Until You Walk the Path, You Won’t know where it goes will be hosting Nate Hardy on May 31, 2009 as he discusses his upcoming marketing course for writers.
With 20 years experience in marketing and publishing, Nate Hardy is the founder of Plus Sign Productions Business & Life Coaching. He works psychology, inspiration, and motivational theory into his marketing teaching. Prior to launching his company, he helped a start-up pre-IPO corporation grow to a $20+ million consultancy in 4 years. He manages several websites on subject areas he coaches--business, human behavior, inspiration, and motivation--gaining a Google PageRank of 4 in only a few short months. He will be conducting an online marketing course for writers, starting Monday June 1, 2009.
A member of the Marketing Research Association, American Marketing Association, Philadelphia area Chamber of Commerce, and other business and journalism associations, he has authored papers for the leading publications and organizations of the industry. He is a former Tribune newspaper journalist and award-winning published writer of over 100 fiction and nonfiction works, including comic strips and a weekly automotive review column. He served as an assistant editor, advertising manager, and in other capacities for various publishers.
In addition, he serves as Chair of Internet Activities for Pennwriters--a writer's organization that now spans across countries. He manages online programs and marketing for Pennwriters, including its online courses service, social networking sites, and "Pennwriters Presents"--a weekly question & answer program he hosts of Guest Star authors, editors, and agents as a free member service.
PROJECT: OPTIMIZE YOUR MARKETING: EASY NEW WAYS FOR WRITERS TO WIN SALES (Online Course fro Writers) INSTRUCTOR: Nate Hardy, Marketing Coach DATE: June 1 - 25, 2009 COST: $30 (This course is also offered FREE! See website for details)REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/PennwritersCourse200906 http://www.PlusSignProductions.org/2008/10/free-classes.html
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze
Until You Walk the Path, You Don't Know Where it Goes
Date / Time: 5/31/2009 5:00 PM eastern
Call-in Number: (347) 324-3745
Both the chat room and Skype phone calls will be available.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Operation Home Base: A Military Drama
OPERATION HOME BASE
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
To read the full series treatment click here
To read the first draft of the first hour click here
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
To read the full series treatment click here
To read the first draft of the first hour click here
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Operation Home Base: Inteview with the Creator
It's short notice, but I'll be on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Celestial-McGarrett/2009/05/29/Metaphysical-Meat tonight 10 pm eastern talking about Operation Home Base and my other work. It is a new interactive radio talk show. I will be chatting with Celestial McGarrett and taking questions.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Operation Home Base
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
To read part of the first draft http://www.theresachaze.com/files/OHB_episode_One2.pdf
To read part of the first draft http://www.theresachaze.com/files/OHB_episode_One2.pdf
Friday, May 22, 2009
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
Until the end of May 2009, the list will be free by going to www.theresachaze.com and leaving your name, email address and a comment.
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
Until the end of May 2009, the list will be free by going to www.theresachaze.com and leaving your name, email address and a comment.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
What is a Writer Worth?
This has been a running debate in the industry since the beginning. Writers have been fighting for respect, recognition and financial rewards since the beginning of the entertainment industry. They are the most necessary, yet least respected part of the business.
There hasn't been a book, article, TV show, film or play that has ever been produced that wasn't first the brain child of a writer. Yet, unless the producers, directors or publishers, are also writers, many of them have had a long history of taking a high handed view of those whose words and creative vision are the bases of their livelihood.
Harlon Ellison said it best in the following video:
To watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
The problem lies in the fact that are so many people with varying degrees of talent that are willing to sell themselves short and undercut professional writers. Instead of improving their skills and asking for their financial due, they schlep through the industry, producing substandard work and giving all writers a bad name.
With the creation and expansion of the Internet, there is even a greater need for content; however, most sites pay little to none. Instead, they talk about exposure and publicity for the author without mentioning the fact that the site owner makes a profit from the advertisers. Without the work of the writers, there wouldn't be any interest in the site, therefore, no advertising profits.
As long as there are writers who are willing to work for $2-15.00 a 400 word article, there will be someone who is willing to take advantage of them. However, the work is just as good as the pay. It is easy to rip out 400 words. It takes more work to make the article professional, accurate and interesting.
There hasn't been a book, article, TV show, film or play that has ever been produced that wasn't first the brain child of a writer. Yet, unless the producers, directors or publishers, are also writers, many of them have had a long history of taking a high handed view of those whose words and creative vision are the bases of their livelihood.
Harlon Ellison said it best in the following video:
To watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
The problem lies in the fact that are so many people with varying degrees of talent that are willing to sell themselves short and undercut professional writers. Instead of improving their skills and asking for their financial due, they schlep through the industry, producing substandard work and giving all writers a bad name.
With the creation and expansion of the Internet, there is even a greater need for content; however, most sites pay little to none. Instead, they talk about exposure and publicity for the author without mentioning the fact that the site owner makes a profit from the advertisers. Without the work of the writers, there wouldn't be any interest in the site, therefore, no advertising profits.
As long as there are writers who are willing to work for $2-15.00 a 400 word article, there will be someone who is willing to take advantage of them. However, the work is just as good as the pay. It is easy to rip out 400 words. It takes more work to make the article professional, accurate and interesting.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Energy Tarot Reading for the Week of May 17-23, 2009
Energy Tarot Reading for May 17-23
By
Theresa Chaze
With Mercury remaining retrograde until the end of the month, the week of May 17-23 will continue to be a time or reflection and reconsideration. Frequently we will find ourselves standing in the moment, looking backward toward the past and forward toward the future. From the past will come old unfinished lessons and challenges. However, what we see for our future will depend on how willing we are to learn from the past. Traveling the same path will take you to the same destination, yet those, who have the courage to learn from the past and release it, will find the strength to journey into the undiscovered country and find a new destiny. Letting go doesn’t mean surrendering. In fact it is just the opposite. Releasing beliefs, relationships and behaviors takes faith and trust. Change is inevitable. How well we accept the transformation is completely up to each of us. Those who seek to find love and happiness will find it when they choose to release the past and embrace the future.
The energy we bring in from the past is the five of wands. It is a time of testing of beliefs, boundaries and behaviors. We are being asked to challenge our ability to accept change and trust that the path will come up to meet our steps. People and situations will appear in our lives as tests on what ever lesson we had difficulty passing before. This will be a week of spiritual pop quizzes. Whether it be angry, trust, self love etc, we will find those buttons being pushed in the most unexpected ways. The harder we attempt to deflect or ignore this particular growth process, the more difficult the test will become. Sometimes the best thing we can do is let go of the wheel and move to the passenger seat, while the Divine drives us where we need to be.
The energy this week is represented by the World. It is a card of new beginnings and fresh possibilities. Those who are willing to see will be able to find what they seek; however, it might not be packaged or be found where they expect it to be. Miracles will be found on doorsteps, arrive by snail mail and through phone calls. Prayers have been heard and answered, but only for those who have the courage to challenge the status quo and bend the rules. Opening ourselves to others completes the blessing circuit. When we have the courage to share from our hearts, we become the miracles to others just as others become miracles for us.
The energy we will take out of this week is the Hanged Man. We will have opportunities for new perspectives of not only ourselves but the world around us. Although it will sometimes feel that our live are standing still, there are spiritual changes happening from both within and without. As each person ignites their inner glow, they become a beacon in the darkness, making it easier for us to see ourselves and each other for who we truly are. This inner light will also show us that the limits we thought were set in stone were merely illusions; like the fog at the coming of a new day, they dissipate, leaving us with a clearer sight of the path before us.
Please visit my site at www.theresachaze.com to learn more about me and read my work.
Remember feed an author; buy books
Friday, May 15, 2009
Theresa Chaze's Website
My site was temporarily unavailable. It is now back up and the scripts for Days of our Lives or Operation Home Base are once again available.
Hidden Between the Lines: An NCIS Episode
Hidden Between the Lines: NCIS Episode
Back story:
Summer 1961, the CIA and MI6 joined forces to send in a covert team into Cuba. The five member team included CIA operative Simon Erickson, Navy Seals Joshua Hanson and Roger Davis, and Leonard Mason and Donald Mallard from MI6. They were to gather both tactical and political information on the alliance between Castro and Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev. The team made contact with the anti-Castro forces through Tessa McGraw. Half British-half Cuban, Tessa found herself caught between her parent’s worlds. However, after the death of her older brother and father at the hands of Castro’s secret police, she agreed to become an informant for the CIA. When the team arrived six months later, the mid-twenty year old was already a seasoned operative. Based in homes and in the mountains, McGraw and other rebels helped the team ferret out information. Working closely together, Mallard and McGraw fell in love. When the increasing close calls forced team leader, Simon Erickson decided to pull out, Mallard arranged for her to go with them. The rebels had arranged for one last meeting, claiming they had Castro‘s advanced travel schedule. Although the information came from outside the established channels, it was too good to pass up. McGraw and Hanson drove to the meet, while the rest of the team waited in the hills over looking the house. When the secret police swarmed the house, there was nothing that could be done except retreat back to Guantanamo Navel Base. Questioning the increasing instances of bad information, Erickson demanded an investigation into the loyalty of the team; however, it was quashed by an unknown source. The team was officially cleared, yet Erickson couldn’t let it go of his belief that the team had been set up. He resigned and disappeared.
Using his experiences, Erickson had become a successful novelist. For his final book, he chose to revise his last mission by reconnecting with his team mates and asking their help in learning the truth. . After Erickson is shot at in his home, he learns that both Davis and Mason are dead. Roger Davis was killed in a car accident when his breaks failed. Leonard Mason is murdered on the street.
***********
The car stops at the top hill. Roger Davis, Simon Erickson, Leonard Mason and Donald Mallard get out. Joshua Hanson sits behind the wheel. Tessa McGraw sits on the passenger side. Mallard leans into through the open window and kisses her. Erickson teases him that she’ll back in time for their wedding day. The car drives down to the house. The pair goes inside. Moments later the secret police converge. Shots are fired. Tessa screams once. Mallard tries to run down the hill. Erickson and Mason stop him; there is nothing they can do to save them. They force him to leave.
Ducky wakes up in his own bed. Crying, he pulls out an old picture of himself embracing Tessa.
Ducky sits at this desk reading the letter Erickson sent him. He is upset and tired. Gibbs asks for the autopsy results of Lance Corporal Stevens; he needs to know if it was suicide or murder. Hiding the letter, Ducky uncharacteristically snaps back that he will get the result when the report is ready and not before. He immediately apologizes, explaining that he hasn’t been sleeping well. Gibb asks him about the letter. Ducky ignores the question and goes to work.
Momentarily torn, Gibbs opens the drawer and reads the letter; after which, he has McGee research the three remaining members of the team. Gibb orders him to keep the research off the books.
McGee has trouble finding information on their mission; not all of the CIA’s historical records have been added to the data base. However, he was able to learn from secondary files in found in the FBI archives that Simon Erickson was part of a five man recon team, which was sent into to Cuba in 1961. The details of the mission and the end result had been cleansed; however, after cross referencing the smaller details, he found Erickson’s requests for an investigation of the team and his suspicion of a traitor in the group. McGee was able to find more current information about Erickson. Although he disappeared for nearly a decade after he resigned from the CIA, he reappeared in the early 1970’s as part of the peace and environmental movements. For a short time, he was politically active, running for Governor of California as a Democrat against Ronald Reagan. He is a novelist known for writing murder and spy novels. McGee was still looking into the other members of the team.
Ducky finds himself reliving his time together with Tessa. Abby asks about the blood and tissue sample was supposed to send. Annoyed, Duck asks why suddenly everyone is questioning his work ethic and breaks the connection. Worried, Abby contacts Gibbs; he tells her that he is looking into it.
Gibbs contacts Fornell to ask for help. Annoyed, Fornell reminds Gibbs that he isn’t old enough to have been around at the time of the Bay of Pigs, but that he wasn’t to sure about Gibbs. After Gibbs tells him the reason he needs the information, Fornell agrees to look into it.
Ziva and Tony continue to investigate the death of the marine. Instead of murder, the evidence has begun to lean towards suicide. Both are curious about McGee’s research; they don’t understand why they have been kept out of the loop. Gibbs orders them to keep their minds on their own case.
Fornell delivers a file on the mission to Gibbs. Erickson’s questions did initiate an investigation into the mission, but General Joshua Hanson Sr. had the results sealed Gibbs questions why the General would want the circumstances of his son’s death kept quiet. Unlike Davis and Mason who recently met unfortunate ends, the General is still alive. Fornell suggests that Gibbs ask him and offers to drive. Gibb tries to decline; Fornell withholds the file, he going to be there when the grand-daddy of all son of a bitches kicks Gibbs’ asses or Gibbs can try to get the information elsewhere. Gibbs reluctantly agrees. The file lists both Roger Davis and Leonard Mason as deceased without any details of how they died or what they had been doing for the last 40 years. Of the five man team, only Duck and Erickson are still alive. Gibbs doesn’t like it and orders McGee to find out how Davis and Mason died as well as the current location of Erickson.
Erickson calls Ducky at the morgue. Ducky nearly hangs up on him until Erickson tells him that his life is in danger. Erickson convinces him that they have to meet. Reluctantly Ducky agrees. Erickson is parked outside Ducky’s house. Ducky takes personal time for the rest of the day and immediately leaves
Gibbs asks Ziva and Tony how Lance Corporal Stevens died. They are fairly certain it was suicide; however, they are waiting on the autopsy report. Tony calls down for the results and learns that Ducky mysterious left early. Gibbs sends Ziva to find Ducky and watch over him until further notice. However, she is not to let him know. She asks why and is told because he said so. Through his cell phone, McGee tracks Ducky to his home.
Gibbs and Fornell leave to visit General Hanson. Tony picks up the file and decides go back to the beginning and investigate Erickson’s charges that one team members was a traitor.
After Ducky finds Simon Erickson (Robert Vaughn) waiting for him in the shadows near his front door. Although at one time the two men were very good friends, Ducky has nothing to say to him. Erickson asks him if Tessa’s memory deserves the truth. Ducky reluctantly agrees. Ducky makes tea; he asks if Erickson still takes his with Brandy. Both men feel guilty and responsible, but for different reasons. Erickson still believes there was a mole in their group. Ducky no longer cares; he wants the past to stay buried. Erickson doesn’t believe him; Ducky loved Tessa too much to forget her. He questions if that is the reason Ducky never married. Ignoring the question, Ducky asks why dig up the past now? Erickson needs not only to understand what happened, but he also wants to find the truth so they all can find peace.
Ziva arrives at Ducky’s home. Through the window, she sees him having tea with a man she doesn’t recognize. All seems well. She doesn’t understand what she is doing there spying on a friend. From the sidewalk, a man in his late 60’s (Joshua Mathew Hanson) stops and watches her. They make eye contact; he smiles and tips his hat before continuing down the street. Just of her line of sight, he stops and angrily looks back. He walks toward the house next door.
Gibbs and Fornell arrive at General Joshua Hanson’s home. It is a modest, yet secluded home in the country. The housekeeper lets them in. The General just left for his daily constitution around the gardens. She offers them coffee while they wait. The living room is filled with four generations family photos and mementos of the General’s military career. Fornell comments on the resemblance between Hanson’s sons; he speculates if they were twins. Obviously family is very important to the General. The housekeeper brings in the tray of coffee. They asked her about the family photos. She started working for the General fifteen years ago after his wife died. She never knew Joshua; the son in the pictures is Mathew. Pictures span his entire life; the current pictures show that he is the man that Ziva saw. . Although she has never met Mathew’s wife, Theresa or the rest of the family, she recently met him for the first time. The General usually winters with them, but she wasn‘t quite sure where. He was always very secretive about their location. Before they are able to ask more questions, the General arrives.
In his 90’s, the General is mentally and physically fit even for a man twenty years his junior. He orders them out; he won’t have a couple of spooks in his house. Gibbs points out there is only one spook; he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. A marine and a spook working together--obviously, Gibbs is a disgrace to his uniform. They ask why he quashed the investigation into his son’s death. Instead of answering, Hanson blames the jackasses in Washington for the loss of his son. Joshua was the logical choice to lead the mission; he had all the experience and contacts in Cuba. The General met wife while he had been stationed at Gitmo. At the time, they still had family who were willing to help, including Joshua’s fiancée. If Joshua had been leading the mission, he wouldn’t have had to lose his son. Gibbs asks to see a picture of Joshua. The General refuses and orders them both out of his house. Gibbs and Fornell leave; both know he is hiding something.
McGee discovers that both Davis and Mason died under mysterious circumstances, Davis died when his breaks failed and the car went over a cliff into the sea; his body had been found. Mason was shot on the street; the case was still unsolved. He was able to trace Erickson’s recent movements through credit card receipts and airline tickets. In both cases, he had been in the area when the men died. He had been seen with Mason shortly before he was killed. The police questioned him, but could prove nothing. He was also involved in another shooting two days before. He was still working on getting the details. According to his credit card, Erickson flew into town last night.
Tony has back checked the individual members of the team. He is surprised by some of the things he found in Ducky’s history. Joshua Hanson and Roger Davis were part of a Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team (UDT); they volunteered when the Chief of Navel Operations created the Seals. Both were well trained, but the General had pulled strings to fast track his son’s career; he was the original team leader until the CIA put Erickson in charge. According to Davis’s widow, both father and son were furious over the change. One of the reasons Hanson volunteered for the mission was to bring back his fiancée, Tessa McGraw. After his tour of duty, Davis returned to his family and led an unremarkable life. Leonard Mason returned to England and was assigned to other duties. SIS was unwilling to share any further information.
Erickson has always felt guilty and responsible for the deaths and failure of the mission. If he had listened to his gut and followed procedure, both Hanson and Tessa would still be alive. Instead he had allowed his ambition to blind him to the risks; Ducky reminds him that they all knew what could happen before they set foot on the beach. Erickson always through there was more going on than they knew. Someone had enough power to squash his requests for an investigation. Through the Freedom of Information Act, Erickson was able to gain access to more information about who was involved with the planning of the mission. Most of the most sensitive material had been blocked out. But there was enough for him to find back doors to go through. He wrote to the three of them to not only back check his own memories, but to see if any of them had remembered any details that they hadn’t shared. Ducky asks what the other remembered. Erickson tells them that they didn’t get a chance to tell him; they were murdered. The night before someone had shot at him in his home; it was the reason he showed up on Ducky’s doorstep.
Ziva calls in. She doesn’t understand why she is spying on a friend. . In the background, Joshua Mathew is seen watching her from a concealed position. She would find it easier to do her job if she knew what she was looking for. Tony reminds her Gibbs always has his reasons; he doesn’t always share them. “It’s not for us to reason why. Ours is just to or die.” Gibbs and Fornell return to base. Gibbs chimes “Kill, no. I’d just kick your ass.” Ziva tells them that the street is quiet; the only person she’s seen was an elderly gentleman taking a walk. Both McGee and Tony share what they learned. The question if the old man was still capable of killing. Fornell speculates that it is more likely the brother. Gibbs asks about the brother. McGee tells him that the General only had one son, Joshua Mathew. Gibbs calls Ziva; she doesn’t answer her phone.
Ducky had thought it was odd that Joshua Hanson was the one who brought the tip in; up until that time, Hanson had been reluctant to deal directly with the locals; he had always refused to go into town. Erickson agreed that it was one of the details that had always bothered him, especially after he learned years later of the Hanson family’s close connection to Cuba. There is a knock at the door. Ducky isn’t expecting anyone. Erickson hides out of sight as Ducky answers the door. Through the peep hole, he sees Ziva and tells Erickson to relax. It’s a friend. Ducky opens the door. Hanson is holding a gun on Ziva. For moment, Ducky doesn’t recognize him. Erickson does. Seeing both men, Hanson calls it a two-for; he will finally get his revenge on the men who tried to steal what belong to him. He pushes Ziva into the house and closes the door.
Ducky doesn’t understand why he did it; what had they ever done to him. Ducky had tried to steal his soul mate. Erickson had tried to steal his command. But he had been too smart for both of them. He had made a deal with chief the secret police. In exchange for information, the secret police helped him. The original plan was that they would have been killed trying to rescue him and Tessa. When they that failed, secret police told Tessa that the four of them had been killed. They played it up that Hanson had betrayed his country in order to save her life. Ducky asks what happened to Tessa. Tessa was so grateful for him saving her life that she married him; they have lived happily every after with their four beautiful children. Hanson thanks Erickson for stirring up the past. He always felt a little cheated out of revenge. How much fun is it when your victim doesn’t know how much he’s lost? Killing them now will be even sweeter.
Erickson tells him that he won’t get away with it. Why wouldn’t he. The world thinks he’s been dead for forty years. Instead, the world will think Erickson had another break down only instead of just committing suicide; he went on a killing spree before turning the gun on himself. Hanson has Erickson’s gun.
If he is to die, Ducky asks him to tell him where Tessa is. Gibbs walks out from the back of the house, pointing the gun at Hanson. No one has to die. Tony comes in through the front door. Smiling, Hanson looks from Gibbs to Tony to Ducky. “I’ll tell you when I see you in hell.” He shoves Ziva toward Gibbs and shoots himself in the head. Gibbs asks if Tessa’s given name was Theresa. Ducky believe it was, but she hated the name. Gibbs tells Ducky about the family pictures at the General’s house.
Gibbs is driving Ducky, Fornell, and Erickson back to the General’s house. They are passed by two fire trucks. When they arrive, the General’s house is fully engulfed. The bodies of the General and the housekeeper had already taken out; nothing of the structure or contents could be saved. Gibbs promises Ducky that he will help him find out what happened to Tessa. Erickson agrees to help as well; what better ending to the book than the two lovers being reunited.
Back story:
Summer 1961, the CIA and MI6 joined forces to send in a covert team into Cuba. The five member team included CIA operative Simon Erickson, Navy Seals Joshua Hanson and Roger Davis, and Leonard Mason and Donald Mallard from MI6. They were to gather both tactical and political information on the alliance between Castro and Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev. The team made contact with the anti-Castro forces through Tessa McGraw. Half British-half Cuban, Tessa found herself caught between her parent’s worlds. However, after the death of her older brother and father at the hands of Castro’s secret police, she agreed to become an informant for the CIA. When the team arrived six months later, the mid-twenty year old was already a seasoned operative. Based in homes and in the mountains, McGraw and other rebels helped the team ferret out information. Working closely together, Mallard and McGraw fell in love. When the increasing close calls forced team leader, Simon Erickson decided to pull out, Mallard arranged for her to go with them. The rebels had arranged for one last meeting, claiming they had Castro‘s advanced travel schedule. Although the information came from outside the established channels, it was too good to pass up. McGraw and Hanson drove to the meet, while the rest of the team waited in the hills over looking the house. When the secret police swarmed the house, there was nothing that could be done except retreat back to Guantanamo Navel Base. Questioning the increasing instances of bad information, Erickson demanded an investigation into the loyalty of the team; however, it was quashed by an unknown source. The team was officially cleared, yet Erickson couldn’t let it go of his belief that the team had been set up. He resigned and disappeared.
Using his experiences, Erickson had become a successful novelist. For his final book, he chose to revise his last mission by reconnecting with his team mates and asking their help in learning the truth. . After Erickson is shot at in his home, he learns that both Davis and Mason are dead. Roger Davis was killed in a car accident when his breaks failed. Leonard Mason is murdered on the street.
***********
The car stops at the top hill. Roger Davis, Simon Erickson, Leonard Mason and Donald Mallard get out. Joshua Hanson sits behind the wheel. Tessa McGraw sits on the passenger side. Mallard leans into through the open window and kisses her. Erickson teases him that she’ll back in time for their wedding day. The car drives down to the house. The pair goes inside. Moments later the secret police converge. Shots are fired. Tessa screams once. Mallard tries to run down the hill. Erickson and Mason stop him; there is nothing they can do to save them. They force him to leave.
Ducky wakes up in his own bed. Crying, he pulls out an old picture of himself embracing Tessa.
Ducky sits at this desk reading the letter Erickson sent him. He is upset and tired. Gibbs asks for the autopsy results of Lance Corporal Stevens; he needs to know if it was suicide or murder. Hiding the letter, Ducky uncharacteristically snaps back that he will get the result when the report is ready and not before. He immediately apologizes, explaining that he hasn’t been sleeping well. Gibb asks him about the letter. Ducky ignores the question and goes to work.
Momentarily torn, Gibbs opens the drawer and reads the letter; after which, he has McGee research the three remaining members of the team. Gibb orders him to keep the research off the books.
McGee has trouble finding information on their mission; not all of the CIA’s historical records have been added to the data base. However, he was able to learn from secondary files in found in the FBI archives that Simon Erickson was part of a five man recon team, which was sent into to Cuba in 1961. The details of the mission and the end result had been cleansed; however, after cross referencing the smaller details, he found Erickson’s requests for an investigation of the team and his suspicion of a traitor in the group. McGee was able to find more current information about Erickson. Although he disappeared for nearly a decade after he resigned from the CIA, he reappeared in the early 1970’s as part of the peace and environmental movements. For a short time, he was politically active, running for Governor of California as a Democrat against Ronald Reagan. He is a novelist known for writing murder and spy novels. McGee was still looking into the other members of the team.
Ducky finds himself reliving his time together with Tessa. Abby asks about the blood and tissue sample was supposed to send. Annoyed, Duck asks why suddenly everyone is questioning his work ethic and breaks the connection. Worried, Abby contacts Gibbs; he tells her that he is looking into it.
Gibbs contacts Fornell to ask for help. Annoyed, Fornell reminds Gibbs that he isn’t old enough to have been around at the time of the Bay of Pigs, but that he wasn’t to sure about Gibbs. After Gibbs tells him the reason he needs the information, Fornell agrees to look into it.
Ziva and Tony continue to investigate the death of the marine. Instead of murder, the evidence has begun to lean towards suicide. Both are curious about McGee’s research; they don’t understand why they have been kept out of the loop. Gibbs orders them to keep their minds on their own case.
Fornell delivers a file on the mission to Gibbs. Erickson’s questions did initiate an investigation into the mission, but General Joshua Hanson Sr. had the results sealed Gibbs questions why the General would want the circumstances of his son’s death kept quiet. Unlike Davis and Mason who recently met unfortunate ends, the General is still alive. Fornell suggests that Gibbs ask him and offers to drive. Gibb tries to decline; Fornell withholds the file, he going to be there when the grand-daddy of all son of a bitches kicks Gibbs’ asses or Gibbs can try to get the information elsewhere. Gibbs reluctantly agrees. The file lists both Roger Davis and Leonard Mason as deceased without any details of how they died or what they had been doing for the last 40 years. Of the five man team, only Duck and Erickson are still alive. Gibbs doesn’t like it and orders McGee to find out how Davis and Mason died as well as the current location of Erickson.
Erickson calls Ducky at the morgue. Ducky nearly hangs up on him until Erickson tells him that his life is in danger. Erickson convinces him that they have to meet. Reluctantly Ducky agrees. Erickson is parked outside Ducky’s house. Ducky takes personal time for the rest of the day and immediately leaves
Gibbs asks Ziva and Tony how Lance Corporal Stevens died. They are fairly certain it was suicide; however, they are waiting on the autopsy report. Tony calls down for the results and learns that Ducky mysterious left early. Gibbs sends Ziva to find Ducky and watch over him until further notice. However, she is not to let him know. She asks why and is told because he said so. Through his cell phone, McGee tracks Ducky to his home.
Gibbs and Fornell leave to visit General Hanson. Tony picks up the file and decides go back to the beginning and investigate Erickson’s charges that one team members was a traitor.
After Ducky finds Simon Erickson (Robert Vaughn) waiting for him in the shadows near his front door. Although at one time the two men were very good friends, Ducky has nothing to say to him. Erickson asks him if Tessa’s memory deserves the truth. Ducky reluctantly agrees. Ducky makes tea; he asks if Erickson still takes his with Brandy. Both men feel guilty and responsible, but for different reasons. Erickson still believes there was a mole in their group. Ducky no longer cares; he wants the past to stay buried. Erickson doesn’t believe him; Ducky loved Tessa too much to forget her. He questions if that is the reason Ducky never married. Ignoring the question, Ducky asks why dig up the past now? Erickson needs not only to understand what happened, but he also wants to find the truth so they all can find peace.
Ziva arrives at Ducky’s home. Through the window, she sees him having tea with a man she doesn’t recognize. All seems well. She doesn’t understand what she is doing there spying on a friend. From the sidewalk, a man in his late 60’s (Joshua Mathew Hanson) stops and watches her. They make eye contact; he smiles and tips his hat before continuing down the street. Just of her line of sight, he stops and angrily looks back. He walks toward the house next door.
Gibbs and Fornell arrive at General Joshua Hanson’s home. It is a modest, yet secluded home in the country. The housekeeper lets them in. The General just left for his daily constitution around the gardens. She offers them coffee while they wait. The living room is filled with four generations family photos and mementos of the General’s military career. Fornell comments on the resemblance between Hanson’s sons; he speculates if they were twins. Obviously family is very important to the General. The housekeeper brings in the tray of coffee. They asked her about the family photos. She started working for the General fifteen years ago after his wife died. She never knew Joshua; the son in the pictures is Mathew. Pictures span his entire life; the current pictures show that he is the man that Ziva saw. . Although she has never met Mathew’s wife, Theresa or the rest of the family, she recently met him for the first time. The General usually winters with them, but she wasn‘t quite sure where. He was always very secretive about their location. Before they are able to ask more questions, the General arrives.
In his 90’s, the General is mentally and physically fit even for a man twenty years his junior. He orders them out; he won’t have a couple of spooks in his house. Gibbs points out there is only one spook; he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. A marine and a spook working together--obviously, Gibbs is a disgrace to his uniform. They ask why he quashed the investigation into his son’s death. Instead of answering, Hanson blames the jackasses in Washington for the loss of his son. Joshua was the logical choice to lead the mission; he had all the experience and contacts in Cuba. The General met wife while he had been stationed at Gitmo. At the time, they still had family who were willing to help, including Joshua’s fiancée. If Joshua had been leading the mission, he wouldn’t have had to lose his son. Gibbs asks to see a picture of Joshua. The General refuses and orders them both out of his house. Gibbs and Fornell leave; both know he is hiding something.
McGee discovers that both Davis and Mason died under mysterious circumstances, Davis died when his breaks failed and the car went over a cliff into the sea; his body had been found. Mason was shot on the street; the case was still unsolved. He was able to trace Erickson’s recent movements through credit card receipts and airline tickets. In both cases, he had been in the area when the men died. He had been seen with Mason shortly before he was killed. The police questioned him, but could prove nothing. He was also involved in another shooting two days before. He was still working on getting the details. According to his credit card, Erickson flew into town last night.
Tony has back checked the individual members of the team. He is surprised by some of the things he found in Ducky’s history. Joshua Hanson and Roger Davis were part of a Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team (UDT); they volunteered when the Chief of Navel Operations created the Seals. Both were well trained, but the General had pulled strings to fast track his son’s career; he was the original team leader until the CIA put Erickson in charge. According to Davis’s widow, both father and son were furious over the change. One of the reasons Hanson volunteered for the mission was to bring back his fiancée, Tessa McGraw. After his tour of duty, Davis returned to his family and led an unremarkable life. Leonard Mason returned to England and was assigned to other duties. SIS was unwilling to share any further information.
Erickson has always felt guilty and responsible for the deaths and failure of the mission. If he had listened to his gut and followed procedure, both Hanson and Tessa would still be alive. Instead he had allowed his ambition to blind him to the risks; Ducky reminds him that they all knew what could happen before they set foot on the beach. Erickson always through there was more going on than they knew. Someone had enough power to squash his requests for an investigation. Through the Freedom of Information Act, Erickson was able to gain access to more information about who was involved with the planning of the mission. Most of the most sensitive material had been blocked out. But there was enough for him to find back doors to go through. He wrote to the three of them to not only back check his own memories, but to see if any of them had remembered any details that they hadn’t shared. Ducky asks what the other remembered. Erickson tells them that they didn’t get a chance to tell him; they were murdered. The night before someone had shot at him in his home; it was the reason he showed up on Ducky’s doorstep.
Ziva calls in. She doesn’t understand why she is spying on a friend. . In the background, Joshua Mathew is seen watching her from a concealed position. She would find it easier to do her job if she knew what she was looking for. Tony reminds her Gibbs always has his reasons; he doesn’t always share them. “It’s not for us to reason why. Ours is just to or die.” Gibbs and Fornell return to base. Gibbs chimes “Kill, no. I’d just kick your ass.” Ziva tells them that the street is quiet; the only person she’s seen was an elderly gentleman taking a walk. Both McGee and Tony share what they learned. The question if the old man was still capable of killing. Fornell speculates that it is more likely the brother. Gibbs asks about the brother. McGee tells him that the General only had one son, Joshua Mathew. Gibbs calls Ziva; she doesn’t answer her phone.
Ducky had thought it was odd that Joshua Hanson was the one who brought the tip in; up until that time, Hanson had been reluctant to deal directly with the locals; he had always refused to go into town. Erickson agreed that it was one of the details that had always bothered him, especially after he learned years later of the Hanson family’s close connection to Cuba. There is a knock at the door. Ducky isn’t expecting anyone. Erickson hides out of sight as Ducky answers the door. Through the peep hole, he sees Ziva and tells Erickson to relax. It’s a friend. Ducky opens the door. Hanson is holding a gun on Ziva. For moment, Ducky doesn’t recognize him. Erickson does. Seeing both men, Hanson calls it a two-for; he will finally get his revenge on the men who tried to steal what belong to him. He pushes Ziva into the house and closes the door.
Ducky doesn’t understand why he did it; what had they ever done to him. Ducky had tried to steal his soul mate. Erickson had tried to steal his command. But he had been too smart for both of them. He had made a deal with chief the secret police. In exchange for information, the secret police helped him. The original plan was that they would have been killed trying to rescue him and Tessa. When they that failed, secret police told Tessa that the four of them had been killed. They played it up that Hanson had betrayed his country in order to save her life. Ducky asks what happened to Tessa. Tessa was so grateful for him saving her life that she married him; they have lived happily every after with their four beautiful children. Hanson thanks Erickson for stirring up the past. He always felt a little cheated out of revenge. How much fun is it when your victim doesn’t know how much he’s lost? Killing them now will be even sweeter.
Erickson tells him that he won’t get away with it. Why wouldn’t he. The world thinks he’s been dead for forty years. Instead, the world will think Erickson had another break down only instead of just committing suicide; he went on a killing spree before turning the gun on himself. Hanson has Erickson’s gun.
If he is to die, Ducky asks him to tell him where Tessa is. Gibbs walks out from the back of the house, pointing the gun at Hanson. No one has to die. Tony comes in through the front door. Smiling, Hanson looks from Gibbs to Tony to Ducky. “I’ll tell you when I see you in hell.” He shoves Ziva toward Gibbs and shoots himself in the head. Gibbs asks if Tessa’s given name was Theresa. Ducky believe it was, but she hated the name. Gibbs tells Ducky about the family pictures at the General’s house.
Gibbs is driving Ducky, Fornell, and Erickson back to the General’s house. They are passed by two fire trucks. When they arrive, the General’s house is fully engulfed. The bodies of the General and the housekeeper had already taken out; nothing of the structure or contents could be saved. Gibbs promises Ducky that he will help him find out what happened to Tessa. Erickson agrees to help as well; what better ending to the book than the two lovers being reunited.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Eye of Ra: An Occult Horror Film
Eye of Ra
Written by
Theresa Chaze
Eye of Ra is an occult horror film that is based on Egyptian mythology. When Isis stole power from Ra, she initiated a guardian who not only had the strength to be the focal point for this great power, but who also had the ability to protect its secrets from those who would abuse them. Jealous of her grandmother and daughters’ spiritual gifts, Sandra takes her youngest daughter, Rikki and disappears. Seeking power, she searches the world for the Eye of Ra; when she finds it, it is Rikki not her that the Guardian chooses. Enraged, Sandra makes a pact with the Dark Ones; if they help her destroy her own daughter, she will use the Eye in their name. Sandra attacks in the middle of the initiation ceremony. The Priestess is killed before it can be completed. Barely escaping with her life, Rikki returns to the small town of her birth. Her physical wounds have heals, but the guilt and self-doubt keeps her from seeing the truth of her life. Sandra follows Rikki to finish what she started, bringing the evil of the Dark Ones with her, and a small northern Michigan town learns the black secret that had been buried among them for generations.
Written by
Theresa Chaze
Eye of Ra is an occult horror film that is based on Egyptian mythology. When Isis stole power from Ra, she initiated a guardian who not only had the strength to be the focal point for this great power, but who also had the ability to protect its secrets from those who would abuse them. Jealous of her grandmother and daughters’ spiritual gifts, Sandra takes her youngest daughter, Rikki and disappears. Seeking power, she searches the world for the Eye of Ra; when she finds it, it is Rikki not her that the Guardian chooses. Enraged, Sandra makes a pact with the Dark Ones; if they help her destroy her own daughter, she will use the Eye in their name. Sandra attacks in the middle of the initiation ceremony. The Priestess is killed before it can be completed. Barely escaping with her life, Rikki returns to the small town of her birth. Her physical wounds have heals, but the guilt and self-doubt keeps her from seeing the truth of her life. Sandra follows Rikki to finish what she started, bringing the evil of the Dark Ones with her, and a small northern Michigan town learns the black secret that had been buried among them for generations.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Paula Forester Returning to Until You Walk the Path
Until You Walk the Path, You Won’t Know Where it Goes is an interactive internet radio show, which takes a broader look at the topic of spirituality. Paula Forester will be appearing to talk about her work as a psychic detective and to give readings. Paula Forester has been featured as a psychic reader and psychic detective (who has worked with the NYPD) on such television programs as WABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News (NYC) NY1 News, WNBC-TV New (NYC) and has been the subject of an hour-long reality documentary on PAX TV's "It's a Miracle" with Richard Thomas. She has also been the subject of print articles in The New York Times, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, Reuters News Service, AP and UPI. Locally, she has worked at special events including "What Women Like" Private Party at The Mighty Monticello Racino. Paula reads the Tarot and also schedules appointments to contact the spirits of our loved ones who have passed to the other worlds. Her abilities also include finding lost people and animal companions and psychically working crime cases. Her website address is http://thebroomstick.com/
To Participate in the chat room or to make a free call using Skype, please go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze
The call in number is (347) 324-3745
5/10/2009 5:00 PM eastern
60 Minute
To Participate in the chat room or to make a free call using Skype, please go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze
The call in number is (347) 324-3745
5/10/2009 5:00 PM eastern
60 Minute
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Operation Home Base: The Next NCIS
OPERATION HOME BASE
Written by
Theresa Chaze
(Operation Home Base is copyrighted; no part may be used, stored or reproduced without expressed written permission by the author)
To Read an excerpt of the first draft of the two hour made for TV movie click here
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as an intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with the civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
The Red Cross Liaison assists family members in communicating with military personal through official channels. Using established avenues, the Liaison speeds up the verification process, thereby helping the messages arrive in a timely fashion. In addition, they help arrange transportation across country for the family members whose loved ones have been injured as well as for military personnel during times of family crisis.
Legal Aid --Staffed with both in-service and civilian volunteers, Legal Aid represents military personnel and families both with military and civilian legal issues. Although the representatives works directly with JAG/Provost Marshall/CID/NCIS/local law enforcement, they represent military personnel and their families in all legal issues.
Mental Health Services-Staffed with counseling professionals, they give emotional and spiritual support during times of crisis for active duty, vets, wounded warriors, and family members. Providing help with emotional and spiritual issues that arise from war, they find the necessary care for:
-domestic abuse
-PTSD
-head trauma
-rape crisis
-depression
-personality disorders
-family counseling
-suicide intervention
Unlike the existing services, these Mental Health professionals are both civilian and military, who have the authority to call in to question existing treatment protocol calls from the sandbox to the bases to homes. Civilians work on a situational basis and are granted rank, which is equivalent to their education and experience by the head of OHB.
Domestic Assistance acts an intermediary with local organizations for families in crisis. Every military base has a Dependent Center that helps military families find assistance from civilian organizations. OHB helps find additional resources to help improve the families’ standard of living, while helping vets and wound warriors successful reenter civilian life.
Casualty/mortuary Team-Made up of multi-denominational spiritual councilors as well as senior staff, this team helps the families of vets cope with the injury or death of their loved one. The mortuary team members notify the family members of the death of their loved one as well as helping them make the appropriate burial arrangements. In the case of injury, the casualty team keeps them informed of the status of their loved one and arranges the appropriate transportation.
Veterans Affairs Liaison-Combination political appointee and retired vet with at least ten years of active service, the Liaison helps military personal not only receive the benefits due, but to also fights for additional economic, medical and educational assistance. The position could be best described as the Military’s ambassador to the U.S government.
Financial Aid Officer-The Financial Aid Officer is accountant who finds sources of income from government grants, private donations and fund raising. In addition, this department helps arranges loans/grants through private the government or private institutions for emergency needs.
By combining their talents and resources, Operation Home Base does its best to catch those who would have fallen through the cracks. Sometimes humorous, frequently heart breaking, their stories are those of the U.S military and those who love them. Although intra-service rivalry continues, the branches of the military have come together to protect and provide for their members with the help of their government or in some cases in spite of it.
My first choice for the following roles:
Lorelei Stewart--Gloria Loring
Retired Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds--Deidre Hall
Deacon James William--Tom Selleck
Michael Woodsman--Drake Hogestyn
Martin Flying Crow--Graham Greene
Randi Cullen--Alyssa Milano
Master Sergeant Stella Garcia (Casualty/mortuary) Half Potawatomi half Mexican, Stella Garcia is woman in her late 30’s who planned to be a career soldier; however, the IED, which took her left leg, ended her active field duty. The sole survivor of the three vehicle convoy, she suffered from PTSD and depression. Emotionally she couldn’t find the reason for her surviving when rest of her buddies was killed. Using alcohol and sex to numb the pain, she walked through life unable to feel anything while awake. Zombie-like, she settled into her new desk job, yet her dreams were haunted by the spirits of her unit and the others. They asked her why she ran away from her duty--why she allowed their deaths to be in vain. Instead of seeking aid, she hides deeper within the bottle. Her relationships were shallow and temporary; no one was going to get close enough to hurt her again. However, after the death of her maternal grandmother, Stella knew where she needed to go. Going AWOL, she left for the Rez. A Tribal Elder, contacted her Unit Commander and arranged leave. Through ancient ceremonies she not only found the strength to heal and forgive herself, but also finds her new destiny. She became the Wind Talker who spoke for the dead and insured their wishes were fully carried out. Returning to base, she volunteered for Mortuary duty through which she became part of Operation Home Base.
Lorelei Stewart-(Mental Health Director) Lorelei Stewart is a woman in her early-fifties, who started her life as an army brat who married a career officer--Dr. Robert Stewart with whom she had three children-2 boys and a girl. She has Master Degrees in Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Sociology. A published author, she spent her early career working as profiler for the FBI. However, when she met and married career officer Col. Robert Stewart, she moved into private practice until his death during Operation Desert Storm. It was after his death she learned how little support military personal and their families actually received. Determined to use her experiences to help others, she became one of the founders of Operation Home Base. The love of her life Robert Steward left more than emotional and financial void in Lorelei and her children’s life. There were many questions the Army refused to answer. Growing up an Army brat, she was well aware that some questions were never meant to be answered. It was not so easy for her children, especially her daughter, Roberta. Although she has difficulty with helping her children accepting and healing their father‘s death, Lorelei has become part Mother Superior, part Mom and part USO entertainer to those she councils. Whether it be with a wise-crack, singing a song, or with a ruler across the knuckles, she has a unique ability to defuse tense situations that could have easily become violent. Growing up an Army brat, she not only understands the mentality of those who choose to serve, but also the subtext of the messages behind the words. Although it is not part of her normal duties, she arranges for special entertainment features for the troops in the San Diego area as well as else where. On occasion, she has participated as part of the program by singing and acting in comedy skits she helped write.
Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds (Financial Aid Officer)-A retired regular army officer in her late 50’s, she is chief financial aid officer for OHB. Half accountant, half weasel, she has able to not only make stingy people take a crowbar to their wallet, but also make sure every buffalo shits twice before the nickel is spent. Whether in the private or government arena, if there is money to be had, she knows how to find it and acquire it. Blonde and beautiful blonde, those who under-estimated her intelligence quickly regret their mistake. Classy by nature when the situation arises, she is not above low blows both physically and verbally. A career officer, mother of two and a wife, Reynolds found a way to balance her career and family needs. Her husband, Larry Reynolds is a police detective. Her daughter Rachael is a junior in college; who does volunteer work for the OHB in the Red Cross office. Her son Mitchell is an active duty marine; his wife Debra and his children live with Reynolds while he is in the sandbox.
Deacon James Williams (Head of OHB and San Diego CA supervisor). Ex special ops, James Williams was nick named Deek soon after he was deployed in Vietnam the summer of 1966. Assigned Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he reemerged from his assignment and was immediately air lifted out without any official records of his activities. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest clearance, he occasionally disappears for days without notice or reason. As part of the financial aid agreement with the government, Williams was named as Head of OHB, answering only to the heads of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests, yet no attachments. He sees the big pictures when it comes to his career and the military, but refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personal relationships. The “companions” who warm his bed at night are never there at dawn. Although there is a great deal of speculation about him, no one really has the courage to ask.
Michael Woodsman (Veterans Affairs Liaison) A political appointee who knows the ins and outs of how and when to kiss ass and when to kick it, Woodsman worked his way up through the political system. His hard edge and cynicism makes him a dangerous opponent, but also a very effective Liaison for the OHB. He is a team player with an us or them mentality. For the us he is a supportive and loyal advocate; the them quickly learn that crossing him was not a pleasant experience for his charm was on a thin façade. A car accident in his late teen, permanently damaged his spine, the physical limitation is a source of great anger as well as being a profound motivator. Although he never served himself, he has great respect for those who do step up to the plate. When Lorelei approached him to help with OHB, he finally found a cause he could believe in. Using his political capital both above board and blackmailing behind the scenes, Woodsman was a major force in opening doors for its creation. In his mind, it is his way of serving those who do serve.
Debra Anne Lee (Red Cross) In her early twenties, this southern bell grew up with seven older brothers most of whom join the military. A martial arts expert in her own right, she is proud of her family heritage that can be traced back to the civil war. Her mother used to say that Debra Anne walked where fools and angels fear to tread and was kicked out for being a smart ass. More moxie and intelligence than common sense, she is willing to take on situations and people that most people run away from. Using the immortality of youth as a shield as well as her passion and natural curiosity, she would con, charm, or connive her way to achieving her goals.
Martin Flying Crow(Domestic Assistance) A full blooded Oneida, Flying Crow enlisted in the Navy to escape the abject poverty of the Rez only to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was too destined to be a healer and guide to others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, in order to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Navy was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic with his unit. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek. Although they met with opposing agendas, they developed a mutual respect for one another both on and off the battlefield. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual and medical support there was for the military personal, vets and wounded warriors along with their families. Working on a local level out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wound warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure that brought him to the attention of Lorelei Stuart and Michael Woodsman. Using his template, the three of them created Operation Home Base.
Randi Cullen (Legal Aid) Randi Cullen grew up as Marine brat until her mother divorced her father early in childhood. Eventually her mother remarried and moved across country, taking Randi and her brothers away from the military way of life. After the divorce, her birth father severed contact. He quickly became the elephant in the room that neither she nor her mother was willing to discuss for fear of where it would lead. During her teen years, she tried to contact him; however, she had little success. But she was able to learn that two years before his twenty year retirement, he suddenly resigned his commission and disappeared. Although both of her older brothers enlisted straight out of high school, Cullen both loved and hated the military. She loved the discipline and the service, yet she blamed it for the loss of her father. Following her step father, she joined the San Diego County Prosecutor’s Office and quickly rose in the ranks. She was not only known for her fairness and tenacity, but her out spoken views.
These are the core characters to the series. Supporting characters for the OHB would be added or removed as the series develops. This show will not be anything close to Army Wives. Taken from the headlines as well as from the writer’s imagination, the stories will accurately portray the challenges of military personnel, vets, and wounded warriors along with those their families must face.
Written by
Theresa Chaze
(Operation Home Base is copyrighted; no part may be used, stored or reproduced without expressed written permission by the author)
To Read an excerpt of the first draft of the two hour made for TV movie click here
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as an intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with the civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
The Red Cross Liaison assists family members in communicating with military personal through official channels. Using established avenues, the Liaison speeds up the verification process, thereby helping the messages arrive in a timely fashion. In addition, they help arrange transportation across country for the family members whose loved ones have been injured as well as for military personnel during times of family crisis.
Legal Aid --Staffed with both in-service and civilian volunteers, Legal Aid represents military personnel and families both with military and civilian legal issues. Although the representatives works directly with JAG/Provost Marshall/CID/NCIS/local law enforcement, they represent military personnel and their families in all legal issues.
Mental Health Services-Staffed with counseling professionals, they give emotional and spiritual support during times of crisis for active duty, vets, wounded warriors, and family members. Providing help with emotional and spiritual issues that arise from war, they find the necessary care for:
-domestic abuse
-PTSD
-head trauma
-rape crisis
-depression
-personality disorders
-family counseling
-suicide intervention
Unlike the existing services, these Mental Health professionals are both civilian and military, who have the authority to call in to question existing treatment protocol calls from the sandbox to the bases to homes. Civilians work on a situational basis and are granted rank, which is equivalent to their education and experience by the head of OHB.
Domestic Assistance acts an intermediary with local organizations for families in crisis. Every military base has a Dependent Center that helps military families find assistance from civilian organizations. OHB helps find additional resources to help improve the families’ standard of living, while helping vets and wound warriors successful reenter civilian life.
Casualty/mortuary Team-Made up of multi-denominational spiritual councilors as well as senior staff, this team helps the families of vets cope with the injury or death of their loved one. The mortuary team members notify the family members of the death of their loved one as well as helping them make the appropriate burial arrangements. In the case of injury, the casualty team keeps them informed of the status of their loved one and arranges the appropriate transportation.
Veterans Affairs Liaison-Combination political appointee and retired vet with at least ten years of active service, the Liaison helps military personal not only receive the benefits due, but to also fights for additional economic, medical and educational assistance. The position could be best described as the Military’s ambassador to the U.S government.
Financial Aid Officer-The Financial Aid Officer is accountant who finds sources of income from government grants, private donations and fund raising. In addition, this department helps arranges loans/grants through private the government or private institutions for emergency needs.
By combining their talents and resources, Operation Home Base does its best to catch those who would have fallen through the cracks. Sometimes humorous, frequently heart breaking, their stories are those of the U.S military and those who love them. Although intra-service rivalry continues, the branches of the military have come together to protect and provide for their members with the help of their government or in some cases in spite of it.
My first choice for the following roles:
Lorelei Stewart--Gloria Loring
Retired Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds--Deidre Hall
Deacon James William--Tom Selleck
Michael Woodsman--Drake Hogestyn
Martin Flying Crow--Graham Greene
Randi Cullen--Alyssa Milano
Master Sergeant Stella Garcia (Casualty/mortuary) Half Potawatomi half Mexican, Stella Garcia is woman in her late 30’s who planned to be a career soldier; however, the IED, which took her left leg, ended her active field duty. The sole survivor of the three vehicle convoy, she suffered from PTSD and depression. Emotionally she couldn’t find the reason for her surviving when rest of her buddies was killed. Using alcohol and sex to numb the pain, she walked through life unable to feel anything while awake. Zombie-like, she settled into her new desk job, yet her dreams were haunted by the spirits of her unit and the others. They asked her why she ran away from her duty--why she allowed their deaths to be in vain. Instead of seeking aid, she hides deeper within the bottle. Her relationships were shallow and temporary; no one was going to get close enough to hurt her again. However, after the death of her maternal grandmother, Stella knew where she needed to go. Going AWOL, she left for the Rez. A Tribal Elder, contacted her Unit Commander and arranged leave. Through ancient ceremonies she not only found the strength to heal and forgive herself, but also finds her new destiny. She became the Wind Talker who spoke for the dead and insured their wishes were fully carried out. Returning to base, she volunteered for Mortuary duty through which she became part of Operation Home Base.
Lorelei Stewart-(Mental Health Director) Lorelei Stewart is a woman in her early-fifties, who started her life as an army brat who married a career officer--Dr. Robert Stewart with whom she had three children-2 boys and a girl. She has Master Degrees in Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Sociology. A published author, she spent her early career working as profiler for the FBI. However, when she met and married career officer Col. Robert Stewart, she moved into private practice until his death during Operation Desert Storm. It was after his death she learned how little support military personal and their families actually received. Determined to use her experiences to help others, she became one of the founders of Operation Home Base. The love of her life Robert Steward left more than emotional and financial void in Lorelei and her children’s life. There were many questions the Army refused to answer. Growing up an Army brat, she was well aware that some questions were never meant to be answered. It was not so easy for her children, especially her daughter, Roberta. Although she has difficulty with helping her children accepting and healing their father‘s death, Lorelei has become part Mother Superior, part Mom and part USO entertainer to those she councils. Whether it be with a wise-crack, singing a song, or with a ruler across the knuckles, she has a unique ability to defuse tense situations that could have easily become violent. Growing up an Army brat, she not only understands the mentality of those who choose to serve, but also the subtext of the messages behind the words. Although it is not part of her normal duties, she arranges for special entertainment features for the troops in the San Diego area as well as else where. On occasion, she has participated as part of the program by singing and acting in comedy skits she helped write.
Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds (Financial Aid Officer)-A retired regular army officer in her late 50’s, she is chief financial aid officer for OHB. Half accountant, half weasel, she has able to not only make stingy people take a crowbar to their wallet, but also make sure every buffalo shits twice before the nickel is spent. Whether in the private or government arena, if there is money to be had, she knows how to find it and acquire it. Blonde and beautiful blonde, those who under-estimated her intelligence quickly regret their mistake. Classy by nature when the situation arises, she is not above low blows both physically and verbally. A career officer, mother of two and a wife, Reynolds found a way to balance her career and family needs. Her husband, Larry Reynolds is a police detective. Her daughter Rachael is a junior in college; who does volunteer work for the OHB in the Red Cross office. Her son Mitchell is an active duty marine; his wife Debra and his children live with Reynolds while he is in the sandbox.
Deacon James Williams (Head of OHB and San Diego CA supervisor). Ex special ops, James Williams was nick named Deek soon after he was deployed in Vietnam the summer of 1966. Assigned Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he reemerged from his assignment and was immediately air lifted out without any official records of his activities. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest clearance, he occasionally disappears for days without notice or reason. As part of the financial aid agreement with the government, Williams was named as Head of OHB, answering only to the heads of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests, yet no attachments. He sees the big pictures when it comes to his career and the military, but refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personal relationships. The “companions” who warm his bed at night are never there at dawn. Although there is a great deal of speculation about him, no one really has the courage to ask.
Michael Woodsman (Veterans Affairs Liaison) A political appointee who knows the ins and outs of how and when to kiss ass and when to kick it, Woodsman worked his way up through the political system. His hard edge and cynicism makes him a dangerous opponent, but also a very effective Liaison for the OHB. He is a team player with an us or them mentality. For the us he is a supportive and loyal advocate; the them quickly learn that crossing him was not a pleasant experience for his charm was on a thin façade. A car accident in his late teen, permanently damaged his spine, the physical limitation is a source of great anger as well as being a profound motivator. Although he never served himself, he has great respect for those who do step up to the plate. When Lorelei approached him to help with OHB, he finally found a cause he could believe in. Using his political capital both above board and blackmailing behind the scenes, Woodsman was a major force in opening doors for its creation. In his mind, it is his way of serving those who do serve.
Debra Anne Lee (Red Cross) In her early twenties, this southern bell grew up with seven older brothers most of whom join the military. A martial arts expert in her own right, she is proud of her family heritage that can be traced back to the civil war. Her mother used to say that Debra Anne walked where fools and angels fear to tread and was kicked out for being a smart ass. More moxie and intelligence than common sense, she is willing to take on situations and people that most people run away from. Using the immortality of youth as a shield as well as her passion and natural curiosity, she would con, charm, or connive her way to achieving her goals.
Martin Flying Crow(Domestic Assistance) A full blooded Oneida, Flying Crow enlisted in the Navy to escape the abject poverty of the Rez only to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was too destined to be a healer and guide to others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, in order to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Navy was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic with his unit. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek. Although they met with opposing agendas, they developed a mutual respect for one another both on and off the battlefield. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual and medical support there was for the military personal, vets and wounded warriors along with their families. Working on a local level out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wound warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure that brought him to the attention of Lorelei Stuart and Michael Woodsman. Using his template, the three of them created Operation Home Base.
Randi Cullen (Legal Aid) Randi Cullen grew up as Marine brat until her mother divorced her father early in childhood. Eventually her mother remarried and moved across country, taking Randi and her brothers away from the military way of life. After the divorce, her birth father severed contact. He quickly became the elephant in the room that neither she nor her mother was willing to discuss for fear of where it would lead. During her teen years, she tried to contact him; however, she had little success. But she was able to learn that two years before his twenty year retirement, he suddenly resigned his commission and disappeared. Although both of her older brothers enlisted straight out of high school, Cullen both loved and hated the military. She loved the discipline and the service, yet she blamed it for the loss of her father. Following her step father, she joined the San Diego County Prosecutor’s Office and quickly rose in the ranks. She was not only known for her fairness and tenacity, but her out spoken views.
These are the core characters to the series. Supporting characters for the OHB would be added or removed as the series develops. This show will not be anything close to Army Wives. Taken from the headlines as well as from the writer’s imagination, the stories will accurately portray the challenges of military personnel, vets, and wounded warriors along with those their families must face.
Monday, May 04, 2009
New Military Series: Operation Home Base
I have been working a made for TV movie that is designed to become a weekly series. Originally it was written to be a spin off for NCIS; however, Donald Bellisario only produces projects he creates and writes himself. It would still be a good project for a producer and network who values those who have the courage to serve and their families.
I have written a treatment based on the real life organization Operation Homefront called, Operation Home Base. OHB intertwines the challenges military personnel face with those of their families. This is not an Army Wives or reality show, but an accurate portrayal of military life. The show intertwines drama and suspense with comedy to tell the stories of active duty, vets, and wounded warriors along with those who love them.
OPERATION HOME BASE
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
Currently, I am writing the two hour pilot; part of which will be posted here by the end of the week. Several characters were written with specific actors in mind.
Lorelei Stewart--Gloria Loring
Retired Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds--Deidre Hall
Deacon James William--Tom Selleck
Michael Woodsman--Drake Hogestyn
Martin Flying Crow--Graham Greene
Randi Cullen--Alyssa Milano
I have written a treatment based on the real life organization Operation Homefront called, Operation Home Base. OHB intertwines the challenges military personnel face with those of their families. This is not an Army Wives or reality show, but an accurate portrayal of military life. The show intertwines drama and suspense with comedy to tell the stories of active duty, vets, and wounded warriors along with those who love them.
OPERATION HOME BASE
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.
Currently, I am writing the two hour pilot; part of which will be posted here by the end of the week. Several characters were written with specific actors in mind.
Lorelei Stewart--Gloria Loring
Retired Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds--Deidre Hall
Deacon James William--Tom Selleck
Michael Woodsman--Drake Hogestyn
Martin Flying Crow--Graham Greene
Randi Cullen--Alyssa Milano
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Love Spell
I wrote this for a friend of mine, who has cleared the old stuff from the past. She kept looking for an old loves. By working through the old lessons with them, she was finally able to release them and move on. She is now able to not only want new beginnings, but she will also be able to see and accept them.
This ritual is to open your heart and eyes to love.
You will need a white or pink candle of any size. The rules of this are very flexible. Light the candle and say:
With this candle I light the way
for true love to find me without delay.
Let this flame be a be a beacon both day and night
giving Cupid's arrow extra might.
Be he far or be he near,
Bring my love quickly here.
If your heart says to let it burn out, then do it. However, if it says to put it out after the spell and relight it another time, do that. The key is to follow your heart's desire.
The second part is not magical, but is equally as important. You need to start participating in life for the simple pleasure of being alive. Do what you love with people you enjoy. Doing so will reignite you inner glow, which will act as a beacon for love to find you.
They key is not to search, but make yourself available for love to find you. Do what makes you smile from the inside out; the rest will follow.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Nationally Known Intuitives Talk About Their Psychic Gifts
Until You Walk the Path, You Won’t Know Where it Goes is an interactive internet radio show, which takes a broader look at the topic of spirituality. The topic will be what does it mean to be psychic. Intuitives will be talking about how their gifts manifest and how they develop them.
Raven from Tarot Talk will be one of my guests. "Tarot Talk" is a thoughtful, laid-back weekly chat of all things esoteric with your Tarot-reading hosts, Raven & Georgianna. Raven Mardirosian of Matarot Intuitive Wellness is an intuitive counselor in southern VT. She specializes in Tarot, IChing, Runes, Animal Medicine Cards & Crystal Dowsing. She is a Level II Reiki practitioner. Georgianna Boehnke of The Tarot Room is an artist & intuitive who works exclusively with Tarot. She is based in Toronto. Join the conversation every Sunday @1pm EST as we talk with the most fascinating Tarot readers, psychics & intuitives in the Universe!
Elizabeth Rose is a Medium/Healer/Pyschic.
Being who I am .. hasn't always been easy till the last few yrs.
I have known things about others since I was a very young child. Was told to hide those gifts... and I did. Opened again as a teenager... and I hid. Later married at young age to an abusive man... they opened at least 3 times. Now .. on my own.. for the past 6 yrs.. I can practice and be who I am.
Healer.... dealing with Energy.. Reiki Master, Mediumship, Pyschic Intuitive, Hypnotherapist. I call myself an * Integrated Therapist*
I have been studying Quantum Touch Healing.... having used touch therapy for yrs in what I do. Crystal healing is a love of mine also.
I have been blessed to have done many radio broadcasts, appeared on Tv, Speaking Presentations. The Universe is now lifting all of us to be the strength that is needed to help others in this time .. that is hard for many.
Contact information:
Lioness_of_angels2006@yahoo.com
Cell# 602-512-5337
www.myspace.comelizabethannrose
There will also be others So stop in and learn more about what it means to be a psychic.
Friday, May 01, 2009
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