Regional differences in Covid-19 transmission rate emerge in England
London has seen steeper decline in R rate but north has slower fall in infections, and estimates vary
Passengers waiting at Vauxhall bus station, London: greater use of transport services has been reported in the city this week, reflecting the increasing number of people returning to work. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Barcroft Media/Getty
Hannah Devlin
@hannahdev
Fri 15 May 2020 12.53 EDT
Transmission rates of Covid-19 remain dangerously close to levels that could bring a second wave, even before the easing of some restrictions this week, as the focus shifts to transmission rates in the north of England.
The latest official estimate places the national R value – the rate at which people are passing on infections to others – at between 0.7 and 1. An R value above 1 means the epidemic will start to grow exponentially again, which would result in a new surge of cases.
It raises questions about the extent to which restrictions can be safely eased in coming weeks. In his address on Sunday, Boris Johnson said: "We have the R below 1, between 0.5 and 0.9 – but potentially only just below 1."
The slight increase and narrowing in range is not linked to lockdown relaxations this week as the estimate is based largely on hospital admissions and deaths data, which reflect the levels of transmission two to three weeks ago.
A likely explanation is that while overall levels of infection have fallen, hospital and care home settings are making a relatively bigger contribution to the overall estimate of R. Lockdown restrictions have less impact in these settings and there are still concerns about the levels of testing available in care homes.
The figure suggests that, while the lockdown has been effective at bringing down case numbers, R is still close to 1, meaning that it would not be possible to ease restrictions significantly without new measures to contain outbreaks, such as extensive testing and tracing.
It comes as data showed that while London was a hotspot of infection at the start of the epidemic, attention is now shifting to the north of England, where transmission rates of Covid-19 appear to be falling far less steeply.
Map - Covid-19 cases
Some epidemiological models suggest transmission rates in the capital are now half those seen in the north-east and Yorkshire, raising the question of whether all areas will be safe to emerge from lockdown at the same time.
There is growing unease among civic leaders in the north of England at plans to ease lockdown rules, with one council leader branding it as "frankly, madness".
The leader of Gateshead council, Martin Gannon, said on Friday that the advice to the public to "stay at home" would continue. Gannon, whose views on lockdown were echoed by his counterparts in Newcastle and Sunderland, said there was evidence that the R rate was greater than 1 in his borough.
How do models calculate the R value?
The R value tells you how many infections each infected person passes the virus on to, on average. For an R above 1, the epidemic increases exponentially; below 1 it will eventually fizzle out. In the absence of direct measures of this elusive number, modellers have to rely on what firm data we have and extrapolate from there.
Some models, such as one by Public Health England (PHE) and Cambridge University, rely on the numbers of reported deaths, and the steep, steady decline in deaths in London translates into an estimate that community transmission must have also rapidly dropped off.
Deaths are reliable figures, less subject to biases than some other measures, but they reflect the infection rates that were occurring about three weeks previously and so do not give a dynamic reflection of where things are.
Policy changes around working and socialising introduced in the past week may have influenced R, but a model based on deaths will not give any insights into this. The PHE model projected that there might be as few as 24 new cases in the capital per day on 10 May. This reflects the strong downward trend London has been on, but the model is not designed to give razor-sharp predictions of day-by-day infection statistics. On Thursday, 49 people with new infections were admitted to hospitals in London.
Some models rely on measures such as symptoms reported to phone apps, which have a shorter lag time. However, these data are more "noisy" and so give a less robust measure of R overall, although they can give better insight into short-range changes.
How sure are we about regional differences?
Almost all available data and models suggest there are strong regional differences in terms of the number of infections and current transmission rates. Serology surveys suggest that more than 10% of people in London have been infected with Covid-19, compared with around 4% in the rest of the country. In general, urban centres have had more infections than rural areas.
The data from hospital admissions and deaths also suggest that R has come down far more steeply in London than in other regions. The PHE and Cambridge model suggests that R in London is 0.4, compared with 0.8 in the north-east and Yorkshire and 0.75 for the country as a whole.
R value – highest in NE and Yorkshire
This is one of a handful of models feeding into advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) to government, and all are showing broadly similar patterns across the regions. However, the extent of the differences varies, meaning that an optimistic estimate for London cannot be relied on too heavily.
Matt Keeling, professor of populations and disease at the University of Warwick, described the PHE/Cambridge estimate for London as "extremely low". His own team's predictions put the London R value closer to 0.6.
"This still predicts a faster decline in London than the rest of the country, but not as dramatic … The difference between 0.4 and 0.6 might sound like scientists arguing over small details, but these translate to very substantial differences in the rate of decline of cases, or the time for the epidemic to halve," he said.
What are the reasons for regional differences?
Initially, London was a few weeks ahead of other regions of the country because far more infections were seeded there at the start of the epidemic. However, it has also seen a steeper decline and, in fact, may have always had a slightly lower community transmission rate than some other geographical regions.
Daily reported Covid-19 cases by region
There are likely to be a wide range of factors behind this. London may now have a higher level of population immunity, which could be playing a role in bringing down transmission, since a higher proportion of people have been infected.
"If it turns out that there's loads of immunity in the community, then that's brilliant, but I don't think we should plan for that scenario," said Thomas House, reader in mathematical statistics at the University of Manchester. "We don't really know yet."
There are also likely to be substantially different contributions from hospitals and care homes, where transmission rates have not been effectively brought under control. In some regions, the spread of infection in these settings, where lockdown does not have the same impact, could be making a major contribution to keeping R close to 1.
Differences in living arrangements – for instance, larger family groups living together outside London – could play a role. Models may also not fully capture the role of underlying health issues and deprivation in raising the risk of severe cases.
Is there evidence that people in some regions have complied less with the lockdown?
There isn't strong evidence for this. The lockdown has brought down transmission rates in the community across the country, and a forthcoming study from scientists at Imperial College London does not seem to suggest that London has been an outlier in terms of compliance.
"The uniformity with which the UK responded to the lockdown is remarkable," said Steven Riley, professor of infectious disease dynamics. "I thought maybe people in London who were close to a large epidemic would be much more compliant than elsewhere. But the behaviour change was very well synchronised across the UK."
Do the models suggest restrictions should be eased regionally?
This is an emerging view among scientists. "Based on just the epidemiology, it makes a tremendous amount of sense," said House. "There's no point locking down if there's no cases to prevent." However, he and others acknowledge that the political decision will be weighted by factors beyond simply modelling the trajectory of case numbers.
"It's much more difficult to message the relaxation than it is to message the lockdown," said Riley. "I suspect the most difficult aspect on possible regional differences is how you would message it. That uncertainty would be much greater than any mechanistic modelling uncertainty."
What does the 'R' number of coronavirus mean? – video explainer


Open letter from the Czech Association of Festivals to the Government of the Czech Republic and the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic
8 July 2019, 1:00
Classical Music Opera Dance Jazz Rock Pop Traditional Other
ČAF
We live in a free democratic society, in which the role of the state is to create the environment and conditions for the development of creativity and creative potential, being aware that today's living art creates cultural heritage for the future.
Art is a pillar of free, open society that is getting rid of prejudice, it is its mirror and an engine of its further development, brings valuable impulses, experiences and values to citizens that cannot be substituted by anything.
The Programme Declaration of the Government of the Czech Republic of 27 June 2018 confirms these facts: "We consider culture one of the most important factors in the healthy development of a society that fundamentally affects all its aspects. Culture in a variety of forms contributes significantly to the shaping of the image of our society abroad. Cultural expressions and artefacts are part of cultural heritage and reflect the fundamental values of society..."
In utter contradiction with the above declaration is the fact that when discussing the framework of the State Budget for the year 2020, the budget of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic was proposed to be cut by CZK 424 million. By reducing the draft budget for the year 2020, the government is fundamentally breaching its own Program Declaration, which states:
"We will increase the budget of the Ministry of Culture. We will focus on simplifying the agenda and on electronic processing and evaluation of applications with the administrative burden for applicants as low as possible... We will prepare a long-term programme of investment support and co-financing of cultural infrastructure projects that would allow the construction of new cultural facilities for the provision of public cultural services throughout the country and in accordance with contemporary worldwide trends and standards.... In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, we will create a subsidy programme to support artistic and creative education."
We appeal to the government to honour its own Programme Declaration. We are asking: how will the government do so if it cuts the Ministry of Culture budget? The Ministry has not yet had the resources to invest in cultural infrastructure (except state institutions) and for the second year in a row it has been promising a subsidy programme for the much-needed creative education. From what is it going to finance it all? How will it ensure the development of living art as part of cultural activities that are deeply underfunded in the long term, if the funds are cut? How will it meet its commitments to increase salaries of employees in culture?
We appeal to the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic not to accept the existing framework of the budget of the Ministry of Culture and to insist on its increase adequately matching the needs of living art and the entire society.
We are also deeply concerned about the situation at the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, which destabilises the cultural sphere and together with the budget cuts, a very serious crisis threatens throughout the culture sector. This situation endangers the vast majority of events and organisations that bring culture, but also good name of the Czech Republic abroad.
We urgently appeal to the Czech Government and the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic to remedy this alarming situation.
Michal Schmidt, President
David Dittrich, Vice President
Yvona Kreuzmannová, Vice President
Marek Vrabec, Vice President
Archive photo/ Jiří Sláma
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We live in a free democratic society, in which the role of the state is to create the environment and conditions for the development of creativity and creative potential, being aware that today's living art creates cultural heritage for the future. more
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Lukáš Pavlica
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Classical Music Opera
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Jerusalem Quartet with tender expressiveness
The Jerusalem Quartet is one of the world's leading quartet performers for many years and is currently one of the most cited chamber music ensembles. At the Concentus Moraviae festival, violinists Alexander Pavlovsky, Sergei Bresler, violist Ori Kam and cellist Kyril Zlotnikov performed in the Great Chateau of Mikulov Castle with a programme stretching in time from Joseph Haydn up to Béla Bartók. The concert was held under the auspices of the Israeli Ambassador to the Czech Republic, HE Daniel Meron. more
Epoque Quartet: Jazz and minimalism
Classical Music Other
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Šarivary: Melanž
6 June 2019, 1:00
Jazz Other
The title of this album is deceiving. Although the group Šarivary uses the Czech phonetic transcription of the French expressions charivari and mélange, it is not composed of any Czechs. The quartet that got together in Brno is headed by French singer, flutist and accordionist Aude Martin and American guitarist and singer Chris Coleman. Besides them, the band is formed by Swedish trumpeter Christopher Strandh and Slovak bass guitar player Tomáš Ulahel. The band's music is as colourful as its motley ethnic composition. more
ZUŠ Open – Why Should We Not Rejoice?
Classical Music Musical Dance Jazz Pop Traditional For kids Other
On the last day of May, the Dominikánské Square in Brno came to life with music, singing and dancing. At half past two in the afternoon, the programme of the nationwide happening of primary artistic schools ZUŠ started under the patronage of the Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund by announcing the results of the "TO JE talent"competition. The participants did not only come to pick up with prizes. Several of the award-winning singers and musicians proved this. For example, Lucie Sedláčková with the song by Ewa Farná Měls mě vůbec rád [Did You Love Me At All?] attracted an ever growing crowd of listeners, while singer and pianist Veronika Vávrová did the same with the ballad Million Reasons by Lady Gaga. more
Znojmo Music Festival: Andreas Scholl, Adam Plachetka and Pavel Šporcl
Classical Music Opera Jazz Pop Traditional For kids Other
Brno Music Friendly City
Znojmo Music Festival enters its 15th season this year. The programme includes concerts, opera performances, gastronomy and a programme for children. The opening concert, performed by the patron of the festival Pavel Šporcl and the PKF - Prague Philharmonia under the baton of Derek Gleeson, is dedicated to the reminder of the fall of the Iron Curtain. The culmination of the festival is the premiere of the scenic oratorio Saul by G. F. Handel. The title roles will be performed by Andreas Scholl and Adam Plachetka. The show will be directed by Tomáš Pilař. more
Leoš Janáček would celebrate his 165th birthday today
Classical Music Opera Other
The 165th anniversary of the birth of Leoš Janáček falls on today, Wednesday 3 July 2019. Janáček is one of our opera composers most frequently played abroad. TIC Brno dedicated a tram to him for his birthday this year, with the main characters from his operas graphically rendered by Brno artist Vendulka Chalánková. Janáček also has his own website, an educational trail, a memorial and an opera festival. more
Today Vaňkovka Fest Begins. Aneta Langerová, Dan Bárta, Lukáš Pavlásek and Others Will Be Performing
Jazz Rock Pop For kids Other
The Multi-genre festival Vaňkovka Fest this year offers concerts, an open-air cinema and stand-up performances. The month-long festival at the Galerie Vaňkovka in Brno will play host to Aneta Langerová, Dan Bárta, Lukáš Pavlásek, Ben Cristovao, Michal Pavlíček & Trio and many more. more
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Dance Jazz Rock Pop Clubbing Other
The autumn program of the Fléda music club in Brno contains big names of the music world. The August visit of Jon Hopkins', who will appear at the Brno Marathon of Music festival is already at its imaginary beginning. The autumn season officially opens with a September dance party featuring GusGus from Iceland. This will be followed by concerts of Hooverphonic with a new singer, Jan Blomqvist & Band with their complete Disconnected project or the Berlin legend DJ Hell with his Zukunftmusic composition. Rockers De Staat will bring their novelty titled The Bubble Gum, Movits! their most hip-hop record so far – the double album V, Kadebostany in turn will bring their album Monumental. Last but not least, Vitalic with Rebeka Warrior will also be featured presenting their KCompromat project. more
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Traditional Other
The album collects folklore tunes and songs from the Moravian meadows. After several years of work on the Anthology of Moravian Folk Music, the Indies Scope label decided to continue with a new series of folklore recordings called Malovaná truhla [Painted Chest]. One of them is the album Kosecké písně [Mowers' Songs]. The album features Kubíci dulcimer music band from Horňácko, Women's Choir of Hrubá Vrbka, Chotár male choir from Horňácko and others. more
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Dance Rock Pop For kids Other
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Rock Pop Folk & Country For kids Other
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Dance Other
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Martius Tilley Lynde
M, #8176, b. 8 July 1825, d. 5 August 1899
Father: Judge Tilley Lynde (b. 9 October 1782, d. 1 March 1857)
Mother: Betsey Warner (b. 13 February 1786, d. 30 May 1871)
Birth: Martius Tilley Lynde was born on 8 July 1825 in Sherburne, Chenango County, New York, United States.1
Death: He died on 5 August 1899 at age 74 in Poultney, Rutland County, Vermont, United States.1
Burial: He was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery+ in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States.1
[S29] Find a Grave, database and images (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed ), memorial page for , Find A Grave Memorial # , citing , 17 May 2016; Martius T Lynde; 143795809; Green-Wood Cemetery; Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York; Saratoga
Charles James Fox Lynde
M, #8177, b. 7 April 1816, d. 9 August 1841
Birth: Charles James Fox Lynde was born on 7 April 1816 in Sherburne, Chenango County, New York, United States.
Death: He died due to a steamboat explosion on 9 August 1841 at age 25 at Lake Erie.
Mary Elizabeth Blanchard
F, #8178, b. 4 December 1819, d. 26 June 1897
Family: William Pitt Lynde (b. 16 December 1817, d. 18 December 1885)
Mary Elizabeth Lynde (b. 26 February 1842, d. 17 April 1890)
Clara Blanchard Lynde (b. 1844)
Eliza Warner Lynde (b. December 1847, d. 25 October 1924)
Tilly Lynde (b. April 1850)
William Pitt Lynde, Jr (b. 1853)
Anariel Blanchard Lynde (b. 4 September 1854, d. 18 August 1889)
Mary Elizabeth (Blanchard) Lynde
Birth: Mary Elizabeth Blanchard was born on 4 December 1819 in Tuxton Township, Cortland County, New York, United States.1
Marriage: William Pitt Lynde and Mary Elizabeth Blanchard were married on 25 May 1841 in Saint Lawrence County, New York, United States.1
Death: She died of senility on 26 June 1897 at age 77 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.2
Burial: She was buried at Forest Home CemeteryG+, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.2
Person Source: Mary Elizabeth Blanchard had sources that helped establish her name.1
Last Edited: 4 February 2017
[S1434] Ellen D Langill, Speaking With An Equal Voice: The Reform Efforts of Milwaukee's Mary Blanchard Lynde, p. 18-29
[S35] Wisconsin County Registrars, "Registration of Deaths," (bound registers of county death records, 1852–1907, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin): ; FHL microfilm series 2069, volume 22
Tilly Lynde
M, #8179, b. April 1850
Father: William Pitt Lynde (b. 16 December 1817, d. 18 December 1885)
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Blanchard (b. 4 December 1819, d. 26 June 1897)
Birth: Tilly Lynde was born in April 1850 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.
Death: He died.
Witness: Tilly Lynde appeared in the census in the household of John Tweedy Crocker and Eliza Warner Lynde on 1 June 1900 at 4713 Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States. John and Eliza have been married twenty-seven years and have six living children [seven born]. They are renting their home. John is working as a private agent for a rail road.1
[S1661] 1900 U. S. Census, Cook County, Illinois, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing the NARA, Washington D. C., microfilm T623, roll 286, Ward 32, Chicago; 1021; sheet 8A [penned], stamped 306; dwelling no. 85, family no. 141; John T Crocker household [indexed as Booker]; 6 February 2017
Eliza Warner Lynde
F, #8180, b. December 1847, d. 25 October 1924
Family: John Tweedy Crocker (b. 27 October 1845, d. 19 March 1927)
Ethel Lynde Crocker (b. 26 August 1875)
Augusta Crocker (b. 2 March 1878)
Paul Delafield Crocker (b. 31 July 1880)
Ruth Crocker (b. 5 May 1882)
Gertrude L Crocker (b. 7 January 1884)
Charles Lynde Crocker (b. 3 May 1885, d. 17 January 1942)
Birth: Eliza Warner Lynde was born in December 1847 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.1,2
Marriage: John Tweedy Crocker and Eliza Warner Lynde were married on 15 April 1873 at Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. Officiated by Rev. James Dekoven, D. M.3,4
Death: She died on 25 October 1924 at age 76.5
Census (fam): John Tweedy Crocker and Eliza Warner Lynde appeared in the census on 1 June 1900 at 4713 Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States. John and Eliza have been married twenty-seven years and have six living children [seven born]. They are renting their home. John is working as a private agent for a rail road.1
Census (fam): John Tweedy Crocker and Eliza Warner Lynde appeared in the census on 15 April 1910 at 4713 Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States. John and Eliza have been married thirty-seven years and have six living children [seven born]. This is the only marriage for both. They own their home, mortgage-free. John is a purchasing agent for a steam railway.6
Census (fam): John Tweedy Crocker and Eliza Warner Lynde appeared in the census on 1 January 1920 at 109 S Elm Street in Downers Grove, Dupage County, Illinois, United States. John and Eliza own their home, mortgage-free. John is no longer working outside the home.7
[S34] Wisconsin County Registrars, "Registration of Births," (bound registers of county birth records, 1852–1907, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin): , reel 148; Milwaukee County; no. 2713 for [not named] Crocker (1880). Other issue listed are Ethel and Augusta C
[S286] "Wisconsin Genealogy Index," Index, Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Historical Society (http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/ : accessed ); Wisconsin, pre-1907 Vital Records Index, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin, 6 February 2017; entry for Eliza Warner Lynde (1873); Milwaukee County. Referencing vol. 13, p. 225
[S36] Wisconsin County Registrars, "Registration of Marriages," series 2073 (bound registers of county marriage records, 1836–1907, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin): , volume 13
[S29] Find a Grave, database and images (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed ), memorial page for , Find A Grave Memorial # , citing , 6 February 2017; Eliza W L Crocker; 32976404; Forest Home Cemetery; Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; Lori Loebel; Michelle Woodham, no. 46636907
[S1662] 1910 U. S. Census, Cook County, Illinois, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing the NARA, Washington D. C., microfilm T624, roll 246, Ward 6, Chicago; 371; sheet 5B [penned]; dwelling no. 59, family no. 128; John T Crocker household; 6 February 2017
[S1663] 1920 U. S. Census, DuPage County, Illinois, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing the NARA, Washington D. C., microfilm T625, roll 365, Downers Grove Township; 9; sheet 11B [penned]; dwelling no. 254, family no. 267; John T Crocker household; 6 February 2017
Mary Elizabeth Lynde
F, #8181, b. 26 February 1842, d. 17 April 1890
Birth: Mary Elizabeth Lynde was born on 26 February 1842 in New York, United States.
Death: She died on 17 April 1890 at age 48 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California, United States.
Anariel Blanchard Lynde
M, #8182, b. 4 September 1854, d. 18 August 1889
Birth: Anariel Blanchard Lynde was born on 4 September 1854 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.1
Death: He died on 18 August 1889 at age 34 in Duluth, Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States.1
Burial: He was buried at Forest Home CemeteryG+, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.1
Person Source: Anariel Blanchard Lynde had sources that helped establish his name.1
[S29] Find a Grave, database and images (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed ), memorial page for , Find A Grave Memorial # , citing , 4 February 2017; Dr. Azariel Blanchard Lynde; 96705579; Forest Home Cemetery; Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; EddieM; EddieM, no. 47083914
William Pitt Lynde, Jr
M, #8183, b. 1853
Birth: William Pitt Lynde, Jr, was born in 1853 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.
Clara Blanchard Lynde
F, #8184, b. 1844
Birth: Clara Blanchard Lynde was born in 1844 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States.
Last Edited: 26 August 2017
Dora Lee
F, #8185, b. 9 December 1900, d. 9 September 1971
Family: Glenn D Dake (b. 18 October 1896, d. 2 May 1975)
Pearl Dake (b. about 1921)
Earl Lee Dake (b. 15 September 1925, d. 19 December 2003)
Harry Glen Dake (b. 7 April 1928, d. 15 February 2010)
Birth: Dora Lee was born on 9 December 1900 in England.1
Marriage: Glenn D Dake and Dora Lee were married.
Death: She died on 9 September 1971 at age 70 in Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States.
Burial: She was buried at Highland Memorial ParkG+, in Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States.2
Census (fam): Glenn D Dake and Dora Lee appeared in the census on 1 April 1930 in Grand Chute Township, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States. Glen and Dora own their home valued at $300; the household does have a radio. Glen is working as a laborer at a college.1
[S1844] 1930 U. S. Census, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing the NARA, Washington D. C., microfilm T626, roll 2603, Grand Chute; 27; sheet 4A [penned], stamped 121; dwelling no. 73, family no. 73; Glen Dake household; 22 June 2017
[S29] Find a Grave, database and images (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed ), memorial page for , Find A Grave Memorial # , citing , 21 December 2016; Dora (Lee) Dake; 111270502; Highland Memorial Park; Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin; Julie Mofle; Julie Mofle, no. 47888674
Harry Glen Dake
M, #8186, b. 7 April 1928, d. 15 February 2010
Father: Glenn D Dake (b. 18 October 1896, d. 2 May 1975)
Mother: Dora Lee (b. 9 December 1900, d. 9 September 1971)
Birth: Harry Glen Dake was born on 7 April 1928 in Wisconsin, United States.1
Informant: He was the informant on the death record of Glenn D Dake.2
Death: Harry Glen Dake died on 15 February 2010 at age 81.1
Person Source: Harry Glen Dake had sources that helped establish his name.1
Witness: He appeared in the census in the household of Glenn D Dake and Dora Lee on 1 April 1930 in Grand Chute Township, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States. Glen and Dora own their home valued at $300; the household does have a radio. Glen is working as a laborer at a college.3
Last Edited: 30 October 2016
[S25] Social Security Administration, "U.S. Social Security Death Index," database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ), , , 30 October 2016; Harry Glen Dake; [not available]; before 1951
[S1354] Outagamie County, Wisconsin; Register of Deeds, Appleton, Wisconsin, death certificate; 95-387; 1975; Glen Dake
Pearl Dake
Birth: Pearl Dake was born about 1921 in Wisconsin, United States.1
Witness: Pearl Dake appeared in the census in the household of Glenn D Dake and Dora Lee on 1 April 1930 in Grand Chute Township, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States. Glen and Dora own their home valued at $300; the household does have a radio. Glen is working as a laborer at a college.1
Earl Lee Dake
M, #8188, b. 15 September 1925, d. 19 December 2003
Birth: Earl Lee Dake was born on 15 September 1925 in Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States.1
Death: He died on 19 December 2003 at age 78.1
Person Source: Earl Lee Dake had sources that helped establish his name.1
[S1160] "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007," database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); Social Security Administration, Baltimore, Maryland, 27 June 2016; original application for Earl Lee Dake (1942); no. 389-20-3265; November 1942, name listed as Earl Lee Dake; 31 December 2003, name listed as Earl L Dake
Walter C Wenzel
M, #8189, b. 19 February 1905, d. 12 August 1994
Birth: Walter C Wenzel was born on 19 February 1905 in Lanark Township, Portage County, Wisconsin, United States.+
Marriage: He and Leah Evelyn Turner were married on 15 February 1941 in Almond, Portage County, Wisconsin, United States.
Informant: Walter C Wenzel was the informant on the death record of Leah Evelyn Turner.1
Death: Walter C Wenzel died on 12 August 1994 at age 89 in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, United States.
Burial: He was buried in Farmington Township, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, United States.
[S1354] Outagamie County, Wisconsin; Register of Deeds, Appleton, Wisconsin, death certificate; 113-1095; 1985; Leah Evelyn Wenzel
Mildred I Dake
F, #8194, b. 17 September 1902, d. 23 July 1976
Father: Willard Wesley ("Will") Dake (b. 11 July 1867, d. 9 July 1962)
Mother: Irena Isabelle Maxfield (b. 27 April 1869, d. 12 July 1960)
Birth: Mildred I Dake was born on 17 September 1902 in Nekoosa, Wood County, Wisconsin, United States.1
Informant: She was the informant on the death record of Irena Isabelle Maxfield.2
Death: Mildred I Dake died on 23 July 1976 at age 73 in Farmington Township, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, United States.1
Burial: She was buried on 27 July 1976 at Plover CemeteryG+, in Plover, Portage County, Wisconsin, United States.3
Witness: Mildred I Dake appeared in the census in the household of Willard Wesley ("Will") Dake and Irena Isabelle Maxfield on 1 June 1905 in Port Edwards, Wood County, Wisconsin, United States. Will is farming; he owns his home which is mortgaged.4
Witness: Mildred I Dake appeared in the census in the household of Willard Wesley ("Will") Dake and Irena Isabelle Maxfield on 15 April 1910 in Carson, Portage County, Wisconsin, United States. Will and Irena have been married nineteen years and have four children [five born]; they own their farm home through a mortgage.5
Witness: Mildred I Dake appeared in the census in the household of Willard Wesley ("Will") Dake and Irena Isabelle Maxfield on 1 January 1920 in Hull, Portage County, Wisconsin, United States. William and Irene own their home, mortgaged. They operate a general farm.6
[S25] Social Security Administration, "U.S. Social Security Death Index," database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ), , , 22 June 2017; Mildred Stelter; 389-68-5552; 1973
[S515] Portage County, Wisconsin; Register of Deeds, Stevens Point, death certificate; 36-480; 1960; Irena Isabella Dake
[S29] Find a Grave, database and images (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed ), memorial page for , Find A Grave Memorial # , citing , 5 February 2017; Mildred I (Dake) Stelter; 83345073; Plover Cemetery; Plover, Portage County, Wisconsin; Jonelle; Lisa V, no. 47869521
[S737] 1905 State Census, Wood County, Wisconsin, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin State Census, 1905. Microfilm, 44 reels. CSUSAWI1905_34, Port Edwards; sheet 1 [penned], stamped 471; family no. 3; Will W Dake household; 21 December 2016
[S194] 1910 U. S. Census, Portage County, Wisconsin, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing the NARA, Washington D. C., microfilm T624, roll 1733, Carson; 49; sheet 13B [penned]; dwelling no. 211, family no. 213; Will W Dake household; 21 December 2016
[S195] 1920 U. S. Census, Portage County, Wisconsin, population schedule, , ; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing the NARA, Washington D. C., microfilm T625, roll 2010, Hull; 68; sheet 8A [penned], stamped 134; dwelling no. 130, family no. 140; William W Dake household; 21 December 2016


How Many Planets Are There in Our Solar System?
Noah Zelvis March 19, 2022
As with many things in astronomy, the term planet has been ambiguous for many years. Depending on when you were born, you may feel differently about how many planets there are. This begs the question – just how many planets are there in the Solar System?
1) What Is a Planet?
2) History of Objects Called Planets in Our Solar System
2.1) Uranus
2.1.1) Ceres
2.2) Neptune
2.3) Pluto
2.4) Eris
3) Planetary Naming Conventions
4) Planetary Categories in Our Solar System
4.1) Terrestrial Planets
4.2) Gas Giants
5) Why is Pluto Not a Planet?
6) Dwarf Planets
7) What Else Is Out There?
8) Are There Other Solar Systems?
9) How Many Planets Are There in the Universe?
10) Final Thoughts
What Is a Planet?
The ancients were the first to notice that particular objects in the night sky behaved differently than others. Since they moved differently than stars, they called these objects planets, or "wanderers" in Greek.
In just 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) adopted a more concrete definition for a planet. This definition says that a planet must do three things:
It must orbit a star.
It must have enough gravity to be spherical in shape.
It must be large enough to clear its neighborhood of similar objects near its orbit.
While these are the standing requirements for planethood, these criteria are not set in stone.
History of Objects Called Planets in Our Solar System
As mentioned earlier, the ancient Greeks had discovered five wanderers in the night sky, and Renaissance astronomers were able to expound on these findings after the invention of telescopes in the early 1600s.
An image of Uranus taken by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1986. (Image credit: NASA)
In March of 1781, William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus when surveying for distant comets. This marked the first planetary finding in nearly 2000 years. Uranus was quickly labeled the seventh planet in the Solar System.
An image of Ceres depicts how the dwarf planet's colors would appear to the naked eye.
In 1801, a Sicilian monk located an unknown body in the heavens between Mars and Jupiter. He named the object Ceres and at first believed the thing was a comet. Upon closer inspection, Ceres was labeled a planet.
Unfortunately for Ceres, such a declaration wouldn't last. As more objects were found around Ceres, William Herschel took to calling these rocks asteroids. Ceres was a planet no more.
This picture of Neptune shows the Great Dark Spot. (Image credit: NASA)
Credit for the discovery of Neptune goes to mathematics and the astronomers who determined its location. After observing oddities in the orbit of Uranus, these astronomers correctly calculated the location of an eighth planet. Neptune was observed for the first time via telescope in 1841.
An enhanced color global view of Pluto. (Image credit: NASA)
In a similar way, scientists realized that some other object was affecting the orbit of both Uranus and Neptune. In 1929, Clyde W. Tombaugh began combing the skies one small section at a time for yet another unknown object.
Finally, on February 18th, 1930, Tombaugh located the tiny object through new astronomic techniques. There was no way to tell the size of the object at the time, but Tombaugh decided to give it the name Pluto. Pluto would stay a planet for over 75 years before being declassified.
The dwarf planet Eris and its moon Dysnomia as imagined by an artist. (Image credit: NASA)
2005 brought about a new discovery, this time an object presumably larger than Pluto out in the far reaches of the Solar System. Named Eris, the object sits almost three times further from the Sun than Pluto. Initially hailed as a planet, things changed when the term planet was redefined in 2006.
Planetary Naming Conventions
The first planets to be discovered were named after gods of the time, up through Saturn and including Earth. Although Herschel originally wanted to name his discovery "Georgium Sidus" after King George III, astronomers eventually settled on Uranus.
Each planetary discovery since, including Ceres, has been named after a god, albeit not always from Greek culture.
Planetary Categories in Our Solar System
At present, we have eight objects in the Solar System that meet the three criteria set by the IAU. Each of our eight planets falls into one of two categories:
Terrestrial Planets
The four planets closest to the Sun – Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars- are known as terrestrial planets because each has a rocky, hard surface. These planets vary wildly in composition and characteristics, including surface temperature and atmosphere.
Each terrestrial planet houses a molten metallic core responsible for volcanic activity. On the surface, it's possible to see distinct features such as mountains, volcanoes, valleys, and craters. None of these worlds have rings, but Earth and Mars do have satellites.
Types of planets under the Geophysical Planet Definition (GPD). (Image credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Mike Yakovlev on Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0)
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune represent the gas giants in our Solar System. Unsurprisingly, they are called gas giants because they are comprised almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. These planets do not have a well-defined surface, and it's unclear where one may even begin.
If these planets do have a solid surface, it is likely rocky or metallic as each has a strong magnetic field. While Jupiter and Saturn likely have layers of liquid hydrogen before their cores, Uranus and Neptune contain a mixture of water, rock, methane, and ammonia. As a result, these two planets are often called "ice giants."
These four planets are sometimes called Jovian planets because each one has similar characteristics to Jupiter. Each planet has rings and several known moons.
Why is Pluto Not a Planet?
Those of us born before the turn of the 21st century likely remember a time when Pluto was our ninth planet. After 76 years as a planet, Pluto's fate changed when the IAU redefined what it meant to be a planet.
Pluto does orbit the Sun and has enough gravity to be spherical in shape, but the ex-planet's declassification came because it has not cleared its orbit. To meet this criteria, the planet must be the dominant gravitational force, which Pluto does not.
A composite of enhanced color images of Pluto (lower right) and Charon (upper left) captured by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft as it transited the Pluto system. (Image credit: NASA)
Charon, Pluto's satellite, is nearly half its size, and the two have a binary relationship. The two objects orbit around each other, rather than Pluto holding all the power in the relationship. This alone is grounds for dismissal from planet status.
Not all hope was lost when the hammer fell on Pluto in 2006. A new category was created for objects resembling planets but don't have a clear orbit – dwarf planets.
This new designation was a blessing for a few other bodies in the Solar System as well. Once Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet, scientists looked to every other object that orbits the Sun to see what else made the cut.
Another name that once tasted planet status resurfaced – Ceres. With a round shape thanks to its size as the largest asteroid, it was upgraded to dwarf planet status as well.
At the same time, our very distant tenth planet Eris had to be reclassified because it does not clear its orbit either. To date, it's the furthest known dwarf planet from the Sun.
Twelve minor planets were considered for inclusion in the list of dwarf planets as early as 2006.
Although discovered a few years earlier, two other rocky worlds were added to the list of dwarf planets in 2008. Both Haumea and Makemake have roundish shapes and orbit the Sun from well beyond the orbit of Pluto. These were never classified as planets and left somewhat in limbo until given this title.
What Else Is Out There?
There are likely several other large objects in the Kuiper Belt and beyond that could at least be given dwarf planet status. Scientists currently estimate upwards of 200 more out there, just waiting to be discovered.
The biggest planetary question revolves around the mysterious planet X. Mathematical evidence supports the possibility of a giant planet deep in the Solar System, explaining the unique orbit of many smaller bodies in the Kuiper Belt.
These artist concepts depict some of the most well-known objects discovered outside of Neptune's orbit. (Image credit: NASA)
Planet X could have mass up to ten times that of our Earth. If it does exist, it likely sits some 20 times further from the Sun than Neptune and could take over 10,000 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
Are There Other Solar Systems?
We've still very limited in our ability to see all that lies outside of our own galaxy, but astronomers have already discovered over 4,000 worlds within the Milky Way galaxy alone. These planets all orbit stars of their own, although many look very different than our own.
Just 35 light-years away, one particular solar system has some interesting characteristics that mirror our own. This particular system has at least four rocky planets closest to their star and may be within the range that could sustain life. The third planet in this system even appears to have oceans!
Given all the strict criteria humans need to survive, there are likely few planets out there that we could live on. Even if we needed to travel somewhere new in a hurry, it would take us nearly 700,000 years to reach this other system!
NASA discovers a solar system similar to ours, and there may be life similar to ours out there.
How Many Planets Are There in the Universe?
Although we currently have no way of knowing for sure, we can extrapolate an answer from what we do know. With an estimated 100 billion planets in the Milky Way and 200 billion galaxies in the universe, there could easily be 20 sextillion planets out there somewhere.
The number has changed over the years, but at present, we have eight objects that meet the three criteria that allow them to be called planets. Each is unique, but only Earth has the resources we need to survive.
We still know very little of what exists in the far reaches of our Solar System, let alone what else is hiding beyond our borders. At the very least, the five planets closest to us make for some amazing photographs with even just a bit of magnification.


Shedding light on the mysteries of brain disease
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May 06, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario
Breaking down brain barriers one molecule at a time
The inner workings of the human brain hold mysteries that continue to challenge medical researchers and scientists around the world. One such mystery is determining how to delay the progression of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's. Now an important Canadian research breakthrough may have found the key to slowing their spread.
For the past six years, scientists, medical specialists and researchers with the National Research Council's (NRC) Therapeutics Beyond Brain Barriers (TBBB) program have been developing carrier molecules that enable disease-fighting molecules to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Once across this barrier, these carrier molecules can release medicinal therapeutics directly into the central nervous system (CNS) where they can have an immediate therapeutic impact.
Danica Stanimirovic, Director of NRC's Translational Bioscience Department, explains that she and her team have developed a series of small antibodies that can infiltrate this barrier by exploiting the same mechanism that allows nutrients to enter the brain. Acting as a Trojan horse, the antibodies trick the blood-brain barrier into allowing their entry and shuttle in therapeutic molecules at the same time.
Getting meds to where they matter
To determine whether the carrier molecules would deliver therapeutics to their intended disease targets, various configurations of the carriers coupled to therapeutic molecules had to be engineered and rigorously tested. This led to a collaboration with Graham Farrington, Director of the Antibody Discovery Group at Biogen, a biotechnology company with a long history of developing MS therapeutics and bringing new therapies to market. "We were excited to learn that NRC had discovered new carrier molecules," says Farrington. "Their groundbreaking work complements Biogen's focus on identifying antibodies that can have a therapeutic impact on brain diseases."
Using NRC's technology, Biogen conducted a number of tests to assess the behaviour and effects of NRC's carrier molecule once coupled to different Biogen antibodies. The animal trials, which involved a non-invasive procedure of administering the antibodies intravenously into rats and then analyzing the results, showed that the carrier-antibody fusion molecules do indeed have a highly potent therapeutic effect on brain diseases. "This was a critical step in validating the efficacy of these antibodies and setting the stage for clinical trials," adds Farrington.
Both Farrington and Stanimirovic anticipate that the clinical trials for the blood-brain barrier-crossing antibodies could take up to 10 years, but that their research could help to unravel some of the biochemical mysteries that scientists everywhere are trying to understand today.
Moving beyond the barrier
Biologics have become the fastest-growing segment of the pharmaceutical market and there is enormous potential to expand their application to the treatment of brain diseases. "We work closely with Canadian and international companies, medical specialists and other partners to ensure that our solutions get out of the lab and into real life—to industrial sectors, healthcare systems, corporations and the public," says Stanimirovic.
Farrington further adds that "the NRC-Biogen relationship has been a mutually successful handshake with complementary capabilities on each side." Both teams agree that this work will lead to the creation of more therapeutics for both those suffering from brain diseases and for the aging population—conditions that place a heavy burden on not only the patients, but also on families and healthcare systems.
"The ability to customize and engineer this solution for multiple applications gives it global appeal to companies that develop medications for different neurological diseases" says Stanimirovic. With its ongoing research in the field, NRC is well-positioned to break down brain barriers and augment the flow of new brain medicines to clinical trials, thus helping to make treatments available to the public more quickly. And that is what really matters.
Therapeutics Beyond Brain Barriers program
A novel platform for engineering blood-brain barrier-crossing bispecific biologics
(Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology)
Parkinson Society Canada
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Alzheimer Society Canada
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Damsel Distressed
Kelsey Macke
Published By: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Genre: YA - Contemporary
Hot girls get the fairy tales. No one cares about the stepsisters' story. Those girls don't get a sweet little ending; they get a lifetime of longing
Imogen Keegen has never had a happily ever after–in fact, she doesn't think they are possible. Ever since her mother's death seven years ago, Imogen has pulled herself in and out of therapy, struggled with an "emotionally disturbed" special ed. label, and loathed her perma-plus-sized status.
When Imogen's new stepsister, the evil and gorgeous Ella Cinder, moves in down the hall, Imogen begins losing grip on the pieces she's been trying to hold together. The only things that gave her solace–the theatre, cheese fries, and her best friend, Grant–aren't enough to save her from her pain this time.
While Imogen is enjoying her moment in the spotlight after the high school musical, the journal pages containing her darkest thoughts get put on display. Now, Imogen must resign herself to be crushed under the ever-increasing weight of her pain, or finally accept the starring role in her own life story.
And maybe even find herself a happily ever after.
The cover is stunning.
The publisher is super duper awesome... I love SHP.
The blurb is super awesome.
I cannot wait to read this book. It's gonna be so amazing. I have an insane love for Contemporary novels right now and this one sounds phenomenal. Add to that the fact that there will be a soundtrack to go with the novel... Is it October yet?
This week's pick...
An Unfortunate Fairytale Series:
#1 UnEnchanted
#2 Fairest (Haven't Got Yet)
#3 Fable (Haven't Got Yet)
Have you read this series?
Half-Bad (Half-Life #1)
Sally Green
Published By: Penguin
Date Read: April 20, 2014
Genre: YA - Paranormal / Witches
Half Bad by Sally Green is a breathtaking debut novel about one boy's struggle for survival in a hidden society of witches.
You can't read, can't write, but you heal fast, even for a witch.
You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.
You hate White Witches but love Annalise, who is one.
You've been kept in a cage since you were fourteen.
All you've got to do is escape and find Mercury, the Black Witch who eats boys. And do that before your seventeenth birthday.
Half-Bad was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I do admit that I'm not entirely sure what drew me to it as I'm not really a big fan of witch books but regardless I really wanted to read this one. I'd heard so many amazing things about this book and I really thought that it would be something that I loved. Unfortunately I feel like the hype surrounding this book ruined it a little bit and I was left feeling like it wasn't as good as everyone is making it out to be.
Nathan is a half. Half White witch, half Black witch. Because of this he is treat differently to everyone else. The White Witches don't trust him because he is part Black and the Black Witches don't trust him because he is part White. Nathan has been chained up in a cage since he was fourteen but he needs to escape and find Mercury before his seventeenth birthday... otherwise he may not survive.
Half-Bad had such a strong storyline. I felt like the storyline was very unique and different to any other YA Paranormal books out there and I really enjoyed following the story. Nathan has had such a awful life. Nothing has gone right for him and he has been pretty much exiled since birth. I felt so sorry for him and with this being his story this is most definitely not a happy story. It's actually rather depressing and one of my problems with the book was that it just made me depressed. Even though I really liked the storyline everytime I went to read some more I had a thought of 'Yay I'm gonna go depress myself again... hide the knives before I decide to off myself.' I really found it THAT depressing that although I wanted to find out what happened to poor Nathan I really didn't wanna read because it would put me in a very depressing mood.
Sally Green's writing style is so unique and different that it was quite something to read. It was so good for Nathan's mental state at the beginning and her use of foreshadowing at the beginning of the novel was perfect for this story. Though with me listening to the audiobook of Half-Bad I admit that the writing style transferred as quite odd for the first few chapters. Nathan's voice came off as quite strange and I didn't quite understand why his thoughts were so short and snappy. You don't really understand his mental state in those first few chapters until you have listened to more and found out what happened to him in the past.
Half-Bad is without a doubt one of the most unique Witch novels I have ever read and I did enjoy the story although I was a little disappointed and didn't think it was as good as the hype surrounding it. Due to all that hype I definitely went into the book expecting something amazing and I feel that that ruined my experience of this book. If I had not heard of any hype surrounding the book and I had gone into it with no expectations I probably would have found it more enjoyable than I did. Regardless it does have a strong, addictive storyline and it definitely worth a read but you will need a very happy book to follow this one.
Audio Review: A Dance With Dragons (Song of Ice and Fire #5)
A Dance With Dragons (Song of Ice and Fire #5)
Published By: Harper Voyage
Genre: Adult - Fantasy
In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance — beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. As they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.
Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenerys's claim to Westeros forever.
Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone — a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.
From all corners, bitter conflicts reignite, intimate betrayals are perpetrated, and a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some will fail, others will grow in the strength of darkness. But in a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics will lead inevitably to the greatest dance of all.
"I rose too high, loved too hard, dared too much. I tried to grasp a star, overreached, and fell."
Taking place at the same time as the events in the previous installment of the Song of Ice and Fire series, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons follows out favourite characters in the north and the east. After finishing A Feast for Crows I couldn't wait to get started on this one. Especially since I really missed these characters while listening to it, I was always wondering what was happening to Jon Snow, Theon Greyjoy, Daenerys Targaryen and others so I was very excited to see what they had been up to.
A Dance of Dragons was such an amazing installment of the series filled with action, intrigue and horror. There were so many twists and turns all over the place there were many times where I was going wait what the hell just happened? There were times where I was ecstatic with glee as to what was happening and others where I was so upset and horrified I wanted to stop reading but I couldn't. It's far too addictive.
This installment was told from the point of view of 18 characters and if I didn't watch the TV show and know the characters as well as I do because of that I probably would have got a little bit lost. Having seen the show and listening to the audiobook helped keep up with the different characters. Telling a story from the point of view of 18 characters is no small feat for an audio narrator and must have been a daunting task. However her coped with it superbly. He was amazing and really gave voice and life to each individual character and was able to do justice to all of the different perspectives so my hat goes off to him. A big bravo!
A Dance of Dragons was amazing. It left me hanging and I need to read the next installment like yesterday. I flew through these books and I am very distressed by the fact that the next book has not yet been published. I loved every moment of these five books and I can't wait to read more. For now the TV show will just have to give me my fix of this rather insane obsession I have with this series. If you haven't read these books I urge you to do so immediately.
Audio Review: A Feast of Crows (Song of Ice and Fire #4)
A Feast for Crows (Song of Ice and Fire #4)
Published By: Harper Voyager
Publication Date: November 6, 2006
With A Feast for Crows, Martin delivers the long-awaited fourth volume of the landmark series that has redefined imaginative fiction and stands as a modern masterpiece in the making.
After centuries of bitter strife, the seven powers dividing the land have beaten one another into an uneasy truce. But it's not long before the survivors, outlaws, renegades, and carrion eaters of the Seven Kingdoms gather. Now, as the human crows assemble over a banquet of ashes, daring new plots and dangerous new alliances are formed while surprising faces—some familiar, others only just appearing—emerge from an ominous twilight of past struggles and chaos to take up the challenges of the terrible times ahead. Nobles and commoners, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and sages, are coming together to stake their fortunes...and their lives. For at a feast for crows, many are the guests—but only a few are the survivors.
"Words are wind, Brienne told herself. They cannot hurt you. Let them wash over you."
After finished the third book in the Song of Ice and Fire series I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next and instantly started listening to the audiobook of the fourth installment. The previous book in the series brought me so much happiness with the sudden death of a certain character and I couldn't wait to find out how that would effect everything in this book.
After the events of A Storm of Swords everything in the game of thrones has changed. Stakes are higher and those fighting for the throne are more determined than ever. A Feast of Crows is told from the perspective of 12 characters and it follows the characters in the South for the majority of. A Feast of Crows takes place at the exact same time as in the next installment, A Dance of Dragons, which follows the majority of the northern and eastern characters.
I really loved A Storm of Swords and I could barely stop listening to the audiobook, hence how I listened to a 33 hour audiobook in 5 days. It was filled to the brim with complex relationships, lots of violence and action with a dash of trechery and betrayal. Everything you have come to expect from a George RR Martin book. I really couldn't stop listening to this book as I just had to know what was going to happen to my favourite characters, and even what was going to happen to the ones I hate. A great thing about George's books is that his characters are not good or bad but a mixture of the two. A Feast of Crows makes you question everything that you thought you knew about the characters and had you second guessing who the bad guy is and if any of them are really truly bad.
A Feast for Crows is a fantastic installment in an addictive series. My only issue with it is that I really missed reading about those in the north and the east, particularly Danerys. Danerys is most definitely my favourite character and the one I want to end up in power and all the way through A Feast for Crows I was constantly wondering what was happening with her and the other characters that were not the narrators in this installment.
I can't wait to continue with the series and read A Dance with Dragons and find out what was happening in the other parts of Westeros while all this was going down in the South. I will most definitely be starting it as my next audiobook.
"Most have been forgotten. Most deserve to be forgotten. The heroes will always be remembered. The best. The best and the worst. And a few who were a bit of both."
Sun Catcher (Sun Catcher Trilogy #1)
Sheila Rance
Published By: Orion Childrens
Date Read: DNF
Genre: YA - Fantasy
Source: ARC from Orion Childrens
On her 13th birthday Maia, who has been brought up by Tareth, the weaver and warrior who she has always believed is her father, falls into an adventure that will take her on a perilous journey to a kingdom poisoned by bitterness and jealousies. A kingdom that she must save. Tareth is no ordinary weaver - the silk he weaves sings of destiny and danger, of Maia's future. Because she is no ordinary girl either. She has always been the flame-headed outsider among the Cliff Dwellers, but she doesn't want to listen to the song of the silk, or to the terrifying words of the village Watcher. Guarding her secret, denying her future, Maia steps into places she has never explored where she'll encounter mercenaries, spies, friends and enemies. And where she will face her destiny as a Sun Catcher.
Exotically located in the Far East in an age when trading and communities were gaining more exposure to a wider world than ever before, this debut novel is beautifully, richly written, thoroughly researched and a pleasure to read
I hadn't heard anything about this book when it came through my door for review from the publisher. After reading more about it I was pretty excited about it. A new fantasy novel with a unique sounding storyline and dubbed as "Game of Thrones for younger readers" I couldn't wait to get started. I am a huge Game of Thrones fan and loved both the books and the TV show. I have to say that for me this is no Game of Thrones. I DNF'd it at page 57.
Sun Catcher had the potential to be fantastic. The premise for the story was really strong and I was looking forward to it. The execution is where this book fell flat for me. I didn't find the characters interesting. Not a single one. The more I read the more I realised that I didn't care for any of them and really had no interest in finding out what happened to them as I just didn't really care. I found myself bored to tears with this book and just trying to read as fast as I could so I could read something else and that is never good.
I really felt like the storyline needed to start sooner. It took so long to get to the point of the book and I just didn't enjoy it. I was so bored and so decided that if I wasn't enjoying it now the chance of me enjoying the rest was slim. I have had this feeling before, where I wasn't enjoying the book and forced myself to continue and ended up hating the book so much. I decided not to let this happen this time and put the book down and go on to another one.
This book definitely has the potential to be great but it just takes too long to get there for me. If you're a fan of fantasy books and don't mind the very slow beginnings then give this one a go. For me there was just something missing.
Geek Girl (Geek Girl #1)
Holly Smale
Published By: HarperCollins
Genre: YA - Contemporary Romance
Harriet Manners knows a lot of things.
She knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a "jiffy" lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. What she isn't quite so sure about is why nobody at school seems to like her very much. So when she's spotted by a top model agent, Harriet grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her Best Friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of the impossibly handsome supermodel Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.
As Harriet veers from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, she begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn't seem to like her any more than the real world did.
And as her old life starts to fall apart, the question is: will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?
"They're still just clothes. They can't make you something you're not. They can only help to say who you are."
I've had Geek Girl on my shelf for what feels like forever. I've been meaning to read this book for so long and finally I picked it up as my first read in the UKYA Readathon ran by ProjectUKYA. My reaction after reading you ask? WHY DID I NOT PICK UP THIS SOONER? It was so awesome. I found this book so addictive that I couldn't put the book down.
Harriet is a Geek. At least that's what everyone at school tells her. Harriet is super smart and she knows lots of things but regardless of her brains everyone at school seems to hate her, apart from her best... well, only... friend. So when Harriet is spotted by a modelling agency she is given the chance to reinvent herself... and she takes it. But will a bit of make-up and some new clothes be the answer?
I love love loved this book. I really loved Harriet. She is so awesome and I compeltely identify with her. I am such a Geek and a lot of her 'geek' behaviours I notice that I do that all the time. Harriet's journey is such a great one to go through with her. She grows a lot in the book and although some of her decisions are questionable they are necessary for her to realise that being herself is actually ok.
The thing I adore about this book is that it's uplifting, motivational and just darn right hilarious. There were so many times that I was laughing out loud and the message behind this book, that it's okay to be different and be yourself and be a geek, is just so incredible. Especially for younger readers.
Holly Smale's writing style is superb in this book. I really felt like Harriet, a fifteen-year-old girl, was telling the story. Harriet's voice was so authentic of a fifteen year old. A lot of YA novels that are written in first person sometimes don't feel so authentic. The decisions made are definitely that of a teenager don't get me wrong but sometimes it does feel like an older person telling the story and then the teenage voice coming out in the dialogue and character interactions. I didn't feel that way at all with Geek Girl. It was just perfect for Harriet.
Geek Girl was such an amazing book and is the perfect read for any YA Contemporary fans. It's such an easy and quick read as you're just so engrossed in the story and Harriet's journey that it will be over before you know it and you'll be left reeling dying for more. It has everything you could possibly want, humour, friendship, personal discovery and a dash of romance. I loved it.
"You need to stop caring what people who don't matter think of you. Be who you are and let everybody else be who they are. Differences are a good thing, it would be a terribly boring world if we were all the same."
I'm so beyond excited today. Why?
Well because the cover for J. Lynn's a.k.a best author ever in the world Jennifer L Armentrouts new book has a cover.
Look at the beauty of the third book in the Gamble Brothers series, Tempting the Bodyguard.
Isn't it gorgeous?
I love love love it.
The best thing? It's releasing on my birthday! SUPER SQUEE! My favourite authors new book releasing on my birthday. Best gift ever or what? AND the main characters surname is the exact same as mine. It's officially this is totally my book!
Kate Ormand
Published By: Sky Pony Press
Genre: YA - Dystopia
Source: ARC from Sky Pony Press and Edelweiss
The future world has been divided into sectors--each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors' thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what's coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.
Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she'll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.
"You were somewhere I couldn't get to you and that... that kills me. If anything had happened to you there, I wouldn't have been able to protect you from it."
It's no surprise to anyone who knows me how much I adore a good dystopia novel. It's one of my all time favourite genres and if I had to choose one genre to only read that genre for the rest of my life Dystopia would probably be the one I choose. I've been looking for a really unique dystopia book to get my hands on for a while. After reading so many dystopia books you find that some of them start to seem the same and have the same kind of storyline... Dark Days is one of the most unique and fresh dystopia novels I have ever read. I loved every single second of it.
The world has been split into sectors. Each is the same as the others and they are all equal. They are surrounded by steel walls with no way in and no way out. A new world has been created and those who are not chosen for the new world will be destroyed by the new worlds cyborg army. Sia lives in a sector and has been given 15 days before the cyborg army descend. Sia has a list of things she wants to do before she dies. Just when she has resigned that she is alone and living her last days she meets Mace, the mysterious and strong boy who gives her a reason to live. Will Sia give up and wait to die or is life worth fighting for?
Dark Days is such an amazing book. I do admit there is one thing that is similar to other dystopia books and that is the fact that the world was split into sectors. There is a few other YA dystopia novels that have that happen but that is where the similarities start and end. The rest is just pure originality. I loved that we don't actually see what leads up to the announcement that the cyborg army is coming. When we start the story they are already counting down to the end.
Sia is such an awesome character. I really loved her and she grows so much throughout the book. She goes from being pretty resigned over what is going to happen to wanting to fight for her life and will even sacrifice herself if it means she can save the rest of the sector.
Mace is awesome. I loved him. He is most definitely the character that all of the girls will love. He gives Sia a new lease of life and gives her something to fight for while also wanting to protect her. He accepts that she doesn't always need protection but wants to save her anyway.
Dark Days is pure originality wrapped up in a well-written package that is everything that a dystopia fan could wish for. Kate's writing is so amazing and completely entraps you from the start and keeps you hanging on so much that you finish the book in one sitting. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen and I couldn't put the book down.
Dark Days is without a doubt a must-read. It's jampacked with heart-stopping action that has you on tenter-hooks, not able to turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen and breathtaking romance that will leave you breathless. I was sucked in and took on the journey of my life. Kate Ormand had me completely and utterly in love with this book. She sucked me in right at the start and kept me enraptured until she spat me out at the end begging for more. I'm still not sure what 'more' is. The end of the book is perfect. I'd love a sequel but if there wasn't one then that would be okay too as it really is a fantastic well-rounded ending. I just want more writing from Kate.
Dark Days is a must-read. Add this one to you pre-order lists people as this one is not to be missed.
"But now I've met you, and now I have something to live for again. I don't need to go back home. You're all I want. I'll do everything I can to keep up both alive. Everything. I can't lose you."
Non Pratt
Published By: Walker Books
In this dazzling debut novel, a pregnant teen learns the meaning of friendship—from the boy who pretends to be her baby's father.
When the entire high school finds out that Hannah Shepard is pregnant via her ex-best friend, she has a full-on meltdown in her backyard. The one witness (besides the rest of the world): Aaron Tyler, a transfer student and the only boy who doesn't seem to want to get into Hannah's pants. Confused and scared, Hannah needs someone to be on her side. Wishing to make up for his own past mistakes, Aaron does the unthinkable and offers to pretend to be the father of Hannah's unborn baby. Even more unbelievable, Hannah hears herself saying "yes."
Told in alternating perspectives between Hannah and Aaron, Trouble is the story of two teenagers helping each other to move forward in the wake of tragedy and devastating choices. As you read about their year of loss, regret, and hope, you'll remember your first, real best friend—and how they were like a first love.
Note: Before I go on to review this book I just want to say that this is possibly the hardest review I have ever wrote. Nothing that I wrote was ever good enough for the masterpiece that this book is. I started this review 5 times before I decided to sit down with some pen and paper and handwrite the review. (I do this when I really can't write a review as it helps me get my thoughts into words.) After all the trouble starting this review I am so thrilled with it and proud of it. This is possibly the best review I may have ever wrote. Thank you for checking it out.
"Kittens are about as sexy as granny pants."
Trouble, the debut novel from Non Pratt is totally breathtaking. This is definitely one of those incredibly rare books that you find every once in a while that totally blows you away and you know that it will stay with you for a long time afterwards.
It is incredibly rare for me to pick up a book and read it immediately after buying it but Trouble was one of those. After hearing so many amazing things about this book I just had to read it. Everything that I heard about Trouble was completely right. This book is something special. It is not your typical YA Contemporary novel. It's raw, edgy and fresh. If there was only one book that I could recommend and urge people to pick up this year it would be this one.
Hannah is fifteen and pregnant. Suddenly faced with motherhood alone she doesn't know what to do or who to turn to. When new guy in school offers to pretend to be the father to protect her from the students, who have turned into vultures, at school, Hannah accepts. They are thrown into a beautiful friendship but both Hannah and Aaron are keeping big secrets. What will happen when they all come to light? Will it tear the best friends apart or can their friendship stand all weathers?
Trouble is so amazing. I seriously can't praise it enough. I find it difficult accepting that this in Non Pratt's debut novel. It reads like she has been doing this for years. Her incredible writing completely captures you and pulls you in at the start and won't let you go until you have demolished the book. Trouble is told from split perspectives from our two lead protagonists, Hannah and Aaron. Non completely nailed split perspectives. Both characters voices were superb and there was no 'hang on who is speaking here' confusion that sometimes happens in split perspective novels. She completely nailed them both and made the characters voices so authentic. The writing really is phenomenal.
Hannah and Aaron are the perfect characters to read about because they are so totally not perfect. They both have had tough pasts to deal with and all I wanted to do was hug them both. They have to deal with so much and it's truly beautiful and inspiring to see their friendship blossom and see them conquer everything together.
One of the most amazing things in this book is that Non Pratt doesn't sugar coat what teenagers are like in the 21st century Britain, nor does she hide what they get up to. I admit not all teenagers act like this but you can't deny that a lot of them so. Every school has a Kate, who will backstab and step on anyone to get to the top of the popularity cycle. (By the way I hated her so much. I wanted to jump in the book just to punch her.)
Non most definitely did a very brave thing writing a YA Contemporary book with no main romance. Yes this book isn't a romance. It is so much more and about something so much more important. True Friendship. And how true friendship can withstand everything, It is truly beautiful, uplifting and moving. I loved that there was a little hint of romance at the end. Hannah and Aaron have such a beautiful and perfect friendship so that little hint that it could be more had the hopeless romantic in me aww-ing and squeeing a little.
My one little issue with Trouble is the ending came way too fast. I really wanted more and I as left with so many questions. What happened with Katie? What happened to Aaron and Hannah afterwards? What happened to Jay? I felt the ending was a tad bit rushed but I still loved it and it does not take away from the beauty of this masterpiece. I would love to see a sequel to see what happened to everyone after the end of the book.
Trouble is such a raw, emotional ad beautiful story. This is not just a book. It is something that gives you perspective on everything in life. This book truly moved me and I know it will stay with me for a very long time. It truly is a masterpiece. Nothing will ever really live up to the beauty that is in those pages in Trouble.
"Now, when I look at her, I finally see someone I trust. Someone I love."
Kythan Guardian Series:
#0.5 Astarte's Wrath (Already Read)
#1 Destiny's Fire
I didn't get any hard-copy books this week but I did get some e-books and audiobooks.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Linked (Linked #1) by Imogen Howson
Trouble by Non Pratt
^I have already read Trouble the review will be up next week.
Audiobooks:
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1) by Laini Taylor
Dreams of Gods and Monsters (Daugher of Smoke and Bone #3) by Laini Taylor
That's it for this week


Powerline Wins "employer Of The Year" Award For 2015: Toronto Region Board Of Trade
26 March 2022 Green Energy
Toronto Region Board of Trade Congratulates our 2015 Business Excellence Award Winners
TORONTO, ON, November 5, 2015 — At a gala event last night Toronto Region Board of Trade announced the winners of its 2015 Business Excellence Awards. Winners and nominees were honoured for their business success and their impact and contribution to the local community. Eligible companies had annual revenues up to $50-million and an employee base of no more than 500 people and winners were selected by a panel of judges.
"Whether you're a leader in food and beverage industry, an exciting tech company, or a young entrepreneur breaking into the business world, the stories we've heard tonight show that the Toronto region is a fantastic place to live, work, and importantly start a business," said Douglas Goold, Vice President of Policy, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Toronto Region Board of Trade. "We're honoured to celebrate the success of some truly deserving businesses."
2016 Business Leader Steam Whistle Brewing
Employer of the Year
Powerline Plus
Global Reach INKAS® Group of Companies
Local Economic Impact DMZ at Ryerson University
Community Service Capitalize for Kids
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year MediaOne Creative Inc.
Under 30 Myplanet
Sustainability FoodShare Toronto
Technology Innovation SAMETRICA
"It's an honour to be recognized by the business community to win Employer of the Year. Powerline strives to make a positive impact on the communities in which we work, and the people whom we employ, and this achievement reaffirms that" said Giselle Matin, Executive Vice President, Legal at Powerline Plus Ltd.
"The most important thing for Cam [Heaps] and me, and I know this is the case for a lot of the small business folks, is to see consumers enjoying the work that you've done," said Greg Taylor, Co-founder, Steam Whistle Brewing.
The gala was held at Toronto Region Board of Trade and the Master of Ceremonies was comedian Jennifer Grant.
About Toronto Region Board of Trade (www.bot.com)
Founded in 1845, Toronto Region Board of Trade is the chamber of commerce for Canada's largest urban centre, connecting more than 12,000 members and 250,000 business professionals and influencers throughout the Toronto region. The Board fuels the economic, social and cultural vitality of the entire Toronto region by fostering powerful collaborations among business, government, thought leaders, and community builders. Toronto Region Board of Trade plays a vital role in elevating the quality of life and global competitiveness of Canada's largest urban centre. Follow us at @TorontoRBOT.
Matthew Kofsky
mkofsky@bot.com
Toronto Hydro, Newest Official Supplier Of Toronto 2015 Games
Powerline Plus Among Canada's Business Elite
Powerline Attends "Best Managed" Awards Gala
Toronto's Powerline Plus Ltd. Named One Of Canada's Best Managed Companies
Project Spotlight: Clonmore Phase 2


Johnsonville recalls 95K pounds of sausage over plastic contamination fears
Posted: May 31, 2019 / 08:08 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 1, 2019 / 01:47 PM CDT
WASHINGTON – Johnsonville is recalling roughly 95,393 pounds of its ready-to-eat jalapeño cheddar-smoked sausages that may contain a foreign ingredient – hard green plastic.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall Friday.
The meat products under recall were produced and packaged on March 12 and 13, 2019. The 14-ounce vacuum packages have a "best by" date of 06/09/2019, and "EST.34224" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The company announced the recall after a customer complained of the plastic. The Wisconsin company says there hasn't been any confirmed illnesses or adverse reactions.
In January, Johnsonville recalled over 48,000 pounds of pork products that may have contained black rubber.
Customers who may have purchased the tainted sausages are encouraged to throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. For more information, see the USDA website.
Ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday, Facebook is making several changes to prevent a repeat of the Jan. 6 deadly U.S. Capitol riots.
The social media giant, criticized for years for seemingly loose and inconsistent content monitoring, announced new restrictions to prevent misinformation about the 2020 Presidential Election from proliferating.
B-2 stealth bomber from Whiteman AFB to fly over Arrowhead for Chiefs-Browns playoffs game
What you need to know if you're going to Arrowhead for the Chiefs-Browns playoff game
Chiefs / 2 hours ago


Home » Lifestyle News » How selfies, filters affect body image- trigger dysmorphic disorder
How selfies, filters affect body image- trigger dysmorphic disorder
News Agencies | Updated on: 4 August 2018, 12:30 IST
With the advancements in photo-editing technology through applications like Snapchat and Instagram on a rise, the level of physical 'perfection' is now all over social media.
People's perceptions of beauty worldwide are changing, which can take a toll on a person's self-esteem and can trigger body dysmorphic disorder.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) researchers in a JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery Viewpoint argued that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance, often characterised by people going to great lengths to hide their imperfections.
This can include engaging in repetitive behaviors like skin picking and visiting dermatologists or plastic surgeons hoping to change their appearance. The disorder affects around 2 percent of the population and is classified on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.
The viewpoint authors reference studies that show teen girls who manipulated their photos were more concerned with their body appearance, and those with dysmorphic body image seek out social media as a means of validation.
Additional research has shown 55 percent of plastic surgeons report seeing patients who want to improve their appearance in selfies.
Director of the Ethnic Skin Center at BMC and Boston University School of Medicine, Neelam Vashi said, "A new phenomenon called 'Snapchat dysmorphia' has popped up where patients are seeking out surgery to help them appear like the filtered versions of themselves."
Vashi added,"Filtered selfies can make people lose touch with reality, creating the expectation that we are supposed to look perfectly primped all the time. This can be especially harmful for teens and those with BDD, and it is important for providers to understand the implications of social media on body image to better treat and counsel our patients."
According to the authors, surgery is not the best course of action in these cases, because it will not improve, and may worsen underlying BDD. They recommend psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and management of the disorder in an empathetic and non-judgmental way.
The full findings are present in the journal- JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
(ANI)
First published: 4 August 2018, 12:30 IST
Dysmorphic disorder Selfies Snapchat Instagram
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