Lada Ray's Blog, page 102
April 28, 2012
2012 Predictions Update: French Elections 4/22-5/6
I am interrupting my GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR today for an update on my predictions for the French Presidential Elections, April 22 – May 6, 2012.
On January 12, 2012 I posted YEAR 2012 PREDICTIONS on this blog. Included were the “big three” elections for the so called Year of Elections, namely Russia, France and USA.
Read the original post: Year 2012 Predictions
The Russian Presidential Elections have already taken place on March 4. Vladimir Putin won the elections in the exact way and with the exact percentage of votes I predicted. But I’ll brag about that on another occasion 
After all, this post is all about French Elections.
As a reminder to my readers, I do not belong to any political party and consider myself a political atheist. My analysis is based on observation, logic, intuition and the Ancient Chinese System of Long Cycles (CSLC).
Nicolas Sarkozy
So, here’s what I said on January 12, 2012 regarding the incumbent French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his chances to win another term:
“France, Presidential Elections, April 22-May 6, 2012: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, together with Angela Merkel of Germany (whose re-election is not until 2013, and I’ll talk about her chances on another occasion) will do everything in their power to reassure the Europeans and the markets in 2012, and will pull a rabbit out of the hat, if necessary. Watch for various announcements from the Eurozone, directed at flooding the system with cheap money, more bailouts, etc.
However, the Eurozone crisis will deepen, with more countries teetering on the brink of collapse, and French elections will happen at the most inopportune time for Sarkozy.
Openly right wing and considered the only neo-con able to win the election, he’s deeply disliked in his country, and will lose.
Again, in case anyone’s wondering, Sarkozy’s Chinese Zodiac sign is the HORSE. Maybe, that’s why the long face. 
Just kidding, all you, fabulous Horses, out there! The Horse is a very cool and fortunate sign!”
I have also posted an update on March 3, the day before the Russian Elections, in which I updated my outlook for Putin’s chances, as well as Sarkozy’s outlook.
Here is what I said:
“French elections, April 22 – May 6, 2012 – Nicolas Sarkozy.
U.S. State Department code name: Emperor Without Clothes.
At this time, no change in my prediction. He’ll still lose the election – more emphatically so!”
Read the 3/3/12 update: 2012 Predictions Update: Russian Elections
So what’s happening in the French Presidential Elections? So far, it’s playing out exactly as I predicted. Nicolas Sarkozy only received 26.5 percent of votes in the first round and finished a humiliating second for an incumbent. Socialist Francois Hollande received over 27.5 percent, and far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen, the rising star of French politics, finished third with a surprise 18 percent!
Francois Hollande
In the second round Sarkozy and Hollande will be vying for the votes of the third and fourth finish candidates.
My updated prediction:
In a very funny twist, I am predicting that in the second round socialist Hollande (left) will take some of Marine Le Pen’s (far right) votes, along with the fourth place finisher votes (far left).
Seemingly, it doesn’t make any sense. But: The vote for Hollande is a vote against Sarkozy. This is a protest vote, pure and simple. Because, as I said in my January 2012 prediction: “[Sarkozy is] deeply disliked in his country and [that's why he] will lose.” The French simply don’t want another five years with him.
In addition to Sarkozy’s ineffectual domestic policies and his foreign policy that is both too America-centered and too bellicose for the liking of the French electorate, there is also another reason. As mentioned before, the crisis in the EU continues to deepen and that spells disaster for the incumbent Euro leaders. So far, 9 governments have been ousted due to the European crisis, including Greek, Italian and Dutch. There are more to come. For Sarkozy, this spells the perfect storm.
CONCLUSION:
On May 6, Nicolas Sarkozy will lose the election (which, based on his reaction after the first round has been a surprise only to him, but no one else). The next President of France, breaking with the long standing French tradition of allowing a president 2 terms in the office, will be… Francois Hollande.
Most importantly, with the new man at the helm, the direction of French politics will undergo a certain change. There will be SOME change in the French attitude towards the EU and Eurozone. However, I wouldn’t expect TOO MUCH of a change at this time. Real change will come later, but predictions about that – in another post.
Some change to the emigration policy from the poor countries, which is a big problem in many European countries, as well as in Russia. The European countries will attempt to coordinate their emigration policies and certain border controls will be introduced very soon. But the emigration mess will take a very long time to sort out.
Perhaps most notably, with the new president France will change some of its foreign policy. For one, France will stop playing, forgive the expression, “The French poodle” to the US foreign policy, the role it’s been playing during Sarkozy’s neocon tenure. France will re-acquire its more independent stance on foreign affairs, which it used to enjoy under various other presidents since Charles De Gaulle. And hopefully, France’s policy will acquire a more peaceful flavor, as support for invasions and bombings of other countries wanes.
General Charles De Gaulle
In conclusion, I also want to mention that if Francois Hollande fails to fulfill these deep seated hopes of his electorate, the French people will likely vote him out of the office five years from now.
Marine Le Pen
In that case, Marine Le Pen, the rising star of the French politics, emphisizing pride in France, its roots and culture; anti-emigration and inti-war policies, is likely to win the following elections in 2017.
The next 2012 Predictions update is coming in May, after the French elections.
Stay tuned!
Lada Ray
Copyright 2012 Lada Ray
April 25, 2012
JADE SNOW: Savior or Seductress
GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR
SheNow.org BooksNow Featured Article:
Jade Snow: Savior or Seductress
Jade Snow is the protagonist of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series and of GOLD TRAIN, a gripping mystery thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events.
At 30, Jade is a seasoned international journalist, who sacrificed her career for marriage and to raise her thirteen-month old daughter Lara. But this is all about to change as her life takes an unexpectedly dramatic turn.
When Jade learns about the old mystery surrounding the missing Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, she jumps at the chance to restart her journalistic career which ground to a screeching halt after she got pregnant. She also hopes to reconnect with the country of her ancestors. Barely 24 hours after her arrival to Moscow, Jade’s only Russian friend gets brutally murdered, while Jade finds herself embroiled in a web of lies, intrigue, glamour and alien ideals. As she lands in the midst of a conspiracy threatening to overthrow the Russian government, she must stay ahead of her adversaries, knowing that one mistake may cause a civil war and upset the delicate balance of power in the world. And along the way, she meets a mysterious stranger who will change her own world forever.
Several years back, when I was flying to Asia via Dubai, I met some international journalists returning from Afghanistan, who told me stories of their adventures. As I was boarding my plane, the image of Jade Snow, complete with her flaming hair and unusual blue-green eyes, appeared before me. It occurred to me that this young, smart, fearless and beautiful journalist, who had mastered to perfection the art of being in the wrong place at the right time, would make an amazing heroine for the international adventure series.
I soon started writing my first novel, STEPFORD, USA, prequel to the Jade Snow International Adventure Series. In it, Jade, 28, gets stuck in an idyllic town in the Berkshires, MA, where she is supposed to take it easy before the birth of her child. But this little sheltered paradise is hiding a terrible secret which Jade must uncover, risking her own and her unborn baby’s lives.
Next, I wrote a short novella, GREEN DESERT, describing Jade’s riveting experience in Iraq before the start of the series. And when I stumbled upon the story of the lost Russian Imperial gold, I knew – this was to be Jade’s next adventure!
Jade Snow could have any man for the asking. But she is not content with easy happiness she could have as wife and mom. The role of a little woman is not for her, and she must find adventure wherever she goes.
In each book of the series, Jade will encounter a mystery to solve, a devastating conspiracy to uncover and someone to save, be it a wrongfully convicted man, a small Asian village, or the world entire. And in each story, she is faced with excruciatingly dramatic choices about her own love and happiness.
I’d like to give a few examples of what various reviewers say about Jade in order to illustrate a certain controversial subject. And before you decide that it’s boring… Trust me, I am trying to make a point here, so just bear with me!
“Jade… is the real treat. She does not have super powers, nor even any formal training in the spy business, but she is daring, and clever, and her heart is always in the right place.”
“Jade Snow is to journalism, what Jason Bourne is to action and espionage. The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose… [she] goes beyond the obvious and whisks us along into the heart-stopping world of Jade Snow with breath-taking appeal for the next paragraph and page.”
“I was love struck with the interaction between the characters, how well they work together, complimenting one another to solve the mystery. Jade Snow is a very intuitive, resourceful, quick thinking, witty heroine…”
“The protagonist, Jade Snow is a strong, independent journalist with international appeal. Her intuition, ability to reason and deductive prowess rivals the great Sherlock Holmes.”
The above are all examples of five star reviews, two from male and two from female reviewers. I’ve been blessed with a number of five star reviews, which all bring up excellent points and for which I am immensely grateful.
Another reviewer, who gives GOLD TRAIN four stars, says this:
“Jade is a bright likeable character. She is educated and good at connecting the dots. While she has no training as a detective, her inquisitive mind and investigative reporting skills find her entwined in the mystery. I loved Jade the detective, but struggled to like Jade the person. While on this adventure she strays and breaks her marriage vows. [!] Call me old fashioned, but this doesn’t sit well with me; even though the romance was passionate and Jade felt he was her soul mate. I realize this won’t affect everyone, so do not let this deter you from a great adventure.”
I thank this reviewer for her frank opinion and for a thorough, generally positive review. About Jade “straying, while in Russia.” I am old fashioned too, at least on this count, but my character doesn’t have to be. And I have just one question. What if she were a male? Do we still have double standards when it comes to these issues? If you read the book, dear reader, you’ll know exactly why I ask this question.
And then, there is this:
“I however, did not like the fact that Jade jumps into bed with Alexei immediately, without a second thought to the loving husband and her daughter waiting for her back home.” [?] This is from a three star review by a male reviewer from Mumbai, India.
Ha? Jade jumps into bed immediately? Of course, all her hesitations and feelings of guilt throughout the whole book don’t count, right? And I don’t know about you, but I don’t know too many people who would think about their children right before making passionate love. In fact, this is usually the last thing on someone’s mind in such circumstances.
“If Jade was a real person, I wouldn’t like her. I wouldn’t care what happened to her.” [!] This is from a three star review by Mark Lee, Masquerade Crew (Alabama, USA). This reviewer also confesses in his review that he’s never been outside of North America.
Hmmm… I don’t even know what to say here except this.
Imagine… Jade is freezing to death on a cold, wind swept night street in St. Petersburg, Russia with nowhere to go. Her only Russian friend has just been murdered. She also just found out that the only other two people she knows in Russia are not at all what they seem. She’s been betrayed by the very people she used to trust, people who want to use her as a pawn in their twisted high stakes games. And that’s when she gets rescued by a handsome stranger. She is offered lots of wine and vodka, which she gladly accepts, both to warm up and to numb her mind after the terrible shocks she’d experienced. And the stranger she is with is handsome and sexy beyond imagination. What follows is not a one-night stand, but a relationship literally made in heaven – the kind both men and women dream about their entire lives! Yet, it is a relationship that’s not meant to be, or at least the one that is not going to be easy.
I realize, it is very hard to imagine the freezing cold, drama and betrayal, all the loneliness and confusion of a woman alone in the unfamiliar country, if you are a male leisurely reading this book on a warm couch in Alabama, or in the tropical heat of Mumbai – but try! Make an effort! And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see what I see.
So, who is Jade Snow? Is she a savior or seductress?
Jade is not your usual female character. She is strong, smart, quick thinking and witty, with broad international appeal. Fully at home in the brave, new globalized world, she is also human and there is a certain vulnerability about her, as she searches for her personal happiness. Blessed with exceptional good looks and plenty of sex appeal, she can sweep any man off his feet. But she is absolutely and brutally honest. “Crystally honest,” as they would say in Russia. Not just with the others, but also with herself, which is a much more difficult thing to do.
She would only be with the man who is her soul mate, even if it means breaking her marriage vows. She will never lie to herself, but she can sacrifice her own happiness, if to achieve it, she has to break other people’s hearts.
As they would say in the old country, “The girl likes her happiness the hard way.”
I have to confess: I adore Jade, not only as one of my characters – my creation – but also as a person. And I am very proud of how she acts in the most crucial moments of her life. Sometimes she even manages to surprise me – very pleasantly so. Her dramatic life has thrown her more than her share of loss and curveballs, and she’s been known to pass her heart-wrenching tests with flying colors, while at the same time managing to preserve her witty sense of humor. And because of her attitudes and lessons learned, somewhere along the way, she finds the rainbow… when she least expects it.
I can’t emphasize enough how much our contemporary literature needs the smart and strong female characters and role models who are also real, genuine people. And how much we need more people with intelligence, courage and heart in our everyday lives! In the new world of the 21 century, we have to learn to live and work together, regardless of prejudices and borders, to understand each other and help those in need, whether it is by saving a stranger’s life, averting global disaster, or by a simple act of random kindness.
The next Jade Snow adventure will take place in Asia. There are many more mysteries to solve, conspiracies to uncover, and yes, happiness to find!
Dear readers, see you on pages of my books, where Jade and I promise you a non-stop thrilling ride with heart!
Genre: Spy thriller, historic mystery, action, adventure, suspense with an element of otherworldly romance.
Pages: 230 Print size: 9×6 in.
Release: eBook – 12/18/11. Paperback – 4/25/12
PROMOTIONS
All Lada Ray’s books will be on sale on Amazon for a very limited time!
GOLD TRAIN Paperback is coming to Amazon on 4/25/12!
Early purchase price: $9.99 (reg.$14.95) Stay tuned!
GOLD TRAIN Giveaway on Lada Ray Blog 4/25 – 5/6: Giving away 1 author signed paperback and 3 ebooks!
More information about these Promotions, as well as Giveaways and the Gold Train Blog Tour: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/
Check out other cool stops along the Gold Train Paperback Launch Blog Tour – not your usual tour! It includes lots of interesting interviews, reviews, and special features, including: Fact and Fiction in Gold Train; Russia and I; as well as a rare, candid conversation with Jason Sullivan of Different Outcomes Blog about the Russian royalty and 1918 Civil War, Soviet and Russian literature and film, my childhood memories riding Russian trains, May Day celebration in the USSR, and what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union. There will also be some rare and exclusive pictures. Don’t miss these very special events!
WHERE TO BUY GOLD TRAIN:
Amazon US (Paperback and eBook)
Amazon UK DE FR ES IT (Paperback and eBook)
Barnes & Noble (eBook)
Smashwords (eBook)
Kobo (eBook)
Sony (eBook)
USEFUL LINKS:
Blog Tour and Giveaway info: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/
All about Gold Train and other books: http://www.ladaray.com/
GOLD TRAIN Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkTek8E23rg
Blog: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/LadaRay
YouTube: Lada Ray Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay/videos
Facebook @ Lada Ray
I am inviting you to check out the entertaining posts with lots of great pics about Jade Snow and Gold Train on Lada Ray Blog:
GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia
GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro
GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories
GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series
GOLD TRAIN: Who is this mysterious Alexei?
Tsars, Oligarchs and Imperial Treasure: St. Petersburg, Russia
BIO:
I’ve loved all the varied and exotic things I’ve done in life, but writing is by far my biggest love affair and most exciting adventure. Can’t wait to share it… See you on pages of my books!
Lada Ray is a writer, internationally certified feng shui master practitioner, world traveler, linguist, financial consultant & investor, nature/animal lover and spirituality & metaphysics researcher.
Born in Russia, Lada always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is.)
Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to over twenty six countries (she stopped counting after 26) in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.
In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as a financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup.
But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She traveled to Asia to study with the revered Hong Kong Masters of Feng Shui and obtained her International Master’s Certification (graduated first in class) with Lillian Too, world-renowned feng shui author and teacher. For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality for her own website, as well as for the World of Feng Shui and other international publications. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.
Lada imagines her stories in bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, where she lives with her family and gorgeous calico cat Lily.
Lada Ray is the author of:
~GOLD TRAIN, gripping mystery/thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events (Jade Snow Russia Adventure)
~STEPFORD USA, a small town psychological mystery/thriller (Jade Snow Prequel)
~Green Desert, a riveting story set in Iraq (A Jade Snow Novella)
Coming in 2012:
~The Earth Shifter, new YA fantasy/thriller, set in Russia (Moscow & Siberia,) US, China and other mythical locales of this surreal Blue Planet
~Dragon Gate, next Jade Snow Adventure, set in Asia
GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR Starts Today!
GOLD TRAIN Paperback Launch Blog Tour starts today
NOT YOUR USUAL BLOG TOUR!
It is jampacked with cool and one-of-a-kind events! Don’t miss them!
GOLD TRAIN Giveaway on Lada Ray Blog 4/25 – 5/6: Giving away 1 author signed paperback and 3 ebooks!
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
April 25 (Wd) SheNow.org BooksNow Feature Article: JADE SNOW: SAVIOR OR SEDUCTRESS
April 25 (Wd) The Plot Thickens - Author interview: We discuss Gold Train’s plot
April 26 (Th) City Girl Who Loves to Read - Author interview: We discuss Gold Train’s magical setting
April 27 (Fr) The Manicheans - Author Interview
April 28 (Sat) Kate’s Reads Blog - Author Interview and review
April 29 (Sun) My Love of Reading Blog - Author Interview and review
April 30 (Mon) Lada Ray Blog - Feature article: RUSSIA and I. Includes lots of beautiful & rare photos fo Moscow and Saint Petersburg!
May 01 (Tu) Different Outcomes - Author Jason Sullivan of Different Outcomes Blog and I are preparing a rare and candid interview. In it we’ll discuss the Russian Civil War; history and current state of the Russian royalty; Soviet and Russian literature and film; May Day celebration in the USSR; and the unique character of Jade Snow. In addition, we’ll talk about my childhood experiences riding Russian trains and what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union, I will include some rare and exclusive photos. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event! Review included.
May 03 (Th) Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer - Interview and review (includes book giveaway: 1 author signed paperback copy and 1 ebook – for terms see Kimba the Caffeinated Blog)
May 05 (Sat) Lada Ray Blog - Feature Article: Fact and Fiction in GOLD TRAIN
May 06 (Sun) GOLD TRAIN BOOK GIVEAWAY on Lada Ray Blog: giving away 1 author signed paperback and 3 ebooks! TERMS: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/
All Lada Ray’s books will be on sale on Amazon for a very limited time!
GOLD TRAIN Paperback is coming to Amazon today!
Early purchase price: $9.99 (reg.$14.95) Stay tuned!
Don’t miss these very special interviews, reviews, feature articles, giveaways and promotions!
For more visit: http://LadaRay.wordpress.com/blog-tours
Related articles
My Updates: New Gold Train Description and Paperback Launch (ladaray.wordpress.com)
New GOLD TRAIN Paperback Cover and Other Updates (ladaray.wordpress.com)
Announcing: GOLD TRAIN, Exciting Second Edition (ladaray.wordpress.com)
Featured in GOLD TRAIN: High-Speed Sapsan and Other Russian Trains (ladaray.wordpress.com)
GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro (ladaray.wordpress.com)
April 19, 2012
New GOLD TRAIN Paperback Cover and Other Updates
Hello, dear friends!
As promised, below is a preview of the new GOLD TRAIN paperback cover. The front cover is slightly modified compared to the ebook version.
Paperback Cover Spread:
Front cover:
Spine:
Back Cover:
This is a large paperback – 9X6 inches, 232 pages, printed on quality cream paper. Nice, large text, easy to read. This edition includes a sneak peek synopsis and exclusive excerpt from DRAGON GATE, the next Jade Snow Adventure set in Asia.
During the paperback launch and Gold Train Blog Tour all my books will be on sale.
For a limited time, paperback will be $9.99 on Amazon (4/23-5/6).
Gold Train ebook will also be on sale on Amazon for $0.99. Stepford, USA ebook will be $0.99 as well. Green Desert will be FREE. Own all 3 Jade Snow Adventures for only $1.98!
During the blog tour we are also planning 3 exciting giveaways of both Gold Train paperback and ebook editions. In total, 8 copies will be given away.
Don’t forget to check out the exciting blog stops and features of this unusual blog tour, including: JADE SNOW: SAVIOR OR SEDUCTRESS; FACT AND FICTION IN GOLD TRAIN; and exclusive discussion with Jason Sullivan of DIFFERENT OUTCOMES about the implications of the Russian Civil War, what happened to the Russian royalty, how May 1 (May Day) was celebrated in the USSR, and what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union (with rare photos).
Check out all up-to-date info about the GOLD TRAIN launch, blog tour, promos and giveaways here: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/
April 14, 2012
My Updates: New Gold Train Description and Paperback Launch
Hello, everyone!
My Internet is still down, but today I am sitting at the Latte Lounge in Oneonta, a 30 min. drive from my home, to catch up on all my Internet activities.
Other than this one piece of aggravation, everything else is moving along swimmingly, and I am happy to report that GOLD TRAIN Paperback Launch is well on track. I have lots of exciting news to share with all of you today!
The official GOLD TRAIN Paperback Launch is April 25.
April 25 is also the start date of the GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR.
This is NOT your average blog tour! We packed it with very special features and one-of-a-kind events:
There will be two cool feature articles:
JADE SNOW: Savior or Seductress @SheNow.org Blog
Fact and Fiction in GOLD TRAIN @LadaRayBlog
On May 1, Author Jason Sullivan of Different Outcomes Blog and I are preparing a rare and candid interview, in which we’ll discuss the Russian Civil War and its implications, the history and current state of the Russian royalty and what went into the creation of the unique character of Jade Snow. In addition, we’ll talk about what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union, my childhood experiences riding Russian trains, and how May 1 (May Day) was celebrated in the USSR. I am hoping to include a couple of exclusive photos. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event!
You can find all up-to-date info about the tour here: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours
All about GOLD TRAIN, as well as other books and projects can also be found at my official author website:
To kick off the GOLD TRAIN launch with a bang:
Both Gold Train paperback and ebook (as well as my other books) will be on huge sale on
April 5, 2012
My Updates: Off-The-Grid Survivalist Training
Hello, everyone!
I've been MIA due to the internet problems in my area. I am currently at my Catskills (Upstate NY) residence, where Time Warner is the only high-speed internet game in town. Unfortunately, they gave me a defective modem, and so, I've been without access to the internet for over 2 weeks.
In addition, there was a wide-spread internet outage, all the way to Albany. The outage has been restored and today, I am sitting at a cafe in Oneonta, some 30 min. drive from my house, attempting to catch up on all my internet correspondence.
For a while, my access to the internet will be sporadic at best, as Time Warner is not promising a new modem until April 20.
As so much of my life and work is online, it is a MAJOR inconvenience and frustration, so I'll try to get to Oneonta as much as possible to maintain my internet presence, but needless to say, some of my projects and plans are being delayed.
However frustrating, I guess, this is my opportunity to try out the new self-reliant, off-the-grid lifestyle, which, as this decade progresses, we may have to deal with more and more here, in the blessed US of A. Survivalist training anyone?
I want to remind everyone that the Catskills area was also hard hit with floods last August. My town of Stamford is the birthplace of the mighty Delaware River. Despite that, floods bypassed it, due to its elevated position and the new water main the town splurged on just one year prior. Here is to forward thinking!
When the floods hit, I was in Stamford and my husband was in New York City, where he works. Due to the road closures, he was unable to get back to me for over a week!
Below: a few images of my town and its gorgeous nature. As many of you know, I love photography and have taken lots of pics of the Catskills nature. Maybe one day, I'll get around to posting them on my blog.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy my photos/videos of Stamford and its nature, accompanied by beautiful music, by visiting my Youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay/videos Incidentally, here you can also view my book trailers.
Or view the videos directly:
Amazing Autumn Meditation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh8iU8OKFDI&feature=relmfu
Enchanted Autumn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpEGVHG0y5Y&feature=relmfu
So, we really lucked out with the flood, but some towns in the area had been devastated. A town only 6 miles away lost 16 homes; its Main Street still looks like a war zone, with houses torn, mountains of debris and uprooted trees. They did rebuild the supermarket and the local bar to their former glory. 
I know local farmers who lost their entire crops. Some roads in and out of the Catskills have only reopened recently.
On a much happier note:
As soon as I get a chance, I'll post what I promised some time ago, namely, my new blog about my trip to Woodstock, NY, seat of the legendary Woodstock Festival of 1969 and the Buddhist Monastery, also located in Woodstock. I did take some awesome pics and can't wait to share them.
I am thinking about starting a new category on my blog, called "The Cool America" where I'll do posts about my favorite US towns.
I will also continue posting about my various travels around the world, and of course, about Russia.
Despite the inconvenience of the off-grid existence or, perhaps, because of it, I have not been wasting my time. I made some good progress with my upcoming books: DRAGON GATE, next Jade Snow Adventure set in Asia, and THE EARTH SHIFTER, new YA fantasy thriller. Both of these are shaping up into some pretty cool and gripping reads and I intend to start sharing excerpts soon.
For up to date news on these and other projects, please check out my website: http://www.ladaray.com/
Other good news:
GOLD TRAIN paperback launch is looking good for April 25. There will a Blog Tour with some really awesome interviews and giveaways. Please make sure you stop by my blog stops, as we are planning lots of great things! I am also planning some very special new articles and posts on my own blog, as well as other publications.
Check out the preliminary BLOG TOUR schedule here: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/
In addition to the interviews and giveaways, I am also planning some major promotions throughout April and May. Please stop by my blog and website @ http://www.ladaray.com/ after April 15 for all the details.
I am also reading some interesting books by fellow indie authors and will be posting reviews as soon as I can.
Till then,
Cheers, as always, and stay tuned!
Lada Ray
March 22, 2012
Why are there so many PROBLEMS in the World today... YOU ARE THE WORLD!
You are the world… without you, there is no world.
This is one of the ways of understanding the statement: that the individual is the only reality. And the world is nothing but the collectivity of individuals, so whatever it is, it is a contribution of individuals. If it is ugly, you have contributed to its ugliness. If it is full of hate, jealousy, anger, greed, ambition, you have contributed to this whole hell in which we are living.
Food for thought: A very interesting and thought provoking post from 1EarthNow Blog, including a philosophical parable by Indian mystic J. Krishnamurti. I just loved it!
"You are the world... without you, there is no world."
March 21, 2012
Review: What Every Married Woman Needs by Steve Caresser
Review by: Lada Ray on March 13, 2012 : 
This review of Steve Caresser's book, What Every Married Woman Needs, is based solely on content. In reading this little "manual," I notice how poetic, understanding and protective the author is towards women. It is reminiscent of the old world chivalry that is all but extinct in today's USA and of which I am personally a big fan.
A great reminder for our men, this book is a sweet sentiment and the author speaks from the heart. Every woman needs a "Caresser" in her life, no matter how independent and successful she might be.
You can buy this book at Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/127929
Steve Caresser's Website: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/
March 15, 2012
Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, with Guest Pranjal Borthakur
Lada says: Everywhere around the world, Hindus celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, a popular springtime festival observed on the last full moon of the lunar month. Participants traditionally throw bright, vibrant powders at friends and strangers alike, celebrating the arrival of Spring and allowing everyone a momentary freedom.
Winter is over and spring arrives as nature awakens with its abundance of colors, joy and generosity. This is what this beautiful and flamboyant festival is all about.
This very special post about Holi, the Indian festival of Colors, is a joint effort between two people: Lada Ray, originally from Russia and currently residing in New York, USA and Pranjal Borthakur in Assam, India; and between two very different parts of the world, far removed physically, yet interconnected. Because where friendship, culture and art are concerned, physical borders don't matter and distances are nothing! I am sure my friend, Pranjal, will agree with me on that!
The state of Assam is located on the northeastern tip of India, just south of Tibet. It borders Bhutan and Bangladesh and is famous for its teas, as well as for Assam silk, diverse wild life and the mighty river Brahmaputra.
A few words about my guest, Pranjal Borthakur:
He is a mathematician, not a writer or linguist; writing is not something he does every day. And English is NOT his first language (come think of it, neither it is mine). While delivering his post, he apologized profusely to me about his English. No need to apologize, Pranjal! Believe me, many of those who'll read it only wish they could speak and write in your language, like you do in English!
Please note, only light editing has been applied, to preserve authenticity.
Pranjal owns a small school in Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. He sent me a few pictures of his school, complete with lots of adorable children and animals. Please meet them:
Find out more about Pranjal's school on his blog: http://sssniketan.blogspot.com/
Pranjal says: Holi is a festival of colours since it has many dimensions. It symbolises Respect, Friendship and Love. Which Lord Krishna believed..
Pictures below: Pranjal celebrates Holi with family and friends.
Lada says: These vibrant colors remind me a little about the movie PLEASANTVILLE. Remember how in the first part of the movie everything is black and white. And then, when everyone in that world of regimented and obedient life awakens and comes alive, all of a sudden, the entire world turns technicolor.
Lada says: In the old days, the colors for Holi were made out of petals of bright local flowers. The flowers were dried up and then powdered, until they turned into the very fine and colorful dust. The symbolism behind it was wonderful: when you rubbed the flower powder into your skin, you imbued yourself and your dear ones with the beneficial energy and natural essence of that flower, along with its vibrant scent, color and growth. And when you tossed the flower powder in the air or at your friends, you generously shared the abundance and prosperity the flower symbolized with the entire world.
Unfortunately, the colors used today tend to be artificial, so at least some of the benefits of this beautiful ceremony are lost.
Lada says: Along with bright colors, a lot of water is used during the festival. Sometimes, people are doused with whole buckets of water, as shown in the picture below. This is interesting to me. While the vibrant colors symbolize the awakening of nature and the blossoming of flowers, the symbolism of water is undoubtedly this: in the spring, you need to water plants in order for them to grow and deliver abundant crops. If you start the spring right, ushering in this new energy of growth and life, the whole year will be abundant and successful! Beautiful symbolism, if you ask me!
Pranjal says: Traditionally, at dawn of the 2nd day of Holi, the young must greet the Elders. They respectfully apply colours to the Elders and receive Ashirwaad (Blessings) by touching the Elders' feet.
Pictures below: Son respectfully applying colors to his mother and receiving her blessing.
Pranjal says: The festival ends with same, with which it started: Worship of Lord Krishna's image. But it starts with Villagers going to NaamGhor to offer prayer. At the end of the 2nd day, the Holly Idol of Krishna goes house to house, where people welcome him with prayer and offerings. This marks the end of the Festival of Holi.
Mamu, My Lovely Niece
Pranjal says: But the happiest moment of the whole festivity was when my sweet niece, Mamu, didn't want to stop playing with her colours.
She kept saying, "Munu mur logot Holi kheliba!' In Assamese it means, "Munu, will you play with me Holi?" Munu is the name she calls me.
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Isn't Pranjal's little niece absolutely adorable?
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Lada says: And now, this is the linguist in me talking. Does the word "Holi" remind you of anything? It does to me – namely, English words 'Holiday' and 'Holy.' Confusing? On the contrary, enlightening: both English and Hindi belong to the same Indo-European family of languages with common root in the ancient Sanskrit. This is where the word 'Holi' originates from.
For more on that, read my post:
http://ladaray.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/best-way-to-learn-russian-language/
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PRANJAL BORTHAKUR about himself:
"Mathematics is my religion and I am its follower."
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Lada says: Pranjal Borthakur is a mathematician and a poet of life. He is the owner of a small school in Guwahati, Assam, India.
Connect with him:
Blog: http://sssniketan.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Pranjalbor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001655392275
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Check out Lada Ray's Bio
Website: http://www.LadaRay.com
Connect with Lada:
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LadaRay
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Lada_Ray
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LadaRay
I want to thank my guest, Pranjal Borthakur, for sharing his family's Holi Festival Celebration with my readers.
Wishing everyone a Happy Holi and a wonderful and joyful spring!
Till next time,
Cheers,
Lada Ray
March 13, 2012
The exciting Jade Snow series by Author Lada Ray – Book Reviews by British reviewer J.J. Collins
The exciting Jade Snow series by Author Lada Ray – Book Reviews.
By British reviewer J.J.Collins. Reblogged from http://BooksReview4U.wordpress.
Excerpts from STEPFORD USA review: Stepford USA takes us on a journey with this charming, sharp minded young journalist in a race to reveal the truth before someone else is killed, will Jade succeed? Can she protect herself and the life of her unborn child? Who can she trust? Anyone? Will she manage to discover the facts before it costs someone their life or even her own?
On the face of it, Stepford is a thriving small town community the likes of which are splattered across the American continent however, the deceit and manipulation facing Jade threatens not just people, it threatens the very way of life of this beautiful town.
This page turning thriller is exciting, full of suspicion and possesses excellent character development throughout. It challenges the reader to consider the glaringly obvious and not so obvious, reality and challenge their own perceptions of reality and illusion in the pursuit of destroying the prejudices found in every small town. Will Jade and her soon to be born baby survive the small town experience?
The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose. The brilliant combination of plot, character development and unexpected twists and turns, keeps the reader addicted to the next turned page. Once you start reading this book, you will not put it down such is the perfect pace and flow of words in which the book is written by the author.
Psychological thrillers don't get much better than this. Excitingly and yet chillingly gripping, it's the sort of plot line that surprises you at every turn and absolutely does not let you go.
Excerpts from GOLD TRAIN review: Jade we learn, has a certain psychic talent and comes from a proud Russian lineage.
What evolves is a brilliantly crafted thriller with murder, mystery, espionage and captivating twists and turns throughout. The author takes us on a tantalising, rip roaring, dangerous, action packed, yet passionate journey across modern day Russia.
Jade's investigative journalistic instincts take her unintentionally into a dark world, where security services and terrorist activities left unchecked, could potentially have global consequences. Against this burdensome and dangerous backdrop, Jade has to persevere in her pursuit of truth under extreme scrutiny, knowing one mistake could change not only her own life, but the destiny of one of the world's most powerful nations.
Jade Snow is to journalism, what Jason Bourne is to action and espionage. The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose. "Gold Train" is an absolute must read, the author goes beyond the obvious and whisks us along into the heart-stopping world of Jade Snow with breath-taking appeal for the next paragraph and page. The author's knowledge and comprehension of the Russian political scene brings a very credible and believable level of authenticity to the plot.
A mesmeric thriller, "Gold Train" is marvellous book which has something for every reader. It leaves you wanting and calling for the next instalment in the adventures of International Journalist extraordinaire – Jade Snow.
Read complete reviews at http://booksreview4u.wordpress.com/the-exciting-jade-snow-series-by-author-lada-ray-book-reviews/
