#chauffeur service East side

[meemlimo-blog]

Limo Service From JFK Airport To Upper West Side

Travel seamlessly from JFK airport to Manhattan upper west side with MeemLimo chauffeured transportation service. Our elegant Limo Service ensures a smooth journey, allowing you to explore new York city in comfort. Reserve your ride today by dialing toll-free at +1-844-682-6336.

[nik991]

Why Should Hire a CHauffeur for a Corporate Trip?

When it comes to corporate travel, details matter. From time management to creating a positive impression, every aspect plays a role in making a business trip successful. One way to elevate your corporate travel experience is by hiring a chauffeur. At GoodGears, we believe that a professional chauffeur service transforms a simple journey into a seamless, productive, and comfortable experience.

Here’s why hiring a chauffeur for your corporate trip is a smart move and how GoodGears can deliver top-tier luxury car rental in NCR at a friendly pocket price.

1. Boosts Productivity On-the-Go

Corporate trips often mean back-to-back meetings, presentations, and deadlines. With a chauffeur at the wheel, you gain uninterrupted time to work, make calls, or review notes without worrying about traffic, directions, or parking. Whether you’re in NCR or heading to East Delhi for an important meeting, GoodGears’ chauffeur services provide a quiet, comfortable environment that allows you to make the most of every minute on the road.

Our vehicles are designed to support a work-friendly atmosphere, making it easier for you and your team to stay productive and focused, even during transit.

2. Creates a Lasting Professional Impression

Arriving in a chauffeur-driven luxury car shows clients, partners, and colleagues that you value professionalism and attention to detail. GoodGears’ luxury car rental in NCR allows you to arrive in style, giving you the confidence to make a great first impression. Our chauffeurs are trained in business etiquette and maintain a polished, courteous demeanor, making your arrival feel refined and memorable.

Whether it’s a high-stakes meeting or a client event, showing up with a professional chauffeur by your side signals commitment and reliability, which can make a positive difference in your business relationships.

3. Punctuality You Can Count On

In the business world, time is invaluable. When you’re navigating a busy city like Delhi, unexpected traffic delays can add stress to your schedule. GoodGears’ chauffeurs are trained to plan the best routes and account for traffic patterns, ensuring you arrive at your destination on time. With our reliable corporate trip and employee transfer services, you can count on punctuality for every journey.

From airport pickups to cross-town meetings, GoodGears’ chauffeur service gives you the confidence of knowing you’ll never be late, allowing you to focus entirely on your work.

4. Stress-Free Travel with Unmatched Convenience

Traveling in a new city or navigating peak-hour traffic can be draining, especially when you have a packed schedule. A chauffeur takes that stress away. With GoodGears’ chauffeur services, you can rely on a professional to handle all the logistical details, including navigation, parking, and luggage handling, so you can relax or prepare for your next appointment.

Our service covers all aspects of travel, from one-time business appointments to extended corporate events. Whether you’re booking an outstation car in East Delhi or a local commute, GoodGears chauffeurs handle every detail so you don’t have to.

5. Cost-Effective Luxury for Corporate Travel

Hiring a chauffeur might sound like a luxury, but with GoodGears, it’s a luxury you can afford. Our friendly pocket pricing offers flexible, budget-friendly options that meet the needs of companies of all sizes. From short-term bookings to full-day rentals, our pricing allows you to enjoy the perks of a chauffeur-driven vehicle without stretching your travel budget.

We offer tailored packages for corporate needs, including employee transfer services, airport transfers, and client transportation. With GoodGears, you can provide top-notch travel solutions for your team without compromising on quality or affordability.

6. Safety and Peace of Mind

When you’re responsible for arranging transportation for your team or clients, safety is a top concern. GoodGears chauffeurs undergo rigorous training in defensive driving and customer service, providing you with a reliable and safe experience. Our vehicles are also regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the highest standards of safety.

In addition to safety, our chauffeurs’ knowledge of local routes ensures that you’re in good hands, whether you’re traveling locally in NCR or heading outstation from East Delhi. This peace of mind is priceless, allowing you to focus on the purpose of your trip without worry.

7. Flexible Options for Every Corporate Need

GoodGears understands that each business trip is unique, so we offer flexible packages tailored to different corporate needs. From executive vehicles for client meetings to larger vehicles for team transfers, we have a fleet of options to suit every requirement. Our services are also available for long-distance or outstation travel, making GoodGears a one-stop solution for corporate mobility.

Whether you need a luxury car for a single meeting or a series of chauffeur-driven vehicles for a company event, GoodGears provides customizable packages that make corporate travel convenient and stress-free.

Why Choose GoodGears for Your Next Corporate Trip?

Professional Chauffeurs: Our chauffeurs are well-trained, courteous, and prioritize your comfort and convenience.

Impressive Fleet of Luxury Cars: Our selection of executive and luxury cars enhances your corporate image and comfort.

On-Time, Reliable Service: From traffic planning to timely pickups, our chauffeurs are committed to punctuality.

Affordable Luxury: Experience premium chauffeur services with flexible pricing that fits your corporate budget.

Comprehensive Corporate Solutions: From airport transfers to employee transportation, we cover all corporate travel needs.

Ready to Book Your Chauffeur Service with GoodGears?

For corporate travelers, a chauffeur isn’t just about getting from one point to another — it’s about maximizing productivity, comfort, and professionalism. At GoodGears, we’re here to make your travel experience exceptional with high-quality chauffeur services that fit your budget. If you’re planning a business trip, corporate event, or need regular employee transfers, GoodGears has you covered with the best chauffeur-driven vehicles and friendly, reliable service.

Book your next ride with GoodGears and discover how a chauffeur can elevate your corporate travel experience!

[delimotrans]

New York City Limo Service: Experience Luxury and Comfort DelimoTrans offers premium New York City Limo Service tailored to meet the diverse transportation needs of residents and visitors alike. Whether you're heading to a corporate event, celebrating a special occasion, or simply need a reliable airport transfer, DelimoTrans ensures a first-class experience with unmatched luxury and professionalism. Professional Chauffeurs One of the defining features of DelimoTrans' New York City Limo Service is its team of highly trained, professional chauffeurs. These drivers are not only skilled in navigating the complex streets of New York City but are also dedicated to providing a seamless, comfortable, and safe experience. Their familiarity with the city's routes, traffic patterns, and hotspots ensures punctuality and efficiency, allowing you to arrive at your destination on time, every time. Whether you’re traveling to a business meeting in Midtown Manhattan or attending a glamorous event in the Upper East Side, the chauffeurs will get you there with the highest level of courtesy and discretion. They are trained to offer personalized service, assisting with luggage, opening doors, and ensuring that every aspect of your journey is as smooth as possible. Luxurious Fleet DelimoTrans boasts a diverse fleet of luxury vehicles, ensuring that clients have the perfect transportation option for every occasion. From sleek sedans to spacious SUVs and stretch limousines, DelimoTrans provides an array of options to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Each vehicle is meticulously maintained to ensure a smooth and elegant ride. For those attending a corporate event or needing to impress a client, DelimoTrans offers luxury sedans and SUVs equipped with amenities that allow for a productive and comfortable journey. Stretch limousines and party buses, on the other hand, are perfect for weddings, proms, or nights out in the city, providing the ultimate in style, comfort, and entertainment. Special Event Services DelimoTrans understands that special occasions call for extraordinary service. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or prom, DelimoTrans is committed to making your special day even more memorable. With attention to detail, professional chauffeurs, and luxurious vehicles, the limo service is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event. The company also specializes in providing limo services for corporate events, ensuring that business professionals experience top-tier transportation that reflects the importance of their occasion. With privacy, comfort, and luxury at the forefront, DelimoTrans makes sure business travelers can focus on their work while leaving the driving to the experts. Airport Transfers For travelers looking to get to or from New York City airports like JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, DelimoTrans offers reliable airport limo services. The professional chauffeurs monitor flight times to ensure timely pickups and drop-offs, minimizing the stress of travel. With DelimoTrans, there’s no need to worry about navigating traffic, finding parking, or dealing with the hassle of taxis and rideshares. Why Choose DelimoTrans? DelimoTrans’ commitment to quality, luxury, and professionalism sets it apart in the world of New York City limo services. With a focus on customer satisfaction, every trip is designed to provide the highest level of comfort and convenience. The combination of professional chauffeurs, a luxurious fleet, and a dedication to excellence ensures that every ride with DelimoTrans is more than just transportation—it’s an experience. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, DelimoTrans offers the perfect New York City Limo Service to meet your needs, ensuring that you travel in style and comfort across the bustling streets of the city.

[limosthings]

[gdlr_space height="20px"] [gdlr_skill_bar percent="100" size="medium" text_color="#ffffff" background_color="#e9e9e9" progress_color="#a9e16e"]Planning Your Itinerary Wisely[/gdlr_skill_bar] Exploring New York City on a budget requires strategic planning. Start by researching free or low-cost attractions, such as Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Staten Island Ferry. These iconic landmarks offer stunning views and memorable experiences without breaking the bank. Additionally, consider visiting museums on designated free admission days or taking advantage of discount passes for popular tourist sites. Utilizing Cost-Effective Transportation Options Navigating the city's bustling streets can be daunting, especially on a budget. With BUBZ Limos' range rover limousine service, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of private transportation at an affordable price. Our experienced chauffeurs will navigate the city's traffic and parking challenges, allowing you to focus on enjoying your New York City adventure without worrying about transportation logistics. Exploring Affordable Dining Options New York City is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, but dining out can quickly add up. To stick to your budget, seek out affordable dining options such as food trucks, delis, and ethnic eateries in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Lower East Side. These hidden gems offer delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices, allowing you to experience the city's gastronomic delights without breaking the bank. Taking Advantage of Free Cultural Events Immerse yourself in New York City's vibrant cultural scene by attending free events and performances. From outdoor concerts in Central Park to art gallery openings in Chelsea, there's always something happening in the city that won't cost you a dime. Check online listings and community boards for information on upcoming events and plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your budget-friendly New York City experience. Embracing the City's Natural Beauty Escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets and explore New York's natural beauty on a budget. Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, rent a bike along the Hudson River Greenway, or embark on a scenic hike in one of the city's many parks. These outdoor adventures offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation without spending a fortune. With BUBZ Limos' range rover limousine service, you can easily access these natural wonders and enjoy a budget-friendly escape from the urban jungle.

[laguardiaairporttaxi]

Exploring New York City: Best Places to Visit On A LaGuardia Airport Limo

New York City is a bustling metropolis with an endless array of sights to see and things to do. If you're planning a trip to NYC, using our LaGuardia Airport limo service can be a convenient and comfortable way to get around the city. Here are some of the best places to visit with LaGuardia limo service:

The Statue of Liberty: A must-visit landmark in NYC, the Statue of Liberty is easily accessible by boat from Battery Park or Liberty State Park.

Times Square: One of the busiest and most famous commercial intersections in the world, Times Square is home to bright lights, big billboards, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Central Park: A beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city, Central Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including picnicking, cycling, and boating.

The Empire State Building: This iconic skyscraper offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck on the 86th floor.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: With over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years, the Met is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world.

The Brooklyn Bridge: A beautiful and historic suspension bridge spanning the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum: A poignant tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum offers a moving and educational experience.

The High Line: A unique public park built on an elevated railway track, the High Line offers a peaceful and scenic stroll through the city's west side.

The New York Public Library: A stunning Beaux-Arts building with a collection of over 50 million items, the NYPL is a must-see for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Broadway: Known as the "Great White Way," Broadway is home to some of the world's most famous and beloved theatrical productions. Catch a show and experience the magic of live theater in NYC!Book your LaGuardia limo service now with LAGUARDIA AIRPORT CAR LIMO. From pickup to drop off our highly trained experienced chauffeurs are there to make travel experience expedient and pleasant. Whether you are on a sightseeing trip or a simple pick up from the LaGuardia Airport, we are ready to accommodate your ground transportation needs. Call us at 646.812.8948!

[carinaridelimo]

[goldenraeofsun]

However Improbable

"I'm Dean Winchester. I'm your new sober companion," Dean says, one hand flying out to stop the door before Castiel can shove it closed again. "I'm here to make your transition from rehab to normal life as problem-free as possible."

Castiel just stares at him.

Dean straightens, breathing in deeply. "I will be living with you for the next month and a half, be there for you 24/7, so if you need anything, I'll be there. I am not your maid, your personal chef, or your chauffeur, but I can help with cleaning or cooking or whatever you need, as long as we talk about it first to set boundaries."

Still, Castiel stares.

Dean can work with that. He's had reluctant, even angry clients. Some threw things (he only let that one go for the first day before cancelling that contract), and some just did their best to ignore him. Castiel, though, he hasn't even blinked since he answered the door of the swanky Brooklyn brownstone. That's a new one. Nobody ever looked at him like he was an alien before for five straight minutes.

Dean waits, but as Castiel says nothing, he asks, "Your dad did say I was coming, right?"

Castiel rolls his eyes. "Yes, my father sent me an email about your forthcoming presence in my life."

"Great," Dean says brightly as he roughly shoulders the door open and strides past Castiel into the foyer. "I figured I'd move my stuff in later today, but I wanted to meet you first. Find out how rehab went and what you think will be your main pain points over the next few weeks for me to look out for."

"I imagine my major pain point is my craving for narcotics," Castiel says dryly as he shuts the door behind him.

Dean frowns as he peers around the corner into a sitting room. Ceiling high bookshelves line the walls, and an old-fashioned map hangs above the empty fireplace. "Have you got anything more specific?"

"Not at the moment."

"Great," Dean says in a completely different voice. He inhales a slow, even breath. "Did your dad mention the terms?"

"The term being that if I relapse, I get evicted?" Castiel asks from behind him.

Dean turns.

Castiel is pulling on a pair of shoes.

Dean crosses his arms over his chest. "Going somewhere?"

"I have an appointment with a client," Castiel says in a clipped voice.

"What kind of client?"

"Did my father tell you what I did?" Castiel asks, straightening up. "Before I became another statistic in the opioid epidemic?" He opens the door, and Dean has no choice but to follow.

"Dude, the other term you're forgetting is that if you ditch me," Dean says as they take the stoop stairs at a slight jog, "the deal's also off."

"I am well aware," Castiel says, head tilting to him in surprise. "Did you think that was me trying to lose you?"

"Uh, yeah?"

Castiel rolls his eyes. "If that was the case, you would have been back at the brownstone, and I would have been in a cab five minutes away by now."

"Not exactly what I want to hear," Dean says sourly.

"Would you rather I lie?" Castiel asks, eyebrows rising as they cross the street. "I thought that would hinder your attempts at being a junkie babysitter even further."

"I mean, kind of-"

"Excellent, I'm glad we're on the same page," Castiel says before Dean can finish. He stops in front of the Impala. "Well?" he asks expectantly.

Dean stares. "How the hell did you know this was my car? How did you know I even have a car?" This is New York City, after all. Most people don’t. Most people aren’t the owners of pristine 1967 Chevy Impalas either.

"I saw you fiddling with the keys after you rang the doorbell for the first time," Castiel says matter-of-factly as Dean unlocks the doors and gets in. In the passenger seat, Castiel continues, "One had the Chevrolet logo on it. Tomorrow is alternate side parking in New York City, so most of my neighbors don’t bother parking on this side of the street today." He shoots Dean a sideways look. “It also wasn’t hard to put together your midwestern accent and the Kansas license plate.”

Impressed, Dean doesn’t say anything as he starts the engine. “Where are we goin’?”

“The Lower East Side.”

“For your mysterious client?”

“The NYPD,” Castiel confirms.

“Your client is the New York City Police Department?” Dean asks, confused.

“Unfortunately,” Castiel says, clearly finding the idea distasteful. “But nobody else has access to all the murders in the five boroughs, so I must offer them my services.”

“Which are?”

“My father didn’t tell you?” Castiel asks as Dean slows for a yellow light.

“Yeah, but I’d rather hear it from you in your own words,” Dean says evenly. “He said you were some kind of detective.”

“Typical,” Castiel mutters, “he always goes for the most dramatic explanation. I am a consultant. I just usually consult with various police departments - NYPD, LAPD, Scotland Yard - with the cases that are beyond their mediocre services.”

“I bet they just love you,” Dean says sarcastically.

Castiel settles in his seat, pulling out his phone. “Our relationship is very professional.”

Dean snorts as they make their way towards the Manhattan Bridge. His phone rings, lighting up his background picture of Sam, Dad, and him. He ignores it.

“You must be very proud of your brother’s legal accomplishments,” Castiel says, mostly out of nowhere.

“How did you-”

“Turn here,” Castiel says, looking up from his phone screen. “There’s an accident four streets up.”

Dean makes the turn, carefully navigating the Impala around a delivery truck, and Castiel sends him a long, considering look before saying, “I hope you’ll keep your singing practice for normal business hours.”

“What?”

“Your breathing patterns,” Castiel says, impatiently, “You were breathing from the diaphragm when you gave your little speech about your duties as my glorified helper monkey.”

“Who are you calling a glorified helper-” Dean splutters.

“I imagine you practiced your breathing before stressful performances, and this exercise naturally carried over to other stressful interactions - including with newly sober individuals.”

Dean blinks. He hadn’t realized. “I only played the guitar at first,” he starts.

“But guitar calluses interfere with the feeling in your fingertips, and it’s impossible to rise through the ranks of hospital surgeons with a guitar habit on the side,” Castiel says.

Dean’s face hardens. “I mostly sing in the shower now.”

Castiel nods once. “So as long as you don’t take luxurious showers at three in the morning, I don’t see a problem with us living together.”

Despite himself, Dean finds himself focusing on his breathing to calm himself down. The last time he scrubbed up for an OR was almost six years ago now; his bitterness and regret are old news. He's moved on with his life - moved across the country, got a new job, a new career. So instead, he asks Castiel, “How did you know about Sam, anyway? What, did he slap a Stanford Law bumper sticker on my baby when I wasn’t looking?”

Castiel waits until he stops at a red light to show him his phone - and Sam’s LinkedIn page. He smiles wryly. “Not everything has to be deduced, Dean.”

[heavyarethecrowns]

No nanny for hands-on parents William and Kate: Royal couple plan to break with tradition by not employing full-time help - Dec 2012

Duke and Duchess determined to be 'hands-on parents'

Royal couple may employ part-time nanny to help when they attend events

Carole and Michael Middleton expected to help with babysitting

Nannies have played an important role in the Royal household for generations.

Prince William was so attached to his nanny Olga Powell, who was at his side throughout his childhood, that he cancelled four high-profile engagements to be at her funeral earlier this year.

But the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plan to break with royal tradition by not employing a full-time nanny.

The couple are determined to be 'hands-on parents' and Kate is planning to look after her child without the help of someone 24 hours a day.

Kate and Wills may employ a part-time nanny who will fulfill the role as a 'babysitter' by looking after their baby when they have to attend events.

But Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton will also be there to lend a hand as much as possible.

One of the couple's friends said: 'Catherine and William are determined to be hands-on parents.'

'Her parents are very excited about the baby and will help out as much as possible.'

'They will, probably, use a part-time nanny to help them out when they have to attend events and don’t have a babysitter, but they don’t want a full-time nanny.'

Their decision not to employ a full-time nanny will be a major break with royal tradition.

But it is not first time the royal couple have decided to forgo the services of full-time help.

The couple do not employ any staff at their home in North Wales, where the Duke serves as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot at Anglesey, apart from a cleaner who visits weekly.

Kate has spoken of how she enjoys doing the cooking and household chores.

And at university William and his housemates took it in turns to do the cooking and shared household chores - including shopping for food.

The Duke of Cambridge's nannies played such an important role in his life that the son of one of them, Tom Pettifer, was a page boy at the royal wedding.

Tom, William's godson, is the youngest son of Alexandra Shân 'Tiggy' Pettifer, known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was hired as a nanny to Harry and William after Charles and Diana announced their separation.

Tiggy helped comfort the princes after their mother's death in 1997. She was so close to the boys after their parents’ divorce that she, memorably, once described them as 'my babies'.

She retired from the Prince of Wales's service when she married in October 1999.

In October, William attended the private funeral of his former nanny Olga Powell, cancelling four high-profile engagements in the north east, which his wife had to attend alone.

Mrs Powell was at his side through both childhood and the most important days in his adult life.

The loving, but strict nanny, was widely credited for having a massive impact on the lives of both Prince William and Harry as they were growing up.

Mrs Powell, who was widowed after just six years of marriage when she was 52, came to work for Princess Diana when Prince William was just six months old.

Although very loving, she was renowned for not taking any nonsense from the young boys, and famously would give them a clip around the ear if they were ever naughty.

Another nanny, Barbara Barnes, was sacked by Diana when William was four because she envied their strong bond.

In world's apart, Kate Middleton was brought up by her mother, Carole, a former air stewardess who spent her early years in a council flat in Southall, an unfashionable London suburb.

The woman considered to be most influential in the Prince of Wales's life was his beloved nanny Mabel Anderson, employed by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to care for their four children.

She had such a special place in the hearts of the Royal family that she was called upon to represent the Duke of York at a funeral at the Chapel Royal, in St James’s Palace, earlier this year.

Mabel's 80th birthday party was arranged by Charles to take place at the royal residence, Clarence House.

When she retired, Charles secured her a lifelong grace-and-favour home in a wing of Frogmore House, Windsor Great Park, and personally supervised its re-decoration using his own designer.

Mabel, who was once described by the Prince of Wales as 'a haven of security, the great haven', was said to be a great friend of the Queen's.

The Queen met Mabel, a policeman's daughter from Elgin, Scotland, in 1949 after she replied to an advertisement, not knowing it was from the royal household.

It was to be an assistant nanny to help the then Princess Elizabeth who was pregnant with Charles.

Despite her lack of formal training, Mabel, at 22, was chosen by the future Queen because Her Majesty liked her quiet, unassuming manner.

It was Mabel who put the children to bed, told them stories, patched up their cuts and bruises and hit upon the idea of teaching the royal corgis hide and seek with Princess Anne so that she wouldn't miss Charles when he started school.

She even sent Charles bottles of Vosene shampoo for his dandruff at boarding school.

Each Christmas, Prince Charles sends a chauffeur-driven car to take Mrs Anderson to Sandringham, where she is treated like a cherished member of the family rather than an employee.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said: 'It is too early to say whether the Duke and Duchess will employ a nanny.'

The news comes as it was revealed by the Mail on Sunday the couple are considering skipping Christmas at Sandringham and may instead spend December 25 with Kate’s parents Carole and Michael.

‘It is being discussed but has not yet been decided,’ said a source.

‘Carole is keen for Kate to spend Christmas with the family. It will be their last Christmas at the family home before the Middletons move house.

‘At home Kate will be able to relax and put her feet up. Christmas at Sandringham can be very busy and stressful with everyone arriving. There is always lots going on, big dinners and lots of outfit changes to contend with.’

The family have reportedly bought a £4.7 million, seven-bedroom mansion.

[paulinedorchester]

Mosley, Leonard. Backs to the Wall: London Under Fire, 1939-1954. London: George Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1971; reprint, as Backs to the Wall: The Heroic Story of the People of London During World War II, New York: Random House, 1971.

Each generation gets the history that it needs — or wants, or demands. That’s what kept going through my head as I read Backs to the Wall, which appeared three years after France’s youth explicitly rejected both Charles de Gaulle, the self-appointed leader of the Free French during World War II, and the political ideology that he represented, and amidst ongoing unrest over the Vietnam War. (It’s also worth mentioning that it was published in the same year as Norman Longmate’s How We Lived Then: A History of Everyday Life During the Second World War and two years after Angus Calder’s The People’s War.) This book gives up a World War II narrative in which Churchill was an improvement on Chamberlain only in that he wasn’t an appeaser, de Gaulle was worse than both of them put together, the Allied leaders all cordially loathed each other, half the British public wanted to sue for peace, and there was across-the-board mutual dislike between London civilians and American troops (and British dismay at the way African-American troops were treated by their white counterparts was far from universal). Do I exaggerate? Only slightly. Backs to the Wall is a sort of distant, city-specific pre-echo of Juliet Gardner’s sour 2004 book Wartime: Britain, 1939-45.

As with Wartime, however, this book does have the virtue of introducing us to a number of very interesting people. I became interested in reading it because it brought Vere Hodgson’s wartime diary to public attention. Mosley quotes or paraphrases Hodgson’s writing from the beginning of the war through its end, and also seems to have interviewed her extensively. His primary villain, meanwhile, is not Chamberlain but Chamberlain’s chief acolyte, Henry “Chips” Channon, from whose diary he quotes widely (and who turns out to have been born and raised in the United States, to my surprise). We hear a great deal from the chemist and novelist C.P. Snow and follow the misadventures of two civilians, Jenny Martin and Polly Wright, whose consistency in both bad luck and bad choices meant that neither of them was able to stay out of serious trouble for any length of time.

There are many glimpses of the London home front through the eyes of two boys, both eight when the war began: John Hardiman, of Canning Town and later of Aldgate, who was evacuated in 1939 but soon returned to London, and Donald Ketley of Chadwell Heath, who was never evacuated at all. Donald, who thoroughly enjoyed himself during the war, had an experience that speaks to our own recent reality:

Another good thing: quite early in the Blitz, his school had been totally destroyed by a bomb. Since Donald was shy, a poor student and unpopular with his teacher, he was overjoyed when he heard the place was gone. Thereafter he went each day to his teacher’s home to pick up lessons, which he brought back the next day for marking. In the following months he changed from a poor student to an excellent one, and although he was aware that his teacher rather resented it, he didn’t care. 

Mosley also introduces us to Archibald McIndoe, the real-life counterpart of Patrick Jamieson, Bill Patterson’s character in the Foyle’s War episode ‘Enemy Fire.’ Art seems to have imitated life pretty accurately in that instance: he and his burn hospital in East Grinstead were apparently exactly like what was depicted, the only difference being that the hospital was set up in an existing hospital building, not in a requisitioned stately home.

Backs to the Wall seems to have been one of the earliest books to make substantial use of Mass-Observation writings. Most M-O diaries are anonymous, but there are two named diarists here who stand out. John James Donald was a committed pacifist whose air of lofty detachment as he observes the reactions of those around him to air-raids and other wartime event and prepares for his tribunal — which, in the end, he decides not to attend — quickly grows irritating. More interesting is Rosemary Black, a 28-year-old widow, in no small part because she differs markedly from what I had thought of as the archetypical M-O writer. Here’s her self-description on M-O documents: “Upper-middle-class; mother of two children (girls aged 3 and 2); of independent means.” Mosley continues:

She lived in a trim three-story house in a quiet street of the fashionable part of Maida Vale, a short taxi ride from the center of the West End, whose restaurants and theatres she knew well. She was chic and attractive, and lacked very few of the niceties of life: there was Irene, a Hungarian refugee, to look after the children; Helen, a Scottish maid, to look after herself and the house; and a daily cleaning woman to do the major chores.

Black took her children out of London at the beginning of the war but quickly brought them back, and when bombs began falling she kept them in place — air raids might be disruptive for them, but apparently relocation had been worse. She was very much aware that she was riding out the war in a position of privilege, and she often expressed guilt feelings; but this tended to fade away before her irritation at the dominance of “the muddling amateur or the soulless bureaucrat” in the war effort. Offering her services, even as a volunteer, proved very frustrating. “She was young, strong and willing; she typed, spoke languages, was an expert driver and had taken a course in first aid,” Mosley tells us, “but finding a job even as a chauffeur was proving difficult” in September 1940. (She actually wasn’t all that strong physically: as we learn, she suffered from rheumatism which grew worse during the war years and probably affected her outlook.)

Black was greeted with “apathy and indifference” by both A.R.P. and the Women’s Voluntary Service. Early in 1941 she was finally able to get a place handing out tea, sandwiches, cake, and so on to rescue and clean-up workers at bomb sites from a Y.M.C.A. mobile canteen. She was a bit intimidated by the women with whom she found herself working:

Their class is right up to the county family level. Nearly everyone is tall above the average and remarkably hefty, even definitely large, not necessarily fat but broad and brawny. Perhaps this is something to do with the survival of the fittest.

And the work did bring her some satisfaction, even if it was of the type that lent itself to being recorded with tongue placed firmly in cheek:

We had a pleasant and uneventful day’s work serving City fire sites, the General Post Office, demolition workers and Home Guard Stations, etc. We were complimented at least half a dozen times on the quality of our tea ... I think the provision of saccharine for the tea urns to compensate for the mean sugar allowance is my most successful piece of war work. What did you do in the Great War, Mummy? Sneaked pills into the tea urns, darling.

For all her good humor and astute observations, Mrs. Black was far from immune to tiny-mindedness. After an evening out in 1943 she wrote:

I had to wait some time for the others in the cinema foyer, and I was much struck, as often before, by the almost complete absence of English people these days, from the capital of England. Almost every person who came in was either a foreigner, a roaring Jew, or both. The Cumberland [Hotel] has always been a complete New Jerusalem, but this evening it really struck me as no worse than anywhere else! It is really dismaying to see that this should be the result of this war in defence of our country.

Indeed, Mosley cites the results of a multi-year Mass-Observation study that showed a marked increase in anti-Jewish views London’s general population over the course of the war. Since it’s just one study, and since I haven’t seen that study mentioned anywhere else, I am reluctant to trust blindly in its accuracy; and there’s also this:

The small flat which George [Hardiman] had procured for [his family] ... in Aldgate was cleaner and airier than the old house in Canning Town [which had been bombed], and the little Jewish children with whom John now went to school seemed to be cleaner than the ones in Elm Road; at any rate, he no longer came home with nits in his hair.

On the other hand, Mosley himself gives us only a fragmentary view of London’s wartime Jewish population: everyone seems to be either a terrified refugee or an impoverished East Ender. We hear nothing about the substantial middle- and upper-middle class population — mostly of German descent and in some cases German birth — that had already taken shape in Northwest London; and while we are briefly introduced to Sir David Waley, a Treasury official, in connection with the case of an interned Jewish refugee, we aren’t told that Waley himself was Jewish, a member of “the cousinhood.” On yet a third hand, Mosley also quotes other M-O surveys from the same period that indicate largely hostile attitudes to most foreigners in London, with Poles at the bottom of the ladder and the small Dutch contingent on top. (Incidentally, the book’s extremely patchy index identifies Vere Hodgson as a Mass-Observation diarist, which she wasn’t.)

Backs to the Wall closes with a very brief, remarkably non-partisan account of the 1945 general election and its immediate aftermath. “Neither side had any inkling of the way the minds of the British voters were turning,” he writes.

When [Churchill’s] friends suggested that he was a victim of base ingratitude, he shook his head. He would not have such a charge leveled against his beloved countrymen. Ingratitude? "Oh, no," he said quietly, "I wouldn’t call it that. They have had a very hard time."

The book is worth reading for the primary materials that it includes, but it probably tells us as much about the era in which it was written as about the period that it covers.  

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[sciencespies]

A Coronavirus Spread Through U.S. Pigs in 2013. Here’s How It Was Stopped

https://sciencespies.com/nature/a-coronavirus-spread-through-u-s-pigs-in-2013-heres-how-it-was-stopped/

A Coronavirus Spread Through U.S. Pigs in 2013. Here’s How It Was Stopped

In the spring of 2013, a deadly coronavirus began to spread across the United States. Within a year it had reached 32 states, sweeping through dense populations that lacked immunity to the new pathogen. Though researchers scrambled to curb the disease, by the following spring, the epidemic claimed some 8 million lives—all of them pigs.

The pathogen responsible, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv), poses no danger to humans. But among its hosts, pigs, the virus ravages their bodies with severe gastrointestinal disease. The 2013 outbreak killed an estimated 10 percent of the nation’s pigs in a matter of months. Struggling to make ends meet with limited supplies, pork producers pushed their prices to record highs as farmers nursed the dying and sick—most of which were newborn piglets—by the thousands.

“It was extremely devastating,” says Don Davidson, a veterinarian with the Ohio-based food company Cooper Farms. “The losses were huge. Months later … you could just see there weren’t as many pigs in market.”

By summer of 2014, the diarrheal disease had mostly petered out, partly because of a combination of increased diagnostic efforts and the growing immunity of the nation’s pig population. But perhaps the biggest factor in ending the epidemic was behavioral: a near-universal ramp-up in farms’ attention to cleaning, disinfection and isolation, says Michaela Trudeau, an animal coronavirus researcher at the University of Minnesota. These enhanced biosecurity measures “are one set of things we turn to over and over again to keep our pigs safe,” she says.

As the world battles another dangerous coronavirus, the human pathogen SARS-CoV-2, similar lessons could prove valuable once again. People aren’t pigs, and SARS-CoV-2—a respiratory virus—does not cause the same illness as PEDv. But this new coronavirus is vulnerable to many of the tactics that brought its predecessors to heel. In both cases, “it comes down to cooperation,” Trudeau says. “The more people [working to] contain it, the better off we’ll be.”

A cosmopolitan disease

The human population first discovered PEDv in the early 1970s, when veterinarians in Britain noticed pigs falling ill with bouts of watery diarrhea that couldn’t be traced back to any known pathogens. Because many cases were mild and the disease mostly spared piglets, farmers largely shrugged off the outbreaks.

Then, as the decades passed, the virus snuck across international borders and mutated. By 2010, strains emerging in China were sparking massive outbreaks that felled newborn pigs in droves.

In April of 2013, PEDv made landfall in the United States, flaring up first in Ohio and then Indiana and Iowa. Alarmed farmers and researchers ran tests for the typical spate of diarrheal microbes, yielding negative after negative. By the time PEDv was identified as the likely culprit, the pathogen had started to spread east and west. Although American veterinarians knew of the virus’ existence abroad, few had given serious thought to a PEDv cross-continental jump. American pigs had no immunity to fight off the new pathogen, and no vaccines or treatments were available.

The virus “had never made it to the U.S., and we thought it would stay that way,” says Montserrat Torremorell, an animal health expert at the University of Minnesota. “We weren’t ready.”

(United States Department of Agriculture-National Agriculture Statistics Service)

Likely stemming from the same ancestor that had yielded China’s deadly strains, the American variant of the virus proved a formidable foe. “It’s extremely infectious” in low doses, says Davidson, who explains he once heard that “the eraser on top of a No. 2 pencil could hold enough PED virus to infect every pig in the United States.”

Once swallowed by an unsuspecting piglet, the pathogen would travel to the gut and infect and destroy the finger-like nutrient-absorbing projections called villi on the walls of the small intestine. Newborn piglets were plagued with intense bouts of diarrhea, driving extreme dehydration that proved lethal within a few days of infection: On many farms, the death rates in the youngest swine “were just about 100 percent,” Davidson says.

Though older pigs remained mostly resilient to the disease’s most severe effects, they weren’t immune to infection. Even in the absence of symptoms, they shed and spread the virus through their feces, seeding new outbreaks as unsuspecting farmers shipped their swine stocks nationwide.

“This industry is structured in such a way that pigs move, and not just by a few miles,” Torremorell says. Domesticated pigs are, not unlike humans, a fairly cosmopolitan group. In a single lifetime, a pig may make several trips of a thousand miles or more, such as when it’s ready for sale or slaughter.

Humans, too, played a major role in transmission. While PEDv can’t infect people, the pathogen used them as its oblivious chauffeurs, hitching rides to new swine hosts as farmers, feed suppliers and veterinarians traveled from place to place. Hardy enough to persist for several days outside the pig body, the virus clung to clothes and glommed onto the soles of shoes. It planted itself onto equipment and coated the insides of trailers and trucks.

Worst of all may have been the virus’ ability to fester for weeks in feed, giving the pathogen a straight shot into the guts of its hosts. “Feed ingredients have unique access to our pigs,” says Megan Niederwerder, a veterinary virologist at Kansas State University. “That definitely was not at the forefront of our minds.”

A wake-up call

The outbreak moved at “eye opening” speed, Davidson says. “Just about everybody got it. I don’t know any large farm systems that didn’t.”

In the absence of reliable, widely available medical interventions, farmers and veterinarians turned most of their focus to diagnosis and containment. “We already had pretty solid biosecurity protocols on farms,” Trudeau says. “But this really made us take a step back and think, because it was traveling so easily which we hadn’t necessarily seen with other viruses before.”

Suddenly, Trudeau says, everything moving to and from a farm was subject to intense scrutiny. No surface was too small or too hidden to escape the reach of a microscopic virus. All pigs and people had to be treated as potential vectors for disease.

“Farmers effectively shut down their farms,” says Scott Kenney, an animal coronavirus researcher at Ohio State University. “Friends from other farms weren’t able to come in, sales reps weren’t allowed to come in. And the people who did had to change their clothes before going into farms.”

Trudeau says that most places that dealt with pigs already had a “shower in, shower out” policy in place that required visitors to remove their clothing, wash off with soap and water, and don a clean outfit before making any contact with animals. Exiting the building then required the same procedure in reverse. “It’s very extensive,” she says. “Nothing is coming onto the farm that hasn’t been washed.”

In the pre-PEDv era, not everyone was vigilant about following showering guidelines, Trudeau says. By necessity, the outbreak changed that, says Marie Culhane, a veterinarian at the University of Minnesota. “It’s not business as usual during an outbreak.”

Farmers, feed distributors and transport personnel became ardent disinfectors, regularly sterilizing frequently contacted surfaces, including equipment. Because the insides of trucks were especially difficult to clean, drivers ferrying supplies no longer left their vehicles, asking farm personnel to do the unloading themselves. And any individuals who had recently spent time in a heavily pig-populated place, like a county fair, would wait at least 72 hours before stepping onto a swine establishment—a form of self-isolation.

Importantly, farmers put these measures in place without waiting for their pigs to show symptoms, Torremorell says. “When that virus infects older animals, they can be shedding continuously and have no clinical signs. You just don’t know.”

The payoff wasn’t instantaneous. But slowly the epidemic began to wane, and by the fall of 2014, PEDv had finally loosened its grip. The virus has reappeared in the years since, flickering briefly in pig populations before being stamped out. Many of the pigs that survived the first epidemic became immune to further infection. But farmers are also much more savvy nowadays. Whenever the pathogen appears, “they basically shut down things right away, like going into lockdown,” Torremorell says. “When that happens, there’s not as much spread.”

The other coronavirus

In the absence of an effective, long-lasting PEDv vaccine—something that still eludes veterinarians—control of epidemics “depends critically on high biosecurity,” says Qiuhong Wang, an animal coronavirus expert at Ohio State University.

While SARS-CoV-2 and PEDv belong to the same family, the two viruses target different hosts and different parts of the body, and shouldn’t be considered interchangeable in any respects. But in broad strokes, containing an infectious disease hinges on a common set of principles that promotes awareness about transmission, minimizes contamination of surfaces and materials, and champions the effectiveness of practicing good hygiene, Torremorell says.

For humans, following that strategy includes adhering to physical distancing measures, frequent cleaning and disinfecting and taking precautions in the absence of symptoms, Trudeau says. What’s more, adopting these tactics now could help prepare the population for its next outbreak.

“We learned lots on the pig side about being better prepared,” Davidson says. “Behavioral change is hard. But it works.”

#Nature

[eretzyisrael]

Pakistan: The Australian Consul-General's wife's tale

If you visit the Israeli town of Ramleh, you will find a synagogue built by Pakistani Jews. It is named Magen Shalom, after the synagogue in Karachi which no  longer exists. The Jews of Pakistan once numbered about 3,000, but the violent repercussions to the Arab-Israeli conflict have driven the community  away. (In addition, as the case of Asia Bibi has shown, Pakistan is hardly today a beacon of religious freedom.)  The following story is based on real events and centres around the Jews of Karachi, who were desperate to  cross the closed border with India in the 1970s. Wayne Croning has recreated the story in his own words...names are made up.

Hannah made the driver cover the number plates of the Mercedes, even made him remove the flag from the bonnet.  She got in front and gave him the address. Jamila Street, in the Ranchore. Her husband David was posted to Karachi a few months previously,  as the Australian Consul-General. Hanna and their children arrived a few weeks later. They had been to several countries, including some in South America. The city reminded her of Bombay, where she and her family once lived. Crowded, bustling, hot and humid. But she loved it. She loved the food, the people and the culture. The first thing she did on arriving at any new country was to look up the Jewish population; being Jewish herself. After a short search with help through a high ranking local official, she found to her amazement, that there was indeed a small but thriving Jewish community with a decent-sized synagogue in the commercial hub of the city. As they drove from Clifton to Saddar, they eventually got onto Bunder Road (M.A.Jinnah Road), and took a turn off this busy street.The street they were on now was narrow, but crowded with people, cars, rickshaws, motorcycles. The synagogue was not hard to find. A large stone and brick building soon appeared on their right. Above the steel gate, and on the building itself was a sign: 'Magain Shalome Synagogue’.

An early picture of the Magain Shalome synagogue, Karachi (Photo: Haroun Haidar blog) They pulled up to the side of the street and parked. Hannah got out, walked to the gate and was stopped by the chowkidar or watchman. “Who is it you wish to see?” he asked, in Urdu. Hannah had picked up a bit of Hindi after spending a few years in Bombay.“Rabbi sahib say milna chatha hoo.” (I would like to meet the Rabbi). He replied that this was Saturday and to come back in one hour. She waited in the car, and soon observed a number of people entering the premises. Men, women and children, families, all dressed for Shabbat, in their finest. They all appeared to be East Indian, but some of their features were a little different. The gates were fully open now and she decided to walk in. The main door of the synagogue was made up of solid oak. She entered and was greeted by a high-ceilinged, cathedral-like room.and spacious, wooden benches flanked each side of a narrow aisle. Women on the left, men on the rght. Men wore kippot, women wore shawls around their head. An elderly, bearded man stood to the side of the entrance on the inside, greeting everyone. He looked surprised when he saw Hannah. Smiling, he introduced himself.“Hello and Shalom. I am Rabbi Simone Isaac. And you are...?" Hannah smiled back. “I am Hannah. She had covered her head with a silk scarf. After guiding her to a seat, the Rabbi went to the back of the building. Large chandeliers hung down, brightening up the space. The Ark stood on a raised wooden pedestal in the middle of the wooden prayer platform. Torah scrolls were stored here. The Rabbi climbed the two stairs, removed one of the large scrolls, holding it high above his head with both hands.  He walked around the prayer platform, reciting prayers in Hebrew. After the service ended, Hannah managed to meet the Rabbi again. She learned a lot after their hour -long conversation. Most of the Jews here were from the Bene Israel community, that originated on the South West coast of India, just South of Bombay. Some were Baghdadi Jews and a few had Afghani connections. Most of them spoke Marathi, Urdu and of course English. Many had left in 1948, one year after the Partition of India and the birth of a new nation: Israel. By the mid 1960’s the population had further dwindled. Most left for the UK, Israel and even India. This was now 1972, India and Pakistan had just gotten over a major war. The border was closed between the two countries. Hannah was seen regularly at the synagogue; attending Shabbat prayers, weddings and social events. She had even attended two funerals, where the dead were laid to rest at the Jewish cemetery not too far from the  synagogue. She got to know most of the families, made close friends with some of the women, hosting many parties and get-togethers at her home. Her own children also attended prayers at the synagogue every Saturday.  She would supply the community with Kosher wine, grape juice, etc., even medical supplies. As she grew closer to the community, and came to know several of them wanted to make ‘Aliyah’ to Israel, especially the younger generation, she devised a plan: Travel to Israel for Pakistanis was not allowed (passports were stamped as such).But many had immigrated to Israel via Iran and India. The bizarre idea came into her head one day.  She would drive with two or three Jews to Lahore and then drive across the border at Wagh, hiding them in the trunk of the same consular car. “Are you insane?” her husband asked as she prepared for the trip. “What if you are caught? What if they are caught? Even if you do, what will happen to them in India? They could be arrested there!” Hannah smiled but said with confidence .“They will not stop a foreign consular car. I have made arrangements with the British Embassy in Delhi. They will be given British passports. The ones who want to immigrate to Israel can do so as well. There is a representative from Tel Aviv who will be in Bombay at the end of the year. They are inviting Indian Jews to immigrate to Israel. When the day arrived, Hannah and two young women and one man, got into the Mercedes and bid tearful goodbyes to relatives. The long drive to Lahore took about two days, with stops along the way. Hannah also took the family pet dog along for the trip. The morning before crossing the border, she hid the two young women in the trunk of the car. The rear middle armrest was removed and a plastic pipe fitted to allow cool air from the air conditioner to reach them in the trunk. The young man was given a consular uniform with a badge and would act as the chauffeur. They drove to the border. It was heavily guarded with signs posted along the fence. Guard dogs began barking at the car. The guards took a walk around and noticed Hannah’s dog in the back seat.  in Delhi.” she told them, holding out her passport.“This is my chauffeur and these are his papers”, she added, handing them his passport. After informing her that she would be allowed to cross, they refused to let the chauffeur through. She looked up at the guard, half annoyed. “I cannot drive! Do you want me to walk to Delhi?? ”He appeared confused for a second. After consulting with a senior official, he came back.“You can both go through, but at your own risk. We cannot be responsible for your safety, or the safety of the driver.” With that he handed back the papers, opened the gate and let them through. On the other side, she encountered similar problems. “I can’t walk to Delhi!” and an annoyed look finally got her through. “I have to make this trip two or three times a year. Make a note of my name and my number plate,”she said, as they slowly drove away from the border. The two young women made it to the UK. The chauffeur had to return with her to Karachi, so as not to raise suspicion. She made several such trips back and forth. Things became more relaxed at the border crossing.The chauffeur made it out to Israel after the third border crossing. Hardly any Jews remain in Karachi. Many of them married into other communities, changed their religion or just left for good. Many years later, a journalist interviewed the Karachi Jewish community who had settled in Israel in a place called Ramleh. They had set up a new synagogue and named it Magen Shalom after the one in Karachi. When one elderly man was interviewed he had tears in his eyes.“I miss Karachi. I was born there, I miss the place dearly.What really hurts is that I can never go back for a visit. Never!” Diplomat's wife smuggled Jews out of Pakistan Pakistani Jews go to court over synagogue

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Flat (White) Out In Love With You (Ajay x f!MC)

“Flat (White) Out In Love With You”

Ajay x f!MC (Grace)

Word count: 1561

Ajay’s a barista, and Grace loves emotional support hot chocolate. And a few steamy kisses.

I don’t know if y’all know but barista!Ajay, imho, is the BEST headcanon. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I’m a barista myself ;))) also I need to stop using commas and use semi colons and em dashes instead sorry yall

tags: @rulesofthebeneath @directorajay

Grace pushed open the heavy door, and the wind that gusted her smelled like espresso beans and warmth. The coffee shop Ajay worked in was quaint, squatting on a street corner on the edge of the downtown of their small town, if they could even call it a “downtown.” Maybe a homey strip mall was a better description. The heat of the cafe was a welcome reprieve from the biting cold outside, and Grace was most definitely a fool for forgetting her scarf in her English class. She attempted to shuffle her boots on the already-sopping-wet doormat before giving up with a silent apology to the person who got the job of mopping the cement floors during close later that night.

After the play finished, Ajay was finally able to pick up a job at the coffee shop he found himself doing schoolwork in on weekday afternoons, and he enjoyed having pocket money he could spend on Grace, despite her complaining and insisting he didn’t need to pay for her all the time. He took to the bustling job quickly, given his need to be moving constantly. He liked the organized chaos that came with working in a coffee shop, and the white noise of chatter and steam wands calmed him. Even during rushes, Ajay kept a smile on his face.

His quick take to customer service shocked everyone. Ajay, always bristling and brooding, able to put on a big grin and make small talk for the sake of customers--even the bratty ones. Grace loved watching him work, because she loved that glittering smile that came with him working behind the register, or the cute crease of concentration in his brow that came from him working behind the bar. Grace waltzed her way up in line and gave her boyfriend a big smile as he turned back to the register after calling out a pastry for a customer.

“Hey, Barista Boy,” Grace smiled, and Ajay smiled even more--the one that showed in the eyes rather than the mouth. Grace’s favorite--the one that stole her heart.

“Grace!” He smiled. “I thought you said you had a book report to write?”

“I do.” Grace held up a copy of East of Eden. “It’s due tomorrow. But I wanted to visit and grab something to drink.”

“You want me to surprise you again?”

“Yes!” Everytime Grace came in, Ajay created a new, complex concoction for her to try. Her rampant sweet tooth and dislike of the taste of espresso gave Ajay lots of leeway in pouring syrups and creams together to create something caffeinated hidden by lots of sugar.

“Okay, what are you in the mood for today?” He asked, and picked up a paper cup and a sharpie.

“Something hazelnutty. Make it with soy, too. I like the nuttiness of the soy with the hazelnut.”

“Mmm, okay.” He took a second to scribble a handful of modifications on the side of the cup and slid it down the bar to the barista in front of the espresso machine, and turned back to Grace with a smile. “It’s on me this time.”

“You say that every time!” Grace exclaimed, already having pulled out her wallet to pay.

“And you fight it every time. Just let me treat you while you go write about Charles’s forehead.”

After two hours of frustrated typing, deleting, and flipping through pages of her book, Ajay finished his shift and slid into the chair across from her, two mugs in his hand. He set them both down, scooting one saucer next to Grace’s laptop, and she smiled at him.

“Cheer-up hot chocolate?” He prompted, and Grace thanked him gratefully.

“You added the extra whipped cream!” She giggled, taking a sip and hastily wiping the whipped cream off the tip of her nose with her flannel sleeve. “Best boyfriend ever.”

“Of course I did, you always ask for it. It also gives me an excuse to practice art and cover up any mistakes.”

“Haven’t you always said that hot chocolate was hard to make art with?”

“Yes, but I’m stubborn, Grace. I’ll continue to try, and I’ll continue to complain when it doesn’t work.”

Grace snorted and took another sip. “Did you come over here to bother me or come over to help?”

Ajay pretended to be offended. “Me? Never. And I could always take your drink away.” He grinned wickedly, and Grace made her distaste loud and clear.

“Noo! But please please please look over my essay. You know I hate literary analysis.” She turned her laptop around toward him, and he pulled it over to his side of the table.

“I will, but you owe a tutoring session in pre-calculus.”

“We both know you hate me trying to teach you!”

“Yes, but I appreciate the effort. And I love you.”

‘

Another hour of editing and revisions and the lone barista called over to Ajay that they were closing. Grace collected up her things, and walked with Ajay to his car.

“Let me take you home?” He asked, leaning against the side of his car.

“Like I wasn’t going to ask in the first place.”

He opened the door in a dramatic gesture of the way a chauffeur might open a carriage door for a princess, and she climbed in. He slid into the driver’s seat and slid the key into the ignition, and they were on the way to Grace’s house with the heater on and show tunes playing over the speakers. He pulled up alongside the curb, put the car in park, and let it idle. Turning to her, he smiled.

“I know you did better on that essay than you thought you did. You’re a wonderful writer. You just worry a lot.” His voice was low, and he reached over the center console to grab her hand and press a firm kiss to the back.

“And you don’t?” She retorted, and he laughed. “I definitely do. I’m just supporting you regardless.” He leaned forward to kiss her firmly on the mouth, and he pulled back slightly with a grin.

“You taste like chocolate.”

Grace hummed her reply and fluttered her eyelashes down at him from where he looked up at her, leaning his arm on the console. “Want some more?”

“God, you know I always do.”

Grace simpered and reached her hand up into his hair--his hair the color of roasted espresso beans--and pulled his mouth to hers and captured him in an open kiss. His kisses were addicting, and despite her dislike of espresso, the taste of the cortado he had earlier was comforting. He was intoxicating, and the scent of him surrounded her. He, who always smelled like espresso beans, and his car, which always smelled like sandalwood, was all-consuming, but all-consuming in the best possible way. She loved everything about him--his aura, the warmth of his skin, the softness of his hair, the constant taste of coffee on his lips (and even though coffee breath was a turn-off for most people, something about the taste of the flat white he had before school was welcomed. Familiar.), just his presence.

Ajay groaned against her mouth as she tugged on his hair lightly, pulling him closer. He was stretched across the console at his point, and his arm was falling asleep, but all he could feel was Grace, Grace, Grace. It was with great resistance he pulled away, and Grace frowned.

“Mmm, come back.” Her voice was a low whine, and Ajay laughed. “Grace, it’s late. And I know you have chores to do.”

She groaned in distaste this time, letting her head fall back and she let out a dramatic noise of agony. “The dishes can waaaaaait, I just want to stay here with you.”

A deft kiss on the mouth.

“I’d like to stay here too, but I practically feel your twin’s eyes staring at my car from his bedroom window. I would rather him not shoot laser beams from his eyes and incinerate me on the spot.”

Grace all but barked out a laugh, rolling her eyes. “He’s like the only person I know who’s smaller than you, Ajay. I bet you could take him.”

“Uhh, no. He’s on the football team, probably a scrapper, and I dedicate a lot of my mental energy focusing on not tripping all the time. I’m a closeted klutz, Grace.”

Grace snorted and shoved his shoulder lightly. “I’m sure you’d do just fine. Although, I can agree that my brother may or may not be a scrapper. In middle school he said he would probably use teeth in a fight.”

“Yeah , okay, you need to leave now before he comes down here and bites a chunk out of my arm.” Ajay looked up at the window, and he could see the piercing glare from the second-story window, even through the dim, barely-there glow of the old street lamps.

Grace laughed, giving him one more kiss before opening his car door, grabbing her backpack from the floor in front of her, and slinging it over her shoulder as he climbed out of the car. She closed the door and gave him a kiss before turning on her heel to prance up to her front door, and Ajay laughed as he saw her twin slowly close the curtains, never breaking eye contact with him, as his sister walked inside.

[carinaridelimo]

[pleasereadmeok]

“....his 6'2" frame and sea green eyes catapult him into that other plane of existence known as Ridiculously Good-Looking. To call him charming is kind of like saying Heidi Klum has a nice smile.”

“ ....his rarefied magnetism, that room-owning presence,”

“If every woman in America could share a bottle of Italian red and a plate of olives with Goode, he’d be bigger than Clooney. Scratch that—bigger than Brad”. Candice Rainey - Elle.

I HAVE TO AGREE. 

Full interview with Matthew from 2008 - which is typically funny and charming - is under here.  The end is  ADORABLE!

I wanted to meet Matthew Goode at a wine bar. I remembered from an earlier encounter with the 30-year-old British actor that the guy is partial to the grape—not in a let's swirl and sniff while we muse on "the legs" way, but he knew his way around a wine list, confidently pronounced appellations, and is a believer in drinking glasses of it daily, because, you know, it's heart-healthy. His publicist, however, isn't on board. He has a meeting with a director right after. Can I choose a coffee spot? I pick a small Italian joint on New York's Lower East Side where they serve espresso, too.

When Goode slips out of the black sedan that's chauffeuring him around on this Monday afternoon and bounds through the door, he spots me, kisses me on both cheeks, and takes a seat at our small table nuzzled up against a floor-to-ceiling window.

"Right," he says, grinning. "Let's order some wine! And some bread and olives."

What about the thing with the director? Goode flashes me a look: Never mind that.

"Two glasses," He says to the waiter, who's holding a bottle of Pinot Nero, about to pour me one. "And we'll do a bottle of that."

If every woman in America could share a bottle of Italian red and a plate of olives with Goode, he'd be bigger than Clooney. Scratch that—bigger than Brad. He's wearing a wrinkled T-shirt, a black knit beanie, and faded Levis that hang just right off his hip bones. He smokes Marlboros. He quotes Cary Grant and the British columnist Jeffrey Bernard freely but so aptly that it doesn't come off as jerky, just incredibly...cool. "`None of my party drinks singles, they do have some style, you know.' That's one of my favorite lines in that play. I fucking love him," Goode says in his plummy English accent, referring to Keith Waterhouse and his play Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell.

He tells me I have olive bits stuck in my teeth, and to make me feel like less of an idiot he pulls his cheek open with a hooked finger and shows me a jagged bottom molar that's half missing. "I have horrible teeth. I've been walking around like that for two years, and I still haven't gone to see a dentist about it."

He pops off funny, self-deprecating stories, like the time Emma Thompson told him he had a large Roman nose just like Peter O'Toole's before he got his done, that underline just how normal he is, despite the fact that his 6'2" frame and sea green eyes catapult him into that other plane of existence known as Ridiculously Good-Looking. To call him charming is kind of like saying Heidi Klum has a nice smile.

Of course, because he can't clone himself a million times over and steal wives and girlfriends away for a liquid lunch, the reality is that most women, and moviegoers in general, still don't know who the hell Matthew Goode is—mostly because we've only seen him in a handful of films, some of them uneven oddballs (Imagine Me & You and Copying Beethoven) that haven't exactly sent his career trajectory skyrocketing.

Nonetheless, his rarefied magnetism, that room-owning presence, has managed to seep through all of his work, snapping critics and directors to attention—even as a teen-dream heartthrob in 2004's Chasing Liberty, in which he played a Secret Service agent ordered to protect Mandy Moore, the president's daughter, as she jaunts around Europe. Though not exactly the kind of soul-stirring material for which Goode studied drama at the University of Birmingham ("It is what it is, but without it I wouldn't have been here"), it did lead to a supporting yet crucial role in Woody Allen's Match Point as Scarlett Johansson's fiancé, in which he nearly upstaged his costars.

Last year, Goode made himself unrecognizable in The Lookout, Scott Frank's twisted take on the heist-movie genre. He nailed the character, a diabolical American ex-con who preys upon a brain-injured janitor.

"The Lookout was what made me think, Yeah, he can do it," says 300 director Zack Snyder, who cast Goode as a not-so-straight-ahead villain in his comic-book geek-out Watchmen, due in 2009. "He's really interested in doing the work of acting."

Goode, who lives in London, is in town to promote this month's Brideshead Revisited, based on the 1945 novel by Evelyn Waugh, in which he stars as Charles Ryder, a reserved Englishman who forms an intense bond with an unhinged aristocratic Catholic family. Brideshead is a very British, very layered text, exactly the kind of material that's nearly impossible to jam into a two-hour film. That, compounded by the fact that it was made into a beloved UK miniseries starring Jeremy Irons 27 years ago, makes this production a potential suicide mission.

"I watched Brideshead Revisited," I tell Goode. "That's a complicated film. I'm not sure what my question is."

"What's it about?" Goode smiles and crinkles his brow. "Right."

"It reminds me of..."

"Gay porn?"

We should probably get to that. In the book, Ryder forms a close relationship with his schoolmate Sebastian Flyte (the son in the unhinged Catholic family), and it's unclear whether they are simply tight pals or Waugh meant to imply that they have a physical relationship. In the film, that question is answered—subtly, but answered.

Goode requests that we move outside so we can smoke. I ask him if he's nervous about how the film will be received.

"Every job you do is nerve-racking," he says, taking a drag off his cigarette.

But it feels like he's particularly skittish about this role.

"I'm not very well-known in England, so it's quite interesting that this is a job that will make me a little more known, perhaps. And it can make me more known for not a good reason—as in, they should have never fucking remade it. And that's nerve-racking."

Though he's the kind of actor who pores over script and dialogue (he could write the CliffsNotes for Brideshead at this point), Goode loathes describing his "process." "There's no way you can possibly explain it. And the more you do it, the more you sound like a dick. I don't want to hear, `I bled for you.' It's like, Fuck off."

He'd much rather talk about his girlfriend, Sophie, who lives in New York City but has agreed to move into a flat with Goode in London. He pulls out a billfold wallet with scrap-book-size 4" x 5"'s—Sophie bearing two Big Gulp-size margaritas in Mexico, Sophie satirically striking a voguing pose—all creased and worn around the edges.

Goode has to meet the director soon. We have one last cigarette, finish off our follow-up carafe, and he's off. I get a text five minutes later: "Fuck. I left without putting anything down for the bill. Sorry, even if it's ELLE, I should have got the tip. I'll get the wine in London. Love Goodey." Ladies, meet the next leading man.