For Japan

As many of you around the world know, on March 11, 2011, a massive 8.9 earthquake which triggered a devastating tsunami, struck Japan.  The destruction is monumental.  I've been watching the news, absolutely heartbroken by the images I'm seeing.  I can't even imagine what people there are going through, having everything in their lives ripped from them.  And far worse than losing a home and material possessions, is the loss of family and friends, as thousands of people are missing.

I know the chances of my message reaching anyone in Japan is slim, but I have to say to everyone there, please know you're not alone.  Here in the United States and all around the world, people are thinking of you, ready to support you in all and every way, to share our love, care, strength, and resources with you.  I'm holding all of you close in my thoughts and heart, and hoping, so very much, for your health and safety.

The United States has launched efforts to support Japan, sending our military and supplies, and also many private humanitarian organizations are rushing to lend their aid.  If you're like me, you want to help too, so I thought I'd put up some resources for those who'd like to lend their support to Japan.   

The American Red Cross is already putting forth efforts in Japan to help.  As one of the most tireless organizations in the world when it comes to helping humanity, they deserve support at all times, but especially in times like now when they're putting out all their resources to help those in need.  To make a donation,  you can visit the Red Cross website: http://www.redcross.org/.  There, you can select specifically where you want your donation to go to, including the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.  You can also text 90999 to make a $10 donation, and this also goes to relief efforts in Japan.  CLICK HERE to learn more about that.

For me, whenever a disaster strikes, my first thought is for the children.  Save the Children is an organization that works specifically to aid the most vulnerable and precious members of human society, our children.  They're also collecting donations to help Japan and their children.  To learn more about Save the Children, here's their website: http://www.savethechildren.org/ and CLICK HERE for specifically about donating to the earthquake and tsunami victims.

Doctors Without Borders is another wonderful organization that strives to provide medical care during times of disaster and crisis, and they've already sent medical teams to Japan.  To learn more and about how to make a donation, please see their website: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

These are just a few non-profit humanitarian organizations that are currently hard at work with relief efforts in Japan.  There are many, many more.  By working together, we'll let the people of Japan know they're not alone, America and the world is here for them, and we'll help to rebuild Japan back to being the great nation it is.

Song of the Week - "Waiting for the End" by Linkin Park

I'm giving Linkin Park the Song of the Week spot this time around with "Waiting for the End".  This song is off their latest album A Thousand Suns, which came out in September 2010, and they actually should be releasing a new single, "Burning in the Skies" off it on March 21, 2011.  So they might end up getting a second Song of the Week spot :-)  I've enjoyed so much of their music over the years.  They really are a cool band with a sound wholly unique to them, and I think singer Chester Bennington has a fantastic voice.  If you'd like to learn more about them, here's their website http://www.linkinpark.com/, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER.

And of course, I do not own this video, music, lyrics, song, imagery, or anything therein.  All belongs to the rightful copyright holder(s).  Enjoy!

Weekly Inspiration - Garrett Neff

For your inspiration this week, I'm offering American model, Garrett Neff.  An established and highly successful model, he's worked for many top designers and labels, including being a main face for Calvin Klein.  He's also in the 2011 Pirelli calendar with one of our previous Weekly Inspiration guys, Baptiste Giabiconi.  With the shots of Garrett I'm putting up, the ones with the snake are by photographer Stefano Moro for a feature called "Temptation" in the March 2011 issue of bmm Magazine.  Garrett looks perfectly comfortable with that snake, and big applause to him for that.  I'll admit, at first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, since snakes tend to freak me out, though I'm fine with them if they keep their distance, but after looking at the shots some more, I have to say, there really is something sensual about the images.

I couldn't find a website for him, or anything that looked like an official Facebook or Twitter.  Sorry!  But if you're interested in learning more about him, a little searching will bring up plenty more info on him.  And now, enjoy!

Cover Art and Blurb: NATURAL INSTINCTS

You've all heard me talk a lot about the m/m vampire erotic romance novel I've been working on, and now I'm very happy to unveil the cover and blurb for it.  I love this cover.  The Chicago skyline, the two guys embracing, I love it!  Really, really love it!  I can totally see the guy in back as my vampire, Titus, since he's more formal in his dress, and my human, Andreas, in front, as he's more casual.  Along with it being so very pretty, it's also special because my friend and fellow author, Lex Valentine, is the artist.  If you want some scorching hot reads with great characters, you have to check out Lex's books.  She's writes m/m, as well as m/f.  Here's her website for those who'd like to take a peek at her work: http://www.lexvalentine.com/

And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Andreas Nikandros and Titus Antonius Calidus in my upcoming m/m vampire novel, NATURAL INSTINCTS.

BLURB:
Andreas Nikandros has one focus, to kill the vampire he believes murdered his sister, and he knows with their greater strength, the surest way to kill a vampire is to become one.  As a zoologist, he's used to looking at the world from a natural standpoint, but when he sets out on a quest to find a vampire to Turn him, what he finds in Titus Antonius Calidus is the last thing he expected.  Titus has lived for over a thousand years, and in that time, has only ever given his heart to one man.  As they follow their natural instincts, they discover something truly worth living for, each other.

Coming soon to MLR Press

Song of the Week - "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga with her brand new single, "Born This Way", gets the Song of the Week spot.  Ever since I heard this song a couple weeks ago, I've wanted to put it up here, but I thought I'd wait until the official video was released.  It's out now, but after watching it, I still opted to put up just the audio of the song since the video has a really long intro.  It's a mini-movie of Gaga in a futuristic setting giving birth with a whole storyline of...well, if you want to see it, the video is on YouTube and her Facebook.  It's very interesting and creative, but I know a lot of people just want to get to the music, so I'm going with that.  I really do LOVE this song and the message she's working to get across.  Hope you all will enjoy it, too!

For more on Lady Gaga, here's her official website: http://www.ladygaga.com/, her FACEBOOK, and TWITTER.  And of course, my don't sue me message; I do not own this song, lyrics, music, imagery, or anything therein, it all belongs to its rightful copyright holder(s).  And now without further ado, Lady Gaga with "Born This Way!"