tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41565800444943479822024-03-05T15:21:12.712-06:00Romantic Suspense Author, Sandra K. MarshallSandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-51085343691803887582015-01-18T00:01:00.000-06:002015-01-18T00:01:00.130-06:00What Is Satire?
Satire is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule
to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the
context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.<br />
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Satire can be used in plays, novels, films, or other work
that uses satire.</div>
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Synonyms: mockery, ridicule, derision, scorn, caricature,
irony, sarcasm, parody, burlesque, caricature, lampoon, skit, spoofs, wit</div>
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Examples of Satire in Everyday Life:</div>
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Most political cartoons which we witness every day in
newspapers and magazines are examples of satire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These cartoons criticize some recent actions
of political figures in a comical way.</div>
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Some shows on television are satire examples like The Daily
Show, The Colbert Report, and The Larry Sanders Show. These shows target what
they think are stupid political and social viewpoints.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdOdFuh7Upbxxnvfl4wH5C56ZXRhPr6kTIv0MCJzIy_zOj62e6nf4gG9iL9ZVWwOfalzlFJ5xeIK1DfGHDG0ZH9ny5IPSZoSXltv-lPDEwbdtKOsNZdgMqiO09ez0KlooS92HUrQ5QcAH/s1600/Caricature+of+Colbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdOdFuh7Upbxxnvfl4wH5C56ZXRhPr6kTIv0MCJzIy_zOj62e6nf4gG9iL9ZVWwOfalzlFJ5xeIK1DfGHDG0ZH9ny5IPSZoSXltv-lPDEwbdtKOsNZdgMqiO09ez0KlooS92HUrQ5QcAH/s1600/Caricature+of+Colbert.jpg" height="200" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caricature of Stephen Colbert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sample of Stephen Colbert's social satire:</div>
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"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't
help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we
are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and
serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do
it."</div>
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Satire Examples in Literature</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uplx8OD9CN2ZXeI09fOZmTGM21r7kAj0IWIS3r5qBkIKHzmxmciMmL1q7kPlinU7pd3zyUdPSBpNL5oSPeKsW6LsOGc42ZVOkIissTRiaDsqW0dURl-YbfFKihU4tw9ViT8g8LuPxmnP/s1600/mark_twain_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uplx8OD9CN2ZXeI09fOZmTGM21r7kAj0IWIS3r5qBkIKHzmxmciMmL1q7kPlinU7pd3zyUdPSBpNL5oSPeKsW6LsOGc42ZVOkIissTRiaDsqW0dURl-YbfFKihU4tw9ViT8g8LuPxmnP/s1600/mark_twain_01.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Twain</td></tr>
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Example #1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
numerous examples of satire in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. He uses satire as
a tool to share his ideas and opinion on slavery, human nature and many other
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below are a few citations from
the novel that demonstrates satire:</div>
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"What's the use you learning to do right, when it's
troublesome to do right and isn't no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just
the same?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Chapter 16)</div>
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"There wasn't anybody at the church, except maybe a hog
or two, for there warn't any lock on the door, and the hogs likes a puncheon
floor in summer-time because it's cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you notice, most folks don't go to church only when they've got to;
but a hog is different."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Chapter
18)</div>
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"The pitifulest thing out is a mob; that what an army
is--a mob; they don't fight with courage that's born in them, but with courage
that's borrowed from their mass, and from their officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a mob without any man at the head of it
is beneath pitifulness." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Chapter
22)</div>
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Example #2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jonathan
Swift, Irish author and satirist wrote Gulliver's Travels one of the finest
satirical works in English Literature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Swift relentlessly satirizes politics, religion and Western Culture.
Criticizing party politics in England, Swift writes, "that for above
seventy Moons past there have been two struggling Parties in this Empire, under
the Names of Tramecksan and Slamecksan from the high and low Heels on their
shoes, by which they distinguish themselves."</div>
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During Swift's times, two rival political parties, the Whigs
and the Tories, dominated the English political scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, "The Kingdom of
Lilliput" is dominated by two parties distinguished by the size of the
heels of their boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the trivial disputes
between the two Lilliputian parties," Swift satirizes the minor disputes
of the two English parties of his period.</div>
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Function of Satire</div>
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The role of satire is to ridicule or criticize those vices
in the society, which the writer considers a threat to civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer considers it his obligation to
expose these vices for the betterment of humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The function of satire is not to make others
laugh at persons or ideas they make fun of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It intends to warn the public and to change their opinions about the
prevailing corruption/conditions in society.</div>
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Source: <a href="http://literarydevices.net/satire/"><span style="color: blue;">http://literarydevices.net/satire/</span></a></div>
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Cartoonists are great at showing and writing cartoons. Here
are some examples:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2cHJcXmHha248TKTchWkIn7Mta5KMiI6N2Gga9izNGR-fk4-mmLFYh_2AkJhvYqLjEFdyu75GgZC4vCVe1Gsu4JiXv2AdoBatizgQYrDwjWm332u5XMJE8cn4gOk2Gn34Wa2mgvTkxdl/s1600/cartoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2cHJcXmHha248TKTchWkIn7Mta5KMiI6N2Gga9izNGR-fk4-mmLFYh_2AkJhvYqLjEFdyu75GgZC4vCVe1Gsu4JiXv2AdoBatizgQYrDwjWm332u5XMJE8cn4gOk2Gn34Wa2mgvTkxdl/s1600/cartoon.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do not write satire, but I can write sarcasm on occasion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope everyone who has an opinion on satire
leaves a comment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My opinion is we have
to have freedom of speech even if I disagree with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, was that satire, or sarcasm?</div>
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Thank you for reading my blog, have a good week and come
back next Sunday.</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
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Sandra K. Marshall, author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/AuthSKMarshall/status/496365255165878272"><span style="color: blue;">https://twitter.com/AuthSKMarshall/status/496365255165878272</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-89136555742626649722015-01-11T00:01:00.000-06:002015-01-11T00:01:00.319-06:00Plan To Reach Goals
Last week I said I was working on a plan to reach my goals
for this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well here it is.<br />
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write two hours a
day or more (this should provide me with 3 - 4 pages, or more)</div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check email and do
social media for an hour</div>
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3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Promotion for an
hour</div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look over all I
have written and revise if needed (always needed, I nit pick </div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>everything)<br />
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5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write blog and
post it for Sunday's</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8efb3PZ4WrpHsZoNUsUQKEEkcA9Mz7L3DgzJkua73nqH9jeL204x2pYSaG2UDmNLNN1WAHzTW4tOd0-ZpV71PdaM4XiwUTghJEtVFbbRE6I62u5JiR8lX5imBDT3oJ6BodeKLweNJXUau/s1600/older+woman+cooking.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8efb3PZ4WrpHsZoNUsUQKEEkcA9Mz7L3DgzJkua73nqH9jeL204x2pYSaG2UDmNLNN1WAHzTW4tOd0-ZpV71PdaM4XiwUTghJEtVFbbRE6I62u5JiR8lX5imBDT3oJ6BodeKLweNJXUau/s1600/older+woman+cooking.png" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
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All of this is in between cooking, cleaning and going
somewhere with my hubby since he gets stir crazy if he stays in the house too
long.<br />
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The problem with these goals is the first two or three
months are easy, but after that it can be hit or miss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really, really want to stick to these
plans, so I will definitely try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Also, I must admit hubby helps me with cooking and cleaning. He's a good guy. I wish everyone the best in meeting their goals and New
Year's resolutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a great week,
and I'll see you next Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.twitter.com/"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.twitter.com</span></a>
@AuthSKMarshall<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-7226040689875531622015-01-04T15:13:00.001-06:002015-01-04T15:13:13.606-06:00Goals For 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5yYQ5Xwd95mnZVtIUExMOOrcLto-YDwCRsqyd2yKNs5nENGjJoVH5BQ4HsaqaOfWXl9j1vXST1UgGopY-lkYvTsOgwZceqDfaIrIqmcftiV2WN7mn5fzahTZW0gkKKFIrEsbx4CKkMGg/s1600/images.jpg+Goal+Setting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5yYQ5Xwd95mnZVtIUExMOOrcLto-YDwCRsqyd2yKNs5nENGjJoVH5BQ4HsaqaOfWXl9j1vXST1UgGopY-lkYvTsOgwZceqDfaIrIqmcftiV2WN7mn5fzahTZW0gkKKFIrEsbx4CKkMGg/s1600/images.jpg+Goal+Setting.jpg" height="139" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This time of the year most people have made New Year's resolutions, but I have stopped making those because I never keep them. I belong to a goals group called GIAMx2 started by author, Amy Atwell. Amy has five of these groups, and they are very supportive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With this group, I'm always able to keep some of my goals even if not all of them. My GIAMx2 group not only supports each other, but they kick you in the butt if it's needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2015 Goals:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Finish short story for boxed set, have it edited, book cover made </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ready to publish with the other authors in the set.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Revise an old story that is finished, have it edited, book cover, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> formatted and published. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Finish a story I started last year and get it published.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All right, I have my goals set, so next comes my plan to make it work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great week everyone, and I'll see you next Sunday with my plan to reach my goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sandra K. Marshall, Author</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">@ Eirelander Publishing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/">http://www.skaymarshall.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AuthSKMarshall/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandy-marshall/1a/851/a04" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></span></div>
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Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-33548987672843231712014-12-14T17:22:00.000-06:002014-12-14T17:22:48.463-06:00A Christmas Message To You<span style="font-size: large;">Wouldn't it be really nice if we could have peace in this world? It's so tiresome being at war all the time. Families are fighting, people fight with one another and countries are at war. It's just tedious and tiring. Wouldn't it be so much easier if everyone got along? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas and Peace in the New Year for all. </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICcG-BC_C76-Bo6ceWiF17SJQN8pcndwzQfE6jJo_gai7k4oS19ERzXXQwwWR58ZfjUfYW4831ggYT5RHtWvDaQPbNPB3A9dBZ5Hwe4srDAM6S2hlLlf3K8iVbWNxgPR4Jpnv1IF47FxS/s1600/Merry+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICcG-BC_C76-Bo6ceWiF17SJQN8pcndwzQfE6jJo_gai7k4oS19ERzXXQwwWR58ZfjUfYW4831ggYT5RHtWvDaQPbNPB3A9dBZ5Hwe4srDAM6S2hlLlf3K8iVbWNxgPR4Jpnv1IF47FxS/s1600/Merry+Christmas.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wouldn't you rather have hugs than war? I would. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my last blog for this year. See you January 4, 2015. Have a safe and Happy New Year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
Sandra K. Marshall, Author<br />
@Eirelander Publishing<br />
Buy links at Amazon<br />
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">The Catalyst -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://mail.twc.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.amazon.com%252FCatalyst-Riverboat-Mysteries-Sandra-Marshall-ebook%252Fdp%252FB00EV47SE2%252Fref%253Dsr_1_1%253Fs%253Dbooks%2526ie%253DUTF8%2526qid%253D1405341294%2526sr%253D1-1%2526keywords%253Dthe%252Bcatalyst%252Bby%252Bsandra%252Bk.%252Bmarshall&hmac=627288a8e53fdf1e398ed112e83eabec" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="color: #174061; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Riverboat-Mysteries-Sandra-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00EV47SE2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405341294&sr=1-1&keywords=the+catalyst+by+sandra+k.+marshall</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black;">Addiction - <a href="http://mail.twc.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.amazon.com%252FAddiction-Sandra-K-Marshall-ebook%252Fdp%252FB00FI6JHT6%252Fref%253Dsr_1_1%253Fs%253Dbooks%2526ie%253DUTF8%2526qid%253D1405341541%2526sr%253D1-1%2526keywords%253DAddiction%252Bby%252Bsandra%252Bk.%252Bmarshall&hmac=478f319aa689b1e78791061302364624" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="color: #174061; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Sandra-K-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00FI6JHT6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405341541&sr=1-1&keywords=Addiction+by+sandra+k.+marshall</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
The Deceived - <a href="http://mail.twc.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.amazon.com%252FDeceived-Sandra-K-Marshall-ebook%252Fdp%252FB00G7XR0XE%252Fref%253Dsr_1_1%253Fs%253Dbooks%2526ie%253DUTF8%2526qid%253D1405341685%2526sr%253D1-1%2526keywords%253DThe%252BDeceived%252Bby%252Bsandra%252Bk.%252Bmarshall&hmac=8a0f4ec36460b0ca3159973aa3e889b0" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="color: #174061; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.amazon.com/Deceived-Sandra-K-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00G7XR0XE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405341685&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Deceived+by+sandra+k.+marshall</span></span></a><br />
A Fool's Fool - <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://mail.twc.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.amazon.com%252FFools-Fool-Sandra-K-Marshall-ebook%252Fdp%252FB008QC210Q%252Fref%253Dsr_1_1%253Fs%253Dbooks%2526ie%253DUTF8%2526qid%253D1405341869%2526sr%253D1-1%2526keywords%253DA%252BFool%252527s%252BFool%252Bby%252Bsandra%252Bk.%252Bmarshall&hmac=22d26370814d9eae600f42640a8b5893" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="color: #174061; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.amazon.com/Fools-Fool-Sandra-K-Marshall-ebook/dp/B008QC210Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405341869&sr=1-1&keywords=A+Fool%27s+Fool+by+sandra+k.+marshall</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black;">All Bets Are Off - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Bets-Are-Sandra-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00LETFUZG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405894139&sr=8-1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="color: #174061; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.com/All-Bets-Are-Sandra-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00LETFUZG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405894139&sr=</span>8-1</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></o:p></span> </pre>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p>Buy links at Barnes & Noble</o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Catalyst - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The-Catalyst-by-Sandra-K--Marshall?keyword=The+Catalyst+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall&store=ebook"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The-Catalyst-by-Sandra-K--Marshall?keyword=The+Catalyst+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall&store=ebook</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Addiction <a href="file:///C:/Users/Sandy/Documents/DOUCMENT%20THINGS/-%20http:/www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Addiction-by-Sandra-K-Marshall?store=ebook&keyword=Addiction+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall"><span style="color: #174061;">- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Addiction-by-Sandra-K-Marshall?store=ebook&keyword=Addiction+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Deceived - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The-Deceived-by-Sandra-K-Marshall?store=ebook&keyword=The+Deceived+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The-Deceived-by-Sandra-K-Marshall?store=ebook&keyword=The+Deceived+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">All Bets Are Off <a href="file:///C:/Users/Sandy/Documents/DOUCMENT%20THINGS/-%20http:/www.barnesandnoble.com/s/All-Bets-Are-Off-by-Sandra-K-Marshall?store=ebook&keyword=All+Bets+Are+Off+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall"><span style="color: #174061;">- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/All-Bets-Are-Off-by-Sandra-K-Marshall?store=ebook&keyword=All+Bets+Are+Off+by+Sandra+K.+Marshall</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
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Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-18384659559098411492014-12-07T00:01:00.000-06:002014-12-07T00:01:00.106-06:00How Christmas is Celebrated in Other Countries
With Christmas rapidly approaching I thought you might like
to know how other countries celebrate this holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose countries that have traditions very
unlike our own, although, our country is made up of many cultures and many of
them do not celebrate in the same way I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I respect their right to their beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here in the United States Christians celebrate the birth of Christ
by putting up Christmas decorations such as a tree with lights, a nativity
scene, and decorations all over the house inside and out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put presents under the tree to give to children
and others.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On Christmas Eve many children are in small nativity plays
at church, which helps them to learn about the birth of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members of the Catholic church go to <st1:time hour="0" minute="0">midnight</st1:time> mass to celebrate Christ's birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Greece</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region>
one of the traditions on Christmas Eve, children, especially boys, often go out
singing 'kalanda' (carols) in the streets. They play drums and triangles as
they sing. Sometimes the will also carry model boats decorated with nuts which
are painted gold. Carrying a boat is a very old custom in the <st1:place><st1:placename>Greek</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If the children sing well, they might be given money, nuts,
sweets and dried figs to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas
trees are starting to become more popular, but they aren't a tradition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to a Midnight Mass Service is very
important to most Greeks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Costa Rica</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
During Christmas in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Costa
Rica</st1:place></st1:country-region>, people like to decorate their houses
with beautiful tropical flowers. A model of the nativity scene, called the
Pasito or Portal, is the center of the display. It's also decorated with
flowers and sometimes fruit. Some of the scenes take a long time to make and
all the family is involved. As well as the traditional figures, people add
other models including houses and lots of different sorts of animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Christmas wreaths are made of cypress branches and are
decorated with red coffee berries and ribbons. Most homes, shops and important
buildings are decorated with Christmas lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On Christmas Eve everyone dresses up to go to Midnight Mass.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in Hungry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Hungary</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
Christmas Eve is very important and is called 'Szent-este' which means Holy
Evening. People spend the evening with their family and decorate the Christmas
Tree. Sometimes only the adults decorate the tree (without the children there),
so when children come in and see the tree, it's a great surprise and they are
told that angels brought the tree for them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The main Christmas meal, which is also eaten on Christmas
eve, consists of fish and cabbage and a special kind of poppy bread/cake called
'Beigli'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Midnight Mass service is
very popular in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Hungary</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Most people go to Church after their Christmas meal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On Christmas Day people visit their families.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Compared to other religious festivals, Christmas is quite a
small festival in <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
due to the number of people who are Christians (about 2.3%) compared to people
who belong to other religions. The population of <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
is over 1 Billion, and there are over 25 million Christians in <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One of the largest Indian Christian Communities is in Mumbai.
A lot of the Christians in Mumbai (previously known as <st1:city><st1:place>Bombay</st1:place></st1:city>)
are Roman Catholics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:time hour="0" minute="0">Midnight</st1:time> mass is a very important service for Christians in
<st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
especially Catholics. The whole family will walk to the mass and this will be
followed by a massive feast of different delicacies, (mostly curries) and the
giving and receiving of presents. Churches in <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
are decorated with Poinsettia flowers and candles for the Christmas Eve
Midnight Mass service.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Instead of having traditional Christmas Trees, a banana or
mango tree is decorated (or whatever tree people can find to decorate!). Sometimes
people use mango leaves to decorate their homes.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In <st1:place>Southern India</st1:place>, Christians often
put small oil burning clay lamps on the flat roofs of their homes to show their
neighbors that Jesus is the light of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In north-west <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
the tribal Christians of the Bhil folk, go out night after night for a week at
Christmas to sing their own carols the whole night through. They go to
surrounding villages singing to people and telling the Christmas story.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jamaica</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Christmas is a very special time in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Jamaica</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and like a lot of other countries, radio stations play carols all through the
Christmas period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of people paint
their houses and hang new curtains and decorations for Christmas. Most families
spend Christmas Day at home with friends and family members.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Christmas day meal is usually prepared on Christmas Eve.
The traditional Jamaican Christmas meal include fresh fruits, sorrel and rum
punch and meat. The Christmas Day breakfast includes ackee and saltfish,
breadfruit, fried plantains, boiled bananas, freshly squeezed fruit juice and
tea. Dinner is usually served in the late afternoon and this may include
chicken, curry goat, stewed oxtail, rice and peas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jamaican red wine and rum fruitcake is traditional and is
eaten in most homes. The fruits in the cake are soaked in red wine and white
rum for months before Christmas. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Pakistan</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
December 25th is a public holiday, but it is in memory of Jinnah, the founder
of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Like
in <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
Christians make up a very small part of the population. But as <st1:country-region><st1:place>Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
has a population over 162 million people, there are more than 5 millions
Christians! Most Christians in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
live the country and are quite poor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At Christian festivals, like Christmas and Easter, a big
procession takes place, in <st1:city><st1:place>Lahore</st1:place></st1:city>,
from St. Anthony's Church to the Cathedral. It takes hours to reach the Cathedral
for the services. These are then celebrated with lots of enthusiasm! Before and
during Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people to prepare for
Christmas or 'Bara Din' (which in Urdu and Punjabi means the 'Big Day'). This
expression is very popular, even among Muslims in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
During the last week of Advent, in many Christian areas,
carol singing is performed by various groups. They go from house to house
singing carols and in return the family offers something to the choir. Mostly
the money collected from such carols is used for charity works or is given to
the church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the big Christian areas, each house is decorated and has
a star on the roof. The streets are also decorated and lit. The crib and
Christmas tree are also important decorations. Sometimes there are crib
competitions! Christians also sometimes exchange Christmas cakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On Christmas eve, Churches are packed for the <st1:time hour="0" minute="0">midnight</st1:time> or vigil-mass services. The choirs sing
very special hymns. After the vigil-mass, in some places, there are fireworks
which help celebrate the start of Bara Din. People dance, exchange presents and
enjoy the special night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On Bara Din or Christmas day, Christians go to Church again
for the Bara Din celebrations. People wear their best, colourful clothes. They
can stay in the Church courtyard for hours, enjoying various food from the
different stalls. The evening is usually celebrated with immediate family or
relatives where special food is enjoyed. Adults often visit their parents.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The traditional Christmas greeting in Punjabi is 'Bara Din
Mubarrak Ho', which means, 'the blessing of Christmas on you'.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">South Korea</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There are more Christians in <st1:country-region><st1:place>South
Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region> (the <st1:place><st1:placetype>Republic</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename>Korea</st1:placename></st1:place>) than in other Asian
countries such as <st1:country-region><st1:place>China</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>, so
Christmas is celebrated more widely. (Christians make up about 25-30% of the
population.) However, the other 70% of people in <st1:country-region><st1:place>South
Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region> are Buddhist (about 25%) or don't have
a religion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Unlike <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
Christmas is an official public holiday - so some people have the day of work
and school (although for some people it's just another working day or day at school)!
But they go back on the 26th (Boxing Day). There's a longer official winter
break in the New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Churches are decorated with lights and many have a bright
red neon cross on top (all the year!) so that goes very well with the Christmas
lights! Most churches will have a service on Christmas day. Going to Church for
Christmas is becoming more popular, even among non Christians.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In North Korea Christmas is very different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Officially, a person is allowed to be a
Christian, but they can be imprisoned or killed for being one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To celebrate Christmas it's done in
secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Japan</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Christmas is not widely celebrated in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
as not many people there are Christians. However, several customs have come to
Japan from the <st1:country-region><st1:place>USA</st1:place></st1:country-region>
such as sending and receiving Christmas Cards and Presents. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
Christmas in known as more of a time to spread happiness rather than a
religious celebration. Christmas eve is often celebrated more than Christmas
Day. Christmas eve is thought of as a romantic day, in which couples spend
together and exchange presents. In many ways it resembles Valentine's Day
celebrations in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and the <st1:country-region><st1:place>USA</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Young
couples like to go for walks to look at the Christmas lights and have a
romantic meal in a restaurant - booking a table on Christmas Eve can be very
difficult as it's so popular!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Christmas is not a national holiday in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
so schools and businesses are normally open on December 25th.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I hope all of you found this as fascinating as I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many more countries I could have
told you about, but I didn't want to overload everyone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there are countries you are interested in
learning about their Christmas traditions go to this link: <a href="http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thank you for reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-36455428582584060172014-11-30T00:01:00.000-06:002014-11-30T00:01:00.208-06:00Do You Remember the Day?
My husband is taking over my blog, so be sure to
leave a comment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here he is, my honey,
Ron Marshall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's all yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may add a few comments here and there just
to spice it up a bit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I can remember some (just some) years back when television
was not on 24/7. I would watch TV in the evenings until it went off the air
around midnight, TV back then signed off the air with the Star-spangled Banner
song. (That was a really long time ago. They had rabbit ears then.) </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2rY8J0P2oOwPxEXxgXfJoFLbIAymVO5AUH7ihtDE-Rb3Eo_XrcPwfWkRrEZ8gxmK73w_DcSB8XkUjNw76h4Zp_ku6c01lrzbjZLGLFfLGAT_d4HIQzgdChXAUBDfgLqi7gGPEcmRQy_C/s1600/untitled.png++Rabbit+Ears.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2rY8J0P2oOwPxEXxgXfJoFLbIAymVO5AUH7ihtDE-Rb3Eo_XrcPwfWkRrEZ8gxmK73w_DcSB8XkUjNw76h4Zp_ku6c01lrzbjZLGLFfLGAT_d4HIQzgdChXAUBDfgLqi7gGPEcmRQy_C/s1600/untitled.png++Rabbit+Ears.png" height="320" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Television with Rabbit Ears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Also, I remember there were only a couple of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>advertisements in a thirty minute program. Now,
I wonder how many people watch TV today and wonder where the hell all of those
advertisements come from. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can change
channels to several different stations, and the odds of finding another
advertisement is almost guaranteed. To me the odds are pretty damn good you are
going to get a commercial everywhere you go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I understand your frustration, honey.)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I understand they need to make revenue but every 5 or maybe
10 minutes, if you are lucky. When they first talked about cable TV coming it
was rumored that they would be commercial free. I just wonder why we pay so
much money for cable or whatever means we get our programming to watch nothing
but commercials. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So many commercials are trying to sell you medications, and
you have to ask your doctor if a certain med will cure you. They warn you on
the advertisement the side effects could be heart attack, liver problems,
internal bleeding, swelling of your joints, etc.. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is always a disclaimer, and it goes on
and on. Why would you even consider taking a medication with so may side
effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It scares the hell out of you
to take anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You are right, honey,
and not only that many medications make you feel dizzy and off-balance.)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another commercial is for quick car loans with no questions
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hahahahahha <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I was just wondering if you remember, I
sure do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, that's it from my husband this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just had to rant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a good week, and I'll see you next Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a>
<br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-4805638821421822552014-11-23T00:01:00.000-06:002014-11-23T00:01:00.123-06:00My Favorite Pumpkin Bread Recipe
The holidays are upon us with Thanksgiving this
Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's the time of year to
express thanks for being lucky to have a roof over our heads and food in our
bellies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think of all the
people in the world who don't have these things then you know you're
fortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is the time of year I do all my baking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I used to work at TWA, I always took
cookies and bread every in for everyone as my gift to my co-workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's time to make sugar cookies, chocolate
chips, oatmeal cookies, Christmas balls with pecans, date cookies, pumpkin
bread, banana nut bread and many more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Years ago I even made pop corn balls, but not anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even some of the other things have fallen by
the wayside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One thing I do make is pumpkin bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not the traditional pumpkin bread that
looks like mustard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pumpkin bread is
rich and dark, which means it's mysterious, but I'm going to give you the
recipe today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I have to warn
you it is rich and has a ton of calories, but you'll love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make it all you do is dump all the
ingredients in a bowl like a dump cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simple!</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
Pumpkin Bread</div>
3 1/2 cups flour<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 cups sugar<br />
3 t soda<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 cup Crisco oil<br />
1 1/2 t salt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4
eggs<br />
1 t cinnamon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1/3 cup
water<br />
1 t nutmeg<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1
can pumpkin (16 oz)<br />
1 t ginger<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 t vanilla<br />
1 t cloves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1
cup black walnuts<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Use 1 pd. coffee cans or bread pans, grease and fill half
full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on the size of bread
pans you'll get three loaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sometimes make the miniature loaves, and then I can get five or six
loaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake at 350 degrees for one hour
for large loaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to check with
a toothpick because it could take longer and it will take less time with
smaller loaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It makes a huge difference if you use English walnuts
instead of black walnuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changes the
flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I have added raisins, but
not often because I like this recipe just like it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have a great and safe holiday, and I'll see you again next Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-22138279624706311592014-11-16T00:01:00.000-06:002014-11-16T00:01:00.436-06:00Best Selling Author, Suz deMello Explains What You Need and Don't Need in a Book
Please welcome, author, Suz deMello and learn how to write a
romance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This talented author can give
you a lot of tips if you're a beginning writer, or even a published
author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm0t3udvG1Bqpa3sHA8MN5M1ugeVtwOGBAgrwjFnViJe11BRGHq0MBefS-2xDMiWpz_52-xalU6zKuBBtb6sFnS90Zh0EJDNZtMCdfvnPXxw1Z2ruqYZXwKdPtoQJCg17CUzIsuX4coV5/s1600/suz+w+name+venice+mask.jpg++Suz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm0t3udvG1Bqpa3sHA8MN5M1ugeVtwOGBAgrwjFnViJe11BRGHq0MBefS-2xDMiWpz_52-xalU6zKuBBtb6sFnS90Zh0EJDNZtMCdfvnPXxw1Z2ruqYZXwKdPtoQJCg17CUzIsuX4coV5/s1600/suz+w+name+venice+mask.jpg++Suz.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">About the Author:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<h3 style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Best-selling,
award-winning author Suz deMello</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">,
a.k.a Sue Swift, has written seventeen romance novels in several subgenres,
including erotica, comedy, historical, paranormal, mystery and suspense, plus a
number of short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. A freelance
editor, she’s held the positions of managing editor and senior editor, working
for such firms as Totally Bound and Ai Press. She also takes private clients.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<h3 style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Her books have been favorably
reviewed in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Publishers Weekly, Kirkus </i>and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Booklist,</i> won a contest or two,
attained the finals of the RITA and hit several bestseller lists.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<br />
<h3 style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A former trial attorney, her
passion is world travel. She’s left the US over a dozen times, including
lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning
her next trip.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Check out Suzie's site<a href="file:///C:/Users/Sandy/Documents/DOUCMENT%20THINGS/:%20http:/www.suzdemello.com"><span style="color: blue;">:
http://www.suzdemello.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And her blog: <a href="http://www.thevelvetlair.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.TheVelvetLair.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A few words about writing sex scenes by Suz
deMello (#NaNoWriMo #iamwriting #writingcraft @MFRW_ORG)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 1pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
From my
writing treatise, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plotting and Planning,</i>
available at <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/deMelloPlotting"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/deMelloPlotting</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 1pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My first writing
treatise, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Write This, Not That!</i> is<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> free</i></b> through 2014:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="background: white; color: black;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/o8zy7xw"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/o8zy7xw<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>kobo<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="background: white; color: black;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/qewm3ts"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/qewm3ts</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>google</span></b><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 1pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcL3oUq8CSiAIxBQUJXgtCysXjk8R0G4f0SXTC023llVz8JBTWxbOijT3RAEsiOm9rZ_8Qu7APMYOi-KxlnkozEOympWNaEn9RqSvf6gy-OtKknN6mMXXh02ALzA-P0qSPTwHco0jGtZm9/s1600/plotting+and+planning+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcL3oUq8CSiAIxBQUJXgtCysXjk8R0G4f0SXTC023llVz8JBTWxbOijT3RAEsiOm9rZ_8Qu7APMYOi-KxlnkozEOympWNaEn9RqSvf6gy-OtKknN6mMXXh02ALzA-P0qSPTwHco0jGtZm9/s1600/plotting+and+planning+FINAL.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scenes are the building
blocks of your story, for acts are comprised of scenes. They're nothing more
than events, most often interactions between your characters. Scenes should
fulfill at least one or two of the below purposes—best if you can include all four.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">•Advance
plot<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">•Reveal
or develop character<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">•Complicate
or resolve conflict<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">•Express
setting, mood, theme<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everything in your manuscript should have a
function, even every comma or em-dash. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
How
does this apply to the writing of erotica?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Too
often, sex scenes are shoehorned into a story to increase the word count or the
heat level, while those scenes don't fulfill any other function. To quote from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plotting and Planning</i> again, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everything in a story should contribute to
it, from the biggest monster to the tiniest comma. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
If a
scene doesn't contribute to the story, it doesn't belong there. It doesn't
matter how well-written it is. It doesn't matter how hot it is. It doesn't
matter how much you, the author, may love the beautiful prose or the scorching
hot, kinky sex. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
There's
a piece of writerly advice out there: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kill
your darlings.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
No
one's quite sure where this phrase originated, but it's been repeated often, by
such notable authors as William Faulkner and Stephen King. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="file:///F:/Sue%20writing/ABOUT%20WRITING/PP%20blog%20and%20pix/(http:/www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/10/18/_kill_your_darlings_writing_advice_what_writer_really_said_to_murder_your.html)"><span style="color: blue;">(http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/10/18/_kill_your_darlings_writing_advice_what_writer_really_said_to_murder_your.html).</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
But
it doesn't matter who originated the phrase--it's great advice. We often fall
in love with our prose and are loath to cut it, especially when we may have
slaved over a particularly well-turned clause or exhaustively researched, say,
the eating habits of the lesser lemur of Madagascar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
But
fiction is no place to be a smarty-pants. Leave that for term papers, book
reports and theses. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
In
terms of writing sex scenes, what do we leave in and what do we cut?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
We
leave in those scenes that fulfill at least one of the above purposes. Ideally,
a well-written, thoughtfully planned encounter will fulfill more than one
purpose. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Here's
a brief example, from a story I wrote called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gypsy Witch.</i> The back story is that the heroine is dating a cop.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieW4u5zkIt4l5gqRknqzy9JYMNkCnfNNsH_N6Jl09P58b93CE_cNGT2zj3FWEjkliNqK9ODMAVio1qEo5EHJSG1njGgYufZYi3mLqZua1QdfP8pQ182LQzWGs3ViVC-nypJZl6kPesaGc/s1600/EC+Gypsy+Witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieW4u5zkIt4l5gqRknqzy9JYMNkCnfNNsH_N6Jl09P58b93CE_cNGT2zj3FWEjkliNqK9ODMAVio1qEo5EHJSG1njGgYufZYi3mLqZua1QdfP8pQ182LQzWGs3ViVC-nypJZl6kPesaGc/s1600/EC+Gypsy+Witch.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ben propped himself up
on his elbows to better see the naked woman beneath him. Sheened with sweat,
Elena’s lush curves glowed in the reddish half-light of her bedroom, curtained
in exotically patterned swaths of gauze and silk. A curl of smoke from a lit
incense stick scented the air with sandalwood. Otherworldly New Age music
flowed out of a boombox in the corner, irritating the hell out of him. <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Though the paragraph is very sensual, there’s quite a bit of
characterization and even a little conflict—and this is only the first
paragraph of the story. We see that Ben is very “feet-on-the-ground” while
Elena, his lover, is exotic and New-Agey. So character is described, setting is
related and the romantic conflict is shown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
If you like what you read, find the story here: <a href="http://www.ellorascave.com/gypsy-witch.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.ellorascave.com/gypsy-witch.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
As a
romance novelist, I believe firmly that erotic scenes should never be gratuitous.
If a writer keeps the purposes a scene must fulfill in mind while writing, the
sex is never out of place but is a seamless part of a well-written story.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thank you, Suz, for being here today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm sure all of my readers including myself
have learned a lot from you. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If anyone has any questions of Suz be sure to ask them in
the comment section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to check
out Suz's website at <a href="http://www.suzdemello.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.suzdemello.com</span></a>
and her blog at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.thevelvetlair.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.TheVelvetLair.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Suz, thank you for
visiting my blog today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've enjoyed
learning from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week, and I'll be back on my blog next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra</div>
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-26799939511835279822014-11-09T00:01:00.000-06:002014-11-09T13:35:33.731-06:00Veteran's DayTuesday is Veteran's Day, so please don't forget our soldiers
away from home as well as here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our men
and women in the armed services overseas are lonely and homesick, so if you
have someone fighting for us in another country be sure to write to them and
send them packages from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
holidays approach it will be even worse for these young people so please,
please write weekly to your family members and others.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwv1IoGuM_d-HmtJIARwU0zPPcekSqq4ENZi0kpYeSnSAIEFWJ2W5cNbZiwJrRFuvT0nP_qjqY9-Gk-W1xZ_L38PCntloRX2PC9m0L3dk2Nj-VJ7JY6uX9us-DzDrqcE0O5h56_sy6Gs2/s1600/Soldier+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwv1IoGuM_d-HmtJIARwU0zPPcekSqq4ENZi0kpYeSnSAIEFWJ2W5cNbZiwJrRFuvT0nP_qjqY9-Gk-W1xZ_L38PCntloRX2PC9m0L3dk2Nj-VJ7JY6uX9us-DzDrqcE0O5h56_sy6Gs2/s1600/Soldier+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
So many of our young soldiers suffer horrible injuries both
mentally and physically, so be sure not to forget them when they come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can, donate to Wounded Warriors at <a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62NlG5WsbKj0S7VKfjVkEosNe9Nw6mWqRYjsQMMLZS3umDtd4zxDTg16chTF6zBNlgRo_5ms0dGS2ywimb7OsThwf1KBqSKW-uPWJpr8AFUFYrTn8pORk67gNlc7r_FbyoUsMGXbDAtJE/s1600/Soldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62NlG5WsbKj0S7VKfjVkEosNe9Nw6mWqRYjsQMMLZS3umDtd4zxDTg16chTF6zBNlgRo_5ms0dGS2ywimb7OsThwf1KBqSKW-uPWJpr8AFUFYrTn8pORk67gNlc7r_FbyoUsMGXbDAtJE/s1600/Soldier.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It's the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us the freedom of the press.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It's the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It's the Soldier, not the politicians that ensures Our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happiness.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag.</div>
Author Unknown<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For those who can't donate monetary or time to help our
veterans just click daily on this site and you can help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://theveteranssite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/vet/thank-you"><span style="color: blue;">http://theveteranssite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/vet/thank-you</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thank you for reading, have a great week, and I'll see you
next Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
Twitter - @AuthSKMarshall<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a>Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-72156294498289491662014-11-02T00:01:00.000-05:002014-11-03T12:30:51.990-06:00Contest ! Contest!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.romancebooks4us.com/Monthly_Contest.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.romancebooks4us.com/Monthly_Contest.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBNBv8GvhQgXdUqK_ckib8TJi69ppx4NMhyphenhyphentuHJh0pdi-DvWts-SiakHA1vYjkk4l8HIwc5RwI_PSc6yDcB5X6AugD9k4epFuXGEAZ0WPKGkvBZMuM6_m01KcaIEFVp-st8e_Zmrrz7xB/s1600/turkey_day.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Romance Books 4 Us is having another contest this month and below is a list of the prizes being offered. <br />
<br />
PRIZE LIST:<br />
1. Two $50 Gift Cards - one each for two winners.<br />
2. $10 Gift Card for Secret Cravings Publishing for SCP.<br />
3. Choice of ebook from backlist books by romance author Tina Donahue.<br />
4. Ebook of winner's choice from backlist books by romance author Jean Hart Stewart.<br />
5. Kindle copy of Belle's Band by romance author Alina K. Field.<br />
6. E-copy of Tidal Falls by romance author Jacquie Biggar.<br />
7. Christmas ornaments (Texas theme) from romance author Desiree Holt.<br />
8. Ebook of winner's choice from backlist of romance author JC Szot.<br />
9. PDF copy of Do You Take This Cat by romance author Missy Martine.<br />
10.Ebook of The Silk Tie by romance author Lily Harlem.<br />
11.Signed paperback of Christmas At The Cove by romance author Rachel Brimble.<br />
12. Paperback copy of The Rover Bold by romance author Anna Markland.<br />
13.A Thanksgiving digital swag bag including Starbucks Gift Card, ebook copy of Scents and Sensuality and Ebook copy of Written Wisdom by romance author Joan Reeves.<br />
14.E-copy of Romancing Christmas by romance author Sandy Loyd.<br />
15. Kindle copy of When We Dance by romance author Alanna Lucas.<br />
16.Ebook of winner's choice from books (including Snow Angel) by romance author Chantilly White.<br />
17.A bag of Christmas decorations and an e-copy of The Catalyst by romance author Sandra K. Marshall.<br />
18.Tote of Scottish goodies: books, mug, mouse pad, shirt, etc., from romance author/model A.B. McKinley.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"><strong>17.A bag of Christmas decorations and an e-copy of The Catalyst by romance author DD</strong></span><br />
Details on how to enter the contest go to <a href="http://www.romancebooks4us.com/Monthly_Contest.html">http://www.romancebooks4us.com/Monthly_Contest.html</a><br />
<br />
Good luck with the contest everyone. <br />
<br />
Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday.<br />
<br />
Sandra K. Marshall, Author<br />
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/">http://www.skaymarshall.com</a>Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-11411813685500658902014-10-26T00:01:00.000-05:002014-10-26T00:01:00.269-05:00What Is Fan Fiction?
I'll admit I knew nothing about fan fiction until this past
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My understanding of what fan
fiction is; is that the person writing the story is a fan of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>person they are writing about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
can be a favorite author, a band, a singer, a favorite book, television series,
or anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, most definitions
say fan fiction concerns the writings of an author, specifically, rewriting the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Definition : Fanfiction is when someone takes either the
story or characters (or both) of a certain piece of work, whether it be a
novel, tv show, movie, etc, and create their own story based on it. Sometimes
people will take characters from one movie and put them in another, which is
called a cross-over.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM63BdJuUhNgLbHvgTxnja2Q0PK12f3rWtVfTd1-sUJxo1aq-wnP_blbOd45xBp4FyF0vHAJ98aw85MufKSXF9zxdhS18vpYWNxYr0SHAUolQmRHynrK-DvHt0TtP4PSVLXexRghoMfzO9/s1600/untitled.png+Harry+Styles.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM63BdJuUhNgLbHvgTxnja2Q0PK12f3rWtVfTd1-sUJxo1aq-wnP_blbOd45xBp4FyF0vHAJ98aw85MufKSXF9zxdhS18vpYWNxYr0SHAUolQmRHynrK-DvHt0TtP4PSVLXexRghoMfzO9/s1600/untitled.png+Harry+Styles.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Styles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
How I became interested in this topic is because a young
woman, a fan of Harry Styles and the One Direction band wrote stories about
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrote fan fiction about Mr.
Styles using his name and the other band members drawing a huge crowd to her
site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This woman has received a six
figure contract with Simon and Schuster for a book titled After.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSjXjLLRwh7uNrtgbrn1_LHQfELlpCsDAOh3ErcVP-PXD9_NGHBFeVCOZ7GKVAwrd_tT_yZa27I8eQ_QBvXQotjxDjvAkvsguR90CSO5S7ABac6z9aNUMxoOkp1v7Ltt-xxj9belkDt-D/s1600/One+Direction+Band.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSjXjLLRwh7uNrtgbrn1_LHQfELlpCsDAOh3ErcVP-PXD9_NGHBFeVCOZ7GKVAwrd_tT_yZa27I8eQ_QBvXQotjxDjvAkvsguR90CSO5S7ABac6z9aNUMxoOkp1v7Ltt-xxj9belkDt-D/s1600/One+Direction+Band.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Direction </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, the publisher had the author change the names of
the characters in the book, but everyone knows who they are originally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The typos have been removed from the book and
the sex scenes expanded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is the premise of the book:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The synopsis is just as vague and dirty as
one could imagine. According to the After Table of Contents on Wattpad.com, the
story follows thusly: "Tessa Young is an 18 year old college student with
a simple life, excellent grades, and a sweet boyfriend. She always has things
planned out ahead of time, until she meets a rude boy named Harry, with too
many tattoos and piercings who shatters her plans."<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Harry Styles is, of course, the Harry in question. Other
members of One Direction make appearances in the story as well.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At this point, there hasn't been a comment made by Harry
Styles or One Direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot to
mention that the book is going to be turned into a movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of Harry Styles and One Directions are
very upset by this depiction of him and the band even though it's fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some fans have turned away from the group
because of this book assuming the story is factual. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Fifty Shades of Gray was written as fan fiction for the
Twilight series and made it huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
More information can be found on the links below.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/one-direction-fan-fiction-writer-gets-six-figure-book-deal-20141023"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/one-direction-fan-fiction-writer-gets-six-figure-book-deal-20141023</span></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/what-is-fan-fiction-and-why-is-it-making-people-nervous-1334505-Mar2014/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/what-is-fan-fiction-and-why-is-it-making-people-nervous-1334505-Mar2014/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanfiction"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanfiction</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/22/business/media/harry-styles-of-one-direction-stars-in-anna-todds-novel.html?_r=0"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/22/business/media/harry-styles-of-one-direction-stars-in-anna-todds-novel.html?_r=0</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.musictimes.com/articles/6535/20140603/harry-styles-starring-one-direction-fanfiction-gets-official-book-deal.htm"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.musictimes.com/articles/6535/20140603/harry-styles-starring-one-direction-fanfiction-gets-official-book-deal.htm/">http://www.musictimes.com/articles/6535/20140603/harry-styles-starring-one-direction-fanfiction-gets-official-book-deal.htm</a></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
These authors of fan fiction might need to read the copy
right law of 1976 because they could get into serious trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rights belong to the author to make any
changes to her work she/he wants to. Some
authors have encouraged fan fiction writers because most of them never get
published.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
While many authors and television show writers such as J.K. Rowling
and Joss Whedon have supported fan fiction, in that they have even hosted
contests for fan fiction, these same writers have also later brought copyright
lawsuits against writers of fan fiction. Returning to the Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling
initially was supportive of fan fiction writers, in particular, the Starkid
Productions’ A Very Potter Musical franchise. However, Rowling was also
surprised by the amount of sexually explicit fan fiction written about her
characters. She took action against specific writers of “smut” while remaining
silent against other derivative works such as James Potter, a series
concentrating on the future generations of the Potter universe. An author has a
right to protect her work but what does it mean when an author chooses to
prosecute a particular type of writing while allowing and encouraging others?
Unfortunately for writers of fan fiction, it is unclear and the power remains
with the author of the originating work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
More can be found at this link on this topic: <a href="http://lawblog.usfca.edu/internetjustice/2013/fan-fiction-and-copyright-law/"><span style="color: blue;">http://lawblog.usfca.edu/internetjustice/2013/fan-fiction-and-copyright-law/</span></a>
and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_issues_with_fan_fiction"><span style="color: blue;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_issues_with_fan_fiction</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Do you see anything to be concerned about with fan fiction,
or do you think it's okay? </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thank you for reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-49227505170423684772014-10-19T00:01:00.000-05:002014-10-19T00:01:00.345-05:00Go Royals!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes1r20B6jMugs-Hn1eFAGLpu0ROmj44HGlLLscxBDd_PwSIO2PF3-KKvmxh0e9ah9xhc5QOU0wqQtTpN6GpPClvwpgQ-JF0EV2BgkwZO-PGcu_sp6QYh3lNLKVmURU0En6SHg4EHVyGVC/s1600/untitled.png+Royals+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes1r20B6jMugs-Hn1eFAGLpu0ROmj44HGlLLscxBDd_PwSIO2PF3-KKvmxh0e9ah9xhc5QOU0wqQtTpN6GpPClvwpgQ-JF0EV2BgkwZO-PGcu_sp6QYh3lNLKVmURU0En6SHg4EHVyGVC/s1600/untitled.png+Royals+2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're the best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Oh yes, Kansas City is behind the Royals!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There hasn't been this much excitement over a
sports team in Kansas City in many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Do you think the Royals will win the series?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's why I think they will win:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There's not a big ego among the whole bunch
of players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not one player thinks he can
do it without the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as the
Royals work as a team; they can win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Each player on the team contributes, and they are all
wonderful no matter what position they play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go Royals!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I'll be watching!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will you? </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvLfOr4GE-Lcm4SRcivBXVmUqiFWqA7XnRGwfNtEgxUvoaQPOWqKKjdX5pBwzu_T0QcXMbFzzX5a8V7MpTNtFzjYvlWz9qwL0Z_aUrukYe6-jr-0GG5Jm91-1ZSwHp50D4j4OD04-NhR5/s1600/images.jpg+Royals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvLfOr4GE-Lcm4SRcivBXVmUqiFWqA7XnRGwfNtEgxUvoaQPOWqKKjdX5pBwzu_T0QcXMbFzzX5a8V7MpTNtFzjYvlWz9qwL0Z_aUrukYe6-jr-0GG5Jm91-1ZSwHp50D4j4OD04-NhR5/s1600/images.jpg+Royals.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We support you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Eirelander
Publishing</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Website</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AuthSKMarshall/status/496365255165878272"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a></div>
<br />Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-55928638043037371392014-10-12T00:01:00.001-05:002014-10-12T00:01:00.444-05:00The Truth About Christopher Columbus
Tomorrow is Columbus Day, and it's observed to celebrate
Christopher Columbus discovering the new continent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we have been taught in school may not be
the total truth about this man.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The man who wrote this article explains how to tell the
story of <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city> to a child after
they've been given misinformation at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ0_YapOVt8XMbJQ7btCnWECZVaw1HSZvrx4oI4dG5NYP_mIXD5okxJ0ylyDZ0s-3FNbbBGEHl83ri8fT0SJ27ViaWGqXxOgkZemRb0OZd5pSX-MHTGRrVDjjg7V8KX10WKD4dqPiNXG9/s1600/130205155638-christopher-columbus-story-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ0_YapOVt8XMbJQ7btCnWECZVaw1HSZvrx4oI4dG5NYP_mIXD5okxJ0ylyDZ0s-3FNbbBGEHl83ri8fT0SJ27ViaWGqXxOgkZemRb0OZd5pSX-MHTGRrVDjjg7V8KX10WKD4dqPiNXG9/s1600/130205155638-christopher-columbus-story-top.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></o:p>The story goes that <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>
had to persevere against the odds to get support for his venture, because
everyone but him believed the Earth was flat. This just isn't true. The ancient
Greeks proved that the Earth was round about 2,000 years ago, and one even used
the shadow of the Earth on the moon during an eclipse to estimate its
circumference. The problem for <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>
is that he was bad at math and worse at geography, and everyone with an
education knew it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"He failed to get funding for a long time because his
calculations of the earth were on the small side, he thought that dry land
covered more of the sphere than it does, and he believed <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>
was some 1500 miles off the coast of <st1:country-region><st1:place>China</st1:place></st1:country-region>."
In other words, most people knew roughly the distance between the west coast of
<st1:place>Europe</st1:place> and the east coast of <st1:place>Asia</st1:place>
but believed it was filled with a vast ocean in which <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>
would surely die.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city> was
stubborn. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, he refused to give up his
plan, and because he was so stubborn, he kept fighting for funding until he
finally broke through to the Queen of Spain. His stubbornness kept him from
ever admitting that he hadn't reached <st1:place>Asia</st1:place>. For <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>,
the idea of a whole new continent and unknown peoples just didn't fit his
worldview.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The indigenous peoples of the <st1:place>Caribbean</st1:place>,
however, were used to hosting strange arrivals from all over the <st1:country-region><st1:place>Americas</st1:place></st1:country-region>
in their towns, according to Howe. Their settlements were decades or even
centuries old, built in part on transcontinental trade, and <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>
did not seem so outlandish. These were settled lands with rich societies, not,
as often depicted, simple or primitive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
That's one of the real tragedies of the story of <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>
and probably the hardest part to explain to children. The complex indigenous
societies of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>Americas</st1:place></st1:country-region>
were decimated by exposure to <st1:place>Old World</st1:place> diseases,
crumbling under the weight of epidemic. By the time later waves of settlers
arrived in <st1:place>North America</st1:place>, they often found wilderness. It
was a new wilderness, born of drastic population decline.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city> didn't
know that his voyage would spread diseases across the continents, of course,
but disease wasn't the only problem. <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>
sailed the ocean blue not for the love of exploration but because he wanted
access to Asian gold. Instead, he found marvelous soft cotton, which was far
superior to similar cloth in <st1:place>Europe</st1:place>. He also took slaves
for display back home and to work in his conquered lands. Cloth and slavery
defined the Columbian exchange from the beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Despite all this, it's not correct to simply demonize <st1:city><st1:place>Columbus</st1:place></st1:city>.
He was a brave man, launching his ships into an uncertain fate, driven by
greed, faith and hope. Like many brave men, he believed very strongly that he
knew what he was doing -- even though he was wrong about so many details -- and
it's OK to be impressed by his bravery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Moreover, his voyages had an undeniable historical impact,
sparking the great age of Atlantic exploration, trade and eventually
colonization by Europeans. In a very real way, this era reshaped the world, the
languages we speak, the religions we follow, the foods we eat and the diseases
we catch. I don't know if that's a reason to have a school holiday, exactly,
but it's definitely worth remembering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So if your child comes home in the lead up to Columbus Day, like
the man's in this article did, full of praise for the explorer's bravery and
vision, that's a fine place to start, even if he didn't really "discover"
the <st1:country-region><st1:place>Americas</st1:place></st1:country-region> or
figure out that the Earth was round. He was, indeed, brave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But then explain that brave people can do bad things, and
worse things can happen without any planning. That's one of the lessons of
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below is the source I used for
this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/10/opinion/perry-columbus-day-what-to-tell-your-kid/index.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/10/opinion/perry-columbus-day-what-to-tell-your-kid/index.html</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week, and I'll see you again next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a>
<o:p></o:p><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-57604502069863173692014-10-05T00:01:00.000-05:002014-10-05T00:01:00.127-05:00Share The RoadI know I have written about this problem before, but I just have to say more on this topic. Have you ever gotten mad at the drivers around you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drivers have no patience these days; they are
all in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may know my hubby
and I got a Suzuki Burgman over a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We don't go too far on it, and so far we've felt relatively safe riding
it, but that hasn't been the experience of many others. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawDUbQJv-2E25krBQahwkLIhDncrq980S_sC2m2gdyQC3qSVRMzvi-myKRMqU0uBN5T-adIfYD2aH__kDTWHCHVpYejSuS_UAaPQT80dv0e4t7-XFO8xi_O-hd3fbgTd86lBQzaR5AWRx/s1600/100_1418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawDUbQJv-2E25krBQahwkLIhDncrq980S_sC2m2gdyQC3qSVRMzvi-myKRMqU0uBN5T-adIfYD2aH__kDTWHCHVpYejSuS_UAaPQT80dv0e4t7-XFO8xi_O-hd3fbgTd86lBQzaR5AWRx/s1600/100_1418.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby when he first got his Burgman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Sunday, my
husband and I rode our Burgman motor scooter to church, but we stopped for
breakfast first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While eating breakfast,
a young couple walked up to us and started talking to us about the Burgman and
asking how we liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We told them we
loved it, and really got a lot of enjoyment from riding it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The woman told us the story of how she used to ride her
Burgman to work because it was the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>perfect size for her to manage, and had room
for her laptop and other things she needed for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, she was headed to work on I-635 when
a young driver drove her off the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she got back up on the highway, she was astonished when the young
girl flipped her off after nearly causing her to have a bad accident. To make a
long story short, the woman who rode the Burgman to and from work became so
afraid after that incident she sold her scooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will not even ride on the back of her
husband's motor cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A young woman at our bank lost her husband this past summer
just a block or two from his home when a drunk driver in a pickup truck hit and
killed him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This accident happened in a
residential area at a stop sign, and the man in the car was hit head on by a
driver going 60 plus miles.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's monstrous when
people drive drunk, text or are otherwise distracted, and are so careless they
do not see others on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've all
seen the drivers on the highway weaving in and out of traffic crossing
lanes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These drivers are dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
need to slow down and have some consideration for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
While we're on the topic, I want to say something about the
bicycle riders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's true they shouldn't
be riding on the road unless there is a bicycle path, but they don't deserve to
be ran over either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need more places
for cyclists to ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There's more than one driver on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay safe everyone no matter what mode of
transportation you use to travel from place to place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Oh, by the way, I'm working on a new website again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would like to take a look at it and
tell me your thoughts about it, you're welcome to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a>.
<br />
<br />
Also, Romance Books 4 Us is having a new contest this month.
<br />
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: top;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Romance Books '4'
Us contest is up and ready for you to enter! Over 20 prizes, and you have MANY
chances to win something!<br />
<br />
Visit: <a href="http://mail.twc.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.romancebooks4us.com&hmac=35ba50ed9a4d67004cd1f8d2fd816184" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.romancebooks4us.com</span></a> for rules
and prize list. Be sure to check every page; lots of authors and their books,
industry rep and services, and a publisher with books to offer!</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ <a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Eirelander
Publishing</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a>Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-38571228205919744952014-09-28T00:01:00.000-05:002014-09-28T00:01:00.476-05:00My Favorite Season Is Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love fall for so many reasons, but most of all because of the colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red, yellow, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>orange, wine and greens are just gorgeous
mixed together in the trees and on ground bushes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their beauty is wonderful to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It's fantastic to ride the trails on horseback, or on the
road by car, truck and motorcycle while enjoying the sight of the fall
colors around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air is brisk and
to me it's energizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Even a nice long walk along the river can be invigorating, and a enjoyable way to get your exercise. Wink!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The anticipation of hot apple cider, hay rides, cooking hot
dogs and marshmallows over bon fires is high for kids and adults. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to pumpkin patches to pick out pumpkins
for Halloween and Thanksgiving is a thrilling treat for everyone.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyD1LJEHvgHLjyHD3FNM_0xxC_vvfrtNXxyoVvG_X_qOSJqKyyezEvAAZaxuGP6DfKB03SvUT6SSQ3GXKDQXW4pRSIbEQez1Kqk_Tvh09e_gGwZamFqUw7pjNNAaRQ1n1JxqgW6qHNc7M/s1600/Pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyD1LJEHvgHLjyHD3FNM_0xxC_vvfrtNXxyoVvG_X_qOSJqKyyezEvAAZaxuGP6DfKB03SvUT6SSQ3GXKDQXW4pRSIbEQez1Kqk_Tvh09e_gGwZamFqUw7pjNNAaRQ1n1JxqgW6qHNc7M/s1600/Pumpkins.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Patch in Weston, Missouri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ96cDjQfkEHsDq_thIzGHEpbvpuA49-TpCiEyj7p3Ibr5KZoof3yk5no08wEqLGlm4cCiU7F5pb1mvw4kSaOI9g4KPJPk-8HlOF3XmRvZw4bVG_0DfLsEtiYbGZz-zwLq7iDqcg_ZgT_/s1600/Fall+in+Missouri+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ96cDjQfkEHsDq_thIzGHEpbvpuA49-TpCiEyj7p3Ibr5KZoof3yk5no08wEqLGlm4cCiU7F5pb1mvw4kSaOI9g4KPJPk-8HlOF3XmRvZw4bVG_0DfLsEtiYbGZz-zwLq7iDqcg_ZgT_/s1600/Fall+in+Missouri+2.png" height="184" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ozarks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Just to give you an idea of how beautiful it is here in <st1:state><st1:place>Missouri</st1:place></st1:state>
in the fall look at the photos below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
the photos don't do the season justice.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq73_aUchCOwYT2XG57Lu243dHX1iOcy8EoO6lokQIdbMCLk7cVR3n443iFrpLBAC3Rf6EHv_9UpfHtlAcu_UvoJjAm4dVwWQbjpbdXwfJey8fF_u_yyuTgLlhheF_eZUzJYGHsmEPLHvd/s1600/Fall+picture+in+Missouri.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq73_aUchCOwYT2XG57Lu243dHX1iOcy8EoO6lokQIdbMCLk7cVR3n443iFrpLBAC3Rf6EHv_9UpfHtlAcu_UvoJjAm4dVwWQbjpbdXwfJey8fF_u_yyuTgLlhheF_eZUzJYGHsmEPLHvd/s1600/Fall+picture+in+Missouri.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Missouri River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbLo1sIx6cDCPXp_uX56hvsm1T02EQ6159SoZ3Ku3zy926g1_GGzuAg8PdNmDVDmfTRcVZ_hLtViwlhBByaTTbDkctosrfggeb7eyjoesferoSNukJYRfhCIIdwzrQvfCL3U7pGedt__-/s1600/Park+College+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbLo1sIx6cDCPXp_uX56hvsm1T02EQ6159SoZ3Ku3zy926g1_GGzuAg8PdNmDVDmfTRcVZ_hLtViwlhBByaTTbDkctosrfggeb7eyjoesferoSNukJYRfhCIIdwzrQvfCL3U7pGedt__-/s1600/Park+College+2.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park College in Parkville, MO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
The only drawbacks to fall is the ragweed and the coming of
winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't even mind the coming of
winter because all seasons are beautiful, and as long as I can stay inside when
it's freezing out I can still enjoy the beauty. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Now you know my favorite season, what is yours?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandy-marshall/1a/851/a04"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sandy-marshall/1a/851/a04</span></a><br />
U-Tube - - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jvpp21_WME"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jvpp21_WME</span></a><br />
and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e684nldayz0"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=e684nldayz0</span></a><br />
Twitter - @AuthSKMarshall<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-34614944963743145362014-09-21T00:01:00.000-05:002014-09-21T00:01:00.370-05:00Authors Who Make Mistakes Always Get Caught
Hi Everyone,<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When writing a story even though it's fiction you need to be
accurate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my short story, All Bets
Are Off, I made a mistake. This is the first time I made a serious mistake and was
caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be I've made others,
and I didn't get caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One thing I noticed is that the person who reviewed All Bets
Are Off talks about the story as if she read it in print, but she really
listened to an audio copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This review was not horrible, but it was embarrassing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all I'm seventy years old and I should
know my anatomy, but I failed and was told about it in a public review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The below review is only a partial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The set up was good, the story OK. Contemporary romance
isn’t my favorite genre, but because of the addiction angle I wanted to give it
a try. Then there is the sex. I enjoy sex scenes in my stories and this book
has 2 such scenes. The first is the better of the two. I was thoroughly getting
into it but then the man stuck his tongue in her uterus. Yep. Uterus. Briefly,
I hoped the story was going to take on some mutant scifi elements, but alas, it
did not. To get to the uterus, you have to travel the entire vaginal canal and
then get past the cervix. The cervix doesn’t let just any old object enter the
uterus, being perhaps 1/8 inch opening nearly all the time (common exception is
when a baby is headed out). So either the man had a very long and narrow
tongue, or the woman had some mutant uterus that sat in the vaginal canal with
the wide open cervix. Anyway, here is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_reproductive_system" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wikipedia article</span></a> - and yes, it is safe for work. So I was totally into this sex
scene – there was heat between the characters, great descriptors, etc. and then
he sticks his tongue in her uterus. I giggled, totally taken out of the moment.
At best, this is a big typo. At worst, the author is not well informed on the
female genitals/reproductive organs. But, other than this one typo (I will be
generous in my thoughts), the story flowed smoothly and was fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUj23BXkfNf_JVhlytPmdX2SZL1p-mAYt71rxdD0zJA1WyTsp9CdfRFe9R-VrWihwbuny86E1icoQRRJOVMeJbrJSjleUBrj2AZEJ6BAk946fnITYlaB8zfR4ery1wJET7hcFYIN52XY6/s1600/Blausen_0399_FemaleReproSystem_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUj23BXkfNf_JVhlytPmdX2SZL1p-mAYt71rxdD0zJA1WyTsp9CdfRFe9R-VrWihwbuny86E1icoQRRJOVMeJbrJSjleUBrj2AZEJ6BAk946fnITYlaB8zfR4ery1wJET7hcFYIN52XY6/s1600/Blausen_0399_FemaleReproSystem_01.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If you would like to read more go to this URL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://dabofdarkness.com/2014/09/15/all-bets-are-off-by-sandra-k-marshall/"><span style="color: blue;">http://dabofdarkness.com/2014/09/15/all-bets-are-off-by-sandra-k-marshall/</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Many authors get ridiculed and torn apart for mistakes they
make in their stories, so most of us work very hard to try to be accurate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means we do our research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I didn't this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reviewer was honest about All Bets Are
Off not being her usual genre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You can bet, I will do my research in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week and I'll see you again next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-90998902524605037912014-09-14T00:01:00.000-05:002014-09-14T00:01:00.361-05:00Where Were You On 9-11-2001?
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyRZGIJnXmDuDm-ylG1C5ZW6de9bZCNGB6uMvP3W5ftvNWD47nkYBW9V59LgCicTYs9kFUdoOOKk8uB5RrRPWy0jjWOafKGL5laDC2Dz_dytvMIvvemB7WjdUKSBmXLeqKudgjlhb1D-4/s1600/untitled.png+Twin+Towers+in+New+York.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyRZGIJnXmDuDm-ylG1C5ZW6de9bZCNGB6uMvP3W5ftvNWD47nkYBW9V59LgCicTYs9kFUdoOOKk8uB5RrRPWy0jjWOafKGL5laDC2Dz_dytvMIvvemB7WjdUKSBmXLeqKudgjlhb1D-4/s1600/untitled.png+Twin+Towers+in+New+York.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Towers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On <st1:date day="11" month="9" year="2001">9-11-2001</st1:date>,
I was listening to CNN news at home when the breaking news came on about the
first tower being hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was stunned and
sat in shock watching the plane hit the tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn't believe what I was seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seemed so unreal, and I just sat there and stared at the television. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was in a stupor. Finally, I ran
into the bedroom where my husband was watching television and told him to watch
the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I went back to my television on the big screen and kept
watching; still shocked. Then, a short time later, I saw the second tower
hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It finally hit me when the towers
came down; this is really happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
short while later, there was news of the pentagon being hit, and then a plane
in rural <st1:state><st1:place>Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state> was
prevented from reaching its' destination by heroic passengers and crew members.
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx-2-fwz6oELouBLAVHRiSMq1EptdwwK1YZwCW-mQVHwZHDxWU0VrAih221ttvEQHxh1jvEsvrRspcFOiUUy2p9pqT_GccBWTJJJ5ShboVXeFR4vvAiPuPqllS_4SS2De6jOGYzdVuhj7/s1600/untitled.png++Pentagon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx-2-fwz6oELouBLAVHRiSMq1EptdwwK1YZwCW-mQVHwZHDxWU0VrAih221ttvEQHxh1jvEsvrRspcFOiUUy2p9pqT_GccBWTJJJ5ShboVXeFR4vvAiPuPqllS_4SS2De6jOGYzdVuhj7/s1600/untitled.png++Pentagon.png" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pentagon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIN59Xoo_mwQe76hL4uPo2k72itxXMwCxlK6L-0rX-L9Np5dhJVs087DhBK0od2v9bJyz1o1Sx5lqTrdP0afBja7VvzHW7UMtaQDp5IzVy4YieCtbqzTi1XYg7QvP4JuuWB14di_Nlz1AY/s1600/untitled.png+Pennsylvania+Crash.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIN59Xoo_mwQe76hL4uPo2k72itxXMwCxlK6L-0rX-L9Np5dhJVs087DhBK0od2v9bJyz1o1Sx5lqTrdP0afBja7VvzHW7UMtaQDp5IzVy4YieCtbqzTi1XYg7QvP4JuuWB14di_Nlz1AY/s1600/untitled.png+Pennsylvania+Crash.png" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flight 93 in rural Pennsylvania</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I sat and watched these events I was so sad and full of
disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could anyone hate so
much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We try to help so many and look what it gets
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn't take my eyes off the
television all and for several days after.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
By the third day, I was becoming angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paced up and down in front of the TV
ranting and marched into the bedroom to rant some more to my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so pissed that this had happened in our
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to reciprocate what
they did to us even though it doesn't make sense to lower ourselves to their
level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I was that mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Today, I'm still angry, especially, as I see Americans being
beheaded by these fanatics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Religious
wars go thousands of years back, and they have always been barbaric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope we can get through this period in
history and still retain our humanity. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here are a couple of sites to visit if you want to know more
about 9/11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://time.com/3304315/september-11-articles/"><span style="color: blue;">http://time.com/3304315/september-11-articles/</span></a>
and <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks</span></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Leave me a comment about how you heard the news of 9/11 and
how it made you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a great week,
and I'll see you next Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/+SandraKMarshall"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.google.com/+SandraKMarshall</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall</span></a><br />
Twitter - @AuthSKMarshall<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
</div>
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-9410323970248305942014-09-07T08:01:00.000-05:002014-09-07T08:01:14.852-05:00Stand Up 2 Cancer
Hello Everyone,<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
How many of you watched Stand Up 2 Cancer on television
Friday night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet many of you saw it
because it was on nearly every channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of you missed it because of all the sports activities revving up for the fall
season. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKHYzdl2QGFa9KifqTZzp3rL_BGoNBjiVNfywvgiL4L8RquRoVDNuDix45V4bla4PfnyNIUBiuG0_ur7AS8o4ScTTvKLQphMItE8ygS06p9eG3vGHTS3xLU6CVWF83NRle8gLmWhW7B97/s1600/Pancreatic+Cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKHYzdl2QGFa9KifqTZzp3rL_BGoNBjiVNfywvgiL4L8RquRoVDNuDix45V4bla4PfnyNIUBiuG0_ur7AS8o4ScTTvKLQphMItE8ygS06p9eG3vGHTS3xLU6CVWF83NRle8gLmWhW7B97/s1600/Pancreatic+Cancer.jpg" height="130" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Stand Up 2 Cancer is an organization raising money for
research to eradicate all kinds of cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their research does not just take place in this country, but around the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The countries involved in Stand
Up 2 Cancer Friday night were the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Great
Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region> and The Netherlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyone who would like to donate to research can go to <a href="https://www.standup2cancer.org/"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.standup2cancer.org/</span></a> and
for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>
residents go to <a href="https://www.standup2cancer.ca/"><span style="color: blue;">https//www.standup2cancer.ca/</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
All of us have been touched by cancer in some way by either
family or friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother died of
ovarian cancer <st1:date day="4" month="4" year="1998">April 4, 1998</st1:date>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a day I'll never forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other members of my family have died of other
types of cancer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month is
ovarian cancer month, so lets figure out how to stop cancer.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
To learn more about cancer go to the American Cancer Society
website at <a href="http://www.cancer.org/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cancer.org/</span></a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Have a great week everyone, and I'll see you next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-89104208186348720342014-08-31T00:01:00.000-05:002014-08-31T00:01:00.697-05:00Redeeming The Billionaire by Christina Tetreault
Hello Everyone,<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Welcome my friend and author, Christina Tetreault today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a new release coming up in September.</div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLUw-Of5Kx2pmVBm_eH5cHYyKu5m-N_NaV5soc3wxJs-XFoImACaH7u1Gq4Kpjhtz6e0cBTdYxAmTNIaNVayHQsSdQHb42h8uzHJ9i1oprG4eCtD0zfrjB1DcnepUYlD0n4JXjhb0XBDz/s1600/christina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLUw-Of5Kx2pmVBm_eH5cHYyKu5m-N_NaV5soc3wxJs-XFoImACaH7u1Gq4Kpjhtz6e0cBTdYxAmTNIaNVayHQsSdQHb42h8uzHJ9i1oprG4eCtD0zfrjB1DcnepUYlD0n4JXjhb0XBDz/s1600/christina.jpg" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Author Bio:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I started writing at the age of 10 on my grandmother's
manual typewriter and never stopped. When I am not driving my 3 daughters (ages
7, 5, and 5) around to their various activities or chasing around our two dogs,
I am working on a story or reading a romance novel. I just finished Redeeming
The Billionaire book 5 in the Sherbrookes of Newport series, and I have started
book 2 in my new series Love On The North Shore. You can visit my website <a href="http://www.christinatetreault.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">www.christinatetreault.com</span></a>
or follow me on Facebook to learn more about my characters and to track my
progress on my current writing projects.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Author Links:</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Website:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.christinatetreault.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">www.christinatetreault.com</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christinatetreaultauthor"><span class="Hyperlink1"><span style="color: #0000fe;">https://www.facebook.com/christinatetreaultauthor</span></span></a></div>
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Twitter: @cgricci</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW49t5z_5s9k8vsvvyKCWs59g3ve1mU-JT3kkI14Jq_iYBJZk9Ht8JNSDFTx_PKQk7f_K2jrAZ2sFcXps3X1sgVhKEEuSCDg5JQScEh-IlLIGw8_ogxJe5NAkWuxOacd8eFllUcQ74iruA/s1600/RedeemingtheBillionaire_600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW49t5z_5s9k8vsvvyKCWs59g3ve1mU-JT3kkI14Jq_iYBJZk9Ht8JNSDFTx_PKQk7f_K2jrAZ2sFcXps3X1sgVhKEEuSCDg5JQScEh-IlLIGw8_ogxJe5NAkWuxOacd8eFllUcQ74iruA/s1600/RedeemingtheBillionaire_600x900.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sexy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Blurb:</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Billionaire Trent Sherbrooke works hard and plays harder.
He’s never once cared what the media or society says about him, until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intent on making his way into the United
States Senate, Trent hires campaign advisor Marty Phillips. A ruthless force in
politics he’ll stop at nothing to get his candidate elected.</div>
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After a chance encounter throws local small business owner
Addison Raimono in <st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city>’s path,
Marty believes he’s found <st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city>’s
ticket into <st1:state><st1:place>Washington</st1:place></st1:state>.</div>
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Ignoring his conscience that insists he leave <st1:place>Addison</st1:place>
alone, <st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city> sets out to win her
over. Soon what he assumed would be a relationship to salvage his reputation
turns into so much more. But can a relationship started on a lie ever survive?</div>
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Link to book trailer:</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/XPnAF-kn_Co"><span class="Hyperlink1"><span style="color: #0000fe;">http://youtu.be/XPnAF-kn_Co</span></span></a> </div>
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Available at iTunes for pre-order now: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/redeeming-the-billionaire/id901943859?mt=11"><span style="color: #0000fe; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/redeeming-the-billionaire/id901943859?mt=11</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Available everywhere in September<o:p></o:p></div>
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Excerpt:</div>
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Marty folded up the sleeves of his shirt. “It’s all a matter
of importance. The who doesn’t matter. The wonderful opportunity it presents
does. Now, I need to know everything. How did you meet her? How long have you
known her? Have you slept with her yet?”</div>
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<st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city> pinched
the bridge of his nose. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic";">Christ,
couldn’t he have a cup of coffee with a woman without someone assuming he’d
slept with her?</span> “I met her just before we met last week. I bumped into
her on the sidewalk and spilled coffee on her. When this picture was taken I
had stopped in the bakery and when I saw her again I said hello. We talked for
a few minutes before she left.”</div>
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As Marty chewed he jotted notes down on a legal pad. “That’s
it? You didn’t ask her out to dinner? Get her phone number?”</div>
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Did the man think he asked out every attractive female he
met? “More or less.”</div>
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Marty looked up at him. “More or less, I need to know
everything. And when I say everything, I mean it.”</div>
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“I told her I wanted this office redecorated and asked if
she might be interested. Shirley called and set up an appointment with her.”
After giving Shirley the instructions, he hadn’t thought anymore about it.</div>
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“Excellent. When?”</div>
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“I’ll have to check my calendar.”</div>
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Marty tapped his pen against his pad several times before he
spoke. “We might have to change our time table a little, but I’d like to keep
to it if possible. A wedding at the end of next summer is ideal. That would
give you a solid year of marriage before the actual election.”</div>
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Caution flags jumped up as he listened to Marty. The
advisor’s original plan had been acceptable. A marriage to a wealthy socialite
who viewed their relationship as a way to achieve her own goals was one thing.
What Marty proposed now was entirely something else.</div>
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“Perhaps we should stick with what we originally discussed.
Why don’t I go through these and pick a candidate.” <st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city>
reached for the binders Marty had put together. “Then they’ll be no need to
adjust our timeline.”</div>
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“You hired me because you want to win.” Marty pointed his
pen at the picture of <st1:place>Addison</st1:place>. “She’s your ticket to the
Senate.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city>’s eyes
focused on the picture. What had she just said to him when the picture was
taken? It must have been funny because he had a huge smile on his face. Come to
think of it, he’d smiled through much of their conversation. She’d had an
easygoing nature with a great sense of humor. There had been no awkward moments
or long gaps of silence. Under different circumstances he wouldn’t mind getting
to know her better.</div>
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“The women in here may help repair your reputation.” Marty
pointed to the binders he’d put together of potential wife candidates. “This
one though will win the hearts of voters.” He nodded toward the newspaper on
the table. “I don’t understand the problem. She’s beautiful and well-educated.”</div>
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Marty had him there. <st1:place>Addison</st1:place> was
attractive and, from all he could tell, intelligent. Even with that knowledge,
a corner of his conscience prickled at the idea.</div>
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Across the table Marty popped a pickle in his mouth and
chewed as he waited. “If it helps look at it this way. Her involvement with you
will put her business on the fast track. The whole thing will still more or
less be a business agreement.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:city><st1:place>Trent</st1:place></st1:city> nodded.
Marty had a point. If he and Addison became romantically involved it would do
more for her business than an ad during the Super Bowl.</div>
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“If you’re going to make it in politics you need to learn to
do what’s right for your career, everything else comes second. Trust me, I’ve
been around long enough to know that few politicians make it with their
conscience intact.” Marty pushed the paper closer to him. “So what’s it going
to be?”</div>
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<st1:place>Addison</st1:place>’s face beamed up at him.
“We’ll try it your way, but if it’s not working we will fall back to our
original plan.” Sure, they’d had an enjoyable conversation over coffee but he
was not prepared to wager the rest of his life on that. He picked up his
untouched sandwich. “I’m assuming you made sure she’s not involved with
anyone.”</div>
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The look Marty gave him said it all. “Unless she’s got a
secret lover tucked in her closet, she’s single and has been for over a year.”</div>
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“Okay, I’ll let you know how things go. But in the meantime,
keep working on who leaked this picture.”</div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Be sure to visit, Christina's
website at </span><a href="http://www.christinatetreault.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">www.christinatetreault.com</span></a></div>
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-76048097314829935992014-08-24T07:52:00.000-05:002014-08-24T07:52:35.761-05:00Special Ed Teachers and Police Officers
I know you are already wondering what these two groups have
in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's start with the fact
that both teachers and police officers are required to take so many classes
every year to keep updated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Did you know all law enforcement across the country are
being required to take classes how to handle a person with autism spectrum
disorders?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are taught to recognize
the symptoms and how the officer should act with an autistic person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Special ed teachers work daily with special needs kids, but
it's only been in the last few years when officers started coming in contact
with young adults with these symptoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
officers didn't recognize what was going on unless they knew someone who had
these kind of stressors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Even so teachers are the first line for working with special
needs kids, and they deserve a lot of credit for working with these kids and
still remaining sane. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A family may have
one child like this and work with them 24/7, but a teacher may have many kids
like this in her class room for eight hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Working with a special education child takes a family,
teachers and a community in order to help them live normal lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thank you for reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you next Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a><br />
Twitter @AuthSKMarshall<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-9989632389683090402014-08-17T11:12:00.000-05:002014-08-17T11:12:13.708-05:00Quakers, Amish, and Pennsylvania Dutch Are Often Confused
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As a child, I lived in a small farming community, and all my
life, I was told our family was Quaker and Pennsylvania Dutch, so I decided to
do some research on this subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
totally confused myself because it doesn't match up with what I've been
told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do remember attending a Friends
church in this area and the women wore little white hats tied on their head
with long skirts or dresses.</div>
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My great-great-grandparents on my grandfather's side were from
<st1:country-region><st1:place>England</st1:place></st1:country-region> and
were Amish, and on my grandmother's side they were Quaker, and she referred to
herself as Pennsylvania Dutch because her family migrated from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>
near the Dutch border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I'm
still confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lol</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Let’s get one thing straight: Quakers are not Amish, Amish
are not Quaker, Amish are usually Pennsylvania Dutch, and Pennsylvania Dutch
are sometimes Amish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing irritates a member of one of these
groups more than when the three terms are used interchangeably. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So who are all these people, and what are the
differences between them?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit6Y3isurQxej11CqAVhi8bYaLzTwf5EV4TEbmdnbETJxcI9gZSQlSPLXsnPCptk9cCWeDQTvzEIPYLd7iACLIk4urECAhB-gaJx9pXkFKqBomCfT7Z6xEPMcHopNgILOTDYJWxiGInHv/s1600/Amish2-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit6Y3isurQxej11CqAVhi8bYaLzTwf5EV4TEbmdnbETJxcI9gZSQlSPLXsnPCptk9cCWeDQTvzEIPYLd7iACLIk4urECAhB-gaJx9pXkFKqBomCfT7Z6xEPMcHopNgILOTDYJWxiGInHv/s1600/Amish2-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish not Quaker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The term Pennsylvania Dutch refers to descendants of German
settlers of Pennsylvania (the German word for German is Deutsche, which is
probably why others picked up the word Dutch). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pennsylvania Dutch do have their own
language — a derivation of German — but that language is virtually extinct at
this point, and modern Pennsylvania Dutch are indistinguishable from other
modern Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pennsylvania Dutch are
a variety of religions, including Lutheran, Mennonite, Baptist, Amish (yes,
that’s a religion — more on that in a minute).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Pennsylvania Dutch are similar to any other ethnic group whose
relatives came in the 18th century…They may have some lasting cultural
traditions (certain foods, for instance), but they are in other ways much like
any other Americans.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Amish (at least the Old Order ones, which is who most
people think of when they think of the Amish) do very much stand out from other
ethnic and religious groups in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amish is a Protestant religion (a particular denomination of Mennonite,
actually), and most Amish are actually Pennsylvania Dutch — meaning (as you now
know) they are descended from Pennsylvania Germans and spoke that particular
dialect of German.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What makes the Amish
stand out is that the rules of their church prohibit many modern conveniences,
including electricity and more modern technologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They still drive horses and buggies (they
will get in a car if necessary, but only if somebody else is driving); they
wear old-fashioned dresses and overalls with bonnets and black hats; they value
farm labor and de-emphasize education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are very much an insular community, as marriage outside of the
church is forbidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your child’s
college roommate will most likely not be Amish, though there’s a chance he or
she will be Pennsylvania Dutch — or Quaker, for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and the Amish don’t like to have their
pictures taken, so please don’t run up to them, mouth agape, snapping photos.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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Quakers have nothing to do with either of these two other
groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, okay, Quakerism is a
religion, and Quakers came to North America in the 18th century (and earlier),
but that’s where the similarities end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quakers are Protestant; they are one of the many religious sects that
emigrated from England searching for religious freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quakers are unusual among Christians in that
they worship without any form of priest or pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They believe that anyone can communicate with
God or be in touch with “that of God within himself,” hence Meeting for Worship
consists of sitting in silence together, with individuals speaking when they
feel moved to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quakers are pacifists and
believe in simplicity and humility, so their places of worship are quite
plain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Quakers did once dress in
simple, old-fashioned clothing, they long ago abandoned those outfits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, much like the Pennsylvania Dutch,
Quakers are indistinguishable (on the outside) from other Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might be sitting next to one right now.</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How did these three different terms come to be
confused?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s probably because they all live in
eastern Pennsylvania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lancaster has
enclaves of Amish, and the Pennsylvania Dutch stretch across much of eastern
and central Pennsylvania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quakers were
Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers (William Penn converted to Quakerism, much to
his father’s dismay), and Quaker schools offer some of the best educations in
Philadelphia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But beyond their
geographical proximity, these three groups are quite different, and one of the
best ways to seem like a real Philadelphian is to not get them confused.</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1. Amish is a belief based on simplicity and strict living,
unlike the Quakers who typically are liberals.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
2. The Amish religion has priests, while Quakers believe
that as everyone has a connection with God they don’t need a priest to preside
over any ceremony.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
3. The Amish believe in maintaining the ways of the past and
don’t consider using modern amenities.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
4. Though their beliefs lead to different lifestyles, both
believe in God and in peace.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
What do Quakers believe?</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
They believe that every person is loved and guided by
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broadly speaking, we affirm that
"there is that of God in everyone." Everyone is known by God and can
know God in a direct relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are called to attend to this relationship and to be guided by it. Quakers use
many words to describe the Divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of them include: God, the Light Within, Christ, Spirit, Seed, and Inward
Teacher.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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Are Quakers Christian?</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Quaker way has deep Christian roots that form our
understanding of God, our faith, and our practices. Many Quakers consider
themselves Christian, and some do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many Quakers today draw spiritual nourishment from our Christian roots
and strive to follow the example of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many other Quakers draw spiritual sustenance from various religious
traditions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and the nature
religions.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It sounds like Quakers can believe anything they like―is
that so?</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Quakers invite the word of God to be written in our hearts,
rather than as words on paper—they have no creed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they also believe that if they are sincerely open to the Divine Will, they
will be guided by a Wisdom that is more compelling than our own more superficial
thoughts and feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can mean
that they will find themselves led in directions or receiving understandings that
they may not have chosen just from personal preference. Following such guidance
is not always easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why
community is important to Quakers, why they turn to each other for worshipful
help in making important choices, and why they read the reflections of other
Quakers who have lived faithful lives.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Can I attend Quaker meeting?</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are welcome
to attend Quaker worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
Quakers of all ages, religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, sexual
orientations, gender identities, abilities, and classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All are welcome. You can find meetings in
your area at <a href="http://www.quakerfinder.org/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.quakerfinder.org</span></a></div>
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</div>
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Below are sources you can go to learn more about these religions. </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-quakers-and-amish/#ixzz3AacH6AQP"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-quakers-and-amish/#ixzz3AacH6AQP</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/philadelphia/2010/08/15/not-to-be-confused-quakers-amish-and-pennsylvania-dutch/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/philadelphia/2010/08/15/not-to-be-confused-quakers-amish-and-pennsylvania-dutch/</span></a>,
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-quakers-and-amish/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-quakers-and-amish/</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.fgcquaker.org/explore/faqs-about-quakers"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.fgcquaker.org/explore/faqs-about-quakers</span></a></div>
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</div>
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Okay, people, I hope I have shed some light on this topic
and not confused you as much as I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>lol<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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</div>
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Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-996122091824500962014-08-10T11:42:00.002-05:002014-08-10T11:42:36.490-05:00Postage Stamps
<br />
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Hi Everyone,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Okay, you might think I'm a little weird to write about
postage stamps, but I'm a card sender and letter writer (short ones these
days), so I have to buy stamps when I run out of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, I bought more stamps, and I ran
into a real beauty (my opinion), so it made me think of all the others
beginning with the first ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lol</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW54KVfwzvdScSkRwhaBpJxw2frc0N9AWgu6G6UaKaDH8AS3iG5Eu9lVdihLljyPe75gnD6y5zjvbUZxsYnSFxkK9-07GTrtMVVsbCVDOITY1rW8LFENW7ox7vN_deeWrlqHPj977VD8-d/s1600/14-FarmersMarkets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW54KVfwzvdScSkRwhaBpJxw2frc0N9AWgu6G6UaKaDH8AS3iG5Eu9lVdihLljyPe75gnD6y5zjvbUZxsYnSFxkK9-07GTrtMVVsbCVDOITY1rW8LFENW7ox7vN_deeWrlqHPj977VD8-d/s1600/14-FarmersMarkets.png" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I bought two books of Farmer's Market stamps (the beauties I
mentioned above).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The postal employee
said they just came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you
think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are more coming this month,
too.</div>
<br />
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Stamps as we know them date back to the 1830s, with Sir
Rowland Hill's proposals to reform the British postal system in 1837. Prior to
that it was normal for the recipient to pay postage on delivery and the system
was difficult, expensive and open to fraud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The idea of adhesive stamps as a form of pre-payment marked
a landmark in communications around the world, with stamp-making picked up in
every country on the face of the Earth. But some picked things up quicker than
others. Here's a look at the first five issues of postage stamps.</div>
<br />
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The Penny Black and Two Penny Blue<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Initially a competition was launched by the Treasury to find
a design suitable for the new stamps, but no winner was declared as it was
concluded that none were suitable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Instead they made use of a design suggested by Hill himself,
based on a profile of Queen <st1:state><st1:place>Victoria</st1:place></st1:state>,
the image being of her when she was just 15 years old. All British stamps
continue a tradition of presenting the monarch's head somewhere on the stamp.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpaHy32hUnI88DnR58ZWVadMMN-y2TBDlOy1P0fskA4-NXyTCYFjvfKvuh2rpLy9uyzjx-vNCTRcizZu937yFlzt_pKKI7KxILVPyI0p2uUdkSO21GedLbJXNMPN-jfsA-c_sx37HxdI2/s1600/PennyBlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpaHy32hUnI88DnR58ZWVadMMN-y2TBDlOy1P0fskA4-NXyTCYFjvfKvuh2rpLy9uyzjx-vNCTRcizZu937yFlzt_pKKI7KxILVPyI0p2uUdkSO21GedLbJXNMPN-jfsA-c_sx37HxdI2/s1600/PennyBlock.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>The Penny Black and Two Penny Blue were released together (or
at least within days of each other - there is some dispute over whether the
Blue was fractionally later) at the start of May 1840. Roughly 68,808,000 Penny
Blacks alone were released.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The <st1:state><st1:place>New York</st1:place></st1:state>
Dispatch<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surprisingly, perhaps it was nearly two years before stamps
were picked up in another country. That was the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United
States of America</st1:place></st1:country-region>, but the stamps issued
were not by any means for use all round the country.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Instead it was created by one Alexander M Greig of New York
City, who issued stamps, bearing a portrait of Washington, printed from line
engraved plates, and charged 2c only to carry letters anywhere in the city - or
at least as far as 23rd street. The government charged 3c.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Greig established his postage stamp in February 1842. By
August it had been sold into the government and became the United States City
Dispatch Post. Greig was made a government officer, apparently as part of
removing his annoying undercutting of the authorities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On <st1:date day="1" month="7" year="1847">July 1, 1847</st1:date>, Congress authorized the Postmaster General to release the first <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> postage stamps. Two imperforate stamps were issued, the 5 cent Benjamin Franklin which paid the domestic letter rate of 5 cents per half-ounce for up to 300 miles, and the 10 cent George Washington which paid the domestic letter rate of 10 cents per half-ounce for distances greater than 300 miles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUotGtzi5wkrIZR9ta4aqWFJ6ft-5rrU3sUPIGg78oMWW6vSkFv9t_lcvLo2Vhi9tMEYZNiKgvnC87uEsR8O_0tFCJgUqETbPg2K0jeW-_GlMmAv5zUovoRFord8wyQov8j7k00AtJlS3t/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUotGtzi5wkrIZR9ta4aqWFJ6ft-5rrU3sUPIGg78oMWW6vSkFv9t_lcvLo2Vhi9tMEYZNiKgvnC87uEsR8O_0tFCJgUqETbPg2K0jeW-_GlMmAv5zUovoRFord8wyQov8j7k00AtJlS3t/s1600/0001.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhUJ5wL3pyo2EgpuJAE-PmR62Mh7ffupeyj-s0iAE2y6dsaVgkNr6nXAwPFTZGxD5fjyRVbmQILIlXja5dinPAgq5unr3vFg6x_ah_Km2mgEX51ef0DHhANLUiEWKirjaPDWFcp601P3y/s1600/0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhUJ5wL3pyo2EgpuJAE-PmR62Mh7ffupeyj-s0iAE2y6dsaVgkNr6nXAwPFTZGxD5fjyRVbmQILIlXja5dinPAgq5unr3vFg6x_ah_Km2mgEX51ef0DHhANLUiEWKirjaPDWFcp601P3y/s1600/0002.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
</o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The <st1:city><st1:place>Zurich</st1:place></st1:city> 4 and
6<o:p></o:p></div>
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Within days of Greig's postage stamp being absorbed by the
government, a report was published in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region>
- or rather the Swiss canton of <st1:city><st1:place>Zurich</st1:place></st1:city>
- recommending a simplification of the postage system, which was as cumbersome
as <st1:country-region><st1:place>Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s
had been.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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In March the following year, <st1:city><st1:place>Zurich</st1:place></st1:city>
became continental <st1:place>Europe</st1:place>'s first postal authority to
issue postage stamps based on a design produced by a lithographer called
Esslinger of Zurich.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The two stamps were valued at four and six rappen to cover
postage rates within the city and outside it respectively. The design made
things as clear as possible with large numeral appearing right in the centre of
the stamp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>The Brazilian Bull's Eye<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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South America's first stamp issue was the fourth in the
world, but in fact could have been its second with a law passed back in
November 1841 allowing the Brazilian government to create stamps - some time
before Alex Greig started annoying the authorities in New York.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN32x4I6O6xSQVoeEBc0zLksY54czR8jEux5x8B96x5Ta9niH7oXJJxDKpXVDq3tWMc_f6oHNEXGZb1kJtG6jOiGjAxFhtYUDdJWog30R7xbxnjjQxqpug_9w5c_722g05GgjZvVUKvSmI/s1600/BrazilianBullseyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN32x4I6O6xSQVoeEBc0zLksY54czR8jEux5x8B96x5Ta9niH7oXJJxDKpXVDq3tWMc_f6oHNEXGZb1kJtG6jOiGjAxFhtYUDdJWog30R7xbxnjjQxqpug_9w5c_722g05GgjZvVUKvSmI/s1600/BrazilianBullseyes.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>In fact, the Brazilian Bull's Eyes were released on <st1:date day="1" month="8" year="1843">1 August 1843</st1:date>, having face values of 30,
60, and 90 réis. <st1:country-region><st1:place>Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>
was nevertheless the second country in the world, after <st1:country-region><st1:place>Great
Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>, to issue postage stamps valid
within the entire country.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The name derives from the ornamental value figures inside
the oval settings such that pairs of them could resemble a pair of bull's eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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In mint condition a 30 reis Bull's Eye stamp is worth around
$5,000.</div>
<br />
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Double <st1:city><st1:place>Geneva</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The second stamp issued in continental <st1:place>Europe</st1:place>
was again in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
But interestingly the early proposal by Alphonse de Candolle makes no reference
to events in <st1:city><st1:place>Zurich</st1:place></st1:city> if he had any
knowledge of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Instead he had simply been examining the effects of stamp
use by Britain, which he did not refer to in his report by name, but merely
refers to it as the 'most mercantile nation in the world which knew best the
value of time'.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Double Geneva followed on <st1:country-region><st1:place>Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s
production closely with the first issuing taking place on <st1:date day="30" month="9" year="1843">September 30 1843</st1:date>. However only a few were
successfully created and survive. Indeed, at one point it was thought the stamp
was never issued and examples were forgeries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A Double Geneva in good condition is now worth around 55,000
Swiss Francs (US$50,000).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sources<a href="file:///C:/Users/Sandy/Documents/:%20%20http:/values.hobbizine.com/stamps/us-1847-57.html"><span style="color: blue;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://values.hobbizine.com/stamps/us-1847-57.html</span></a>
and <a href="http://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/News/Postage-stamps/2010-News-Archive/The-Top-Five...-Oldest-stamp-issues-in-the-world/4783.page"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/News/Postage-stamps/2010-News-Archive/The-Top-Five...-Oldest-stamp-issues-in-the-world/4783.page</span></a></div>
<br />
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Thank you for visiting my blog today, and please come back
next Sunday to read more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing<br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-21135474431598517632014-08-03T00:01:00.000-05:002014-08-03T00:01:00.692-05:00Does Technology Drive You A Bit Crazy?
Hi Everyone,<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Most writers just want to write, but they have to do many
other things as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing I hate
to take the time to do is learn new technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Geez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can't they just leave things
like they are and stop trying to improve stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Some of you may know my computer crashed a few weeks ago due
to a storm in our area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to buy a
new computer, of course, my husband had been telling me for two years I needed
a new one. I'm digressing (blame it on
Kari, I read her blogs), so to get back on track my new computer required me to
learn Microsoft 8.1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My question is what
was wrong with Microsoft 7?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved
Microsoft 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wah!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Okay, I'm going to be honest and say it's not as difficult
as I'm making it out, but it is irritating to have your computer crash and buy
a new one to find out everything you are familiar with isn't on the new one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm irritated because I have spent too much
time learning new technology instead of writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Microsoft is going to change everything;
why don't they provide a manual, so I don't have to learn by experimenting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All right, if I had a smart phone, or at least
knew how to use one I would have figured some of this stuff out faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One of the big things that irritated me is copying stuff and
trying to paste into my old word processor, which I love (2003).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally figured I have to copy and paste
into notepad, and then I can paste into my Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, that isn't exactly easy either because
wherever I'm copying from I have to right click to copy and then go to notepad
and right click to paste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I right click
again in notepad, go to Word and go to edit to paste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes it is, if you knew that was how it's done
in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I will admit
after many tries Microsoft finally popped up and gave me the solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why didn't they give it to me the first time?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another thing I don't like that Microsoft has done is they
have changed Windows Mail, but I'm sure some people like it even better, but
I'm not one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Microsoft wants you
to have a password for every app you use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have three pages of passwords already, please give me a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I know it is for my own safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grrr!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It just doesn't make me like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frankly, I could have done without most of those apps, but everything
has an app these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Not only have I learned Microsoft 8.1, but I have returned
to Twitter after a 5 year absence when I got hacked there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don't know what I'm doing on that
site, but if you would like follow me there just look for #AuthSKMarshall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There is one technical little site that I'm loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's called Hootsuite, and the reason I like
it so much is because I can use it to send message to all my social media sites
at the same time without going to those sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yay, I don't have to go to Facebook, Twitter, Ning, Yahoo Groups,
LinkedIn and Google+ to promo or post anything because I can do it on
Hootsuite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that wonderful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Learning anything takes time, but I'm doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need more time in a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One more thing, don't get too comfortable
with 8.1 because I hear 9 is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn't that just make your
day?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Moving on to some promo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something else, I don't like to do, but has to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My short story, All Bets Are Off, came out in
audio during this mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the link
for it if you prefer to listen to your stories rather than read them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Bets-Are-Off/dp/B00LU1M6NC/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405894139&sr=8-1"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.amazon.com/All-Bets-Are-Off/dp/B00LU1M6NC/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405894139&sr=8-1</span></a></div>
<br />
BLURB:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y5TgPRi1BeyPmAsUhyphenhyphendP8aj39WWETOM_OzaJU-fVc0LeXdBkptydRIV8FbhOJgSGobo8kTs8Ej3RjylBbWMzUOnQxuABTARC0CE2aqLvNFkgKGOK3DXXf38fKyYaVJEzr8TtMLeoYEus/s1600/BN_All+Bets+Are+OfF_Sandra+K+Marshall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y5TgPRi1BeyPmAsUhyphenhyphendP8aj39WWETOM_OzaJU-fVc0LeXdBkptydRIV8FbhOJgSGobo8kTs8Ej3RjylBbWMzUOnQxuABTARC0CE2aqLvNFkgKGOK3DXXf38fKyYaVJEzr8TtMLeoYEus/s1600/BN_All+Bets+Are+OfF_Sandra+K+Marshall.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Can a recovering gambling addict bet on a second chance at
love?</div>
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Ana Torres has dug her self out of her gambling debts and
started a business to help others with the same problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, she wants to show her soul mate she has
changed and win him back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
Jason Gibbs meets his wife at a party and realizes he still
loves her even after all she cost him with her gambling addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to find out if she has changed, and
if she has, he will woo her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
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Amazon Kindle Link: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Bets-Are-Sandra-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00LETFUZG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405894139&sr=8-1"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.amazon.com/All-Bets-Are-Sandra-Marshall-ebook/dp/B00LETFUZG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1405894139&sr=8-1</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope you like my new blog template, and if you go to my
website it's in chaos right now, as I'm going to change it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for listening to me today, and if
you have any helpful suggestions, or if you have a rant of your own I'm willing
to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smile!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a great week, and I'll see you next Sunday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Sandra K. Marshall, Author</div>
@ Eirelander Publishing, <br />
<a href="http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com/"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.eirelanderpublishing.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/"><span style="color: #174061;">http://www.skaymarshall.com</span></a><br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-66597887990208111312014-07-27T05:00:00.000-05:002014-07-27T05:00:05.176-05:00Lady Justice and the Pharaoh's Curse by Robert Thornhill<br />Hi Everyone,<br />
<br />
Welcome local Kansas City area author, Robert Thornhill. This prolific author has another great book released titled Lady Justice and the Pharaoh's Curse. I have read the excerpt and this book sounds very intriguing, especially, as I've seen the King Tut exhibit in Cairo and, also, at the exhibit in Kansas City.<br />
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An artifact is stolen from the King Tut exhibit, setting in motion a string of bizarre murders that baffle the Kansas City Police Department<br /> A local author simultaneously releases his novel, The Curse of the Pharaohs, attributing the deaths to an ancient prophesy, ‘Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the King.’<br />
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Are the deaths the result of an ancient curse or modern day mayhem?<br />
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Follow the clues with Walt and decide for yourself!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
PROLOGUE</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Valley of the Kings</div>
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</div>
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Egypt</div>
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1323 B C</div>
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Imhotep, a high priest in the court of Tutankhamun, Pharaoh of Egypt, took one last look at the vault that held the sarcophagus of his beloved boy king.<br /> His craftsmen had spent months preparing the body of the king and the vessels that contained his vital organs, so that the Pharaoh could pass freely from this mortal life to the next.<br /> His last remaining task was to seal the tomb with its gold and precious stones, and conceal it from the marauders, raiders and looters that roamed the desert hills.<br /> He stood before the Anubis, the jackel-headed god that had been the protector and guardian of the pharaoh’s tombs for centuries.<br /> Between the jackal’s paws, he placed a stone tablet inscribed with the words, “Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the King.”<br /> The Anubis stood guard in the dark tomb for more than three thousand years. Then one day, the tomb was opened -----<br />
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<br />Lady Justice and the Pharaoh’s Curse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kansas City, Missouri</div>
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2014</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
CHAPTER 1</div>
<br />
Bernard Maloof pulled the dog-eared journal from under his mattress and carried it to the small dinette table in the kitchen. <br /> Although he had read the journal dozens of times, he needed to read it one more time to reinforce the decision he was about to make. He knew that if he acted on the information he had found there, his life would be forever changed. There would be no turning back.<br /> He took a moment to reflect on the events of the past year that had delivered the journal into his possession.<br /> Bernie was just an ordinary guy living an ordinary life. <br /> His parents had been killed in an auto accident. He was the sole beneficiary of a small life insurance policy and had used the money to enroll in the Metropolitan Junior College. After a year, the money ran out. He dropped out of school and found a job working on a custodial crew that cleaned office buildings at night.<br /> The job paid enough to keep a roof over his head and food on the table, but little else. <br /> Then one day, he received the call that would change the course of his life. It was from an attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. His uncle, Nasser Maloof, had passed away. Bernie, his only living relative, had been named executor of the estate. Nasser’s will had also designated him as the beneficiary. The call was to see if Bernie was available to come to Cleveland to settle his uncle’s affairs.<br /> Bernie knew very little about his uncle other than that he was a skilled craftsman and artisan. In 2003, Nassar had been contacted by Dr. Mostafa El-Ezaby, one of the most prestigious sculptors in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. El-Ezaby was putting together a team of craftsmen whose task would be to replicate the vast collection of treasures discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun by Howard Carter in 1922. Since the original treasures were no longer permitted to leave Egypt, the goal was to replicate a thousand of the most significant artifacts from the collection which would be presented on a world tour. Nasser Maloof had been invited to become a member of the team.<br /> The timing could not have been worse. Nasser’s wife, Anat, was too ill to make the journey to Egypt. Realizing that this was a great honor for her husband, Anat encouraged him to go and moved into a private nursing facility.<br /> The decision enraged Bernie’s father, Rashidi, who believed that family was more important than prestige. Nasser had been gone for almost a year when Anat passed away --- alone. Rashidi had not spoken to his brother from that day until he perished in the auto accident.<br /> Bernie took a leave of absence from his job and headed to Cleveland hoping that his uncle’s estate would put him back on his feet financially so that he could continue his schooling. He couldn’t have been more mistaken.<br /> Without insurance, the monthly fees for the nursing facility soon drained their meager savings account. Nasser mortgaged their home so that Anat could get the care she needed. <br /> Instead of a tidy nest egg, Bernie found a stack of unpaid bills and a house mortgaged to the hilt. When it was all said and done, Bernie had just enough money for gas back to Kansas City.<br /> Two days before his departure, he had been boxing up clothing, dishes and other household items for the Salvation Army. That’s when he found a metal canister in the back of the closet. The journal, which he had just opened on his dinette table, was tucked away in the canister.<br /> Weary from his labors, he had taken a break to examine the journal. It appeared to be a diary of sorts, a day-by-day account of Nasser’s work replicating the artifacts from King Tut’s tomb. Much of the narrative was of a technical nature and beyond Bernie’s comprehension. He was soon bored with the technical stuff, but he kept reading because interspersed were Nasser’s personal feelings about how the work was progressing. Nasser was quite articulate and as Bernie read, he found himself fascinated by this family member he barely knew.<br /> The early entries were positive and optimistic, but as time went on, Bernie could sense a change in the tone of the entries. Although Nasser loved the work he was doing, it was obvious that he was missing his home and burdened with guilt having left his wife in her time of need.<br /> Nasser’s entry about the death of his wife brought tears to Bernie’s eyes. The anguish and remorse that Nasser felt was heartbreaking.<br /> It was at that point that the tone of the entries changed again, from somber and reflective to bitter and vengeful. He now saw his work as the culprit in his financial demise and the abandonment of his family.<br /> Following the account of his wife’s death, the entries in the journal were no longer about an artisan proud of his work, but about a clever plot to exact revenge on the entity that had ruined his life.<br /> Bernie had deduced that his uncle’s work involved taking epoxy resins, plaster, and original materials such as wood, stone, and gold leaf to make the replicas, instead of using the solid gold and precious stones of Tutankhamun's day. Nevertheless, over 5,000 original artifacts were at his fingertips on a daily basis as models for the replicas. <br /> Bernie read with fascination his uncle’s account of his final task on the team --- the replication of Anubis, the protector of Tutankhamun’s tomb. <br /> One entry read, “The statue of the Anubis, depicted completely in animal form was attached to the roof of the shrine. The jackal lying on the shrine is made from wood, covered with black paint. The insides of the ears, the eyebrows and the rims of the eyes of the reclining animal are worked in gold leaf as well as the collar and the band knotted around the neck. The whites of the eyes are made from calcite and the pupils from obsidian. The claws are in silver, which was more valuable than gold in Ancient Egypt.<br /> “I shall replicate the Anubis in every detail with one exception, the belly of the beast shall be hollowed out to accommodate the gold and precious stones which I will take from various artifacts over a period of time. Given the vastness and the age of the collection, the purloined items will never be missed.”<br /> The remaining entries in the journal detailed the items that Nasser had removed from the original artifacts, an emerald here, a ruby there, a bit of gold or silver from somewhere else. Everything was hidden in the hollowed belly of the Anubis and finally sealed.<br />
The last entry in the journal read, “My task is complete. While no amount of riches can bring back my beloved Anat or assuage the torment that I feel, I have, at the very least, struck a blow against the ghost that pulled me away from my family. These riches from the pharaoh’s tomb shall remain hidden until such time as I or a member of my family can claim them.”<br /> Bernie was dumbfounded. If what he had just read was true, and he had no reason to believe it wasn’t, somewhere out there was an artifact filled with gold, silver and precious stones and he was the only person in the world that knew of its existence.<br /> During the long drive back to Kansas City, he replayed the journal entries over and over in his mind.<br /> What his uncle had done reminded him of the old Johnny Cash song, One Piece at a Time. It was about a guy that worked on the assembly line at General Motors building Cadillac’s. The guy had always wanted one but knew he couldn’t afford one, so he devised a plan to steal one piece at a time over a period of years.<br /> One verse said, “I’ve never considered myself a thief, but GM wouldn’t miss just one little piece, especially if I strung it out over several years.”<br /> In the end he put all the parts together from 1949 to 1970 and had one “Psyco-Billy Cadillac!”<br /> Bernie couldn’t wait to get home and research the tour which had been named,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Discovery of King Tut</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His Tomb * His Treasures</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Breathtaking Recreation</div>
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</div>
He was delighted to discover that the traveling exhibit was to be at Union Station in Kansas City in the near future.<br /> He had to get close to that exhibit and he figured out just the way to do it.<br /> Once back home, he made several trips to Union Station and discovered that many of the exhibits were manned by volunteers. He went to the Union Station website and clicked on the tab, ‘Volunteers.’ He read about becoming part of the team and clicked on the tab, ‘Click here to join now.’<br /> His night job with the cleaning company gave him his days free to volunteer at Union Station.<br /> That was three months ago. Since then, he had become a regular, spending every free minute volunteering and sucking up to the guy in charge. It had paid dividends. He had been assigned to the King Tut exhibit.<br /> He had helped unload the crates from the tractor-trailer rigs, helped clean the massive rooms that would house the exhibit and even gotten to help assemble the exhibit before opening day.<br /> He vividly remembered seeing the Anubis for the first time. It was everything he expected. It was beautiful. It was breathtaking. It was ferocious. It had been created by his uncle and as he stood there looking into the obsidian eyes, he knew that inside the black belly was a treasure that would soon be his.<br />
<br />
Buy link: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Justice-Pharaohs-Curse-Robert-Thornhill-ebook/dp/B00KMYAFP4/ref=la_B002USLVZI_1_30_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406158362&sr=1-30">http://www.amazon.com/Justice-Pharaohs-Curse-Robert-Thornhill-ebook/dp/B00KMYAFP4/ref=la_B002USLVZI_1_30_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406158362&sr=1-30</a><br />
<br />
Pharaoh's Curse has been downloaded over 44,000 times in the last four days and on Tuesday it was #1 in Amazon's 'Cozy Mystery' and 'Humor' categories, and #2 in Amazon's 'Top 100'.<br />
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<br />
Award-winning author, Robert Thornhill, began writing at the age of sixty-six and in five short years has penned seventeen novels in the Lady Justice mystery/comedy series, the seven volume Rainbow Road series of chapter books for children, a cookbook and a mini-autobiography.<br />
<br />
Lady Justice and the Sting, Lady Justice and Dr. Death, Lady Justice and the Vigilante, Lady Justice and the Candidate, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, Lady Justice and the Cruise Ship Murders and Lady Justice and the Vet won the Pinnacle Award for the best new mystery novels of Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2012, Spring of 2013, Summer 2013 and Spring of 2014 from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs.<br />
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Many of Walt’s adventures in the Lady Justice series are anecdotal and based on Robert’s real life. <br />
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Although Robert holds a master’s in psychology, he has never taken a course in writing and has never learned to type. All 28 of his published books were typed with one finger and a thumb!<br />
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His wit and insight come from his varied occupations, including thirty-three years as a real estate broker. He lives with his wife, Peg, in Independence, Missouri.<br />
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Visit him on the Web at: <a href="http://booksbybob.com/">http://BooksByBob.com</a><br />
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Thank you for welcoming Bob to my site, and I hope all of you enjoy his books. See you next Sunday. Have a great week.<br />
<br />
Sandra K. Marshall<br />
<a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/">http://www.skaymarshall.com</a> <br />
<br />
Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-42649313138825409242014-07-06T00:01:00.000-05:002014-07-18T22:23:40.083-05:00Sleep Apnea and Miscellaneous Stuff<br />
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Hello Everyone,</div>
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I hope everyone had a safe and happy Independence Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you didn't remember our military on the
4th of July here is your chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Click
on this link to help veterans who fought for our freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://theveteranssite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/vet/thank-you"><span style="color: blue;">http://theveteranssite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/vet/thank-you</span></a></div>
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For those of you in the <st1:place><st1:city>Kansas City</st1:city>,
<st1:state>Missouri</st1:state></st1:place> area don't miss seeing the WWI
museum at Liberty Memorial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the
only museum in the country dedicated to WWI, and they celebrating a 100 years
since the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some links to visit for prices, times
and directions to their site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.visitkc.com/things-to-do/member-details/index.aspx?id=30176"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.visitkc.com/things-to-do/member-details/index.aspx?id=30176</span></a>
and <a href="https://theworldwar.org/visit/plan-your-visit/hours-admission"><span style="color: blue;">https://theworldwar.org/visit/plan-your-visit/hours-admission</span></a>.
Wednesday is the cheapest day to go there; it's only $7.00, but whatever you
pay to visit it is well worth the price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On any day but Wednesday ask for a military discount, or senior
discount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It's just been recently, I was diagnosed with sleep
apnea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people think sleep apnea
only happens to overweight people, but that's not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skinny people have sleep apnea, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's some of what I have learn about this
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">There are two main types of sleep apnea: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Obstructive
sleep apnea,</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> the more common form that occurs when
throat muscles relax<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Central sleep
apnea,</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> which occurs when your brain doesn't send
proper signals to the muscles that control breathing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white;">Common Signs of Symptoms of Sleep Apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Excessive daytime sleepiness
(hypersomnia)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Loud snoring, which is usually
more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Episodes of breathing cessation
during sleep witnessed by another person<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Abrupt awakenings accompanied by
shortness of breath, which more likely indicates central sleep apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Awakening with a dry mouth or
sore throat<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Morning headache<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Difficulty staying asleep
(insomnia)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Attention problems<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 1em 0in 9pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: large;">Causes of
obstructive sleep apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the
muscles in the back of your throat relax. These muscles support the soft
palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula),
the tonsils, the side walls of the throat and the tongue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">When the muscles relax, your airway narrows
or closes as you breathe in, and you can't get an adequate breath in. This may
lower the level of oxygen in your blood. Your brain senses this inability to
breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. This
awakening is usually so brief that you don't remember it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">You may make a snorting, choking or gasping
sound. This pattern can repeat itself five to 30 times or more each hour, all
night long. These disruptions impair your ability to reach the desired deep,
restful phases of sleep, and you'll probably feel sleepy during your waking
hours. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">People with obstructive sleep apnea may not
be aware that their sleep was interrupted. In fact, some people with this type
of sleep apnea think they sleep well all night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<h3 style="margin: 1em 0in 9pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: large;">Causes of
central sleep apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">Central sleep apnea, which is much less
common, occurs when your brain fails to transmit signals to your breathing
muscles. You may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time
getting to sleep or staying asleep. Like with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring
and daytime sleepiness can occur. The most common cause of central sleep apnea
is heart failure and, less commonly, a stroke. People with central sleep apnea
may be more likely to remember awakening than are people with obstructive sleep
apnea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">Risk Factor for Sleep Apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<h3 style="margin: 1em 0in 9pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: large;">Obstructive
sleep apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Excess weight.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Fat
deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing. However, not
everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight. Thin people develop this disorder,
too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Neck
circumference.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> People with a thicker neck may have a
narrower airway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">A narrowed
airway.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> You may have inherited a naturally narrow
throat. Or, your tonsils or adenoids may become enlarged, which can block your
airway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Being male.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Men
are twice as likely to have sleep apnea. However, women increase their risk if
they're overweight, and their risk also appears to rise after menopause.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Being older.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Sleep
apnea occurs significantly more often in adults older than 60.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Family
history.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> If you have family members with sleep
apnea, you may be at increased risk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Race.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> In
people under 35 years old, blacks are more likely to have obstructive sleep
apnea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Use of
alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> These
substances relax the muscles in your throat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Smoking.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than are
people who've never smoked. Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and
fluid retention in the upper airway. This risk likely drops after you quit
smoking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Nasal
congestion.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> If you have difficulty breathing through
your nose — whether it's from an anatomical problem or allergies — you're more
likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<h3 style="margin: 1em 0in 9pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Central
sleep apnea<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Being male.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Males
are more likely to develop central sleep apnea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Being older.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
People older than 65 years of age have a higher risk of having central sleep
apnea, especially if they also have other risk factors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Heart disorders.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
People with atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure are more at risk of
central sleep apnea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Stroke or
brain tumor.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> These conditions can impair the brain's
ability to regulate breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;">Complications caused by sleep apnea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Sleep apnea is considered a serious</span> medical
condition. Complications may include: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">High blood
pressure or heart problems.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Sudden drops
in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure
and strain the cardiovascular system. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your
risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) is greater than if you don't. The
more severe your sleep apnea, the greater the risk of high blood pressure.
However, obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke, regardless of
whether or not you have high blood pressure. If there's underlying heart
disease, these multiple episodes of low blood oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) can
lead to sudden death from a cardiac event. Studies also show that obstructive
sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation,
congestive heart failure and other vascular diseases. In contrast, central
sleep apnea usually is the result, rather than the cause, of heart disease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Daytime
fatigue.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> The repeated awakenings associated with
sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible. People with sleep apnea
often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. You may
have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work, while
watching TV or even when driving. You may also feel irritable, moody or
depressed. Children and adolescents with sleep apnea may do poorly in school or
have behavior problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Complications
with medications and surgery.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Obstructive
sleep apnea is also a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia.
People with sleep apnea may be more likely to experience complications
following major surgery because they're prone to breathing problems, especially
when sedated and lying on their backs. Before you have surgery, tell your
doctor that you have sleep apnea and how it's treated. Undiagnosed sleep apnea
is especially risky in this situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Liver
problems.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> People with sleep apnea are more likely to
have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely
to show signs of scarring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span dir="LTR"><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sleep-deprived
partners.</span></strong></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Loud snoring can keep those around you
from getting good rest and eventually disrupt your relationships. It's not
uncommon for a partner to go to another room, or even on another floor of the
house, to be able to sleep. Many bed partners of people who snore are
sleep-deprived as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black;">People with sleep apnea may also complain
of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression, a
need to urinate frequently at night (nocturia), and a decreased interest in
sex. Children with untreated sleep apnea may be hyperactive and may be
diagnosed with attention-deficit</span>/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I used these links for my sources on sleep
apnea and you can find even more information on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/basics/definition/con-20020286"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/basics/definition/con-20020286</span></span></a>
and <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I hope you have enjoyed my blog today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a great week, and I'll see you next
Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sandra K. Marshall, Author<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.skaymarshall.com/">http://www.skaymarshall.com</a><o:p></o:p></span>Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.com10