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Lada Ray Blog

Lada Ray Blog

Tag Archives: United States

What People Want and Vladimir Putin’s Message

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in CULTURE: Russia, Geopolitics/ Economics

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

New York Times, Russia, Russian politics, Syria, Syrian crisis, truth, United States, United States politics, Vladimir Putin, world peace, World War III

This is the kind of time when keeping silence is not possible as some are trying to “lead” us to World War III. I refuse to pollute my beautiful #LadaRayBlog with the names of those ugly excuses for human beings in the US government, congress, as well as other countries who are implicated in doing so. I think everyone already knows who they are. If not, the information is out there for all to see and to make conclusions accordingly.

Due to a very busy time in my life, I have not been able to post new videos. However, I have a lot to say on the subject. Expect new vids on Lada Ray YT channel, as well as new posts on Futurist Trendcast blog. I will analyse the situation and make new predictions.

Till then, here is a message of reason, peace and hope from the Russian President Putin, who is reaching out directly to the American people via NY Times article, bypassing the politicians and warmongers who obviously don’t have our best interests at heart. Continue reading →

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Russian President Putin Personally Writes to the American People: A Plea for Caution from Russia Over Syria

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: THE EARTH SHIFTER, CULTURE: Russia, Geopolitics/ Economics

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Barack Obama, New York Times, President of Russia, President Putin, Russia, Russian politics, Syria, Syrian conflict, United Nations Security Council, United States, USA politics, Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Putin's NY Times article, War with Syria, world peace

President Putin’s article that appeared in NY Times, which calls for peace, reason and friendship.

Openhearted Rebellion

Thanks to Golden Age of Gaia.

vladimir_putin_586x330By Vladimir V. Putin, President of Russia, NY Times – September 11, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/oc853fl

MOSCOW — Recent events surrounding Syria have prompted me to speak directly to the American people and their political leaders.

It is important to do so at a time of insufficient communication between our societies.

Relations between us have passed through different stages. We stood against each other during the cold war. But we were also allies once, and defeated the Nazis together. The universal international organization — the United Nations — was then established to prevent such devastation from ever happening again.

View original post 991 more words

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Book Review: The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin

28 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in Reviews

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

animal rescue, Author Paulette Mahurin, Book Review by Lada Ray, Booker T. Washington, bullying, ebook, gay and lesbian, historical fiction, Kindle, Love, Monroe Doctrine, Nevada, Oscar Wilde, prejudice, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, United States

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap

Emphatic FIVE STARS! Powerful Message!

Paulette Mahurin’s The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is an eye-opening book with a very powerful message, and I read it with great interest.

First, an admission: I am a diligent history student because as the greats of old would tell you, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This is why all my books have a thoughtful and meticulous historical underpinning seamlessly worked into the narrative. Paulette Mahurin masterfully weaves into her book the historic references of the late 19th century. Oscar Wilde’s trial for gross indecency in Great Britain is the main reference throughout the book, but also mentioned are the controversial Dreyfus conviction for espionage in France, Booker T. Washington, The aggressive US Monroe Doctrine expansion to South America and as a mere wisp, prejudice against Jews in both Russia and USA.

All these historical acknowledgments are much more than mere nods to well known past events. They serve to bring the entire world into the small Nevada town, which is the center of book’s action, and they also serve to underline that prejudice, ignorance and small-mindedness have no borders and are equally suffocating and harmful whether they are directed against a famous writer, a simple woman, a race, a religion, or against entire nations. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and so, this small Nevada town gets involved in raging world affairs through telegrams received via local post office, while playing out their own quiet drama, where gossip and malicious persecution of someone different becomes a sport.

I was impressed by the character of Mildred Dunlap. She is hardly a good-looking woman, with money and a wonderful heart, who helps her neighbors financially despite being the subject of constant gossip and black envy throughout her uneasy life. Mildred allows herself only one indulgence – her long-time secret love affair with her female cousin Edra. But the aftershock of the Oscar Wilde conviction in Britain threatens to change the status quo as the two women start fearing that they may become the subject of persecution themselves. I found the book development done exceptionally well and I found myself rooting for Mildred.

The author is part of the medical profession and I was very impressed how accurately various medical conditions were worked into the story line and how much they enhanced the book. The shocking and memorable culmination of the story is also about a medically-related mistake costing someone their life – but no spoilers!

The story also underlines the karmic consequences of one’s actions as in the end everyone reaps what they’ve sawed! Highly recommended!

P.S. Paulette Mahurin, the wonderful, compassionate and loving soul that she is, donates all profits from the book sale to the animal rescue. In her own words: “All profits from The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap are going to animal rescue, the first and only no-kill animal shelter in Ventura County, CA (Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center).” Please consider buying her book and supporting the animals in need!

You can purchase the book and you can read my review here:

Amazon US     Amazon UK (paperback)  UK (ebook)

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How to Make a Book Trailer

24 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Social Media, Writing and Publishing

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Amazon, Author Lada Ray, book promotion, book trailer, classical music, Film, Gold Train, Goodreads, Green Desert, images, indie authors, movie trailer, music, nature videos, photography, Shutterstock, Smashwords, Social Media, Stepford USA, trailer, United States, video, Windows Movie Maker, YouTube

Authors traditionally rely on writing to spread the word about their books. Yet they often overlook videos as a fabulous promotional tool. Trailers historically have been reserved for movies. But with the advent of Social Media, it became possible to make book trailers at low or no cost.

A book trailer adds an extra dimension and visibility to the promotion of your book. And in our competitive world, we, authors, should use every advantage we can get. This, visual dimension can be quite valuable. A book trailer can be posted on your YouTube channel, website, author Amazon and Smashwords pages, Goodreads, as well as a number of other places.

I know, I know. You think it’s too hard. It actually isn’t, but there is a learning curve – a rather steep one. One point I want to make is that the trailer doesn’t need to be overly complicated. For example, you don’t need to make it into a movie, unless you like that kind of thing. It is very effective to use pictures/photos, together with a snappy narrative and suitable background music. This is my preferred way of making a trailer, but of course, use your imagination and let your creativity tell you what works for you and your book. Sky is the limit!

I estimate the learning curve for making a trailer at about 50-60 hours. So, if you can’t afford to dedicate this much time to learning about movie and trailer making, than you are better off delegating this task to someone else.

But if you are up for the challenge, here is what you need to know.

First, you need to start a YouTube channel. It’s easy to sign up and setting it up takes no more than half an hour.

Mine is called Lada Ray Channel and for now, I keep it simple. So far, I’ve made 4 book trailers and a bunch of nature/Halloween videos. But I may expand my channel in the future, time permitting.

Take a look at my channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay/videos

Once you’ve set up your Youtube channel and learned the ropes, you can start making your book trailer. Estimated time for each trailer: 5-10 hours.

Here is what you will need:

1. Find and upload on your computer a movie maker software. Google it. There are several that are free, including Windows Movie Maker. Of course, you can also pay for a more sophisticated version.

2. Think about the theme and flow of your trailer. I love this part! It’s like directing your own movie. I usually write down the narrative for each frame and visualize what kind of picture would work with it.

3. Write out the narrative. Don’t overwhelm your trailer with text though. Remember, you are making a movie, not writing a book. It’s supposed to be snappy, entertaing, and a feast for ALL the senses.

4. Gather enough images to be used in your trailer before you begin. My advice, have plenty of extras. You can always discard the ones you decided not to use. It is much better than coming short while in the middle of your trailer-making process.

To find the images, go to a website like Shutterstock, where you can purchase royalty-free photos inexpensively.

I love photography, so whenever I can, I use my own pics for trailers and videos.

5. Find the music that works with your trailer. You can purchase a piece of music online, or use a royalty-free piece that is past its copyright. These are usually classics. A word of warning: classics are great if they go with your topic and presentation. But I sometimes see pieces that are completely mismatched. Try your music for size before applying it.

For example, check out my STEPFORD USA trailer.

The music used is a classic: Second Waltz by Russian composer, Dmitry Shostakovich, written in the 1940s. And it works very well with this particular piece.

6. After you’ve assembled all the elements, the real fun begins! Upload your images into frames, add text and music! Enjoy!

TIPS:

1. To make my videos look and feel more professional, I usually play with extending or narrowing time frames depending on how long I want every image to linger.

Check out my GOLD TRAIN  trailer.

Notice how the music changes and highs emphasize the narrative and work with images?

2. Always fit your music to frame. Otherwise it will be too long or too short. This will make it look sloppy and unprofessional.

Check out my videos:

Enchanted Autumn  and  Amazing Autumn Meditation

to see how the music precisely matches the length of the video. Unfortunately, not every video has this, resulting in a period of silence or a cut off piece.

3. YouTube offers some very cool video enhancement tools, like color enhancement, moving frames and text, etc. I used some of them in my videos. See if you can spot what enhancements I used in the following trailers and videos:

GOLD TRAIN  trailer

STEPFORD USA trailer

Autumn Waltz of the Ducks

Amazing Autumn Meditation

Enchanted Autumn

Humorous Enchanted Halloween

These video enhancement tools are great fun and I enjoy playing with them. Word of caution: make sure they work with your particular piece! And sometimes less is more.

Good Luck! If you decide to make a book trailer or if you already have one, feel free to post a comment together with the link!

P.S. When you set up a YouTube channel, make sure you subscribe to Lada Ray Channel and let me know about it. I’ll be glad to reciprocate!

Copyright Lada Ray, 2012

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GREEN DESERT (Jade Snow Prequel): Book Review by Author J.J. Collins

16 Saturday Jun 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert, Reviews

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

action adventure, anti-war, Author Lada Ray, Baghdad, book review, culture, Green Zone, gripping story, investigative journalist, Iraq, Iraqi war, Jade Snow, Jade Snow International Adventure Series, Middle East, Mohammed Al-Tikriti, mystery thriller, prequel, Saddam Hussein, Sergeant William O'Shea, smart bomb, suicide bomber, terrorism, United States, US Occupation of Iraq, war

REBLOGGED from BooksReview4U Blog:

FIVE STAR Review by J.J. Collins

Green Desert by Author – Lada Ray, is an enthralling, captivating read. The author’s ability to take a topical subject and combine it with talented descriptive writing and creativity, always thrusts the reader into the very heart of her books.

Green Desert introduces us to daring investigative journalist – Jade Snow, and is set against the backdrop of the American forces occupation of Iraq. The author uses exceptional imagery throughout her story, to capture sheer mayhem and volatility of Baghdad, post the Saddam Hussein era.

The book has two central characters – Mohammed, a bright and ambitious young Iraqi man, who at the outset, harbours hopes to study in the West. On the other hand, we have the Oklahoman American soldier, Bill O’Shea, on his second tour of the country and missing his wife and family back home in the United States.

Jade witnesses the devastation of an explosion and the tragic aftermath of this unfortunate event takes us on the very real and moving journey, one filled with harsh realities and the subsequent very personal and real repercussions of war.

This journey is made all the more remarkable, as it is only after reading an unexpected hand delivered letter from a young boy in the street, that Jade can discover the hidden truth of these two men.

The letter allows Jade to use her investigative instincts to follow its contents in uncovering the truth, revealing the heart-wrenching pain and sacrifices of a young man caught in the middle of a war zone, trying his best to keep his family alive and safe. Only by tracing Mohammed’s story through the contents of the letter can Jade learn the truth about Sergeant William O’Shea.

This story will have you questioning the morality and justification of war, and what are the long term consequences of decisions to go to war. Is it a case of a “Rich Man’s” War and a “Poor Man’s fight?” or is it more a matter of a Western failure to understand Middle Eastern culture and their interpretation of freedom and democracy?

A powerful story in which Jade uncovers how two very different men are intrinsically linked, despite their national and cultural differences.

A gripping and entrancing  story.

Check out the Author’s website: http://www.LadaRay.com/

Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Desert-International-Adventures-Prequel-ebook/dp/B005O0QJKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603465&sr=8-1

This review has been reblogged from BooksReview4U Blog by author and reviewer, J.J. Collins (London, UK)

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STEPFORD USA, Jade Snow International Adventure #1, FREE on Amazon 5/29-5/30!

27 Sunday May 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Stepford USA, My Updates

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Amazon.com, cat mystery, Green Desert, Jade Snow, Jade Snow International Adventure Series, knitting club, Massachusetts, murder, mystery thriller, New York, psychological mystery, rape, romance, Russia, Small American town, Stepford USA, Stepford Wives, suspense, The Berkshires, United States

5/31 quick update: STEPFORD USA and GREEN DESERT free promos are over. Over 3000 free copies of my books have been downloaded during the past few days and both books appeared on Kindle international bestseller lists. A million thanks to All for your interest and support! I wish all my readers a very happy reading and hope you enjoy my books! 🙂 Do remember to support your favorite authors by liking their books and contributing Amazon & Goodreads reviews!

This was the first time I’ve done the free promotion and I intend to share the results, my impressions (which are mixed at best), and thoughts on Kindle KDP Select program and the direction it’s taking, in a future post. For all the details/blurbs/book trailers/rankings see: STEPFORD USA post; GREEN DESERT post. I initially intended to include GOLD TRAIN in this free promo, but based on my impressions, I reconsidered it, at least for now. For more about that read my future post. For more about all my books see official author website: http://www.LadaRay.com

Read the original post below:

I am very pleased to announce that STEPFORD USA, psychological mystery thriller, Jade Snow International Adventure #1, is FREE on Kindle 5/29-5/30! Download your copy today!

Stepford USA (Jade Snow International Adventures Prequel)

Bestseller rank:

US: #193 Kindle FREE; #29 Mystery & thrillers; #9 Mystery; #8 Women Sleuths

UK: #358 Kindle FREE; #14 Mystery & Thrillers/ Women Sleuths

DE: #259 Kostenfrei Kindle; #5 Krimis & Thriller/ Krimis (mystery); #50 Populare Belletristik (popular fiction)

5 Star rated psychological mystery thriller, set in an idyllic Massachusetts town harboring a dark secret. Cool characters and setting, intense adventure full of surprising developments, amazing pets and humor! Check it out!

Here are the buy links:

Amazon US FREE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005L36DG6

Amazon UK FREE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005L36DG6

Also FREE Amazon: DE   FR   ES   IT

Synopsis: Psychological mystery thriller, Jade Snow US Adventure. A cool play on The Stepford Wives, STEPFORD USA will dazzle you with an array of funny, outlandish, dangerous and utterly realistic characters. Who committed rape and murder: a corrupt police chief, crooked politician, millionaire-nerd, or womanizing banker?

FIVE STARS
“This exciting page-turner will have you guessing from the very beginning. Lada skillfully weaves many surprises into this psychological thriller. Her exquisite scene setting together with compelling dialogue makes Stepford USA a fascinating, if at times nail-biting, read. I highly recommend Stepford USA. Jade Snow is intelligent, warm and witty. Join her as she puts the pieces together and helps release a town from its dark, hidden past.” Jason Sullivan, Author, The Dark Yergall

FIVE STARS
“Psychological thrillers don’t get much better than this. Excitingly and yet chillingly gripping… plot line that surprises you at every turn and absolutely does not let you go.”  J.J. Collins, Author, Famine to  Freedom (UK)

FIVE STARS
“I enjoyed reading this uplifting book by Ms. Ray, filled with intrigue and irresistible characters.” Amazon review by a reader

FIVE STARS
“Very well written and gripping tale that will leave you guessing to the very end! Excellent storytelling!” Amazon review by a reader

Ladies from the Stepford Knitting Club know it all, except that the town has been hijacked by criminals posing as pillars of local community. That’s where Jade Snow comes in. A new breed of amateur sleuths and international journalist, she’s thoroughly at home in the brave, new, globalized world, but unprepared for one challenge – the dull existence in this sheltered American town. And that’s exactly where she ends up after getting married and pregnant. Aided by a super-intelligent calico cat and a psychoanalyst from New York, Jade’s on a mission to solve baffling mysteries, uncover a local conspiracy and turn this sleepy paradise upside down… if she can survive the attraction to an enigmatic convicted rapist, and the encounter with a desperate killer.
Warning: Contains enough suspense, psychology, mystical happenings, amazing pets, virtual reality, romance and humor to be a thrillingly delightful, yet dangerously sobering read.

Category: novel, psychological mystery/thriller
Word count: 69,800. Print pages 248

Check out Stepford USA Trailer!

Also by Lada Ray:
GOLD TRAIN: rip-roaring thrill-ride mystery/thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events (Jade Snow #2, Russia Adventure)
Green Desert: riveting story set in Iraq (Jade Snow Prequel)

Reminder: 5/28 is the last day to download GREEN DESERT for FREE! Check it out here!

NOTE: While each book in the Jade Snow International Adventure Series stands on its own, it is advisable to read them sequentially to fully appreciate the character development and plot twists.

For more about Lada, her books and current projects, visit LadaRay.com


Cheers and happy reading to all! 🙂

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GREEN DESERT, A Jade Snow Novella, FREE on Amazon 5/24-5/28!

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert, My Updates

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Amazon Kindle, Amazon.com, Baghdad, ebook, humor, Iraq, Jade Snow, Jade Snow International Adventure Series, Jade Snow Novella, Lada Ray, mystery thriller, Russia, smart bomb, suicide bomber, thriller, United States, US Army, US Military

5/31 quick update: STEPFORD USA and GREEN DESERT free promos are over. Over 3000 free copies of my books have been downloaded during the past few days and both books appeared on Kindle international bestseller lists. A million thanks to All for your interest and support! I wish all my readers a very happy reading and hope you enjoy my books! 🙂 Do remember to support your favorite authors by liking their books and contributing Amazon & Goodreads reviews!

This was the first time I’ve done the free promotion and I intend to share the results, my impressions (which are mixed at best), and thoughts on Kindle KDP Select program and the direction it’s taking, in a future post. For all the details/blurbs/book trailers/rankings see: STEPFORD USA post; GREEN DESERT post. I initially intended to include GOLD TRAIN in this free promo, but based on my impressions, I reconsidered it, at least for now. For more about that read my future post. For more about all my books see official author website: http://www.LadaRay.com

Read all about the FREE PROMO below:

Exciting news!

Memorial Day Promotion:

GREEN DESERT is FREE on Amazon Kindle 5/24-5/28. Download today!

Here are the links:

Amazon US FREE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O0QJKQ

Amazon UK FREE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005O0QJKQ

Also FREE at Amazon: DE   FR   ES   IT 

Set in Iraq, this riveting short novella takes place prior to the start of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series.

 FIVE STARS:

“Riveting story with powerful message!” Meredith Carvin

FIVE STARS:

“This story will rock your world.”  Bill Tillman

International journalist Jade Snow travels to Iraq to shoot a documentary about the Iraqi insurgency. In Baghdad she, as usual, finds herself in the wrong place at just the right time. After witnessing a dramatic suicide bombing, and as two unlikely letters from the opposite sides of the conflict drop in her lap, Jade must trace the shocking connection between the suicide bomber, a young Iraqi girl and American sergeant killed in the attack.

A Jade Snow Prequel. Category: suspense, mystery/thriller

So far, GREEN DESERT has reached the following highest rankings on Kindle:

US: #1780 Free on Kindle; #26 in Mystery/thrillers/ women sleuths

UK: #760 Free on Kindle; #16 in Mystery/thrillers/ women sleuths

DE: #1283 on Kindle; #25 Krimis (Mystery); #31 Thriller

ES: #700 on Kindle; #9 Policiaca, negra y suspense (Mystery/thriller/suspense)

IT: #811 on Kindle; #11 Gialli e Thriller (Mystery & Thriller)

Also by Lada Ray:

GOLD TRAIN, rip roaring thrill-ride mystery thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events (Jade Snow #2, Russia Adventure)
STEPFORD USA, psychological mystery thriller (Jade Snow #1, US Adventure)
NOTE: While each book in the Jade Snow Series stands on its own, it is advisable to read them sequentially to fully appreciate the plot twists and character development.

For more about Lada Ray’s books visit LadaRay.com

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Book Review: FAMINE to FREEDOM, The Irish in the American Civil War. By J.J. Collins

19 Saturday May 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Reviews

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Abraham Lincoln, American history, AmericanCivilWar, Dublin, Ireland, Irish, Irish American, Irish history, Irish immigration, Irish in American Civil War, Open University, potato famine, Scots-Irish, United States

Image of J.J. Collins

A Must Read for Students of the Irish and American Civil War History!

I love history. So naturally, I was very interested in reading author J.J. Collins’ book about the unknown pages of the American Civil War. It seems the civil war subject had already been done to death. But this book is drastically different. The author presents an absolutely fresh angle of this crucial page in the American history.

The book starts with an excellent overview of the general history of the Irish immigration to the USA and the state of the country before the start of the war. The author proceeds to analyze the reasons for the clash between the North and the South, and does so in a very balanced way. The book also contains a thorough overview of various battles during this brutal war. Abe Lincoln fans will find some interesting information about the American President’s role in various stages of the conflict.

But the most important part of the book is an in-depth description of various regiments of Irish and Scots-Irish descent and their role in the war. Of course, living in the USA, I heard a lot about the role of the Irish immigrants in the history of this country. Fleeing from potato famine and their ongoing conflict with the British authorities, they sought a fresh start and paradise on earth on the other side of the Atlantic. The Irish helped build railroads and canals, toiled at mills, and played a large role in the industrialization of the USA. They came for freedom and peace. But what they didn’t bargain for was to land in the midst of someone else’s civil war.

I was particularly interested – and surprised – to learn about the Irish in the American South and their participation in the Confederate Army. I think a reader will find quite a few discoveries in the book, from the scale of the Irish participation in the conflict to the difference in motivations of those Irish who found themselves on the opposite sides of the trenches. As with all civil wars, the society was divided to the max. But the author does an excellent job describing the conflict in an even-handed manner. His approach is balanced, yet humane.

The amount of research is very impressive and the book is surprisingly easy to read. The author’s pride in the Irish heritage adds further appeal to the book. However, I would have liked to see more personable and unique anecdotes, adding a human touch to the book’s dramatic subject. That would have made it interesting to a broader audience and added even more value to this excellent work. All in all, Famine to Freedom is a must read for students of the Irish and American Civil War history! As for me, I am looking forward to the new books from this talented author!

Image of J.J. Collins

J.J.Collins is an Indie Author, Blogger and political commentator based in the U.K. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Collins studied at Colaiste Mhuire – Dublin, University of London, Stonebridge College, and the Open University. His family has many connections with the Irish-American community in the United States, in large part due to his grandfather and great uncle’s business in Buffalo, N.Y.

Collins enjoyed a long and successful business career before a serious illness forced a change in life and career direction. This unexpected turn of events allowed Collins to rediscover his passion & love for writing.

Read J.J. Collins’ book on Amazon (available in paperback and ebook formats) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463513518/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/J.J.-Collins/e/B0060ELSTC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Follow on Twitter: @JJCollinsAuthor

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A Cool America: Woodstock, NY

15 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in CULTURE: USA, CULTURE: World

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

1969 Woodstock Music Festival, Ann Hood, Augusten Burroughs, Bob Dylan, Hudson River, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Max Yasgur, Nelson Rockefeller, New York, New York City, Shalom Auslander, United States, WOODSTOCK, Woodstock New York

Original photography by Author Lada Ray

In my life I had been to just about 30 countries, including some of the most picturesque, famous, as well as exotic and rarely visited locales. Some I remember with warmth, in others I’ll always I feel at home, even after years of absence, and there are a few I wouldn’t necessarily want to go back to. I am planning a series of posts about my various travels, with lots of pics (of course) and a fresh look at destinations both well-known and rarely traversed.

But for now… I’d lived in the USA for years. So, why not do a series on something closer to my present home: the genuinely cool places of America?

Today’s destination is the town of WOODSTOCK, NY, located not too far from my home in the Catskills. 

Woodstock, NY has forever been etched in the Americans’ genetic memory due to a certain event in 1969, which signaled a massive change in the mentality of this country towards the Vietnam War and which is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in popular music history.

500,000 music fans gathered between August 15 and August 18, 1969 on Max Yasgur‘s dairy farm for a weekend billed as “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” Families came with children and often slept straight on the grass during this rainy and muddy weekend. There were food shortages and sanitation problems. But in 3 days, 32 acts were performed, making many participating musicians famous overnight. Artists included Joan Baez, Santana, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead and The Who, to name a few. Music performances alternated with anti-war discussions and meditations, as well as yoga, breathing and healthy living classes. Both the participants and attendees felt remarkably peaceful and inspired.

Initially, no more than 50,000 people were expected and the festival was supposed to happen on Woodstock property, not far from the town itself. Hence the name: Woodstock Festival. But after the locals rebelled against the “invasion” of the “Hippies” and when it became clear that the festival attendance would break all records, the venue was hastily moved to the extensive dairy farm owned by Max Yasgur, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) away.

New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller called festival organizer John Roberts and told him he was thinking of ordering 10,000 New York State National Guard troops to the festival. Roberts was successful in persuading Rockefeller not to do this. Meanwhile, New York’s Sullivan County declared a state of emergency.

I daresay all these authorities, who wouldn’t see the great thing if it hit them over the head, were worrying about the wrong people. Unfortunately, in this regard not much has changed since then.

The town has long been a mecca for artists, musicians (like Bob Dylan), and writers, even before the music festival made the name “Woodstock” famous. The town has a separate Artists’ Cemetery. Film, and art festivals attract big names, and hundreds of musicians have come here to record. In April 2012, Woodstock hosted the Woodstock Writers Festival. Speakers inlcuded some of the notable names in literature: Ann Hood, Augusten Burroughs, Shalom Auslander, Kurt Anderson and Ned Leavitt.

The town is also home to the new Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.

Located between the foothills of the Catskills and Hudson River, Woodstock today blends music and the arts with robust holistic and spiritual communities. And yeah, Hippies are always welcome!

 

 

 

Read Part 2:  Cool America: Woodstock Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

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2012 Predictions Update: French Elections and Eurozone

28 Saturday Apr 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in Geopolitics/ Economics, PREDICTIONS: 2012 & Beyond

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

2012 French Elections, 2012 Russian Elections, 2012 US Elections, EU, Euro, Europe, Eurozone crisis, François Hollande, France, Hollande, Marine Le Pen, Nicolas Sarkozy, PREDICTIONS: 2012 & Beyond, Russia, Sarkozy, United States, Vladimir Putin

I am interrupting my GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR today for an update on my predictions for the French Presidential Elections, April 22 – May 6, 2012.

On January 12, 2012 I posted YEAR 2012 PREDICTIONS on this blog. Included were the “big three” elections for the so-called Year of Elections, namely Russia, France and USA.

Read the original post: Year 2012 Predictions

The Russian Presidential Elections have already taken place on March 4. Vladimir Putin won the elections in the exact way and with the exact percentage of votes I predicted. But I’ll brag about that on another occasion 😉

After all, this post is all about French Elections.

As a reminder to my readers, I do not belong to any political party and consider myself a political atheist. My analysis is based on observation, logic, intuition and the Ancient Chinese System of Long Cycles (CSLC).

Nicolas Sarkozy

So, here’s what I said on January 12, 2012 regarding the incumbent French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his chances to win another term:

“France, Presidential Elections, April 22-May 6, 2012: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, together with Angela Merkel of Germany (whose re-election is not until 2013, and I’ll talk about her chances on another occasion) will do everything in their power to reassure the Europeans and the markets in 2012, and will pull a rabbit out of the hat, if necessary. Watch for various announcements from the Eurozone, directed at flooding the system with cheap money, more bailouts, etc.

However, the Eurozone crisis will deepen, with more countries teetering on the brink of collapse, and French elections will happen at the most inopportune time for Sarkozy.

Openly right-wing and considered the only neo-con able to win the election, he’s deeply disliked in his country, and will lose.

Again, in case anyone’s wondering, Sarkozy’s Chinese Zodiac sign is the HORSE. Maybe, that’s why the long face. ;)

Just kidding, all you, fabulous Horses, out there! The Horse is a very cool and fortunate sign!”

I have also posted an update on March 3, the day before the Russian Elections, in which I updated my outlook for Putin’s chances, as well as Sarkozy’s outlook.

Here is what I said:

“French elections, April 22 – May 6, 2012 – Nicolas Sarkozy.

U.S. State Department code name: Emperor Without Clothes.

At this time, no change in my prediction. He’ll still lose the election – more emphatically so!”

Read the 3/3/12 update: 2012 Predictions Update: Russian Elections

So what’s happening in the French Presidential Elections? So far, it’s playing out exactly as I predicted. Nicolas Sarkozy only received 26.5 percent of votes in the first round and finished a humiliating second for an incumbent. Socialist Francois Hollande received over 27.5 percent, and far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen, the rising star of French politics, finished third with a surprise 18 percent!

Francois Hollande

In the second round Sarkozy and Hollande will be vying for the votes of the third and fourth finish candidates.

My updated prediction:

In a very funny twist, I am predicting that in the second round socialist Hollande (left) will take some of Marine Le Pen’s (far right) votes, along with the fourth place finisher votes (far left).

Seemingly, it doesn’t make any sense. But: The vote for Hollande is a vote against Sarkozy. This is a protest vote, pure and simple. Because, as I said in my January 2012 prediction: “[Sarkozy is] deeply disliked in his country and [that’s why he] will lose.” The French simply don’t want another five years with him.

In addition to Sarkozy’s ineffectual domestic policies and his foreign policy that is both too America-centered and too bellicose for the liking of the French electorate, there is also another reason. As mentioned before, the crisis in the EU continues to deepen and that spells disaster for the incumbent Euro leaders. So far, 9 governments have been ousted due to the European crisis, including Greek, Italian and Dutch. There are more to come. For Sarkozy, this spells the perfect storm.

CONCLUSION:

On May 6, Nicolas Sarkozy will lose the election (which, based on his reaction after the first round has been a surprise only to him, but no one else). The next President of France, breaking with the long-standing French tradition of allowing a president 2 terms in the office, will be… Francois Hollande.

Most importantly, with the new man at the helm, the direction of French politics will undergo a certain change. There will be SOME change in the French attitude towards the EU and Eurozone. However, I wouldn’t expect TOO MUCH of a change at this time. Real change will come later, but predictions about that – in another post.

Some change to the emigration policy from the poor countries, which is a big problem in many European countries, as well as in Russia. The European countries will attempt to coordinate their emigration policies and certain border controls will be introduced very soon. But the emigration mess will take a very long time to sort out.

Perhaps most notably, with the new president France will change some of its foreign policy. For one, France will stop playing, forgive the expression, “The French poodle” to the US foreign policy, the role it’s been playing during Sarkozy’s neocon tenure. France will re-acquire its more independent stance on foreign affairs, which it used to enjoy under various other presidents since Charles De Gaulle. And hopefully, France’s policy will acquire a more peaceful flavor, as support for invasions and bombings of other countries wanes.

General Charles De Gaulle

However, if Francois Hollande fails to fulfill these deep-seated hopes of his electorate, the French people will likely vote him out of the office five years from now.

Marine Le Pen

In that case, Marine Le Pen, the rising star of the French politics, emphasizing pride in France, its roots and culture, who’s anti-emigration and anti-war, is likely to win the following elections in 2017.

The next 2012 Predictions update is coming in May, after the French elections.

Stay tuned!

Lada Ray

Copyright 2012 Lada Ray

Go to FuturisTrendcast Blog for much more predictions and geopolitical analysis!

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JADE SNOW: Savior or Seductress

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: GOLD TRAIN

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

action adventure, Author Lada Ray, Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, Gold Train, Jade Snow, Jason Bourne, Moscow, mystery, romance, Russia, Russian Empire, Saint Petersburg mystery, suspense, thriller, United States

GOLD TRAIN BLOG TOUR

SheNow.org BooksNow Featured Article:

Jade Snow: Savior or Seductress

GOLD TRAIN GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment to be entered to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook on 5/6, including the *required info! What is the required info? See here!


Jade Snow is the protagonist of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series and of GOLD TRAIN, a gripping mystery thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events.

At 30, Jade is a seasoned international journalist, who sacrificed her career for marriage and to raise her thirteen-month old daughter Lara. But this is all about to change as her life takes an unexpectedly dramatic turn.

When Jade learns about the old mystery surrounding the missing Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire, she jumps at the chance to restart her journalistic career which ground to a screeching halt after she got pregnant. She also hopes to reconnect with the country of her ancestors. Barely 24 hours after her arrival to Moscow, Jade’s only Russian friend gets brutally murdered, while Jade finds herself embroiled in a web of lies, intrigue, glamour and alien ideals. As she lands in the midst of a conspiracy threatening to overthrow the Russian government, she must stay ahead of her adversaries, knowing that one mistake may cause a civil war and upset the delicate balance of power in the world. And along the way, she meets a mysterious stranger who will change her own world forever.

Several years back, when I was flying to Asia via Dubai, I met some international journalists returning from Afghanistan, who told me stories of their adventures. As I was boarding my plane, the image of Jade Snow, complete with her flaming hair and unusual blue-green eyes, appeared before me. It occurred to me that this young, smart, fearless and beautiful journalist, who had mastered to perfection the art of being in the wrong place at the right time, would make an amazing heroine for the international adventure series.

I soon started writing my first novel, STEPFORD, USA, prequel to the Jade Snow International Adventure Series. In it, Jade, 28, gets stuck in an idyllic town in the Berkshires, MA, where she is supposed to take it easy before the birth of her child. But this little sheltered paradise is hiding a terrible secret which Jade must uncover, risking her own and her unborn baby’s lives.

Next, I wrote a short novella, GREEN DESERT, describing Jade’s riveting experience in Iraq before the start of the series. And when I stumbled upon the story of the lost Russian Imperial gold, I knew – this was to be Jade’s next adventure!

Jade Snow could have any man for the asking. But she is not content with easy happiness she could have as wife and mom. The role of a little woman is not for her, and she must find adventure wherever she goes.

In each book of the series, Jade will encounter a mystery to solve, a devastating conspiracy to uncover and someone to save, be it a wrongfully convicted man, a small Asian village, or the world entire. And in each story, she is faced with excruciatingly dramatic choices about her own love and happiness.

I’d like to give a few examples of what various reviewers say about Jade in order to illustrate a certain controversial subject. And before you decide that it’s boring… Trust me, I am trying to make a point here, so just bear with me!

“Jade… is the real treat. She does not have super powers, nor even any formal training in the spy business, but she is daring, and clever, and her heart is always in the right place.”

“Jade Snow is to journalism, what Jason Bourne is to action and espionage. The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose… [she] goes beyond the obvious and whisks us along into the heart-stopping world of Jade Snow with breath-taking appeal for the next paragraph and page.”

“I was love struck with the interaction between the characters, how well they work together, complimenting one another to solve the mystery. Jade Snow is a very intuitive, resourceful, quick thinking, witty heroine…”

“The protagonist, Jade Snow is a strong, independent journalist with international appeal. Her intuition, ability to reason and deductive prowess rivals the great Sherlock Holmes.”

The above are all examples of five star reviews, two from male and two from female reviewers. I’ve been blessed with a number of five star reviews, which all bring up excellent points and for which I am immensely grateful.

Another reviewer, who gives GOLD TRAIN four stars, says this:

“Jade is a bright likeable character. She is educated and good at connecting the dots. While she has no training as a detective, her inquisitive mind and investigative reporting skills find her entwined in the mystery. I loved Jade the detective, but struggled to like Jade the person. While on this adventure she strays and breaks her marriage vows. [!] Call me old fashioned, but this doesn’t sit well with me; even though the romance was passionate and Jade felt he was her soul mate. I realize this won’t affect everyone, so do not let this deter you from a great adventure.”

I thank this reviewer for her frank opinion and for a thorough, generally positive review. About Jade “straying, while in Russia.” I am old fashioned too, at least on this count, but my character doesn’t have to be. And I have just one question. What if she were a male? Do we still have double standards when it comes to these issues? If you read the book, dear reader, you’ll know exactly why I ask this question.

And then, there is this:

“I however, did not like the fact that Jade jumps into bed with Alexei immediately, without a second thought to the loving husband and her daughter waiting for her back home.” [?] This is from a three star review by a male reviewer from Mumbai, India.

Ha? Jade jumps into bed immediately? Of course, all her hesitations and feelings of guilt throughout the whole book don’t count, right? And I don’t know about you, but I don’t know too many people who would think about their children right before making passionate love. In fact, this is usually the last thing on someone’s mind in such circumstances.

“If Jade was a real person, I wouldn’t like her. I wouldn’t care what happened to her.” [!] This is from a three star review by Mark Lee, Masquerade Crew (Alabama, USA). This reviewer also confesses in his review that he’s never been outside of North America.

Hmmm… I don’t even know what to say here except this.

Imagine… Jade is freezing to death on a cold, wind swept night street in St. Petersburg, Russia with nowhere to go. Her only Russian friend has just been murdered. She also just found out that the only other two people she knows in Russia are not at all what they seem. She’s been betrayed by the very people she used to trust, people who want to use her as a pawn in their twisted high stakes games. And that’s when she gets rescued by a handsome stranger. She is offered lots of wine and vodka, which she gladly accepts, both to warm up and to numb her mind after the terrible shocks she’d experienced. And the stranger she is with is handsome and sexy beyond imagination. What follows is not a one-night stand, but a relationship literally made in heaven – the kind both men and women dream about their entire lives! Yet, it is a relationship that’s not meant to be, or at least the one that is not going to be easy.

I realize, it is very hard to imagine the freezing cold, drama and betrayal, all the loneliness and confusion of a woman alone in the unfamiliar country, if you are a male leisurely reading this book on a warm couch in Alabama, or in the tropical heat of Mumbai – but try! Make an effort! And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see what I see.

So, who is Jade Snow? Is she a savior or seductress?

Jade is not your usual female character. She is strong, smart, quick thinking and witty, with broad international appeal. Fully at home in the brave, new globalized world, she is also human and there is a certain vulnerability about her, as she searches for her personal happiness. Blessed with exceptional good looks and plenty of sex appeal, she can sweep any man off his feet. But she is absolutely and brutally honest. “Crystally honest,” as they would say in Russia. Not just with the others, but also with herself, which is a much more difficult thing to do.

She would only be with the man who is her soul mate, even if it means breaking her marriage vows. She will never lie to herself, but she can sacrifice her own happiness, if to achieve it, she has to break other people’s hearts.

As they would say in the old country, “The girl likes her happiness the hard way.”

I have to confess: I adore Jade, not only as one of my characters – my creation – but also as a person. And I am very proud of how she acts in the most crucial moments of her life. Sometimes she even manages to surprise me – very pleasantly so. Her dramatic life has thrown her more than her share of loss and curveballs, and she’s been known to pass her heart-wrenching tests with flying colors, while at the same time managing to preserve her witty sense of humor. And because of her attitudes and lessons learned, somewhere along the way, she finds the rainbow… when she least expects it.

I can’t emphasize enough how much our contemporary literature needs the smart and strong female characters and role models who are also real, genuine people. And how much we need more people with intelligence, courage and heart in our everyday lives! In the new world of the 21 century, we have to learn to live and work together, regardless of prejudices and borders, to understand each other and help those in need, whether it is by saving a stranger’s life, averting global disaster, or by a simple act of random kindness.

The next Jade Snow adventure will take place in Asia. There are many more mysteries to solve, conspiracies to uncover, and yes, happiness to find!

Dear readers, see you on pages of my books, where Jade and I promise you a non-stop thrilling ride with heart!

What do you think? 

GOLD TRAIN GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment to be entered to win a GOLD TRAIN ebook on 5/6, including the *required info! What is the required info? See here!

GOLD TRAIN stats and useful info:

Genre: Spy thriller, historic mystery, action, adventure, suspense with an element of otherworldly romance.

Pages: 230  Print size: 9×6 in.

Release: eBook – 12/18/11. Paperback – 4/25/12

 

PROMOTIONS

All Lada Ray’s books will be on sale on Amazon for a very limited time!

Gold Train Ebook: $0.99

Stepford USA Ebook: $0.99

Green Desert Ebook: $0.99

GOLD TRAIN Paperback is coming to Amazon on 4/25/12!

Early purchase price: $9.99 (reg.$14.95) Stay tuned!

GOLD TRAIN Giveaway on Lada Ray Blog 4/25 – 5/6: Giving away 1 author signed paperback and 3 ebooks! 

More information about these Promotions, as well as Giveaways and the Gold Train Blog Tour: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

Check out other cool stops along the Gold Train Paperback Launch Blog Tour – not your usual tour! It includes lots of interesting interviews, reviews, and special features, including: Fact and Fiction in Gold Train; Russia and I; as well as a rare, candid conversation with Jason Sullivan of Different Outcomes Blog about the Russian royalty and 1918 Civil War, Soviet and Russian literature and film, my childhood memories riding Russian trains, May Day celebration in the USSR, and what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union. There will also be some rare and exclusive pictures. Don’t miss these very special events!

 

WHERE TO BUY GOLD TRAIN:

Amazon US  (Paperback and eBook)

Amazon UK   DE   FR   ES   IT  (Paperback and eBook)

Barnes & Noble  (eBook)

Smashwords   (eBook)

Kobo  (eBook)

Sony  (eBook)

USEFUL LINKS:

Blog Tour and Giveaway info: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

All about Gold Train and other books: http://www.ladaray.com/

GOLD TRAIN Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkTek8E23rg

Blog: https://ladaray.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @LadaTweets

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/LadaRay

YouTube: Lada Ray Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay/videos

Facebook @ Lada Ray

I am inviting you to check out the entertaining posts with lots of great pics about Jade Snow and Gold Train on Lada Ray Blog:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is this mysterious Alexei?

Tsars, Oligarchs and Imperial Treasure: St. Petersburg, Russia

BIO:

I’ve loved all the varied and exotic things I’ve done in life, but writing is by far my biggest love affair and most exciting adventure. Can’t wait to share it… See you on pages of my books!

Lada Ray is a writer, internationally certified feng shui master practitioner, world traveler, linguist, financial consultant & investor, nature/animal lover and spirituality & metaphysics researcher.

Born in Russia, Lada always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is.)

Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to over twenty six countries (she stopped counting after 26) in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.

In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as a financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup.

But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She traveled to Asia to study with the revered Hong Kong Masters of Feng Shui and obtained her International Master’s Certification (graduated first in class) with Lillian Too, world-renowned feng shui author and teacher. For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality for her own website, as well as for the World of Feng Shui and other international publications. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.

Lada imagines her stories in bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, where she lives with her family and gorgeous calico cat Lily.

Lada Ray is the author of:

~GOLD TRAIN, gripping mystery/thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events (Jade Snow Russia Adventure)

~STEPFORD USA, a small town psychological mystery/thriller (Jade Snow Prequel)

~Green Desert, a riveting story set in Iraq (A Jade Snow Novella)

Coming in 2012:

~The Earth Shifter, new YA fantasy/thriller, set in Russia (Moscow & Siberia,) US, China and other mythical locales of this surreal Blue Planet

~Dragon Gate, next Jade Snow Adventure, set in Asia

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Russia Votes: Crash Course in Russian Politics

02 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in CULTURE: Russia, CULTURE: World, Geopolitics/ Economics

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

allegations of fraud, Arab Spring, ballot stuffing, CULTURE: Russia, Europe, Gennady Zyuganov, Greece, Lada Ray predictions, Mikhail Prokhorov, Moscow, Occupy movement, opposition, Politics of Russia, predictions, protests, Putin, Russian politics, Russian president, Russian Presidential elections 2012, Sergey Mironov, United Russia, United States, USA, Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Year 2012 Predictions

Russia will be voting for the country’s new president on Sunday, March 4, 2012.

Because of the Russian electoral rules, one cannot use poll numbers several days before the elections. Currently in effect: moratorium on promoting specific candidates to avoid influencing the voters.

As a reminder to my readers, I do not belong to any political party and consider myself a political atheist. My analysis is based on observation, logic, intuition and the Ancient Chinese System of Long Cycles (CSLC).

The Russian political scene is changing rapidly as a record number of citizens take part in protests and demonstrations, both for and against various candidates. Historically speaking, this level of activism is unusual for Russia. Well, apart from the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and the 1990-93 USSR dissolution period. Most other times in Russian history, the population wasn’t that active politically.

Russian protests differ substantially from the Arab Spring, US Occupy movement, Greek, Spanish, British and other European protests, because they are NOT economically driven. Russians have not experienced a cut in pay or unemployment. In fact, salaries and standard of living have been steadily and substantially rising for the past decade. This activism is driven by a desire to see more change, better and faster reforms, as well as ‘the Putin fatigue.’ As one commentator put it, “It’s media fatigue: people are tired of seeing Putin’s face all over the news.”

I do want to point out that my analysis, based on CSLC, indicates that social and political activism around the world will keep intensifying during this decade. This is true not only for Russia, but for the vast majority of countries, including most of Europe, USA, the Middle East and Asia, as well as – perhaps, to a lesser degree – Latin America, Africa and Australia.

Due to allegations of fraud and ballot stuffing during 2011 Duma (Russian Parliament) elections, over 30,000 Russians have signed up to be anti-fraud monitors during Presidential elections on March 4, 2012.

This year, 5 candidates are eligible to run for the Russian presidency. The remaining contenders were unable to collect the number of signatures required to run.

The winning candidate must receive over 50% of the popular vote or face second round run-off against 2nd place candidate.

CANDIDATES:

Vladimir Putin (Center: Ruling United Russia Party).

Russian President, 2000-2008. Current Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Still, by far the most popular politician in Russia. United Russia had suffered a substantial “defeat” during 2011 Duma elections. Well, if you consider a defeat getting 49.5% of the votes. But it was a step down from their usual 60-70% approval rate. Besides, they needed 50% in order to maintain a constitutional majority in the Duma. In that sense, the result was quite disappointing.

Putin may have lost some of his support among the more affluent population of Moscow, who ironically benefited most from his and United Russia policies in the past 12 years. But he gained support in the Russian regions. He’s widely projected to win, even by his opponents and detractors. Putin is very feared by the U.S. and some other Western governments, yet supported by most world governments, as well as the international investment community. International investors, as well as the Russian majority, seek stability. And they know, Putin is the only one who can deliver that.

For Putin, it is not as much the issue of winning. It is more how he wins. He needs clean, beyond reproach elections; and a win in the first round to avoid compromising his substantial clout in Russia and abroad.

Vladimir Zhirinovsky (Right/Nationalist: Liberal Democrats).

Speaker of the lower house of the Duma. An old timer in the Russian politics who’s been around since Yeltsin; may have lost some of his original base, but is still popular amongst the young males, especially in the Russian regions. Famous for his loud and often scandalous speeches and behavior, Zhirinovsky enjoys a staunch support base because he often says what others don’t dare due to political correctness.

Gennady Zyuganov (Far left: Communist Party).

The Communists have enjoyed a substantial increase in support in the past year. Nostalgia for the good, old Soviet Union days and low pensions for retirees have aided in Zyuganov’s popularity. Communist party is a very hands-on grassroots organization, members of which go door to door and help each other, as well as the needy, according to the old Soviet tradition. Which also explains the rise in popularity.

Party’s weakness: the Communists have never been good at accounting. To this day, it’s unclear where the money for all the social reforms they are proposing (essentially, the rollback to the Soviet Union) will come from.

Sergey Mironov (Center Left: Fair Russia Party, aka, A Just Russia Party).

Chairman of the Russian Federation Council 2001 – 2011, the Upper House of the Duma. Fair Russia Party has appeal among those voters who are not quite communists, but who would like more social security and government controls. Also, among those who are not quite center.

Mironov has repeatedly proposed an amendment to the Russian constitution that would allow the President to be elected for 3 consecutive 5 or 7 year terms. In 2007, Boris Gryzlov, leader of the rival United Russia party, said that changing the constitution would be unacceptable. Mironov is considered to be more socialism oriented, as he wants to set up special agricultural exchanges for state purchases of agricultural goods and introduce government intervention in regulating prices of basic food stuffs.

Mikhail Prokhorov (Independent).

Russian oligarch, billionaire, Forbes 400, Owner of the NY Mets. The only candidate not backed by a party. He commands quite a presence and towers over everyone in the room at close to 7′ of height. Prokhorov has a pro-business platform and enjoys some support among the rich, the business people and the affluent. Most likely, a negligible factor in these elections.

Based on the current dynamic situation, I will be upgrading my Year 2012 Predictions for the Russian elections. Read an update tomorrow – right here, on Lada Ray Blog.

Read the original Lada Ray Year 2012 Predicions!

Watch interesting debate – CrossTalk: Russia Votes

Copyright 2012, Lada Ray

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Book Review: Stepford USA by Lada Ray

16 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Stepford USA, Guest Posts, Reviews

≈ Comments Off on Book Review: Stepford USA by Lada Ray

Tags

BOOK: Stepford USA, cat lovers mystery, conspiracy, CULTURE: Russia, international journalist, Jade, Jade Snow, Jade Snow World Adventure Series, knitting club, Moscow, murder, mystery, mystery thriller, paranormal, pet lovers, prequel, psychological thriller, small town, Stepford, Stepford Wives, twists, United States

Re-Blogged from DIFFERENT OUTCOMES BLOG by Jason Sullivan http://differentoutcomes.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/book-review-stepford-us-by-lada-ray/

Posted on December 30, 2011

Some people think small town life is uneventful. Jade Snow, the protagonist of Lada Ray’s mystery-thriller, Stepford USA, thought so as well. But Jade was soon to learn that sleepy little towns can hold the biggest, scariest secrets! Jade arrives in Stepford in order to rest up before having a baby. However, she quickly starts to pick up hints that everything is not all charm and tranquility. Many years ago a horrible crime was committed from which the dust has never quite settled. With her husband halfway around the world, and while she awaits the birth of her baby, Jade tries to uncover the truth. But who can she trust? In a small town that harbors a dangerous secret one misstep can be fatal!

This exciting page-turner written by Lada Ray will have you guessing who did it from the very beginning. Lada skillfully weaves many surprises into this psychological thriller. Her exquisite scene setting together with compelling dialogue makes Stepford USA a fascinating, if at times nail-biting, read. If you are a cat lover, as I must admit I am, you will very much enjoy the exploits of a certain heroic feline who plays no small part in this book. I highly recommend Stepford USA. Jade Snow is intelligent, warm and witty. Join her as she puts the pieces together and helps release a town from its dark, hidden past.

book review by Jason Sullivan

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STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review

10 Friday Feb 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Stepford USA, Guest Posts, Reviews

≈ Comments Off on STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review

Tags

Afghanistan, BOOK: Stepford USA, conspiracy, Jade, Jade Snow, Jade Snow World Adventure Series, Lada Ray, Massachusetts, murder, mystery thriller, prequel, psychological thriller, rape, small town thriller with international twists, Stepford, Stepford Wives, United States

via http://booksreview4u.wordpress.com/ STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review by J.J.Collins

Review by J.J.Collins

This first instalment by Author – Lada Ray introduces us to brilliant investigative journalist – Jade Snow. Jade Snow we learn, is a twenty eight year old all action investigative journalist used to dodging straying bullets in Afghanistan, before a near death experience throws her into the arms of her soon to be husband Paul. What Jade doesn’t realise is that her days of investigative journalism and an all action career are about to come to an abrupt halt when motherhood dawns or is it?

This thriller is set in the sleepy surroundings of Stepford, Massachusetts, a small town community in America that hides a deep dark secret. Jade finds herself in this sleepy town against her wishes following her husband’s insistence on finding her a nice, quiet and calm environment for her to remain fit and well during her pregnancy. Jade Snow we learn is no ordinary young mum to be. It is not long before her inquisitive mind and investigative instincts, lead her onto the trail of a devastating dark hidden secret within the community. A crime so horrendous and brutal, it lives on in the lives and happenings of this sleepy hallow even until the present day.

Jade’s loneliness and love of quality company finds her being introduced, and soon becoming part of the social set-up of this most picturesque of American town’s. The intimate circle of six women Jade would join, unbeknown to her, will transform her time in Stepford from a peaceful relaxing stay into an intriguing web of lies, deceit and mystery. The pursuit of the truth will not only put Jade Snow and the life of her unborn child in grave danger, it will have a profound impact on the lives and community of this most fascinating of small towns for years to come.

This story of a horrific crime, a victim, an accused person and powerful local interests, desperate to keep the truth hidden from the larger world, only makes Jade Snow throw off her restrictive temporary physical shackles and risk all, to unravel the truth. The pursuit of truth among the complex personalities of this town, and an eagerness for someone to keep it hidden at all costs makes the challenge appear impossible.

Stepford USA takes us on a journey with this charming, sharp minded young journalist in a race to reveal the truth before someone else is killed, will Jade succeed? Can she protect herself and the life of her unborn child? Who can she trust? Anyone? Will she manage to discover the facts before it costs someone their life or even her own?

On the face of it, Stepford is a thriving small town community the likes of which are splattered across the American continent however, the deceit and manipulation facing Jade threatens not just people, it threatens the very way of life of this beautiful town. Undeterred, Jade Snow takes us on a gripping, dark psychological adventure, where unrealised talents may be the difference between life and death for Jade and others.

Does the answer to the secret rest within the group of six ladies “Knitting Club”? All women of varying ages and loyalties. We are introduced to Lady Adelaide Paphos, an elegant motherly like lady, who develops a fondness and close bond with Jade during her time in Stepford. Her son Jason who harbours a long held secret. Then a chance lunch time meeting with the power players of the local community that introduces us to the young police chief – Chief Nordini, Judge Bowman, Lawyer Marc Catcham, Banker Peter Burns and the quiet Jack Maloof. These men all with varying interests and knowledge of the comings and goings of the town extend an invitation to the elite Rotary Club to Jade. How will this innocent invitation propel Jade into an even more intricate web of unimagined deceit?

Jade’s investigative journey takes us to a “Hidden Lake”, a chance encounter with a friendly neighbour and his dog, a virtual reality experience and observing one of the married town influencers groping a woman out of sight of others. How does all this relate to the truth? Can it be found and who is watching Jade’s every move?

This page turning thriller is exciting, full of suspicion and possesses excellent character development throughout. It challenges the reader to consider the glaringly obvious and not so obvious, reality and challenge their own perceptions of reality and illusion in the pursuit of destroying the prejudices found in every small town. Will Jade and her soon to be born baby survive the small town experience?

The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose. The brilliant combination of plot, character development and unexpected twists and turns, keeps the reader addicted to the next turned page. Once you start reading this book, you will not put it down such is the perfect pace and flow of words in which the book is written by the author.

Psychological thrillers don’t get much better than this.  Excitingly and yet chillingly gripping, it’s the sort of plot line that surprises you at every turn and absolutely does not let you go.

A highly recommended read for anyone.

via http://booksreview4u.wordpress.com/ STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review by J. J. Collins

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Green Desert

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Allah, American Sergeant, anti-war, Barnes & Noble, BOOK: Green Desert, International Journalist Jade Snow, Iraq, Iraqi insurgency, Jade Snow Novella, mystery thriller, smart bomb, suicide bombing, terrorist, United States, University of Baghdad

GREEN DESERT

He dreamed about turning the Iraqi desert into a garden – what made him become a terrorist? When international journalist Jade Snow comes to Iraq to shoot a documentary about the Iraqi insurgency, she witnesses a suicide bombing of a truck, full of American soldiers. When two letters drop in her lap, she must take a chilling journey, as the suicide bomber and an American sergeant, killed in the attack, tell their stories from the grave. A riveting tale of tragedy, loss and undying hope!

A Jade Snow Novella

Category: short novella, anti-war, thriller, mystery

Word count: 12,000

Bonus: this edition of Green Desert Includes an excerpt from the upcoming thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia!

Watch book trailer!

Sample a riveting excerpt below!

Sample/buy GREEN DESERT:

Amazon US

Smashwords 

Barnes & Noble

Complete information at http://www.LadaRay.com

GREEN DESERT

One day, the Iraqi desert will be a garden…again.

Mohammed al-Tikriti, suicide bomber, former University of Baghdad student

2008, Iraq

He looked up and wiped the sweat streaming down his face with a trembling hand. Eight am… Baghdad sun knew no mercy even at this hour. He must concentrate, just a few more minutes! He stood next to his shabby, dusty Corolla, with faded taxi markings on it. The alley was deserted and deathly quiet, as expected. But just down the hill, barely thirty meters away and fully visible from his vantage point, was the intersection of the busiest road in the city.

Almost time. They should be here any moment.

He took an envelope out of his pocket and almost decided to leave it by the gate of the nearest house, securing it with a rock, when he saw an American press crew – a cameraman and a tall, slim woman, disguised as a man (who was she kidding?) – setting up their camera straight on the intersection.

He simply couldn’t believe his luck! Allah is merciful, he didn’t desert him in this hour of judgment! He cast a quick glance around – and another stroke of luck! A young boy, no more than eight or nine, rounded the corner, carrying a heavy jug of water, and made his way through the alley.

“Hey, boy! Come here, little boy,” he called, waving temptingly his last two dollar bills. “Want to make some real American money?”

The boy nodded and cautiously edged closer.

He handed the boy the envelope. “I want you to give this after the explosion to that pretty lady, dressed as a man. Do you see her?”

The boy’s shrewd eyes shot in the direction of the American press crew, and he nodded, giggling. Then, another thought made him frown.

“What explosion?” he asked suspiciously.

“You’ll see,” said the mysterious man. “The most important thing, stay hidden right here until after it happens. Understood?”

The boy nodded.

The man gave him an encouraging smile and got into his Corolla. Time!

He started the motor and quietly rolled closer to the intersection. Immediately, he heard the rumbling noise of a huge American truck, then he saw it. Praise Allah! Yet another stroke of luck – the monstrosity was full of soldiers. A big man with sergeant’s insignia sat in the cabin, next to the driver. Good! He’ll aim right at him. An officer is even better than mere soldiers.

“Allaaaaaaaaaaaah!” He slammed his foot on the accelerator and with a desperate cry launched his car forward, like a missile.

The big sergeant in the front seat turned his head towards him. The last thing the man’s mind registered was a surprise in sergeant’s blue eyes.

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Stepford USA

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Stepford USA

≈ Comments Off on Stepford USA

Tags

5 star thriller, Accidental Spy Adventure Series, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, E-book, Jade Snow World Adventure Series, Kindle, murder, mystery thriller, psychological thriller, rape, small town mystery, Smashwords, Stepford Wives, United States

STEPFORD, USA
Sample prologue and chapters 1-4 below!
 

“I enjoyed reading this uplifting book by Ms Ray, filled with intrigue and irresistible characters.” From Amazon review by a reader.

“Very well written and gripping tale that will leave you guessing to the very end! Excellent storytelling!” From Amazon review by a reader.

A small town mystery with psychological twists. Alternative title: Virtual Paradise.

Stepford USA will dazzle you with an array of funny, outlandish and utterly realistic characters. Who committed rape and murder: a corrupt police chief, a crooked politician, a millionaire-nerd, or a womanizing banker? Ladies from the Stepford Knitting Club know it all, except that the town has been hijacked by criminals, posing as pillars of local community. That’s where Jade Snow comes in. A new breed of amateur sleuths and investigative journalist, she’s thoroughly at home in the brave, new, globalized world, but unprepared for one challenge – the dull existence in this sheltered American town. And that’s exactly where she ends up after getting married and pregnant. Aided by a super-intelligent calico cat and a psychoanalyst from New York, Jade’s on a mission to solve baffling mysteries and to turn upside down this sleepy paradise… if she can survive the attraction to an enigmatic convicted rapist, and the encounter with a desperate killer. Enough romance, psychology, mystical happenings, amazing pets, virtual reality and humor to delight fans of six different genres, Stepford, USA is a read to enjoy and remember!

Includes an excerpt from the gripping new thriller GOLD TRAIN, set in Russia. On digital shelves Holiday Season 2011! Paperback – April 2012!

Accidental Spy Adventure #1

Category: novel, mystery/thriller, cozy mystery with a twist, women sleuths, psychic, paranormal, pet lovers, psychological mystery

Word count: 69,000

(Includes an excerpt from the upcoming thriller GOLD TRAIN set in Russia!)

Watch Book Trailer!

Buy STEPFORD USA eBook:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon DE

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Read extensive excerpt (prologue & first 4 chapters) here!

Complete information at http://www.LadaRay.com

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LADA RAY BOOKS

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