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” A Delicate Truth” by John Le Carre’ a book review by Endre Barath,Jr
“A Delicate Truth” by John Le Carre’ a book review by Endre Barath, Jr. I have read almost every book that Le Carre’ has written in his long and distinguished career as an author. I also had the pleasure of meeting him at the Writer’s Guild in Los Angeles where he read from his books and signed his books. (Another blog post about that incident to come J) Here are a couple of blog post I wrote over two years ago http://actvra.in/lVx & http://actvra.in/jzL for those who missed them. For those readers who are not familiar with his books, in my opinion Le Carre’s has been mostly recognized for one of his earliest books and it remained in the forefront to many people for about three or four decades . This book was “The Spy who came in from the Cold” interestingly it was also brilliantly portrayed by Richard Burton in the movie version. I find that as his writing continues over the decades, he is more and more focused on the corruption of high ranking government servants and their interaction with the powerful business interests and the people who are behind it. “The Constant Gardner” comes to my mind as an example of the Political Powers and the Drug Industry working together and not necessarily in a positive light. Needless to say he has an agenda, but we forgive him, because of his great delivery of the message. So with my background explanation you can imagine what “A Delicate Truth” is leading you to. Not wanting to give the books message away. This is about an Operation in Gibraltar and Politicians, Military Personnel and Spies are all involved. The bigger message is the moral dilemma of choosing Duty, Honor, and Country over the Moral Right or Wrong. This book is clearly thought provoking and in my opinion does not really provide closure. Never the less well worth the read, if you like current events intertwined with a moral message! Also if you have read Le Carre’ and liked him in his previous books. Finally if you have seen or read the book “The Tailor of Panama” then it is a must read! If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreFacebook & Google + Photo problems in syndications!
Ok I do not want to be the Union Spoke Person of Active Rain Members….I always liked how things were moving along and I was always for change…now I am having second thoughts. The last disaster really floored me… you know the latest changes… Now I am wondering …I used to syndicate my blog on Facebook and people love the pictures and it generated SEO and connections…NOW when I syndicate my blog on Facebook I can choose between My profile photo or Active Rain logo…how about the picture I really wanted to use???? I cannot! Could someone help?? Same story with Google+ looking for solutions, BOB please tell me why are we taking these backward steps instead of moving forward?? Thank you for the upcoming answers!!...
read moreBristol Farms : Their Flagship store in Beverly Hills,CA
Bristol Farms is an upscale Grocery Store and this happens to be their Flag Ship Store in Beverly Hills! If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreThe VU in the Jamaica Bay Inn, is the Restaurant in Marina Del Rey, CA
The VU in the Jamaica Bay Inn, is the Restaurant in Marina Del Rey, CA where we decided to celebrate Diane’s 19th Anniversary. In Marina Del Rey, the investors of a recently rebuilt small seaside hotel called the Jamaica Bay Inn had opened a new restaurant called the VU. I was watching the first year with mild curiosity, and then I heard that the Chef who opened the Restaurant called the VU had been replaced by Chef Allyson Thurber. Now my interests were immediately peaked. Chef Allyson Thurber was a name I was familiar with, she was the Chef at “Water Grill” downtown Los Angeles (one of my favorite restaurants downtown). I have been following her with great interest where she was moving. Then I heard she went on and re-mastered “the Lobster” at the Santa Monica Pier. Again my curiosity was fully peaked. She has a resume dating back to working with one of my all-time favorite Chef’s Thomas Keller the creator of French Laundry and Bouchon. Hence I could not wait to get an excuse to go to dinner. So nothing better than Diane’s nineteenth anniversary of putting up with me was the best opportunity to experience her cooking a meal. The staff and their service treated us fantastically. We went on a Friday night which was clearly very busy, never the less we were treated like royalty. I had a special request to surprise Diane when she got there from work with a chilled bottle of Krug non vintage to put her in a nice mood after all it was her anniversaryJ. I bought the bubbly since I did not think it would be on the menu and I was right. The food preparation and the platting were great. We both had some fantastic food; we took a few pictures not all of it, since we were so focused on enjoying the food ourselves. Needless to say we have to go back again. On a side note I was a bit disappointed with their selection of wines, but those of you who know me, know that I like a bigger selection to choose fromJ. We went for the exceptional cooking and were not disappointed. It was also a special treat to know that on the patio you can bring your pet. So next time we will go for lunch with Diane’s DogJ. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreTapena Verdejo the Spanish answer to a less citrusy Sauvignon Blanc!
Tapena Verdejo is the Spanish answer to a less cirusy Sauvignong Blanc! If you like a light Sauvignon Blanc, but do not care for the citrusy flavors of the Australian Sauvignon Blanks, then here is an alternative solution to a more floral aromatic and less citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. This is truly a great value for the money. You can buy any this bottle where from $8.99 to $12 a bottle. Robert Parker and his likes have praised this wine as an awesome value for the money. I am not a big White Wine Drinker, but this I must say is worth every dollar or should I say penny for the drop. This is pale yellow hued wine and has a vibrant nose with an array of aromas of tropical fruits over a backdrop of ripe peaches. Not your average grassy Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a Verdejo i.e.: the Spanish answer to a Sauvignon Blanc. They grapes are from the region of Rueda to Tierra de Catillia. If you see this wine, do not turn your nose up because of the price being under $20 dollars per bottle. I challenge you to taste it and tell me if I am wrongJ so if you have an opportunity to get your hands on this try it! If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations....
read moreSpeechless Sunday: Anniversary Dinner follow up
Speechless Sunday: Anniversary Dinner follow upJ Diane and I went to Dinner Friday to celebrate her19th anniversary of our being not marriedJ. It was a fantastic Restaurant of which I will blog later. Needless to say the following night the pressure was on me to create something comparable and memorable. Let me know what you think of this mealJ If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreTitle Red Flags can delay and or sabotage your Escrow!
Title Red Flags can delay and/or sabotage your Escrow As most of you who have read my blog post regularly notice that over the years I have written often about the importance of having Title Insurance. Title Insurance will insure that no one will knock on your door later stating claim to the property you just bought and if they do you have recourse. Now I am sure you have often heard that “red flags” mean we need to focus and pay attention. Well in the Title & Escrow World Red Flags mean a situation that needs to be cleared up before escrow can close. So when you receive your Preliminary Title Report not only you as the buyer, the seller and the respective agents need to focus on the “red flags” , but the good news is so does your Title Officer and your Escrow Officer will review. They will review the Preliminary Title Report as well and now with everyone reviewing it carefully it gives you added protection. Now if you are the seller and the listing agent, when you hear life changing situations these are indications of “red flags” you need to address to make sure it will not prevent or delay a closing. For your convenience I will list a few of the Red Flags: <IRS liens <Family trusts <Business trusts <Foreclosures <Probates <Transfers or loans involving partnerships <Encroachments or off-record easements These are important Red Flags, they are not an all inclusive list, but enough for you to pause and check out see if all the documentations are in order. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreCalifornia Bicycle Laws Share the road is a two way street!
California Bicycle Laws: Share the road is a two way street! The governor of California quietly signed a law into effect that drivers need to give bicycle riders more room such as at least three feet and not pass them unless it is safe…. This is above and beyond the current Bicycle Safety Laws. I am all for safety and giving bicyclist protection, but let me ask you how much more do we need to give. Please look at these pictures and you tell me. Yes I believe safety starts with rules and rules go both ways. Often times I see bicyclist riding on the sidewalk when it is convenient to them. This is clearly a violation of CVC 21206. If a travel lane is too narrow to safely share side by side with a motor vehicle, you can prevent unsafe passing by riding. On a two-lane road where it is illegal or unsafe to pass, you must run off the road at designated or safe location to allow a line of 5 or more vehicles behind you to pass This is covered by CVC 21202(a)(3) and CVC21656 Now in all fairness what would you do as a driver in rush hour heading either to or from work and you have a bicyclist in front of you? If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I am a Pet friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commissions to local animal rescue organizations. ...
read moreBreaking News Tom Clancy: dead at the age of 66
Breaking News Tom Clancy: dead at the age of 66 One of our friends sent me an email about an hour or so ago that Tom Clancy passed away today. This made me reflect. In my observation very few people like to talk about death. It is not a pleasant subject. We all think we have a long time and it is far away. The older we get to more it becomes a reality that we are not immortal. Hence we should be mentally and emotionally prepared that it is an inevitability and the question is just when. Needless to say famous, infamous or just ordinary we can die without a moment’s notice from various causes, accidents, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, health reasons and I could go on and on. Ironically I was just about to start one of his books yesterday. This one he has written a while back “The Cardinal of the Kremlin” work and life stepped in and needless to say did not start reading it as planned. So getting your house in order one should not postpone because it can happen anytime. Just as I tend to procrastinate I am sure many of you are out there as well. Many o f you might have read or seen “The Hunt for Red October” this one probably is been one of his most well known novels. President Ronald Reagan probably helped him get to be on the best seller list. There was a photo of the late President holding the book in his hand as he was crossing the lawn at the white house. IF any of you have this picture feel free to post it in the comments. I just remember it clear as day! (Ironically I lent this book out and never got it back) On a side note I remember seeing him drive on Sunset Blvd in a convertible with his trademark Admiral Baseball Cap. If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations. ...
read moreA Memorial for Patrolman Harold L Edgington, Los Angeles Harbor Patrol
A memorial for Patrolman Harold L Edgington, Los Angeles Harbor Patrol, California Marina Del Rey, CA. On September 30th 1979 Officer Edington was assaulted and the severely-wounded officer was being worked on by Fire Department personnel and rushed to ER with the hopes that they could save his life. Officer Edington passed away and thirty four years later his senseless and tragic death was memorialized by Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers. On a side note this is such a rare occurrence in Marina Del Rey, CA never the less that is no consolation to his family and relatives and brother Police & Fire Department officers and friends who knew him. What you missed that were not in my pictures was after the memorial ceremony there was a Sheriff’s Department honor guard standing by the picture of Officer Edgington. Later in the evening I was driving by and another officer was there until Sunset. I am sorry I was busy and could not take a picture of it for you. I If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home, or an ultra luxury home, or luxury investment real estate, or luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.comYour Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations....
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