The City of Lights

by Jimmy Smith

A closer look at Paris.

History
The earliest known occupation of what is now Paris was around 4200 B.C. by the Celtic Simons. The Celtics flourished until they were conquered by roman forces in 52 B.C. When the Romans took over they named the city Lutetina. While under roman rule the city began to grow rapidly and in the year 212 the city was renamed Paris. In the early fourth century the city was attacked by barbarians forcing the Romans to build a wall to protect the city. In 1789 the city was Paris was part of the French Revolution where the monarch was overthrown by the Russians.

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Copyright ©2009 Michele Cameron Drew. All rights reserved.

The Laundromat

I'm sorry that I have been so absent as of late. I was back to work full time for awhile and things were a bit hectic.

Recently I got an email from a friend with a subject line of "Ok, You Talked Me Into It". It was from good old RJ Grant. You see RJ hasn't written any articles online lately as he has been concentrating on larger projects. I asked him to post an article because I have missed his amusing anecdotes.

Inside the email was a link to the very witty and wonderful The Laundromat by RJ Grant

You may think that the Laundromat is not a particularly exciting topic? Then maybe you haven’t looked at the Laundromat in the right light. My earliest memories of the Laundromat are those of an affordable amusement park for children growing up in Brooklyn.

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Hearst Castle: The Incredibly Extravagant Estate of Newspaper Magnate William Randolph Hearst

by Michele Cameron Drew

Once an amazing ocean retreat for the upper echelon of wealthy celebrities throughout history, particularly in the 1920s and 30s, Hearst Castle is now one of the most visited attractions in California and the United States.


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Location

Ninety miles south of Carmel at the southernmost part of the Big Sur coast near San Simeon and Cambria, in San Luis Obispo County, lies Hearst Castle, the fascinating and magnificent estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

History

Built from 1919-1947 by well known architect Julia Morgan of San Francisco, on a 40,000-acre ranch, purchased by William Randolph Hearst's father, wealthy miner George Hearst in 1865. It was designed around the eccentric style of William Randolph Hearst. His love of antiques with functionality is something not to be missed.

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Once an amazing ocean retreat for the upper echelon of wealthy celebrities throughout history, particularly in the 1920's and 30's, an invitation to visit the castle was a highly coveted item. Hearst Castle is now one of the most visited attractions in California and the United States.

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Copyright ©2011 Michele Cameron Drew. All rights reserved.

Five Positive Ways to Spend Valentine's Day If You're Single or Recently Broken Up

by Maria Blazz


Is this your situation? You can also have your celebration.



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If you’re mad because you’re single and lonely, or because you recently broke up or divorced or if you just hate the marketing around this holiday, you have many anti-Valentine’s day options around to pick. But, what if you love Saint Valentine’s day but just don’t have that special soul mate to share with? Here are some alternatives to celebrate and keep positive.
1. Hang out with your best friends.
Love manifests in many ways and one of them is friendship. Share some time with your closest friends and show them how much you appreciate them, they sure will give you their feedback. If you have the chance, go out, don’t stay at home. Although you can organize a party in some house, it’s better to change the air and visit a new place that you may enjoy and where you can have fun without mourning about the past.
2. Share some quality time with your family
Another form of love you may have is your family: parents, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandparents… If you have a good relationship with them, try to be thankful for that and remember that’s a big value in your life.
3. Do something that you really like
When you’re busy with something you really enjoy to do, you don’t have time to complain or think about the bad side of your situation. While you’re watching that funny movie you love, cooking, doing gym, listening to your favorite music, traveling or whatever makes you happy, you’re generating positive feelings for you and those who surround you.

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Political Sex Scandals in History

by eddiego65

People often look up to politicians who are supposed to lead by example. So it is definitely disappointing to see them commit indiscretions that jeopardize their careers and create embarrassment not only for themselves but also for their country and families as well. Here are some notable political sex scandals in history.

Bill Clinton (1946 - )

President of the United States (1993 - 2001)

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News of Clinton's extramarital affair with 22-year-old White House intern Monica Lewinsky broke out in January 1998, what became known as the Lewinsky Scandal. After issuing numerous strong denials, Clinton eventually admitted having "improper physical relationship" with Lewinsky during his testimony in Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit in August 2008, when key evidences surfaced, particularly blue dress stained with his semen. Clinton was consequently impeached for charges of obstruction of justice and perjury by the House of Representatives in December 1998; however, he would be acquitted by the Senate the following year.

John Profumo (1915 - 2006)

British Politician

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Profumo, the Secretary of State for War under Harold Macmillan's administration, was unfortunately best known for his involvement in the Profumo Affair in 1963. At the very height of the Cold War, he was accused of putting national security at risk by his short-lived affair with Christine Keeler, a showgirl who was also having a relationship with Soviet naval attaché Eugene Ivanov. The scandal led to his resignation and withdrawal from politics following his admission of having misled the Commons when questioned about his friendship with Keeler.

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Book Review: A Game of Thrones, by George RR Martin

by Michele Cameron Drew


A Game of Thrones, the first novel of a projected series of seven(A Song of Ice and Fire) by George RR Martin was first published in 1996. There are many "spin-off" items that have taken their names from this novel, including several games and HBO has contracted for a pilot episode based on the novels.

In resemblance to England during the "War of the Roses" is the seven kingdoms of Westeros. The story begins in the year 298 AL (After Landing). As its inhabitants await and prepare for the coming four decade winter that will shortly encompass their world, a civil war arises for power between several families. Leaders include Eddard Stark & Tyrion Lannister as well as many others. Unbeknownst to them the young Daenerys Targearyen(exiled daughter of the murdered and rightful king) is headed their way. Daenerys' plan is to travel to Westeros and then(as rightful heir) claim the throne.

Martin's style here is masterful. His prose flows beautifully and rings with clarity to the intelligent reader. With each chapter written in the third person limited point of view, there is no sense of "good" or "evil", but a sense of what "is". His characters are realistic and believable and their thought process can be analyzed "through their own eyes".

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