That's right. Watch out for the slap card people. Most are carrying cards that advertise paid sexual entertainment...yeah prostitutes. Some can be pushy, but if you ignore them and not make eye contact or speak to them, they pretty much just fade away. If you get suckered in, they've got all kinds of fast talking to toss your way. We've seen several pretty girls/couples get sucked into a conversation as we walk by. Last year, I was apparently propositioned, lol. I as indignant, thinking someone had just propositioned my guy who was holding hands with me as we walked into the local CVS, but no...Jason told me that I was the target. (Picture my deer-in-headlights look at THAT.) I went from being ticked, to WOW! Now that's something I could use in a story. LOL. Writers....everything is story material. .
There are also other hucksters to watch out for. The CD guys hawking their music. I usually fall prey to them at least once...yes I support the arts and trying to make it. That is until the 'artist' gets aggressive and snotty about the 'donation' for a CD that suddenly turns into copy with fewer songs because you didn't give him primo music store dollar price for his homemade burn copy. Yes, I do know that you can add your own graphics to a cd to make it look more professional. I also know what crappy Do It Yourself with no mass marketing appeal graphic artistry is too. Like I said, I support the arts... just don't get snotty when you are selling homemade CDs on crosswalk between hotels while standing between to several homeless people, and two slap card- tv show gangsta look alikes, and a Bumble Bee Transformer that looks like he lost the last battle with the Decepticons.
That brings me to the characters that come out at night for you to take your picture with. You can find a myriad of Elmos, the aforementioned Bumble Bees, a few decent looking Elvises, Showgirls, and yesterday was Bert and Ernie. Remember, these people do this for a living, so if you want to take your picture with them, be prepared to pay..
There are also musicians ranging in talent that set up periodically on the sidewalks. Yesterday, we saw a crappy guitarist, and a really involved dance revue that started up right in front of PINK'S. I'm assuming that they were good. They drew a crowd, had decent music, and we couldn't see a thing... I might have been impressed enough to leave a tip had I been in the thick of it. Last year there was a good electric keyboard guy and an Elvis further down the strip that had some talent.
There are also plenty of people hawking shows. I personally haven't bought from the hawkers, because we can find good, reputable ticket sellers online. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy your tickets via the theater or business that your show or tour is actually at.
The homeless. For the most part, I'm a bleeding heart and a sucker for a good story. Except for the homeless gig. It makes me feel sad that I'm not as sympathetic as I probably should be. But our town, back home in Texas, has at least one professional 'homeless' guy who takes his earning each day to the same bank that I use. Then yesterday I saw a kid laying on a manufactured bag of trash moaning until his buddy came up. Then he jumped up like the healthy, athletic teen that he really was and they started chatting about how the 'homeless' kid had switched bridges. Closer inspection showed that he was pretty clean with grungy 'LOOKING" clothes and his 'pillow trash back' was stuffed, artfully ripped, and filled with clean newspaper. So, no. I'm not very sympathetic when there are state run programs to offer these people. Jason is much more sympathetic and I appreciate him for it because it helps me keep my humanity and sympathy for the less fortunate. Still... wheelchairs and a cardboard sign are pretty easy to come by to play on your sympathy. So be careful.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Vegas Trip # 3 - Monorail, monorail, monorail and other modes of transportation.
This tip is all about saving your tootsies from pain and the less fit from falling out because they didn't realize just HOW long a block on the strip actually is. Take the Las Vegas Monorail. The cost is very much worth it if you are staying at the opposite end or have several places along the strip. Also, you can use MLIFE points from the My Vegas to redeem free tickets. I've already bought one with my points for later this week. We bought a 3 day pass for the days that we have shows up and down the strip. We may have to hoof it TO a few places, but the ride back to the closest hotel is definitely worth the cost. So is the security and cleanliness. We saw a canine unit travelling through on Easter and often see police patrolling the monorail platforms. Of course, we've seen quite a bit of security since we've been here and what looked like a scene from CSI yesterday with all kinds of police and federal cars parked in the alley beside one hotel. The most amusing part of that was the slap card guy trying to play it cool and not lose his corner right beside all those officials. (Slap cards to be mentioned in the next tip)
Now, there are some trams that go between some of the MGM hotels, and those are free. But you do have to get off and hoof it a few blocks to the next one for the next set of hotels.
Taxis... Taxies are great, especially when first arriving from the plane ride. There are buses that will sucker you for a ride down the ENTIRE strip for way more than a simple taxi service. But beware, don't let them take you to the freeway. The main strip hotels are just a few minutes away so the fare really shouldn't be more than a 20 or so. Since taxis charge by the mile, if you find some other travelers going to the same destination, you can split the fare.
Buses are another good mode of transportation if you can get and understand the map and routes. I believe they only cost a couple of dollars a person to ride. We haven't done that because neither of us has stupendous direction sense-- and I haven't hunted down a route map yet.
Ah, yes. There are also many other upper scale modes of transpo. Limos, tour buses, and the like, and of course there are shuttles between some of the hotels. Be sure to check what your particular needs are well ahead of time and call your hotel to see what kinds of transportation may be offered as a courtesy.
Now, there are some trams that go between some of the MGM hotels, and those are free. But you do have to get off and hoof it a few blocks to the next one for the next set of hotels.
Taxis... Taxies are great, especially when first arriving from the plane ride. There are buses that will sucker you for a ride down the ENTIRE strip for way more than a simple taxi service. But beware, don't let them take you to the freeway. The main strip hotels are just a few minutes away so the fare really shouldn't be more than a 20 or so. Since taxis charge by the mile, if you find some other travelers going to the same destination, you can split the fare.
Buses are another good mode of transportation if you can get and understand the map and routes. I believe they only cost a couple of dollars a person to ride. We haven't done that because neither of us has stupendous direction sense-- and I haven't hunted down a route map yet.
Ah, yes. There are also many other upper scale modes of transpo. Limos, tour buses, and the like, and of course there are shuttles between some of the hotels. Be sure to check what your particular needs are well ahead of time and call your hotel to see what kinds of transportation may be offered as a courtesy.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Vegas Tip #2
Foursquare. That's right check in at casinos and restaurants to unlock coupons and discounts. Don`t be afraid to ask and show proof of your winnings just because a server isn't in the know. Be sure to redeem at the local rewards desk.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Vegas tip #1
If traveling to a hotel that actually doesn't provide an in room coffee maker so that you spend a fortune at Starbucks-- Pick up a small coffee maker at CVS or Walgreens.
Then go buy your Starbucks blend to brew. Also check with housekeeping to see if they provide coffee. Strangely the Luxor does and the great lady serving our room brought cups, sugar/cream, and coffee for us.
Normally I wouldn't be thrilled to pay 30 dollars for a 4 cup maker... but adding in the 10 days total we reserved and the fact that we drink a LOT of coffee... At 12 dollars a trip, we could be spending 30 or more dollars a day at one of the hotel Starbucks.
Happy Easter and a lovely Sunday to everyone!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Romantic quote that would be a good plot
I was finally getting over you and actually believing I didn't need you. I was finally accepting you had another girl. Then you smiled at me and ruined it all.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
The cost of a 'free' book.
Do you love to read? Do you love certain small press and indie authors? Please swing by Jay Morgan's blog for a very insightful look into what ebook swapping and piracy in general means for many authors.
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/writing-love-and-business/
Don't just know your market- be a trend setter
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. -Steve Jobs
Friday, April 11, 2014
Don't shortchange yourself
You do have value. Build your resume. Even if you haven't had formal training or a college degree, you will be surprised at the skills you have.
Pretend that the resume is for a friend And not yourself. Be honest, not humble. You have earned your bragging rights.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Monday, November 25, 2013
Supporting the PC Girls
Supporting the PC Girls.
No, not the politically correct kind. I'm talking about Girly Geeks. The computer literate pushy know-it-all females who dare invade the tech domain and think that they actually know what they're doing.
Gasp away at the blunt wording, but how far has the world, and business at large, come towards accepting women in the techie ranks? Yes, we are seeing more women in the highest ranks, but what about the regular ranks of those who come to repair the copier, install the satellite system, or even work on the phone lines? Does that image come easily to mind?
Probably not, here's some of what I found on a quick search for today on the topic:
According CNBC's Jonathan Fortt, a lot of the statistical data placing women in 'tech' jobs are just clumping companies in to tech roles while it is more likely that women are simply fulfilling supporting roles. http://www.cnbc.com/id/101217146
Mark Fidelman, Contributor to Forbes, writes that it is training and education. http://www.forbes.com/sites/markfidelman/2012/06/05/heres-the-real-reason-there-are-not-more-women-in-technology/
So, what is the deal here? What about mindset? Is it possible that we are still dismissing our girls as not being capable of handling our valuable equipment?
Let's look at it this way-
Boy child vs girl child, who is more likely to receive a hand-held gaming device for the holidays? I have to admit, I for one thought long and hard about this, and was very ashamed to realize that I predominately bought my son handhelds while buying my daughter higher end phones while they were in preteens and teens. My mindset was that she wasn't interested. The issue here is that if we don't put the tech into our daughters' hands, then how will they become comfortable using it?
In a fix-it situation, are you more likely to ask for a man at the hardware store (or tech dept) if a woman is available? You KNOW that you want to say that you wouldn't, but really think about it. The last time phoning in and a female answered, did you ask, "I don't know if you can help me but-" It's a small, miniscule thing, but imagine the ego on the other side constantly bombarded with doubt in the ability to do something so small as locate screws or diagnose why the computer screen settings are sideways.
In this computer dependent world, how often do you think women who work on a pc every day, hang their heads in shame and confess that they don't know 'computer stuff'? Women who are terrified of exploring the limits of the machines that they use every day. One beep or error message sends them into panic mode. How often do those around her laugh and shake their heads mumbling, "Yeah. She hasn't got a clue. She'll never learn." It happens more often than you think. Could those same women become more confident if given a bit more encouragement?
Remember, we can only change the world one person at a time, and each person has to choose to do the changing.
Buffi BeCraft
www.buffibecraft.net
No, not the politically correct kind. I'm talking about Girly Geeks. The computer literate pushy know-it-all females who dare invade the tech domain and think that they actually know what they're doing.
Gasp away at the blunt wording, but how far has the world, and business at large, come towards accepting women in the techie ranks? Yes, we are seeing more women in the highest ranks, but what about the regular ranks of those who come to repair the copier, install the satellite system, or even work on the phone lines? Does that image come easily to mind?
Probably not, here's some of what I found on a quick search for today on the topic:
According CNBC's Jonathan Fortt, a lot of the statistical data placing women in 'tech' jobs are just clumping companies in to tech roles while it is more likely that women are simply fulfilling supporting roles. http://www.cnbc.com/id/101217146
Mark Fidelman, Contributor to Forbes, writes that it is training and education. http://www.forbes.com/sites/markfidelman/2012/06/05/heres-the-real-reason-there-are-not-more-women-in-technology/
So, what is the deal here? What about mindset? Is it possible that we are still dismissing our girls as not being capable of handling our valuable equipment?
Let's look at it this way-
Boy child vs girl child, who is more likely to receive a hand-held gaming device for the holidays? I have to admit, I for one thought long and hard about this, and was very ashamed to realize that I predominately bought my son handhelds while buying my daughter higher end phones while they were in preteens and teens. My mindset was that she wasn't interested. The issue here is that if we don't put the tech into our daughters' hands, then how will they become comfortable using it?
In a fix-it situation, are you more likely to ask for a man at the hardware store (or tech dept) if a woman is available? You KNOW that you want to say that you wouldn't, but really think about it. The last time phoning in and a female answered, did you ask, "I don't know if you can help me but-" It's a small, miniscule thing, but imagine the ego on the other side constantly bombarded with doubt in the ability to do something so small as locate screws or diagnose why the computer screen settings are sideways.
In this computer dependent world, how often do you think women who work on a pc every day, hang their heads in shame and confess that they don't know 'computer stuff'? Women who are terrified of exploring the limits of the machines that they use every day. One beep or error message sends them into panic mode. How often do those around her laugh and shake their heads mumbling, "Yeah. She hasn't got a clue. She'll never learn." It happens more often than you think. Could those same women become more confident if given a bit more encouragement?
Remember, we can only change the world one person at a time, and each person has to choose to do the changing.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Audio Titles by Belladonna Bordeaux
Some great audio titles by my wonderful friend Belladonna Bordeaux:
Vigorous Negotiations
Holiday Exchange
All I Need is You
Ghillie Dhub
Fallen Mate
Hell Rider
Primal Rage
Bound and Determined
Primal Appetite
Deadline
I've gotta warn you- These are some hot, hot books! Enjoy!
Vigorous Negotiations
Holiday Exchange
All I Need is You
Ghillie Dhub
Fallen Mate
Hell Rider
Primal Rage
Bound and Determined
Primal Appetite
Deadline
I've gotta warn you- These are some hot, hot books! Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Join now!!! New eirelander site!
Join now!!! New eirelander site!
New eirelander website!!
http://eirelanderpublishing.ning.com/
Come and be a new member of eirelander publishing. See and meet all the new Authors and read some new amazing books.
New eirelander website!!
http://eirelanderpublishing.ning.com/
Come and be a new member of eirelander publishing. See and meet all the new Authors and read some new amazing books.
Monday, March 14, 2011
I've got werewolves!
| ||||||
Monday, August 30, 2010
RED DAWN by Annie Nicholas
Eirelander Publishing
Futuristic Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Patrice F.
Sadie Beckit is thrilled about her latest assignment as Liaison to the Cygni, an enigmatic alien race. The downside is the information chip she received has little information and her charge, Ambassador Nual, refuses to offer more. Sadie learns what truly matters when their ship, Red Dawn, is attacked with a slim to no chance of rescue and survival. She pits her wits against a brutal enemy while struggling with her feelings for Nual and her sense of duty.
What’s a Liaison to do when her job, friends, life and heart are on the line?
It’s always a pleasure to discover a new story with endearing main and supporting characters (human and non-human), solid writing and inventive storytelling. Red Dawn fits all of the above, and can best be described as a remarkable intense read. Sadie is smart and strong, my favorite kind of heroine, without all the clichés you sometimes get in stories. Her consciousness as a Liaison added sensitive vulnerability. She is courageous enough to sacrifice her life for her cause and honor. In love, of course, there are no limits. What special man could partner this rare woman? Well, say no more. Nual compliments her in every way, while teasing the reader as mercilessly as he teases Sadie. In all fairness, the Cygni are reticent for a good reason. The few glimpses and revelations offered, threw me, thrilled me and surprised me! There’s no way I will offer a hint about Nual and his people, you’ll have to read this one for yourself!
My only complaint is I wished the author had spent more time on Sadie and Nual as couple before rushing into the action and danger. The sexual tension is there yet I felt as if the author was shying away from actual sexual intimacy; not just the act, but details. Without being graphic (I respect that stance) the author could have offered more insight about whether Nual was more alien or human in the areas that count in intimacy. Perhaps this was the point, to keep me in the dark, which kept me reading. I appreciate the conflict, Sadie’s hungry eyes roving all over this “blue Adonis” despite the fact she’s struggling to keep her professional composure, yet the delivery felt like a mixed message from the omnipotent point of view. Nual doesn’t have any restrictions, and I wish Ms. Nicholas would have explored this further with Sadie besides brief encounters which felt rushed and hesitant.
As I finished reading Red Dawn, I experienced the same kind of excitement from reading my dad’s old sci-fi short-story collections. This author combines all the early insight and innovation of the genre in her work, makes it shine with clear, crisp writing and freshness. I hope she will continue this series because Ms. Nicholas revives sci-fi fiction with narrative vigor, while staying true to herself. She grasps the concepts and foundation set long before by authors such as Arthur C. Clark, Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison, Poul Anderson and others. What sets her work apart is she does it with emotion and technical finesse, which is why I have the pleasure of recommending this story.
Futuristic Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Patrice F.
Sadie Beckit is thrilled about her latest assignment as Liaison to the Cygni, an enigmatic alien race. The downside is the information chip she received has little information and her charge, Ambassador Nual, refuses to offer more. Sadie learns what truly matters when their ship, Red Dawn, is attacked with a slim to no chance of rescue and survival. She pits her wits against a brutal enemy while struggling with her feelings for Nual and her sense of duty.
What’s a Liaison to do when her job, friends, life and heart are on the line?
It’s always a pleasure to discover a new story with endearing main and supporting characters (human and non-human), solid writing and inventive storytelling. Red Dawn fits all of the above, and can best be described as a remarkable intense read. Sadie is smart and strong, my favorite kind of heroine, without all the clichés you sometimes get in stories. Her consciousness as a Liaison added sensitive vulnerability. She is courageous enough to sacrifice her life for her cause and honor. In love, of course, there are no limits. What special man could partner this rare woman? Well, say no more. Nual compliments her in every way, while teasing the reader as mercilessly as he teases Sadie. In all fairness, the Cygni are reticent for a good reason. The few glimpses and revelations offered, threw me, thrilled me and surprised me! There’s no way I will offer a hint about Nual and his people, you’ll have to read this one for yourself!
My only complaint is I wished the author had spent more time on Sadie and Nual as couple before rushing into the action and danger. The sexual tension is there yet I felt as if the author was shying away from actual sexual intimacy; not just the act, but details. Without being graphic (I respect that stance) the author could have offered more insight about whether Nual was more alien or human in the areas that count in intimacy. Perhaps this was the point, to keep me in the dark, which kept me reading. I appreciate the conflict, Sadie’s hungry eyes roving all over this “blue Adonis” despite the fact she’s struggling to keep her professional composure, yet the delivery felt like a mixed message from the omnipotent point of view. Nual doesn’t have any restrictions, and I wish Ms. Nicholas would have explored this further with Sadie besides brief encounters which felt rushed and hesitant.
As I finished reading Red Dawn, I experienced the same kind of excitement from reading my dad’s old sci-fi short-story collections. This author combines all the early insight and innovation of the genre in her work, makes it shine with clear, crisp writing and freshness. I hope she will continue this series because Ms. Nicholas revives sci-fi fiction with narrative vigor, while staying true to herself. She grasps the concepts and foundation set long before by authors such as Arthur C. Clark, Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison, Poul Anderson and others. What sets her work apart is she does it with emotion and technical finesse, which is why I have the pleasure of recommending this story.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Important information for Word Users
MS WORD USERS: GO TO THE OPTIONS AND CHECK THAT THE FOLDER YOUR AUTO SAVES GO TO ACTUALLY EXISTS. FOR QUICK REFERENCE PUT A FOLDER ON YOUR DESKTOP AND REDIRECT THERE. *IMPORTANT FOR AUTHORS- I LOST 2 -3 HRS OF WORK BECAUSE THE FILE DID NOT EXIST=NO TEMP SAVES
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
what I'm working on now
Today, I’ve spent time working on Medium Well Done. It’s a ghost story that’s got me stretching my muse. I forget at times how much fun world-building is. The BC werewolf world is great, but sometimes you’ve got to step out a bit.
Medium Well Done is about, well… a medium who’s fighting his gifts. Getting dragged into checking out a haunted house isn’t what he want’s to do. Add in a kindergarten ghost, Goth Barbie the ghost hunter and a cast of ghostly people watchers makes this a blast to work on.
Buffi BeCraft
buffibecraft@ymail.com
www.buffibecraft.com
www.myspace.com/buffibw
free downloads:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buffibw/?yguid=358839372
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Creature Comforts gets a 4 out of 5 in it's first review!
http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4644&Itemid=36
Creature Comforts got a 4 out of possible 5 for it's first review. Very cool! I'm excited. Thanks Emma and Two Lips Reviews!
....Creature Comforts is fourth installment in Buffi BeCraftWoodall’s Blue Collar Werewolves and a great addition to the series....
Swing by the Two Lips website to read the rest of this awesome review and browse through some of thier other wonderful offerings.
Buffi
Creature Comforts got a 4 out of possible 5 for it's first review. Very cool! I'm excited. Thanks Emma and Two Lips Reviews!
....Creature Comforts is fourth installment in Buffi BeCraftWoodall’s Blue Collar Werewolves and a great addition to the series....
Swing by the Two Lips website to read the rest of this awesome review and browse through some of thier other wonderful offerings.
Buffi
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Newst Release Creature Comforts goes to print
My newest release Creature Comforts made the jump to print this month!
Love or loyalty? That is the question that pack warden, Chase Redding, must answer.
As death and tragedy stalks the heart of the Anderson County Pack, Chase must choose his priorities. The safety of his pack or the love of his life? Waking up matebonded to a fugitive wolven female on the run from the Hunter when he’s supposed to be protecting pack territory just complicates the heck out of his job.
India Demos is tired of running. Accidentally matebonding a warden is just the break she needs to hide out from one of the Hunters. Proving her worth to the pack is expected, falling for her reluctant mate isn’t.
Avenge the death of one of their own. Get the girl. And kill the Hunter for a wolven’s favorite prize—Cookies! No one ever said a warden’s job was easy. But if he can hold on to her, a woman like India just might be worth her weight in dessert.
~~I had fun with Chase's character. He's always been a mystery man to me. It's about time he finally gave it up, ha-ha! Hope you guys enjoy the new twists in store for the Blue-Collar werewolves.
Buffi BeCraft
Love or loyalty? That is the question that pack warden, Chase Redding, must answer.
As death and tragedy stalks the heart of the Anderson County Pack, Chase must choose his priorities. The safety of his pack or the love of his life? Waking up matebonded to a fugitive wolven female on the run from the Hunter when he’s supposed to be protecting pack territory just complicates the heck out of his job.
India Demos is tired of running. Accidentally matebonding a warden is just the break she needs to hide out from one of the Hunters. Proving her worth to the pack is expected, falling for her reluctant mate isn’t.
Avenge the death of one of their own. Get the girl. And kill the Hunter for a wolven’s favorite prize—Cookies! No one ever said a warden’s job was easy. But if he can hold on to her, a woman like India just might be worth her weight in dessert.
~~I had fun with Chase's character. He's always been a mystery man to me. It's about time he finally gave it up, ha-ha! Hope you guys enjoy the new twists in store for the Blue-Collar werewolves.
Buffi BeCraft
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