The novel opens with the British seizure of Hong Kong after the first Opium War. Long and sweeping, covering the lives of many characters, the book focuses on Dirk Struan, the Tai-Pan, the most powerful trader in Asia and head of the Noble House.
The book covers the first year or so after the British seizure of Hong Kong and how the island changed and grew. The story follows Struan’s attempts to solidify his power, the importance of Hong Kong, and perpetuate his family’s hold on the Noble House and its place as the largest and most powerful trading house in the continent.
Quotes:
“’Joss’ was a Chinese word that meant Luck and Fate and God and the devil combined.”
“Empires are built by young men, Culum. They’re lost by old men.”
“He long ago had learned a basic law of survival: Bring your enemy to battle only on your terms, never on his.”
“Save a man from dying, then you yourself are responsible for him for the rest of the man’s life. That’s fair. Because you interfere with the will of the gods , you must be prepared to assume their responsibility.”
“He knew that his father was right- it wasn’t money that was important. Only the lack of it.”
“The point of money is to use it.”
“Now I know that love is like the sea, sometimes calm and sometimes stormy; it’s dangerous, beautiful, death-dealing, life giving. But never permanent, everchanging. And unique only for a short span in the eyes of time.”
“Fair wind, open sea, and safe harbor.”
“How else can you dominate joss? If you smile when you lose, then you win in life.”
“How difficult it is to love someone and live with someone over years.”
Opinion:
Another fantastic book by Clavell. Yes, all 700+ pages of it. Struan was an amazing character that readers can sympathize with, understand, and even admire. I loved his open-mindedness about the Chinese people and their customs, his love for Mai-mai, as well as his children, especially Culum.
However, Struan is not the only compelling character. Brock was interesting and you could either love or hate him, the same goes for Robb and Culum. You just had to hate Gorth and love Orlov. The female characters were also really extraordinary: I adored Mai-mai and her spunk, as well as Mary and Ah Sam.
I loved the description of the initial building of Hon Kong. The descriptions of Chinese culture and customs was really fascinating, as were the different reactions to them from westerners. Even though it was a long book, it was a fast read, full of action and wonderful description. However, the beginning is a little slow, and the story doesn’t really get going until after about 200 pages- but if you can get through those, you will be happy that you did, because the book is really wonderful.
WASHINGTON, DC, November 21, 2012- If you have a cyclist or occasional bicycle rider on your Christmas list, it may be difficult to find just the right bike-related gift. Some of the items on this list are practical, others are fun, some are for gadget lovers, and others are just crazy and difficult to find, but deserved a mention. There is sure to be something on this list for every bike lover you have to shop for.
1. The United Pedal Saddlebag (around $90): I have started to see more and more bike commuters using saddlebags to carry their stuff in. United Pedal has a variety of stylish and trendy saddlebags that connect to the saddle or handlebars of most bikes. Made in New York City.
2. The Bento Box (starting a $7): Cyclists love this small but very useful item for carrying essentials. The Bento Box can be found in several different styles, and mounts to the bike frame near the handlebars. It has a single zipper for easy opening and attaches to your bike with Velcro straps for easy removal.
3. Bookman Lights ($29/pair): If riding at night or commuting during the fall months, cyclists should have mounted lights to remain visible at all times. Based in Stockholm, Bookman creates stylish lights in an array of colors that can be mounted almost anywhere on your bike in seconds.
4. Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights ($55): For a great way to stay visible on the evening commute, Amazon has the Pedalite 360 Degree Visibility Pedal Lights. The pedal lights charge as you pedal to flash built-in pedal lights, which stay on for a full 5 minutes after pedaling stops. The reviews form customers, however, seem mixed.
5. One Two Three Speed Reflective Helmet Bows ($15): On the subject of being visible, these reflective helmet bows attach to the back of most helmets, and can be adjusted for top visibility. One Two Three Speed Reflective Bows come in a variety of colors, so that you can change them up according to your look or mood.
6. Bells (staring at $4): City riders and commuters need to be seen as well as heard. Bicycle Bells make really fun stocking stuffers. There are amazing bicycle bells, starting at very reasonable prices. For really unique bike bells at great prices, search “bike bell” on Etsy.com. You will be on there for hours.
7. The Bicyclick & Click-base ($15/$25): For mountain bikers, group riders, trail riders, and kids, the Bicyclick allows you to connect two or more flat-handle bicycles and stand them on virtually any terrain. The Click-base allows you to stand your bike in your garage, driveway, or workplace. Being married to a man who collects bicycles like stray dogs –“baby, I just found it on Craigslist and it was so cheap, they were basically giving it away to a good home,”- the Bicyclick has really made a difference in our bike storage.
8. SportHolster by Urban Tool: An award- winning design, the SportHolster by Urban Tool has 5 different pockets for various media and other necessities, as well as a cable router, key strap with yo-yo, and reflective patches for the ultimate hands-free experience. “This is the most practical cycling (hiking, running and other outdoor sports) item that I own,” says Lesly Jones of Black Women Bike DC (BWBDC).
9. The Burley Travoy Cargo Trailer ($260): This is a great gift for the cyclist husband who says, “I would have picked up that gallon of milk you asked for honey, but I was on my bike.” With this fully collapsible trailer that attaches to the saddle of almost any bike, your husband will be able to bring home an entire week’s worth of groceries!
10. The GoPro Camera ($199 and up): GoPro cameras seem to be on almost every rider’s list this year. Fantastic for capturing every minute of your ride, these cameras have built–in Wi-Fi, and can be mounted on virtually any bike. Bike commuters are also using mounted cameras to document accidents, aggressive drivers, and to protect themselves in case of an accident. If your cyclist has been especially nice this year, the GoPro may be the perfect gift.
11. The Biologic Reecharge($110): The Biologic Reecharge allows you to charge your iPhone or iPod while you pedal. It has a 1600 mAh Lithium polymer battery and can be mounted on most bikes. The battery can also be charged via USB for extra juice while on your ride. Again, it seems like the reviews on this are mixed. The Biologic ReeCharge sells for about $110.
12. The MiniWiz HYmini ($50): If you want to spend half as much or don’t have an iphone, the HYmini may be more suitable. The HYmini harnesses solar and/or wind power to charge any device. It also has an LED night-light and charge indicator. The Editors at PC Magazine gave the HYmini a 3 ½ star “good” rating, citing its multiple charging methods and designs as pros. However, they also found that the charge capacity was relatively small and that the recharge time was considerably long.
13. Voltaic Fuse 4W Solar Charger ($129): Made by Voltaic, the 4W is a lightweight solar power addition that can be added to almost any bag. It can also be connected directly to a bicycle, tent, or any other place where you want solar power. Equipped with two 2.0 Watt solar panels, the 4W will give you approximately 3 hours of talk time on your phone (depending on phone) from a one hour charge in the sun. A typical phone will charge in 4 to 5 hours.
14. The Apollo shirt ($105): For those who have to dress up for work, the Apollo shirt will make sure you arrive at the office cool and dry. The Apollo shirt is a dress shirt by Ministry of Supply that uses NASA space suit technology to regulate body temperature. The Apollo also has unique “moisture wicking” construction and is antimicrobial. Another bonus, it is also wrinkle- free, so you never have to iron it. Apollo shirts are, however, not cheap. The Apollo shirt starts at $105 at the Ministry of Supply website. Ministry of Supply also offers the Agent shirt, which has all of the technology of the Apollo shirt, minus the heat-regulating technology.
15. The Outlier Women’s Daily Riding Pant ($188): These sleek pants by Outlier, suggested by Veronica Davis of BWBDC, are made with a core 4Season fabric, four way stretch and doubleweave twill fabric. Treated with “self-cleaning” Nanosphere, these pants are highly resistant to dirt. Made in New York City, Outlier adheres to strict bluesign environmental standards, and the fabric is low impact, made with tight emissions standards.
16. The Hovdig ($600): The Hovding is a stylish working girl’s or metrosexual guy’s dream. For fans of the elaborate hairdo, wearing a bike helmet has always been a problem. No more!, say the Swedish makers of the Hovding. Working on the same principle as automobile airbags, the Hovding is a collar worn around the neck that pops out into a full helmet when triggered by sudden movements. The Hovding is currently only available in Europe and sells for around $600.
17. The road popper ($39): Who doesn’t want a bottle opener mounted to their bike saddle? Well, for $38.58 you can have one too at Shapeways.com. Is your cyclist more of a wine lover? No problem, the Bicycle Wine Rack ($38) fits 1” to 1.5” bike frames.
18. The ICEdot Crash Sensor: Launching next year, with a projected price of $200, the ICEdot Crash Sensor is a tiny circular sticker- the “dot”- that goes on you helmet. The “dot” detects and measures force and impact. Once it detects an impact, the dot sends a message to your smart phone starting a counter that alerts your emergency contact numbers and provides coordinates of where you are should you fail to stop it in time.
19. The PUYL tire pump/ headlight: Winner of the 2009 Eurobike award, the PUYL combines a bike pump and headlight in one gadget that fits to the frame of the bike. The LED light charges with pumping through electromagnetic induction. The PUYl can be viewed in formpasch’s website, but I have not been able to find it for sale anywhere.
20. Gift card: Cyclists are notoriously picky and complicated when it comes to their accessories and gear. Sometimes the best idea is a gift card. “Most of the things I want I can’t really explain to non-cyclists, says Allyson Criner Brown of BWBDC, “at least not without sounding overly specific and greedy…. The clothing needs to be the right fit and the gear needs to be specific.” Sometimes you’re just better off getting a gift card.
Washington DC, November 19, 2012- Last saturday my mom and I went to the Georgetown Library book sale. We went early, but it was still pretty crowded and most of the good books were gone. However, i think I did pretty well, considering I spent $84 total, and two of the books were $55 (one was $40 and the other $15). Here’s what i came home with.
Title: English Furniture
English Furniture, RW Symonds
This was the $40 book.
Author: R.W. Symonds
Publisher & date: International Studio Inc., 1929
Additional information: This is #201 of a 500- copy limited edition in the U.S.
Limited edition
Title Page
Here is a link to the same book, #28 in the series, for over $300! So I think I did well, at least with this book. It is in pretty good shape, but not in excellent condition.
This book is not in great shape… some of the pages are stuck together, but it seems salvageable with a little time and attention. The rest of the books were under $3 each.
King Rat follows the lives of the POWs at Changi Prison, in Singapore, during the last weeks of WWII. Clavell was himself a POW at Changi, and the story retells his experience. The story is mostly told through Peter Marlowe, a young British RAF Lieutenant, said to be based on a young Clavell.
The novel focuses on the exploits of “the King,” an American corporal who is the unofficial “rich man” in Changi. Marlowe and the King develop an unlikely friendship that exposes the hardships of life in a POW camp, as well as the adversity faced by family members on the outside.
However, even though every other man seems to hardly scrape by with little food and no medicine, the King truly lives like a King, eating his fill and even having a few creature comforts. While many of the men in Changi face extreme suffering, for example one prisoner contemplates a third amputation on what is left on a leg that will not heal- the second performed without anesthesia- the King owns his own chickens and has more than one pair of real shoes.
Marlowe and the King forge an improbable bond and Marlowe inevitably begins to break camp rules as he starts selling objects to guards on behalf of prisoners, a strictly forbidden practice. As men are forced to do things they would never have believed to stay alive, all of them lose a bit of their humanity, and Marlowe is no exception.
Quotes:
“A man who fails through his own stupidity has no right to be called a man. And no right to be the King, for the strongest is always the King, not by strength alone, but King by cunning and strength and luck together.”
“Without women, Peter Marlowe thought helplessly, men are only a cruel joke.”
“Rule Two: don’t worry about nothing you can’t do nothing about.”
“As it is written in the Koran, without hope, a man is but an animal”
“’I don’t think it matters what you call God. God won’t mind if he is recognized as Jesus or Allah, or Buddha or jehova, or even You!-because if he is god, then he knows that we are only finite and don’t know too much about anything.”
Opinion:
I actually thought that this book was excellent, which is weird because I usually avoid war and/or prison settings, because I particularly dislike both topics. So I thought I was going to hate this book. The reason that I read it was because I wanted to read the rest of Clavell’s Asian Saga, but my obsessive self will NEVER read a book that is part of a series without starting from the very beginning and reading them in order. So I thought I’d breeze through this nearly 400-page baby to get to the good stuff.
Well, this book was the good stuff already. It was extremely well told and the characters and situations were compelling and easy to relate to. I really, really liked this book and can’t wait to read more from Clavell!
Notes:
After I read this book I wanted to find out more about Changi Prison in Singapore. Despite the horrible conditions, according to Wikipedia, it was one of the best run Japanese POW prisons, with “only” 850 prisoner deaths among the 87,000 prisoners that passed through it. Here are some pictures that I found of Changi and the liberation:
Allied POWs after liberation, Wikimedia Commons
Photo Purple Heart Austin
Diggers: A Test cricketer, Wallabies and players from AFL and rugby were among the WWII prisoners at Singapore’s notorious Changi prison during World War II.
Salt and pepper the meat, then lightly flour, shaking off excess.
Heat the oil in a medium pot. Add onions and carrots.
When onions are browned, add meat and brown on all sides, deglaze with white wine and add tomato sauce, salt & pepper.
Cook for 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
Add potatoes and cover with water
When the water begins to boil, reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for about 30-45 minutes, until meat and potatoes are tender.
Add peas, cook for 3-4 more minutes, serve.
From my aunt:
Ternera con arvejas
Se puede hacer o con papa o con arvejas. La carne cortada en pedacitos. Se le pone un pico de harina, en la olla aceite y mantequilla, poner la carne y cuando este blanca se le agrega el caldo, sal, pimienta, nuez moscada y una cucharada de pasta de tomate, si es una libra de carne. Poner las papas en cubitos o las arvejas. Cocinar hasta que este una crema o salsa, no líquido. Si las arvejas son de lata ponerlas al final, 5 minutos antes de servir.
WASHINGTON DC, November 16, 2012- After waiting for a month to get my back-ordered Kindle Paperwhite and using it every day for two weeks, I can honestly say that this is Amazon’s best Kindle yet.
I read a lot. From fiction, to magazines, to biographies, I love to read. As John Irving put it in The World According to Garp, I am a printed-word junkie. I will literally read anything- except Fifty Shades of Grey, I have to draw the line somewhere. I’ve had a Kindle since they came out and am a little ashamed to say that when I pull up my Amazon Account, it asks me if it should deliver the content to Kindles 1-6. To be fair, most of my older Kindles have gone to friends and family who use them.
So why do I love the Paperwhite so much? Let me start by enumerating what I love about Kindle in general and then move on to why I think that if you have always thought about getting a Kindle or already own an older model, an investment in the new Paperwhite may be good advice.
It is not an iPad or tablet
Most people that I talk to about my Kindle obsession usually answer, “well, I have an iPad or other tablet, and I hate reading on it.” The first thing about Kindle is that it is nothing like an iPad; let me count the ways:
1. Use: A Kindle (and this is a review of Paperwhite Kindle, not Kindle Fire) is just for reading.
2. Weight: while the iPad weighs in at 1.44 lbs. (652 g), the Paperwhite weighs 7.5 oz. (213 grams). This makes it easy to hold the Kindle in one hand for hours.
3. Size: even though the difference in size is not huge (iPad: 9.5”x 7.31” x .37” ; Kindle Paperwhite: 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″), I found that it does make a difference. I can throw my kindle in almost any purse and it even fits in a large coat pocket.
4. Glare: My favorite thing about the Kindle is that you can read on the beach, in the middle of the day, and there is absolutely no glare, exactly like a printed book.
Features in all Kindles
Beyond the differences with the iPad, there are a few other features that I love, that come in every Kindle, not just the Paperwhite:
1. Bookmark, highlight, and notes feature: Kindle allows you to bookmark and highlight important pages and passages, as well as insert you own notes. You can then pull up a list of notes and highlights in the menu option.
2. Dictionary: another of my favorite features on Kindle is the dictionary. In my experience, when I come upon a word that I don’t understand, 80% of the time, I’ll just skip over it and deduce the meaning from context. I am almost always too lazy or too caught up in my reading to stop, put the book down, and crack open my dictionary or look online. On a Kindle, all you have to do is highlight a single word, and the definition pops up on the screen. I can’t tell you how much my vocabulary has improved.
3. 3G: This is something that I have mixed feelings about. On the old Kindles, both Wi-Fi and 3G came standard. Now, you have to pay an additional $30-$60 when you buy your Kindle to get the 3G. I think this is kind of greedy on Amazon’s part, since the only real use for the 3G is to buy books from the Kindle store. However, 3G is great. I travel a lot and sometimes my trips are months long. I used to lug around a suitcase filled with books and then scour foreign newsstands in remote towns looking for something- anything- to read when I’d exhausted my stash. 3G changed all that. Now I travel with my Kindle, no books, and download my favorite titles from anywhere in seconds. You’ve got to love that!
4. Subterfuge:I’ll confess that I love to read trash. However, sometimes I don’t like to advertise to the world the kind of trash that I’m reading by flashing the book cover- because I know I judge strangers by what they read. Problem solved! Nobody has to know of you secret love for Danielle Steel.
Paperwhite Additional Features
There are three features that I love about the Paperwhite that are new or fairly to the Kindle family:
1. Frontlight:
This was what Kindle was missing! Now I can read my Kindle anywhere, without bothering anyone or keeping the light on all night when I’m trying to finish that novel that I just can’t put down. This is a lifesaver on long flights or train rides.
2. Reading speed calculator:
This is the coolest thing ever: when you start to read a book or magazine article, Kindle Paperwhite learns your reading speed and calculates how much time to the end of the book and current chapter (and tells you on the lower left margin). How cool is that? And even cooler, it continues to adjust as you read.
3. X-ray:
some of the more recent older models have the x-ray feature. Even though it only comes with certain books, the x-ray feature is fantastic. X-ray is a subtext service that gives the reader information about the characters and locations on a certain page or in the entire book, identifying all the places where they appear in the book.
So if you love to read, anywhere and everywhere, the Kindle Paperwhite may be a nice addition to your Christmas list.
WASHINGTON, DC, November 16, 2012- Fall in the DC area is a beautiful time, but also a time for increased traffic-related cyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities. As Daylight Savings changes to Standard Time, it is often dark by five p.m., just in time for the evening commute. It often takes a while for drivers to adjust to commuting in the dark, which makes it more difficult to spot riders and pedestrians. An additional risk is that as the weather turns colder, many riders and pedestrians wear coats–which are often dark in color–making them even more difficult to see.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), in 2011 there were 76 pedestrian traffic-related fatalities and 6 cyclist fatalities in the DC metro region. This accounted for 29% of all traffic related fatalities in the area. Over 430 crashes involving pedestrians occurred in November and December of last year alone, making the fall months some of the most dangerous for pedestrians and riders alike.
Last Wednesday, DC, Maryland and Virginia officially launched the Street Smart fall public education campaign to raise cyclist, pedestrian, and motorists safety awareness. Taking advantage of the change from Daylight Savings to Standard Time, when darkness falls on commuters one hour earlier, program officials want to highlight the added risks posed by decreased visibility and the need for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to be increasingly aware of each other, share the road, and obey all traffic laws and signals.
As the likelihood of cyclist and pedestrian injury rises, safety officials take time in the fall to remind area cyclists, motorist and pedestrians that the change to Standard Time means a more dangerous evening commute. City officials and Street Smart advocates urge commuters to be watchful of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in an effort to reduce cyclist fatalities and injuries this season.
George Branyan, Pedestrian Program Coordinator at DC Department of Transportation, explains that the lower light in the evening makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and exacerbates common hazards, especially at signals and intersections. The largest number of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists in the District occur at intersections when cars are turning left or right. The second largest number of accidents occurs when pedestrians and cyclists cross against the light at an intersection, jaywalk, or cross in the middle of the road.
Branyan urges drivers to pay special attention when turning at an intersection and cyclists to use bright lights. Drivers need to be alert when exiting and entering driveways, looking for pedestrians on the sidewalk and cyclists on the road. Drivers need to be watchful at intersections and take special care in low light conditions.
If you are a cyclist, here are some tips for riding in traffic. Michael Farrell, from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) says that the biggest danger for cyclists and pedestrians this fall season is the same: they are not visible in the dark, “there are too many bicycles out there without lights or even reflectors.” It is important that all bicycles are equipped with reflectors and that all cyclists have lights if they are planning to ride at night. Cyber Drive Illinois has a list of equipment necessary to make you as visible as possible while on the road. The list includes:
Clear front reflector
Red rear reflector visible for at least 100 ft.
Wheel mounted side reflectors
Reflector pedals
Front light visible for at least 500 ft., if you plan to ride at night
A significant part of the campaign is a focused crackdown by area law enforcement, especially between November 14 and November 25. Officers will be ticketing cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers who do not follow traffic safety laws. Tickets and fines will range between $40 and $500 depending on the infraction. Law enforcement, local, county, and state agencies will also be distributing handouts and tip cards to further commuter awareness.
Street Smart organizers and safety advocates urge drivers to be especially alert, take extra caution, and obey speed limits and traffic signals. Cyclists and pedestrians are urged to do the same. Street Smart has a helpful checklist for all commuters this fall season:
Look twice for people in crosswalks and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
Be careful when passing stopped vehicles
Yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections when you’re turning
Allow three feet when passing bicyclists
Look for cyclists and cars before you open your door
Slow down and obey the speed limit
Avoid using your cell phone while driving
If you’re walking…
Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available
Wait for the “Walk” signal to cross the street
Before crossing look left, right, and left again
Be seen! If you’re walking after dark or in bad weather, make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing light clothing or something reflective
Don’t text while you’re crossing the street
If you’re on an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution
If you’re biking…
Obey all traffic signs and traffic lights
Ride in the direction of traffic, at least a car door width away from parked cars
Use hand signals so drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know what you’re going to do
Always wear a helmet
Use lights if you’re riding at times of darkness
If you’re on an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution
Street Smart is a public awareness and enforcement campaign in its 11th year. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), Street Smart aims at reducing cyclist and pedestrian injuries and deaths in the DC metropolitan area.
Read more: DC, Maryland and Virginia launch the Street Smart Fall Campaign | Washington Times Communities
Savages follows a few days in the life of Ben, Chon (formerly John), and O (short for Ophelia). Selling the best stuff on the market, Ben and Chon are the Kings of Southern California marihuana.
Ben is peaceful and idealistic, using the money he makes selling dope to help starving Third World children and building schools and hospitals in poverty- stricken corners of the world. He is anti-violence and always remains calm. Chon is Ben’s polar opposite, an Iraq war vet, and the muscle of their operation. O, the spoiled daughter of the stereotypical rich California trophy wife who will not admit the passage of time, is their unconventional girlfriend.
Naturally when the members of Mexico’s Baja Cartel come asking to take over their business, their reaction is completely opposite. Ben wants to run and Chon wants to fight. Realizing, however, that they will never outgun the Baja Cartel, Chon agrees and they decide to run. However, the Baja Cartel is not about to let them off that easily…
Quotes:
“If you let people believe that you’re weak, sooner or later you’re going to have to kill them.”
“Lomotil tablets, the chemical cork, as any Third World Sojourner knows.”
“’S’up?’ Spin asks, because he thinks talking like a surfer who’s been hit in the head too many times will make him not forty-three.”
“because at the end of the day you really can’t feel someone else’s pain, you can only imagine it.”
“’Do something that you love for a living and you’ll never work a day in your life.’”
“hornier than a convent.”
Opinion:
I really loved this book- it was like Chuck Palahniuk meets a narco-corrido. So why did I only give it three stars? The incorrect Spanish. It was really annoying how many of the Spanish words and slang were used incorrectly- and it really disappointed me because I loved the story, loved the way it was told- I read it in two sittings- but could not get past the mistakes, which kept coming.
I hate to be nit-picky, but once a notice an author’s mistake, two things happen: (1) I inevitably lose respect for both author and editor, and (2) my inner editor goes on the hunt for more mistakes and “bugs me” while I’m trying to enjoy the book.
So what were the mistakes? Lets start with the word putana, used heavily throughout. Now I am not Mexican; I am Colombian (but we’re all the same, right?) but I have never heard a Mexican, or Colombian or any other Latino use the word putana. We all use the word puta, some of us quite often, but never putana. I have heard quite a few Italians use putana, however- but there were no Italians in the book.
Moving on, Lado’s wife’s name is “Delores,” and both Lado and Delores were born in Mexico. Now most women in Latin America with that name spell it Dolores, which means “sorrows,” short for La Virgen María de los Dolores, “Virgin Mary of Sorrows.” In Spanish, Delores with an “e” means nothing and I don’t know any real Latin woman named Delores instead of Dolores. I do realize, however, that Delores is a very popular American name even though it does not mean anything in Spanish. It reminds me of the name Consuelo. In Spanish, Consuelo is a woman’s name, despite ending in “o,” and it means “consolation.” However, I have met a few women in the US with the name Consuela, with an “a” who tell me their name is Spanish. I don’t have the heart to tell them that their name is a mistake in translation.
Ok, I’m not going to keep going (animale, el Federación), but a quick read-through by any Latino may have been useful. Especially since I assume the novel was written in California. I mean, how hard can it be to find a Latino in California, or anywhere else in the US for that matter, to take a look at your manuscript? I’m just saying…
However, beyond that, I really loved the book, the story and the characters.
Riding in traffic, even slow traffic, is one of the scariest obstacles that many beginning riders have to overcome. Thinking of being hit by a car while on your bike is enough to discourage many from even attempting to ride their bicycle in the city.
When I first started riding, I had visions of myself and my snazzy blue bike pinned under a bus every time I went out on the road. I was constantly worried that I would get “doored,” a dog would run into my path, or I’d meet my death in some other horrible bike/car related way.
It took a while and a little perseverance, but I can finally ride the road comfortably and feeling safe and confident. Following are a few tips that helped me learn to ride with traffic, and others that I learned along the way.
1. Keep you bike in proper working order
from Sanitaryum.com
Keeping up with bike repairs is probably ne of the most important things a rider can do to ensure their safety. A loose chain or flat tire at the wrong time can spell disaster. Fortunately, keeping your bike working properly is not very difficult.
By remembering this short phrase, you will be able to make a fast check of your bike every time you ride.
2. The Gear
by BLMOregon, Flickr Commons
The right gear can make a big difference. Despite the helmet controversy, if you are in a bike accident, your helmet will protect your head from injury and may even save your life.
Another piece of equipment that I have found extremely useful, especially when I was still learning to balance on my bike, is a mirror. Mirrors can be mounted on a helmet or on the handlebars, but either way, they are very helpful in keeping an eye on traffic behind you without having to constantly turn your head or body to look around.
A bell, horn, or whistle is also a good basic item to alert motorists, other riders, and pedestrians of your presence. Your bell should be loud enough so that motorists can hear it. The Illinois Department of State’s Cyber Drive Illinois suggests a horn that can be heard from 100 ft. Delores Simmons of Black Women Bike DC (BWBDC) recommends a whistle to get drivers’ attention.
Comfort is also important. Make sure the clothes and shoes you are riding in fit comfortably and protect you from the wind and elements. It is much easier to focus on the road without the distraction of ill-fitting shoes or being too cold.
3. Be Visible
It is extremely important for riders to be visible to motorists, other riders, and pedestrians. Cyber Drive Illinois has a list of equipment necessary to make you as visible as possible while on the road. The list includes:
Clear front reflector
Red rear reflector visible for at least 100 ft.
Wheel mounted side reflectors
Reflector pedals
Front light visible for at least 500 ft., if you plan to ride at night
Others suggest a reflective vest, and/or a flashing light for night riding.
4. Make eye contact with drivers
Never assume that a motorist sees you on your bicycle. Always try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are aware of your presence.
When you are behind or beside a car, avoid riding in a car’s blind spot. Remember that if you cannot see the car’s rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Even when you can see the mirrors, never assume that the driver has seen you.
5. Obey traffic & bike signals and lane markings
When there are no specific bike signals, cyclists must follow regular traffic signals and lane markings, like any other vehicle on the road. Riders should stop at red lights and stop signs, obey right-of way laws, as well as ride on the rightmost lane of traffic. Riders should also ride with traffic and not against it.
From Bicyclesafe.com, 10 ways to not get hit
One of the complaints that I have heard from riders lately is people riding the wrong way on a one-way bike lane. Even though it may not seem like a big deal to ride against traffic, riding the wrong way on a one-way bike lane can be very dangerous for you and other riders. For one thing, if you meet an oncoming rider and you are riding the wrong way, there may not be enough space for both riders and a car, which can be very dangerous. Moreover, if you are riding in the wrong direction, cars making a turn onto the street may not see you or expect you, which can lead to a collision.
6. Use hand signals
There are four basic hand signals for cyclists. Learn them and use them every time you are going to stop or make a turn.
by CAA Bike Safety
7. Turning
Turning, especially turning left, can be tricky, as motorists may not be ware of what you are doing. Always signal appropriately when turning, giving motorists and other riders enough time to see you and react. Before turning, (1) think about what you are going to do, (2) scan for obstacles and hazards, (3) signal, and (4) turn. Turn from the proper lane and make sure to avoid turning only lanes well before the intersection if you are not turning.
To turn left at an intersection, there are two options. (1) Signal and change lanes to your left, and turning from the left lane; or (2) remain in the right lane, cross the intersection, and wait until the light changes to cross.
8. Sharing the road with other cyclists
If you are riding with other cyclists or in a group in traffic, always ride in a single file. When passing another rider, make sure you pass on their left.
9. Ride the lane when appropriate
Bike Allowed Use of Full Lane CVC 21202, San Francisco. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Most traffic laws state that, where there are no bike lanes, cyclists should ride “as far to the right as practicable.” This means that riders should ride leaving enough space to their right to maneuver in an emergency as well as to avoid getting hit by the door of a parked car.
On wider roads, there is enough room for cyclists and cars in the same lane. On these roads, cyclists should ride just to the right of the lane, being careful to leave adequate room to avoid the “door zone,” and always riding in a straight line.
Where the lane is not wide enough for a car and a bicycle, cyclists should take the lane and ride the right third of the lane to avoid getting buzzed by cars on the left or being hit by turning vehicles, vehicles exiting driveways, or parked car doors. This should only be done in areas where cars are traveling at the same speed as bicycles or if there is an obstacle or hazard that makes the road too narrow to share with a car.
10. Keep calm and stay alert
Freaking out is the worst thing you can do while riding in traffic. It is important to remember the basic rules and safety tips and not to push yourself too far beyond your comfort level. Confidence comes with practice and time. If I can do it, anybody can. Remember you can always pull over (do so safely and signal!) and walk your bike if you feel traffic is too heavy or until you feel comfortable.
Staying alert and anticipating what others will do is the best way to avoid an accident. Ride defensively and assume that motorists do not see you. As you become more familiar with routes in your area, you will be able to identify dangerous stretches and intersections, where you can learn to spot potential hazards and distracted drivers. Michael Bluejay of Bicyclesafe.com (http://bicyclesafe.com/) suggests riding as if you were invisible, “It’s often helpful to ride in such a way that motorists won’t hit you even if they don’t see you.”
Mix the garlic, cumin, ginger, paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl
Add ½ of the grated onion and oil, reserve the other half of the onion
Rinse the preserved lemons and remove pulp. Reserve lemon peel
Add the lemon pulp to the bowl with the raw the chicken.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours
To a large Morroccan tajine, clay pot, Dutch oven, or casserole, over medium high heat, add chicken and marinade; the stems from the parsley and cilantro, tied with twine; the rest of the onion; and the saffron.
Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil
Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes until partially cooked
Remove cover, stir, and continue to simmer for 15 more minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Remove chicken to a serving dish, cover with foil, and keep warm.
Slice the preserved lemon peel and olives and stir into the sauce
Add parsley, cilantro and chickpeas.
Reduce sauce until slightly thickened (5-10 minutes)
Remove skin from the chicken, return to sauce, heat through, and serve with couscous or white rice
Author: James Clavell
