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Korean Localisation Tester

Games Jobs - QA / Localisation - Midlands

Job Title Korean Localisation Tester
Job Category Localisation
Job Description We are looking for Korean speakers to join us as Korean Localisation Testers within the Lincoln Quality Assurance team, based in Lincoln, UK. You will be expected to analyse Rockstar products and services and find issues related to the implementation of localisation. You will play through our latest games on all platforms, looking for problems and reporting errors, to ensure game quality before release.

  • Analyse Rockstar Products and Services to identify and correct issues related to localisation.
  • Accurate, detailed and complete reporting and subsequent revision of those errors or problems.
  • Proofreading and looking for inconsistencies in context and style throughout large text files – ensuring the language text matches the English.
  • Ensuring that any localised 1st party terminology is compliant with latest naming convention documentation.
  • Providing translations when required.
  • Tracking and ensuring consistency of in-game terminology between languages and projects.
  • Researching topics relating to our games to ensure authentic and accurate contextual use of language.
  • Providing critical analysis and feedback in report form, in a clear and concise way.
  • Working closely with peers and other departments to share ideas and suggestions, involving others in decision-making.
  • Completing assigned tasks within the allocated deadline; working extra hours when necessary to finish those tasks.
  • Learning about and adhering to our internal systems and processes, as well as detailed publisher guidelines and standards.

  • Excellent language ability in the specific language (written/spoken), as well as cultural knowledge of the target territory.
  • A keen interest in video games.
  • A good level of spoken & written English.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft office suite – especially Microsoft Excel.

  • Knowledge of all the current generation of games consoles and PCs, and the latest mobile platforms.
  • Previous games industry or localisation/translation experience.
  • Experience with a variety of relevant software and hardware.
  • An interest in and understanding of the video game industry.
  • Comfortable in expressing thoughts and opinions constructively.
  • Basic knowledge of HTML and CMS tools.

  • The ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.
  • Self-motivation and a proactive attitude.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • The ability to work productively and collaboratively within a team environment, and respect others' opinions.
  • Flexibility regarding unsociable and extended working hours to meet the demands of the role.
  • An aptitude for and a keen interest in languages and translation.

  • Salary: £20,000 plus benefits. This is a full time, permanent position.
  • If you have a work permit, provide details of your nationality, the issue date of your visa and the expiration date. If you are short-listed for interview, you will be asked to provide documentation in support of your legal right to work in the UK.
Salary £20,000
Location Lincoln, Midlands
Job Category QA / Localisation
Date posted 09/11/2018
More View other Rockstar Lincoln jobs
Recruiter This job is advertised on behalf of Rockstar Lincoln using their internal reference .
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Recruitment Enquiries: 0116 240 8692

Maintenance Assistant

Quay View School, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 7EX

Priory Group Division

Education & Children's Services

Vacancy Type

Permanent - Full Time

Job Advert - Division Information

Priory Education and Children’s Services is a leading company in the UK offering independent behavioural care for commissioners across the UK.

Job Advert Location Description

With over 100 high quality schools, colleges and homes we focus on making a real and lasting difference for everyone we support.

Job Advert Role Description

An experienced Maintenance Assistant is required to help carry out the reactive day to day maintenance issues within the schools and their grounds. You will also assist in supporting our other homes in the community, liaising with contractors when on site and ad-hoc requests from management as and when necessary.

Self motivation and the ability to work with the minimum of supervision, a flexible approach and the ability to prioritise and respond to the changing needs of the home and school are required. An understanding of the working environment and of young people with special education needs including Autism and BESD would be an advantage but not a requirement. Ideally will have experience in some of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, plastering (qualifications are not essential). This position could suit an enthusiastic and experienced DIY-er.

It is essential that you can drive and have a full and clean driving licence.

An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this position and will be applied for once a conditional offer is made.

Southern Peninsula Services specialises in high quality residential and educational provisions for children between 7-19 who may have Learning Difficulities including SEMH and Autism. The safeguarding and wellbeing of our young people who may have experienced challenges in their lives is always paramount; along with encouragement to achieve their full potential.

Southern Peninsula Services currently have an educational setting, Quay View School, rated "Good" by Ofsted and two Childrens Homes; all situated within the Tamar Valley and West Devon localities.

Please note that this role will be based at both Quay View School and Tor View School (Trelawny Road,Tavistock, West Devon PL19 0JN) so you will need to be able to travel between the two sites.

Division DBS info

For all roles we require a minimum of two references.  References provided must cover the last 3 years, or you are applying to work within our Children’s Homes we will need to request all references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults.

Please be advised that references will be requested prior to interview for all roles within our schools.

About us

From education to hospitals, care homes and secure facilities, the Priory Group of Companies offers individually tailored, multidisciplinary treatment programmes for those with complex educational needs or requiring acute, long-term and respite mental healthcare.

Priory Education Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and disclosures with the relevant body at an enhanced level. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Let us know how we are doing, review us on Indeed  or Glassdoor by following these links

Closing Date

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Talent Acquisition Coordinator

Medina, MN
$18 - $22/Hr. DOQ
Oct 12, 2018
Nov 11, 2018
Job Type
Employment Status
Full Time

Staffing Partner's client in the western suburbs, is looking for a Talent Acquisition Coordinator to support their Talent Management team in the areas of administration, recruiting, candidate relations, and on-boarding.  This is a fast-paced, high volume recruiting Talent Acquisition Position.  This is a contract position with a ton of variety and a great company culture.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Administer pre-employment processes including pre-employment reference checks, drug screens and background checks.
  • Administer databases, spreadsheets, online tools and reports for recruiting and onboarding new employees
  • Assist with phone interviews
  • Schedule all drug and alcohol tests and physicals
  • Conduct Motor Vehicle Record checks

Requirements for Talent Acquisition Position

  • 2 year degree
  • Excellent Word & Excel skills
  • 1-2 years Talent Acquisition experience
  • Excellent Customer Service skills
  • Must be a multitasker

Similar jobs

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Home ownership IS cheaper than Renting

Owning is cheaper than renting

Minneapolis, MN:  The debate continues.  Is owning a home more affordable than renting.  New data is in showing that for most people, yes, owning appears to be cheaper than renting.

A survey by the big online company that starts with a Z and rhymes with Willow (I’m not a fan, so I don’t like to use their name) found on average, Americans spend about 15% of their income on a home mortgage loan, while renters that live in the nation’s largest cities spend around  30% of their income on just their rent.

Conventional wisdom says housing debt of 30% of your income or less is deemed affordable.

The report also looked at other issues effecting homeownership, and found that, just like in the past, coming up with down payment is a challenge for many, and that 13% of home buyers in 2014 got their down payment as a gift from relatives.

Many people are not aware that most home buyers DO NOT need a 20% down payment.  Conventional loan programs allow for as little as 3% down payment, and the popular FHA home loan only requires 3.5% down payment. If you are US Military, a VA loan is a no down payment loan. If you are looking to buy in rural areas of the country, the USDA Rural Development loan is also a no down payment loan.

Only if you live in a “high cost” are of the county where even the most modest home costs over $417,000 will you maybe need a larger down payment.

Many areas and potential home buyers also qualify for First Time Home Buyer programs, like the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Start Up program, here in Minnesota where I am, that will typically loan the new homeowner a big chunk of their down payment money. The program here only requires the buyer to have $1,000 of their own money to buy a home.

Sadly, many renters THINK they can’t afford a home, when statistics tend to prove otherwise. Between small down payment requirements, gifts from relatives, down payment assistance programs, and even taking money from your 401k program for down payment, most people CAN make home ownership work.

Another challenge is debt.  Many talk about student loan debt killing home buying for millennials.  As a Loan Officer, I simply don’t see it.  What I DO see is first time home buyers needing to get back to reality in their home purchase. The term starter home needs to return to the lexicon of home buyers.

Your first home needs to fit into the reality of your income and debts. Therefore, your first home may not be your dream home.

Credit is the final challenge.  If you pay your bills on time, you should be just fine.  If you don’t, you need to get that corrected first. Realistically, you need to have a middle credit score of 620 or higher. If you have poor credit, you will need to work on improving your credit first. There are NO bad credit loans available.

All mortgage loan applicants need to meet some basic requirements:

– OK or better credit history.
– Stable employment
– Buy a home you can safely afford (known as debt ratios)
– Have some money in the bank

If you are realy, contact a local mortgage broker in your area.  Give them a complete mortgage application, and let them zero in on what programs you qualify for, how much house you can afford, what the payments will look like, and how much money you will need to pull it all together.

If it all looks good, you’ll be put in contact with a local expert Real Estate Agent, who will help you select that perfect home.


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WHAT’S NEW? Last Call to Meet Sheri in Sante Fe!

It is so hard to believe how fast this summer has flown by! On a good note this means we are approaching the deadline to Join the Creative Revolution! Meet Sheri Rosenthal in enchanting Santa Fe for a life-changing event that will yield dividends of clarity, energy, and practical expression of your creative self.

Julia Cameron of The Artist’s Way will be there as the headline speaker! Sheri will also be joined by the amazing HeatherAsh Amara and artist Flora Bowley.  Creative Reboot 2018 is held at the fabulous Eldorado Hotel & Spa, designated by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top Hotels in the Southwest and West.

Located in the heart of Santa Fe just off the historic Santa Fe Plaza, you will enjoy a stunning backdrop view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and be within a short walking distance from restaurants, art galleries, shopping, and other attractions. The famous Georgia O’Keefe museum is located directly behind the hotel.

Event tuition: $697 until August 31st. Late Registration $897.Your room and meals are separate from the event tuition.

Details for Creative Reboot Here!

Blessings & love, Sheri

Connect with me: Email | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

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Sogni Scolpiti- “Sculpted Dreams”
Tuscany, Italy
September 11th-19th, 2018

Spend one week surrounded by the lush scenery of olive trees in a place where you can finally learn how to break out of the confined, unfulfilling box of life that you find yourself in. No need to worry about the kids, the chaos, your boss or making dinner. Your only job is to learn how to design the life of your dreams! Reflect-Release and Refine, surrounded by women sharing the same goal, cheering you on, in beautiful Tuscany, Italy.

Begin your journey in Florence, Italy, the cradle of the Renaissance, iconic, enchanting, romantic and filled with masterpieces and monuments. Seek inspiration from galleries and museums, as you begin to design your future. Then head on over to Tuscany to release the past, surrounded by olive and cypress trees in the Tuscan countryside, where Italian hospitality awaits you. Experience a peaceful country inn as you begin to break through barriers holding you back from your highest potential. Visit medieval villages, feast in farmers kitchens and sample the region’s most outstanding wines, as you free yourself from the past.

Celebrate your achievements with pampering in thermal hot springs as you continue to be enchanted by the Tuscan countryside. Reflection, motivation and inspiration will fulfill you as you realize that you are a brilliant, capable woman returning home to live the life of your dreams.

Trip Tuition:  $3997 USD based on double occupancy, single occupancy: $4697 USD

Details for Tuscany

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A Soul Full Purpose Retreat for Women:
Amalfi Coast and Puglia
September 14th-29th, 2018

If you are a woman ready to release your fears and doubts and take a new direction that fulfills that longing to be something greater than you’ve imagined then join Gloria Coppola, your personal coach and guide.

If you are tired of the old patterns that keep you in that never ending cycle of self sabotage and frustration you are in the right place. Let’s unleash the emotional effects of your past and create a dazzling new future for yourself and attract what you love and live more purposefully!

This is the perfect environment to feel special, valued, creative and to gain clarity on your life. You will be inspired and nourished by ideas that will make your creative juices come alive; even the ones you didn’t know you had! Life will become more purposeful as you attract what you love. Watch out world…here she comes!

Trip Tuition:  Approximately $5,495 USD double occupancy, many meals included

Details for Amalfi Coast!

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The Judge & the Victim Strike Again!

One of the most challenging aspects on our spiritual path is learning to identify when our mind is using the strategy of the Judge and Victim. The mind is set up to analyze and qualify everything we perceive. It is always going to come to a conclusion about that perception based on what we have been taught to believe about what we are seeing.

If we agree and approve of what we are seeing, then the emotional reaction to that perception is happiness of some kind. If we do not agree with what we see, and it is going against what we believe, then the emotional reaction to what we perceive will be anger, frustration and resistance.

The Judge represents our mental assessment process. Whether we are approving or disapproving, we’re still judging. The problem is that judging leads to an emotional reaction of some kind, rather than peace. We cannot just perceive things that our programming aligns with in life; life doesn’t work that way. We’re always going to see things that do not align with our belief system. If we’re attached to the proclamation of our judging mind, we will be at the mercy of everything we look at in life. And considering our eyes are open at least 12 hours a day – this means that we’ll be subject to a rollercoaster of emotional reactions all day long!

If you perceive something that you do not agree with and get upset – you are now the victim of your perception. Most people think that they are the victim of what is happening outside of them – the events and people they do not agree with. But this is not truth. They are a victim of the judge in their own mind – never anything outside of them. Now what I am sharing here is key – the understanding that as soon as we judge we automatically become a victim of our own decree. We do not usually see the “happiness” that results from our perception as being a victim, but indeed it is. (That happiness is not from inside of us, but from what we believe about our outer circumstances and therefore is not true.) Whether we become happy or angry at what we perceive – it’s still the same thing. We are a victim of our own mind, rather than a victim of what is occurring outside of us.

So realizing this – we must ask ourselves this question: Why do we chose to judge the things that we perceive, if we know that the end result is that we will be victimized by our own thoughts? Good question. The reason is that we don’t have the awareness to see this. The rest of humanity is behaving the same way as we are, so we need a clean mirror to clearly reflect our “doings” to us! That’s why we engage a teacher; to reflect our attachment to our thoughts and judgments to us – so we can see that we are the source of our pain and suffering, not our family, boss, job or the weather outside us.

Next time you are having an emotional reaction to an event or person in your world, stop for a minute, detach from the situation and see what you are doing. Realize you are not your mind, you are not the Judge and you do not have to choose to be a Victim. With awareness comes power and freedom, and ultimately inner peace and happiness that cannot be shaken by anything outside of yourself.

With All My Love & Blessings, Sheri Rosenthal

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Want to see our whole line-up for the upcoming year?
Visit our Trips at a Glance page.

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30 Day Writing Challenge – Day Four – Mirror

img_3257It’s day four of the 30 day writing challenge, and today’s prompt is: Mirror.

I had a few different thoughts about how to approach this prompt, but the lines from Tennyson’s Lady Of Shalott kept playing over and over in my head, and so I felt I needed to share them. These particular lines describe Sir Lancelot as he rode across the river running past the mysterious Lady’s tower, his beauty and song luring her from her loom to the window, whereupon she was cursed. The Lady had a mirror as well, a magical one that showed her all the sights of the world as she sat alone in her chambers – when the (unspecified) curse came upon her, it ‘crack’d from side to side.’ Seven years bad luck indeed!

His broad clear brow in sunlight glow’d;
On burnish’d hooves his war-horse trode;
From underneath his helmet flow’d
His coal-black curls as on he rode,
       As he rode down from Camelot.
From the bank and from the river
He flash’d into the crystal mirror,
‘Tirra lirra, tirra lirra:’
       Sang Sir Lancelot.
From ‘The Lady of Shalott’, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
While describing water as a crystal mirror these days can be seen (with apologies to Tennyson) as a rather over-used simile, I do think it apt. I love the effect of reflection on water, showing us another world in reverse. As above, so below. I’ve taken a few reflection photos in my wanders, so here are some more, courtesy of the ‘crystal mirror.’img_4273img_2093img_0150
If you enjoyed this post, you can find me on Twitter @AuthorHelenJ,  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Plus my latest book release, A Thousand Rooms, is now available on Amazon.

6 thoughts on “30 Day Writing Challenge – Day Four – Mirror

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Social media expert, rising TV star and award winning young entrepreneur Ben Towers from Kent has been selected to play at the next Soccer Six Celebrity football tournament. The games will be on Saturday the 26th March at the Olympic Park Stadium in Stratford, tickets are available through the celebrity soccer 6 website.
Ben currently stars on CBBC with a new show called Pocket Money Pitch every Monday night at 5:30pm. The show helps 8-14 years old’s with a business idea to develop their skills, under the guidance of business gurus. Ben, who built a successful web design company before he left school, was recently awarded the number one spot on the Kent top 30 under 30 list for the best young business minds in Kent.
Ben joins a long line of celebrities to have played in the tournament including Ant and Dec, Blur, Take That and Robbie Williams. Thousands of fans attend from all over the world to see the likes of this year’s line-up of celebrities including Rudimental, Dappy, Mason Noise and Joseph Valente.
“We are really looking forward to having Ben at Soccer Six, he is an inspiration to budding young entrepreneurs everywhere and a perfect fit for our star studded celebrity teams.” Emily Atkins, Event Manager.
For tickets see

Download as PDF| Report this press release

About Ben Towers
Ben Towers has been named by Richard Branson as “one of the UKs most exciting entrepreneurs” and at only 18 years old he runs a successful marketing agency (Towers Design) working with leading brands all over the world to engage them with the next generation via social media and effective campaigns. Ben was named by The Times at the top of their Super Teen Power List in the world and is an experienced public speaker and regularly on TV promoting young people in business.

About Towers Design
Started by Ben Towers when he was just 11 years old, Towers Design is a thriving, multi-award winning Kent based full service digital agency offering design, printing, website development and hosting services to clients in Kent and London.

About Social Marley
Social Marley the latest company to be created by leading young entrepreneur Ben Towers. Launching soon, the platform is set to change how social media can be managed for small and medium sized businesses of all kinds.


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Tag Archives: Dingle Peninsula

Ireland (The Southern Coast): A Travel Blog

So when my youngest daughter, Katie Ann, requested Ireland for her high school mom/daughter senior trip, I was pretty quick to say “Yes.”  Ireland had long been on my travel bucket list, and in the four years that our family had lived in Germany, somehow, we had not made it to Ireland, even though we were prolific travelers during that time.  So off Katie and I went to this new place we had only seen in pictures up to this point.  And the new place did not disappoint.

We landed in Dublin and immediately rented a car. Why? Because I have always wanted to drive a stick shift from the right seat while shifting with my left hand and driving on the left side of the road. (Just kidding!) No, really, we did it because for the first 8 days of our trip, we were heading south through the Wicklow mountains, into Kilkenny, onto Kinsale, and then along the southern coast to the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula before heading North to the Cliffs of Mohr, and finally ending up back in Dublin where we happily (ecstatically) turned in our rental car and spent the last 4 days in this beautiful city as pedestrians. That is a different Travel Blog entry. Part 2 you might say.

Renting a car is a must if you are planning an extended trip and drive around the country side. Sure there are great bus tours you can do, and if you are staying in Dublin or Shanon or Belfast and just taking day trips, then I think this is an excellent option. But if you are leaving the city for a significant amount of time, then driving allows you an excellent vantage point for taking in this breathtaking scenery, for making impromptu stops, and to just be leisurely along the way. Yeah, we were often driving around with the old “deer in the headlights look,” but we did it. You can too. I would highly recommend, if it is your very first time to drive on the wrong side of the road, (oops I meant the left side of the road), that you do it with someone in the passenger seat. Katie Ann was indisputably the best navigator ever. And she was extremely helpful with her constant motto: “Left side mama, left side mama!”  Yeap, this was a crucial reminder. I rented online with Hertz from my kitchen table in Houston and paid about 257 US dollars for nearly 8 days of rental. But all the usual suspects in car rental agencies operate in Dublin.

Driving in Ireland:

Glendalough, or the Glen of two Lakes, is one of the most important sites of monastic ruins in Ireland. St. Kevin, an Irish Saint, built a monastery here in this glen in the 6th century. It’s in the middle of the Wicklow Mountains. Once you leave Dublin Airport in your nifty little compact rental car, the mountains and Gleandalough are just a short drive away.  Be on guard. Glendalough is very touristy. It was definitely one of the most crowded places we visited. But even though, don’t miss it.

Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough

After Glendalough, we continued South to Kilkenney where we spent our first night at JB’s Bar and Guest House. And guess what? JB had a oscillating fan ALREADY in our room. You have to love that. Don’t expect AC in many places you stay. It is few and far between, and we visited in one of the hottest weeks of a summer on record in Ireland. JB’s is located on the main drag in Kilkenny and we parked for free just across the street. We visited Kilkenny castle while here. After breakfast at a nearby cafe, we set out for Kinsale with stops at Jerpoint Abbey and Cahir Castle, just because we could. The benefits of traveling in a rental car. Kilkenny Castle is a castle first built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. Jerpoint Abbey is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century. The abbey is pleasantly quiet and free of crowds, but yet so mystic and enchanting.

Kilkenny Castle and Jerpoint Abbey:

Cahir Castle is situated on an island in the River Suir. It was built from 1142 by Conor O’Brien, Prince of Thomond. The castle is well preserved and has a guided tour and audiovisual shows in multiple languages. We were satisfied  with the self guided tour.

After our short stopover at Cahir, we set out for our evening destination of Kinsale, Co Cork, Ireland, but actually stayed at a lovely BNB called The Blue Horizon in nearby Garrettstown. The two best things about the Blue Horizon were the views and the breakfast. And alas, one old but working oscillating fan.

Breakfast at The Blue Horizon BnB in Garrettstown near Kinsale

Things we loved about Kinsale and Garrettstown:

History: On May 7, 1915 about 11 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale ( which is just down the road from our B&B in Garretstown) the Lusitania crossed paths with the German submarine U-20. The commanding officer Walther Schwieger gave the orders and a single torpedo was on its way. It struck on the starboard bow, alongside one of the cargo holds and moments later a second explosion erupted from within the hull. The ship began to list steeply and within 18 minutes the Lusitania was gone. Of the 1960 on board only 767 survived, and four of whom died over the following months. The survivors were mostly taken from the water by merchant mariners (fisherman) from the harbor of Queenstown (Now it is Cobh-pronounced Cove) The link between this harbor with the Titanic is also an irony. The Titanic also made its last port of call here at Queenstown (Cobh) in April 1912 just days before it hit an iceberg and sank in the Atlantic en route to NYC. But back to the Lusitania, here is a shout out and plug to Erik Larsen’s book “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania:” There are lots of books out there on the Lusitania but this was a great one. It was such an honor for me and Katie Ann to be able to visit the very places that mark this tragedy in history. And it is good for us to honor the lost. We live in such times of peace, comparatively. In some ways, they died for our freedom in that war, in the same way that the soldiers did on the actual battlefield.

Old Signal Head Kinsale

Also the town of Kinsale is adorable and colorful and the marina is lovely.  Parking was super easy and cheap on the outskirt of the center of town.

Kinsale, Ireland

Fort Charles is a must see if you are a history buff like us, and if you aren’t, that’s okay because the views alone are fantastic. This was just minutes away from our Blue Horizon BnB in Garrettstown. Had we more time, we would’ve laid a blanket down and taken a nap on the grounds. Seriously, beautiful views and so peaceful. And the history is incredible. “This star-shaped military fortress was constructed between 1677 and 1682, during the reign of King Charles II, to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale in County Cork. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. These include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Charles Fort remained garrisoned by the British army until 1922.” Source: Discoverireland.ie

So off we went after two beautiful days visiting Garrettstown and Kinsale and Cobh, we headed along the coast and a little North to the very touristy Blarney Castle in Cork.  We. just. had. to. We bought our tickets ahead of time online, but you don’t have to. And we were smack dab at the end of June, a busy travel season.  Blarney was built nearly 600 years ago by a famous Irish Chiefton, Cormac MacCarthy. Blarney is an odd castle in that, touring the castle and kissing the famous Blarney stone is all the same queue. You  do not have to kiss the stone, you can walk on by, but it is not two separate attractions. The line goes pretty fast. We were there in June. I can imagine it is even faster in the off season.  But you know what the true show stopper is at Blarney castle that makes the visit worth it, are the gardens. They are some of the most spectacular castle gardens I have ever seen. Truly engaging and beautiful.  Also the Blarney House, a Scottish baronial-style mansion, was built on the grounds in 1874, is also open to the public. We just missed its opening time. So check the hours of operation for that ahead of time. Plan on a full morning or afternoon at Blarney. But if you bring a picnic basket, maybe longer.

Next, destination Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. Think Ring of Kerry. Here we opted for a good old fashioned Holiday Inn, but guess what? No AC as we had hoped for. But they did produce at my request, the tiniest oscillating fan I had ever seen in my life. Truly amazing that it had not been put in the Guinness Book of World Records. Truly.  Our first stop: Muckross House and Gardens.  We did the guided tour, this being the only way to see the mansion. Built in 1843. First lived in by Henry Herbert and his wife Mary Balfour Herbert. They entertained Queen Victoria here but ended up bankrupt and and sold the estate. The new owner was Arthur Guinness (of the Guinness brewery family) and he rented it out to wealthy groups as a hunting lodge. In August 1911, not long before WWI, the house was bought by a wealthy Californian mining magnate William Bourn. He and his wife gave it to their only child Maud as a wedding present since she married an Irishman. They had two children. Maud died an early death in 1929 and her parents subsequently presented the house and its 11000 acres estate to the Irish nation. The grounds are beautiful and the Lake you see is one of the three Lakes of Killarney, Muckross Lake. Beautiful. Something I would plan for here if I had to do it all over again, is to swim in the lakes. We did not plan for this and were neither parked or dressed accordingly. We did however, splurge on a horse and carriage ride to the lakes and the waterfall  just before we had to hustle back through the main gates by closing time.

So after checking in to our very American Holiday Inn in Killarney, we ate a slow dinner and caught our breaths. The next morning we set out for the “Ring.”  I would say that the beauty of rural Ireland never ceased to amaze us. We drove the whole approsimately 110 miles around the Ring of Kerry, making many stops and taking in incredibly wonderful, simply divine views.  Along the Ring of Kerry we meandered Skellig Island, driving around the Skellig Ring, and walked Kenmare City.  We had to cross over on the 10 minute car ferry from Cahersiveen to Skelllig Island where we took a somewhat treacherous drive to the Lighthouse in Valentia Island.

The Cliffs of Kerry

Our last and final sleepover along the southern coast of Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula.  We opted for two nights at the Broigin Bed & Breakfast just a stone’s throw from Dingle Town proper, but far enough if you don’t have a rental car, you might want to consider staying right in town. On the other hand, I wouldn’t opt to travel all the way to the Dingle Peninsula without a rental car.  Broigin BnB was lovely and our host, Anne, did a custom breakfast with piping hot coffee every morning at exactly the time we requested. Anne was wonderful. Very hospitable. She was also great with advice for your itinerary and helpful with directions.

As soon as we checked in and digested all of Anne’s advice we shot out for the Slea Head Drive which makes a loop, starting and ending in Dingle. There are many places to stop along the way. One of them was an abandoned farm from the potato famine that occurred in Ireland in 1845–49 when the potato crop failed in successive years. There were also monastic beehive huts speckled around Dingle which have their origins dating from thousands of years ago; beaches beaches beaches and for us, everywhere sunshine! Bring on the Slea Head Drive.

In the afternoon, we decided to do the other loop in Dingle, which we now look back on as so memorable both in a wonderful and frightening way. Wonderful, because the views and the drive were fantastic. Frightening, becasue one time driving through the Conor Pass is enough to last me a lifetime.

“The Conor Pass, which runs from Dingle on the southern end of the peninsula towards Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the North, in County Kerry, is one of the highest mountain pass in Ireland, at an elevation of 410 m above the sea level. Conor Pass is situated in the Dingle Peninsula and offers to drivers the breathtaking, cliff hanging experience of navigating through Ireland’s highest mountain pass, in a road tight and precarious, weaving its way around the sharp cliff faces. The views from the road are breathtaking, as the glaciated landscape of mountains and corrie lakes comes into view. From Dingle Town the road runs some 4½ miles rising to 1500 ft as it winds its way to the pass.” Source: Roads.org

Along the way back to Dingle, we found the perfect beach for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the Atlantic on a warm day. Fermoyle Strand Beach:

The next morning after our breakfast at Broigin, we arrived at he Dingle harbor for our Blasket Island tour. We were taken to these iconic islands by our boat captain, Billy from the Dingle Bay Speed Boat Tours & Great Blasket Island Experience. In the 1920s and 1930s the Blasket Island resident writers produced books which are deemed classics in the world of literature. They wrote of island people living on the very edge of Europe, and brought to life the topography, and life and times of their Island. They wrote all of their stories in the Irish language. Sadly, the Blasket Island community declined as a result of the persistent emigration of its young people, until eventually the Island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained Those who immigrated largely settled in Springfield MA and a few in Butte MO. We also saw seals, lots of different birds including Puffins. And one lone dolphin who is the resident dolphin in the Dingle Harbor.

After checking out of the lovely Broigin BnB, we left the beautiful Kerry Region of Ireland by way of the Shannon Ferry in Kilrush, which took us to the Shannon Region of Ireland and the Cliffs of Moher. We lingered there only a little while before heading to Dublin and turning in that rental car. As sad as I might have been to depart the Irish countryside, I was never so happy in my life to turn in a rental car! This wrapped up a glorious 8 days of travel, not soon to be forgotten by two little Texans.

Shannon Ferry

Cliffs of Moher

All in all what a jaw dropping place to visit.  Entry costs at tourist sites were so inexpensive, and if you are traveling with a student, you can buy the OPW Heritage Card for 10$ for entry into all sites labeled “Heritage Sites.” Now feel free to ask me questions if you have them. That’s part of the package. And stay tuned for part 2, “Dublin: A Travel Blog.”


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Primal Branding your Author Brand Part 2

In Author Branding Part One, we discussed of how to cultivate your author brand using principles found in Primal Branding.

Readers have zillions of books to choose from these days. Author branding is important if you want readers to choose your books.

primal branding

Primal Branding defines a code of seven elements needed to launch new products and services that people believe in – and it helps re-engineer existing products.

In Author Branding Part Two, we’ll discuss the final three codes Hanlon describes: rituals, anti-believers, and leader then identify ways to use with author brand development.

According to Hanlon, rituals involve a repeated experience associated with the brand, whether it’s positive or negative. The kind of engagements build up a certain expectation about your brand and future experiences they can expect to have.

Rituals are important to an author’s brand because they provide interaction and a bond of togetherness between author and reader.

Sharing experiences and events through blogs, FB, Twitter, and other social media is the means for developing author rituals.

With all social media, reader expectation is important. Regular posting is important. Posting often is important too.

Do you share pictures of your writing desk, your pet, or other life events for your readers? These are part of your story. (Remember Hanlon’s first component-STORY? If you don’t, check here.)

Posting excerpts from your WIP, celebrating a new release or revealing a cover  makes readers a part of your writing process. How about sharing great reviews or fan comments?

Each of these, while we might not think of as rituals, add to your brand and offer a marketing tool for your books.

  • Step FIVE to develop your author brand: Share life events with your readers through social media.

According to Hanlon, for every belief system there is a group of anti-believers (ie Mac users vs PC; Republicans vs Democrats). Anti-believers identify who and what the brand is or is not. Anti-believers are folks who don’t agree with us.

But without anti-believers, our standard is undefinable. We want to stand for something and our brand to mean something.

Anti-believers  can also give you a good idea of the direction you want to take your brand or which directions to avoid.

Readers have preferences. Romance genre vs literary mainstream, e-reader vs hard cover vs paperback. Our author brand should reflect those preferences we want to attract and entice the “anti-believers,” the ones who aren’t buying our work.

 Personally, I’ve discovered that my blog commenters more likely to share a contrary opinion than simply agreeing. Opposition can be a powerful connecting factor.

  • Step SIX in developing your author brand: Don’t limit yourself to only those who agree with you, but do make very sure your likes and dislikes are clear.

According to Hanlon, there needs to be a brand leader. Someone who sets out against all odds to recreate something from their vision.

Think Bill Gates, Steven Jobs. For your writing, it’s you.

You have the power to shape your brand the same as you create your plot and characters, your theme and opening lines.

  • Step SEVEN in developing your author brand: Your brand is like your writer’s voice. Voice develops the more your write. Your brand develops as you learn to tell your story.

Next Monday, conclusions on author branding with Primal Branding code.

YOUR TURN: Do you use Hanlon’s seven components in defining your author brand?

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Airomé: Single Essential Oils

Regular price $8.99

Choose from our growing line of 100% certified pure, therapeutic grade essential oils by Airomé. Each oil is lab tested and can be used topically or aromatically in one of our essential oil diffusers. Airomé Essential Oils: Are certified 100% pure, therapeutic grade. Can be used in a diffuser or diluted with a carrier oil and used topically. Are all-natural and free of harsh chemicals. Create a spa-like aromatherapy experience. 15 ml 100% pure essential oil Caution: Discontinue use if skin sensitivity occurs. Keep out of reach of children. Not for internal use. If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult physician. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. USAGE TIPS: Diffuser: Add 1 drop oil per 20 ml of water and diffuse for a motivating and energizing aromatherapy experience. Study Aid: Diffuse to encourage focus while studying. Massage: Using a carrier oil, add basil and lemon or orange oil for an uplifting massage or combine with wintergreen oil to massage sore muscles. Hair Shine: Add a few drops to carrier oil and massage into ends of hair to improve its luster. Shampoo Boost: Add a few drops to shampoo and massage into scalp to encourage healthy hair. Add to Bath: Add a few drops to a warm bath for a stress-relieving soak. Surface Cleaner: To a spray bottle add 15 drops of basil oil, 1 cup distilled water, and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Shake well. Facial Steam: Create a facial steam for sinuses by adding 3-5 drops to 2 cups boiling water and covering head and bowl with a towel while inhaling. Vapor Rub: Create a homemade vapor rub by combining 2 drops basil oil and 2 drops eucalyptus oil with carrier oil and apply to chest. Insect Bites: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to insect bites and stings. Encourage Metabolism: Combine with a carrier oil and apply to wrists and chest when dieting and exercising.
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+371 67 881 045

The promotion has been finished, but you can always register, deposit your account and start trading with JustForex.

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News – “Bill Cosby was pelted with a stale hotdog bun on his first day in prison” – Yesterday, Bill Cosby began a lengthy prison sentence that will last anywhere between three to 10 years, given to him after being found guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. Upon entering the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, a fellow inmate greeted Cosby with a stale hotdog bun to the face.

In a phone call to his wife Camille, Cosby recounted the hotdog incident and other events from his initial hours in prison, according to Radar Online. Cosby, who is legally blind, said he also fell down a flight of steps because he wasn’t being guided and was without his cane — which was apparently taken away by corrections officers over fears he might use it to harm himself.

Cosby reportedly told his wife to “Grab the checkbook and hire anyone and everyone” who could get him out “as soon as possible.”

Following yesterday’s sentencing, Cosby’s lawyers announced their intention to appeal, likening his case to the persecution of Jesus.

God damn I wish this read Jello instead of hot dog bun

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Global Restaurant Trends to Watch Out For in 2019

Global Restaurant Trends to Watch Out For in 2019

With the final months of 2018 approaching, now’s the time to look out for trends in the restaurant industry in the next coming year. Whether it is exploring exotic ingredients, a glossy menu of delectables, or food porn posted on social media, today’s foodies are flooded with images of food and drink. In fact, 95% of Americans are interested in unique dining adventures, according to a global study by the World Food Travel Association. Not to mention, 4 out of 5 U.S. travelers enjoy gourmet experiences such as dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or wine tasting at a local vineyard.

While fine dining is only a part of the food trend, many also enjoy bistros, street foods, and home-cooked meals – even when they eat out. If you are one of those foodies who enjoy a great dining experience, why not take a look at the upcoming global food trends and start making plans for your next dinner reservation?

Plant-based menus

With a large number of people beginning to adopt plant-based diets, restaurants are eager to cater to the rising trend by offering vegan options. In fact, 51% of U.S. chefs added plant-based items to their menus, according to research by Foodable Labs. The raw ingredients trend has hit America’s eateries like Farm & Craft, whose founder, Ryan Hibbert, has based the entire menu around living foods. So, why the sudden rise in popularity? This may be due to the surge of foodie-influencers on social media as 79% of bloggers have shared photos of plant-based foods. In addition, 2017 revealed a 17% increase in vegan takeout, according to GrubHub, the nation’s leading meal delivery service.

Rise of “-Free”

Thanks to the growth of gluten-free mania, the trend will continue to grow with the rise of allergies and food intolerances. Rather than omitting it altogether, consumers are also looking to reduce gluten intake with slow-dough bread and milk varieties. As 70% of the global population is genetically unable to consume lactose, studies suggest the benefits of dairy-free diets, including clearer skin and better digestion. Not to mention, the villain that is refined sugar, which has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and bladder cancer.

Food Bowls

Another recent trend that is showing no signs of stopping is food bowls. In fact, Prince Happy and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed how their wedding reception included food bowls along with champagne and canapes. Served in hand-sized portions, food bowls have been found in a variety of different menus, including vegan, pasta, meats, smoothies, Poke and more.

Artisan setting

Artisan cuisine is a phrase that can be found in nearly every special event looking for trendy menu goals. For those still unsure what it entails, this concept is based on the expertise, craftsmanship, and quality of the ingredients. The trend roots from a growing demand to provide quality tastes with the desire to consume local ingredients. While the “farm to table” is similar, this trend offers a range of food and drink, from beer and juices to cheese and bread.

So, what else is to come within the next year? Ready or not, as cannabis is legalized in a number of countries, the herb is giving chefs more ideas and inspirations to explore. In fact, we’ve already seen the subtle inclusions of love cookies, happy pizzas, pot chips, cannabis smoothies, and space cakes appearing on U.S. menus so far.

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Panerai Watches

Panerai-Approved Repair

The hassle-free way to repair your Panerai watch, since 1987.

Panerai Watches

Accredited Service Centre

Specialists in

Panerai Watch Repair & Service

At JON, we’ve been repairing luxury timepieces to the utmost industry standard since 1987, guaranteeing that your Panerai watch will be exceptionally restored and back to your treasured collection.

Of course, we use only genuine Panerai parts in all of our work, putting in painstaking care to ensure no resource is spent on a less-than-worthy repair.

We respect time – and to ensure your Panerai watch is restored properly and efficiently, we entrust a secure courier that brings an expert watchmaker to you, no matter where you are in the UK.

What’s involved in a

Panerai Watch Service

1. Preparation

The watch is broken down and the movement is removed from the case. The bracelet, case, seals and movement are inspected thoroughly to diagnose any issues. We strip the whole movement and the case components.

2. Inspection

Every part inside the watch is inspected for wear and anything showing the slightest sign of deterioration is removed and replaced with new parts from the manufacturer. Tolerances inside watches are so fine that even the smallest defect can affect performance.

3. Cleaning

Once inspected all parts are then put through our ultrasonic cleaner with specialist fluids, which removed old grease from the parts.

4. Drying

After it goes through the cleaning agent and three rinsing agents, it is put through a drying process resulting in a completely clean movement ready for re-assembly and lubricating.

5. Rebuilding

We assemble the movement and fit the dial and hands ensuring everything are aligned and then time test the watch to assure it is performing accurately.

6. Pressure Test

The case is reassembled so it is now a watertight empty case. We then pressure test it to the required bar to ensure there are no leaks.

7. Refurbishing

We then move on to the case and bracelet (if the watch has one) which is cleaned and refurbished if requested. We use various polishing, cutting and grinding wheels to remove any small dints, scratches and imperfections where possible, bringing the watch as close to new condition as possible.

8. Final Testing

Watch is reassembled and time tested for the second time and placed on test for 2-3 days on our workshop simulator which slowly moves the watch round in different positions. This allows us to monitor the watches performance and see if any further adjustments are required.

How it Works

FREE Collection

Choose when you want your watch collected by our secure courier

We inspect and diagnose the problem

Agree a course of repair and price

View Pricing

We restore to showroom-new

Your watch is back on your wrist, performing at its best

Panerai Repair Prices

Where possible we will carry out the most cost effective repair to your watch to get it back on your wrist, operating within Panerai’s exacting standards.

  • Repair
  • Crown Repair
    From £29.99
  • Crystal Repair
    From £69.99
  • Bezel Repair
    From £49.99
  • Bracelet Repair
    From £19.99
  • Strap Replacement
    From £14.99
  • Clasp Repair
    From £9.99

Panerai Service Plans

We understand that getting your watch serviced is an unexpected expense. That is why, like our secure collection service, we built our pricing around what’s convenient to you.

So whether you want to pay your total repair cost on completion or break it down into more manageable monthly payments our interest free instalment plan gives you the choice.

Once your watch arrives at our accredited workshop we carryout a complete diagnostic quote (£29.99) to discover what problems your watch is experiencing and how best to resolve them at a competitive and cost effective price.

Rated Excellent

trustpilot reviews
“After careful consideration I selected JON to carry out that service.
The customer care was outstanding and I was kept fully informed at every stage of the process.”
Don O’Connell
Omega Owner
“When I found JON on the internet I decided to give them a shot. Best thing I ever did!!”
Reginald Kirton-Vaughan Panerai Owner
“I was somewhat nervous about sending my pride and joy through the post, but they made the whole process very simple and secure.”
Jane Barlow-Kearsley
Rolex Owner
“Whilst having to pay for an unexpected repair came as a bit of a shock, I am very happy with the work done and pleased to know that my watch is now in excellent shape.”
John Lancashire
Cartier Owner
“The service was swift and of a fantastic quality. When my timepiece needs it’s next service there will only be a choice of one place to go.”
Simon Masson
Omega Owner
“Repaired by JON now keeps better time than when new”
W Werner
Omega Owner
“Right from the outset these guys were with me every step of the way totally reassuring and the special pack sent and on return were amazing very trusting honest and helpful”
Nicholas Simcox
Rolex Owner

Book Your FREE Watch Collection

Choose a convenient time for our specialist courier to collect your watch from your home or place of work.

We send you secure, tamper-proof packaging to parcel your watch ready for collection.

Your watch is collected on your day of choosing and delivered direct to our workshop, fully tracked, and insured up to £20,000.

Please include your postcode. We will only call you regarding your repair.

Your booking has been received

We'll be in touch shortly to confirm.

Certified Swiss service

4 year extended warranty

Free collection

More than 30 years experience

Rated excellent on Trustpilot

Any Questions?

Call +44 (0) 1698 891 289

The History of Panerai

Highly sought after by watch aficionados around the world, Officine Panerai is a luxury watchmaking brand with a remarkable history. Offering a limited range of designs, Panerai remains true to its heritage. It produces prime quality timepieces with distinctive, eye-catching appearance, remaining a favourite amongst adventurous individuals who prioritise comfort and functionality.

The story of the brand dates back to 1860, when Giovanni Panerai opened a small shop in Florence, Italy. Aside from selling pocket watches, his business was also the city’s very first watchmaking school. Showing exceptional skill and meticulousness, the brand’s reputation spread across the country.

Unsurprisingly, the company’s fame had also reached the Italian Royal Navy, and prompted them to commission extraordinary durable underwater military equipment from Panerai, in the early years of the twentieth century. The profitable cooperation with the Royal Navy, instantly catalysed the brand to the position of a leader in the field.

By constantly seeking innovation, and employing latest technology, Panerai maintained its vanguard position, and equipped the Navy with the absolute best equipment. A milestone for the company took place following the implementation of radium in its products. After Marie Currie, together with her husband Pierre discovered the particle in 1898, it was widely used across industries.

Panerai was the very first watchmaking brand to use the particle in its pioneering production of luminescent diver’s watches. According to the company’s archives, the prototype of this unique, glow-in-the-dark watch, was manufactured only in ten pieces and distributed to the Italian frogmen commandos in 1936. The prototype of this watch is what was soon to become known as the company’s staple watch – the Radiomir. This remarkable piece of engineering was in fact the very first professional underwater military watch.

When the adverse side effects of radium became publicly known, Panerai faced the difficult question of how to continue producing luminescent waterproof timepieces. Scientific research brought about a less health threatening alternative – tritium. This prompted the launch a new, improved luminescent watch – Luminor, which was launched by the end of the Second World War. Another defining feature of the Luminor watch was its crown-protecting bridge, with reinforced wire lugs created from the same block of steel as the case. This unique appearance served to achieve an increased level of water-resistance. The cushion-shaped case remained closely reminiscent of the earlier, Radiomir model.

Luminescence was the technology which enabled Panerai to decidedly outshine its competitors. It allowed the brand to advance underwater warfare technologies. For example, the pioneering use of radiomir paste was used to illuminate timers for detonators. Apart from that, it was also used for wrist compasses and simply as torches. Until 2009, when the Japanese developed the fluorescent alternative – ‘Luminova’, tritium-based paint was the pain material used in Panerai watches.

What is particularly interesting about the early models of Panerai watches, is the fact that they were assembled by Rolex. When Guido Panerai reached out to Rolex, they joined powers to create exceptionally reliable and durable pieces which could be used in the most challenging conditions. The movements and case of these watches was that of a Rolex Oyster.

Today’s version of Radiomir maintains most of its original features such as the characteristically large, cushion-shape case, luminescent numerals, a hand wound-mechanical movement. The strap commonly used in today’s watches also echoes the original, water resistant strap, long enough to be worn over a diving suit.

When the company’s last descendant – Giuseppe Panerai died in 1972, the company faced an uncertain future. It was then taken over by a retired navy colonel – Dino Zei, who served as CEO until 1997. Zei changed the name of the company to Officine Panerai, and sustained the company’s position as the main supplier of depth gauges, compasses and underwater torches to the Navy.

A significant turning point occurred when the Hollywood movie star – Sylvester Stallone accidentally came across Paranei watches while at a short trip in Rome. Instantly spellbound by the watches, Stallone gave the brand significant spotlight by wearing a Panerai watch in the 1996 movie ‘Daylight’. In return for the unsolicited exposure, a friendship and partnership developed between the actor and the brand. The company has even launched a Panerai Luminor Submersible Slytech collection in his honour.

While the company’s headquarters are still based in Italy, the production has moved to Switzerland in effort to combine Italian heritage with Swiss engineering. Despite this transition, over the years, the brand has stayed true to the quintessential design of its cult models: the Radiomir and the Luminor. With exception to a few occasional limited edition watches, and collectors’ pocket watches, the brand continues to limit its watch production to Radiomir and Luminor models, which have changed very little over decades.

Over its long and rich history, Officine Panerai has evolved, but it never lost sight of what it originally sought out to accomplish. For its loyal commitment to its heritage, It remains a favourite amongst those fond of utilitarian designs, where form and beauty were secondary to their function.


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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Fifteen Books of Summer

There's a meme going around for 20 books of summer, but when I started compiling this list I realized some of mine are real whoppers, so I'm cutting it back to fifteen. I'm not usually good at finishing specific lists, unless it's for a challenge, but I wrote a post a couple of months ago of the Top Ten Books on my Spring TBR List, and I'm happy to say that I've finished eight of them so far and started the ninth. Who knows, maybe I'll actually succeed with this list as well.

A detailed list:

1. Heat Lightning by Helen Hull. A Persephone I received as a Mother's Day gift a few years ago, it's on my TBR Pile Challenge List; also, there's a mini Persephone Readathon this weekend so I really want to finish it in time.

2. The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett. I bought this at a library sale about 10 years ago, it is probably one of the books I've had owned and unread the longest. I downloaded the audio from the San Antonio Public Library and I need to finish it before my library card expires! (It's not pictured because I can't actually find my print copy -- could I have donated it to the library before we moved two years ago?)

3. My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. For my book group that meets next week before we break for the summer. Luckily  it's quite short, under 200 pages (which is why we chose it.) Highly recommended by Simon from Stuck in a Book.

4. London War Notes by Mollie Panter-Downes. Already started, but it's 450 pages of biweekly essays written for the New Yorker magazine. Not like I can zip through it. It's on my TBR Pile Challenge list, I'm making good progress this year.

5. Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain. Also on my TBR Pile Challenge list -- it's almost 700 pages long! But I've heard it's amazing and there's a readlong that starts June 1.

4. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. One of my daughter's favorites, I've been putting it off forever because I am afraid of Dostoevsky. There's a new translation which I will try to get from the library. I can also use this for the Back to the Classics Challenge.

5. Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell. Book #6 in the Barsetshire series (I've actually skipped #3, The Demon in the House, but I'm told you can skip around the series).

6. In Confidence by Irene Nemirovsky. I thought her short story collection Dimanche and Other Stories was absolutely brilliant, so when I saw this new collection on a blog, I ordered it immediately. More than a year ago! It's quite short so I should be able to finish it quickly.

7. The New Moon with the Old by Dodie Smith. Published in 1963, it's by the author of I Capture the Castle, one of my favorites. I love mid-century fiction and I was actually able to get it from the library!

8. Tom Tiddler's Ground by Ursula Orange. This was a birthday gift -- a year ago, and I still haven't read it. It's a Furrowed Middlebrow reprint by Dean Street Press, highly recommended by Simon and Rachel in the Tea or Books? podcast.

11. An Old Man's Love by Anthony Trollope. Also available on audio from the library. Trollope is tough to find on audio, especially the standalone novels, so I was delighted to find this on OneClick Digital for download.

12. Barmy in Wonderland by P. G. Wodehouse. Because Wodehouse is the perfect summer read.

13. Bond Street Story by Norman Collins -- because I loved London Belongs to Me (and also recommend by Rachel from Booksnob. It's another doorstopper, almost 500 pages and also oddly oversized.

14. The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott. (Not pictured). Second in the Raj Quartet series, it's only on audio download from the library -- but, luckily, the library card that isn't expiring! I have a year left if I want to finish the series before we move back to the U. S. (though of course I can find in a library when I return).

15. Troy Chimneys by Margaret Kennedy. Bought last year in a secondhand shop in Charing Cross Road on a trip to London.

Let's see if I can finish all of these by Labor Day which is September 3. Bloggers, which are your favorites? And what's on your summer reading list?

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

A Pair of Blue Eyes is On the Verge of Victorian Sensation

I hadn't planned on reading two books by Thomas Hardy back-to-back, but Under the Greenwood Tree was so short that I felt like I hadn't given Hardy enough attention. (Also, my San Antonio library card is expiring soon, and the Air Force Library didn't have it on audio). A Pair of Blue Eyes is another of Hardy's lesser-known early works, but it was much better than I expected and I think I liked it nearly as much as Far From the Madding Crowd, which is my favorite Hardy book so far. It's got plenty of drama and pastoral scenes, and a really interesting premise.

So. This is the story of young Elfride Swancourt, daughter of a widowed vicar in Wessex. When the story begins, she is awaiting the visit of an architect who is coming from London to make some drawings and plans for renovating her father's parish, where they have lived for a year or so. Unfortunately her father has had an attack of gout and is confined to his room, so Elfride will have to act as hostess to this dull man. Little does she know!

It turns out that this architect (assistant, really) is Stephen Smith, and he is young and handsome, and nearly the same age as she -- about twenty. Sparks fly, her father takes to Stephen, who is intelligent and well-spoken, and Stephen extends his visit as long as possible. Reverend Swancourt invites him to come back for a longer visit when he gets his holidays. Sounds great, right? But of course not, the path of true love never did run smoothly. It turns out Stephen is unworthy of Elfride, and after a secret engagement, he goes off to India to seek his fortune so he can make a proper offer.

Meanwhile, Reverend Swancourt decides he needs to get Elfride married off as soon as possible, and produces a wealthy stepmother to help guide her along the way. After some time in London, the new Mrs. Swancourt (who is not the evil stepmother I was expecting) invites her cousin Henry Knight for a visit. Henry is a clever yet somewhat pedantic writer -- who happens to be Stephen's former tutor and mentor. (Where would Victorian literature be without these amazing coincidences?) Naturally, Henry becomes enamored of the beautiful Elfride, and she's challenged by his intellect. Of course, she begins to forget about Stephen, who is already en route from India. Thus the love triangle ensues. There is plenty of drama, and descriptions of walks in the woods, and a narrow escape from death on a cliff which I still can't picture exactly in my head. (Apparently this scene may be the origin of the literary term "cliffhanger.")

I really enjoyed this book but I definitely had some issues with some of the characters, especially Henry Knight, whom I would have loved throttling. Some of the symbolism was kind of heavy-handed and there was definitely a lot of foreshadowing, and a plot twist at the end that I saw coming from a mile away.

Also, there's a lot of Victorian attitudes about women in this book that made me roll my eyes so hard I was afraid they'd fall out of my head -- hopefully that was Hardy's point. I don't want to give away too much but there were some parallels with this novel and Trollope's Linda Tressel -- but I liked this one much more, probably because there was a lot more character development and I guess I kind of expected the melodramatic ending from Hardy more than Trollope. I might even classify A Pair of Blue Eyes as a Victorian sensation novel -- it was published in 1873, only two years after Desperate Remedies, which apparently falls in the sensation category so I'd really like to read it also.

I've never read any Victorian authors' works in order of publication, but I think that would be really interesting to see the progression -- I can see how A Pair of Blue Eyes is more complex and dramatic than Under the Greenwood Tree but it's not nearly as tragic as The Return of the Native or Tess of the D'Urbervilles. I still haven't read Jude the Obscure but I've definitely gained a new appreciation for Hardy -- I might even reread Tess and actually like it this time around.

I really did enjoy this book, which I've owned for more than ten years, and I'm looking forward to reading more Hardy. Which should I read next -- one of the early novels, like Desperate Remedies? Or should I skip to the end and tackle Jude the Obscure?

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy

According to my Goodreads account, I joined on March 3, 2008, and started making a list of books (mostly classics) that I wanted to read. Some of those book are still on my TBR shelves and have been haunting me for more than ten years. Two of them are less-famous works by Thomas Hardy, Under the Greenwood Tree and A Pair of Blue Eyes -- which I recently discovered were available on audiobook download from the library. After ten years, I was finally inspired to take a crack at Under the Greenwood Tree, which sounded like just thing to listen to while walking the dog in my pastoral neighborhood.

Hill near my house.

Some of the neighbors.

The book begins with a group of local musicians in the rural village of Mellstock. They're out making the rounds on Christmas Day, as one does. There are fiddlers and singers from the choir, and as they're out and about, one of the members named Dick Dewy sees the young schoolmistress and is instantly smitten. Fancy Day (her real name) is beautiful and educated, and the local vicar is planning on replacing the traditional choir with Miss Day as the new organist. The vicar is also very attracted to Fancy, as is Frederic Shiner, a local farmer. It seems like the odds are against Dick and Fancy's match, especially because Fancy herself is rather flirtatious with other men, and seems to take Dick's love for granted.

This is Hardy's second published novel, and though I enjoyed it, there's not that much to it. The writing was good (despite my dislike of dialect) but the plot isn't terribly complex and I didn't think the characters were particularly well-developed -- it almost felt like this could have been part of a longer novel with more back story or plot complications. This book had some good points but I really expected more drama given the circumstances. It's a very quick read, under 200 pages, and it wouldn't be a bad place to start with Thomas Hardy if you're a little intimidated by Tess of the D'Urbervilles or Jude the Obscure.

I still have Jude on the TBR shelves and I've just started A Pair of Blue Eyes so I plan on making lots of progress with my Hardy reading list. I'm also intrigued by Desperate Remedies which is apparently more of a Victorian Sensation novel, which sounds like fun.

Anyone else read Under the Greenwood Tree? How do you think it compares to other books by Hardy?

Saturday, May 12, 2018

My Blog's Name in Books

This meme's been going around the blogosphere, I'll play. All of these are books from my TBR shelves. I did not realize until I wrote this post that my blog name has 18 letters.

B: Bella Poldark by Winston Graham. The twelfth and final book in the series, I still have two left to go. I was a little disappointed by the third season of Poldark so I haven't really been inspired to pick up the eleventh book, The Twisted Sword. Which is also on the TBR shelves, naturally.

O: One Pair of Feet by Monica Dickens. Bought at Shakespeare & Company in Paris, from the used book table out front. My edition has an inscription "Wishing you a very happy Christmas and to visit England in the New Year, with love from Arch, Joan & the children -- Christmas 1952." I love it when old books have names and dates of the people who previously owned them.

O: Our Hidden Lives: The Remarkable Diaries of Postwar Britain by Simon Garfield. I'm fascinated by this period of history.

K: Kept in the Dark by Anthony Trollope. That's a terrible cover (her face is so white compared to her ears which are really pink!) but I only have two books on the TBR shelf that fit for the letter K, and the other one is also by Trollope (The Kellys and the O'Kellys).

S: Slipstream: A Memoir by Elizabeth Jane Howard. I still haven't read any of her books other than the Cazalet series, which I loved. It sounds like she had a fascinating life.

A: At the Still Point by Mary Benson. I know nothing about this book other than it's a green-spined VMC and it's about South Africa under apartheid. Bought at the wonderful John King Books in Detroit.

N: The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster. I love this retro pulp-fiction inspired cover. It's one the last of the books I won in the Penguin Classics drawing a few years ago that are still unread (I've pretty much given up on The Metamorphosis as I cannot bring myself to read a book about a giant bug).

D: La Debacle by Emile Zola. Still working my way through the Rougon-Macquart series. This is supposed to one of the best war novels ever and was his bestselling novel during his lifetime, but I keep putting it off. It's really long and it looks rather dire, I feel like it's going to be full of extended battle scenes which are NOT my favorite.

C: The Caravaners by Elizabeth Von Arnim. It's supposed to be very funny so I'm saving it for next year when I include Classic Humor as one of the categories for the Back to the Classics Challenge.

H: The Hireling by L. P. Hartley. I've only read The Go-Between by Hartley but it was really good. I found this at Shakespeare and Company a couple of years ago and still haven't read it.

O: An Old Man's Love by Anthony Trollope. Probably my next Trollope, simply because there's an audio for free digital download at my library.

C: The Children by Edith Wharton. One of the books that's been on the TBR pile the longest. I would love to cross this off my to-read list.

O: The Other Day by Dorothy Whipple. Bought after hearing about it on the wonderful Tea or Books? podcast hosted by Simon and Rachel. It was a little pricy, and I suspect Persephone may reprint it now that they've published all her novels and most of her short stories.

L: Love Among the Ruins by Angela Thirkell. I have about a dozen Thirkells unread on my shelves. This is #17 in the series so it'll be a while before I get to this one, I've only read four so far.

A: Antidote to Venom by Freeman Willis Crofts. I bought four of these beautiful British Crime Classics on a trip to London last year and still haven't read any of them. I think I chose this one because the main character is a zoo director.

T: Troy Chimneys by Margaret Kennedy. A Virago I found in a Charing Cross bookshop last year. Historical fiction written in 1953, about a Victorian man researching a scandalous Regency-era ancestor. Midcentury, Victorian, AND Regency, all in one book!

E: East Wind, West Wind by Pearl S. Buck. I love the covers of these Moyer-Bell editions.

Looking over these selections I realized how many of them are British authors so I did a quick count -- less than 25% of my unread books are by non-Brits! I suspect I bought them all because I tend not to buy books anymore unless I can't get them in the library.

I wouldn't mind reading any or all of these in the next couple of months -- bloggers, which of these books should I read first?

Thursday, May 10, 2018

The Jewel in the Crown by Paul Scott

After watching the Masterpiece drama Indian Summers in 2015/2016 I became fascinated with the British Raj. I was really annoyed when the series wasn't renewed so to comfort myself I searched for as many books as I could find about the period, and The Jewel in the Crown was at the top of my to-read list. I received the first book of the series for Christmas last year and realized is almost 500 pages of tiny print and it is dense. Luckily, it was also available on audio via digital download from my library! It took me more than a month to listen to the audio on 1.25 speed, but I finally finished it.

Here's the setup: most of the story takes place in 1942 in Mayapore, a fictional place in India, towards the end of the British Raj, or authority over India. It's pretty obvious the Indian population is ready for independence but the British are resisting, using the war with Japan as an excuse -- they are afraid that a Japanese invasion will loosen their final hold on India. After the Indian National Congress votes to support Gandhi, riots break out, and a young English woman named Daphne Manners is raped and a group of young men are arrested by the local police. The police sergeant has ulterior motives because he is in love with Daphne, but she's actually in love with an Indian journalist, Hari Kumar, who is among the group of innocent men arrested and tortured. The same evening, another British school teacher named Edwina Crane is attacked by a gang as she drives back to Myapore from a remote village. She isn't physically harmed but her companion, an Indian teacher from the school, is beaten to death by the gang as she looks on in horror.

The format of the book is unusual, not told in traditional chapters, but in different long sections which are alternately third person narration of different characters, police reports, interviews, and diary entries. It seemed a bit disjointed at first, changing viewpoints every 50 or 100 pages, but the reader begins to get a more complete picture of the complicated relationship between the British and the Indians in the years before the end of the Raj. The narrators and writers are both Indian and British, and though I liked the audio version (which clocked in at more than 22 hours), but the narrator has a very clipped, posh accent for the British characters, but I didn't much care for the accent he gave the Indians.

Overall, though, I really found the story fascinating, even though the central event is quite brutal (though it's never described in specific detail). I feel like Daphne and Hari's relationship was symbolic of the relationship between India and Britain, and how things could go horribly wrong. It's always tricky reading colonial literature written by white people but Scott takes a really unflinching look at the British in India, and it isn't very flattering. He also takes some serious jabs at both the British and Indian class systems, and the racism between the British and Indians is just devastating and extremely timely.

I found Hari and Daphne's story really heartbreaking, but the book is really engaging as soon as you get used to the format and I'm eager to read the next three volumes. The other three are also available on audio digital download but I think I need to take a break before diving into the next one as they're equally long -- the final volume is more than 600 pages in print and more than 27 hours of audio! There was also a TV adaptation filmed in the 1980s that was voted one of Masterpiece Theater's all-time favorites, but I will probably wait until I've finished reading (and listening) to the books before I watch it.

I'm counting this as my 20th Century Classic for the Back to the Classics Challenge

Monday, May 7, 2018

Classics Spin # 17: One Fine Day by Mollie Panter-Downes

So I'm nearly a week behind with Classics Spin #17, but better late than never. My spin pick was One Fine Day by Mollie Panter-Downes, a slim novella of a mere 184 pages. One would think it would be easy enough to finish this book in time --I was so confident that I could zoom through this book in a day that I literally left it to the last minute. Of course, I was wrong.

It's a short book, but not one that I would recommend rushing. As the title suggests, it's a single day in the life of Laura Marshall, who lives in Wealding, a fictional English in Sussex. It's shortly after the end of the war, and her husband Stephen commutes by train to his job in the city; daughter Victoria, about 9 or 10, is off to school and then visiting a friend afterward for tea.

Laura goes about her early summer day, filled with the normal tasks of cleaning, cooking, shopping and errands. The family live in a big house that once had several servants, but now must make do with a part-time daily charwoman and elderly gardener. Her tasks that day include asking a local youth to help out with the gardening maintenance; putting an advertisement in the local paper for a cook.

The reader really gets a feeling of what life was like in the aftermath of the war. The book was published in 1947 and it's very obvious that WWII is still very fresh, with rationing, queueing, and German POWs still working on local farms. Laura picks a basket of gooseberries for her husband's work assistant who lives in London; there are mentions of the sudden availability of oranges, and daughter Victoria longs to live on a farm where milk and cream are there for the taking.

It seems like any ordinary day, it's really a microcosm of how life was changing in England, neatly encapsulated in less than 200 pages. Much of the story is also focused on how life was before the war and how it will never be the same due to changes in class and social structure. Laura and her family are faced with the impossibility of finding help, as all the working-class people are no longer interested in service. Laura's snobby mother can't understand why her daughter has to -- gasp -- do housework! but the local squire's wife has faced reality and is moving off her crumbling estate to smaller housing and has given over her mansion to the National Trust. The young man asked for gardening help has no interest in sticking around the little poky village, and is ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Overall, this book is just beautifully written, too good to zip through in a single sitting.

How hot it was! The midday heat was rising to a head, like milk to the boil, singing in a clotted hum of bees, of crickets among the sorrel and daisies, of gnats dancing above the cresses tugged all one way by the trickle of water running under the hedge. An old woman came out with a pail, hobbling across the lane to the tap dripping among the moss. She had lived to see men flying overhead like birds; to stand among the hollyhocks watching bombs spluttering across the stars to kill a family forty miles away; to turn a switch and hear the great voice from Westminster correcting her kitchen clock.

I loved this book and it was the perfect read for a beautiful spring day. I read a good chunk of it on Saturday afternoon sitting outside in the Japanese garden in Kaiserslautern. I didn't take any photos this time but here's one of my favorites from last year.

Mollie Panter-Downes worked for years as a correspondent for the New Yorker magazine and as a short story writer; sadly, she really didn't write many novels. However, I've read and enjoyed both of her short story collections published by Persephone, and I also own London War Notes, a collection of her wartime columns which was thankfully republished (also by Persephone) because the previous edition from the 1970s was terribly expensive.  It's on my TBR Pile Challenge list so I'm hoping to get to it before the end of the summer.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Nina Balatka and Linda Tressel: Anthony Trollope Finally Disappoints

Sorry for the poor image quality.
Not a lot of editions of this book.
For a reason.
It was bound to happen eventually: my favorite, most trusted, most reliable author has disappointed me. And not just with a book I found mediocre -- a book that made me so annoyed, so frustrated I nearly threw the book across the room. The culprit? Nina Balatka and Linda Tressel, two short novels published in one volume by one of very favorite authors of all time, Anthony Trollope. Harrumph.

This wasn't even my top choice of Trollope novels to read, but I chose them simply because they were short, and because they're the only two of Trollope's works not set in England. Nina Balatka is set in Prague (which I was lucky enough to visit last year); and Linda Tressel is set just down the road (well, 3 1/2 hours) in Nuremberg.

So. Nina Balatka is the story of a young woman in Prague who is in love (gasp!) with a Jewish man, to the horror of her family. Her mother has long since died and her aged father has fallen on hard times, and signed over the ownership of his house to the Trendellsohns, the family of his former business partner. Nina's father is ill so she has been dealing with the Trendellsohns, particularly the son, Anton. One thing has led to another and they fall in love, to the displeasure of both families. Nina's cousin Ziska Zamenoy is in love with her, and his mother is dead set against her marrying a Jew. She vows to do everything within her power to split them up, planting seeds of doubt in the minds of the two lovers. The big issue is that Anton never actually received the deed to the Balatka house, which is rightfully his.

This was not Trollope's best work. I thought the dialogue and writing seemed rather stilted, quite unlike Trollope's easy style, and the plot seemed to go over and over the same points repeatedly -- interfaith marriages are hard! Relatives are manipulative! It was like Trollope was beating a literary horse to death; also, there was one character in particular who was so saintly as to be unrealistic. It took me nearly a month to read this 200 page novella because it really wasn't that interesting -- I actually started it at the end of April and it just didn't grab me.

On the other hand, I zipped through Linda Tressel in just over 24 hours.  Right away, this novella held my interest -- the writing was much better and faster-paced. Aha, I thought, now this is the Trollope I know and love. Young Linda Tressel, about 20, was orphaned at a young age and is under the care of her aunt, her mother's sister. They live together in Nuremberg, Germany, in the house left to Linda by her father. To make ends meet they have a lodger, the 50-something Peter Stenimarc, who works for the burgermeisters. Linda's Aunt Charlotte is very religious, a strict Calvinist who basically has sucked all the enjoyment out of Linda's life. She's not allowed to have any friends, dance, read novels, and heaven forbid she should have a suitor or make any kind of decision for herself.

Aunt Charlotte has decided that Linda needs a stabilizing influence and that she should marry Mr. Stenimarc, who is old enough to be Linda's father. Mr. Stenimarc is flattered by the suggestion and begins to think that young Linda would be lucky to have him. He's very interested in controlling pretty young Linda -- and her property! He and her aunt decide They Know Best and pressure Linda to accept his hand in marriage, even though she's horrified.

Meanwhile, there's a young man named Ludovic, a distant cousin of Peter's, who is also in love with Linda, but it turns out he may be disreputable -- or is this just what Charlotte and Peter say to keep him away from Linda? It seems like Linda has only a faithful servant to turn to, and there were some pretty surprising developments. The plot in this novel moved along much quicker than Nina Balatka, but I kept wanting to shout at her to grow a spine and tell Aunt Charlotte where to shove it (it's very hard for me as a 21st-century feminist to see people try to control women's decisions, even when they are fictional). Aunt Charlotte was masterful at using guilt to pressure Linda. And then PLOT TWIST [highlight for spoilers] after resisting Charlotte and Peter for months, Linda finally walks out and takes a train and a boat to Cologne to some distant relatives BUT CATCHES COLD ON THE BOAT. AND DIES. THANKS, TROLLOPE!!!!

I was so angry I can't stop thinking about this. It is a terrible thing when one's literary hero falls short. I'm taking it very personally. Anthony, I know you've been dead for 136 years, but seriously, how could you do this to me? I admit, after reading 28 of Trollope's novels (and his autobiography), I've been kind of spoiled because the quality is so high -- there have only been a couple so far that have been just meh -- all but one of them (Sir Harry Hotspur of Humblethwaite) have had at least parts that I really enjoyed. I did mostly like Linda Tressel but the ending made me so mad, I don't know if I want to read any more Trollope for a while.

Trollope, you hurt my soul.