. Any missing information may be picked up from Fuyuki Wiki. --velocity7
Fate/Zero anime finished airing on June 23, 2012. GO WATCH IT!!!
- April 5th, 2011
- Translation for Epilogue: Five Years Later Complete
- Translation for Volume 4 Postface Complete
- Translation for all 4 volumes of Fate/zero Complete
- April 21st, 2011
- 50% Translation for Side Story: Heart of Freaks Complete
- July 2nd, 2011
- Translation for Side Story: Heart of Freaks Complete
- Fate/Zero translation Complete
Older updates can be found here.
Fate/Zero by Nasu Kinoko & Urobuchi Gen
Volume 1 - The Untold Story of the Fourth Holy Grail War / 第四次聖杯戦争秘話 (Full Text)
Volume 2 - The Mad Feast of Kings / 王たちの狂宴 (Full Text)
Volume 3 - The Scattered Ones / 散りゆく者たち (Full Text)
Volume 4 - Flames of Purgatory / 煉獄の炎 (Full Text)
Fate/Zero - Another Story by Higashide Yuichiro (Full Text)
Project Staff
- Supervisor: -
- Project Manager: Brynhilde
- Brynhilde (Beast's Lair) (From Chinese text)
- Zyzzyva165 (Baka-Tsuki) (From Japanese + Chinese text)
- CanonRap (Beast's Lair)
- mewarmo990 (Beast's Lair)
- Anserina (Beast's Lair) (From Chinese text)
- Ombapho (Beast's Lair) (From Chinese text)
- Caradryan (Beast's Lair) (From Chinese text)
- Byakko (Beast's Lair)
- WingZero (Beast's Lair) (From Chinese text)
- Flamerare (Beast's Lair) (From Chinese text)
- Smidge204 (Baka-Tsuki)
Series Overview
- Fate/Zero #1 - 第四次聖杯戦争秘話
- First Edition Published December 29, 2006, ISBN: none (self published)
- Second Edition Published January 26, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)
- Fate/Zero #2 - 王たちの狂宴
- First Edition Published March 31, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)
- Fate/Zero #3 - 散りゆく者たち
- First Edition Published July 27, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)
- Fate/Zero #4 - 煉獄の炎
- First Edition Published December 29, 2007, ISBN: none (self published)


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If you get all your information about the Caribbean from travel magazines, you might find yourself convinced that a night's stay in the region will set you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $500. The Caribbean's super posh reputation has its roots in the region's tourism history; until relatively recently, tourism in the Caribbean was largely restricted to the very rich. And as one might expect in a region that has historically catered to the rich, there are lots of impossibly exclusive luxury properties in the Caribbean today.
But these resorts do not and should not define tourism in the region. There are many spots across the Caribbean where costs are low and the quality of experiences on offer is high. Here are ten destinations where low hotel rates, exciting activities, and compelling local culture make for real budget-friendly value.
If you find this post interesting, be sure to check out Gadling's archive of budget-friendly travel stories.
1. Carriacou, Grenada. North of the main island of Grenada is the laid-back island of Carriacou. There are some great beaches on the island (see above for evidence.) A fantastically budget-friendly place to stay is the lovely Green Roof Inn (from $40 for one; from $70 for two) north of Hillsborough, the island's main settlement.
2. Havana, Cuba. Day-to-day expenses in the Cuban capital can be quite cheap. Casas particulares (owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast establishments) can be found for about $30 for two, and meals can be cobbled together for very little. Cultural events are astoundingly cheap, and reasonable taxi rates can be negotiated. For a listing of good casas particulares, check out CubaParticular and Casa Particular.
3. Big Corn Island, Nicaragua. It is often forgotten that the Caribbean Sea extends to Central America. Big Corn Island off the coast of Nicaragua presents a fascinating mélange of English-speaking Creoles and Spanish- and Miskito-speaking transplants from the mainland. Though undeniably hardscrabble, Big Corn Island has some beautiful territory and some unbelievably cheap hotels. Try Princesa de la Isla (from $60, with excellent Italian meals on offer) and Martha's Bed and Breakfast (from $50). These are, by the way, among the most expensive places to stay on the island.
4. Saba. Referred to by locals as the "Unspoiled Queen," Saba is one of the most beautiful and least well-known corners of the Caribbean. A mountain jutting out of the sea, it has no beaches and few obvious tourist draws beyond diving. Visitors discover cute villages full of houses with gingerbread trim, lush hiking trails, and outstanding views. Check out the Ecolodge Rendez-Vous (from $75) and El Momo (from $50 for one; $65 for two).
5. Anegada, British Virgin Islands. It takes a concerted effort to get here, but once on this furthest-flung of the BVIs, accommodations can be quite reasonable. The limestone island boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the entire region, yet has seen surprisingly little tourist development. Neptune's Treasure offers double rooms starting at $110 in high season.6. Montserrat. Hit in 1995 by a major volcanic eruption, Montserrat saw most of its inhabitants decamping to the UK and elsewhere. Though many Montserratians have returned since then, the island's tourism numbers have not. This fact translates into all sorts of great deals for visitors, who can busy themselves on the verdant island with beachcombing, hiking, rum shop tours, and visits to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Lodging at relaxed Gingerbread Hill begins at $45 for two.
7. Dominica. This very green island is no typical beach destination. It sees few typical Caribbean tourists, drawing instead eco-minded sorts who come to bask in its physical beauty. Highlights include hiking activities, national parks, striking waterfalls, hot springs, and all sorts of fascinating geological oddities, including the island's awe-inspiring Boiling Lake. Stay at the remarkable Papillote Wilderness Retreat (from $100) or go fully rustic at the impressively eco-minded 3 Rivers (from $70; camping plots from $15).
8. Bonaire. Divers flock to this bone-dry Dutch island at the southern end of the Caribbean. There are other draws, too: snorkeling, historical tourism, and beachbumming on offshore Klein Bonaire. The island's budget-friendly secret? Its stock of inexpensive bungalows and inns. Among other picks, check out Lagoen Hill (from $72), Lizard Inn (from $70), and Ocean View Villas (from $100).
9. Guadeloupe. On the surface, this overseas department of France doesn't appear to be a good place to locate bargains. It's expensive to access from North America and it uses the euro. But below the surface is Guadeloupe's collection of very cheap gîtes–essentially b&bs, though often with a mandatory week-long stay required. Another plus is Guadeloupe's appealing diversity of landscapes, from the mountains of Terre-Basse to the sleepy rum-producing island of Marie-Galante and the terribly cute isle of Terre-de-Haut. Find more than 200 gîtes on Guadeloupe listed by Gîtes de France.
10. Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago. This southern Caribbean island has seen considerable tourist development at its southwestern end. Journey to the island's opposite extremity and find jungle-encircled beaches that never get packed, and cute fishing towns like Charlotteville where inns and house rentals are inexpensive. Cottages at beachside Man-O-War Bay Cottages begin at $60 for two.


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We asked Ola Fiedorczuk (who presents Ola's Kool Kitchen across several independent radio stations) to interview Nevin Domer from Maybe Mars Records and The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Ricky Maymi about the "China Wave" scene currently taking Beijing by storm.
As a radio broadcaster of six years standing, Ola's Kool Kitchen on Radio 23, Rock XS Radio and Magic Monster was created as a reaction to combat the myopic mediocrity present in mainstream media. It features an eclectic mix of genres while Ola travels the world both playing and recording lesser known new talent as well as established musicians. Put simply, good music has no boundaries.
A long time after Mao led his followers on the 'Long March' which would eventually change the face of China; there is an unlikely bloodless revolution going on now in The People's Republic, a musical one! Most people will be vaguely aware of it because of Car Sick Cars, the main band to break through to Western audiences. There is, however, an amazing scene currently brewing there, and with only two indie record companies in the country, Maybe Mars and Modern Sky Records have an exciting roster of musicians reminiscent of Creation Records in its heyday.
I first came across the China Wave when I met Nevin Domer from Maybe Mars Records three years ago in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Earlier this year, Ricky Maymi from The Brian Jonestown Massacre was a guest on my radio show featuring indie music from Beijing. After that show in an interview with Ricky and Nevin for Drowned In Sound, we discussed the fascinating background surrounding the youth movement and looked at the current political and traditional influences on modern Chinese pop music. Further deliberation revealed the notion that the Western indie scene could be bogged down by the baggage of its own history and that China's unique exposure to Western pop culture is creating a vibrant and innovative sonic fusion. With this injection of another vision/version from China comes a rebirth, worthy of appreciation and consideration by European audiences. Here are the fruits of our interview, including 5 important bands from Beijing you need to hear.
Ola's Kool Kitchen: Why China now? What is happening there that has spawned this scene?
Nevin Domer: I think there are a lot of factors. China is going through this period of amazing economic growth. It's the right time for this, Youth culture is sprouting up in China that didn't exist a couple years ago.
Are there social, cultural or political reasons for that?
ND: I've been in and out of China since '99. I first moved to Beijing and got involved in the scene in 2005. At that time, it was still kind of the older scene. This is where Car Sick Cars and those bands were getting their start. A lot of those kids and the ones that came before, like P.K.14 were still coming from positions of privilege. Since that time, especially the Olympics, the underground youth culture has exploded. A new generation of kids with a disposable income have opened this up.
So would you say there is a parallel to the 50's and 60's in America where teenagers had a disposable income and became an economic force?
ND: Yeah, that's what I'd say. When I say privileged that's kind of a relative term, the kids at the beginning were privileged but they were also punk kids living in conditions that in the west we couldn't imagine living in. They still came from a small group who actually had the freedom to get involved in this sort of stuff.
Their notion of class is relative and very different to the West?
ND: The majority of Chinese people are just trying to get by working 12 hour days. A lot of Chinese actually live at their work place and are involved full time in their job. When you get kids who actually have the freedom to do something else they are going to universities. That's already pretty privileged compared to the majority of people living here. It's not the sort of privilege we might imagine in the West. The number of kids that do have access and exposure to rock music through the internet to listen to it or whether it's through the ability to buy guitars or through the freedom to pursue it is growing. Before that it was a very small number of people.
Ricky Maymi: Also my understanding of it is that to be in a band in China was the equivalent of being in a Dungeons and Dragons group. (laughs!) It's not something you tell someone you do to win any points with them, It's more like something you do with a certain group of people when no one else is around. You keep it to yourself, cause it's kind of frowned upon. It's not like a cool thing.
ND: That's very true actually... I think that's a really good point, especially when bands like Car Sick Cars were starting out. The kids at university didn't go to bars, they didn't go out. They just spent all their time studying. The whole point of university here is to study and graduate with the highest scores and the most connections you can so you can get a nice, well paying job. Being in a band wasn't a cool thing to do. There was no affirmation from your peers for doing it. That's starting to change now to. It also wasn't financially rewarding. There weren't any brands or sponsorship pre-2008, so kids were doing music really against the grain.
Ricky mentioned this before and it's true, what's coming from China is from nothing. Our reasons for originally starting to do rock n roll, have been watered down by so much baggage, expectations and so many other cultural icons, while China is approaching this from a void.
ND: Yeah I think it's a good point. In the West you have that cultural baggage where you look at something and you immediately know the whole context behind it and how it fits in. A good example is P.K.14; when you ask them about their influences, they name everything from Glen Branca, Woody Guthrie and Fugazi and they pretty much discovered this music all at the same time. There is no real context for it. They just threw it all together to make their sound and image.
Yeah they were bombarded with it all at once. Bam here you go, pick what you like, interpret how you wish. Another example of this I found in the Red Rock (a book describing the birth of pop music in China), was this little guy in China in the late 80's, who heard Norwegian Wood by The Beatles, wanted to find out more and looked them up in the dictionary only to be disappointed. He had to search to find out what or who they were. That's just unthinkable in the West. We didn't have to search for The Beatles. We have documentaries and zillions of pop books on the subject.
RM: You don't know how little that guy was? (laughs!)
Let's talk about the venue D22 in Beijing and its importance in creating the scene. The venue is gone now but there's a legend about it and how it was at the heart of things.
ND: It was a really amazing place and it was the right time for it. When D22 started, the scene was beginning to grow. D22 created a home for it, a place where the bands could all play. It did the trick like CBGB's and a couple of places have done, where any musician that plays there also drinks for free. That meant it was the place everybody hung out. Partly that and the fact there was no other club like it at the time. So you'd have the punk musicians hanging out on Sundays for jazz shows or for really weird experimental stuff. That brought the scene together and people started moving in weird directions with weird influences. It was an exciting time for music. It's changing a little now, which is good and bad. It was great with D22 but to be honest, right now the scene is much bigger with more clubs, and in some ways it is much healthier than it was before.
The first band I'd like to talk about is P.K.14. There is a core of people that keep reappearing in the bands of interest. It's an incredibly incestuous scene.
ND: If you look at the scene as it is now with Car Sick Cars, Snapline and those sorts of bands, P.K. 14 can be seen as the Godfather of that. They actually bridge the gap between some of this weird interesting music that was coming out in the mid 90's to Car Sick Cars and the bands that started in 2005. P.K. 14 were playing in 99. They were probably the first band to really define the idea of playing post-punk inside China. When they started was also when punk hit. You had bands like The Board Contingent, which was like Brain Failure, 69, Anarchy Boys and Reflector. Those were the early punk bands here. At the same time, P.K. 14 were doing post-punk. The very beginning was Cui Jian with his ballad rock; then came arena metal like Tang Dynasty, which got really huge. After this came this really weird, if you're trying to understand them in the Western context, proto-punk that bridges this ballad and arena metal with more experimental interesting stuff.
RM: I think P.K.14 are great. As Nevin said, they were the first band to merge these sounds. They have proven to be really influential.
ND: Yang Haisong is the band leader. P.K.14 really works with all four people writing the music together, but he's the front man and the singer. He's also a producer. He produced the very first Car Sick Cars album, which is the album that ushered in the 2005 wave of post-punk. That sound became what Maybe Mars is and what Beijing is now. He's also starting his own record label and plays in a couple of side projects including Dear Eloise which is him and his wife. They've been extremely involved and supportive of the young scene.
RM: It's like Nevin said, P.K.14 sort of naturally crossed styles. That's what I noticed about their music as well, there'll be instrumentation and melodic passages with things that are really simple, yet bizarre at the same time.
How are they bizarre?
RM: Just a different application of aesthetics with interesting song writing, but not in a try hard way.
ND: And super influential! I mean P.K.14, whether they're doing Car Sick Cars shoe gaze type music or more experimental stuff is the band all the kids pretty much point to as an influence.
Everybody cites Car Sick Cars. If anybody is going to know a band outside of China it's this one, yet P.K.14 is the precursor?
ND: You have to have the band that breaks out. I think Car Sick Cars, originally supporting Sonic Youth and then playing All Tomorrows Parties and Primavera are the first band that caught the attention of people abroad. When Car Sick Car started there was no possibility of making any money at this. Car Sick Cars is of the first generation of bands that are actually starting to support themselves through their music. P.K.14 being older with all of the members having full time jobs makes it a little harder for them to consistently tour.
This is an important factor isn't it, that they can actually see they can make a living doing this? Within Chinese society, and this is also true of all the places I've travelled in South East Asia like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia etc. there is no social security or welfare state. Your family is your complete and utter social network. You have much stronger familial obligations to fulfil than in the West. Whatever the pressures of being a musician in the West, there are triple those pressures or obstacles to overcome in China. There is no infrastructure, expectation or belief that you can make money as an artist. In the West you're more likely to get more support from your family to pursue it.
ND: That's definitely true for China. It's not just about having support from the family. They are actively against them doing it because there is no future and no money in it. They are coming from this early middle class. Their parents have worked their way up and now they want the lives of their children to be better than the lives that they had. They feel like their children are shooting themselves in the foot by becoming musicians.
Not a lot these bands get to leave China. When a band does go abroad are their noticeable ramifications? Does it help their image?
ND: Yes. Especially if they go to the US, that's a huge boon. If a band from China goes abroad all of the sudden they are perceived as a different band on a higher level than before they left. On a practical note it also helps them get more money for festivals and shows here. Also the audience pay a lot of attention to them because they've played abroad.
RM: Australia is like that. You're sort of not valid until you've gone and done it overseas. They need confirmation that someone else cares about you elsewhere. They have a cultural insecurity about their identity. It holds more weight if it's been validated elsewhere.
That's interesting. Do you think the Chinese are insecure like that too?
ND: That is exactly true. Insecure is one way to put it; there might be other ways to pin that down. A lot of the music media in China didn't pay attention to local bands. The media pre-2005 wouldn't talk about local Chinese bands, it would all be foreign bands. Then as Chinese bands started going abroad getting press and playing festivals, all of the sudden the Chinese media was like "woah", if the people in the US are paying attention to this band then we should too.
Back to P.K.14, what's the new album like?
ND: The new stuff sounds amazing. It blows a lot of the other stuff away. P.K.14 are just surprising me. I love all their past work but their new stuff is actually a world above of it.
RM: What would you say the difference is sonically?
ND: It's really hard for me to describe. The only word I can think of- and it kind of sounds a bit BS, it's just mature....
RM: Yeah I can hear it going that way. I've been listening quite a bit lately to the three albums I have and the song writing has a got a little more depth perhaps?
ND: Yeah! If you take City Weather Sailing, Xièxiè, and White Paper; the early stuff was more rock and City Weather Sailing was a little orchestrated. Mix all those elements together, you have a more balanced sound that is also more mature.
P.K.14 performing '1984 Pt II' live off their new LP '1984'
Let's talk about Mr Graceless.
ND: We came across them back at D22. We had Wednesday nights that were for university bands, this would of been about 2010. At the time myself and Michael Pettis (Maybe Mars founder) were going to every show at D22 and once in awhile we'd see a band that really stuck out. Mr Graceless was one of those. When they played they just blew us away and they added something to the scene that wasn't really present before. They resonated with university students in China coming from a more pop audience. At the same time they reached in and drew from that experimental stuff from like Car Sick Cars and Snapline that are influenced by Sonic Youth and those sorts of bands that add noisy dissonance into the pop music they make.
RM: They write really great pop songs. The guitar parts, the vocal melodies just all staggeringly well written and beautifully executed. It's like something you think you heard before, but you haven't. They just managed to find this way to write these classic pop songs. It's just another example of how it still can be done.
The singer from the Lilys has been in touch to collaborate with Mr Graceless. How did that happen?
RM: Kurt Heasley lives on ashram in Virginia. He is pretty inaccessible but he just happened to be in San Francisco when I got back there one time. I had a handful of these Maybe Mars CDs. I was just thinking about Kurt because I was listening to that Mr Graceless album and it really reminded me of the Lilys in an uncanny sort of way. You should have seen the look on his face as I played him the album. He was like, oh my god what is this band, who is this...this is great. We kind of had this moment. Ultimately the idea is to get everyone everywhere. We want to get Mr Graceless to America and it would be great to get someone like Kurt playing to audiences in China.
ND: Mr Graceless will be going to the US, if not this year then next. It would be great to hook them up to the Lilys there. I'm also trying to do the groundwork here to bring more musicians into China. That's growing and becoming more and more possible. That's the end goal.
Mr Graceless performing 'License To Capture' live from their album 'The Tree Ever Green'
Let's talk about The Gar and their importance!
NK: The Gar came about from a precursor band, Nezha that were at the same time as this new 2005 Beijing sound, of Car Sick Cars, Snapline, White and Queen Sea Big Shark. They are a really amazing band. It's hard for me to define, it's as if you took Sonic Youth and Weezer and mixed them together.
RM: They don't have an obvious sort of edginess to them. It's pretty straight forward with a very melodic sound. I think anyone would like it. It should be said, none of their songs are sung in English. It's all in Mandarin. Even though I don't understand a single word he's saying, it's some of the most beautiful, emotive music I've ever heard. You really respond to it on a whole other level because you're not rationalizing the meaning of his lyrics. It's really engaging when you factor that in. I find it a very involving experience listening to the music, especially the newer stuff. It's not edgy on the surface, but it is sort of edgy in its freedom of composition and the song writing arrangements. It's very wild in places but never messy. Nothing happens by chance, it's very meticulously put together. Lots of really beautiful guitar melodies that really remind me of Martin Phillipps from The Chills or David Kilgour from The Clean; a very distinctly kind of Southern Hemisphere melodic guitar-pop sound. I also know that a lot of the stuff that it reminds me of is music they're unfamiliar with, so that makes it interesting for me on a lot of levels.
ND: One side note here about lyrics. I often find it really interesting when bands do sing in Chinese. P.K. 14, The Gar-Car Sick Cars is about half and half- do make really good use of Chinese. For most of the bands, English is not their native language, so the lyrics in English tend not to be as well written as when they do it in their native language.
RM: Which makes them brilliant to me and gives them a level of poetry we don't get from Western writers.
ND: Some bands like Mr. Graceless pull it off amazingly, that's also a point that makes The Gar special in that regard. When you ask the bands, why do you sing in English, they say they have a hard time writing the music in Chinese. The way pop music sounds is really based on the English language. So these bands, when they sing in Chinese, they have to learn how to make their language fit the music. They didn't have a lot of models to look at, so they had to create these singing styles themselves.
'Cat' by The Gar off their album 'The Gar'
We talked a lot about bands from Maybe Mars what about a band that's not on the label?
ND: An older band of the 2005 generation that is similar to a Maybe Mars band, but one that didn't end up on our label is Hedgehog on Modern Sky Records, which is also one of the biggest bands inside China.
RM: Again, they don't always sing in English. I have to stop and check what they are singing half the time. They're quite clever with the Chinese sense of melodicism as well as the song writing; not a million miles away from The Gar in their aesthetic, it has a real universal appeal. They have an incredible drummer Atom, she's like 5'2. She's this dinky little person who looks about 15-16 years old and she is this lady that plays drums like it's nobody's business who is really an inspiration to watch. She's very hard hitting, a consistently powerful drummer. In fact she could be in anyone's band and make it better just by being in it. She is that good!
ND: She actually steals the show a lot of times! The band is incredible but she's the one people end up staring at in the front row! Not only is she hitting the drums so hard, she's also singing quite a bit too.
RM: Yeah she really is in command behind the kit back there and it's unusual and striking.
Hedgehog playing 'Surf With Shark' live off their album 'Sun Fun Gun'
Let's move onto Snapline.
ND: When Maybe Mars started, it had three releases, Car Sick Cars, Snapline and Joyside. Joyside was one of the older ones, starting in 2001. They were more 77 punk orientated. Snapline and Car Sick Cars were the two bands that ended up defining what became D22 and the early Beijing sound. Snapline have been the more underrated of the two. While Car Sick Cars have got a lot of attention, Snapline have been a little more low-key. The stuff they've done has snuck its way into the sound of everybody from Hedgehog to Queen Sea Big Shark and to the new generation of bands.
RM: Their earlier stuff is like Chicago Wax Tracks meets cool kind of English post-punk guitar edgy minimalism. There is some connection there, because they did some work with Martin Atkins, who is from a band called Pigface and the drummer from Pil, which is directly linked to that very thing. So imagine that mixed with Colin Newman's side of Wire, the way he wrote from Chairs Missing till now. It's a nice combination of sounds, never that dense with a lot of space; it is pretty minimal.
ND: Yeah the way they use their instruments and the way Li Qing plays guitar, just astounds me. She definitely doesn't play in any traditional sense, the way she wrangles noises out of it. A lot of that sort of experimentation with sound - also adding synths and then eventually oscillators - owes its influence in the Chinese scene to Snapline.
RM: Yes, influencing the bands in the scene to a more electronic sound. They're a bit dark and mysterious without being too serious.
ND: A little bit of their history, like Ricky mentioned, Martin Atkins came to China in 2007. We set up some shows for him at D22. He checked out a lot of bands here, one of the bands he was really into was Snapline. Eventually he worked out a deal with them for Invisible Records and recorded and produced their first two albums. Both of which I thought were very brilliant and well produced. The band did take a little bit of exception to the second album and they actually rerecorded it and produced it themselves. Now their second album has two versions.
Why did they take exception to Martin Atkins production on the second album?
ND: Maybe taking exception is a little too strong a way to put it. Martin produced a very layered and a very dense version of the second album. That's what they did in the studio, but between the time that they recorded it and the time that it was ready to come out, they changed their minds and approach to it. They wanted to simplify everything and take away this whole layered aspect. So they recorded another version and both versions are amazing, but it's two completely different approaches to the same compositions. We released both of them together as a double CD. The album has two names Martin's version is Future Eyes and their version is called Phenomena.
Is there any relation between the compositions?
RM: I'm wondering how they got from one idea to the other on some of them. They are a strangely intriguing group. Those are the kind of ideas people usually talk about and don't see through. They actually saw it through with very interesting results, so good on them.
ND: The way they approached it is really interesting because they're serious geeks. The singer is actually a programmer for Microsoft. The idea behind their side project, Soviet Pop was to create this idea of the Soviet Union, especially emphasising the time when technical engineers were shipped in the 1960's from the Soviet Union to China to teach the Chinese these skills. They were playing with that idea and thinking about what pop music would be like in the Soviet Union. It's a very laboratoryesque, technical and experimental music. That's basically what they are, technical engineers that are trying to use that sort of training to make pop music.
'She Blinded Me With Science'! Right?
(Much laughter!)
RM: Exactly, a scientific approach to rock music!
Snapline performinging 'Flu' live from the album 'Phenomena'
Any closing thoughts?
RM: I'm glad this is all happening and that this music is being made. From what I can see, it's the most valid subculture movement happening in our time. I'm glad to have stumbled upon it in a place I wouldn't have imagined. It's all really intriguing for me and I'm really inspired by it.
ND: Going back to how we started the conversation, I would say there is a lot of youth in China starting to find a voice and an outlet. I do think the music that is happening now is something that will continue to grow and change. The bands we were talking about are spawning a new generation that instead of drawing their influences from abroad are actually taking their cues from inside China. Now is a very exciting time to see where this stuff goes. In China, the scene is literally just starting and that's what makes it exciting.
Is Car Sick Cars the Beatles; the beginning of creating a cultural baggage of pop culture?
ND: Maybe they are creating this baggage but the beginning of this music in China is so different from other places. It's going to head in a direction that's completely new and interesting and that's what is fascinating! That's why I'm here. I came to Beijing and got so addicted to the music scene, it's like a cliff hanger for me. I'm always waiting to see what's going to happen next and I just can't leave at this point because I don't want to miss anything.
If you'd like to hear more from the Beijing scene, here's Ricky Maymi and myself playing the music and discussing it further on my radio show.
Ola's Kool Kitchen can be found on Facebook and Soundcloud.


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Now, tell me - that is if you are a working and tax paying American Citizen - whether or not this video gets your blood boiling even if it is supposed to be comedy - which I truly doubt. It disgusts me because so far only Bill Maher has had so called comedy, that is really poorly disguised political commentary, as tasteless as this before and because apparently a lot of people really feel exactly the same way - that they deserve the fruits of the hard working tax payer for nothing. I think the person in the video probably truly believes all she is saying whether or not she is a YouTube wonder. I also think a lot of other
I hope more
All the best,
Glenn B


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MiniSet Hex & Philips Metric by CruzTOOLS
What do you get when you combine a precision 48-tooth ratchet with extension and eight-piece socket set? The MiniSet, that's what! Containing the most common metric sizes - including hex and Phillips bits - the MiniSet is not only highly capable but also likely to be highly prized, too. Tools are top-grade polished chrome, and stored in a durable molded box. The MiniSet becomes even more useful when mated with our MTD14 T-Driver.
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The sensor in your DSLR is much more powerful than you may know, and capable of capturing photos on wavelengths that your eyes can't see. With a little work and some easily-available parts, you can tweak your camera to take beautiful, cinematic landscapes that include both visible light and near-infrared wavelengths.
ExtremeTech's David Cardinal explains how he hacked his Nikon D7000 to take shots not just in the visible spectrum that we all see, but to capture near-infared light as well (or both, depending on how he chose to take the photo.) As for why bother? He explains it this way:
The so-called "near infrared" spectrum - from about 700 nanometers (the longest wavelength red we can see with our eyes) to around 1000 nm (the longest wavelength to which our camera sensors are typically sensitive) - is chock full of interesting visuals. Dreary gray skies turn into cinema-worthy masterpieces, drab foliage pops and separates itself from surrounding rocks and buildings, and everyday objects can take on an otherworldly quality.
You can see an example of this in the image above, and more at the link below. Cardinal explains that you can actually have the work done for you by a professional for between $200 to $450, but if you're willing to do it yourself, you can buy the appropriate filters for around $1-200. He also warns that you shouldn't go the DIY route just to save money—you have to really be into the project. After all, the process does risk damaging your camera, as you have to take the housing apart, remove the original filter from the sensor, and clean everything up nicely for good, clear photos.
Even so, if you're a photography buff looking for a great project, or you upgraded your DSLR and you're looking for something cool to do with an old or secondhand model, this project might be for you. The photos really are worth the effort. Hit the link below for a full walkthrough.
How to Turn Your DSLR into a Full Spectrum Super Camera | ExtremeTech
Photo by David Cardinal.


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In Crystal Shuffle, you shuffle different-colored gems in and out of a holding stack in order to create matching sets on the playfield.* Match colored gems using a unique play mechanic. Plan ahead to trigger the multiplier, or go for speed to survive as long as possible.
* Easy to learn with full tutorials explaining how every aspect of the game works. Hard to master with many techniques to discover across 4 difficulty settings.
* Highly polished presentation including realistic gem graphics, particle effect engine, options for customization and superb audio design.
* Online connectivity available through Facebook. See your friend's best scores, and post high scores to your news feed to taunt them!
Release:Dec 15, 2010
Updated:Nov 30, -0001
TouchArcade Rating:Unrated
User Rating: (1)
Your Rating:unrated
Compatibility:HD Universal


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Please note, GPX Data is not refundable! Please examine the sample data on the device of your choice before purchasing GPX data packages. More information about GPX Data files can be found here.
After your GPX purchase, you can get GPX updates for free by re-downloading them from your My Adventure Cycling account.
GPX Data products consist of track and service waypoint files in gpx (GPS Exchange Format) file format to be used on a GPS device, smartphone, or tablet. These products are suggested as a companion product to the printed Adventure Cycling Route maps and feature the same services listed on the physical maps. More information about GPX Data for Devices can be found here.
This 153-mile spur connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route at Erie, Pennsylvania. The route begins at the Senator John Heinz History Center and quickly crosses the Allegheny River to the 3.5 mile North Shore Trail. Across the water, cyclists have a view of Point State Park, the tip of Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle" where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join. Cyclists continue along the North Shore trail which borders the shores of the Ohio River and takes them through the most urban section of the route. Underground Railroad sites, historic markers and museums dot the route with the highest concentrations in Pittsburgh and Mercer. Rolling hills make up the terrain in western Pennsylvania but most of the route is on fairly low-level traffic rural roads and highways.
More information about this route is available here.
GPX Data Resources
* These products are delivered in compressed zip files. Instructions on extracting the data are located here.
**NOTE: Occasionally, the GPX data you purchase will be newer than the paper map currently being sold. They may still be used together. See the Tracks and Service Points FAQs for more information.**
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The 1st American edition w/pictorial boards depicting Rivoli |
Frank believes he spies his brother in Dover (art by Cyrus Cuneo) |
Daphne receives a letter from George in which he apologizes for his ungentlemanly behavior of the day before they are to be married. He says "terrible circumstances" have forced him to give her up. He cannot marry her nor ever "hope to look upon [her] face again. Do not seek me, you will never find me." So Daphne, Frank and Daphne's father Gerald do what anyone would do. They go off on a whirlwind tour of Europe. Forget George's melodramatic vanishing and self-imposed exile. Just dismiss his claims and the mystery of it all. Better to be distracted with the delights of a continental tour than bear up and discover the truth, right?
Daphne is visited by a mysterious figure (art by Cyrus Cuneo) |
Then Frank believes he sees the old Italian man who answered the door at the boarding house where the veiled woman fled. He is in conference with a priest taking confessions. Later, this man is discovered dead at the foot of cliff. Frank and Uncle Gerald use their innate amateur sleuthing skills to point out wounds on the neck that indicate strangling and a button clenched in the man's fist torn form an article of gray clothing. They are sure that they man was murdered.
Meanwhile Angelo rabidly pursues Daphne claiming his love for her, that she is the perfect model for his next great painting. He has already used her face for a Madonna that hangs in a local cathedral and she is causing a stir among the locals who recognize her face from that painting. Daphne shuns all Angelo's attentions. Frank is clearly jealous.
Frank at the mercy of the mad villain |
All of the various mysteries, the murder of the Italian man, the meaning of the mute veiled woman on the train and most importantly of what happened to George are all revealed in a climax worthy of a Guy Boothby thriller. Madness is at the heart of the novel. And the macabre motives of the villain are rooted in - of all things - the demand for realism in art. Here are the words of the villain who performs a five page monologue/confession in the the last chapter fittingly titled "The Denouement!"
You see this is the age of realism. Nothing is now accepted in literature, art, or the drama that does not bear on its front the stamp of reality. Art, if it is to hold the mirror up to Nature, must not shrink any more than medical science from experimenting on the living frame, and analysing with delicate eye its varying of phases of agony.
I think that this was the point of Carling's book. He had recognized that the kind of book he liked to write was something of a dinosaur already in 1905. He had already written The Shadow of the Czar (1902), a swashbuckling adventure, followed shortly by a supernatural mystery called The Viking's Skull (1904). With The Weird Picture he seemed to have exhausted his imagination and waved the white flag in the face of realism. While some of his more successful contemporaries managed to carry on the trend of these fanciful, completely unrealistic stories well into the mid 1920s Carling seemed to have surrendered to the tastes of the modern reader. Fittingly, his last book was called The Doomed City (1910), a Romantic historical epic about the fall of Jerusalem.
The second US edition of The Weird Picture |
This was a double duty post - both a Friday's Forgotten Book and a late entry in the Switzerland stop on the Crime Fiction EuroPass challenge. For more overlooked and forgotten books visit Patti Abbot's blog. For further reading by Swiss crime writers and mystery novels set in Switzerland visit Mysteries in Paradise.