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Stephen Rubin, Publisher Of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ And Other Blockbusters, Dies At 81

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NEW YORK — The late Stephen Rubin, a publishing executive of extensive tenure who published blockbusters including “The Da Vinci Code” and “Fire and Fury” and had a keen eye for bestsellers and a deep interest in music and public life, has passed away. Rubin, among others, helped initiate the career of John Grisham. At age 81, he died.

After “a brief and sudden illness,” Rubin passed away on Friday at a hospital in Manhattan, according to his nephew, David Rotter.

It is difficult to conceive of a book publishing industry without the influential and colorful presence of the raspy-voiced Rubin, who adorned himself for decades in suits and fashionable spectacles and whose extensive circle of acquaintances and colleagues included Jacqueline Kennedy and Beverly Sills. His expansive apartment on the West Side served as the venue for memorable gatherings, and he was a frequent source of rumors and eloquent, irreverent, and affectionate evaluations of colleagues, friends, and the greater world.

The Associated Press received an email from close friend and former CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Jane Friedman, who stated, “He would enter a room and immediately fill it.” “He had intense preferences and aversions, and he never changed his mind.”

In the 1980s, Rubin, a former journalist for The New York Times, entered the publishing industry and rose to prominence at Doubleday, where Kennedy once served as editor-in-chief, and Henry Holt and Company. His most recent position was with Simon & Schuster as a publishing consultant.

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Stephen Rubin, Publisher Of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ And Other Blockbusters, Dies At 81.

The million-selling “Killing” history series by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel, “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom, “Bring Up the Bodies” by Hilary Mantel, and “Decision Points” by former President George W. Bush—a million-selling book that Rubin assisted in signing—were among Rubin’s many notable accomplishments.

Executives of books aspire to supervise even a single phenomenon: At a minimum, Rubin scored three times.

Early in the 1990s, he was beginning his career at Doubleday when the publisher prepared to publish “The Firm,” a thriller by obscure author John Grisham. The novel helped make Grisham synonymous with courtroom drama and marked the beginning of a long friendship between him and Rubin, who would admit to using the author’s good looks in promotional ads (Grisham would rebel for a time by appearing in photo shoots unshaven).

Ruskin was an outstanding publisher, according to a statement by Grisham. “With the ability to place books on bestseller lists, which he particularly cherished, he was an avid reader.” Loyal, benevolent, and unabashed in his viewpoints, he embodied the ideal qualities of a writer. “He was almost never mistaken, but never uncertain.”

A decade later, Doubleday signed an unknown author who had sold few copies for Simon & Schuster but had a promising manuscript for a religious/art mystery set in Europe. “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown became an instant and enduring sensation due to its unremitting promotional campaign, which included distributing thousands of advance copies to booksellers and others in the industry. Despite disapproval from certain religious authorities and criticism from fellow authors and critics, sales of the book surpassed 70 million copies.

The book’s phenomenal success propelled Brown’s previous works, “Angels & Demons” and “Digital Fortress,” to the status of bestsellers as well.

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Executives of books aspire to supervise even a single phenomenon: At a minimum, Rubin scored three times.

Brown stated, “Steve’s contagious enthusiasm for my work was the stuff of every author’s dreams.” “Steve, an accomplished oenophile of international caliber, used to envoy cases of opulent Italian wines to me. He even joked that it was a secret scheme to endow me with a refined palate so I could never afford to cease writing. His confidence, support, and, most importantly, his friendship have made me eternally appreciative.

Rubin, in his mid-seventies, experienced one more extraordinary journey in 2018. He oversaw a signature book of the Trump presidency, Michael Wolff’s “Fire and Fury,” for which Rubin consented to serve as its publisher and overseer. Rubin and Wolff met for cocktails two years prior, during which he became acquainted with the veteran and frequently controversial journalist.

As the first book to vividly depict the administration’s ongoing chaos, “Fire and Fury” was so unfavorable that Trump dismissed a top aide, Steve Bannon, for having spoken with Wolff and threatened to obstruct its publication. The book would be “the most extraordinary experience” of Rubin’s career.

Rubin wrote in his memoir “Words and Music,” which was published earlier this year, “For over a month, it was humanly impossible to miss ‘Fire and Fury.'” “The outcome was favourable for both Michael and Holt.” “It was thrilling and enjoyable as well.”

Rubin, a native of New York City, had music, particularly opera, as his initial and enduring passion. He earned a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University after he graduated from New York University. (A waste of money, he later wrote). He began his career at UPI and Vanity Fair before contributing to The New York Times Magazine with biographies of Luciano Pavarotti and Sills, among others.

Rubin began his career at Bantam Books, a renowned paperback publisher, in the mid-1980s. He remained at Bantam Books for six years before his departure to Doubleday. During his lifetime, he maintained a deep affection for opera and classical music. In addition, he collaborated with his late wife, Cynthia, in managing the Rubin Institute for Music Criticism at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, an endeavor that brought him immense satisfaction.

He understood, however, that books, particularly the ones that sold the most copies, would characterize his legacy. Within his memoir, he provided a concise yet unfinished prognosis: “I presume that the title of my obituary will read, ‘The publisher of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ passes away.'”

SOURCE – (AP)

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5 Tips to Choosing the Best Tire Shop

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1 day ago

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2024-11-25

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Some tire shops may offer free tire rotations, protection against road damage,

Regular maintenance of your car, especially the tires, is crucial for car owners. The condition of the tires is important because they are the only part of the car that comes into direct contact with the road and are often subject to heavy use. Choosing the right tire shop is very important.

Therefore, well-maintained tires enhance driving performance and are a key factor in reducing the risk of accidents on the road. It’s essential to check the condition of your tires every time before heading out to ensure that all four tires are in good working condition.

This article offers 5 tips for choosing a car service center or a tire shop near me for those who want to conduct a thorough inspection and travel with confidence.

Tip 1: Check the Shop’s Reputation and Reviews

When selecting a tire shop, you must check its reputation to ensure you trust your vehicle with a reliable business. A shop’s reputation can be a strong indicator of the quality of its service, the expertise of its staff, and the fairness of its pricing.

Start by reading online reviews on platforms. Look for feedback on customer service, pricing transparency, and how well the shop handled any issues or concerns. Consistently good reviews are a sign that the shop delivers reliable service, while patterns of complaints can serve as red flags. Also, don’t forget to check how the shop responds to negative reviews.

Tip 2: Compare Prices and Services

To find a proper tire shop near me, obtaining quotes from various shops and comparing prices is crucial to ensure you get the best deal. However, price shouldn’t be your only consideration.

Take the time to understand exactly what services, such as installation, balancing, and alignment, are included in each quote, as these can significantly affect the overall value.

Additionally, ask about warranties or guarantees offered on the tires and related services, as these can provide long-term peace of mind and potentially save you money.

Tips 3: A Tire Shop with a Wide Range of Options

A good tire shop near me should offer high-quality tires from reputable and well-known manufacturers, such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Yokohama, or Dunlop.

The shop should provide various tire options suitable for different vehicle types, such as sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and sports cars. Each vehicle type requires tires with specific characteristics, such as standard tires for city driving, high-performance tires for SUVs, or off-road tires for adventurous drivers.

A wide selection allows customers to find the perfect fit for their driving needs, ensuring safety and performance.

Tip 4: Ensure Proper Certifications and Expertise

When choosing a tire shop, look for places with industry certifications or ties to major tire brands. This shows they follow good practices. It’s also important to have skilled workers matching tires to different cars.

Lastly, pick a shop with modern tools for aligning and balancing tires. This equipment helps ensure your tires work well and last longer.

Tip 5: Look for Additional Perks and Convenience

Look for places that offer services like tire rotation, repairs, and maintenance plans to consider extras that add value. Consider convenience, too—a comfortable waiting area, quick service, and easy scheduling are nice.

Some shops may offer free tire rotations, protection against road damage, or discounts for loyal customers. These extras can make your experience better and save you money over time.

Tires in good condition enhance driving performance and play a crucial role in reducing the risk of accidents on the road. Choosing a quality and reputable tire shop or a certified car service center near you is a great way to ensure that your tires and other key vehicle components are properly maintained by experienced technicians using reliable equipment.

For anyone looking to have their tires checked or searching for new ones, contact Autobacs, a comprehensive car service center from Japan with over 70 years of experience. Our skilled technicians and staff are ready to offer expert advice and services.

We provide tire options from various brands suitable for all vehicle types. Most importantly, we have over 76 branches across Thailand, so no matter where you are, you’re sure to find our brand when you search for a “tire shop near me.”

 

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Trudeau Rocks to Taylor Swift While Montreal Burns

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2 days ago

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2024-11-24

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Trudeau, Montreal

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire yet again after a video surfaced on X, showing him dancing at a Taylor Swift performance while anti-Nato protestors ransacked downtown Montreal.

Trudeau attended Taylor Swift’s concert in Toronto on Friday night. Before Taylor Swift approached the stage, X shared a viral video of him dancing and singing along to the song “You Don’t Own Me.”

The image of Trudeau dancing amid violent protests in Montreal generated widespread indignation online. Some social media users even compared Trudeau to the ancient Roman dictator Nero, known for “fiddling while Rome burned.”

Don Stewart, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing part of Toronto, called out the prime minister in a post on X.

“Lawless protesters run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest. The Prime Minister dances,” Stewart wrote. “This is the Canada built by the Liberal government.”

“Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved,” the MP added.

On Saturday, the day after Taylor Swift’s concert, Trudeau condemned the anti-NATO protests, calling them “appalling.”

Anti-NATO activists set off smoke bombs and marched through Montreal’s streets waving Palestinian flags. According to the Montreal Gazette, rioters set fire to automobiles and battled with police.

Pro-Palestinian protests

Protesters also tossed tiny explosives and metal objects at officers. At one point, the mob torched an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the gathering, and three persons were arrested for attacking officers and impeding police operations.

Masked protesters were seen burning flares and bashing storefront windows in videos and photographs shared on social media. Pro-Palestinian protests have been taking place across Canada since the Israel-Gaza conflict began late last year.

Critics have lambasted Trudeau for doing nothing to stop the violent pro-Palestinian marches, with some claiming he has fueled anti-Israel sentiment in Canada.

On Friday, Trudeau stated that Canada would respect the orders of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu, even if it meant arresting the Israeli prime leader on Canadian soil.

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Calgary Zoo Admits Human Error in Death of Baby Gorilla

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2 days ago

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2024-11-24

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Baby Gorilla, Calgary Zoo
The zookeeper's negligence caused the death of a 2-year-old baby gorilla

The Calgary Zoo has admitted in a public statement that a zookeeper’s negligence caused the death of a 2-year-old baby gorilla. Eyare, a newborn gorilla, died last week after being slammed in the head by a hydraulic door.

The accident occurred when a zoo worker attempted to separate Eyare from the rest of the gorilla tribe for a solitary training session.

The gorilla died from significant head injuries, according to the zoo’s statement.

“This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable,” Colleen Baird, director of animal care at the Calgary Zoo, said during a news conference. “Eyare’s brief but meaningful existence gave so much joy to our community, and all will sorely miss her. We will do everything possible to prevent repeat accidents.”

According to Baird, the staff member involved was immediately removed from the workplace and will be reassigned to another area of the zoo. The Calgary Zoo stated that it would take preventive steps, such as specialist personnel training and animal behavioral training, to avoid a similar incident.

Calgary Zoo Questioned

It is not the first time an animal at the zoo has died from negligence at the Calgary Zoo. A capybara was accidentally crushed by a hydraulic door similar to the one that killed Eyare in 2019.

An otter died in 2016 after being entangled in an “unauthorized” pair of jeans that a zookeeper had dropped in its enclosure. In 2013, a penguin died in “a freak accident” after swallowing a stick.

Animal Justice, a Canadian group that promotes animal welfare, has called for an independent investigation of animal safety and oversight at the Alberta facility.

“The Calgary Zoo appears to have a higher rate of animal deaths compared to other zoos, and in light of Eyare’s death there should be a systematic review of the zoo’s operations and practices, conducted transparently by the government or another outside party,” according to Camille Labchuk, the executive director of Animal Justice.

The Calgary Zoo refuted that it has more animal deaths than other zoos, emphasizing that it adheres to operating requirements and has maintained accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ independent Accreditation Commission since 1978.

“We love and care for more than 4,000 animals representing over 100 species that call our zoo home,” stated a Calgary Zoo representative.

“Human error-related deaths in animals are quite infrequent. We have lost two animals in the last ten years: a North American river otter in 2016 and ‘Eyare’ this week.

While rare, even one human-caused death is too many. These unfortunate instances have served as vital learning experiences, prompting us to examine and tighten protocols to provide the greatest level of care.”

Baird said at the news conference that using hydraulic doors is “common practice with accredited zoos,” adding that the facility will consider switching to alternate doors to improve safety.

The Calgary Zoo, which established the Wilder Institute in 2021, caters to nearly 4,000 creatures, including six more western lowland gorillas.

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