Gifts for Animal Lovers: Turtles

Turtle-themed gifts: For good luck. In many cultures and societies turtles are considered to bring good luck so what better gift than turtle-themed products? The articles you see on this page are all make by artisans all over the world and are made from sustainable or recycled materials. The sculpture you see here, for example, is a carved coconut and its base is made from sustainable albesia wood. It is hand carved in Bali by an...

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Book Review: ‘The Lie’, by Helen Dunmore

The year is 1920 and Daniel returns to his Cornish village after his wartime discharge from the army. He is badly traumatised by the loss of his best friend, Frederick, blown to bits in No-Man’s Land in France. Daniel’s mother, a widowed cleaner, has died during his absence, and her rented cottage has been reclaimed by the landlord. Daniel, rootless and unemployed, is drawn back to the memories of his childhood friendship with...

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Formula One: Fathers and Sons

Formula One Trivia. As far as I’m aware, and at time of writing, there have been fifteen Formula One drivers whose sons have driven in Grand Prix races. If you know of more, please let me know in the comment section below. (And see below for the list – before you look though, can you name them all?) Personally, I would love to live long enough to see the daughter of a Grand Prix racer (preferably of a female driver) lining...

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Book Review: Body of Evidence, by Rachel Grant

Book Two in The Evidence Series Archaeologist Mara Garrett has a particular specialty. Her calling is discovering and retrieving bodies of people, soldiers, who lost their lives and went missing in foreign nations. Unfortunately, that is how she finds herself facing a firing squad in North Korea. Rescued at the very last minute, she finds herself aboard a flight with the United States Prosecutor Curt Dominick. The very same attorney...

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A Life for a Life, by Lynda McDaniel, A Review

Mystery in Appalachia Laurel Falls, North Carolina, set in the Appalachian Mountains is a long way from Washington DC, in so many ways. A huge change for reporter Della Kinkaid, who goes from big city reporter to owner of a small town market. Step right into the past, where you expect simplicity in a small town. Small markets dot the streets within local communities across the country. Each of us has our own picture when we think of...

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Solving the Mysteries of Choosing a Kindle

Solving the Mysteries of Choosing a Kindle If you’re new to the world of ebooks and ereaders but tempted by the idea of buying a Kindle reader, you might find yourself asking, “Which Kindle should I buy?” or even “Should I buy a Kindle?” or “What’s the difference between a Kindle reader and a Fire tablet anyway? Help!” It’s no wonder you might be confused. When Amazon’s...

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Hail to the Chief, by John Leslie and Carey Winfrey

Terrific Political Thriller! What a solid thriller with a fascinating and plausible premise. Strange that the even has never happened in reality. Fast forward several presidents in the future. The first woman has been elected president. Before she is inaugurated, she has an aneurysm burst, leaving her comatose with condition questionable. It is uncertain if she will regain her abilities, that is, if she even survives. So begins a fast...

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Curried Butternut Squash and Pear Soup

You will think you have died and gone to heaven after tasting this soup. For our Thanksgiving meal, my son called to say ‘Mom, don’t make any soup! Amy and I will bring it already made!’ Well, I never pass up an opportunity to try something new, so I accepted their offer graciously. To say it was delicious, is an understatement! This soup was a knock out! It presented beautifully and tasted divine. I’m thinking that my son...

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Book Lover’s Reading Journal

A Great Way to Record and Remember What You’ve Read What an excellent idea this is–a book journal for reader!. I just ran across this while looking for something totally different. That’s my favorite kind of shopping. Off the top of my head I can think of six people to get this for as a gift. And it would be a great gift for any occasion. It’s something I wish I had ten or twenty years ago. Thirty years would...

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Bjork’s Vulnicura: An Emotional Release

I was one of the first to turn on to Bjork’s extraordinary solo talent. And I mean this literally – I was listening to her first album ‘Debut’ several months before its official release. Working on the fringes of the British music scene it was not unusual to find oneself holding pre-press or advanced copies of albums before public release. I’d written a good few music reviews for listings magazines and...

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Falling For The Stars: A Stunt Gal’s Tattle Tales, by Lisa Loving Dalton

The Amazon #1 Bestseller Lisa Loving Brown, stuntwoman, is our featured author today.  Currently on tour with iRead Book Tours, you can find this entertaining author at a variety of virtual sites through December 9th 2016. You won’t want to miss this book or the article below.  As a stuntwoman for many big name stars and movies, you will be fascinated by her stories. Lisa has shared the post below with Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine...

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Murder of a Cranky Catnapper, by Denise Swanson

A Scumble River Mystery, Book 19 Denise Swanson is a wonderful cozy author. Her stories are light, but provide an intriguing mystery that engages you. You’ll find plenty of clues and suspects, but in cozy fashion, you don’t find the explicit violence or sex. Still, the required tension is there within the mystery, and the author is good at showing the attraction and love between the two newlyweds while retaining a PG rating. It would...

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Behind the Scenes: Royal Wedding 1947

The wedding of Princess Elizabeth & Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The 20th November, 1947 was a day that the population had been looking forward to. The recent war was still fresh in everyone’s memory. Rationing was still enforced. Towns and cities still showed the battle scars inflicted by the German bombs. So everyone was looking forward to the royal wedding – a happy occasion full of pageantry and romance -to bring...

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Gift Ideas for Dinosaur Lovers

What is it about dinosaurs that transcends generations even though they are extinct.  There is nothing especially cute or cuddly about them (I admit to exceptions).  They usually seem to have a lizard like skin.  We so often see them fighting another also extinct species. Perhaps that is the draw right there, or maybe it is that they existed so far in the past. Whatever the reason, kids and many adults love them.  If anything, they...

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Book Review: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown

Book Review: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown. Accepting Imperfection: It is a Gift. Have you ever had that feeling that no matter how much you do or how hard you try, you are not enough? I know I have, and for more years than I should have! If you’ve felt that way too, this book is for you. It’s an easy to read book that nevertheless provides amazing insights into accepting yourself and loving yourself and living...

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Gifts for Music Lovers: The Bose Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Superior Sound in a Mini Speaker from Bose Talk about getting a wonderful sound from a super small speaker, and you will most likely be talking about the Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker. It’s ideal, and it’s tiny. The name Bose is associated with quality sound, and this one performs as such. As you can see in the picture, it’s very attractive as well, with a matte finish on solid aluminum. It feels very sturdy...

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Killer in The Band, by Lauren Carr, A Review

Lovers in Crime, Book 3 Another captivating mystery from bestselling author, Lauren Carr, has arrived on the scene.  If you haven’t read one of Lauren’s novels, do start as soon as you can.  Mystery, suspense, and humor are all spun together into a complex plot that will keep you guessing. Homicide detective, Cameron Gates, and husband, County Prosecutor , Joshua Thornton,  return in their Lovers in Crime series. The...

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Gift Ideas to Help Those in Need

A Helping Hand for those in need Would you like to do a little something to help the homeless or those in need? Drive around any city these days and you can’t help but notice how many people there are in need of help. Read the paper or watch the news and you grow more aware that plenty of them are families who for one reason or another are homeless or barely getting by. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the numbers...

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Prince Charles

Prince Charles: The writers’ moneymaker Here’s a cool way to make money. Write a book that contains ‘revelations’ about that famous British soap opera, the royal family. Publicise some of its more extreme stories. It doesn’t matter if you’ve simply made them up -newspapers do it all the time. Pretend, if you like, that this is authorised by Prince Charles. Never mind that it’s not true. Claim...

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Gifts for the Traveler

Easier Travel is The Goal Today’s traveler is looking for ways to make trips go as smoothly as possible.  It isn’t as easy as it once was, especially with the airlines. We’ve seen dramatical changes over the past decade.  Not only with added security, but also with limits on luggage weight and closer quarters aboard many flights. Yet if the traveler doesn’t go that often, he/she might consider it frivolous to...

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The Selfie Stick

Really? Yes.  Selfies have become overwhelmingly popular today, and when you have a new trend, there will be clever people who come up with ideas to make the trend better or easier. This handy little tool, a selfie extender does the job.  On a recent trip to Bouchard Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, there were so many people using extenders it grew funny.  I should have taken photos of them instead of the beautiful flowers.  It...

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Book Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman

Book Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman A Clever Author and a Clever Novel. What a wonderful and unique story. This was my first Neil Gaiman book, but it won’t be my last. The Ocean at the End of the Lane was a beautifully written by an author who is clearly a master of the craft. It’s hard to put this book into a category, just as it is hard to describe the events in the book. I wouldn’t consider it...

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President John Kennedy: Health Issues

President John Kennedy: Health Issues. In the year after President John Kennedy was assassinated, an eminent historian began a new project of oral histories. He asked people to record their memories on tape of the late president. He approached Kennedy’s widow, Jackie, to take part in the project and she agreed. There were three reasons for this. The first was that she knew it would help her in coming to terms with her husbands...

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Molkky: A Great Outdoor Game

Molkky: Europe’s most popular outdoor game. Coming from Finland, Molkky is a game that is fun, can be played anywhere and is planet-friendly. It can be enjoyed by all ages, all skill levels and, unlike other games, can be played by small or large groups of people. What’s more, it’s stylish, safe and sustainable – oh, and great fun to play. The fabulous Molkky The game is a cross between skittles and the...

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Kitchen Nightmares UK: The Ship & Anchor

The Best of Kitchen Nightmares UK: ‘Shrek in a Frock’. If you’ve watched USA episodes of Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsay, you’re missing out if you haven’t seen the UK versions. They are so much better – and funnier. And it’s hard to choose a favourite but after much deliberation, I’ve decided on the episode featuring Mike and Caron Ciminera of the Ship and Anchor pub in Wales is...

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From An Idea To A Book, by Lisa de Nikolits

On Tour With “The Nearly Girl” Today we are delighted to share an article written by the author of The Nearly Girl.  The award winning author will be touring with Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours during the entire month of November.  There is a link below that will show you the various sites she will visit. Do stop by to learn more about Lisa and her novels.  You will find reviews, articles, interviews, and more. Her...

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Joni and Jaco

Andy Royston takes a look how an unexpected musical collaboration – between folk singer Joni Mitchell and electric jazz genius Jaco Pastorius – created their finest music. He was an innovator. He was changing the bottom end of the time, and he knew it.  Joni Mitchell – Musician Magazine  It’s all in the hands; in order to get that sound, you have to know exactly where to touch the strings, exactly how much pressure...

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The Digital Luggage Scale, Essential for Travel

Weigh your Luggage Before You Leave Home Every airline traveler needs one of these luggage scales. The first time it saves you the fine of $75.00 or more, you will consider it totally worth the cost. Have you checked in at the airport to find your suitcase weighs 55 pounds, or even 51 pounds? Have you seen people off to the side, on their knees, rapidly pulling things out of their suitcase, stuffing them randomly into a carry-on, or...

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My old friend Malcolm X

A teenage Andy Royston picked up a copy of The Autobiography of Malcolm X and it made a huge impression. Almost 40 years later, and now living in Florida, he revisits the book to figure out if it still impresses. “Malcolm X’s autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me; the blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising...

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SS City of Cairo

The sinking and discovery of the SS City of Cairo In 1942, the SS City of Cairo was steaming from Bombay towards England. It was carrying a cargo of 1000 tonnes of silver. The money was headed to His Majesty’s Treasury to bolster up the war effort. But on November 6th, it was spotted by a German U-boat. As a result, the ship was torpedoed and sank to the ocean floor – complete with the silver. Almost seventy years later,...

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The Magus: John Fowles

The Magus: John Fowles. The Magus is one of my desert island books -one I can read again and again.I’ve probably read it half a dozen times – at least. My reading of this book has spanned many years. It’s a book that has been largely misunderstood, in my opinion. Many reviewers get this book completely wrong – especially the amateur reviewers at Amazon. I’d truly recommend that you don’t read them...

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Lafayette’s Sword, by Eric Giacometti, Jacques Ravenne, Anne Trager

Book Review: The Lafayette Sword The Knights of Templar, The Freemasons… What does that bring to mind to you? Good, bad or both? A secret society, formed for good to protect. Yet, as often is the case, something intended for good can be manipulated for bad. Whatever we know about secret societies, their history holds dark mysteries unknown to many.  The Lafayette Sword reveals a part of that. The novel was written by Eric...

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Decor: A Sunrise Palette

How to pick accessories and décor colours. Did you know that interior designers use a simple trick when they are coordinating décor in the rooms they design? Often, their cues come from artwork. For example, let’s take the gorgeous sunrise artwork below. Designers take a prominent item that will be displayed in the room. This is often a painting, a spectacular photograph or sometimes even a textile such as a tapestry or an...

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Did You Know? Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II: A few facts you may not know. Do you know how the queen starts her day? At 8 am her dresser enters the royal bedroom and places a tray with Earl Grey tea by the bedside. At the same time, the corgis rush into the bedroom. Then the dresser opens the heavy curtains wide to ensure that the light streams in. At 9 am the queen walks through her sitting room and into her dining room and enjoys a comparatively frugal...

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The Red Cross

There isn’t a symbol more recognizable in the world than that of the Red Cross. Today we have the Red Cross and the Red Crescent but both of these formidable institutions all started out under the banner of the Red Cross. In 1864, Jean-Henry Dunant, a Swiss national, and humanitarian began what would become the Red Cross. But the start of the Red Cross was much earlier than that. Dunant was a business man and he travelled throughout...

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Balancing Books and Briefs and Broadcasting, by Lis Wiehl

Presenting Lis Wiehl After reviewing The Candidate, the latest book written by Lis Wiehl and Sebastian Stuart, we asked Ms. Wiehl if she would tell us more about how one career has led to another.  As a prosecutor, Fox News Analyst, and a bestselling author (just to name a few), she balances several full time careers.  So, how did she get here from there? We are grateful to have her response below.  As a fan of hers for years,  it was...

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Will we ever know the truth about Wallis Simpson?

It’s a famous story, of course. In the 1930s the King of England was the unmarried Edward VIII. When he ascended to the throne, he had a long-time mistress, Wallis Simpson. Although many members of the public believed that the king should be able to marry whoever he wished, the establishment were horrified at the possibility of their monarch marrying an American divorceé. Famously, the king announced his abdication, declaring...

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The Judas Game, by Ethan Cross

On Tour With Ethan Cross The Judas Game takes a twisted path right from the beginning. A serial killer who is remorseful, looking to make amends. A man working for a discreet company known as the Shepherd Organization with a young son who is violent. A badly scarred soul who sees strange people asks to be arrested. Finally, add in a new killer, the Judas killer, who comes on the scene with his own complex plan. One that he will detail...

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Cheryl’s Ghostly Flower Pot Decor

BOO! Ghost Flower Pot. There’s a ghost spooking around in my fall flower pot. It might just say BOO to frighten you. Who you gonna call to help catch this spooky ghost? I know…..Ghostbusters! I found this ghost stake decoration in this photo at my Connections Goodwill Store where I live. It was right up my alley for making a Halloween flower decoration. Its always fun to go shopping at your local Goodwill cause you find...

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The Charge of the Light Brigade – an eyewitness account

On the 25th October 1854, during the Crimean War, a brigade of British officers and cavalrymen, commanded by the Earl of Cardigan, rode into a Balaclava valley, seemingly to reclaim artillery cannon captured by their Russian enemies. However, because of a miscommunication, they rode into the wrong valley – and into slaughtering cannon and musket fire on three sides. Of the five regiments involved, making a total of 670 officers...

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American Horror Story: Coven

American Coven Story – Season 3 is for you if you’re looking for a Halloween present, or something to do on Halloween that is way over the top. It’s great if you’re in the mood to be totally spooked out too. I am not one for horror I am so easily terrified! It doesn’t take much to send me running for the bed covers. Images live with me forever. So I didn’t actually watch it – I heard it – and I was...

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Book Review: Black Ice, by Greg Enslen

Greg Enslen’s New Release:  Black Ice Frank Harper isn’t your typical hero. He hasn’t really been the same since Katrina struck New Orleans. Nor have assignments since helped him. Drinking for courage and calm, his days often blur. His wife left him years ago. He can’t blame her. Then after getting shot, he can no longer be out in the world as a cop. Yet he is trying. He has reconnected with his daughter and her son—his...

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A Day in the Life of a Mystery Writer, by Lauren Carr

On Tour with “The Murders At Astaire Castle” Here at Jaquo and Mystery Suspense Reviews, we’ve been fans of Lauren Carr ever since reading the first book in her Mac Faraday series.  You can’t help but grow attached to Mac, Archie, and of course, German shepherd Gnarly. Reading the series in order was great fun.  That included The Murders at Astaire Castle, which I reviewed here on Jaquo as soon as I finished....

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Biology for Kids: SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body

When my son opened this Smartlab Toys Squishy human body on Christmas morning he was so delighted that he laughed out loud! A human biology book with a gooey body to dissect! Just perfect for a 8 year old – it really can’t get better than that! This book/toy was an instant success. It’s great because he learned the names and relative size, shape and function of the major organs of the human body, and where they sit in the...

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A Grave Prediction, by Victoria Laurie

A Review of Book 14 in The Bestselling Series Is it possible for one to identify a sociopath before that person is even a teen? Abby Cooper could, and that is without using her psychic skills. How is that? You’ll enjoy reading the book to see. Book fourteen in her series is a delightful listen (or read if you prefer). A dramatic mystery that is lightened up by the author theough the featured character and her friends and family. Abby...

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Andrea Kane on Research: Past vs. Present

 On Tour with Andrea Kane’s “Samantha” Andrea Kane is once again on a virtual book tour, this time for her historical romance series.  Re-releasing Samantha and My Heart’s Desire will certainly delight fans!  As part of the tour, Ms. Kane has written an article for Jaquo discussing how research varies across genres. You’ll enjoy her thoughtful and entertaining description.  We hope you will check out...

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Dressing Your Dog for Halloween

Halloween dog costumes that benefit Breast Cancer Research. Does your dog enjoy being dressed up? If so, there are some wonderful articles for you to choose from to make sure that he or she enters into the ‘spirit’ of things for your Halloween parties or festivities. You can choose from the more subtle gesture – such as the cute Halloween-themed bandana you see here – to full and fancy costumes. But the great...

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Savory Jazz Treasure Trove Revealed

This week sees the long-awaited release of mythical and legendary Savory jazz recordings that had been rotting away in an Illinois basement for the better part of 50 years. Andy Royston tells the story… The story of the Savory Recordings begins and ends with the same man, Loren Schoenberg, now the director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Back in the 1980s Schoenberg played tenor sax, and in his 20s had already played...

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The Love Life of the Eleventh Duke of Marlborough

The love life of the eleventh Duke of Marlborough. The eleventh Duke of Marlborough died on October 16th, 2014. The chances are that few people – apart from his family and friends – noticed it in the news. I mean after all, wasn’t he just some boring English aristocrat? Well, I suppose the answer is yes, but his life – and his love life – was really quite fascinating.   The story of his life –...

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Spooky Spider Cupcakes

Spooky beady eyed spider cupcakes are a fun Halloween treat. Everyone will love these spooky but cute creatures. Making these cupcakes was a lot of fun. I’ve never made anything like them before; not even the type of frosting on these. I’d never have thought to use Kool-aid in my frosting. Sure enough it turns out with a lighter, fluffier consistency with a fun flavor. This frosting was a orange dream; tasted like orange...

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Walking Dead T Shirts and Halloween!

It’s almost time to dress up and scare the living daylights out of your unsuspecting neighbours. Let’s start off with some Walking Dead quotes to get you in the mood: ‘Don’t look back, Carl’ – Rick ‘You can’t think forever. Sooner or later, you gotta make a move’ – The Governor ‘You walk outside, you risk your life. You take a drink of water, you risk your life. Nowadays you...

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Do-It-Yourself Publishing: Step-By-Step, By Lauren Carr

Book Spotlight:  Killer in The Band We are thrilled to spotlight Lauren Carr’s latest entry in the Lovers in Crime mystery series.  This newest release is going on tour!  Today we are spotlighting the book, to wet your appetite.  We will also be reviewing the book on November 16th. Don’t miss it! This time around, Ms. Carr has provided an excerpt to tempt you.  You will find it at the very end of this post.  Enjoy!  I know I will. As...

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Taking The Rap – When Broward got Nasty

”It is an appeal to dirty thoughts and the loins, not to the intellect and the mind.” Jose Gonzalez, Federal District Court – Southern District of Florida On Monday, February 26th 1990 a Broward County Deputy Sheriff walked into his local record store, Sound Warehouse on Oakland Park Boulevard, and bought a cassette tape by 2 Live Crew. The recording, As Nasty As They Wanna Be had been released in 1989 alongside a...

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The Candidate, by Lis Wiehl and Sebastian Stuart

Lis Wiehl and Sebastian Stuart are back with the second in the Newsmakers series.   A presidential election struck by terror. A candidate, a hero, reliant on his wife. A personal assistant who seems a bit too personal. The top cable news host, on the scene, in the middle of it all. The ratings are dropping, and stardom is starting to fade since Erica uncovered and stopped a deadly plan in The Newsmakers, the first book in this...

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Book Spotlight: Italian Street Food, by Paola Bacchia

Italian Street Food, by Paola Bacchia Jaquo is delighted to showcase this wonderful new release!  Featuring more than eighty recipes along with a wonderful look at the ‘street scene’ that is rising there, unknown to many.  It is a must have for both those who enjoying cooking and for those who enjoy the local side of a country when traveling. On a virtual book tour hosted by Italy Book Tours, the author has written a...

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Cotton Rules for Today’s Baby – Aden + Anais

Swaddles and Blankets You’ll Love For several years now, more and more parents are insisting on cotton. Why? Not only because the natural fabric is safer on their baby’s soft, sensitive skin, but also because cotton is a sustainable product. You find many moms and dads laundering cloth diapers, seeking clothes that are cotton, and purchasing bedding that will breathe. It’s a fairly easy way to be environmentally friendly. With...

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Fire Chief Costume, For Halloween or Anytime

What Child Doesn’t Want to be a Fireman? Little boys and girls can be real-life heroes with this Fire Chief costume. Ever since I saw my friend’s grandson dressed as one, with his hat and boots, while carrying his blankie, it’s been top on my list for dress up days. Kids look up to firemen. Many want to be one when they grow up. They admire not only the uniform they wear, but all the gear they use too–including the...

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Edward Guillaume – the murderous clown

Edward Guillaume – the murderous clown. On 9th October, Edward Guillaume, known as Polidor the Clown, could stand it no longer. He was sixty nine years old and his forty nine year old girlfriend claimed that he was too old for her. He took and ax and buried it in her throat. He then stabbed her repeatedly with kitchen knives.I guess he was upset. Once a famous clown, he had reached the end of his tether. In the 1930s he had...

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Wilco – An appreciation

Andy Royston explains his musical travel companions… There’s some part of my brain geared toward making songs up, and I know it’s collecting things and I know when I get a moment to be by myself, that’s when they come out. Jeff Tweedy – Wilco Picking out a favourite band or musician out of the many thousands I’ve seen, or listened to seems impossible. But when traveling – the one time I can...

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R101: Disaster in the air

R101: The disaster that ended the British airship programme After the First World War, it was clear to see that despite Germany’s losses, one of their strengths had been the dirigible or airship. Their Zeppelins, virtually silent monsters, had been able to fly unseen over British land and drop bombs in places which were otherwise inaccessible. This technology was embraced by other countries. Air travel had many advantages but in...

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Children’s Costumes that Encourage

Heroes. Children love to dress up.  Give them a super hero costume, a princess, or a pair of scrubs with a stethoscope and they can play for hours and weeks.  It is a fun use of their time and excellent for sparking their imagination. Now with Halloween nearing, parents and kids alike are looking for fun ideas for costumes. It’s a fun escape for children, and many adults as well.  These days with the stress in our lives, it seems...

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FitKicks Shoes: Next Best Thing to Barefoot

Fitkicks Footwear: For girls on the go. I have to let you know about my latest discovery. I always prefer not to wear shoes whenever possible, but it’s not always practical. These fabulous FitKicks shoes are the next best thing – they protect your feet, are non-slip and waterproof and are so comfy. They look stylish too and are available in several colours. The comfort quotient is incredible, they are so easy to clean and...

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Rockers & Rollers: Brian Johnson

From Brian Johnson of AC/DC: An autobiography with a twist. This is really such an excellent book. It was tailor-made for me and it might be the same for you. At the very least, it’s a wonderful autobiography of a boy growing up in northern England and making the big time in a rock band. But it’s so much more. Even if you’ve never heard of Brian Johnson (really?) – even if you hate rock music (really??)...

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Never Cry Mercy, by L. T. Ryan

An Unfriendly Town…Why? Jack Noble returns once again, this time in a story that reminds me of Jack Reacher. A wandering man who ends up in an unfriendly town, only to find himself in the middle of trouble. In an exciting fast paced story, Jack Noble will need his creative and efficient skills to figure out what is happening in the small Texas town. After four weeks exploring the country, trying to remove himself from the...

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What Really Happened to the Mary Celeste?

In 1872 a Canadian ship, the Dei Gratia, spotted another ship close by in the North Atlantic Ocean. The crew thought that there was something odd about the ship so they approached and boarded. They found a mystery that still endures. Although the ship, the Mary Celeste, was fully seaworthy, there was no-one on board. There were no signs of a struggle or attack, no damage and very little was missing from the craft except its lifeboat...

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Need Halloween Ideas? Here’s a Book with 101

Craft Ideas for Any Age   Get a head start on Halloween with this terrific book. Published by Better Homes and Gardens in 2000, Halloween: 101 Frightfully Fun Ideas offers 168 pages of fun and unique ideas. The cover alone attracted my interest. It show a pumpkin decorated with curled soldering wire. I find decorating pumpkins more fun than carving them, though that is mostly because of a lack of carving skill. I am amazed at...

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Lyrics: Don McLean’s American Pie

Lyrics: Don McLean’s American Pie. What is Don McLean’s song American Pie about? I think that most of us would say that it’s about the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in 1959. The song coined the phrase ‘the day the music died’ which, since the song was released, has come to describe that February day. Other than to confirm that certain parts of the song refer to Holly, Don McLean...

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Richard III: The Final Battle

Richard III: The Final Battle. In 2012 the battle scarred bones of Richard III were unearthed. Three years later the sealed tomb has finally been unveiled at Leicester Cathedral. This event followed a week long funeral-fest which included a procession from Bosworth Field to Leicester Cathedral for a ceremony with everything from speeches to songs to second cousins 16 times removed and ending with an eye roll from Ashdown-Hill –...

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Halloween Ties

Halloween: Elegant yet spooky ties. Not everyone like to get dressed up in ridiculous garb when Halloween comes around. But nevertheless, you can still show that you’re celebrating the day in a more subtle and stylish way with these speciality ties. Or maybe you’ve got to work on Halloween and your position doesn’t exactly allow you to dress like a gorilla or a pirate?  You can still show that you’re in the...

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Book Review: ‘Still Alice’

“They talked about her as if she weren’t sitting in the wing chair, a few feet away. They talked about her, in front of her, as if she was deaf. They talked about her, without including her …” There have been many non-fiction books and articles written on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. But sometimes it takes a work of fiction to really connect. Still Alice, by Lisa Genova, published in 2007, is such a book. It captures the slow...

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Procrastinators Unite

A series of articles about Overcoming Procrastination and Performance Anxiety. By Stacey J Nelson Ph.D. New monthly meetings and Motivational Training in Delray Beach, and Boca Raton starting soon! See if you qualify to attend if you believe in the “Procrastinators Code Of Ethics”. People habitually postpone tasks for various reasons, including the “Fear of Failure” rejection, or the unconscious “Fear and...

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Who Killed Elsie Frost: Man Arrested

Fourteen year old Elsie Frost was murdered on October 9th, 1965. Almost fifty one years later, on September 27th,2016, police announced that they had made an arrest. Elsie’s brother and sister had contacted the BBC in 2014 asking them to help them to have the unsolved case re-opened. BBC journalist and broadcaster Jon Manel took up the cause. The West Yorkshire Police re-opened the case and assigned fourteen officers to...

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Why Airbnb is not Illegal

Airbnb is not illegal – anywhere. It seems that everyone has been writing about Airbnb for some years now. And because the company is often in the news, it’s certainly a good way to get hits to your website. But that’s not why I’m writing this…. The reason for this article is that, because I am an Airbnb host, I’m often hearing statements such as ‘Airbnb is illegal where I live’ or...

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Who Is Detective Sergeant John Byron?

Among the Shadows, by Bruce Robert Coffin We are pleased to feature today an article written by author, Bruce Coffin. This former detective sergeant spent nearly thirty years in law enforcement, giving him knowledge and insight not often found in crime novels. Currently on a virtual book tour with Partners In Crime Book Tours, Mr. Coffin can be found about the web with articles, reviews and interviews.  We hope you will take a look at...

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Spotlight: The Dance Diaries (Books 1 and 2)

The Dance Diaries From Author, The Girl with the Tree Tattoo Are you interested in ballroom dancing? Yes or no, you will be after you read one dancers look at the art, both positive and negative. It is always fascinating today to see the variety of dancers in their lovely gowns, performing moves we would love to master. We are pleased to present both the Dance Diaries, Learning Ballroom Dance, as well as book two, Dance diaries,...

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Martha Stewart: Vegetables

Getting the most out of vegetables with Martha Stewart. Whether it’s entertaining, home decor,  crafts, home cooking or most lifestyle subjects, Martha Stewart is without doubt today’s home guru. And in her latest book, she tackles something most of us should do more often – cook and serve glorious fresh vegetables. Of course, the wonderfully photographed recipes all have that magic Stewart touch and there’s a...

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Deborah Mitford: The Duchess of Devonshire

Deborah Mitford: The Duchess of Devonshire. The famous Mitford sisters, born in the earlier part of the twentieth century, are endlessly fascinating. You may have read about Unity Mitford and how it’s said that she gave birth to Hitler’s illegitimate child. The other sisters were equally fascinating and, in some cases, equally scandalous. Deborah however,was the youngest of the sisters and although she didn’t totally...

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I Had a Dream and I Followed It, by Author Barbara Warren

From The Author of  “Everlasting Lies” Author Barbara Warren is with us today, on tour with her debut novel, Everlasting Lies.  Ms. Warren is currently on a virtual book tour with iRead Book Tours, with stops at a number of sites. Take a look at the list below to find interviews, articles and reviews. As part of the tour, she has shared this  terrific article.  In case you missed it, you can find our review of Everlasting...

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A Drop of Water, by Yvonne Williams Casaus

Book Spotlight:  A Drop of Water Today we are pleased to feature A Drop of Water, written by Yvonne Williams Casaus.  Ms. Casaus is currently on a virtual book tour hosted by iRead Book Tours. Check out her full schedule below or on her iRead Book Tours Page.  We hope you will stop by other sites for interviews, reviews and articles. You will find it a  thoughtful book will inspire and refresh–one you won’t want to miss....

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Miracle on the Hudson

Captain Sullenberger and Flight 1549. People all over the world remember the events of January 15th, 2009. But many people have an even greater reason to remember that day – the 155 people who were travelling on a routine flight from New York to Charlotte and their families. The 150 passengers were a normal mix of ordinary people. The youngest person on board was a babe-in-arms – the eldest was a lady in her eighties,...

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Flight Club, by Felena Hanson

Book Spotlight on Flight Club, by Felena Hanson Entrepreneur Felena Hanson has the years of experience to aptly write her new book, Flight Club.  That is just one reason we are pleased to feature her book–and a guest article–today on Jaquo. Currently on a virtual book tour hosted by iRead Book Tours, you will find the author sharing stories, offering encouragement, and answering questions on the various sites on her tour....

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The Real Peggy Sue

Who was the real Peggy Sue? Which is Buddy Holly’s most famous song? I’m not sure but Peggy Sue must be up there. But who was the real Peggy Sue? Peggy Sue Gerron was the girlfriend of Buddy Holly’s drummer, Jerry Allison. As she recalls,the inspiration for the song arrived in the middle of the night and Buddy called his manager, Norman Petty,  saying ‘I’ve just written a song and named it after...

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Pirates: Myths and and legends

What were pirates really like? ‘Pirate’ – what do you see in your mind’s eye when you read the word? Do you imagine a chap like the one on the right? The wooden leg, the obligatory parrot perched on one shoulder, the cutlass, the hook hand, the cutlass, – were pirates really like that? (I prefer the Johnny Depp look myself, but never mind that….) For many of us,our idea of what pirates were like...

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Infamy, by Robert K. Tanenbaum, A Review

Book Review:  Infamy Infamy:  The state of being well known for a criminal, reproachful, or outrageous act. Another impressive author back with his 28th book in his bestselling series. Robert K. Tanenbaum is a master of the genre.  Legal thriller, mystery, and plenty of suspense combine in Infamy for an exciting novel. Books contains tension of so many varieties. Sometimes it is terror, sometimes angst, sometimes it is simply fear of...

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Emerald Buddha, by Russell Blake

Book Two in the Drake Ramsey Adventure Series Russell Blake has written another entertaining adventure with Emerald Buddha. This time a new treasure thought to be only a rumor draws Drake, Ally and Spencer. The treasure is the bait. The real reason is less clear than you would expect. They are to find a missing plane that crashed carrying the daughter of a senator. Is there really s treasure at all or is the whole thing a manipulation...

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The Clifton Chronicles: By Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey Archer: A bit of a villain? The first book I read by Jeffrey Archer made me think that the man must be a bit of a villain. That book was Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less and like many others, I decided that if the author had the sort of mind that could create a book like that, he could also do well as an master criminal. Over the years, history has shown that yes, Mr Archer is certainly a bit of a lad. He has been involved...

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Everlasting Lies by Barbara Warren: Review

Everlasting Lies: An intriguing novel. Author Barbara Warren has created a novel that will captivate you — and leave you wanting to hear more from her. Set in the early part of the twentieth century, the book takes us through the life of one man and his family as events take him from the north of England, to the horrors of France in the First World War and eventually to an exotic lifestyle in India. Charles disowns his parents...

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Margaret Lockwood

Margaret Lockwood. A Modern Woman from a Bygone Age by Lyndsy Spence At the height of her fame as Britain’s ‘queen of the silver screen’, Margaret Lockwood exuded brains, beauty, and a bawdiness which threatened to undermine the censorship board across the Atlantic. Yet, despite her exotic pairing of dark hair, light eyes, and a strategically placed beauty spot on her cheekbone, she was lamented as having...

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John Lennon: By his family

John Lennon: By his family On December 8th., 1980 John Lennon was shot as he entered his home at the Dakota Building in New York. And still today we are fascinated by the story of this man who started out singing with his group (The Quarrymen) in Liverpool, morphed into the ‘Beatle John’ and then became one of the most well-known people on earth. Millions of words have been written and I’m inclined to suspect that a...

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The Carnivore Club, A Review

  For Your Next Charcuterie Board When we first heard of the Carnivore Club, we had to know more about it.   Sure, carnivore is related to meat, but a club?  It didn’t take us long until we had to sample!  We found a high quality product, finely crafted, artisan meats, very unique and flavorful. For fine dining, a cocktail party, wine tasting—any time really—you will want to add this to your shopping list, your planning list and to...

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Game of Crowns by Christopher Andersen: Awful Book!

A truly terrible book. I’ve reviewed hundreds of books and my usual style is to review only books that I enjoy. But today I’m making an exception and writing about a book that is, quite honestly, terrible. It’s the first time I’ve ever done so. The reason for this is that the book is written by a best-selling American author and so-called ‘specialist’, and this supposedly factual book is a...

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Queen Elizabeth II: The longest serving monarch

Queen Elizabeth II: Longest serving monarch On 9th September 2015, Queen Elizabeth II  became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. On the date, she had been on the throne for almost sixty four years. At that time, she was eighty nine years old. She surpassed the current record holder, her great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who was on the throne for 63 years 216 days. You might admire the royal family or it may be that you...

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Writing: Good for Your Health? by Author June Gillam

June Gillam’s “House of Erie” on Tour Our article today comes to you courtesy of June Gillam, author of the Hillary Broome Novels series. Book three continues an entertaining mystery series, this time set in lovely Ireland. The location itself is enough to draw many readers, myself included.  You can read our review of the novel here on Mystery Suspense Reviews. As part of her book tour, Ms. Gillam has written a...

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Avicii’s Amazing Achievement

Avicii’s Amazing Achievement. Avicii’s work is a perfect example of quality modern dance music. This article explains why I like Avicii so much. I write my own songs and I make electronic music and Avicii is definitely one of my idols. He was born in 1989 in Stockholm, Sweden and his name is Tim Bergling. He is an electronic musician, DJ, and a record producer. Avicii is his stage name. The genre of his music is electronic dance music...

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Classic Movies: A Matter of Life and Death

A.K.A Stairway to Heaven starring David Niven. Made in 1946, this fabulous film takes place in England during the Second World War. It has become a true classic, mainly because it is very different to most other films made at that time and also those made about the war. It stars the wonderful David Niven and when the film begins we see that he is an air force pilot in a burning plane – somewhere over England. All his crew have...

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Gifts for Pizza Lovers

Gourmet pizza gift ideas. If you are looking for gifts for the gourmet pizza cook or pizza eater, then I have found a perfect selection of goods that they will absolutely adore. For the pizza connoisseur  there are some wonderful,practical – and tasty – ideas that will make cooking and eating pizza even more of a delight. Prices start at under ten dollars but there are also some deluxe items such as the specialist mini...

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Macadamia White Chocolate Dessert Bars, Made with Coconut Oil

Macadamia White Chocolate Dessert Bars, Made with Coconut Oil. It is always a delight to have a sweet taste of dessert for a snack or after a meal.  Often at our house that will include Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars  or cookies of some kind.  In the mood for something different, I decided to make a cookie recipe into a dessert bar. Using coconut oil for baking has also been a goal of mine.  It worked great for these bars. You don’t...

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Michael Who? – When England Beat Germany

“Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.” Gary Lineker Fifteen years on, Andy Royston remembers a memorable day in English football history, and a mad Florida house party. One sunny day back in 2001 I was minding my own business in a Florida swimming pool just a linebacker’s throw from the Gulf of Mexico. A friend had just come back from the beach holding a hammerhead shark...

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The Cat, The Collector and The Killer, by Leann Sweeney

Book Review: A Cat’s in Trouble Series is Back LeAnn Sweeney’s eighth book  in the “A Cats in Trouble” Series was a pleasure to listen to. The author has her characters mastered by now.   If you are following the series, you will feel like you are back with good friends.  If this is your first in the series, you will want to hear more. Jillian Hart, now married to acting Police Chief, Tom Stewart, surrounded by cats,...

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The Science of Hitting: Book by Baseball Great Ted Williams

The Science of Hitting: Book by Baseball Great Ted Williams. Just how great of a hitter was Ted Williams? He’s the only hitter that anyone could try to argue was as good or better than Babe Ruth.Ted Williams had an amazing career interrupted by some service for the USA as a soldier during World War II and the Korean War. Despite these significant interruptions, his career totals in many hitting categories are astounding. One of his...

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Gifts For Kids: The Slinky

The Slinky – Over 70 Years Old ! Did you have a Slinky when you were growing up?  Do you still have a Slinky?  The cool little toy is fun for children and adults.  It’s hard to part with something so fun. Since August 30th is Slinky Day, it seemed appropriate to go back and remember… The slinky is a toy that has graced families since the 1940’s.  While it does have new varieties in colors, plastic, and even sizes, the...

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Book Review: Ramsey’s Gold, by Russell Blake

Russell Blake’s ‘Drake Ramsey’ Series If you enjoy an adventure Ramsey’s Gold will be hard to resist! The Incas, a lost city, and a long hidden journal start Ramsey’s Gold off to an exciting start. Go on a treasure hunt into the jungle, not knowing what is ahead or where it will lead. The Story When Drake Simmons is called to an attorney’s office, he has no clue where it will lead. A mysterious inheritance that...

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Visiting Our National Parks; A Walk into the Past

Visiting Our National Parks; A Walk into the Past. Someone recently asked me where I went on my favorite vacation.   What came to mind, first and foremost, was camping in various national parks here in the United States. The pristine beauty within our parks always puts them at the top of my list.  Every time I visit one I feel like I belong, as though I’ve come home.  Home to natural beauty and a sense of peace, away from the material...

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An Interview with Barbara Casey, Author of “The Wish Rider”

Book Spotlight:  The Wish Rider Barbara Casey is back on tour with her newest book in the F.I.G. mystery series.  Once again, we are excited to share the book with you.  The captivating series continues with The Wish Rider. Touring throughout the month of August, you will find Ms. Casey at a variety of sites with articles, interviews and reviews included.  The tour is hosted by iRead Book Tours.  Her full schedule is listed below, but...

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Rudolph Valentino

The Death of a Heartthrob. Rudolph Valentino was only thirty one when he died in 1926 and the world – well, the female theatre-going world – was distraught. He was one ofthe most popular silent movies stars of the day notably for the film The Sheik. This film told of a young woman- a British aristocrat – who was kidnapped in North Africa by the supposedly brutal, but undeniably sexy and smouldering,Valentino in the...

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German Sunken Apple Cake Recipe

German Sunken Apple Cake Recipe When my son got back from his school trip to Germany he was very excited for two reasons, firstly he had a broken leg –which meant he could miss school, and secondly because  the family he was staying with baked him a sunken apple cake for his birthday. That was exciting because we had already baked one ourselves here at home. We got the recipe from his German teacher at school and it felt very nice to...

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Candidate For Murder, by Lauren Carr, A Review

Best one yet! Lauren Carr has once again surprised and delighted readers with Candidate For Murder, the newest addition to the Mac Faraday series.  Well written, hugely entertaining, it is a book you won’t want to stop reading–even when you have reached the end. Because it isn’t just about politics. It is about murder.  Murders, actually.  Way more than one, and not all are recent. The Story It starts off with action...

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Looking at Paintings (8) ‘Tell Your Fortune, Lady’

Over 70 years after it was painted, ‘Tell Your Fortune, Lady, still has the power to stop me in my tracks. It was one of a series of paintings of gypsies at Epsom and Ascot race courses, England, by the artist, Laura Knight (1871 – 1970), created over a ten year period in the 1930s. The Artist Laura grew up in Nottingham where her strong-minded mother gave art classes to support her children. Laura showed early talent and...

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Mike Candys Magic Formula

Mike Candys Magic Formula. Mike Candys, or Michael Kull, was born in 1981 in Switzerland. The reason I’ve chosen to write about him is because he is very, very good at what he does. He is in the DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs in Europe. Mike Candys has been actively making music since 1998 when he was just 17 years old, and he became popular in Europe in 2008 thanks to his track ‘La Serenissima’. He became a very successful record producer...

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The Kill Switch by James Rollins and Grant Blackwood, A Book Review

A New Series From Two Excellent Authors. What an exciting start to a new series, this time with James Rollins teaming up with Grant Blackwood. The Kill Switch is a winner in my opinion, and hopefully the beginning of many more stories about Tucker Wayne, and Kane. James Rollins currently has the Sigma Force series in progress, up to book ten now, I believe. In addition, he’s written novels like Subterranean, Amazonia, and Ice Hunt....

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What Could Be or Ought To Be, by Barbara Casey

An Article from Bestselling Author, Barbara Casey The House of Kane takes us into the competitive world of publishing with all of its power, intrigue and ambition.  The book, considered for a Pulitzer Prize, is a remarkable story you won’t want to miss.  Writers will be delighted to find secrets revealed about the publishing industry.  Readers will appreciate what goes on before the books they read reach their release date....

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Where the Wild Things Bite, by Molly Harper

Return to Half Moon Hollow… Molly Harper’s newest book in the Half Moon Hollow series is a so entertaining. Of course, every book in Molly Harper’s various series reflect her humor and imagination. If you have the chance to listen to any of them, you’ll be hooked. Listening to the audiobook is highly suggested. Narrator, Amanda Ronconi, has the writer’s words and tone mastered. Molly Harper and Ms. Ronconi have worked...

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The House of Kane: By Barbara Casey

The House of Kane: A fine read. In this novel, Barbara Casey takes us inside the world of book publishing and who knew it could be such a cut-throat industry? This book combines intrigue, mystery and relationships, and features some of the most interesting characters that you’re likely to meet. Few of us can imagine that intrigue plays a part in the book publishing industry but this novel shows just how fragile the system can be...

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The Veritas Deception, by Lynne Constantine

A Book Review Have you ever wondered how much of your life has been manipulated?   You will, after reading The Veritas Deception with its multi-layered plot.  Good vs evil is at the core of it, but evil never plays fair. The Story The Veritas Deception starts off at a full run as Jack Logan tries to protect a senator’s wife.  The two must learn why. The Present After a last minute change of vote on a bill in Congress, Senator Malcolm...

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Looking at Paintings (7): The Conchie

The painting, ‘The Conchie’, by the British painter, Arthur Gay (1901 – 1958), was first exhibited in 1931 to a sympathetic public reception. A decade earlier this would not have been the case. Background In 1916, with the Great War raging unabated and the number of volunteers drying-up, the British Government introduced military conscription. The Military Service Act compelled men, aged 18 to 41 (later extended to 51 years) to serve...

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Song for Sunrise: Ed Harcourt

‘Watching The Sun Come Up’ A daily routine of mine is a beach walk in the early hours. I usually make it to the shore before sunrise and I witness the day begin over the great Atlantic Ocean from a South Florida shore. My twilight journey to the shore is a song long – in that there’s usually time for a piece of music to play through before I walk out onto the sands to forget myself. There are lots of songs that...

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Top Gifts for the Left Handed

Top Gifts for the Left Handed Left Handed Somethings for your Lefties Nope. I’m not kidding. If you think I might be, you are probably right handed. As a card carrying left hander, there have been dozens of times when it has put me in a fix. If you know a Lefty, please consider this. With ten percent of the population left handed, most everyone knows someone who is left handed. But have you ever thought about the inconveniences...

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An Interview with Author, Pamela Ford

Spotlight on: The Continental Breakfast Club And Author Pamela Ford Pamela Ford has an entertaining, popular new series on her hands with The Continental Breakfast Club.  The first book, Over Easy, was released in May of 2010, the second, Freshly Brewed, is scheduled for release late July or early August.  Which is why she is currently on a virtual book tour hosted by iRead Book Tours. Our Interview Thank you, Pamela, for the...

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The Killing Game, by Nancy Bush: A Review

From Bestselling Author, Nancy Bush… In a complicated plot that first seems like three separate stories, author Nancy Bush has written a complex and entertaining mystery. You will need to pay attention to this one. From the beginning murder by an apparent serial killer to old skeletons found in a basement, the suspense grows. At the same time Andi Wren is finding her way forward after her husband’s death. The Story Andi Wren...

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Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers

An easy and tasty recipe. It’s that time of the year when fresh produce is ready in the garden. Pepper plants can produce quite a few peppers. So what to make with them is the question, right? There are many different things you can make with them but stuffed peppers are quite a delight. Especially since I haven’t made them in ages and my brother gave me some from his garden. So I looked up recipes online to which there are many...

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Campfire S’mores

Campfire S’mores. I love to sit around a campfire on a nice cool evening making S’mores. It is so fun to put a marshmallow on a stick and put it over the fire. Sometimes I even burn it by accident instead of getting it a light brown. Either way it still good! Sometimes we’ve added a peanut butter cup along with the chocolate bar and marshmallow in between the graham crackers. It’s so good but the traditional is...

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Formula One: Brothers

Formula One Trivia. How many pairs of brothers have raced in Formula One? Have you read the JAQUO article about fathers and sons who have taken part in F1? Did that make you wonder about brothers who have done the same? At time of writing, there have been six sets of brothers — well, seven, sort of — well, seven and a half, kind of….. But before we get into the details, see how many you can name before scrolling...

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Book Review: Over Easy, by Pamela Ford

Introducing The Continental Breakfast Club If you are looking for a light summer read that will keep you smiling you might enjoy over easy.  Book one in the Continental Breakfast Club series has an unusual premise for its series name. Three girlfriends want to meet guys. When you’ve tried singles groups, church groups, the other usual choices,  where do you look next?  The story is a little romance, a little mystery, a lot...

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Florida’s Finest: Cannonball Adderley

How The Cannonball Got His Name. The first in a series of profiles of Florida’s greatest artists, Andy Royston begins with Fort Lauderdale’s be-bop great Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley. “You don’t decide you’re hip. It just happens that way”. – Cannonball Adderley On a Friday night in June 1955 a band director from Fort Lauderdale’s Dillard High School set out on a long drive...

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For Better For Worse: Damian Horner

For Better For Worse, by Damian Horner. Or For Richer For Poorer by Siobhan Horner. What? Is this one book or two? Well, it’s one book by a husband and wife team and it’s truly fascinating. The couple decided to give up their middle-class, comfortable life in London to travel through France in an old fishing boat they had restored. Oh, and they had two young children Damian had bought the boat before he met Siobhan...

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Spotlight on Rome: (Part 2)

Spotlight on Rome: (Part 2) This article is the second part of three. Its main focus: Trevi Fountain & The Colosseum. Just standing in the very place where the mighty Roman Empire began is an incredible buzz and actually being in Rome really does bring home what the Romans achieved and just how much they lost. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the amazing Renaissance-era there too! The centre of the city is crammed with...

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Book Review: Blue Moon, by Wendy Corsi Staub

On Tour with Wendy Corsi Staub Wendy Corsi Staub is back with the second in her newest series located in Mundy’s Landing.  With the release of her book, she is on a book tour this month, hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.  The bestselling author can be found at a number of sites during the tour. We hope you will enjoy our review and drop to several sites to find more reviews, guest articles and interviews with this...

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The Murder of Marilyn Monroe: Case Closed

The Murder of Marilyn Monroe: Jay Margolis & Richard Buskin. I wondered – did we really need another book of theories regarding the death of Marilyn Monroe? Ever since her death in 1962, the official story – that she died by her own hand – has been questioned. Some books have said that her death was due to an accidental overdose and other theories are more sinister – that she was murdered. Invariably those...

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Book Review: Dennis Lehane’s “A Drink Before The War”

Book Review: Dennis Lehane’s “A Drink Before The War”. If author Dennis Lehane is unfamiliar to you, I bet you will still know of his work. Have you seen Mystic River? How about Shutter Island? Those two recent hits were authored by Mr. Lahane. Years before that, Mr. Lahane published his very first book, A Drink before The War. Escape back to the 50’s, to a gentler time in many ways, but a harsher time in others. In the...

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The Invoice: By Jonas Karlsson

The Invoice: A fabulous novel. Are you happy? This is the major theme that the author explores in this very funny, yet thought-provoking novel. It’s great fun to read and certainly gave me a wonderful warm glow after finishing the book. And in and among the story is a rather sinister ‘big brother’ element. The hero of this novel is a single guy living in Stockholm. He’s never made much out of his life but...

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Tuna Melt Calzone

Melted Cheese Delicious The other day while I was making bread dough for cinnamon rolls, I cut off a piece to try making a calzone.  It was a delicious spinach and cheese calzone  that you can see here. Then a friend and I were talking about forming an official Tuna Melt Association, so I had to try it in a calzone.  It is delicious!  I used bread dough made in my bread machine again, but a thinner crust, such as a pizza crust is...

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Organizing and Packing a Rucksack

Organizing and Packing a Rucksack Organizing and packing a rucksack is a fine art and doing it well will make a real difference to any walker or hiker. Essentially there are 3 things you should do. Firstly, make sure that you buy lightweight clothes and equipment starting with a lightweight rucksack. It must be very light when it is empty, this will make a huge difference to how much you can put inside. The next thing to do is make...

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Yorkshire is a Champion Place to Visit!

Yorkshire is a Champion Place to Visit! This may sound like a strange thing to say, but Yorkshire smells so good. I’m not talking about the mouthwatering aroma of seaside fish and chips, or the homely smell of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding wafting from pubs. It’s not the sweet scent of hops brewing in old casks of ale, or lavender fields either. I’m talking about the Yorkshire air! There is an ‘ozoney’ fresh quality about the air,...

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Book Review: Fortune Hunter, by Jana DeLeon

The Latest in the “Miss Fortune” Mystery Series Fortune Hunter is another engaging novel from Jana DeLeon. After reading Louisiana Longshot, the first in the series, I looked forward to another tale from Ms. Deleon. What a fun series to read. Number 8 in the “Miss Fortune” series, features the same familiar characters. Fortune Redding, police sergeant Carter LeBlanc, Gertie, Ida Belle, and more. In book one, we saw Fortune...

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What To Do in Rome

What to do in Rome (Part 1).  When in Rome – do as the Romans! This article is about what do in Rome… a big topic so this is part one of a three part series. Its main focus: The Vatican & The Monument for the Fallen Rome is an awe-inspiring city and you cannot possibly see it all just one visit. But this is what we did when we were there for 5 days introducing our 13-year-old son to Rome: the most romantic city in the...

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The Dutch Grand Prix: 1973

Roger Williamson and David Purley. Motorsport is still very dangerous but in times gone by, racing drivers faced situations that thankfully couldn’t happen today. In the early post-war era, it was almost accepted that half the drivers in Formula One wouldn’t survive the season. But one of the most horrific accidents happened in 1973 at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Roger Williamson’s crash was the seventh fatal...

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Packing for a trip: Travelling light

Packing for a trip: Tips for travelling light Do you always take too many clothes with you when you go on vacation? I used to- every time. That’s until I took the advice of a friend of mine, Caroline, who is the editor of a top fashion magazine in London, She has spent all her working life travelling and invariably she has to look good when she gets there. She can’t turn up at  a Paris fashion show looking like something...

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Game Changer, by Douglas E. Richards

  The New Bestseller from Douglas E Richards A complicated plot, likable characters, and fast paced action combine into an exciting new novel from author, Douglas E Richards. Talk about a brain twister. As you read Game Changer you will understand why it is an Amazon bestseller already.  It’s definitely an appropriate title. An operative, Kevin Quinn, who attempts to assassinate his employer. That employer happens to be the...

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Who Was Louis Strange ?

Airman Louis A Strange: Daring exploits. Louis Strange was an exceptionally brave and talented pilot and served in both the First and the Second World Wars. He also is the subject of one one the most bizarre stories in this history of wartime aviation. He took his pilot training before the start of the First World War and soon proved his skills. He joined the Royal Flying Corps and when war was declared in 1914 he developed various...

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Book Review: The Lost Key, by Catherine Coulter and J T Ellison

“A Brit in the FBI” returns The Lost Key was—is—an unexpected surprise. Thinking it would be more a police procedural,  it was that and more.  A murder investigation that soon advances into a suspenseful thriller, it is filled with a variety of adventure and ultimately a terror threat. It’s fast paced in every setting with lives endangered at each stop. The Story Book two in the “A Brit in the FBI ” series brings...

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The Life of Margaret Whigham

The Grit in the Pearl: The Life of Margaret Whigham. Words by Lyndsy Spence She was always a headstrong woman, always used to getting her own way. This character trait, or flaw (depending if one were a friend or a foe), was apparent in girlhood. Born Ethel Margaret Whigman in 1912 in Newton Mearns near Glasgow, she dropped her parents’ choice of Ethel and insisted on being known as Margaret. Margaret was the only child of Helen...

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Dr. Frances Kelsey

It was the 1950’s and everything was becoming safer and easier in many areas of our lives. The end of the Second World War saw a prosperity that hasn’t been matched since. While life was getting easier, the after effects of the war were still being felt. Many people who lived through terrible bombings, night raids and such were having trouble falling asleep and getting a good night’s rest. Drug companies were doing a great business...

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Cacoon Hanging Chair

Is it a tent? A hammock? A chair? All three. The Cacoon is a relaxing haven – your own space where you can sleep, read, enjoy the scenery, listen to music, get back to nature, enjoy solitude, enjoy company… It was inspired by nature. See the image at the top of the page. This shows the nests of the weaver birds – don’t they look cosy? That’s what Nick McDonald thought when he saw them in Mexico. But why...

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How to Sleep Well in the Heat

Hot humid weather can mean no sleep. The humidity is the main problem though because it stops your sweat from evaporating efficiently, making you sticky and uncomfortable. This can be unbearable if you’re not used to it. Of course the easy solution is to turn on the air conditioning, but what if you’re in a place that doesn’t have that sort of luxury? I would recommend the tricks people use in Mediterranean countries. 1. Make sure you...

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Interview with Anjenique Hughes, Author of “Sovereignty”

Sovereignty:  An All Too Plausible Dystopia Author Anjenique Hughes is off to a terrific start with her debut novel, Sovereignty. A dystopian novel, it paints a frightening future for our nation and the world. Written for young adults, any age teen really, adults too will enjoy it. The premise of the story and the characteristics of the teens are uplifting at the same time they are scary. Since Ms. Hughes is currently on a virtual...

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The Curious Life of Rosemary Leveson-Gower

The tragic story of the girl who almost changed the course of British history. In fact, had circumstances turned out differently, Rosemary Leveson-Gower could have changed the course of world history. But it was not to be. The story has its true beginnings in the First World War. It is a love story that involves tragedy and includes the people who were the main players in what was called ‘The Love Affair of the Century’....

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Friendly Fire, by John Gilstrap, A Review

Book 8 in The Jonathan Graves Series Jonathan Graves has been a favorite character of mine since I ran across No Mercy on Audible. A hostage rescuer with all the talent and skills needed to stealthily find and retrieve the missing, he is a fun and fascinating character. The 8th book in the series increases that fondness. What do you do when a child you rescued is arrested for murdering the monster who hurt him? Friendly Fire is a...

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To the Moon

To the Moon. When you mention the date: July 20, 1969, most people in North America will remember right away that this date had a significance that made the world stop and take notice. The late 50’s and early 60’s were possibly one of the most prosperous times in the century and because the world was currently at peace, the attention of our scientists, physicists and engineers (of all stripes) had turned to the prospect of harnessing...

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How to keep cool in warm weather

Keeping cool – without using air-conditioning. Although I’ve lived in South Florida for over twenty years, I don’t use air-conditioning in my home and I find it perfectly fine to keep cool in other ways. Why? Well, there are several reasons. One is that air-conditioning is expensive to run and to maintain or repair. We’re all trying to cut down on using the planet’s resources and our air-conditioning used...

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Spotlight: The Great Disney Scavenger Hunt and Author Catherine F. Olen

Presenting Author Catherine F. Olen No matter what your age, you will appreciate and enjoy this clever book by Catherine F. Olen.  So many of us have visited Disneyland at some time in our lives.  The original California park has good reason to be called “The Magic Kingdom.” As Ms. Olen says in her book,  we usually arrive with an enormous list of what we want to see and do.  We then scurry from ride to ride, from...

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Best Holiday Destinations to Beat the Heat

Here are some suggestions for summer holiday destinations that are not too hot, the kind of summer vacation ideas that beat the heat but are very high on adventure and excitement. If I could change one thing about myself it would be my intense dislike of the heat. I am so envious of people who come alive and thrive in excessive temperatures. I see them every time I go somewhere hot, lying on the beaches, basking in the sun. They...

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Spotlight: Party With a Plan, by Randy Haveson

 “I Couldn’t NOT Write this Book” We are pleased to participate today in the virtual book tour for Randy Haveson’s new book, Party With a Plan.  Currently on tour with iRead Book Tours, you will find articles and interviews at numerous sites.  To see the full schedule, check out the Author’s Home Page at iRead. Mr Haveson has written an article for us here on Jaquo as well, as part of the tour.  Do enjoy the article,...

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Pokemon Go: Fort Lauderdale Accommodation

Poke Stops in Fort Lauderdale. You may have read our other articles about the wonderful rental apartment we have in beautiful, sunny Fort Lauderdale. The apartment has everything you’ll need for a great vacation but did those of you who are Pokemon players that we also have Poke Stops very nearby? Riverwalk The Riverwalk linear park is a wonderful place for everyone. Walk alongside the water enjoying the tropical foliage while...

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Kick Kennedy: By Barbara Leaming

The truth about John Kennedy’s sister. I’ve long been fascinated by the life and tragedies of President Kennedy’s sister, Kathleen. She was nicknamed ‘Kick’ because of her exuberance and vivacity. You may know the basic story of her life. Born the fourth child of Joe Kennedy Sr. and his deeply religious wife Rose, Kick fell in love with a member of the British aristocracy in the late 1930s. Her father was...

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Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower in Potato Salad. Really. When the weather warms up and the grill comes out, potato salad starts to sound so good. To me, it is such a tradition for picnics, barbecues–really any party or gathering. Doesn’t it seem like nearly everyone loves it? Chilled, with just the right blend of ingredients, it is so satisfying. Maybe it reminds me of my childhood, since the recipe I normally use is the one from my mother....

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Best European Cities to Visit if you Hate the Heat

Best European Cities to Visit to Beat the Heat. If you can’t bear excessive heat and you want to visit Europe during the summer then head north. Southern European cities have temperatures that often exceed 40 degrees in the summer months. They become choked with traffic and all its fumes, they are packed with tourists, queuing to see the sights, and in order to avoid this unbearable annual occurrence, most of the natives leave on...

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Harry Pitch

Who was Harry Pitch? His name isn’t well known but it may well be that you know his music. Harry was born in 1925 in London. He was the son of a Polish immigrant and when Harry left school at the age of fourteen he knew exactly what he was going to buy with his first pay packet. He bought an instrument that was going to lead to his fame  – a harmonica. Almost twenty five years later, he was in the canteen of the recording...

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Book Spotlight: The Conscious Entrepreneur

The Conscious Entrepreneur, by Laura C. Cannon It is always a pleasure to spotlight a book that provides motivation for a work and life balance.  Today’s book does just that.  Speaker and coach, Laura Cannon, will encourage, suggest, and teach you how to do just that. The popular coach is currently on a virtual book tour taking place from July 11th to 29th, 2016.  The tour, hosted by iRead Book Tours, will include articles and...

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Jello Fruit Cocktail

Fruity desserts are a very refreshing summer treat. Especially this simple jello dessert. Doesn’t it look yummy! This is super easy to make. All you do is pick your flavor of jello out and make it as directed on the package. Then you add a fruit of your choice either canned or fresh. Mine is made with a strawberry flavored jello with canned fruit cocktail. I topped it with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. A mixture of...

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Did You Know? The Matterhorn

July of 2015 was a very special month for the town of Zermatt in Switzerland! Why? Well let’s just put it this way, when men/women are asked why they do “risky, dangerous, mind thrilling, crazy, physically draining and exhilarating” things, most of the time the answer starts with…..”Because”, and ends with, “it was there…….and no one had done it before!” So it is with the sleepy town of Zermatt in Switzerland, home...

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In Spite of All the Danger

The Beatles’ first recording. Now that’s not strictly true, I’ll admit, but In Spite of All the Danger was the first recording by Paul McCartney, Jogn Lennon and George Harrison. Ringo Starr was yet to join the group. What’s more, although it was the Lennon McCartney duo that was to become so famous in the songwriting field, In Spite of All the Danger was credited to Lennon & Harrison. The recording was...

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The Oregon Coast: Bandon by the Sea

Time to Explore and Relax The Oregon beach at Bandon by the Sea must be one of the most beautiful in our nation. It certainly makes top ten lists often.  Long stretches of beach are spotted with enormous rocks, in every direction. The view from a distance–or close up–is awe inspiring. Add to that, Bandon is less than two hours from my home. Often exploring your own locale can be as enjoyable as a vacation away. At least...

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Off the Beaten Track – England’s Fabulous Footpaths

One of my favourite places on this wonderful planet of ours is Charleston Farmhouse way out in the English countryside. It sits below the Firle Beacon on the Sussex South Downs and was the country retreat of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, leading members of the famed Bloomsbury Set. It’s a beautiful setting and a lovely house to visit, beautifully cared for by the Charleston Trust. The old farm, featuring a brick house...

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Barbecued Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Are you barbecuing chicken this weekend?  Just the thought of it brings to mind summer picnics, with potato salad of course, after a swim in the lake. If you have any leftover, here is a very tasty use for them.  You could use any leftovers actually, from hamburgers to the potato salad.  Anything tastes yummy in a lettuce wrap. Rotisserie chicken is wonderful fixed this way too.  Seems every time I get one there is a little bit left....

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Walking the Beach During Minus Tide

 Walking the Beach During Minus Tide   If you are near a beach when there is a ’negative’ or ‘minus’ tide, you won’t want to miss it.  If it’s a beach you visit often, you will probably notice the difference immediately.  If it is a beach that is new to you, what you might see will be a delight. I had a friend who is a photographer who suggested I go to our local beach during a minus tide.  I didn’t time it well though and...

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6 Essentials for Your Trip to the Pacific Northwest

6 Essentials for Your Trip to the Pacific Northwest Have you decided when you are coming to the Pacific Northwest? There is so much to do here anytime of year. The entire Pacific Northwest is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and that holds true no matter what the season. Boating–anytime. Fishing—anytime, though you will definitely want to fit salmon season into your schedule. Imagine hauling in your own! Camping—year round. Hiking...

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The Flight of the Phoenix: Classic Movie

The Flight of the Phoenix: Classic movie This 1965 film wasn’t a huge box office hit, although it was nominated for two Academy Awards. Since then though, it has become a cult classic. Maybe it was a little ahead of its time. It was based on a novel which is equally full of suspense and conflict (see below). As you can see from the image of the left, the film has a distinguished cast, including James Stewart and Richard...

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The Virgin of The Wind Rose, by Glen Craney, A Review

Don’t Miss This Adventure Thriller from Glen Craney The Virgin of the Wind Rose is an excellent novel that crosses time and continents,  If you enjoy a good adventure, you will enjoy this engrossing tale filled with clues that may lead to secrets and a treasure without price. Jaqueline Quartermane is a newly hired lawyer with the State Department. A respected position that comes with some power. Will that status be enough to...

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Lifelong Memories of Camping

Lifelong Memories of Camping When I was growing up summers meant camping in one of the California’s national parks. Every year, Dad would load up the car with mom and us kids, along with the tent, camp stove and ice chest, all the piles of food and miscellaneous…and drive off into the night. And for some reason I remember leaving at night often. I suppose when Dad got home from work. When I think back on it now, it couldn’t have...

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Art Matters: George Grosz

 “Come out of your rooms, even if you find it an effort, pull down your individual barriers, let yourselves be caught up by the ideas of working people and help them in the struggle against a corrupt society.” George Grosz In 1912 a rebellious young artist from north eastern Germany moved to the Wedding district of northern Berlin. George Grosz was already proving a distinctive draftsman, influenced by the expressionist...

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Writing Multiple Mystery Series: Keeping Up with Your Children, by Lauren Carr

Lauren Carr returns today to share with readers how she manages her various series.  Each is different, yet the characters overlap in a way that makes you want to read all of them! This month, her latest in the Mac Faraday series, Candidate for Murder,  will be released.  Watch for our review coming soon! On a virtual tour in June and July, you can find more about Lauren, her series, and her books, here at her iRead Book Tours Home...

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Spotlight on “Candidate For Murder,” by Lauren Carr

Lauren Carr is back this month with her twelfth entry to the Mac Faraday series. Candidate For Murder is sure to be another bestseller for the popular author. All the more so because it features Gnarly. Who would have thought he might run for office. I’d vote for him in a minute. Ms. Carr is currently on a virtual book tour with iRead Book Tours. From June 20th through July 29th, she will be around and about with doing...

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Chilled Cucumber Soup

With summer nearing, it is time to plan some dishes that will be cool and refreshing without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.  It’s also the time of year when we hope to have a lovely supply of freshly grown vegetables right from  our own gardens. One of the easiest vegetables I’ve grown in past years is a cucumber plant.  I love to make marinated cucumbers, with or without tomatoes and onions.  Of course they are wonderful in a...

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Book Spotlight: Interlude to Sentimental Me

An Article from Author Michael B. Judkins Today we are spotlighting Michael B. Judkins’ new release, Interlude to Sentimental Me.  Released in May, 2016, it is the second book featuring the writing of this fine author.  You are certain to find a poem that relates to your life, even while your choice changes over time.  It’s a book you will want in your collection. Mr. Judkins is currently on a virtual book tour hosted by...

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Preparing for Safe Summer Dining

It won’t be long now until summer is here.  With summer comes picnics, camping trips, pool parties, barbecues, and a desire to eat outside in the sunshine and fresh air. With thoughts of how fun each sounds, dining outside requires some additional preparation to keep your family and the food safe. We’ve all seen tubs of ice containing sodas and beer.  Excellent, since both taste best icy cold. In the heat it’s even more important to...

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Vegetable frittata recipe

Delicious frittata for breakfast or lunch This recipe will serve four people as a breakfast dish. For lunch, it’s ideal served with fresh crusty bread and salad. We often have this for dinner and it serves the two of us – we are both very greedy – and it makes a quick and easy meat-free meal. Of course, if you do eat meat or fish,this is a beautifully flexible recipe. Seafood is a great addition as is small slices of...

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Back to the Future Quiz

 Back to the Future: Classic movies. If you watched Back to the Future in the cinema, then I’m about to make you feel old. The first in the series was released in 1985 – that’s thirty years ago. I know, it seems like just a few years, doesn’t it?  And now all three of the Back to the Future films have become classics, and deservedly so. They are easy to watch and a lot of fun. Time travel is always fascinating....

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Boston Bake: A recipe to use up leftovers

Use your leftovers to make this delicious and easy meal. I hate wasting food, don’t you? This is a recipe I developed many years ago when I ran a health food store. We sold takeout lunches and invariably had leftovers. A business can’t afford those losses. So Boston Bake was the result. It’s incredibly adaptable. Although the original version is meat-free, you can include chopped leftover ham, turkey … anything...

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Promise of the Black Monks: Robert E Hirsch

Promise of the Black Monks: An excellent read. Asta from Scandinavia was only twelve when she was married off to a French nobleman. In those days (the eleventh century) this was quite normal. By the time she was twenty she had presented her husband with two sons, Tristan and Guillaume. She was trapped in a loveless marriage but was living well, despite the wars that were taking place throughout Europe. And at least she was sure that...

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Derek Bentley & Christopher Craig

Derek Bentley & Christopher Craig. True and tragic story. Derek Bentley was hanged in England on 28th. January, 1953. Derek, who had learning difficulties, was nineteen when he was hanged – and he was innocent of the crime. What’s just as bad is that everyone knew he was innocent – and that included the jury who had found him guilty and the judge who sentenced him to death also knew. This was due to the...

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Nancy Mitford: A Biography

Nancy Mitford, A Biography: By Selina Hastings. All the six Mitford sisters were fascinating and that fascination hasn’t waned over the years. When the sisters were young, they  were rarely out of the newspapers. Throughout their lives they attracted stories and scandal. One thing they all had in common was a sense of humour – and Nancy in particular. But hers was  a mildly cruel wit and this made her much-loved books even...

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Book Review: “Written Off,” by E J Copperman

The First in the “Mysterious Detective” Series A mystery author who writes about an author writing a mystery grabs a reader’s attention, don’t you think?  As much as we enjoy books, the process is fascinating to us as well. When we get a chance to see both, what’s not to like? Which is only part of why I enjoyed Written Off from the first page, as author and featured character Rachel Goldman finishes writing the latest...

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The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House: Review

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House: Review. I finished reading The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House last night, and feel absolutely compelled to recommend it. I found a copy that was destined for the recycle bin and was captivated by the blurb on the back. Here’s an example: ‘A beautiful piece, written with great lucidity and respect for the reader, and with immaculate restraint. A...

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Queen Victoria’s Daughters

Queen Victoria’s daughters Queen Victoria had nine children and understandably, the one who is the most well-known was Albert Edward, her eldest son who became King Edward VII when Victoria died in 1901. Little is generally known about her daughters however. In most cases,they married into European royalty. Queen Victoria wanted her daughters to marry for love – as she had done herself – but that didn’t mean...

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George Orwell’s Animal Farm: A Political Fable

George Orwell’s Animal Farm means a great deal to me and this short tale will explain why. It is about when I was a teacher in London. First of all I highly recommend ‘Animal Farm’ and I rather envy you if you haven’t read it yet because you are in for a real treat. It is a brilliantly told, very clever, political fable. Orwell wrote it just after World War II (first published 1945), and it is a satirical story about totalitarianism....

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Book Review: The Burglar who Counted the Spoons, by Lawrence Block

The Latest in the Bernie Rhodenbarr, Burglar Series. The “Burglar who…..” book series by Lawrence Block has been one of my favorites for years. The books are such fun! It’s been quite a while since I read the first one, but I still smile fondly thinking of the characters. Bernie Rodenbarr is a very likable character, in spite of–or because of– the fact that he is a burglar. I wouldn’t have...

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Bangers & Mash: A la Rolling Stones

Keith Richards’ bangers & mash recipe Should you ever find that Rolling Stone, Keith Richards, is dropping in for a bite to eat, this is his favourite food made in the exact way he prepares the dish himself. As he says, he has been cooking sausages all his life but it’s only recently that he discovered the real secret to truly excellent bangers. He discovered the secret from a ‘lady on TV’. He says that it...

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Style: Wallis Simpson

Style: The transformation of Wallis Simpson Many people would agree that  ‘elegant’ is a word that is often used to describe the Duchess of Windsor, the former Mrs Wallis Simpson. But that wasn’t always the case. Wallis, or Bessie to call her by her real given name, loved clothes but had little idea about how to wear them effectively. This was true until she started her affair with the Prince of Wales (later King...

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Under The Covers – Hey Mr. Tambourine Man

Andy Royston explores some his favourite cover versions and the stories behind them. There’s a new thing happening, and it probably started with Bob Dylan. He gave the audience a new vocabulary, a new set of symbols to fit the feelings exploding in and around them. The Byrds take his words and put them in the framework of the beat, and make imperative the meaning of those words. Billy James, Sleeve notes –  Mr Tambourine...

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An Interview with Author John Lansing

Author of ‘Dead is Dead’. John Lansing, author, actor, screenwriter, is currently on a virtual book tour for his newest release, Dead is Dead.  We have enjoyed being part of that tour, hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.  The tour runs from May 16th through June 30th, so you will lot many opportunities to learn more about the author and his books. We we invited to review book as well. You will find our review...

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Muffin Omelets

  Here’s an easy, versatile recipe for a brunch or a simple family breakfast.  They also work great for something to grab on-the-go. Chop a little onion, some ham or bacon, any vegetables you would like to add.  Try spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers… It doesn’t take very much.  Sprinkle some cheese in with the egg, and bake them up. If you serve them immediately, they are nice and high.  If they will be served...

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A Review of “The Dubai Betrayal,” by Jeremy Burns

Available Now! Jeremy Burns Anticipated New Release It is always a delight to find a new author of suspense thrillers that I can follow.  So I am quite happy to say that Jeremy Burns is now on that list.  Especially if the book features Wayne Wilkins. The Dubai Betrayal is a fascinating story you won’t want to miss. The Story Wayne Wilkins, first a Ranger, then a CIA Assassin, has an urgent new assignment.  After all the years...

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The 2005 US Grand Prix

USA Grand Prix 2005 – Formula One chaos? Many journalists condemned this race as a shambles, a fiasco. They said that it would cause the end of the popularity of the sport in the United States. There are still fans today who, thanks to the media, don’t understand what happened that year at Indianapolis. I’ll refresh your memory. In those days, the sport had two tyre suppliers. After qualifying for the race, an...

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The Murder of Kitty Genovese

Kitty Genovese and the apathetic bystanders. Catherine Genovese, an attractive twenty-eight year old, was murdered as she walked through the streets of Kew Gardens, NY, in March 1964. Her murder became well-known not just because of its brutality but because of allegations that almost forty bystanders saw her being attacked but did nothing to prevent her death. Her murderer did not know her. The attack wasn’t premeditated....

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Quiz: The Beatles’ Children

Quiz: How much do you know about the Beatles’ children? Between them, the Beatles had eleven legal and legitimate children. There were many lawsuits and paternity claims over the years (naturally) but here were are talking about those who were all legal and above board. How much do you know about the Beatles’ offspring? Test your knowledge.   Which is the oldest of the Beatles’ children? Note that this is...

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How to Change a Duvet Cover

Changing a duvet cover isn’t difficult! But to read comments on various websites, it seems that so many people ‘hate’ changing the duvet cover. Either that or they say it’s so time consuming or that it takes two people – one of which ends up inside the cover ….. Now this is crazy. It takes about a minute and is simplicity itself. I’ve even heard of people who use a sheet below the duvet so...

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Prince Philip’s letter: After Diana

Prince Philip’s letter: After Diana. In February, 2015, a letter was sold at auction. This was highly significant in the history of the British royal family.It was written by Prince Philip, five days after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Eighteen years previously, Diana had been killed in a car crash in Paris. Prince Philip,pictured on the left with Queen Elizabeth II, wrote the letter to his niece expressing his feelings...

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Who Was Ottoline Morrell?

The curious life of Ottoline Morrell. When Ottoline Morrell grew to womanhood, she was six feet tall. She had striking, flowing red hair and a strongly-featured face. Knowing that she would turn heads, she dressed flamboyantly. She also led a flamboyant and somewhat scandalous life. She was also the sort of woman that was often caricatured – even by her several lovers. She was born in 1873 into an aristocratic English family of...

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Fordlandia: Henry Ford’s Forgotten Amazon City

Fordlandia: Henry Ford’s Forgotten Amazon City Henry Ford was without doubt a great industrialist. But he had several unusual passions and two of them converge, rather ironically, in the story of Fordlandia. Ford liked his automotive business to be as self-reliant as possible. He disliked being dependant on outside suppliers. He always feared that he was at their mercy. They could put up their prices or take advantage of him in...

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Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental and …. Ghosts!

Visit Fort Lauderdale – and go ghost hunting! When you’re thinking about visiting Fort Lauderdale, ghost hunting is probably one of the last activities you’d think about. But the local area is rich in history and yes, ghosts abound. Of course, you’ll also enjoy all the many and varied activities that Fort Lauderdale offers – the beach, the ocean, fine dining, shopping, watersports, museums, theatres and...

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