Thanks to the many people who forwarded me this link: Isaiah Mustafa is BACK as the Old Spice Guy. WOOO HOOO! I was quite vocal in my dislike of Ray Lewis as the Old Spice Other Guy, so this makes me very, very happy. I hope the commercials are as good as the ones pre-Lewis.
This isn’t romance-centric but I’m fascinated by the potential time-suck here: rumors are swirling about a streaming video service that will be free for Amazon Prime members coming very soon from everyone’s favorite fast-shipping monolith, Amazon.com. Would you use it? I use the Netflix app constantly, and stream movies through our Wii for my children, so if this were a possibility, I think my productivity alone would take a huge dive. I’m one of those people who can’t work and watch tv at the same time – so maybe I’m better off pretending I never saw this article.
And finally, with continued upheaval and general horror coming out of Egypt, here’s some news from Kristin about members of the romance community yet again stepping up to help one another: Stephanie Draven is asking folks to spread the word for an author who can’t promote her new release. Harlequin author Olivia Gates lives in Egypt (I hope I’m not endangering her by saying so – I noticed her website said not one word about her place of residence) and since internet access has been blocked for a few days now, Draven is asking folks to spread the word about Gates’ 1 February Harlequin release, To Tempt a Sheikh.
Yes, I’m squirming at bit at the irony that this is a sheikh romance—I’d like to tempt a peaceful and stable transition of government power in Egypt, but that doesn’t make for a good book title, does it? Tempted By Democratic and Uncorrupted Elections or The Passionate Yet Peaceful Transfer of Authority doesn’t really work, I admit, much as I’d like to see them happen.
I’ve met Olivia Gates several times at RT and it is no secret that she resides in Egypt. She often brought home made treats! Yes, let’s spread the word about her new book!
All politics aside, I’m likin the book cover! Hope she is well and safe and that her book gets much deserved attention!
The way I feel about current events, I cannot imagine a more sexy and fabulous book than “the Passionate yet peaceful Transfer of authority”. I would buy every copy.
Eroticize justice!
(my favorite Tshirt ever)
Carrie, word. You wouldn’t get every copy, because I want mine.
On the Egypt situation, I was going to see the man who looks after Tutankhamen on Friday, Dr. Zahi Hawass, who is made of win.
He got a report out by faxing it to colleagues who then put it on his website for him, and it’s about the current situation in Cairo.
http://www.drhawass.com/blog/situation-egyptian-antiquities-today
Zahi standing at the front of the Cairo Museum with a crowbar is one of the sexiest images I can think of.
And Olivia Gates – great writer. She’s really found her niche in Desire. I’ve loved her books for that line, and long may she continue to write them.
She’s a bit busy right now, I imagine. I’ve kept quiet about her because of the situation in Egypt, but I think about her (and her new kitchen) a lot.
But the book looks fantastic. Go, Olivia!
I just pre-ordered my copy for my Kindle – should be delivered tomorrow! Go Olivia!
Very nice of you to promote her book – I’ll look to pick it up myself. Such a shame over there. Hope Olivia is safe and well.
Sarah, thanks for spreading the word about Olivia’s book.
And Lynne, thanks for the link to Dr. Hawass’s post.
As a former museum curator myself, I have to say this single image from Cairo made my heart swell, and reminded me how truly brave and awesome people are sometimes.. http://twitpic.com/3ulu6k
I can’t get past the striking brown eyes…
I’ve read To Tempt A Sheikh and it’s fantastic! Loved it.
Lynne, thanks for posting that link – so interesting and moving.
The Egypt situation is a real nail-biter for those of us who love the country and its people. My husband and I were in Egypt as recently as late December, just before Christmas, and in such a short time since then, everything has flared up.
As far as looting and damage to antiquities, sites and museums is concerned, although there are many reports and blogs that are getting out, they are as yet too incomplete and contradictory for any certainty, but one thing that seems certain (as Zahi Hawass himself has commented in relation to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo) is that many ordinary Egyptian citizens and the army have taken steps to protect their own heritage. There are reports of this in Luxor, with locals confronting and apprehending would-be looters and turning them over to the army.
Sorry, no comments on the book—but I hope that Ms. Gates comes through all this safely. I hope that Egypt and the Egyptian people come through it all safely.
(Still slightly off-topic, but for some of us, Egypt dominates our thoughts just now)
For anyone who is particularly interested in the news from Egypt with a slant towards the academic community and the antiquities, Andie Byrnes’s blog, which she is updating very frequently, is invaluable at the moment:
http://egyptology.blogspot.com/
Olivia Gates is a gracious and talented author and we know she was safe as of a few days ago but, the whole world was different a few days ago. When fellow Nocturne author Bonnie Vanak asked us to help spread the word I was eager to help. We really appreciate this mention from the Smart Bitches!
I sincerely hope that Olivia Gates, Dr. Hawass, and the people of Egypt weather this storm safely. Egypt, as it often has in world history, sits at the crossroads of much conflict. Lets all hope that its marvelous art, architecture and cultural diversity survives this crisis as it has many others. I was extremely worried that the treasures of Egypt might vanish to the vandals and thiefs that often show up in turbulent times. I’m glad to read Dr. Hawass’ report that the tourist police, he himself and many other Egyptians rallied to the defense of their marvelous treasures but saddened at the damage that was done. Let’s hope the excavation sites and other museums are safe also. And hope that Egypt and its people will soon be able to welcome the world again to their marvelous country to share its past and its future.
Also, writing as Stephanie Dray, my historical fiction novels about Cleopatra’s daughter are set in Ptolemaic Egypt. The history of that country is enormously important to me. I’m more concerned for the people than the artifacts, but I confess that the stunning picture of Egyptians forming human chains to protect their monuments and history really moved me.
Heh. Here’s the reason why I read SBTB.