Welcome in the World of Books

Exploring Human Rights Mobilizations in Global Politics

2010-03-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Average people have helped to shape the human rights movement, Jean Quataert says in a new book about the development and impact of rights after World War II. "Advocating Dignity: Human Rights Mobilizations in Global Politics," the latest book by the Binghamton University history professor, was released by the University of Pennsylvania Press.

“One of the book’s major contributions is that it is a global study of the human rights machinery done essentially from the grass roots and through people’s movements,” Quataert said. “I wanted to show what a difference average people make in global politics.”

The book takes the reader from the mid-20th century into the early 21st century, from the emergence of the human rights system in 1945 to the replacement of the United Nations’ Human Rights Commission with the Human Rights Council in 2005. In between, Quataert embarks on an ambitious and thematic journey in which she establishes global contexts for the work of human rights advocates.

Case studies range from the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa to the dissidents of the Soviet Union to advocacy for gender, citizenship and socio-economic rights.

“To me, human rights is not about states taking on human rights,” she said. “It’s about people devising the tools to influence the decision-makers.”

Quataert emphasized a quote from environmentalist/activist Patsy Ruth Oliver that opens the book’s concluding chapter: “So many people don’t think that one person can make a difference. But really, it has to start somewhere, so let it start with me.”

The reader is introduced to heroes who could have easily spoken the words of Oliver. There are Hebe de Bonafini and the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, middle-aged and working-class women who entered the square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1977 to protest the disappearance of family members during the Argentine government’s Dirty War. The Mothers’ principles and passion eventually made disappearance “a matter of international urgency,” while becoming a “symbol of defiance and truth,” Quataert writes.

There is Gladys Tsolo, a South African activist who not only gave the world details of the nation’s inhumane system, but also discussed gender injustices there. “She was an indispensible part of making the women’s human rights movement truly global, by forcing a different perspective than the Western feminists’ into the global debate,” Quataert writes.

Non-governmental organizations and people’s movements eventually affected decisions made by entities such as the United Nations, Quataert said.

“While not every person and every movement can affect a decision, collectively it is an impressive record,” she said.

Quataert began the book shortly after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
“It was a form of catharsis for me,” she said. “It was a personal thing I felt I needed to do under trying and difficult times.”

Quataert, a pioneer in the field of women’s studies, admits that the book took her outside of her “comfort zone.”

“I thought, ‘Why not take some chances? Why not push the borders of knowledge? Why not see what a new perspective can bring to this subject?’”
The book, which also examines U.N. humanitarian interventions and criminal courts during the 1990s, makes the case that universal accountability is vital for the future of human rights.

“If international law is going to mean anything, you need universal accountability — accountability of the U.S. as a superpower as well as Sudan as a poor country,” she said. “What happens when a state as powerful as the U.S. egregiously breaks the law?”

Quataert, who contributed the various photos on the book’s cover, said it is likely that Advocating Dignity will be released in paperback this fall. She hopes academic readers will appreciate the historian’s perspective that is being brought to the human rights debate and would like lay readers to recognize how complex and important human rights are.

“The hope for human rights is people’s mobilizations,” she said. “You can make a difference. There are many ways to get involved – writing letters, joining organizations, giving money, speaking out. This does make a difference.”

The Miracle of Me: A Memoir

2010-02-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

EUGENE, Ore., Feb. 26, 2010 — Living with a brain tumor for over fifteen years, Alice Snow has been at death’s door many times. In spite of the fact that her doctors told her she would not survive, Snow refused to accept their prognosis. Now Alice Snow tells her funny, romantic, and, at times, heartbreaking story in her memoir, “The Miracle of Me” from iUniverse.

Snow held fast to the belief that her life was meant to serve a higher purpose, which was why she didn’t believe that the tumor was going to prematurely end her life. Instead, she focused on her purpose to inspire others to lead their best lives through service, spirituality, and recognition of life’s precious gifts. Snow believes that her faith has been the key to her miraculous survival, and she has taken this unique position to impart a powerful, positive message to her readers in a story that is a mix of “Six Feet Under” and “Eat Pray Love.”

“The Miracle of Me” shares Snow’s journey of growing up in an eccentric family of undertakers, which helped teach the author firsthand about death and its impact on the living. As a young woman, she traveled the world, which included boarding with Dutch nuns and witnessing the crushing poverty of Bolivia. It was these experiences that taught Snow that no oppression, grief or suffering could permanently destroy the human spirit. Eventually, love swept in and a lifelong romance sustained her through tremendous difficulties, including the challenge of facing her own mortality. However, Snow was determined not to let a brain tumor distract her from her personal mission and is still enjoying life to its fullest today, believing she is one of life’s miracles.

About the Author

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Alice Snow is a former teacher and a certified music practitioner who played harp for the critically ill. The author’s life has been dedicated to selfless service to humanity, and her humanitarian efforts have impacted lives around the globe. Snow currently volunteers for the Eugene Symphony and for the United Methodist Women’s Organization. She resides in Eugene, Oregon, and wishes her story to be a source of hope and inspiration to others. She is available for interview.

“The Miracle of Me”

Available from: http://www.iUniverse.com, http://www.bn.com, and http://www.amazon.com

ISBN: 978-1450201193 - 6 x 9 - Paperback - 236 pages - $18.95

The Journey to Truth : Physical and Spiritual Realities of Our World

2010-02-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

RICHLAND, Wash., Feb. 3 - Recognized physicist and successful entrepreneur, George F. Garlick, PhD, reveals what he believes to be new insights into the physical and spiritual realities of our world in his debut book, The Journey to Truth (VMI Publishing, 2009). Part memoir, part scientific primer the book -- released December 2009 -- hit online retailers and book stores this month.

The book chronicles Garlick's personal passion to reconcile what he believes as biblical truths with his own scientific knowledge and credits his success with strong faith. From childhood, Garlick's profound interest in the world around him put him at odds with his family's strong faith beliefs. Captivating readers with frank narrative, Garlick poignantly draws parallels between scriptural references and modern scientific discoveries that until now have yet to be revealed.

His story is one of success and failure, but his profound connection between scientific discoveries -- from the Big Bang to the 5th dimension -- and theology is both overwhelming and humbling. As readers delve into Garlick's story, they can't help but "walk the path" toward a better understanding of the truth that exists about our spiritual and physical existence. According to Garlick, "By using our mind to explore the mysteries of the universe, we can achieve a better understanding of our relationship with God."

In the book, Garlick refers to the "mountain of truth," a metaphor for what he believes to be the relationship between science and faith. The mountain's terrain relates to the scientific and biblical ascent to the truth that Garlick believes exists at the summit and is central to the book. As Garlick himself writes, "To achieve a richer life, we need to keep pursuing, keep climbing the mountain of truth, because all those that seek shall find."

All proceeds from the book will benefit charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities.

George Garlick was born and raised in Frontier County, Nebraska. He earned a doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering and Solid State Physics from Iowa State University. He has received wide recognition for his work in pioneering acoustical holography for medical imaging and other applications.

Like Father Like Daughter? Young Artist Becomes Finalist in Science Fiction Contest Her Father Won 20 Years Ago

2010-01-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 29 - What are the odds? Two decades after her father won what has since become one of the longest running amateur writing contests worldwide, April Aldridge of Fort Walton Beach, Florida has been named a finalist for its companion, the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future contest.

"She wasn't even born yet when I won," said Ray Aldridge, a winner of the 1986 Writers of the Future Contest for his winning short story.

"The odds are probably 10,000 to 1 that April was even chosen," said Joni Labaqui, Contest Director. "Since entries are anonymous, we have no idea who the artist is when selecting finalists."

What follows will be a month of suspense in the Aldridge household while the final judges cast their votes and the results come in to see if April, like her father, will be named a winner.

"If April wins, she will be our first 'second generation' winner," Labaqui said.

Winning artists will be published in the upcoming L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, an annual anthology that sells in all major book stores.

Judges of the years' finalists include multiple award-winning artists Frank Frazetta, Bob Eggleton, Vincent DiFate, Ron Lindahn, Val Lakey Lindahn, Stephen Hickman, Cliff Nielsen, Stephan Martiniere and Laura Brodian Freas.

www.writersofthefuture.com

Brain Drain: Relationship Between Physical and Mental Health

2010-01-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Brain Drain (ISBN: 0984196307; 978-0984196302) authored by Charles F. Glassman, M.D., FACP, is a powerful new book that teaches people how to break free of their brains' automatic responses through understanding and controlling their mind/body connections.

Brain Drain was patient driven. Five years ago, Dr. Glassman founded the New York Center for Longevity and Wellness - its goal to take a comprehensive approach to medicine and to balance mind/body concepts with conventional medicine. Two years later, he began distributing a weekly, motivational e-mail message to patients and friends; its popularity quickly grew. As a result, he was prompted to turn his practical advice into a book.

The book offers a groundbreaking revelation that provides readers with the necessary tools to stop personal brain drain while helping them to find the things in life that are right for them. It explores many areas that include: how to get out of an unhappy relationship; how to improve overall physical health; how to increase energy; how to break free of bad habits; and much more.

Broken down into 19 chapters and three parts: The Automatic Brain; The Power of Our Mind; and Seven Days to Belief, Brain Drain connects the dots between mind, body, spirit and wellness.

Brain Drain recently won honorable mention at the prestigious New England Book Festival in the non-fiction category. It's 240 pages and available in hard cover for $29.95 on Amazon.com and at: www.CharlesGlassmanMD.com.

About the Author:

Dr. Charles Glassman's internal medicine practice in Pomona, NY emphasizes wellness and prevention. He is patient focused rather than problem focused; and driven to provide health care rather than sick care.

A Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and the Life Extension Foundation, his approach to medicine is integrative - using traditionally-approved methods while recognizing the power of unconventional therapies. He is consistently voted a "Top Doctor" in Hudson Valley Magazine and New York Metro.

Dr. Glassman has appeared on ABC News, Bloomberg Radio, National Public Radio and The Wall Street Journal Radio. He has had numerous health care articles appear in The New York Times and other publications, and is quickly becoming a leading medical community expert on mind/body/spirit concerning the physician-patient relationship.

He lives in Rockland County, New York with his wife Melanie and their four children (and dog, Ginger).

Children's Books to Share the Gift of Reading Through Annual Season's Readings Campaign

2009-11-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Public Invited to Take Part in Annual Campaign to Provide Books to Children in Need

Verizon Teams With First Book and Random House

NEW YORK, Nov. 25 - Holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to give the gift of reading through the Verizon Foundation's annual Season's Readings campaign.

The public is invited to take part in the campaign, from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, by logging on to http://www.firstbook.org/verizon and making a donation to First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides new books to children in need by distributing the books through local schools, libraries and other nonprofit children's organizations throughout the country. A contribution of just $2 buys a new book.

For every donation to First Book through the Web site, Random House Children's Books will make a matching donation of new, free books to First Book (up to 300,000 books). Also, the first 300 people who make a $20 donation or more through the Web site will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Seuss's beloved classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" "Thousands of children miss out on the joy and magic of reading simply because they don't have books," said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. "This campaign will help bring a smile to the faces of many children throughout the country and give them a gift that will help ensure a brighter future through literacy."

Season's Readings began in 2001 as a Verizon employees' campaign to advance the cause of children's literacy. Since then, more than 2 million children's books have been donated to children across the country.

This year, Verizon employees at hundreds of company locations will participate in the annual giving campaign by donating new or gently used children's books. Items collected at Verizon work locations will be donated to nonprofit and educational organizations in the local area. In addition, donations made through the First Book Web site will result in additional books being made available to schools and children's programs across the country registered with First Book.

"Literacy is the first building block of the strong education needed to help all children reach their full potential," said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. "We invite everyone to become part of our efforts to get books into the hands of children and help them become lifelong learners."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000.

First Book is an award-winning nonprofit that provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy - access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed more than 65 million free and low cost books to schools and programs serving children in low-income communities. For more information, please visit www.firstbook.org.

Verizon Communications Inc.headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.

Random House Children's Books is the world's largest English-language children's trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books and novels, the imprints of Random House Children's Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. The company's award-winning website, kids@random (www.randomhouse.com/kids) offers an array of materials and activities free of charge for children, teens, parents, and educators. Random House Children's Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.

Please Visit - http://medianowonline.com/news

Lonely, Young Runaway Sold into Sexual Slavery Discovers New Hope and Love as a Woman

2009-11-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

In his debut novel, “Tootie Greene” (published by iUniverse), Zachary F. Scott follows the poor, infamous Tootie Greene, a young girl who is shuffled into a foster home where she is mistreated again. She runs away and ends up living on the streets and was soon abducted and sold into sexual slavery to a pimp named Carlos.

Despite her rough past of prostitution and erotic dancing in Southern California, Tootie fortunately meets a preacher named Johnny Mack, who rescues her by buying her from Carlos and later marries her. For a year or so she indulges in the happiness she craves, a normal, loving family. Unfortunately, just when life couldn’t get any sweeter, the chairman of the deacons at Johnny’s church, one of her former clients, blackmails her for sex. She gets pregnant and eventually, through an accident, Johnny discovers the child is not his because of the blood types. Johnny forces Tootie to leave their home without her children.

Her problems snowball when a religious cult, The Sacred Path of Natural Enlightenment, befriends the lost Tootie as she is searching for a way to return to her family, or get her children. The cult drugs and kidnaps Tootie, taking her to their clandestine order based just outside of Portland to become one of their tantric priestesses. After she stumbles onto a set where they are filming a snuff film, Tootie realizes she too will be killed, so she plans an escape. Her plans are discovered and her execution is ordered. During her heroic escape from the enforcers she is wounded and taken to the hospital. Finally, Johnny is summoned and after some intense conflicts he relents and asks her to return home.

From being forced to work the streets of California as a young woman, to attempting suicide by jumping off a cliff and then finding herself involved in the rituals of a dark cult, Tootie’s tale not only explores, but exposes the horrors and psychological damage of human trafficking. It illuminates this commonly ignored, underground world of decadence for the first time in years. “Tootie Greene” is an unflinching portrayal of a woman who dreams of the stability and affection of a family, a dream that many take for granted.

About the Author

Zachary F. Scott is a pseudonym for Dr. Zachary F. Carden, a general dentist in Chattanooga, Tenn. He is the scientific editor of the Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association. He received his bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman College in 1963, and his doctor of dental surgery in 1974. He has also received several fellowships and awards for his contributions to the field of dentistry. Scott currently lives on Lake Chickamauga with his wife, Anne, who is an award-winning author (iUniverse 2009, “The House of Broken Dreams”). They have two children and four grandchildren. Though “Tootie Greene” is his first book, Scott and his wife have other manuscripts ready for publication.

PBS KIDS GO! Launches Its First Writers Contest

2009-11-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

WNED-TV, Buffalo/Toronto partners with PBS KIDS GO! to mobilize children across America to write and illustrate their own stories

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 4 - PBS KIDS GO! and WNED-TV Buffalo/Toronto are partnering to launch the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a national-local contest designed to promote the advancement of children's reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The Contest encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country, to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.

Beginning on January 27, 2010, PBS stations throughout the country will be active partners in the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, and will work with schools, public libraries and other literacy organizations to implement the Contest in their communities. Children will be encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to their local stations, which will select winners and award prizes. Local winners will be entered into the national level of the Contest where a renowned panel of judges will identify the national winners. Winners will be announced and national prizes, including laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players will be awarded in summer 2010.

In addition, a new PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Web site at pbskids.org/read will launch in early 2010. As the information hub of the Contest, it will include the winning stories in each of the Contest categories as well as a searchable archive of winning stories.

"We know from research that there is an important connection between writing and the development of early literacy skills, critical cornerstones for school readiness and achievement," said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children's Media, PBS. "PBS KIDS uses the power of media to open up the worlds of letters and words for all young children, encouraging them to explore ways to communicate more effectively and increasing their odds of success."

The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the 15 year national "Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest," originally created by WNED-TV Buffalo/Toronto and NET Nebraska.

"WNED is proud to continue its leadership role in literacy for public television through the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest," said WNED President and CEO Donald K. Boswell. "Building on the important legacy of Reading Rainbow, this new contest ushers the powerful mission of our programs directly into the homes and classrooms of the community, motivating young students to create and imagine."

The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest is a part of PBS KIDS Raising Readers, a national initiative which uses the power of public media to build the reading skills of children ages 2-to-8, with an emphasis on children from low-income families. The effort is funded by a Ready To Learn grant from the U.S. Department of Education, part of a cooperative agreement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), PBS and The Ready To Learn Partnership.

About PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO!

PBS KIDS, for preschoolers, and PBS KIDS GO!, for early elementary school kids, offer all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. With positive role models and content designed to nurture a child's total well-being, PBS's children's media and family and educator resources - including PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! television series, PBSKIDS.org, PBSKIDSGO.org, PBS Parents (PBSPARENTS.org), PBS Teachers (PBSTEACHERS.org), PBS KIDS Raising Readers and literacy events across the country - leverage the full spectrum of media, technology and community to build knowledge, critical thinking, imagination and curiosity. Empowering children for success in school and in life, only PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! have earned the unanimous endorsement of parents, children, industry leaders and teachers. In September 2008, PBS KIDS GO! launched its video player (PBSKIDSGO.org/video), featuring hundreds of video clips and dozens of full-length episodes. Since launch, the site is averaging 1.3 million streams per week. PBSKIDS.org averages 9 million unique visitors a month. PBS is a nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 356 public television stations, serving more than 115 million people on-air and online each month. For more information on specific shows supporting literacy, science, math, and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom.

About WNED

The Western New York Public Broadcasting Association (WNED) long ago established itself as an originator of television content for PBS. WNED is the founder and national co-producer of the Reading Rainbow series which garnered a total of 26 Emmy Awards, ten of which were for "Outstanding Children's Series." WNED was the producer of the popular Mark Russell Comedy Specials for PBS and is a producer of major documentaries for PBS national distribution. A series of WNED documentaries (Your Life Your Money, Window to the Sea, Niagara Falls, Frank Lloyd Wright's Buffalo, The Marines, The Adirondacks, Fort Niagara: The Struggle for a Continent) have been broadcast nationally on PBS since 2005. Elbert Hubbard: An American Original is WNED's next PBS production and is scheduled for broadcast on November 23, 2009. WNED is currently producing several documentaries slated for national PBS broadcast in the coming years including the War of 1812 and a special on the Chautauqua Institution.

About CPB

CPB, a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1000 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related on-line services.

CONTACT: Kim Elek, +1-410-956-0460, kim@mcreynoldselek.com, or Lynn
McReynolds, +1-410-268-0275, lynn@mcreynoldselek.com

HOW CAPITALISM WILL SAVE US

2009-11-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

Why Free People and Free Markets Are the Best Answer in Today's Economy

At a time when pundits, politicians and some world leaders are proclaiming the death of "laissez faire" and free enterprise, a new book from STEVE FORBES asserts that capitalism -- economic freedom -- is the real way to revive the economy.

HOW CAPITALISM WILL SAVE US: Why Free People and Free Markets Are the Best Answer in Today's Economy (Crown Business; November 3, 2009), by STEVE FORBES, editor of Forbes Media and one of the nation's best-known economic prognosticators, and co-author Elizabeth Ames, explores what the authors call "Real World economics," principles of how markets work that are really beyond politics (politicians of all stripes have both embraced and violated them). The book draws on a variety of voices past and present -- economists, writers and philosophers, from Thomas Sowell and Friedrich von Hayek to Adam Smith. It explains -

-- What really caused the financial crisis and "Great Recession."
-- How today's negative "Rap" on capitalism is not only wrong, but rooted
in cultural biases going back thousands of years.
-- Why freer markets are not the problem but the answer to healthcare,
unemployment and other economic problems facing Americans today.

-- That capitalism, while not perfect, is the most democratic, moral
system on earth.

The authors write that unease about free markets, combined with longstanding cultural biases, has helped create a bad "Rap" on capitalism that has shaped destructive policies over decades -- from the job-killing Smoot-Hawley Tariff that triggered the Great Depression to today's economic "stimulus" and other policies that have failed to truly revive the economy.

Written as an engaging "conversation," HOW CAPITALISM WILL SAVE US: Why Free People and Free Markets Are the Best Answer in Today's Economy covers the most hotly debated topics in today's headlines -- from CEO pay to healthcare. The book addresses classic questions ranging from "Isn't capitalism based on greed?" to "Is affordable healthcare possible in a free market?"

The authors take issue with the popular notion that capitalism is based on "greed." They point out that there are greedy people in any society. Capitalism, however, is a more moral system because it is about free people coming together without coercion and generating prosperity by meeting the needs and wants of others.

"Self-interest alone did not invent the automobile, the Internet, the personal computer, the cell phone, or countless other wealth-creating inventions," the authors write. "These and other innovations are the product of the brilliance and creativity of individuals -- and an economic environment that gives these people sufficient freedom to take risks and pursue their visions."

Life and Work of acclaimed American Artist Stanley Meltzoff

2009-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

LA JOLLA, Calif., Oct. 31 - The first comprehensive book on the life and work of acclaimed American artist Stanley Meltzoff has just been released. Stanley Meltzoff - Picture Maker was nearly done when Meltzoff passed away in 2006 and the project was put aside. Now, angler and IGFA historian Mike Rivkin has completed the job in a lush oversized format. Two distinct versions are available for holiday delivery.

Fans of game fish art will have no difficulty in recalling Stanley Meltzoff. He was the first artist to realistically portray all the major game species in their natural habitats, and his body of work remains widely recognized as the finest of its kind. Born in Brooklyn in 1917, Meltzoff received a classical education in the arts before joining The Stars and Stripes army newspaper as an illustrator during WWII. Later, he taught at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York before becoming one of the leading commercial artists in the country. Meltzoff paintings have graced the covers of Field and Stream, Scientific American, The Saturday Evening Post, and many other publications. Among his most famous work was the cover of the iconic 1976 AT&T bicentennial phone book, of which more than 176 million were distributed nationwide.

In 1960, Meltzoff completed a groundbreaking series on striped bass for Sports Illustrated that made him an instant celebrity in the sporting press. During a hugely productive second career, his renderings of billfish, bonefish, tarpon, and tuna served to define the genre while generating awestruck accolades from every quarter. His death in 2006 at age 89 stilled a brush that may never be equaled.

Stanley Meltzoff - Picture Maker (Silverfish Press) includes nearly 190 color plates of the artist's work throughout his career, plus lively narratives from both Meltzoff and co-author Rivkin. The deluxe edition ($89) is limited to 500 copies and includes a signed-and-numbered bookplate, vintage Meltzoff poster, and game fish art catalogue from the early 1980s. An un-numbered trade edition ($50) is also available.

Co-author Mike Rivkin is an award-winning catalogue publisher and past president of the venerable Tuna Club of Santa Catalina Island. Prior to this book, he authored four other widely-acclaimed books on the history of big-game fishing. His Big-Game Fishing Headquarters: A History of the IGFA (IGFA Press) was judged among the finest outdoor books of 2005. Rivkin lives in southern California where he continues to fish the Pacific waters nearby.

Author Theresa J. Gonsalves Remembers Michael Jackson in her Latest Non-Fiction Book 'Remember the Time'

2009-10-29T10:57:00.001-07:00

Best selling author and the Real Billie Jean behind Michael Jackson's hit song, Theresa Gonsalves, shares her intimate memories in her new book as she 'Remembers the Time!'

When author Theresa J. Gonsalves penned her book 'Obsessions' and her award winning novel 'The Man in the Woods,' she credited Michael Jackson for her writing career.

Upon his untimely passing, Ms. Gonsalves decided it was time to set the record straight and tell their story her way! "My story has been told various ways in other media outlets, but it has never been told our way. There were personal things we left between us. Telling it now, allows you to see a side of Michael that many didn't get to see. I feel it is time to share that with you. It is the best way I know how to celebrate his life - in words." Because Theresa and Michael first met due to her diligent letter writing to him, Ms. Gonsalves' book Remember the Time is written in letter format that takes you on a journey of the intimate times they shared together.

Excerpt:

"Dear Michael,

I moved to Virginia Beach two weeks after you left us. I say us because at that point you belonged to the World. Janet said, "To you, Michael was an icon. To us Michael was family." I felt her pain. Yet, you were my family too. It's always been a constant thought, where would I be if there were no you?
As I stand on the deck of the town home I now live in looking out at the lake, I feel you would have loved it here. It is so peaceful. I came here to write, but my mind is still on losing you. I start thinking back to that first time you and I ever made love. It surprised us both. The great thing about it was that it wasn't our intention, but sinful nonetheless…"

A book release party for Ms. Gonsalves' book, 'Remember the Time' is being held in Las Vegas, Friday, October 30, 2009 at Bally's Hotel & Casino at Windows, from 7-11p.m. with a performance by Danielle Fiers, a cash prize for a Thriller dance contest, prize giveaways and much more! Open to the public.

Remember the Time: ISBN: 978-0-9762347-4-6

Toys"R"Us Introduces Its Biggest Big Book of Toys Ever -Jam-Packed With Affordable Fun, Including $5,500 in Savings

2009-10-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

WAYNE, N.J., Oct. 28 - With the official start to the holiday shopping season only a few short weeks away, the Toys"R"Us Biggest Big Book has begun to arrive in homes nationwide. Chock-full of every type of plaything that a child might dream of opening on Christmas morning, the Biggest Big Book will thrill parents by offering even bigger deals than ever before on bikes, trains, dolls, video games, electronics and other items. Boasting up to $5,500 in affordable fun savings, the Biggest Big Book features an unbeatable selection of today's hottest toys at prices that can fit any budget. Beyond offering more deals, more toys and more gift-with-purchase offers, for the first time ever the ultimate guide to everything kids might desire during the holiday season includes classic toys from the legendary FAO Schwarz. The entire Biggest Big Book can be viewed at Toysrus.com beginning November 1, where select deals from the catalog will also be offered online. A special preview of the Toys"R"Us Biggest Big Book is available to fans of the official Toys"R"Us Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/Toysrus starting this Friday.

"Children nationwide are already checking their mailboxes in anticipation of being the first on their block to flip through the Toys"R"Us Biggest Big Book," said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing and e-commerce, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "As children thoughtfully write their holiday wish lists using the Biggest Big Book as their guide, we know parents will appreciate the incredible savings, including dozens of free gifts-with-purchase and hundreds of fantastic deals."

Amazing Savings on Bikes, Trains, Dolls, Video Games and More!

Featuring products that children will play with for days, weeks and years to come, the Biggest Big Book showcases hot new items like the Disney-Pixar Toy Story Interactive Buddies (Buzz and Woody) and Harumika Bridal Collection, as well as classic brands like Barbie®, LEGO®, Star Wars and Fisher-Price®. With more toys than kids can imagine, the 2009 Toys"R"Us Biggest Big Book offers customers 80 pages packed with savings. Specials are valid from Sunday, November 1 through Thursday, November 26, while supplies last. Highlights of the savings and deals include:

-- FREE $10 Toys"R"Us gift card with any purchase of $75 or more (see
back cover of the Biggest Big Book for details)
-- FREE $10 Toys"R"Us gift card with the purchase of any iPod® valued at
$100 or more
-- FREE $10 Toys"R"Us gift card with the purchase of any Disney movies
valued at $40 or more
-- FREE Mini Alive Cub® with the purchase of any Alive Cub priced at
$59.99 ($19.99 value)
-- FREE Little Mommy® Doctor Set with the purchase of a Little Mommy Baby
Ah-Choo doll ($14.99 value)
-- FREE SpongeBob SquarePants® Ants in the Pants board game with the
purchase of select SpongeBob SquarePants board games ($9.99 value)
-- FREE Crayola® 50th Anniversary 64-count Crayon tin with any Crayola
purchase of $19.99 or more ($9.99 value)
-- FREE Cars® Backpack with any Cars purchase of $25 or more ($9.99
value)
-- SAVE $100 on the Big Backyard® Crestwood Lodge Gym Set

-- SAVE $100 on the Peg Perego® Polaris Ranger RZR

The Biggest Big Book of Toys Helps Kids Make Their Wish List and Share It with Santa

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, kids everywhere will be mesmerized once they open the Toys"R"Us Biggest Big Book and find the incredible selection of toys waiting inside. As the ultimate guide to everything a child might desire for the holidays, the Biggest Big Book makes it easy for kids to let Santa know what they dream of receiving on Christmas morning. Next to each item in the Biggest Big Book, a space is provided for kids to make their mark, letting everyone know which toys have made their list.

To help children navigate the hundreds of items available, the Biggest Big Book features an easy-to-use "Toy Finder" system, which categorizes items on pages that are color-coded by themes, such as Preschool, Creative Toys, Dolls & Dollhouses, Action & Adventure, Outdoor & Wheels, Music & Electronics and Video Games. This added element makes it simple for kids to find the toys they like, while offering parents entire categories of options for every child on their list.

After kids pick the gifts they wish to receive, parents can share their child's must-have presents by using the new, in-store Toys"R"Us Wish List(TM). This complimentary service lets parents and kids create a tailored list of toys based not only on what the child wants, but on their age, interests and abilities. Parents and kids can take the Biggest Big Book to a Toys"R"Us store to scan their holiday selections into a Wish List that can be shared with family, friends or even Santa over email or at in-store registry kiosks. Wish Lists can also be created, updated and maintained online at Toysrus.com/WishList.

Classic Toys from the Legendary FAO Schwarz

To help make FAO Schwarz products accessible to customers nationwide, for the first time ever the 2009 Biggest Big Book will include select toys from the legendary retailer. Featuring two pages dedicated to items that reflect the brand's rich heritage of innovation, quality and creativity, the Biggest Big Book will showcase traditional, classic products such as wooden toys, stuffed animals and even a jack-in-the-box. To help shoppers easily find these unique items, Toys"R"Us stores will showcase dozens of exclusive FAO Schwarz products in every location across the country. These select toys from the FAO Schwarz collection include the FAO Schwarz 2009 Collectible Bear, Patrick and Penelope the Pups, the FAO Schwarz Big Piano, FAO Schwarz Humming Top and more.

New Book for Readers Worried About the Economy

2009-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Mt. Jackson, VA - In responding to the financial crash of 2008, both the Bush Administration and the Obama Administration have relied on prescriptions developed by John Maynard Keynes, the most important economist since Marx. But should we be relying on Keynes? What did Keynes actually say? Did he make his case? Hunter Lewis concludes that he did not. If Keynes was wrong then so are the economic policies of virtually all world governments today.

Lewis challenges many of Keynes's most established principles, arguing that:

Just what the world needs, and just in time. Keynes is demolished and his quack system refuted. But this wonderful book does more. It restores clear thinking and common sense to their rightful places in the economic-policy debate. Three cheers for Hunter Lewis!

highly provocative and highly pleasurable

worth reading aloud on a family vacation

*Creating new money to reduce interest rates ultimately backfires as we saw with inflation in the 1970s.
*Artificially reducing interest rates also leads to bubbles and busts, as in the 1990s and 2000s.
*If anyone benefits from inflation, it is rich, not poor people.
*Recessions cannot be abolished--they are sometimes needed to clear away the mistakes of the past so that healthy growth can follow.

"Just what the world needs, and just in time. Keynes is demolished and his quack system refuted. But this wonderful book does more. It restores clear thinking and common sense to their rightful places in the economic-policy debate. Three cheers for Hunter Lewis!"
--James Grant (Editor of Grant's Interest Rate Observer)

HUNTER LEWIS, co-founder of global investment firm Cambridge Associates, has written six books on economics and related subjects. His highly acclaimed book Are the Rich Necessary? Great Economic Arguments and How They Reflect Our Personal Values was called "highly provocative and highly pleasurable" by The New York Times, "great reading" by Publishers Weekly, and "worth reading aloud on a family vacation" by Barrons.

Summary

John Maynard Keynes died in 1946, but his thinking continues to dominate world economic policy. Bushonomics, Obamanomics, and the policies of the U.S. Federal Reserve have all ultimately been derived from Keynes's book, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, usually referred to as Keynes's General Theory or The General Theory.

What does Keynesian economics tell us about the Crash of 2008? First that crashes are an inevitable part of Capitalism-- they reflect what Keynes called the "animal spirits" of private markets. Second that the Crash creates a downward spiral that feeds on itself. If Keynesian remedies are not promptly applied, there may be no economic recovery. These remedies, the essence of Keynesianism, include the U.S. Federal Reserve printing money and lowering interest rates, bailouts, and economic stimulus through deficit spending.

Where Keynes Went Wrong demystifies Keynesian economics. It reveals what John Maynard Keynes really said. And it offers a startling and persuasive argument that Keynesianism is leading us down a parth, not to genuine economic recovery, but to inflation, bubbles, and crashes.

Love, Lust, Longing, and the Human Condition: ‘SCRAPS’

2009-10-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

DENVER, Oct. 14, 2009 — Everyone, at one time or another, endeavors to find their place in the world. Written in the best tradition of American story telling, “SCRAPS” by David Luck, (published by iUniverse), is a collection of short stories exploring the search for love, lust and longing, and the quest to discover an invaluable sense of place. In one way or another, as the assortment of characters spills forth their lives in an array of everyday settings, they learn how to compromise with a sense of value, either of their life or with the space surrounding them.

In “SCRAPS’” opening vignette, “Angelica and Carlos,” readers are introduced to Angelica as she waits for her son to be returned from a weekend visit with his father, Carlos. Through remembrances, the story unfolds of a romance between a teenaged Angelica and the much older Carlos. Like a voyeur, the reader watches the two meet, fall in love and then eventually consummate their love which results in the birth of their son, Roberto. As Angelica waits for Carlos to return with Roberto, the young, unwed mother questions whether Carlos should be a part of her life.

“SCRAPS’” story, “Growing Up Ordinary in Idaho,” portrays Havel Joe Wickers as he finds difficulty coming of age in a small town. Sandwiched between two sisters, one smart and one beautiful, he struggles with being completely average. Havel Joe discovers himself in a place where there is often not much else to do but listen to the tree leaves tickle the metal sides of the family trailer. Havel Joe stretches through more confusion while attending college in Moscow, only to find his niche in some very peculiar ways.

As I closed my eyes, I felt a light, warm touch on my arm. Opening my eyes, the redhead was motioning me toward the back of the bus. She smiled as she pulled out a large, rainbow colored Afghan from her backpack and headed down the aisle. I got up and followed her, not knowing what she wanted.

About the Author

David Luck was born in rural Wyoming during a June snowstorm. The wide-open spaces of Wyoming’s high plains provided the perfect place for a young boy to grow and develop a keen imagination. It was along the Laramie River that Luck developed the ability to write from a cowboy perspective: sparse, direct and from the heart. While he played football and basketball in his early years at Colorado State University, he gave up sports and focused on veterinary medicine. Luck lives in Denver with his wife Shirley. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren. Luck has written two other books: “Ghosts of Leadville,” a book of poetry and photography about Leadville, Colorado, from the mining days, and “Men Are,” short story fiction about the loves, lives, and feelings of men as they age.

The Unbearable Sadness of Zilch: Hollywood Hyper-reality in Intimate Private Investigation

2009-10-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 - No one is innocent . . . not in this town. In this town, the apocalypse has come and gone, lifting the veil of innocence like a great velvet curtain in an old movie house, where the only victims that don't return for the sequel are the gods themselves, struck out long ago by the big blue pencil. In this town, every man, woman, and child takes the limits of his or her own field of vision to be the limits of the world. In his latest novel, "The Unbearable Sadness of Zilch" (ISBN: 9781440158261), Konrad Ventana explodes the myths behind the Star Machine with a whole new level of intimate private investigation.

Not since "The Day of the Locust" and "The Last Tycoon" has Hollywood and the motion picture industry been seen in such a bold and perspicuous light. Brimming with sexual intrigue, eye-widening spectacle, and a host of recognizable caricatures, this latest release by Konrad Ventana sets a new standard of poignancy and transcendence in postmodern literary fiction as it raises the bar for visual special effects (VFX).

A riveting work of social criticism, "The Unbearable Sadness of Zilch" is a treatise on existentialism, modernism, and the emergence of a radical new brand of feminism: the feminist provocateur. Set in Hollywood Neo-noir, and guided by an intrepid philosophical counselor (or life coach), we investigate The Lost Love of the Latest Tycoon, examining the role of the muse, the magnificent intemperate impulses of the femme fatale, and the allure of the casting couch, as we witness the fall of an empire in the twilight of the egoists. Blazing with eye-opening drama, keen psychological and philosophical insights, and layers of linguistic pyrotechnics, not to mention VFX, the reader is at once awed and entertained by this post-lux piece de resistance.

About the Author

Using the pseudonym Konrad Ventana, literally "Bold Counsel through a Window," the author looks behind the scenes at the ideologies of our modern times and examines the potential for future development. This is the second book of The Post-Lux Trilogy (on artistic creativity) which has already received Editors Choice and Rising Star awards.

An American Star Rises in Bollywood,'Color 4 Kids' Finds Its Hindu Roots

2009-10-08T08:46:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI, Oct. 8- Making its way from New York to New Delhi, author Brittany Johnson's debut work, "Color 4 Kids" has found an unexpected yet welcomed new following, Hindu India. Indian style editor and trend blogger Yusuf Kirmani describes "Color 4 Kids" as "a book beyond religion, beyond caste, beyond country..., a book for every Indian, for every American."

Published by Ace of Diamonds Publishing, "Color 4 Kids" went on sale at local bookstores and Amazon.com earlier this year. Several personal appearances and book signings later, Ms. Johnson was astonished when contacted by Mr. Kirmani. Coming across her work accidentally, Mr. Kirmani was immediately impressed with Ms. Johnson's approach to children and how her life mirrored Hindu teachings.

Ms. Johnson says the inspiration behind the book came from Jivamukti yoga, and chanting daily. Yoga and Kirtan inspire me to write. All children are beautiful. "Color 4 Kids" celebrates the natural beauty in all children. It is an easy method. It takes a look at three factors, the color of the child's hair, skin, and eyes. Moms pick the best category for their children based on child's natural coloring. The book is both fun for the parents and the children. Children learn to appreciate themselves.

As "Color 4 Kids" quickly gains popularity throughout India, Ms. Johnson credits its Indian appeal to the book's broad cultural and ethnic reach - concepts that reflect the changing nature of Indian society.

Biography of Author
Brittany Johnson is an experienced color consultant, make up artist, and marketing consultant who has worked with numerous companies and individuals in helping them improve their personal and professional image. She has several years experience in the fashion and cosmetic industry.

Her interests vary from Chanel to chakras. She is interested in jivamukti yoga, kirtan music, and is an enthusiast of world rhythm dance. She loves being with her two children and her Beau. She lives on a beautiful lake, surrounded by natural beauty.

New Science Fiction Follows Futuristic Beings from Other Planet

2009-10-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Don V Creates Fantastic Characters and Vivid Landscapes in “Infernoty”

LAPEER, Mich., Oct. 8— When four beings who have evolved to the point of having freedom from all illness and sin arrive on Earth in response to cries from help from a few humans before they perish, these alien beings embark on a mission to save a dying people and their planet in “Infernoty” (published by AuthorHouse), the riveting new novel by Don V.

The planet known as Heaven is several times larger than Earth and can support several billion inhabitants. Its inhabitants don’t age, so a limit has been set: every billion inhabitants may live for 10 generations before dying off, with the exception of a few individuals with special knowledge or talents. Every generation is designated with a letter and each individual is then named in the sequence in which they were born.

The four beings who responded to Earth’s cries for help are K508886329, the leader and documenter of the group; H34973327, a surviving H member kept alive due to her extensive knowledge of Earth; M24236971, a being with extreme control center power which allows him to communicate with Heaven; and R24, the pilot who takes them all to Earth.

When K, H, M and R arrive, they find that all life has been wiped out from an extreme heat that has evaporated most of the water on the Earth’s surface and consumed all of the oxygen in the atmosphere. They embark on a mission to search for any signs of life — past or present — and to determine the cause of the destruction. Follow this intrepid group as they seek to find answers in “Infernoty,” a compelling, thought-provoking read full of action and adventure.

Don V was born and raised in Lansing, Mich., and was named the Outstanding Citizen of Lansing in 1946 after he rescued four people from a capsized boat on Lake Missaukee. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University and has worked for Reo Motors, Diamond Reo Trucks, Sparrow Hospital and Lapeer Regional. Now retired, Don splits his time between Lapeer, Mich., and Yuma, Ariz. “Infernoty” is his first book.

Entertaining New Novel Follows Mystery of Silver Cups

2009-10-08T08:14:00.001-07:00

“Cellini’s Revenge” to Be on Display at Frankfurt Book Fair’s Combined Book Exhibit
BERKELEY, Calif., Oct. 8, 2009 — Follow one woman as she seeks to exonerate herself from a brutal crime in the pages of “Cellini’s Revenge” (published by iUniverse), the new mystery novel by Wendy Bartlett that combines intrigue, suspense and history.

In 1956, American Catherine Evans returns home to find that her English husband, David, has been murdered. When her fingerprints are discovered on the knife lodged in his side, she is taken to trial and spends the next 12 years in Holloway prison.

Decades later, in 1995, when Catherine is 65, she learns of new DNA technology that is exonerating many criminals wrongfully convicted. She leaves her home in Vermont and heads back to England, determined to prove that she had nothing to do with David’s death.

Upon arrival at her previous hometown of Rottingdean, Catherine teams up with several allies — including the son of a woman in jail with her, to uncover the identity of the true killer. In the process, six silver cups are discovered in her old home, half of a valuable set that is engraved with the 12 astrological symbols.

The silver cups turn out to be an integral part of Catherine’s investigation. However, a sinister man begins to follow her with the intent of procuring the entire set of cups, which are quite rare and valuable. Flashbacks to 16th-century Italy chronicle the creation of the cups and how they were stolen from their creator and passed along through the centuries.

Full of twists, turns and surprises, “Cellini’s Revenge” is sure to entertain readers of mystery novels and both general and historical fiction. Follow Catherine on her intriguing journey in the pages of this engaging new book.

“Cellini’s Revenge” will be featured at the Combined Book Exhibit at the annual Frankfurt Book Fair, held in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 14-18, 2009. The event boasts 6,600 exhibitors and more than 300,000 attendees from 101 different countries.

About the Author

Wendy Bartlett has published two novels, “Cellini’s Revenge” and “Broad Reach” (both published by iUniverse). She won runner-up for “Cellini’s Revenge” in 2007 at the San Francisco Writer’s Conference and several of her poems were published in their anthology that year. Bartlett is a world traveler and lived in London for 13 years, receiving her education there from the ages of 14 through 27. A folk singer and painter, Bartlett has been writing since age 12.

Civil War Saga of Loss and Love Full of Spellbinding Turns

2009-10-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

New Fast Paced Romantic Fiction Novel Chronicles Ravages of History and Life
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 8 — In the Civil War days, a time of danger and death, the chances of surviving a wound was only 7 to 1. In the new fiction novel, “Katie Cameron” (published by iUniverse) by Fiona McDonald, a shy lass from Scotland is caught in a whirlwind of intrigue before she moves to Louisiana with her mother at the onset of the Civil War.

In 1861, Katie ventures from Scotland to America upon the death of her father to stay with her cousins on their Louisiana plantation. While at a party, she meets the dashing and handsome Captain Clark Boyd, a confederate officer canvassing for recruits. Captain Boyd and Katie are immediately smitten with each other but his duties lie with the war and he must report to the battlefield.

As the tensions of the war build, Katie and her mother move to the union army-occupied New Orleans in 1863. In a surprising occurrence, she comes across a disguised Captain Boyd spying for the confederate army in New Orleans. Katie then partakes in a dangerous act to collect union troop information and relay it to Captain Boyd. As Captain Boyd visits Katie in the night to receive her information, they’re swept up in a love affair. After a fatal battle in the outskirts of town, Katie is informed that Captain Boyd has been killed before she can tell him she’s with child. A series of heartbreaking events lead Katie to seek a new life by returning to her homeland of Scotland. McDonald writes:

“A figure was leaning against a post near the end of the road. He was dressed in old clothes with a battered straw hat pulled well down in the front as if he was shielding his eyes from the sun. The figure caught the attention of Katie and she gazed at him as the carriage passed by. He stared back, lifting his hat, showing a fair lock of hair, but keeping his gaze on her. She held his gaze and at once she thought she recognized him. It was him, she was sure, but what was he doing in New Orleans! It was Captain Clark Boyd.”

About the Author

Fiona McDonald was born in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa and grew up in Ceylon, now Sri-Lanka. She attended various schools abroad in Ireland and Scotland and went on to study at the Academy of Ballet. McDonald owned a school of dance and later worked for the Scottish Legal Aid Board. She is currently retired in Scotland. “Katie Cameron” is her second novel; her first, “Gunfire,” was a western set in Texas.

New Children’s Book Makes Eating Healthy Fun

2009-10-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

LIVINGSTON, N.J., Oct. 8, 2009 — Austin always wants dessert first - for breakfast, lunch and dinner - and who doesn’t? Recognizing the need for a children’s book on nutrition, registered dietitian and devoted mother Shari Bilt Boockvar wrote “How Austin Got His Muscles” (published by AuthorHouse), the new full-color illustrated book that shows young readers who are more interested in eating junk food that eating balanced, colorful meals can be fun too!

Meet Austin, an active little boy who loves to go to school and play sports all year round. For all of these activities Austin needs his muscles, which grow strong with healthy meals. But Austin prefers dessert!

Hoping to show Austin that healthy foods can be delicious too, Mommy and Daddy make a deal: Austin can eat treats as long as he also eats a fruit or vegetable of a color from the rainbow as well. As an added bonus, Mommy notes that this game will make Austin strong, energetic, and better at playing sports and games.

Soon, Austin is eating from all the colors of the rainbow. He has red strawberries in his whole-grain cereal, bananas on his pancakes, and blueberries in his oatmeal. For lunch, Austin enjoys oranges with his chicken fingers or yellow zucchini with dip alongside green beans. In preparation for dinner, he helps Mommy make a salad with red, yellow and green bell peppers along with purple eggplant parmesan. All the foods of the rainbow provide Austin with lots of energy and muscles. And since Austin is so good at eating colorful foods, he is allowed to eat his favorite dessert. Now Austin realizes that he can have his cake and eat it too!

Young readers and their parents will surely benefit from reading the educational and fun story of “How Austin Got His Muscles.” Boockvar incorporates a delightful story for children with a practical guide for parents that includes meal suggestions, tips and useful information about the benefits to memory, energy and health from eating colorful fruits and vegetables.

Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RD, founded Nutrifacts, Inc. in 1993 and specializes in nutrition counseling for pediatrics, weight control, sports/fitness and medical management. She has appeared on local and national news stations such as Fox News Network, CBS and NBC. Boockvar has also contributed to magazines and websites such as Allure, Shape, Fitness and FoxNews.com. She provides quality nutrition services to individuals and corporations around the country. “How Austin Got His Muscles” is her first book.

Author Brittany Johnson Preparing Children for the World

2009-09-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Sept. 30 – How much you care for your children? Here is a new way to care for your children using colors they wear. Author Brittany Johnson has created one such facility – Color 4 kids. Color 4 Kids affords families an opportunity to spend time together preparing their children for the world. Through the proper use of color, light and textures, Color 4 Kids enhances children’s’ natural beauty while simultaneously teaching Moms (and even Dads) how to adorn and enhance their children’s lives with color.

All the extra time away from their children will motivate Moms to connect using Color in spite of what the fashionistas say. “Choosing clothes should be more than just picking the latest trend,” says Brittany Johnson, creator of “Color 4 Kids.” Johnson says the colors your children wear can have a direct impact on their self-esteem and how they do in school. Brittany says children can wear any color, but the shade and intensity can make all the difference in making them feel special. She’ll explain how to use your kids’ hair and eye colors along with their skin tones to determine which tones look best on them and make them shine. This easy concept also makes dressing kids easier when mornings are hectic, and it saves money as well, since clothes will be easier to mix and match. Johnson is an image consultant, color-analysis expert and author. She is a color and wardrobe consultant for TV production and catalogs

Color 4 Kids went on sale in bookstores and Amazon.com. Nationally Barnes and Noble Books Chain Corporate web-site carries “Color 4 Kids” in their parenting section. Several national radio and talk shows will be featuring Color 4 Kids.

In “Color 4 Kids” Ms. Johnson describes how colors can be utilized to enhance a child’s life. Brittany explains that each child’s unique coloring is seen as an individual palette, on which colors can be used to help the child further realize their individual potential. By discovering if your child is Spicy, Bold, Delicious or Playful, then implementing the Color 4 Kids plan, children can be helped to understand to accept who they are.

Color 4 Kids celebrates each child’s unique palette and essence.

Web site: www.color4kids.net

CONTACT: Brittany Johnson of Color 4 Kids, +1-518-859-2116

Damn, I Need A Job. Again! (New Book)

2009-09-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, CA - Consultant, Entrepreneur and Author, Dakotta J.K. Alex is releasing his fourth book "Damn, I Need a Job. Again! - Recession Edition". Dakotta shares his expertise on how to find a job during recessionary times.In this economy, it's hard to be optimistic about finding a job. Dakotta's playful approach in navigating the terrain of finding and landing your ideal job will help you build enthusiasm and confidence. He lays out a well-designed plan by giving tools and advice to those in unfulfilled careers, recent college graduates, or the unemployed.

Dakotta's approach to job hunting gives you empowerment in finding a satisfying career during a recession. There are always jobs available for skilled people, and he teaches you how to be one of those people. He leads you through the difficult recruiting process in detail and demonstrates how to build a portfolio of skills that build a lifelong career. Most importantly, he fills you with energy and excitement about opportunities in life, even during a struggling economy.

About the Author:
Dakotta JK Alex is a Global HR Solutions & Ethics Consultant specializing in human capital recruitment, process management, career analysis in the US, Europe and China. With over 10 years of consulting experience, he has worked with many organizations such as The Los Angeles Times, Amgen, Disney, Microsoft, and Compaq. He helps thousands of job seekers find their dream while encouraging others to seek a different occupational experience. Dakotta holds a Bachelors of Science in Organizational Management from St. Joseph's College in New York and is currently a Masters of Divinity student at Claremont School of Theology.

Struggling to Write Through the Recession?

2009-09-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

LONDON, September 14

- All Writers Should Check - has ALCS Collected Money for you?

As the Authors' Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) approaches the second of its bi-annual distributions this September, it continues to hold money for writers whom it is unable to trace, in spite of continued and concerted efforts by the ALCS membership research team.

"Although we're paying out in excess of GBP6 million in September, we're aware that there are writers, from all disciplines, whose work is being copied and who have yet to join ALCS. We continue to trace as many authors as possible", says CEO, Owen Atkinson, "and once a writer becomes a member we can then pay any fees due to them. We ask all writers who are not yet members to use the `search for royalties' function on our new website to see if royalties have been collected on their behalf and encourage all these writers to join ALCS."

WHAT ALCS DOES FOR WRITERS

As with all collecting societies, ALCS' primary role is to collect fees that are difficult, time-consuming or legally impossible for writers and their representatives to claim on an individual basis. Fees collected are distributed bi-annually to the full spectrum of writers including:

- novelists;
- film & tv script writers;
- professional & academic writers (inc. nurses, lawyers, teachers,
scientists & academics);
- literary prize winners;
- poets & playwrights;
- freelance journalists; and
- translators & adaptors.

Membership of ALCS and Public Lending Right (PLR) is essential to make sure writers are paid for the secondary uses of their work, e.g. photocopying, rebroadcasting as well as for the lending of their books in libraries (via PLR).

AT ALCS ALL TYPES OF WRITER ARE ELIGIBLE

Many people do not consider themselves to be a `writer' in the traditional sense as they only write part-time or occasionally. Many ALCS members who write have a primary professional occupation such as lawyer, doctor, scientist, academic or teacher, however they are still eligible to receive funds if their writing is copied and re-used. Writers can find out more by contact the ALCS membership department on +44(0)20-7264-5700 or checking on the website http://www.alcs.co.uk

Joining an organisation like the Society of Authors or the Writers' Guild of Great Britain will also give writers the advice they need regarding their contracts which is so important in both a recession and with the plethora of changes taking place in the digital world.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR WORKS

The other issue for writers at a time of economic pressure, is to ensure they take good care of their rights. Reverting rights back to the author is an important step; it will be tied in to the rate of sale. When that rate of sale has not been reached, the book will be regarded as being `out of print' and it is then that notice can be given to the publisher. Rights are becoming ever more important in this digital era.

ALCS - Protecting and Promoting Authors' Rights

ALCS protects and promotes authors' rights concerning their intellectual property and moral rights to ensure they are fully respected and fairly rewarded. ALCS is committed to fostering an awareness of the value of copyright issues amongst writers as well as the wider public who use, enjoy and benefit from the written word in all its forms.

Set up in the wake of the campaign to establish Public Lending Right in 1977, ALCS is a not-for-profit company that has distributed a total of GBP200 million to writers since its inception.

In its role promoting and protecting authors' rights, ALCS consults regularly with policy makers in the UK and Europe over copyright, digital rights management and intellectual property matters.

ALCS - Sources of Income

ALCS has developed highly specialised knowledge and sophisticated systems which track writers and their work (both print and audiovisual) against various secondary uses for which they are due payment. The main sources of fees due are secondary royalties from: photocopying (through the Copyright Licensing Agency which is jointly owned by the ALCS and the Publishers Licensing Society); international Public Lending Right; cable retransmission; fees from the Educational Recording Agency (ERA) and sources such as blank tape and machine levies for private copying and small miscellaneous literary rights.

The All Party Parliamentary Writers Group (APWG)

ALCS has also supported the setting up of the All Party Writers Group (APWG) chaired by Janet Anderson MP. APWG is a forum for elected Parliamentarians in Westminster to consider and discuss matters of importance to writers. As a focal point for authors' interests, with its links to UK writer organisations, APWG is well placed to draw attention to the current issues facing writers amongst an audience of decision-makers at Westminster and beyond.

ALCS - The International Picture

The Society is recognised internationally as a leading authority on copyright matters and authors' interests. It maintains a close watching brief on all matters affecting copyright both in the UK and around the world and makes regular representations to the UK government and to the European Commission. ALCS pays royalties to Member writers based in 137 countries around the globe. ALCS has reciprocal arrangements with over 50 collecting societies around the world.

ALCS contact information

ALCS, The Writers' House, 13 Haydon Street, London EC3N 1DB Tel: +44(0)20-7264-5700; email: alcs@alcs.co.uk Website: http://www.alcs.co.uk

Richest Short-Story Prize

2009-09-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

London, Sept 13 - The Sunday Times today announced support to a new literary prize worth 25,000 pounds - the biggest prize money for a short story in Britain and Ireland.

The contest is open to authors who have already had their
work published in Britain and Ireland, and is intended to
attract well-published as well as relatively unknown stories.
Entrants to the contest will have to write a story of
maximum 7,000 words.Besides the winning prize of 25,000
pounds, there will be five other prizes of 500 pounds each for
the runners-up.

The first winner of the award will be announced next
March at the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival.
The award follows the success of a regular short-story
slot in The Sunday Times Magazine in which authors like Julian
Barnes, Zoe Heller and Hilary Mantel, who is favourite to win
this year's Man Booker prize with her novel 'Wolf Hall',
contributed. Writers like Alexei Sayle and Julie Burchill too
penned stories for the magazine.

Our weekly short story has been a great success,
attracting some of the most talented names, said John
Witherow, editor of The Sunday Times.

Authors who have recently penned volumes of short stories
include India's Arvind Adiga, who won the Man Booker prize
last year for his novel 'The White Tiger'.Other well-known
writers such as Alice Munro and Helen Simpson also have an
expertise in the genre.

John Updike's last book, published just after his death
earlier this year, was also a volume of short stories.

Book says rigged party vote for French Socialists

2009-09-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Paris, Sep 10- A new book alleges that a vote last year to elect the leader of France's Socialist Party was rigged, sparking further disarray among the once-mighty champions of the left.

The fallout has given conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy a lot of political breathing room and means the squabbling Socialists will have to figure out how to unite before they can mount any credible challenge to him.
The book by journalists Antonin Andre and Karim Rissouli, whose title translates as Hold-Ups, Swindles and Treasons, hit store shelves today after the weekly Le Point published excerpts online a day earlier.

It examines the Socialists' runoff vote in November between former Labour Minister Martine Aubry and Segolene Royal, the Socialist candidate who lost to Sarkozy in the 2007 presidential race.

Aubry won the 2008 party balloting by just 102 votes - out of nearly 135,000 cast.
The book quotes an Aubry political director, Guillaume Blanc, as telling a secretary in the party's office in the northern city of Lille - where Aubry is mayor - to tinker with the vote.

Off with the gloves, stuff the ballot boxes, he was quoted as saying twice to the unidentified secretary.

2009 Brooklyn Book Festival

2009-09-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK - Over 220 Authors on Sunday, September 13, 10 am - 6 pm will gather at Borough Hall Plaza, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Major free public event featuring: Russell Banks, Jonathan Lethem, Anne Carson, Paul Auster, Edwidge Danticat, Claire Messud, Colson Whitehead, A.M. Homes, David Cross, Mary Gaitskill, Nicholson Baker, Oliver Sacks, Staceyann Chin, Gary Shteyngart, Amy Sohn, Nelson George, Melvin Van Peebles, Siri Hustvedt, Lupe Fiasco, Heidi Julavits, Sloane Crosley, Tao Lin, Jeffrey Rotter, Michael Thomas, Keith Gessen, Naomi Klein, Thurston Moore, DJ Spooky, Greg Milner, Francine Prose, Jonathan Ames, Kate DiCamillo, Mo Willems, T. Cooper, Tom Tomorrow, Judi Barrett ... and more!

On Sunday, September 13, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, the Brooklyn Literary Council and Brooklyn Tourism will host the fourth annual free Brooklyn Book Festival, presenting over 220 authors and a literary marketplace of more than 150 booksellers and literary organizations.

"To New York City and the world, Brooklyn is now Booklyn," said Borough President Markowitz, who will present the Festival's BoBi award to renowned author Edwidge Danticat.

Programs include readings by Paul Auster, Russell Banks, Francine Prose, Tao Lin, Nicholson Baker, Ben Marcus, David Cross and Rakesh Satyal, and poets Anne Carson, Sonia Sanchez, Philip Schultz and Arthur Sze, and panels like Jonathan Lethem and Mary Gaitskill in Conversation; Satire and Comic Relief in 2009 with Jeffrey Rotter, Gary Shteyngart, Sloane Crosley, moderator Ben Greenman; The Great Recession with Justin Fox, Naomi Klein, Kai Wright, moderator Errol Louis; Independent Media Voices with Amy Goodman and Pamela Newkirk; Editor as Author with Heidi Julavits, Hannah Tinti, Sarah Rainone and Donald Breckenridge; Poetry, Pop and Hip-Hop with rapper Lupe Fiasco, musician Thurston Moore, poets Tracie Morris and Matthew Zapruder, moderator Toure; A Tribute to Norman Mailer with Pete Hamill and Norris Church Mailer; Legacies of John Updike and David Foster Wallace, moderator David Ulin; New Fiction From a New Russia and Africa in the Age of Obama. The Festival's new partner, New York Comic Con, will also have a powerful presence.

The Target Children's Area features Judi Barrett, Mo Willems, Victoria Kann, Tom Tomorrow, Ayun Halliday, Peter and Randall de Seve, Christopher Myers and more. The Youth Stoop boasts bestselling authors like Kate DiCamillo, Laurie Halse Anderson, Coe Booth and M.T. Anderson.

Google Book Settlement and its implications for authors

2009-09-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO - Members of the Open Book Alliance and several other organizations today joined together in submitting a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, urging it to carefully review and scrutinize the proposed Google Book Settlement and its implications for authors, copyright holders, schools, libraries and the public.

The letter, which was organized by the Open Book Alliance, was delivered to House Judiciary Committee chairman Rep. John Conyers and Committee member Rep. Lamar Smith in advance of that committee's hearing on Thursday, September 10 concerning the proposed settlement.

The letter was signed by more than 20 organizations, including all 11 members of the Open Book Alliance, showing the breadth and depth of opposition to the proposed settlement. Among the signatories are several library organizations, including the New York Library Association, Illinois Library Association, New York Alliance of Library Systems, Ohio Library Council, and Special Libraries Association.

The Open Book Alliance is a coalition of librarians, legal scholars, authors, publishers, and technology companies created to counter the proposed Google Book Settlement in its current form.

Text of Letter to House Judiciary Committee:

The Honorable John Conyers, Jr.
Committee on the Judiciary
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Lamar Smith
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Conyers and Rep. Smith:

We understand that, on September 10, the House Judiciary Committee, under your leadership, will hold a hearing on the proposed settlement of a copyright infringement class action lawsuit brought against Google. We urge you to give careful scrutiny to the important copyright and competition policy issues the proposed settlement raises and to consider legislative or regulatory measures that could address the fundamental unfairness of this attempt to make public policy through litigation.

The undersigned organizations and companies - representing authors, libraries, non-profits and corporate interests -- believe the proposed settlement threatens to monopolize the access to and distribution and pricing of the largest, private digital database of books in the world. It would do so by using the class action mechanism to not only redress past harm, but to prospectively shape the future of digital book distribution, display and search.

Each of our organizations and companies strongly supports the effort to expand the availability of knowledge through promoting access to digitized books. But we do not believe this proposed settlement represents a fair, appropriate or desirable way to achieve that end. The proposed settlement, undertaken to redress a single legal claim, threatens to raise prices and restrict the public's access to digital books, disproportionately impact small libraries and academic institutions, including those serving rural, economically disadvantaged and minority communities, and threaten the rights of authors and small publishers.

-- The proposed settlement harms consumers by thwarting competition and
ignoring privacy concerns. It creates a digital book monopoly that
will inevitably lead to fewer choices and higher prices for consumers
of digital books. The settlement would allow a group of competing
publishers and rights owners to collectively set prices and would
leave Google as the only company with a the right to copy, display or
sell digital versions of millions of so-called "orphan" works (books
for which authors or rights holders cannot be identified or located).
The settlement does nothing to ensure that Google does not use
information about what books people are reading to make unfair profit
or that it does not inappropriately share this knowledge with
commercial interests or governments. Finally, the settlement is
carefully structured to ensure that all of the covered digital content
will be uniquely available to Google's search engine, for refinement
of their search algorithm as well as actual displayed results.
-- The settlement is bad for libraries and schools. While a handful of
large and well-funded university libraries participated in the Google
book-scanning effort, many other educational institutions and
libraries will be forced to pay monopoly prices for access to the
millions of books in the private Google database, straining
already-stretched budgets and perpetuating a system of haves and
have-nots in our nation's education system.
-- The settlement is bad for authors and small publishers. Unless they
act to opt out by the deadline, authors and other writers lose both
rights and remedies enacted by Congress related to the fruits of their
labor--a future in which they have no negotiating rights for the value
of their work.

-- The settlement sets public policy through class action litigation. The
proposed settlement far exceeds the bounds of a typical class action
settlement by prospectively creating a digital book monopoly and
effectively privatizing important copyright and other public policy
decisions.

As the Committee's past consideration of orphan works legislation and statutory mechanisms for encouraging the availability of works has demonstrated, there are fair ways, grounded in sound public policy, to ensure the protection of copyright, promote competition, and advance knowledge. We urge you, through careful review of the proposed settlement and its implications for all authors and rights holders, for the public, for schools and libraries, and for innovators, to begin the process toward shaping a more sound and equitable outcome.

Sincerely,

Amazon.com
American Consumer Institute
American Independent Writers
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
Bear Star Press
Council of Literary and Magazine Presses
Illinois Library Association
Internet Archive
McPherson & Company, Publishers
Microsoft Corporation
National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981
New York Alliance of Library Systems
New York Library Association
Ohio Library Council
Open Book Alliance
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA)
Silverfish Review Press
Small Press Distribution
Special Libraries Association
Starcherone Books
Yahoo!

Don't be Emotional about Business Relationships

2009-09-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.,- Professionals work to make a living, and it's a mistake to get emotional about business relationships, says Lenann McGookey Gardner, international expert on sales success. In sales, where friendly relationships are often key to successful selling, businesspeople can stumble by bringing their emotions to the workplace.

"This is really an issue of professionalism. You can like what you do and the people that you work with, but beware of crossing the line emotionally," says Gardner. "We go to work to get our financial needs met, so we can enjoy the rest of our lives, where we get our emotional needs met. Don't expect business contacts to meet your emotional needs, and don't get hurt or get even - they're both success-killers."

Gardner, the author of Got Sales? The Complete Guide to Today's Proven Methods for Selling Services, offers these tips to focus work/selling efforts away from emotions.

Recognize prospects' fear

"Otherwise kindhearted people are afraid of being backed into corners by aggressive salespeople. They may not want to have a substantive conversation that looks squarely at their Pain - what's going wrong for them - and makes it clear that they need to take action," explains Gardner. "When selling, you help people bring their Pain to the surface, understand its implications, and decide whether to deal with it or ignore it. If you are uncomfortable dealing with negative, painful stuff, you'll avoid the things that have the greatest power to encourage someone to hire or buy from you!"

Rejection is not personal

"Most rejection you experience when trying to grow sales is not personal. People reject the interruption of your call, the potential expense of your service or product, or just the idea that they need more help. But it isn't possible they're rejecting you personally when they don't even know you," says Gardner. "Rejection is just something that happens, and will undoubtedly happen to us many times in life. We'll live through it. Keep going!"

Minimize workplace drama

"Human beings seem to like drama, and change - even buying a new service or product - is drama. To do a job as a professional, minimize the drama," says Gardner. "We each decide what we want for ourselves, and how we want to conduct ourselves, whether we want to complain and moan or just make things work."

Lenann McGookey Gardner, a Harvard MBA and a past #1 worldwide sales rep at Xerox, offers keynote speeches on state-of-the-art selling and closing skills, executive and sales coaching for business success, and workshops. Her book Got Sales? The Complete Guide to Today's Proven Methods for Selling Services is the one guidebook highlighting all the recent research and data on what's working now in contemporary selling. She was named Professional Services "Marketer of the Year" by her state's chapter of the American Marketing Association. More information is available at www.YouCanSell.com.

Author Brittany Johnson Creates Unique Children's 'Back To School' Fall Shopping Book

2009-08-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

ALBANY, N.Y., - Despite what the fashionistas say, choosing back-to-school clothes should be more than just picking the latest trend. Brittany Johnson, creator of "Color 4 Kids," says the colors your children wear can have a direct impact on their self-esteem and how they do in school. Brittany says children can wear any color, but the shade and intensity can make all the difference in making them feel special. She'll explain how to use your kids' hair and eye colors along with their skin tones to determine which tones look best on them and make them shine. This easy concept also makes dressing kids easier when mornings are hectic, and it saves money as well, since clothes will be easier to mix and match. Johnson is an image consultant, color-analysis expert and author. She is a color and wardrobe consultant for TV production and catalogs

Brittany Johnson, launched her debut work, "Color 4 Kids" at the New York Book Expo America, held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Published by Ace of Diamonds Publishing, "Color 4 Kids" went on sale in bookstores and at Amazon.com. Nationally, New York-headquartered Barnes & Noble's web site features "Color 4 Kids" in their parenting section. Several national radio and talk shows will be featuring "Color 4 Kids".

According to the United States Census bureau, nearly one-quarter of U.S. preschoolers are attending some organized child care facility, resulting in children spending an inordinate amount of time away from their parents. "Color 4 Kids" affords families an opportunity to spend time together preparing their children for the world. Through the proper use of color, light and textures, "Color 4 Kids" enhances children's natural beauty while simultaneously teaching Moms (and even Dads) how to adorn and enhance their children's lives with color.

In "Color 4 Kids" Ms. Johnson describes how colors can be utilized to enhance a child's life. Brittany explains that each child's unique coloring is seen as an individual palette, on which colors can be used to help the child further realize their individual potential. By discovering if your child is Spicy, Bold, Delicious or Playful, then implementing the "Color 4 Kids" plan, children can be helped to understand to accept who they are.

"Color 4 Kids" celebrates each child's unique palette and essence.

CONTACT: Brittany Johnson, +1-518-859-2116, color4kids09@gmail.com

Multiple Award Winning Science Fiction Author, Mike Resnick, Named as Judge for Worldwide Writers Contest

2009-08-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

International award winning science fiction and fantasy author and senior editor for Jim Baen's Universe, Mike Resnick has been named as a judge in the highly acclaimed L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, it was announced by Author Services, Inc., the literary agency and administrator of the Contest.

Now in its 25th year, the Writers of the Future Contest awards annual cash prizes totaling $30,000 for writers and illustrators of never-before-published works of science fiction and fantasy. It includes annual publication of the year's winning stories in the anthology titled L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future. (Galaxy Press).

When approached to be judge for the contest, Resnick simply stated, "I really will love doing this. I am a firm believer in paying forward. Count me in." He had been aware of the contest since its inception 25 years ago. "Over the years it has become and remains the leading venue for the recognition of talented new writers. It has had competition from time to time, which is always healthy and beneficial, but Writers of the Future alone endures, which bespeaks its value to the field."

Resnick has been writing science fiction for over 40 years and has authored over 50 novels and over 200 stories. According to Locus magazine, he is the all-time leading award winner for short fiction. He is the winner of 5 Hugo awards, 2 Prix Ozone (France) awards, a Seiun-sho (Japanese Hugo), a Prix Tour Eiffel (France), 2 Sfinx awards (Poland), a Golden Pagoda, A Hayakawa (Japan), 5 Asimov polls, 6 Science Fiction Chronicle polls, a Locus Award, a Skylark Award for Lifetime Achievement and many more.

And so he is warmly welcomed into the ranks of contest judges for Writers of the Future that includes other notable science fiction authors such as Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Anne McCaffrey, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers, Robert Sawyer, Robert Silverberg, Sean Williams and Dave Wolverton.

The Writers of the Future Contest was established by L. Ron Hubbard in 1983 to discover and provide talented new and aspiring writers of science fiction and fantasy a chance to have their work seen and acknowledged.

Web Site: http://www.writersofthefuture.com/

British Queen's instruction to end Ranjit Singh's dynasty:book

2009-08-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Queen Victoria instructed the wife of the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh not to have children in a bid to maintain the hold of the British Raj over the Sikh kingdom in Punjab, a new book has claimed.

Queen Victoria instructed Lady Anne Alice Blanche, the aristocratic English wife of Duleep Singh's eldest son Prince Victor Albert Jay not to have children, Peter Bance, a British author claimed in his book Sovereign, Squire & Rebel.

The book is a biography of Duleep Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It claimed that the Queen gave the instruction 12 years after the British army physically stopped a disgruntled and rebellious Duleep Singh from returning to India from England, where he had been taken as a 12-year-old boy-king.
Like his father, Prince Victor also made a futile bid to visit India in 1898 to spend honeymoon with Lady Anne, but they were stopped by the British in Colombo.

On their return, they attended a ball thrown by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on July 8, 1898, where among the invitees was Prince Victor's sister Princess Sophia, younger brother Prince Frederick and several other royals visiting from India.

It was after the ball, Queen Victoria gave the instruction to Princess Anne not to have children.
The book also refers to a second claim about an alleged British plot to stem the royal Sikh bloodline.

According to it, Princess Bamba, Duleep Singh's youngest daughter from his first marriage, had told members of the Fakir family, who were former ministers in her father's court, that when they were children their English cooks would put Òcertain substancesÓ into their food so as to make them infertile.
None of Duleep Singh's children had any issue.

When Lutyens' wife wanted home rule for India!

2009-08-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

New Delhi- Even as he was preparing plans to build a new city to house imperial offices in Delhi, Master architect Edwin Lutyens' wife Emily was for home rule for India and was quite vocal about it. Mrs Lutyens was restrained from speaking in public by none other than legendary Annie Besant who feared it would jeopardise her husband's prestigious commission of erecting important buildings in New Delhi, says a new book. In New Delhi: Making of a Capital, authors Malvika Singh and Rudrangshu Mukherjee piece together the story of the eighth reincarnation of the historic city. Edwin and South African architect Herbert Baker were, in 1913, entrusted by the British government to build the Government House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and other important monuments in the new imperial capital of New Delhi. The book, published by Roli, also says that Emily was very much drawn towards theosophists. ÒThe headquarters of the Theosophical Society was at Adyar, on the outskirts of Madras. She adored Annie Besant and became very close to J Krishnamurti and his brother Nitya when they were young boys; she travelled with them to many countries and was totally committed to the theosophical movement,Ó it says. According to the authors, the British were very clear that the building of the new city was an imperial stamp meant to strengthen the Empire's claim over India and more than merely an administrative manoeuvre. Numerous newspaper reports, articles and editorials about the extravagant city, including vigorous debates in the House of Lords have been featured in the book. Exclusive pictures of the earliest stages of levelling the massive Raisina Hill are followed by the block-by-block construction of what are today the Rashtrapati Bhavan (then Government House), the Parliament House (known as Council House) and North and South Blocks (or the Secretariat buildings).A range of aerial shots capture the growth of the new city from a barren landscape into a bustling metropolis.

New Book : The Big Lie Released

2009-08-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

"The Social Security trust fund is empty," says economist Allen W. Smith, Ph.D. in a new book to be released August 1 by Ironwood Publications. "THE BIG LIE" chronicles the economic policies of the past 28 years, with special emphasis on the period between the presidential election of 2000 and the great economic collapse of 2008. The book focuses heavily on government economic malpractice. Smith says that mainstream professional economists were ignored, and shut out of economic policy-making, during 20 of the past 28 years, and policy was based more on ideology than on sound economic principles.
Despite the fact that Social Security has been running budget surpluses ever since the payroll tax increase of 1983, the government has not saved or invested any of that surplus revenue, Smith reports. Instead, the Social Security surplus has been used as a giant slush fund to pay for tax cuts, wars, and other government programs. "Every dollar of the approximately $2.5 trillion that is supposed to be in the trust fund today has been 'borrowed,' 'embezzled,' or 'stolen' by the government and spent on other programs," Smith writes. According to Smith, the money should have been used to buy public-issue, marketable U.S. Treasury bonds, in the open market, which could then have been resold whenever needed to raise cash for benefit payments. However, Smith says that none of the surplus money was used to buy marketable, public-issue bonds, or any other type of real asset. It was all spent, and thus none of it is invested in anything. "You can spend money or save and invest it," Smith says. "But, once you have spent it, there is nothing left to invest."

Smith says that, in order to make the public think the trust fund held "bonds," the government created a special type of IOU called "special issues of the Treasury" to replace the money it spent. "These so-called 'bonds' are not real bonds at all," Smith says. "They are a gimmick, created exclusively for, and held only by, the trust funds. They are not marketable, and could not be sold to anyone, even for a penny on the dollar. They serve only as an accounting device to keep track of how much the government owes to the Social Security fund."

Because all the Social Security surplus revenue has been spent on other things, Smith contends that the government will not be able to pay full Social Security benefits after 2016 without raising taxes or finding some other source of supplemental funding. "These surpluses were supposed to be saved and invested in order to build up a large reserve fund that could be tapped into to supplement the inadequate payroll tax revenue during the years after 2016," Smith reports. "Since the Social Security surplus revenue was not saved, and since no provisions have been made for repaying the looted Social Security money," Smith says, "after 2016, there will not be sufficient Social Security revenue to pay full benefits." Smith argues that the misuse of Social Security revenue, over the past quarter-century, is probably "the greatest fraud ever perpetrated against the American people by their government."

Allen W. Smith, who holds a Ph.D. degree in economics from Indiana University, is the author of seven books and was a college economics professor for 30 years. He has appeared on CNN, CNNfn, CNBC, and more than 170 radio talk shows. Dr. Smith has waged a personal campaign against economic illiteracy and government economic malpractice for more than 30 years. For the past decade, he has been screaming out the warning that our economy was headed toward the type of calamity that finally struck in 2008.

Dark Origins of Mahatma Gandhi

2009-07-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO — In “Gandhi Under Cross-Examination,” authors Col. G. B. Singh and Dr. Tim Watson provide a critical analysis of Mohandas Gandhi’s 21 years living in South Africa.

In 1893, Gandhi claims to have suffered a series of racial humiliations while traveling by train through colonial South Africa. The most infamous of these incidents was when Gandhi was reportedly thrown from a train in Pietermaritzburg after refusing to move from a first to a third-class seat to accommodate a white man’s demands. Most historians credit this event, which featured prominently in the “Gandhi” film, with galvanizing Gandhi to fight against white imperialism and the burgeoning apartheid system.

Singh and Watson evaluate the evidence for these pivotal incidents, rigorously exploring the origins of the “Mahatma” in their pursuit of historical truth. They call Gandhi himself to the witness stand, weaving courtroom drama into the text to expose his deceptive accounts of the train journey. Along the way, they examine Gandhi’s voluntary service as a British Sergeant Major during a war to suppress the Zulus, which he claims inspired his vow of celibacy and poverty. The authors also investigate Gandhi’s relationship with the black natives of South Africa and how he has influenced India and the modern world.

In the foreword, Prof. Lewis Baldwin writes: “Singh and Watson challenge us to take a new and more serious and critical look at Gandhi’s personality and values, and to come to conclusions based on the evidence in Gandhi’s own accounts of his struggle with racism. Only then can we, as Singh and Watson suggest, intelligently distinguish between Gandhi the historical figure and Gandhi the iconic symbol. This is a challenge that no human being should ignore in this age of cynicism, violence, and terror.”

There are thousands of books about Gandhi, but this is one of the few willing to place his claims under the lens of historical scrutiny. “Gandhi Under Cross-Examination” is available for purchase through the publisher, Amazon, and other online retailers.

Col. G. B. Singh (Ret.) served in the U.S. Army. He is a professional student of Indian politics, world religions, and the life and teachings of Gandhi. He lives in Tennessee, USA.

Dr. Tim Watson teaches philosophy and communications and hosts a weekly radio show. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

Dr. Lewis Baldwin is a Martin Luther King, Jr. scholar who teaches at Vanderbilt University. He lives in Tennessee, USA.

“Gandhi Under Cross-Examination”
By G. B. Singh and Tim Watson
Sovereign Star, June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9814992-2-2
http://www.SovStar.com

Summer Reading List for Kids - Time to "Go Green!"

2009-07-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

By Asst. Prof. Jennifer Turner
College of Education
University of Maryland

I have known about "going green" for some time, but I didn't really understand its importance until my 6-year old son, Elijah, came home from school one day and started saying, "Be green." He would remind us to turn off the lights, saying with a sweet smile, "Mommy we need to be green." He'd unplug appliances that were not in use, turn off the water when he brushed his teeth, and constantly ask me to get a recycling bin for our plastics and glass.

Curious to know where he had learned this phrase, I emailed his kindergarten teacher to ask what books she had read. She told me that she had read several books within a popular curriculum series on recycling and going green for Earth Day. She had also read How Do Plants Get Food?, by Meish Goldish (1989), a wonderful book that has interesting science facts presented in a kid-friendly manner. Reading books and talking about the Earth was a very enjoyable activity for Elijah, and this started his quest to greener living.

Going green has also become popular through children's television channels like Nickelodeon. Nickelodeon is doing a great job of helping kids "be green" through their programming and through their website. On their website, they have an entire page filled with ideas about living, learning, and playing in environmentally-responsible ways. Their initiative empowers kids to make a difference by making environmentally-friendly changes in their everyday lives.

So this year, I have decided to share books and web resources that help kids and parents to "be green." Enjoy the summer reading books and checking out websites that help keep our Earth clean AND maximize our fun!!

Prof. Turner is interested in issues of culture and cultural diversity as they relate to classroom reading instruction, and is particularly concerned with the improvement of reading achievement for African American students in public elementary schools.

Books for Kids Aged 3-8

* Why Should I Save Energy? (Why Should I?) (Jen Green, 2005, Barron's Education Series)

Author Jen Green has written an amazing, four-part series of books which demonstrate the importance of protecting nature. The other titles include WHY SHOULD I Protect Nature?, WHY SHOULD I Recycle?, WHY SHOULD I Save Energy?, and WHY SHOULD I Save Water? This series answers these questions through stories and illustrations in a fun, light-hearted way. What is especially great about this series are the notes in the back of the books, which provide suggestions for ways to use this book for parents and teachers.

* The Giving Tree, ( Shel Silverstein, 2005, HarperCollins)

This poignant book centers on a tree "who loved a boy," and follows the relationship that the tree develops with the boy throughout his life. Through this story, we learn about the different kinds of relationships that humans can have with nature. Some relationships between humans and nature are very harmonious, however there are other times when humans may take advantage of nature by using it solely for personal benefit. Because there are many eco-friendly messages in this book (e.g. don't take away from trees without giving something back, be thankful for trees, trees are important to us and we should not take them for granted), this book is great for reading aloud and talking with children about the importance of giving.

* Recycle: A Handbook for kids (Gail Gibbons, 1992, Little Brown Young Publishers)

Gail Gibbons is a phenomenal writer whose informational books help kids learn new and interesting facts. And she doesn't disappoint with her book on recycling. This book is very readable and well-organized, and helps children really get a sense of what landfills are and why we need fewer of them. Gibbons does thorough research in order to write her books, so when she describes how to recycle, why it's necessary, and its benefits, you know the information is accurate. The book ends with some interesting information about the ozone layer and the limited potential for recycling polystyrene, followed by 14 facts about garbage.

*Earth Day Hooray!!! (Stuart Murphy, 2004, HarperCollins Publishers)

In this book, children can learn about going green AND doing math! The story focuses on Ryan, Luke, and Carly, who are good friends with a plan for celebrating Earth Day. They want to buy some flowers for Gilroy Park, but they don't have enough money. So, they decide to collect and recycle 5,000 aluminum cans to earn the money. As the three friends collect cans, they discover that keeping track of the daily totals is somewhat of a challenge, until they begin to sort using bags of 10, 100, and so on. With this book, kids will have fun learning about place value, as well as celebrating the joy of working together to accomplish a green goal.

Books for Kids Aged 9-12
* Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment (Linda Schwartz, 1990, Learning Works Publishers)

This cool activity book shows children how to care for the Earth. The book is divided into four sections: (1) Energy, resources, and recycling; (2) Air, Land, & Water; (3) Plant & Animal Habitat; and (4) More Ways to Make Every Day Earth Day. The simple format makes the book really easy to read, and the information is presented in a very kid-friendly way which makes the main terms and ideas easy to understand.

The hands-on activities are really fun, and could be used for at-home science projects or to take away the rainy day blues. For example, the book describes acid rain, then gives instructions for a project to measure the amount of acid in your own rainfall. At the end of the book, there is a section called Where to Write & Glossary which provides a page on how to request information and also provides many different resources/organizations that children and parents can use.

* Brainiac's Go Green Activity Book (Mara Conlon, 2008, Peter Pauper Press)

Brainiac's Go Green! Activity Book is a cool activity book with an eco-friendly theme. The book presents fascinating scientific information about the Earth as well as important concepts and ideas for being environmentally-conscious. Kids will love doing the word finds, crosswords, connect the dots, mazes, and countless other activities within the book. And parents will love the green tips that are in the book, all designed to help families live their lives a little greener.

*Garbage and Recycling (Rosie Harlow, 2002, Kingfish Publishers)

This book is filled with interesting facts and information about recycling. The easy-to-use table of contents helps readers find ideas and information quickly, and helps organize the "big ideas" in the book in an accessible way (e.g., chapters include Waste not, want not; Garbage that won't rot; cans count; recycle your rags). One of the best features in this book are the "How Can I Help?" Boxes, which give helpful suggestions for children who want to recycle at home.

Books for Kids Aged 13-17
* The Green Teen: The Eco-Friendly Teen's Guide to Saving the Planet
(Jenn Savedge, 2009, New Society Publishers)

We all know that teenagers are a tough crowd to please. So how will they ever get interested in going green if the books are too boring, too babyish, or too dense? The Green Teen is a handy, go-to guide that will help teens learn to make environmentally responsible choices without being too preachy. Each section follows the same simple format: (1) How to Green something, (2) Top 5 Ways to start, (3) Why Bother doing it, (4) G2G Green Tips, (5) Planning stage with ideas and tips on how to go about it, (6) How to Get your Parents Involved and (7) Surfing Sites! What is awesome about this book is that it includes interviews with real teens who have made an impact with their projects, which will inspire other teens to make green choices in their daily lives.

* Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life (by Linda Sivertsen, 2008, Simon Pulse Publishers)

Generation Green is a very interesting book that helps us to understand that using technology more than just something that is "cool"--- it's actually "green!!" The book describes how texting friends, chatting online, and downloading emails and music are all examples of green activities that teens naturally enjoy and do on a daily basis. In fact, the concept of green living is the theme of the book, and many chapters provide tips on how to shop, dress, eat, and travel the green way. Now some teens (or even adults!) may not truly believe that they can live life in a greener way, but this book shows that anyone can do it. There are a number of interviews with teens who are involved with eco-friendly projects, and they talk about what living green means to them and how easy and natural it can be. The most powerful message in this book is that any green changes we make, even those that may seem small, have a huge impact on our Earth, our family and friends, our community, and our future.

Economy’s Effect on Older Workers

2009-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

American jobs are vanishing at a rapid rate in today’s dismal economy. Job bias claims have been hitting record highs while jobless markets continue to flood the nation, forcing millions into unemployment and underemployment. John K. Hulett seeks to draw attention to age discrimination in the workplace and how the current shortage of jobs is affecting older job-seekers in his comprehensive new book, “Age Discrimination: An Epidemic in America Affecting People of All Ages” (published by AuthorHouse). “Experience and wisdom are two qualities that come with age and they cannot be purchased or degreed, gifted, nor substituted for youth, greed and ignorance,” Hulett writes.

Hulett, a 55-year-old businessman and graduate student of theology, weaves personal experience with extensive research and political discussion. “Age Discrimination: An Epidemic in America” chronicles five failed investigations prompted by Hulett’s lawsuit claiming age discrimination. Hulett details how the government participated in these investigations and how large corporations are protected from employee claims because of their close relationships with many government agencies. He also thoroughly examines the correlation between today’s deep recession and age discrimination.

Hulett is hopeful that “Age Discrimination: An Epidemic in America” will call attention to this important issue and spark an essential debate among politicians. He writes:

President Barack Obama spent most of his career fighting to build stronger civil rights as a civil rights attorney in the U.S. Senate for the State of Illinois. My hope is that he expands his civil rights agenda to include all areas of discrimination (race, color, origin, age, gender, religion, and disability). Perhaps one day President Obama will find a moment in his busy schedule to address one of my many emails, faxes, and letters sent over the past six months? After all, discrimination has a lot do to with this economy including affordable healthcare, livable wages, affordable housing, fair credit, and putting all Americans back to work. No man or woman should have to study case law or maintain high levels of wealth in order to defend his or her rights in the workplace.
About the Author:

John K. Hulett has more than 35 years of experience in the fields of sales, marketing, new product development, territorial expansion for manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail promotion. He has managed company branch locations and corporate divisions at the regional and national level. Hulett has also spent time as a small business entrepreneur, developing numerous business and marketing plans, securing multiple patents, trademarks and trade names. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management and certificates in marketing, small business and human resource management. “Age Discrimination: An Epidemic in America Affecting People of All Ages” is his first book.

Dangerous Aspects : age old practice of story telling

2009-05-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

My name is; Colin Winston Aldridge I am the author of the thought provoking novel; "Dangerous Aspects" that perfectly matches the changing mood throughout the vast majority of the English speaking world and beyond.
Dangerous Aspects is a book like no other. To spread the word about a new paradigm of healing the author, Colin Winston Aldridge, has chosen to return to the age old practice of story telling. And what a story Dangerous Aspects is. Truly an exciting read from start to finish that builds in pace with the turn of every page. Yet the content is far from mindless. As the story and progress of the protagonist unfolds so does an enchanting and yet totally practical outline of a new paradigm of healing. Energy medicine is very much a 21st century happening in the western world and with this story we get the opportunity to take the authors clever pathway right into the modality at work in real circumstances. Not only do we get the look and feel of this amazing new healing modality the author also weaves into the story a coaching manual so that what we get is two books in one. This departure from the self help genre whilst at the same time elaborating the need to find healing through a gifted story such as this is a magical use of the novel medium.

The key element of the story itself is the burning question: do we really know the person we live with? Misunderstandings and secrets are everywhere. Sometimes we just need to scratch the surface to find them out. What we may find could make us fall from the face of earth. Still, at the same time it could make us discover a hidden side of ourselves, tougher than we thought. These strong feelings run underneath this double layered novel.

A breathtaking plot in the first layer leads us into a story of drug racketeering, kidnappings and murders. The story starts out with our protagonist, Sondra Ackerman, uncovering some deeply disguised and well hidden secrets about her drug dealing husband Jack. To tell where this story ends up would be to deny you the excitement of the ending, an ending that twists and turns up to the very last paragraph. The layer beneath takes us on a journey to explore a new paradigm of alternative therapy and the powerful effect it can have us and our vibrational harmony and wellbeing.

This story is thought provoking on several levels and rarely does a novel travel the distances Dangerous Aspects does to both thrill and inform the reader. Story telling is rarely this gifted!

Switchback

2009-05-20T11:50:00.001-07:00

Unmasking a Killer: New Book Entangles Detectives, the Mafia and a Psychopath in the Wake of a Grisly Crime

A Dallas family is brutally murdered, and the evidence does not point to the killer. The investigators have their hands full as they begin to unravel the events. Author Will Pettijohn invites mystery lovers to experience the thrill of the chase among a collection of intriguing characters in “Switchback: A Story Of A Killer’s Fears” (published by AuthorHouse).

“Switchback” opens as a mountainous Irish hit man named Colt scrubs blood off his face after doing a job. His 5-year-old chirps a cheery hello, oblivious to her father’s work. His inner struggle over the monster he has become returns to the surface. Meanwhile, Detective Rick Wise and his partner, T-bone, arrive on a crime scene so brutal it sends hardened forensics team members running from the house. A killer descended on a young family and no one was spared in the massacre.

These two events frame the frayed worlds of Wise, the diligent detective, and Colt, the hit man with a conscience. A suspenseful game of cat and mouse ensues in a city ravaged by organized crime. Many unsavory citizens of Dallas have met their demise under Colt’s cold gaze. But the family massacre under Wise’s investigation had to have been committed by someone with no heart, and readers realize that Colt follows a code of ethics, however twisted it may be. The plot thickens.

When FBI agents Young and Archer arrive to beef up the investigation, Wise grudgingly accepts their help. One by one, local informants step up to offer scant information. For their trouble, they come up missing. As Wise becomes consumed by the mystery, Colt is consumed by his own sins. Unknown to both men, their worlds are about to collide.

Pettijohn lures readers to an unexpected conclusion with a spine-tingling trail of chilling details designed to entice mystery lovers and readers who seek a fast-paced page-turner.

About the Author: Born and raised in the small west Texas town of Snyder, Will Pettijohn began working at age 12 while still in school. He is divorced and lives with his two teenage sons. “My family is the most important thing in my life,” says Pettijohn, who began writing after his marriage ended. Captivated by mystery-suspense stories, he soon penned “Switchback,” his first book. Pettijohn plans to continue the adventures of Detective Wise with two more books.

Ladies League Front Nine

2009-05-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Political Corruption Finds Its Way to the Golf Course

Four friends find themselves embroiled in the politics of a senator and his wife while playing nine holes of golf, in Sandi Spaugh’s new novel “Ladies League Front Nine” (published by AuthorHouse).

Of the four women that join a ladies league with their own personal agendas, Beverly and Jill have known each other since college, rediscovering their friendship after being apart for 30 years on the green. They were introduced to Joanne, the strongest woman they know, when she represented them in a case against the city and state. Diane is suffering from empty nest syndrome when Beverly convinces her to play golf in a league.

While getting closer, the group discovers they have more in common. Over the course of time they come to realize their lives are more intertwined than they ever knew. As the mystery unravels, the women discover people with power and politics are trying to shape their world.

As the friendships of these women grow, they become tangled up in the political goals of another member of the league, who is married to a local politician and believes she deserves special treatment because of her connections. Beverly, Jill, Diane and Joanne try to untangle the lies and save the town, all while playing round after round of golf in “Ladies League Front Nine.”

“Ladies League Front Nine” reminds the reader of the nuances of golf, including the competitiveness and frustration that are inherently born out of playing against others. Laugh and learn with these four women in “Ladies League Front Nine” as they reclaim purpose and strength in their lives, along with a rejuvenated sense of identity.

About the Author: Sandi Spaugh is a Registered Nurse, licensed health facility administrator and the owner of a health care facility in central Indiana. She has two sons, a daughter and is grandmother to four grandsons and two granddaughters.

She was introduced to the game of golf in her early 50s, which was an eye-opening experience that led her into numerous personal relationships, some were good and some not-so-good but all holding a special place in her memory. Sandi has drawn upon those experiences and relationships to weave the story found in the pages of “Ladies League Front Nine.”

Explosion in Paris

2009-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Heroine Must Die so She Can Live, in Romantic, Suspenseful Novel

WOODBINE, Md., — Angela Briann Scott is startled at the sight of the most exquisite-looking man she’s ever seen, peering at her from the woods beside her home in California. Over time, Ross Leigh Stafford becomes her saving grace, her mentor, and teaches her to believe in herself again. He offers her the strength and incentive to finally escape from her abusive husband, Mitchell Scott, an influential, high-dollar architect.

If only Ross and she could ride off together into the sunset on his borrowed white stallion right then. That would paint the happy ending to their lovely story, but this is not life’s reality.
In “Explosion in Paris” (published by iUniverse), Linda Pirrung tells the story of Angie and Ross, whose love, first denied, eventually blossoms and survives — along with Angie — Mitch’s explosive rage. It’s also about the faithfulness of Ross, who mourns her apparent death. Will Angie’s messages to Ross, apparently from the grave, get through to him? Will Mitch admit to his murderous ways? This romance/suspense/adventure delights readers with page-turning drama and an overarching message that sometimes we must die so that we truly can live.

About the Author

Writing is one engrossing passion that keeps Linda Pirrung excited about life and kicks the humdrum out of her vocabulary. Linda loves to read, write, and create art. Through the years she has had a portrait studio business, “Focus on Elegance by Linda”; a doll art business, “Galerie des Enfants”; and later she invested in a villa/studio and personal retreat which she decorated in European classic splendor. She researches, shops, and chooses fabrics, rugs, fabulous art, and accessories to pull her clients’ home decor dreams together, and continues her photography and artwork. She has two previous books, “Cracked Hearts” and “I Will Wait for You,” and still resides happily in Maryland with her husband of 38 years.

Short Stories Highlights Children’s Prayers and How They’ve Been Answered

2009-04-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

CHARLOTTE, N.C.— Does God answer prayers? If so, does he pay special attention to those in need? Do children’s prayers reach God’s ears? In her new collection of short stories, “Answered Prayers” (published by AuthorHouse), Freddie Power sets out to prove that God does answer prayers - particularly the prayers of those less fortunate than others - and has blessings for all of us.

Power drew inspiration for “Answered Prayers” from the Bible study groups she leads for residents of inner-cities including Burlington, N.C., Chapel Hill, N.C., Concord, N.C., and even Native American reservations in the Midwest. In these study groups, children gather to learn the Bible from Power, and she teaches them to pray. “They all want to pray for their families,” she writes. “Then we watch the most incredible things happen as these children’s prayers are answered for their families. For example, two little girls prayed for one year that their father would get off drugs. That father is not only off drugs now, he has gone to Bible College and is a pastor.”

With titles that speak for themselves like “Saved Just In Time,” “Elbow Healed,” “Hand Pain Gone” and “Nursing Home Healings,” the short stories in Answered Prayers provide hope and inspiration. In “Elbow Healed,” Power writes about a Concord, N.C., grandmother’s answered prayer:

We prayed this short simple prayer together, that by the power of the Holy Spirit her elbow would be healed and there would be no more pain. Immediately, she felt her arm was healed, so I had her do something she couldn’t do before without the pain coming. As that grandmother began to shake her arm and bend it, she exclaimed, ‘Glory to God! Glory to God! That pain was so terrible before, and now it is gone.’ This spirit-filled woman gave her testimony of how God came to heal and he does amazing healings!
Freddie Power has traveled to more than 20 countries performing missionary work, ministering to the poor, needy and widowed. She is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of seven. When she is not traveling with her missionary work, Power reaches out to inner-city children through Bible clubs held within their apartment communities. “Like the Energizer bunny, I will keep going and going and going as long as God prepares the way, whether it is to local neighborhoods or nations across the world,” she writes. Power is also the author of “Changing the World for Jesus One Child at a Time,” “Visions: God Speaks” and “Testimonies” (all published by AuthorHouse).

Freeing Yourself from Fear: Step-By-Step Guide

2009-04-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Stress. Panic attacks. Phobias. Obsessive-compulsive behaviour. Six million Canadians cope with some form of anxiety – from mild to severe – everyday. The Anti-Anxiety Workbook, a new book co-authored by Ryerson University psychology professor Dr. Martin Antony and Dr. Peter Norton, director of the University of Houston Anxiety Disorder Clinic, suggests practical ways to overcome these often debilitating health conditions.

“The book is very timely,” says Dr. Antony, who is also Ryerson’s psychology graduate program director and director of research at St. Joseph’s Healthcare’s Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre in Hamilton. He is also president-elect of the Canadian Psychological Association.

“These days, people have a lot on their minds. With the economic downturn, they are stressed about jobs and money. Plus, in recent years, there have been growing concerns about personal safety – for example, the threat of terrorism, SARS and avian flu.”

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the country. Anxiety can have a significant impact on quality of life, negatively influencing relationships, social interactions, school or work.

The workbook helps readers pinpoint their anxiety triggers, change beliefs and behaviours that make symptoms worse, and develop a safe, gradual plan for confronting fears. Established relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, are also covered.

“Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly treatable,” says Dr. Antony. One such treatment, which plays a major role in this self-help manual, is cognitive behavioural therapy. Patients, under the supervision of their therapist, can use this treatment to identify, and then challenge their anxiety-inducing thoughts.

“Our goal is to help people become better informed about their particular type of anxiety,” Dr. Antony says. “For some people, the book alone might prove useful. Other might use it as a springboard to seek formal treatment.”

Dr. Antony has published more than 25 books on anxiety disorders and related topics, including When Perfect Isn’t Good Enough: Strategies for Coping with Perfectionism (New Harbinger Publications) and several self-help manuals such as 10 Simple Solutions to Panic, and The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook. The Anti-Anxiety Workbook was published in February 2009 by Guilford Press.

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative career-focused education, offering close to 90 PhD, master’s, and undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Arts; the Faculty of Communication & Design; the Faculty of Community Services; the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Science; and the Ted Rogers School of Management. Ryerson University has graduate and undergraduate enrolment of 26,500 students. With more than 64,000 registrations annually, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education.

‘Approaching Neverland: A Memoir of Epic Tragedy & Happily Ever After’

2009-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

SAN RAMON, Calif.— Imagine a mother attempting to murder her five children and telling them they will soon be in Neverland. Imagine, too, surviving this attempted murder and still loving one’s mother unreservedly. Peggy Kennedy, author of “Approaching Neverland: A Memoir of Epic Tragedy & Happily Ever After” (published by iUniverse) tells such a story where love is unconditional. Drawing on the certain knowledge that mental illness was the reason why her mother behaved as she did while knowing she still loved her children, Kennedy shares how she managed to overcome tragedy by the support she and her siblings gave to each other.

During a time when mental illness was little understood, not to mention feared, Kennedy and her siblings were fortunate to have people explain that their mother was suffering from an illness. Still, there was turbulence from growing up under the shadow of this illness and of being shuffled from one family member to the next. In addition, one of the author’s worst fears was that she’d become like her mother even though there were parts of her mother she wanted to resemble.

Mental illness was not the only situation the author had to handle: A near fatal car crash paralyzes her brother, her sister is murdered, and another sibling dies from AIDS. However, Kennedy maintains a sense of humor through all the tragedies and even reunites with her husband, whom she’d left for another man early in the marriage. “Approaching Neverland” shows how one woman rose above her tragic past while reminding us that mental illness does not mean one must forfeit knowing how to love and be loved.

About the Author

Peggy Kennedy grew up in the Bay Area and attended Mills College, where she received a degree in Asian studies. She sold real estate for eight years before splitting with her husband and moving to San Francisco to start an events business that developed sponsorship for the Bay Bridge 50th Birthday Celebration, the Bay Bridge Permanent Lighting Campaign, In Concert Against AIDS, and the annual Chinese New Year celebration. Compelled to write her family’s unique and moving story, Kennedy began work on “Approaching Neverland” in 2004. She won 1st prize for non-fiction from the 2008 San Francisco Writer’s Conference. She has been reunited with her husband for 19 years and lives in the East Bay with their younger son, chocolate lab, three horses and their son’s annoying cat. Kennedy continues to market the Chinese New Year celebration.

‘Mamma Called the Doctor: A Mother and Child’s Final Journey’

2009-04-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

TORONTO — Sometimes what had been a black-and-white issue suddenly can become gray when it hits home. That is what Antoinette Romana discovered when an amniocentesis revealed that she was pregnant with a Down syndrome baby. Antoinette and her husband, already parents of three small children, had to face one of their most difficult situations while making a choice that stirred both criticism and support. What Antoinette soon discovered was that it was no one’s decision but her and her husband’s. She wrote about it in her moving memoir, “Mamma Called the Doctor: A Mother and Child’s Final Journey” (published by iUniverse).

The topic of abortion is an incendiary one, but the author discovered that it is also a personal one and that there are no easy answers. During a time in her life when she didn’t think she could be any happier, Antoinette, a suburban stay-at-home mom, was suddenly confronted with a decision that would cause her grief, no matter what she decided. Instead of hiding what she was considering, she discussed it with family, friends, doctors and counselors, all who had a variety of opinions. Yet, the final choice was up to Antoinette and her husband — one that would ultimately forever change their lives. The author had to ask herself if she was being selfish and was she really putting the child’s interests first.

Written with truth and honesty, the author shares how her difficult decision put her into a deep depression, and yet, the one who pulled her out of it, the one she believed she most disappointed, was God. “Mamma Called the Doctor” is a journey of both heartache and faith, but one the author believes happened for a reason. What she learned along the way was to find forgiveness in herself. Antoinette’s memoir is her story, but one that she is prepared to discuss with anyone willing to listen.

About the Author

Antoinette Romana is a housewife and mother of three children. She lives in the Toronto suburbs of Canada with her husband. She is available for interviews.

New Children’s Book Combines Entertaining Story with Important Lessons

2009-04-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Avelea Nixon Debuts with “OwlCat”

In her whimsical new children’s book, “OwlCat” (published by AuthorHouse), Avelea Nixon uses delightful animal characters to convey important lessons about acceptance, racial issues, balance in nature and finding happiness after a tragedy.

“OwlCat” tells the story of OwlCat, an orphaned cat who has been raised by owls and ventures out to find his long-lost sister in the mountains. Along the way, he meets many interesting animals and gets to experience the lush countryside. Nixon writes:

Later, OwlCat came to a large field of wheat. All he could see was the swaying Wild Emmer tops being fanned by the light breeze. The wheat had grown so high that it hid OwlCat completely. But he wasn’t alone. “Halt. HOO goes there?” OwlCat heard an unexpected voice calling out from the field and turned to see a handsome, tawny-coloured stallion standing before him. OwlCat told the stallion about the village of cats where his long-lost sister lived. Had the stallion heard of it? “Just over that mountain. That’s why the call them the CATSKILLS, silly cat,” the arrogant stallion replied. “Off with you then,” snorted the stallion as he chomped away on some wheat. “You’re being too noisy and I’m not supposed to be in here.” Excited, OwlCat left at once, running up the mountain to catch a bird’s eye view of his long-lost sister’s village.
Nixon seeks to teach children some important life lessons with her simple tale. When OwlCat meets animals that could eat him, or smaller moles that he could eat, the balance of the animal kingdom is highlighted. When he arrives to the village of cats, he finds animals of many colors — or races, as Nixon points out — living together in harmony, and when OwlCat and his sister decide to share each other’s adoptive families, they illustrate the importance of finding happiness despite the tragedy of being apart for so many years.

The artwork in “OwlCat” was done by Nixon’s 12-year-old niece, Jaimi, and young readers and listeners are sure to delight in the colorful illustrations. By combining important lessons with a tale of adventure and happy endings, “OwlCat” appeals to parents, teachers and children alike.

Avelea Nixon was born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario. “OwlCat” is her first published book, with more adventures to come. She is also working on a book of short stories, “Crime.”

Role Model or Menace? Book Considers Captain America’s Cultural Legacy

2009-04-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

No superhero wears patriotism on his sleeve quite like Captain America.

Decked out in his signature stars and stripes, the Cap has fought Nazis, Communists and upheld American ideals through comic books and cartoons for nearly 70 years.

But is he truly a hero for this cynical age? Is his country-first mentality a positive example for today’s jaded youth, or has he become the troubling embodiment of America’s muscle-flexing foreign policies in the post-9/11 world?

Rob Weiner, pop-culture author, guru and an associate humanities librarian for the Texas Tech University Libraries, decided to examine the character’s legacy in light of his highly-publicized assassination in 2007.

His book, “Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero: Critical Essays,” goes deeper under the mask and into the psyche of the shield-bearing patriot than perhaps any other work written on the subject.

“The book takes a look at Captain America as a cultural icon,” Weiner said. “He is arguably the most patriotic superhero, and represents what America can and should be.

I wanted to create a forum where scholars from all disciplines could treat him as a focal point for scholarly discourse.”

Weiner invited scholars including historians, political scientists and art professors to delve into more than 60 years of Captain America comics, dissecting the writers and story arcs to consider how such a symbolically charged character can impact popular culture.

The result is a work that uses Captain America comics as a lens to study America’s shifting political attitudes, race and class struggles, international relations and ideological ambiguities.

“Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero: Critical Essays” is published by McFarland and available through Amazon.

Weiner has expertise on topics ranging from the Grateful Dead to American presidents in film. His previous book, Marvel Graphic Novels and Related Publications: An Annotated Guide, is an exhaustive 385-page reference work on the universe of Captain America, Spidey, Iron Man and The Fantastic Four.

Unique Silk Road Experience

2009-04-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Following Marco Polo's Silk Road is about a couples passion for travel. It provides an autobiographical account of their travels through the Middle East and Asia. They followed the broad route taken by the legendary Venetian explorer Marco Polo. Starting in Venice, the book follows the Lawrenson's adventures as they travel through Turkey, Syria, Jordon, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kashmir, India, Nepal and China to eventually reach Beijing.

50,000 people a month Google "Silk Road" and the numbers are increasing. Travelling the Silk Road has never been more popular. Everyone with a zest for adventure travel is heading to China before the "old China" is lost in it's rush to modernise. Brian Lawrenson and his wife Jill recently spent three months travelling the Silk Road and have written Following Marco Polo's Silk Road that describes their adventures. It is a book about their passion for travel.

It provides an autobiographical account of their travels through the Middle East and Asia. They followed the broad route taken by the legendary Venetian explorer Marco Polo.

There are so many wonderful places on earth that many people just don't know exist
But more important than the natural environment is the diversity of the peoples, their cultures and the experiences that you have along the way.
"There are so many wonderful places on earth that many people just don't know exist," Lawrenson says. "But more important than the natural environment is the diversity of the peoples, their cultures and the experiences that you have along the way."

Starting in Venice, the book follows the Lawrenson's adventures as they travel through Turkey, Syria, Jordon, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kashmir, India, Nepal and China to eventually reach Beijing. Completed over a number of years, the collected journeys include a recent account of the Taliban's influence in Pakistan's Swat Valley, a flash point in the ongoing struggle against extremist ideology in western Asia. This happened during a three week Jeep journey through remote parts of Pakistan.

Other experiences include riding camels along part of the Karakorum Highway in China, reaching the hard-to-find Shipton's Arch (the world's tallest natural arch) in China, travelling in India by taxi and crossing Iran during the Iran-Iraq war. These stories make this a unique book that provides a low-cost escape from news of the current recession.

He’s Giving Away His New Book for Free

2009-04-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

ORLANDO, Fla., — A bestselling author whose 15 books have sold more than 5 million copies is taking an unusual approach with his latest work - he’s on a crusade, giving the book away to help people not only survive America’s economic meltdown, but thrive emotionally and spiritually.

Written by Dr. Patrick Morley, How to Survive the Economic Meltdown features 35 hard-earned spiritual, practical and financial survival strategies. Morley, who also wrote the critically acclaimed book The Man in the Mirror, which was named in “100 Christian Books that Changed the 20th Century,” is allowing people to download copies of How to Survive the Economic Meltdown for free, in addition to selling hard copies at a deep discount.

He explains, “A lot of parents can’t afford to take their kids to McDonald’s, much less afford a book. I know what they’re feeling - and I want to help.”

In the 1980s, Morley was one of Florida’s top real estate developers. Then came the economic meltdown of 1986 - Morley would spend the next seven years of his life successfully fighting off a multi-million dollar bankruptcy.

“Every day for seven long years, I woke up not knowing whether or not I would be forced into bankruptcy,” he remembers. “So I feel compassion for those caught up in the current meltdown. In many cases, they have the courage they need, but they simply don’t have the right information.”

More than 20,000 copies of the book have already been purchased or downloaded from SurviveTheMeltdown.org, which launched just a few weeks ago. Many who are downloading the book are also sharing it with family and friends via email.

Morley recently received a letter from a California real estate developer named Michael, who has been struggling in this down market. He recalls how one day, as he was preparing to meet with an attorney regarding his financial challenges, he received an email from a friend.

“Attached was Chapter 1 of How to Survive the Economic Meltdown,” Michael explains. “I got the book, and it has really guided me during these difficult times. I’ve used it to encourage my friends and colleagues, too.”

He concludes, “The Lord brought this book into my life at just the right time. It’s going to be a long road. But I know that God will get me through this.”

ABOUT PATRICK MORLEY

Dr. Patrick Morley is the bestselling author of The Man in the Mirror, with more than three million copies of the book distributed worldwide. His international ministry, also called Man in the Mirror, trains and resources more than 40,000 leaders, who help men to change their lives and become more effective at home, work and in their communities. This ministry has directly affected the lives of nearly 10 million men worldwide.

Romance and Intrigue During the Algerian War: ‘The Maghreb Amulet’

2009-03-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

TRINITY, Fla., March 24, 2009 — Chantal’s life was ideal. She lived in the romantic city of Paris during the 60’s, had a job that she adored and a man that she loved madly. Everything was picture perfect; that is until the day that her lover Alex was arrested for murder. “The Maghreb Amulet” (published by iUniverse) by Vera Beaumont follows the harrowing adventure of Chantal de Betancourt in her desperate quest to free herself and her lover from the cruel grip of circumstance and intrigue.

Chantal’s life was turned upside down on the evening she approached her lover Alex’s apartment only to discover that he had been accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend. Believing unshakably that Alex was innocent, she became desperate to exonerate him. As if on queue, a dark and mysterious man named Guy appeared and offered to help her — for a price. He explains that he is part of the French military and if she aides them in their covert operations in Algiers, he will secure Alex’s release. Seeing no other choice, Chantal complies and embarks on her mission.

Once in Algiers, Chantal quickly realizes that she is not cut out for the clandestine life. A trusting and forthright person by nature, she struggles to adjust to her appointed task: a courier for the French military, or so she believes.

“You failed your mission. You should be sent back with shame. How could you be so stupid?”
“What do you mean? I delivered the package you gave me.”
Cassis rose and crossed her office with quick steps.
“What’s wrong, Monsieur Cassis? Didn’t my …”
He held his hand up to silence her, rose to open the door and looked up and down the hallway. Chantal stared at his rumpled suit and dusty shoes while he closed the door again. Deep furrows cut across his forehead.
“Didn’t anybody teach you the basic rules? You don’t take a taxi, you don’t attract attention. Your purpose is to stay unnoticed and find the designated person. All deliveries are to be made to that person only, nobody else. If you cannot find them, you keep the package and wait for further orders. You always make sure that nobody sees you. Didn’t anybody tell you that? You were lucky that your taxi wasn’t followed. I checked.”
As her adventure unfolds, Chantal encounters many more people, both nefarious and honorable, and comes to realize that she has become embroiled in an affair that is far more insidious than she could have ever imagined.

Vera Beaumont was born in Germany and attended University at the world famous Sorbonne in Paris. She eventually immigrated to the United States and earned a Ph.D. in psychology. She is now retired and lives in Florida. Dr. Beaumont based her novel on her experiences as a student in Algiers during the Algerian struggle for independence in the late 50’s and early 60’s. While she was not engaged in any type of clandestine activities, because she had come from Paris many people assumed she was. This became the impetus for “The Maghreb Amulet.”

Stress is Silent Killer

2009-03-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

‘Thus I Became Stress Free, Oh Really?’: Systematically Manage and Optimize Stress to Improve Productivity, Happiness
GARDEN CITY, Mich., March 24, 2009 — Consider how these outlooks could free you from stress:

Things change if you change the way you look at them.
Problems, most of the times, are only are in our head.
“Thus I Became Stress Free, Oh Really?,” a new book by Balram Joshi (published by iUniverse), can improve your outlook and capability to manage your stress and improve your productivity and happiness. Written from the inspiration Joshi experienced from learning and practicing very simple things, his desire is to share simple techniques for solving a perceived complex problem. Joshi outlines how being stress-free is not a static state. Life is dynamic, and so is your state of mind. And stress is directly related to the state of mind. Joshi notes that the mind keeps getting affected day in and day out by numerous ongoing incidents. But with practice, you can continuously stay in a state of least stress.

Joshi wants to emphasize the importance of identifying if you are stressed as he terms stress as the silent killer. Joshi discusses how to identify if you are stressed, stress as the silent killer, how stress in small amounts is actually good for you, possible scenarios contributing to stress and probable solutions, stressors including family, materialism, ambition and expectations; stress-relievers, like faith and forgiveness, that are suitable for different personalities; and stress-relieving yoga. Read the first chapter at http://www.howibecamestressfree.com.

About the Author

Most of Balram Joshi’s career has been administrative and managerial, working for his own business, government and private companies. He has lived in 10 different states, in India and then in Africa. He is a U.S. citizen currently living in the U.S.A. Joshi holds a Ph.D in Coordination Chemistry which complements his capability to study, analyze and resolve a problem and then present its solution in an organized and effective manner.

Finding Your Place in the Kingdom

2009-02-16T12:03:00.001-08:00

First-time Author Helps Readers Open Their Hearts to God’s Love and Live a Life of Faith

“His Glory: Reclaiming Dominion in the Kingdom of God” (published by AuthorHouse) by Darin Williams promises to help readers understand their own spirituality and take the first steps on a quest for knowledge and fulfillment by explaining how we all are created in God’s image.

Using a combination of Scripture and personal realization, “His Glory” shows readers that success in their personal and professional lives is a gift from God, and that all of the material possessions are worthless compared to the Lord’s love. Williams tells readers that true happiness is not found in drinking, drugs or stockpiled wealth — all it takes is for readers to look inside themselves to find contentment.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Williams relates how prayer and meditation can be an effective tool in acquiring the blessings of God, and how to help the faithful prepare for the return of Christ.

Through the course of conveying the message of God’s love and plan for each of us, Williams teaches that God has given the faithful dominion over Earth and its creatures and it is up to each one of us to deliver on the promise of stewardship. Williams states that by trusting in God’s plan the faithful will live lives of peace, prosperity and love.

Over the course of nearly 18 months of meditation and prayer, Williams wrote “His Glory” in order to assist readers in finding their place in God’s plan. Williams asserts that all Christians, whether they are strong or weak in their faith, can be clued into the Lord’s plan for them by opening their ears, minds, hearts and souls. Readers with a desire for a better relationship with God, their families and a drive to make the world a better place will be inspired to fulfill the vision of their heart’s desires and remain steadfast in their faith.

Darin Williams is a former U.S. Army Reservist and has worked as a high school teacher for the past 12 years. Williams spent one year with the urban youth ministry Young Life Urban and currently runs the Young Men of Vision mentoring program at his school. Williams has been married to his wife, Betty, for nearly 10 years.

For more information, please visit: www.BacktoHisGlory.com.

Becoming a Better Leader

2009-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

How to Use Self-Analysis and Self-Improvement to Boost Your Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are a key component in the attainment of a successful life, and a person cannot become an effective leader without knowing who they really are. In the new book, “Self-Confrontation, Self-Discovery, Self-Authenticity, and Leadership: Discover Who You Are And Transform The Leader In You” (published by AuthorHouse), Patrick Chudi Okafor combines the process of developing facility for leadership with an invitation to self-discovery, self-growth, and self-empowerment.

This voyage — through a gradual exposition of common-sense, classical leadership theories, motivational theories and spiritual psychology — becomes a deep journey of self, involving the physical, the rational, the psychological, and the spiritual.

“Self-Confrontation, Self-Discovery, Self-Authenticity, and Leadership” stresses that the development of leadership skills is a lifelong quest. The underlying principles of leadership are openness and honesty as to one’s own nature, while continuously working towards becoming a leader. A good leader is self-actuating and self-transforming.

Okafor explains how the Enneagram personality theory can bring to light the unique impulses of each type of personality and how such knowledge offers possibilities for transformation. He maintains that the Enneagram theory shows us how our personality is limited by compulsive behavior patterns. Additionally, it uses the insight and lucidity of psychology as a gateway to our deep spirituality. Okafor utilizes the Enneagram personality theory in discussing the personality profiles of several world leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Pope John Paul II and Martin Luther King, Jr.

In an exploration of spirituality in leadership, “Self-Confrontation, Self-Discovery, Self-Authenticity, and Leadership” offers the theorem that, although the idea of spirituality as an aspect of leadership is new, the spirit of one’s inner self has always been an intrinsic part of leadership and the primary influence of good leadership behaviors. Our spirituality is what ultimately guides our leadership actions.

About the Author: Patrick Chudi Okafor holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and master’s degrees in theology, social and public policy. He holds a professional diploma and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from St. John’s University, New York. He is trained in clinical pastoral education and is a chaplain at Stony Brook University Hospital, Long Island, N.Y. Okafor is the president and a co-founder of Childhood Development Initiative for Sub-Saharan Africa (CDISSA).

‘The Sound of Hope: A True Story of an Adoptee’s Quest for Her Origins’

2009-02-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Every United States citizen enjoys the right and the liberty to have full access to their own public records, including birth certificates — except adoptees. Only six states allow adoptees to view their original birth certificate. In the other 44 states, adoptees must petition the courts and show good cause for access to their own birth certificates while there is no guarantee that permission will be given. Author Anne Bauer is one of these adoptees and has written about her journey in her book “The Sound of Hope: A True Story of an Adoptee’s Quest for Her Origins” (published by iUniverse), honored with the coveted Editor’s Choice Award, Publisher’s Choice Award and the prestigious Rising Star Award.

In spite of the sentimentalized stories about adoption, there is another side: an adoptee’s desire for discovering his or her identity often threatens the adoptive parents, which creates a home filled with anger and jealousy. In addition, the law does not assist the adoptee in finding answers regarding their birth parents. Bauer has become an advocate in hopes of changing this. She believes it is the civil right of adoptees to be given full access to all of their own information, including their original birth certificates.

Bauer’s memoir details how she set out to uncover her origins while going against opposition from her family and society. She brings an unforgettable message that no one should be cut off from their origins, but allowed to add to the tapestry of their lives. It’s her hope that laws will be reformed to give adoptees access to their records.

About the Author

Anne Bauer was inspired to write a true account of her life as an adopted individual in hopes of raising awareness of civil rights of adoptees and instigating reform in the current laws pertaining to adoptee records. She is a registered nurse and Reiki energy healer and lives in northern New Jersey with her husband and their three children. You may find out more about her at www.adopteesvoice.com.

‘Showdown on the Frio: The Good and the Evil’

2009-02-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

Implementing his experience as having been a parole and probation officer, author Calvin Bowden weaves a suspenseful story about a victim who has to confront her rapist again in order to survive in his novel “Showdown on the Frio: The Good and the Evil” (published by iUniverse).

Having learned about the different levels and types of criminal behavior while witnessing the shortcomings of state and federal criminal justice systems, Bowden took his real life experiences and decided to fictionalize them in his novel. Protagonist Helen Kipling’s testimony sent the serial rapist and murderer to prison, but his escape brings him back to the ranch where she lives. Kipling must stop her psychopathic stalker, if she can break free from her paralyzing fear.

In his novel, Bowden also makes readers look more closely at their feelings regarding rape. Wearing a skimpy bikini, was the victim asking for it? Should the victim react by fighting and risk being severely beaten or killed, or give in to the rapist? What are the long-term effects of being a rape victim? Readers are also asked to consider the theory of the defense counsel who utilizes the three basic principles of the human personality, the id, ego and super ego, in the defense of the rapist.

Gripping and entertaining, “Showdown on the Frio” reflects Bowden’s findings on the traits of honorable people struggling to defeat evil while preserving values and rules of behavior that offer the best of hope for a life of purpose and harmony.

About the Author

Calvin Bowden worked for many years with juvenile delinquents, adult criminals, law enforcement officials and members of the state and federal judiciary as a parole/probation officer. He lives with his wife in Nacogdoches, Texas and writes a column for The Daily Sentinel. He is the author of the novel “Voices from a Far Field.” Find out more about the author at www.calvinbowden.com.

Tips on Writing a Love Poem

2009-02-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a new book of love poetry has been published by internationally known author Nikki Giovanni, University Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech. Bicycles (Harper Collins) is a collection of poetry that serves as a companion to her widely acclaimed 1997 Love Poems.

“Bicycles are trust and balance…and that’s what love is,” said Giovanni of her latest book that includes 65 poems to match Giovanni’s 65 years. Although recent years have brought Giovanni much sadness, including the death of her mother and sister, as well as the tragedy at Virginia Tech, she still confirms that you have to find what’s good.

The book jacket proclaims that “Here romantic love – and all its manifestations, the physical touch, the emotional pull, the hungry heart – is distilled as never before by one of our most talented poets.” The NY Times noted, “Giovanni is as outspoken, prolific, and energetic as ever.”

Reading Bicycles aloud may be a great way to start off a romantic evening but if creating an original poem sounds intriguing, Giovanni reflects on what it takes to write a love poem:

“5-If I could give just one piece of advice about writing a love poem I would remind the writer that love is about the lover not the beloved. It’s about how you feel not how he responds. That should free you to set your heart on your sleeve; no one is going to knock it off.

“4-Everything about love and life is the simplicity of it. The most important thing to keep in mind is to be clear. The Dells sang Love Is So Simple and I think they are right. Nat ‘King ‘ Cole sang I Love You (for Sentimental Reasons); clear as a bell. Cole Porter wrote You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To. Classic. All of them. Clear. You can feel the longing.

“3-The most common writing mistake, period, is complication. The reader does not want to figure out what you mean. Neither does your beloved. Prince says I Want To Be Your Lover. Boom. You know where you stand.

“2-There must be an internal rhythm to a love poem; the desire must come out. The mistake a lot of people make is to over-think the poem. To reach out for images when just letting the longing of the heart come through would be sufficient.

“1-If someone writes you a love poem you’d have to be an idiot to say it was not a good poem. That’s like someone saying ‘I love that dress on you’ and you saying ‘What? This ole thing?’ The proper answer is a sweet smile and a thank you. If you have feelings for that person you can always blush.”

Giovanni concludes, “Writing a good love poem is like being a good lover. You have to touch, taste, take your time to tell that this is real. The Supremes say You Can’t Hurry Love and you can’t fake it, either.”

The author of 30 books, Giovanni won a 2008 American Book Award for The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni 1968-1998. Over the course of more than three decades of publishing and lecturing she has come to be called both a “National Treasure” and, most recently, one of Oprah Winfrey’s twenty-five “Living Legends.” The winner of four NAACP Image Awards, Giovanni’s honors have been steady and plentiful throughout her career. She was the first recipient of the Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, and she has also been awarded the Langston Hughes Medal for poetry. A scientist who admires her work even named a new species of bat he discovered for her!

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences embraces the arts, humanities, social and human sciences, and education. The College nurtures intellect and spirit, enlightens decision-making, inspires positive change, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. It is home to the departments of Apparel, Housing & Resource Management; Communication; English; Foreign Languages & Literatures; History; Human Development; Interdisciplinary Studies; Music; Philosophy; Political Science; ROTC; Science and Technology in Society; Sociology; Theatre Arts; the School of Education, and the School of Performing Arts and Cinema.

LAUNCH!...Get That First Paycheck In 90 Days

2009-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

In a survey of 19,000 college students by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the willingness to work overtime and travel on weekends matched, almost exactly, the responses of 1982 students.

But today's seniors expressed indignation with online applications, video conferences and job boards -- career devices that didn't exist in 1982 -- as impersonal. And most career quizzes and career counseling books typically fall short in terms of really helping college graduates find their first job.

However, "There's never, ever been a career quiz that ranks your skills against college seniors nationwide," claims 'LAUNCH!...Get That First Paycheck In 90 Days,' "and then turns your unique strengths into a smart career path."

The career counseling book is now available at Launch-Your-Career.com to help college seniors and recent graduates successfully begin their careers. It offers job-finding secrets that too few students know about - because no other career counseling books reveal them. LAUNCH! includes:

- A career quiz that shows how the student's job skills and attitudes compare to college seniors nationwide, and what career paths their unique traits suggest.
- How to find job openings before they're advertised.
- How to triple resume responses.
- Proven networking tactics.
- How to interview better.
- Why Monster.com and Craigslist are time traps for recent graduates.
- How a weekend project can make the student a top candidate for their chosen position.
- Finally, LAUNCH! outlines a 90 day schedule for getting that first job.

If downloaded from the website in PDF format, this 339 page career counseling book costs $8.63 -- less than the price of a pizza. It's also available as a paperback book (for $16.23 - free shipping), an audio CD set (for $21.33 - free shipping), or a downloadable MP3 audio book ($11.74). An unusual money back guarantee is included -- if any college senior doesn't discover a new job search tactic, boost their resume responses, or learn something about themselves that they didn't know before; they get their money back plus one dollar.

"Unlike those fuzzy lectures and expensive textbooks or seductive student loans, this helps graduates actually find that first job," says LAUNCH! author Gary Sutton, a retired CEO who's been involved in advising, hiring, and firing countless employees during his lengthy career.

"This may be the most important book a college senior ever reads," added Dr. Linda Charles, clinical psychologist and former UCLA staffer.

Anxious students and their nervous parents can even sample the guide before buying by reading a few pages or listening to a brief audio clip at Launch-Your-Career.com.

The career assessment quiz in LAUNCH! can also be taken online at WhoAreYouAnyway.com. It tells college seniors if they'll do better in large or small organizations, among other things. The quiz ranks students' energy, ambition, ethics, status needs, social abilities and fifteen other vocational traits. Results are translated into the best career path.

"Wow! That job quiz nailed me. Without those insights, I'd be waiting tables again," said one Drake grad.

The Kingdom Seeker

2009-01-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

Self-Proclaimed Saint Vindicates Christianity, Argues for an End to Judaism and Islam

In his new book, “The Kingdom Seeker: The Diary of Saint Thomas the Divine” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), Tommy Francis Adams introduces a collection of writings that is no less the revelation of an amazing life than it is a revolution in Christian theology.

“The Kingdom Seeker” is a book that on one hand serves as a serious vindication of Christian faith, while on the other hand serves as the greatest treatise ever written in justification of Jewish Law, yet presents a case against Judaism and Islam.

Labeled a madman, although completely self-possessed the whole time, for claiming to have been killed on the streets of Queens, N.Y., and resurrected (he has two bullet holes in the back of his head), Adams’s life languished until Feb. 3, 2005, when he indirectly predicted the record-breaking hurricane season of that year, which came to pass six months later. Adams argues that he would have to be God because he knows even as he is known.

This prophecy ushered in a spiritual transformation. Among other claims, Adams asserts that he has the highest IQ on Earth, is the greatest athlete pound-for-pound behind Jesus and God and is considered the greatest black man ever to walk the earth.

Adams challenges the current view of the Christian theological establishment, claiming that only the sanctified, like himself, are justified, and that these are Jews, and that if you weren’t a perfect Jew, especially in Jesus Christ, you did not earn salvation. And his proof of God’s existence - based on two connections between science and religion, one of which Sir Isaac Newton almost found over 500 years ago - aims to end atheism once and for all.

“Likely the only truly accurate history of the world since 1984 by the chief architect of the Kingdom of God on earth, ‘The Kingdom Seeker: The Diary of Saint Thomas the Divine’ is a definite ‘must read’ book for everyone who takes life seriously and that realizes the enormous importance religion has in it!” Adams writes, adding that the only way to create value is to preach the Gospels to the Jews.

“The Kingdom Seeker” is replete with Scriptural references, and it reproduces the original letter written by Adams that ended both Judaism and Islam. The book also includes his takes on socio-economic inequity, how to recognize God, manhood and womanhood, abortion, the solution to poverty, gay marriage and homosexuality, loving one’s enemies, obedience, parenting, and the Middle East, among other topics. It even includes his favorite jokes.

Why Your Pet Wants You to Read Trust Me: I’m Not a Veterinarian

2009-01-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Jim Schwartz’s New Book Is a Self-Defense Manual for Animal Guardians

Your animal buddy can’t read it. Your vet may not read it. But you can read it for your pet - and that may save your pet’s life.

That’s the reason Jim Schwartz wrote the book:

to save one dog at a time;
to stop harmful over-vaccination of our pets;
to question common vet practices that may harm your animal companion;
to describe an insurance plan that will reduce “economic euthanasia”;
to propose a legislative approach to saving companion animals;
to raise some ideas about pet care that you may be taking for granted;
and to respectfully suggest some ways you might tell if your pet is ready to check out of your world.
Is this a controversial book? Heck, yes! Will vets like it? Only if they are open to some ideas not taught in vet school. Will pets be glad you read it? You betcha.

Would local veterinarian associations object to a favorable review? Probably. Would this book appeal to media who don’t mind generating some controversy, as long as it’s well-documented? Yes.

Author Jim Schwartz says, “Should you care what interest-conflicted vets think? Not if you care for your pet. The point is that if you have pets you should read this book on their account - to improve their health and lengthen their lifespans.”

In “Trust Me: I’m Not a Veterinarian!,” Schwartz has created what amounts to a pet owner’s self-defense manual, offering advice on everything from pet cremation to up-to-the-minute facts on controversial pet vaccination practices and the frequent life-threatening or fatal results vaccination can have on older animals.

Experience with vaccination and his dogs Buddy, Nicki, Moolah, Elle, Max, Ricki and Moses led Schwartz to question and examine the science, practice and public policy of pet vaccination, leading him to the conclusion that veterinary vaccination practices, evidently dangerous to pet health, are in actuality a huge cash stream to small-animal vet practices. In his book, Schwartz deconstructs the financial and legislative implications for our pets that, in most cases, function as family members.

Schwartz also founded the Next-To-Kin Foundation (http://next2kin.org), a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization that believes that “dogs, cats and other pets so enrich our lives that we should recognize our pets/companion animals legally and even legislatively as ‘beyond mere property.’”

The book “Trust Me: I’m Not a Veterinarian!” is available at http://www.amazon.com.

‘Horse of Fire’: An Extraordinary Horse Describes His Life

2009-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Stories of the profound connection between horses and their owners have inspired countless animal lovers. A new book by Lisa Pruitt, “Horse of Fire” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), highlights this phenomenon in a unique way. In this heartfelt adventure, it is the author’s beloved horse, JJ Luck, who tells the story of his life and the close link to his human companion.

When JJ Luck was born, it was assumed by his humans that he would become a racing horse. With a lineage that included famous racers such as Sea Biscuit, racing was understood to be his destiny. However, at just three years old the fiery stallion was retired from racing and began waiting for the woman who would bring him to his true home. When Pruitt arrived to look at JJ for the first time, the horse was gaunt and lanky - yet there was an instant connection. Weeks later, when JJ was taken to Pruitt’s pasture, he galloped, rejoiced and understood that he was beginning the best part of his life so far. JJ Luck also named his owner - “Fire Horse.”

Through JJ’s eyes the readers gain a unique perspective into his life with his owner Fire Horse. From friendships with Pruitt’s other horses to experiences at three-day event competitions, JJ Luck describes his perspective on performing in natural horsemanship events. He also recounts the adventures he took with Fire Horse to Las Vegas and Denver, where they demonstrated natural horsemanship with an internationally recognized horseman. Finally, this special horse describes his work as a guide - a perfect fit for his intuitive nature and an outlet for sharing his gift with those who need it most.

The author weaves a heart-warming memoir of JJ Luck, an intelligent, gentle soul with a fiery spirit. “Horse of Fire” speaks to the human-animal connection and provides readers with insight into not only horses’ lives and their intuitive nature, but also the powerful story of one extraordinary horse and his exceptional owner.

About the Author: Lisa Pruitt received her Ph.D. from Brown University in 1993 and since that time has been a professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering at the University of California at Berkeley. She works in the area of orthopedic devices and structural tissues. She has nearly 200 publications in her research field and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Pruitt has loved horses all of her life and most recently immersed herself in the study of natural horsemanship and the use of horses in equine-guided education. She works with her own horses to help facilitate her mentoring practice. The author lives in Sonoma County, Calif. with her husband, daughter and two horses. “Horse of Fire” is her first book.

Today’s Pop Culture Linked to Yesteryear Hollywood

2008-12-27T03:57:00.000-08:00

Between 1917 and 1941, Hollywood studios, gossip columnists and novelists featured an unprecedented number of homosexuals, crossdressers, and adulterers in their depictions of the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle.

Actress Greta Garbo defined herself as the ultimate serial bachelorette. Screenwriter Mercedes De Acosta engaged in multiple lesbian relationships with the Hollywood elite. Countless homosexual designers brazenly picked up men in the hottest nightclubs, building Hollywood's image as a place of sexual abandon.

In a significant contribution to film studies, Hollywood Bohemians shows how both the studios and the press used images of sexually adventurous characters to promote the movie industry and appeal to the prurient interests of mass media audiences.

Each chapter examines a chunk of Hollywood real estate, from stars' residences to the hippest nightclubs, and through national media coverage and iconic imagery, we learn how the studios inspired a worldwide fascination with old Hollywood. The Hollywood bohemians of the ‘20s & ‘30s, with their elicit activities and interests, added titillation to the Hollywood Dream.

Abrams brings out several notable points.
• The Hollywood bohemians usually managed to be depicted in a favorable manner.
• The Hollywood bohemians acted out a dream that audiences may have secretly held to experience the taboo or perhaps engage in adventurous sexual activity.
• The Hollywood bohemians inform how our entertainment media operates today, presenting images of culturally controversial behavior to attract audiences.

Hollywood Bohemians: Transgressive Sexuality and the Selling of the Movieland Dream (McFarland & Company, 2008) features the forerunners of today’s highly sexualized celebrity culture. Hollywood Bohemians demonstrates how studios and the media made celebrity and sex life synonymous by flaunting their controversial behavior and pushing the media envelope.

McFarland is a leading publisher of scholarly, reference and academic books. Founded in 1979 by Robert McFarland Franklin, the firm is located in Jefferson, North Carolina and is especially known for its performing arts and film titles. McFarland releases are part of library collections throughout the world.

Brett L. Abrams is Historian in Residence at American University and Archivist at the National Archives. Hollywood Bohemians grew out of his doctoral research on gender politics. The author’s second book, Capital Sporting Grounds: A History of Stadium and Ballpark Construction in Washington, D.C., will be released next month.

For more information on the book, visit
www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-3929-4

You, your doctor and the Internet

2008-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

your new healthcare team; learn how to use the Internet to make yourself better

Are you sick? Are you getting the best treatment? Do you want to check out alternative therapies? Do you understand your symptoms? Do you know why you are taking your medications? How can you monitor your health? Can you access your doctor easily? Do you know how experienced your doctor is, and whether he or she is expert in your illness?

The practice of healthcare is about patients and doctors sharing information - both face to face, and online. Medicine is increasingly being practiced online, as we gradually move into the Information Age.

“Your Health in the Information Age” is an exciting new book that shows patients how they can work more closely with their doctors by using the internet effectively.

Are you one of the 10 million Americans who search for health information on the Internet for themselves or for loved ones every single day?

Top Tips for Patients

Do you want to be able to email your doctor, but don’t want to trouble them? Find out the best way of approaching your doctor on this subject, and learn about “netiquette” (etiquette on the Internet).
Are you sure you are getting the best, and most up-to-date, treatment? Find out where to look for treatment guidelines.
Are you considering taking part in a clinical trial? Find out how by searching national databases of available clinical trials.
Do you want to improve your relationship with your doctor? Go online; simplify your healthcare; ask about e-prescribing options.
How is your healthcare going to change in the future? Find out about virtual reality and online doctors and clinics.
Are you an Internet addict? Or are you a “cyberchondriac”? Test yourself, and look for solutions if you or someone you know needs them.
About the Author

Peter Yellowlees MD is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Health Informatics Program at the University of California Davis. He is deputy editor of the Medscape Journal of medicine (http://www.medscape.com) and has lived in England, Australia and the USA. He is an internationally recognized expert in health on the Internet and his current projects involve virtual reality using Second Life (http://www.secondlife.com), telemedicine, email and video consulting and bioterrorism responses. He has written over 150 scientific articles and four books, has lectured in more than 20 countries, and has undertaken many media interviews. He lives with his wife Barb, in Sacramento, California.

Goal: My Journey from Afghanistan

2008-12-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

A Daring Escape from Afghanistan Gives One Man the Opportunity to Realize His Dream

Even though he was haunted by being called Bad-bakht, which means “unlucky one,” Mohammad B. Alikhail overcame the name and persevered through his difficult life in Afghanistan, and eventually escaped to the United States and realized his dream of becoming a doctor.

Living through the Soviet Invasion into Afghanistan and the radical mujahideen where Alikhail saw his country being torn apart, the young man found solace in playing soccer, even though he had to hide his time on the field from his father, who thought it was a waste of time. However, in 1984 it was soccer that helped Alikhail escape the intolerant, violent regime in his country.

Alikhail witnessed his friends being carted away without just cause, without ever being seen again. Realizing that he would never be able to escape being Bad-bakht if he remained in his country, the author made a daring, dangerous move that forever changed the course of his life. Failing would mean that he truly was an “unlucky one.”

“Goal” inspires cross-culture understanding, an understanding that in today’s world of difference and indifference can ease foreign conflict. As Mohammad Alikhail says, “If a refugee from the small village of Saikanda can come to America with nothing and make it this far then everyone has a chance.”

About the Author

Dr. Mohammad B. Alikhail is a practicing physician who works in a hospital in Anderson, South Carolina. Besides teaching residents, he plays soccer and enjoys watching his daughters play the sport.

Who Owns the World? The Parable of Tehya

2008-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

In his desire for more peace in the world and concern with how America has been perceived during President Bush’s administration, Darby Checketts was inspired to write “Who Owns the World? The Parable of Tehya” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com). Implementing fictional characters in a fictional time, Checketts wonders what would have occurred had Laura Bush formed a Council of Mothers (wives of the heads of state) to contemplate our response to terrorism, before the “great chiefs” chose to invade Iraq.

Having traveled extensively, including to five Islamic countries, Darby Checketts sees the need to remove the barrier communication in order to create better understanding between the West and the East. His contention is that America cannot be seen as prone to war or inclined to intimidate others with military might; otherwise, not only children, like the gentle spirit of Tehya, will suffer, but all humankind.

“Who Owns the World?” is a parable revealing ancient wisdom that is truth for a modern world. Checketts’ hope is for America to be and be seen as not merely a global force, but as a “force” for peace. His parable is not vitriolic criticism of past mistakes, but a desire for a future that can offer hope for tomorrow.

About the Author

Darby Checketts is a well-known business consultant and the author of ten other books. His most recent books are “Positive Conflict,” “Leverage,” and “Customer Astonishment.” He founded Cornerstone Professional Development. He is the proud father of seven children and lives with his wife in South Jordan, Utah. For more information, visit http://www.DarbyChecketts.com

Telling Holocaust Story

2008-12-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

A Perilous Journey of Love and Faith - A Memoir

Holocaust accounts usually revolve around the persecution and eradication of the Jewish people, but there are others who also suffered greatly under Hitler’s tyranny; however, their sacrifices and experiences have seldom been chronicled in World War II accounts … until now. Lizzi and Fredl Steiner were Catholics who did not escape the horrors of the war, while Fredl’s account finally answers why the atrocity of the massacres at Oradour-sur-Glane occurred.

World War II scholarly books could only speculate why a Nazi Panzer division destroyed the town of Oradour-sur-Glane by exterminating its citizens, including women and children, and for years the reason has remained a relative mystery. Fredl, however, in sharing the story with his son and author Dr. William B. Stanford, gave an account by an eyewitness who managed to escape and share the horrors of what had been done to his town.

Awarded both Editor’s Choice and Publisher’s Choice by iUniverse, “Lizzi & Fredl” is a story elucidating that France had concentration, internment and labor camps thought mostly to exist in Germany. This memoir is also a love story of unconditional devotion and resilience between a happily married couple whose lives were disrupted by a seven-year nightmare. It took many years for Dr. Stanford to get his parents to share their stories and once they did it was apparent to him that they had not even revealed their individual horrors to each other over the years. From a long, arduous journey to Paris to Fredl’s unbelievable rescue from a train bound for a Nazi death camp, “Lizzi & Fredl” delivers a remarkable true story of courage, faith, and overwhelming love.

About the Author

Dr. William B. Stanford is a practicing optometrist in California. He has been married for 37 years and has two daughters. “Lizzi & Fredl” is the biography of Stanford’s parents, Lizzi and Fredl Steiner. visit the author’s Web site at: http://www.drwilliambstanford.com.

Christian Bride, Muslim Mosque

2008-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Paul Wiebe’s New Novel, ‘Christian Bride, Muslim Mosque,’ Based on Ancestor’s Saga

Fictionalized Memoir of How Mennonite Boy Discovers Why His Great-Grandmother Had Been Married in a Mosque

All families have their secrets, but few have one as remarkable as the secret held by the fictive Reisender clan of “Inverness,” Idaho.

Paul Wiebe gives a fictionalized account of how he learned his nonfictional family’s secret in his latest novel, “Christian Bride, Muslim Mosque” (ISBN 978-0-9718599-3-7, Komos Books, http://www.komosbooks.com).

In the Dedication, Wiebe writes, “This is for the members of the Wiebe clan, both sentient and bone-dry, who lived in and around the modest metropolis of Aberdeen, Idaho from the year 1944, when I entered the first grade, to 1956, when I left my native valley for many distant cities.”

The story itself involves a weighty mystery.

Young John Reisender is puzzled. Why did Great-grandma get married in a Muslim mosque out in the wilds of Central Asia?

Before he is let in on the Reisender family secret, John finds himself excommunicated (temporarily) from the Mennonite religion, discovers how his maternal grandfather had escaped from czarist Russia, plays undertaker at the funeral of his piano teacher’s cat, takes a crash course in Nietzsche from the caretaker of the city dump, becomes an unsung accidental “hero” in a high school football game, escapes death on a spelunking expedition, and falls in lust with a girl whose derriere reminds him of that of the WWII pinup, Betty Grable.

As he prepares to leave Inverness for the Gomorrahs of the world, John is entrusted with the family secret, which concerns a band of Mennonites on a trek to the middle of Asia and the hospitality of a Muslim village in Turkmenistan back in the 1880s.

“Christian Bride, Muslim Mosque” is available through http://www.komosbooks.com and Amazon.

About the Author

Paul Wiebe was a professor of comparative religion until he converted to the joys of writing comic fiction. Born and reared in the Idaho outback, he has lived in Newton (KS), Atlanta, Chicago, Wichita, Berkeley, Santa Barbara, Gig Harbor (WA), and Upland (CA). He now resides in Fort Collins (CO) with his wife, Eleanor. His first novel, “Benedict XVI,” was published in 2003, two years before Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger chose that papal name. His other novels are “Dead White Male” and “The Church of the Comic Spirit.” Wiebe may be contacted at pagewebsr@earthlink.net.

Reconstructing Fame: Sport, Race, and Evolving Reputations

2008-12-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

Book Examines how Athletes’ Legacies Improved with Understanding of Race

The new book "Reconstructing Fame: Sport, Race, and Evolving Reputations," examines the legacies of Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Curt Flood, Paul Robeson, Jim Thorpe, Bill Russell, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos—twentieth-century athletes whose careers were affected by racism, and whose post-career reputations have improved as society's understanding of race has changed.

The idea for the book began when Joel Nathan Rosen, assistant professor of sociology at Moravian College, presented "Separating Wheat from Chaff: Looking for Jackie Robinson in an Uncritical Age" at a 2005 Ithaca College conference. He was intrigued to learn that Robinson had been invited to Boston to try out for the Red Sox in 1945 (when professional baseball was segregated), but had been "no-showed" repeatedly. Yet by the late '90s, Boston completely reversed its stance, helping to lead the charge to celebrate Robinson as a national hero. Today, at least two annual celebrations honor Jackie Robinson. “I wondered why everyone was loving him now—he was much more complicated than that,” says Rosen.

About a year later, at the Cooperstown Symposium on Baseball and American Culture, Rosen met David Ogden, associate professor of communications at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a lively discussion ensued. “He had similar thoughts about the racialization of athletes' reputations,” says Rosen. “Before long, we had mapped out four or five separate books we wanted to do on the subject.”

Reconstructing Fame: Sport, Race, and Evolving Reputations, recently released by the University Press of Mississippi, is the first of the collaborative series co-edited by Joel Nathan Rosen and David C. Ogden.

Contributors attempt to clarify the sports stars' stories by analyzing the myths that surround them, delving into the role that nostalgia and collective memory play. "Shifts in popular perception often obscure an athlete's true role in history and can serve to trivialize their achievements," Rosen notes.

Future books in the series will discuss athletes whose reputations have changed from hero to villain; the creation of women athletes' reputations; and how international sports stars' reputations are framed.

Joel Nathan Rosen is also author of "The Erosion of the American Sporting Ethos: Shifting Attitudes toward Competition (2007)."

Reconstructing Fame: Sport, Race, and Evolving Reputations is available at bookstores nationwide and from Amazon.com.

Moravian College is a private, coeducational, selective liberal arts college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tracing its founding to 1742, it is recognized as America's sixth-oldest college. Visit the Web site at www.moravian.edu.

Faust

2008-12-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

My Soul be Damned for the World’: New Historical Research Unveils the History, Legend and Drama Surrounding Faust

Read about the man behind one of the central myths of the modern world, the man who reportedly sold his soul to the devil, in E.A. Bucchianeri’s new historical figure analysis, “Faust: My Soul be Damned for the World: Volume I” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com).

Ideal for those interested in the history, legend and drama surrounding the historical figure of Faust, aficionado and academic alike, “Faust: My Soul be Damned for the World” is a comprehensive exploration in two volumes. Bucchianeri retraces the life of this enigmatic figure through time from the history of the real Dr. Faustus in the 1480s, to the early 1600s and his transformation to a character in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s drama in the 1750s to 1832.

Bucchianeri’s analysis includes new insights into the life, times and contemporaries of the historical Faustus, a study of Faustian folk tales, Marlowe’s Elizabethan drama, Faustian puppet plays and glimpses into the fragments of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing’s Faust drama. The second volume features a more in-depth account of Goethe’s masterpiece and detailed, original analysis. Bucchianeri writes:

His contemporaries, who witnessed first hand his nefarious lifestyle, considered they had sufficient proof to determine he was a man willingly heading down the wide path to perdition. However, the most startling information concerns Faustus’ ominous revelation that the devil was his “brother-in-law,” stated in Luther’s Tischreden and supported by Wier’s document based on information gleaned from the reports of personal acquaintances. Hence, Faustus, undaunted by the publication of Trithemius’ letter (1507) in 1536, dared to confirm he had advanced beyond the level of a scarlet sinner - he was a conscious follower of the Prince of Darkness.

Therefore, it is not difficult to comprehend the upsurge in legendary and didactic material following his death. Faustus, who embraced evil and shunned righteousness, became the foremost symbol of the misuse of free will, that sublime gift from God with its inherent opportunity to choose virtue and reject iniquity. “What shall a man gain if he has the whole world and lose his soul,” (Matt. 16: v. 26) - but for a notorious name, the ethereal shadow of a career, and a brief life of fleeting pleasure with no true peace? This was the blackest and most captivating tragedy of all, few could have remained indifferent to the growing intrigue of this individual who apparently shook hands with the devil and freely chose to descend to the molten, sulphuric chasm of Hell for all eternity for so little in exchange. It is a drama that continues to fascinate today as powerfully as when Faustus first disseminated his infamous card in the Heidelberg locale to the scandal of his generation. In fine, a life of good or evil, the hope of Heaven or the despair of Hell, Faustus stands as a reminder that the choice between these two absolutes also falls to us.

Read the chilling and utterly fascinating research surrounding the figure and legend of Faust in “Faust: My Soul be Damned for the World: Volume I.”

A New Kind of Office Holiday Party - Office Sportz!

2008-12-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

New book, Office Sportz!, will boost morale, encourage teamwork, foster innovation, and improve the bottom line

The current economic slowdown has many offices searching for a low-budget replacement for their typical holiday celebration. Enter Office Sportz!, a new book written by Jeff Rogers (with Maria Corell and Kate Porterfield, Ph.D.), that is filled with fun, exhilarating, and often ridiculous games that make life in the workplace a lot more entertaining! The games use common office equipment and supplies to create easy, stress-free yet hilarious challenges that break up the monotony of daily corporate life and bring co-workers together in the process. Whether you are looking for a distraction from the status quo or an engaging way to increase communication, interaction, and positive energy among co-workers, Office Sportz! is the book for you!

With a foreword by Olympian and New York Times bestselling author Vince Poscente, this book will bring your team together for hours of fun and years of great memories. It contains over 50 different, safe games for both teams and individuals of varying functions, preferences, and learning styles. The games are arranged into four types:

Warm-ups To Get Geeked Up With - Used to get people laughing and feeling relaxed.
Tools For Mental Jousting - These play to people’s verbal and analytical skills and help make your group feel smart and clever.
Physical Master Challenges - Great exercises for a group that feels comfortable moving around in a space that allows it.
Totally Teamtastic - These are the games that are the most dependent on a team’s ability to work together.
Whether you need some way to break up the day, build team synergy, or replace a holiday party with an Office Olympics-style event (including Opening and Award Ceremonies and events such as Office Obstacle Course, Paper Clip Race, and 3 Man Bobsled), this book is guaranteed to create fun, which is what most offices really need.

From Jeff Rogers:

“As a Strategic Communications Creative Director and Professional Meeting Host for the better part of 20 years, I have seen every type of corporate culture you can imagine. But there is one striking similarity between all of them that drove me to write this book. Every person at every level of interaction, from CEOs to new hires, we’re all looking for one thing - ENGAGEMENT! Everyone wants the team to be engaged in their work but few people have figured out how to accomplish that task. Study after study proves that employee engagement is directly tied to higher profitability, lower sick days, and better morale. Office Sportz! is the vehicle for starting your office down the road to engagement. Let the games begin!”

About the Author

Jeff Rogers is President and Chief Creative Officer of Zap Creative, Inc. (http://www.zapcreativeinc.com), a strategic communications company based in Chicago. He is also known by thousands of corporate clients through his work onstage as a professional emcee and host for corporate meetings and events. A veteran of the famous Second City Theater in Chicago, Jeff performed with comedic stars such as Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Amy Sedaris. Jeff is currently working on his second book, Built to Laugh, which teaches individuals how to create an environment conducive to success through our ability to PLAY.

Breaking Bad Habits of Race and Gender

2008-12-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

New Book Details Prominent Role Racism and Sexism Play in K-12

Racism and sexism play a prominent role in today’s classrooms, with behavior in some children starting in kindergarten, according to a new book authored by Sarah Stitzlein, assistant professor of education at the University of New Hampshire.

Stitzlein’s book, “Breaking Bad Habits of Race and Gender: Transforming Identity in Schools,” is the first to unite two major schools of educational philosophy, traditional American pragmatism and contemporary poststructuralism, to offer both theoretical and concrete suggestions for dealing with actual classroom oppression based on race and gender.

“Every day teachers encounter moments of racial and gender tension in their classrooms. In the most drastic cases, these situations erupt into overt conflict or violence, while in other instances they go largely unnoted. Such incidents reveal that despite equality legislation and the good intentions of many teachers, racial and gender problems persist,” Stitzlein says.

Stitzlein’s book also provides a historical overview of how oppression tied to race and gender has changed in America in kindergarten through 12th grade.

“Today, racism and sexism have become more internalized. They shape our behaviors and self-expectations about how we should walk, talk, and think. They shape our habits, including the way we move, talk, and interact with others,” she says.

According to Stitzlein, overt sexism is more likely to occur in high school, but the more tacitly embodied behaviors of race and gender begin at early age – even in kindergarten.

“It's part of the process of becoming a human being in America. We pick it up through images and direct teachings, but also through the more subtle work of language -- the way we speak, are described, and respond to others,” she says.

And while schools are one of the most common settings of race and gender discord, schools also are the primary locations for alleviating systems of oppression, she says. It is within schools that children learn how to enact and respond to race and gender.

To combat racism and sexism in the classroom, Stitzlein encourages teachers to have more direct and open conversations about how race and gender work in society and how they affect the lives of all students.

“I encourage teachers to make children uncomfortable with their racial positions, especially white students who live rather privileged lives. I also recommend that teachers help students reflect on themselves in ways that can make their habits of race and gender more flexible,” she says.

Stitzlein’s book has been well received by the education community.

"Stitzlein makes a great theoretical case for the intelligent treatment of race and gender in schools. This is an important and timely book that Rowman & Littlefield will be happy to have published," said Gregory Seals, College of Staten Island, CUNY.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a New England liberal arts college and a major research university with a strong focus on undergraduate-oriented research. A land, sea and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 11,800 undergraduate and 2,400 graduate students.

Do You Know How I Feel?

2008-12-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

New Book Teaches Children to Accept Others Despite Perceived Differences

A child’s first day of school can be intimidating enough without dealing with a physical limitation like cerebral palsy. In her poignant children’s story, “Do You Know How I Feel?” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), Zofia Kaczmarek helps young readers understand the challenges disabled children face.

Meet Zack, a fun-loving 8-year-old who loves eating ice cream and chocolate and playing with his friends. Zack shares what his daily life is like living with cerebral palsy, candidly discussing the physical components of the disease as well as the many specialists he visits. As readers get to know Zack, they are able to empathize with him and discover that he shares many of the same thoughts and feelings they do.

As the first day of school approaches, Zack cannot wait to begin this new chapter in his life. However, by the end of the second day, disappointment replaces excitement. He is left behind at recess as his classmates run and play. He sits alone at lunch. In the days that follow, friendly adults help Zack adjust, especially his special education assistant, Mrs. Simken. Soon, the other children feel comfortable around Zack and realize, despite his physical differences, he is a lot like they are. Friendships grow, and Zack finally feels a part of this new circle of friends.

Filled with colorful illustrations, “Do You Know How I Feel?” teaches young readers the importance of kindness and acceptance of those who may appear different, teaching the invaluable lesson that deep down, people are more alike than they think.

About the Author: Originally from Europe, Zofia Kaczmarek currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, two children, and one dog. During her practicum as a special education assistant she noticed that it was difficult for many children to relate to classmates who were disabled. In 2005, Kaczmarek sustained permanent injury in a car accident. She says this experience enabled her to understand what it is like to be disabled. “Do You Know How I Feel?” is her first book.

‘Devil’s Interval’

2008-12-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

A Literary Roller-Coaster with Hitherto Unseen Takes on Class and Race Relations in America

The writer F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Let me tell you about the rich. They are different from you and me.” In Nelson Canton’s new novel, “Devil’s Interval” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com), the rich are not only different but also hilariously funny. They are part of a gallery of grotesques on a literary roller-coaster.

Indeed, the laughs, the drama, and the many takes on class and race relations are unrelenting in this comic novel about a streetwise character named Watt who lives in Harlem with his grandmother, a renowned voodoo priestess.

Watt’s job is to administer “slap therapy” - technically calibrated, therapeutic body slaps - at Dr. Otto Von Geber’s Treatment Center for those suffering from Chronic Millionaire Burnout (CMB). Millionaires (and billionaires) afflicted with CMB search in vain for a purpose, feel that life is meaningless, and can’t trust a soul. It’s a little-known disease; however, because if it ever became common knowledge that wealth and power are such difficult burdens to bear, it could undermine the global economy, raise the stakes on poverty, and possibly lead to worldwide depression.

When one of Watt’s richest patients dies during a therapy session, Watt becomes an instant fugitive, hiding in New York City haunts from Harlem to the posh Sutton Place. All the while he is pursued by Jehoover, the ruthless and merciless Old Testament police captain who has sworn to kill Watt.

This gutsy New York novel moves seamlessly between the worlds of the rich and the poor, highlighting the comedy and tragedy that bind the two and, indeed, all of us together.

About the Author

Born and educated in New York City, Nelson Canton is a freelance writer who has worked as a writer and book reviewer for Time Magazine, a corporate speechwriter, and a writing and literature instructor. Currently, Canton lives and works in the Washington, D.C. area. “Devil’s Interval” is his first novel.

“Devil’s Interval” is available from: http://www.iUniverse.com, http://www.bn.com, and http://www.amazon.com

‘The Way: The Spiritual Journey - The Path to Glory’

2008-12-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

In 1949, author Robert Johnston experienced a life-changing encounter with an agnostic coworker. Because of this person’s radically different life perspective, Johnston began to realize how spiritual conflict leads a Christian into a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.

“The Way: The Spiritual Journey - The Path to Glory” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com) is the compelling story of Johnston’s 50-year Christian pilgrimage. In the course of his journey, Johnston discovers that it is not our achievements in the world that prepare us for salvation but rather Christ who uses our life’s experiences to propel us toward spiritual victory.

Followers of Christ are directed to witness his victorious love, the type of love Johnston experienced at work in 1949. “The Way” encourages all who read it to seek the Lord in their lives through prayer, worship and the study of Scripture. In doing so, they will be guided into a deeper understanding of the personal faith relationship and be motivated to spread his wonderful message to those who have yet to discover or respond to it.

Johnston encourages everyone to read his unbiased text to discover for themselves the saving grace and unconditional love the Lord offers each and every one of his children, regardless of where they currently are on their spiritual journey.

About the Author

Robert Johnston is a graduate of MIT, where he studied Chemical Engineering and applied his knowledge for over 34 years at Esso Engineering, which is now called ExxonMobil. Most of Johnston’s free time has been spent serving in the United Methodist and United Presbyterian Church as a deacon and elder, as well as a teacher and adult scripture discussion leader. When not serving in one form or another at church, Johnston enjoys reading and playing bridge. He currently resides with his wife Dorothea at Bristol Glen, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Newton, NJ. “The Way” is Johnston’s second book. (He is also the author of “The Bell Ringer,” Vantage Press, 1983.)

“The Way: The Spiritual Journey - The Path to Glory” is available at: http://www.iUniverse.com, http://www.bn.com, and http://www.amazon.com

‘The Nativity’

2008-12-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

New Book Seeks to Shed Light on the Birth of Jesus Christ

Just in time for Christmas comes “The Nativity” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), the new book by Kurt B. Bakley.

In “The Nativity,” Bakley promises that readers will “receive new information on when the birth of Christ happened,” he writes. “It will show you the exact date and year he was born. This book will also show you where the wise men were from and that one of their three names has been discovered on an ancient coin in eastern Iran or Afghanistan. There will be new information on exactly what the star of Bethlehem was.”

Bakley combines biblical text with historical clues to back his claims: “Also revealed are ancient prophecies, given in the Bible in the book of Daniel chapters 9 and 12, that predicted the year Christ was born, the year he would start his ministry, the exact day of His death, and the possible year of His Second Coming. Revealing information will tell how an ancient Egyptian carving depicts the day Christ would be born in the Chinese Year of the Snake and conceived in the Year of the Dragon just as Revelation chapter 12 indicated.”

All of the information in “The Nativity” has been researched using the Bible, astronomy, astrology - including Chinese astrology, numerology, archeology, history and ancient gentile buildings and knowledge, all of which point to the “exact day and year [of Christ's birth],” Bakley writes. “Also, new astronomy computer programs show what the star of Bethlehem was when the wise men came west two years after the birth of Christ.”

Unprecedented and full of new, intriguing information regarding the birth of Jesus Christ, “The Nativity” sheds new light on ancient prophecies just in time for the holiday season and is sure to spark debate and conversation among readers.

About the Author: Kurt B. Bakley was born and raised in New Jersey. He began research for “The Nativity” in 1976 and is currently working on his next book, “The antichrist: Who is he and what are his words of deception,” due out in 2009. “The Nativity” is his first published book.

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‘Doris TheSaurus’

2008-12-01T01:50:00.000-08:00

Colorful New Book Teaches Students How to Use a Thesaurus to Improve Reading and Writing Skills

Ideal for students, teachers and librarians, “Doris TheSaurus” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), the new book by Maria L. Corkern, uses whimsical characters and colorful illustrations to teach readers the importance of using a thesaurus to enhance reading and writing.

Sara, a student in Ms. Ross’ classroom, is participating in a writing workshop. When she expresses her frustration to her friend Cory about having trouble choosing words, she asks him for help because he seems to have no trouble writing his assignments. Cory immediately tells Sara to call his friend, Doris TheSaurus, for help.

When Sara says, “Doris, please help me awhile,” the classroom spins and words fly all around her, and the creature who appears seems familiar - in fact, she reminds Sara a lot of Ms. Ross! Doris explains to Sara that the thesaurus helps with writing and reading by listing words with similar meanings. “They’re also known as synonyms. They’ll help you with writing and reading,” she assures Sara, who immediately asks to look at the book herself:

Sara turned the pages quite fast,
And big was the word that she found.
Next to big was enormous and huge.
Her eyes grew wide and round.

“I’m starting to see how this book of yours works.
I look up a word that I wrote.
And then I read the ones that come next.
They’ll help give my writing some hope.”
“Doris TheSaurus” will improve writing and reading skills and would be a welcome addition to any classroom. Follow Sara on her quest for knowledge as she enlists the help of her new friend, Doris TheSaurus.

About the Author: Maria L. Corkern, nee Ross, is an elementary school teacher currently living in Alpharetta, Ga. She was born and raised in Tacoma, Wash., and has family ties to South Dakota. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Corkern formerly taught in the Birmingham area. She wrote “Doris TheSaurus” to enhance her own language arts lessons and decided to share the lovable dinosaur with others. This is her first book.

‘The College Selection Compass’

2008-12-01T01:48:00.000-08:00

With application rates soaring hand-in-hand with costs, the process of getting into the college of your choice has never been more difficult and stressful. In their new book, “The College Selection Compass: Helping Families Navigate A Difficult Course” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com), educators Becky Callow and Susan Nichols use data collected from 1,500 current college and university students to map out the easiest path through the application process.

“The College Selection Compass” sets itself apart from other books in that it is not geared to show students how to get into college. The book is geared to help families organize the college search process and continually maintain ways to communicate openly and honestly with one another. A basic system of checks and balances, in which children and parents hold each other accountable, helps establish an open and honest channel of communication in times of stress.

Callow and Nichols contacted colleges and universities, asking for permission to talk with and poll respective student populations regarding their college search and admission process. The students polled, representing 48 states, were eager to recount their experiences with stress, difficulties with communication, questions regarding choices, and the need for parental and adult guidance. Many of the students polled strongly felt the concept of this book would prove helpful to future college applicants and their families.

The final chapter of “The College Selection Compass” contains basic organizational tools, such as resumes and sample letters, which students can use as guides through their own journeys. A series of graphs outline the major points of information Callow and Nichols garnered from the student questionnaires, such as how many colleges students applied to, how many they visited, when they visited, and the reasons they decided to attend a particular school. Some of the data was surprising, some of it anticipated, but all of it was interesting and informative.

About the Authors:

Becky Callow has worked in primary and secondary education for over 40 years. She is a graduate of Wheaton College and lives in Weston, Mass. with her husband and three children. She has written two children’s books, “Anthony’s Gift” and “The Marble.”

Susan Nichols has worked in market research as a consultant, conducting both qualitative and quantitative research. She has also been involved in the college admission process for over 20 years as a volunteer interviewer and local and national admissions coordinator for Middlebury College in Vermont. She is currently the president of the Middlebury College Alumni Association.

‘Breaking Borders’

2008-12-01T01:43:00.000-08:00

A Unique WWII Story Told from a Jewish-Polish Soldier’s Perspective

Much has been written of World War II from the perspective of the American and British soldier. It is rare to find a book written from the perspective of a soldier from occupied Europe, let alone a Jewish soldier. “Breaking Borders” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com), Alexander Harris’ autobiography, tells the story of his experiences as a displaced Polish Jew during and after World War II.

“Breaking Borders” opens in the prosperous town of Lodz, Poland where Harris was raised in the shadow of the Great War. Harris’ narrative depicts his family, friends and upbringing in post-World War I Poland. Harris moves rapidly through his childhood, with the Nazi invasion of Poland looming on the horizon. “Breaking Borders” conveys the apprehension, fear and disillusionment of the Jewish community in Poland with a clarity that can only be painted by someone who lived through it.

Shortly after the Nazi march into Poland, Harris leaves Lodz to seek refuge in the United States. However, Harris is apprehended during a failed attempt to cross through Soviet-controlled territory. He is charged, ironically, with being a German spy. Although tortured for weeks, Harris never admits to being a spy and is sentenced to ten years hard labor in a gulag:

He shoved my uncle Maurice’s letter from America in my face, the letter the Russian border guard had confiscated when I was caught trying to reach Lithuania, while another blow to my head from behind made me lose my balance. As I struggled to regain it, a blow delivered by a truncheon to my right kidney stunned me, making me lose my breath. I felt a warm wetness along my right leg as I lost control of my bladder. Momentarily, a sense of shame overwhelmed me, and embarrassment overshadowed the pain in my back, which began turning numb.
His sentence is cut short when the Soviets agree to release Polish prisoners so that they may fight against Germany in the Polish army.

Harris is again faced with the same prejudice that spurred him to leave Poland. His first attempt to join the army is thwarted because he is a Jew. His second attempt is more fruitful and he eventually earns a commission as a lieutenant in a Polish artillery unit. After enduring the privations of war, Harris returns to his home of Lodz only to find most of his family felled by life under Nazi occupation.

Harris’ odyssey in “Breaking Borders” takes him west to America in search of a new beginning and a new life. Armed with his unyielding determination and desire to better himself, Harris embarks on a career in the burgeoning U.S. travel industry. His success leads him to the unlikely position of being one of the first people to promote tours to Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe. “Breaking Borders,” a true American success story in every sense, is an inspiration to all who face seemingly overwhelming odds and proof that even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.

About the Author: Alexander Harris is the Chairman of an international tour operator and resides in New York City with his wife Judy.

And This Our Life

2008-11-21T23:56:00.000-08:00

New Book Continues Where Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Leaves Off

“Pride and Prejudice” has been a favorite of Jane Austen fans since its publication in 1813. In “And This Our Life: Chronicles of the Darcy Family Book I” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com), C. Allyn Pierson picks up where Jane Austen left off, taking readers through the engagement and first year of marriage of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.

As the book opens, readers are immediately embroiled in the hectic preparations of the Bennet family for the double wedding of daughters Elizabeth and Jane. In the whirlwind events of the early chapters, “And This Our Life” re-introduces Georgiana Darcy, a character relatively underdeveloped by Austen. Pierson gives her readers insight into Georgiana’s shy nature and anxiety over assuming her role as a woman in Regency-era high society.

As Pierson weaves the saga of the Bennet and Darcy families, she focuses on the hurdles Elizabeth faces as she endeavors to settle into life as a married woman. Elizabeth finally prevails when she conducts her first holiday ball at Pemberley, the Darcy ancestral estate, successfully introducing herself and the Bennet family to the country gentry.

Flush from her success, Elizabeth then turns her attention to young Georgiana Darcy, intent on drawing her young sister-in-law out of her shell. In the course of becoming friends, young Georgiana confesses that she is in love. As with any Austen book, the heroine devises a plan to bring her new friend together with her desired suitor:

I always worshipped him as a child and thought of him as almost another brother, but it was not until my stupidity with Wickham that I realized that I had let a foolish, romantic tale almost make me do something that would ruin my life, as well as the lives of my relations. Colonel Fitzwilliam came to see me afterwards and he had not one word of blame for me; his only concern was for my well-being. My brother was of course the same, but he is my brother, not a cousin who has been saddled with the guardianship of a stupid young girl. I think that was the moment when I realized that I had always loved him, and not merely as a brother!

“And This Our Life” expertly incorporates Austen’s characters and comedic style to weave a colorful and whimsical story that will engross even the staunchest Jane Austen fan.

About the Author: C. Allyn Pierson is a mother of two and a dermatologist who lives in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with her husband.

56 Water Street

2008-11-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

It is the close of the school year and summer break is about to begin in a small Ontario town. For 10-year-old best friends Derek and Ravine, the summer holds an adventure they could never have imagined. Melissa Strangway’s “56 Water Street” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com) depicts a tale of trust, friendship and love intertwined with a 100-year-old mystery.

The old house on Water Street has never drawn much attention. No one lives there and no one goes there. Derek and Ravine have certainly never paid much attention to number 56. That is until the day they notice something strange about the house; the kitchen lights keep flickering on and off. As if in a trance, the two young friends venture closer and closer to the house until they can see inside the house and the figure standing in the kitchen. The specter jolts them out of their trance and the two sprint for the safety of the sidewalk and the people bustling on the neighborhood street. Thus begins a summer that will change the two friends forever.

As the story of “56 Water Street” unfolds for the two young protagonists, fear gives way to curiosity and ultimately, determination. Derek and Ravine befriend the spirit that inhabits the old house and vow to uncover the riddle that surrounds the house and the fate that brought their new friend to her current predicament:

There it was. Number 56 Water Street. The house loomed over all the others on the block. It seemed darker and gloomier than the rest of the street and, whether the sky was cloudy or sunny, the house always had its own shadow. As she watched the weeping willow in the front yard swaying gently, she noticed that the breeze didn’t affect any other trees or flowers. A darkness fell over her, sending a chill up her spine. It made her shiver, and she turned away from the window, quickly shutting the curtains. As she leaned against her pillow, she thought about phoning Derek. But it was close to ten and, although the school year was almost over, he’d probably be getting ready for bed. Even if he wasn’t, his mom would lecture her about phoning so late. Better not, she thought.

“56 Water Street” is a charming and expertly crafted story that will appeal to readers of all ages. Strangway’s inaugural novel masterfully combines a heartwarming story of adolescent friendship with a paranormal mystery reminiscent of the works of C.S. Adler and Katherine Paterson.

About the Author: Melissa Strangway was raised in the prairie region of Canada, but now resides in southern Ontario. She divides her time between raising her children, writing and designing an exclusive line of one-of-a-kind party clothing for children.

Hearts of Stone

2008-11-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

New Book Shares Prophetic Dreams, Urges Readers to Follow God’s Plan
In kate’s new memoir, “Hearts of Stone” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), she chronicles her prophetic dreams and urgently informs the readers of the need to heed the Godly message behind them.

From a young age, kate has had dreams that she cannot reason away as figments of her imagination. She is convinced, because of the prophetic nature of these dreams which predict events two weeks into the future, that they are visions from God. As a child, kate did not understand these dreams, and as an adult, she cannot recount them to others without condemnation.

“Hearts of Stone” chronicles the various dreams that kate has logged into a journal. Her earliest dreams involved an angel that would come up behind her, whisper into her right ear, and tell her messages to pass on to the world. Those messages would be followed by a prophetic vision. She has had dreams about the end of the world and AIDS; most importantly, they carry a message of peace. kate is earnest in her belief that her messages should affect everyone equally, regardless of religious affiliation. She writes:

There are many religions and many years ago God told me in a dream to take off my visors so I can understand. I did take off those visors. I stopped looking at one religion and I read them all. I found that they all say the same thing. Love God and love one another. We have fallen away from Gods messages when He gave the world religion. Now is our chance to find God once again. There may be many religions but there is only one God. If God thought we needed many versions of His laws then we should accept His decisions as the right decisions instead of trying to make our brothers conform to our beliefs. Our ways are not Gods ways, nor our thoughts Gods thoughts. These messages come from my God. I do not want anyone thinking I want them to change their religion or beliefs because of what I say. We all must find God in our own way, through peace. Without peace in your heart you shall never find God. Yet that is the hardest peace to find. I can spend a life time looking for God but if I do not have peace in my heart I would not find Him if He were standing right before my eyes. Hate blinds us.

kate shares these insights and many others in “Hearts of Stone,” speaking God’s truth through her own voice. “Though I have given the world messages for the past 30 years, no one is listening. No one has heard,” writes kate. “["Hearts of Stone"] is to wake everyone up. Shake them into consciousness. God is speaking to us once again and we should be listening to what He is saying.”

For more information, please visit http://www.HeartsofStonebyKateGessner.com.

Hearts of Stone is kate’s first book.

Professor Writes First Book about Life in the American College Town

2008-11-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

In the first book written about life in U.S. college towns, a University of New Hampshire professor explores the distinctive character and culture of these exceptional places that are so prominently held in the American mind.

Blake Gumprecht, associate professor of geography and chair of the UNH Department of Geography, has published “The American College Town” (University of Massachusetts Press, 2008). In his new book, Gumprecht examines some of the most interesting aspects of college towns in the United States – their distinctive residential and commercial districts, their unconventional political cultures, their status as bohemian islands, and their emergence as high-tech centers.

“College towns are exceptional places, worth knowing and worth knowing about. They are an essential component of American geography. They are part of what makes life different in these United States. They reflect the singular nature of American higher education and the indelible characteristics of American culture,” Gumprecht says.

Despite thousands of professors living in college towns, academic research about them is limited. That Gumprecht’s book is the first written on the topic is due to academic far-sightedness and the natural human tendency to overlook what is all around us, he says.

“Research on local topics is perceived as parochial and counterproductive to building a national reputation necessary to earn tenure. But I also have found that professors who live in college towns are often oblivious to those characteristics that make them unusual,” says Gumprecht, a former newspaper reporter with a curious streak.

So what are some of those unusual characteristics? According to Gumprecht, the American college town is a youthful place that is home to highly educated residents who are likely to hold white-collar jobs. It is affluent compared to neighboring towns, but has high living costs, especially for housing. It is a transient place where residents are more likely to rent, live in apartments and have roommates. It is cosmopolitan, unconventional, and offers a high quality of life.

The geography of the American college town includes the odd mix of fraternity rows, student housing, and faculty enclaves. Commercial districts are home to interesting mixes of business – coffee houses, bookstores, pizzerias, bike shops, music stores, copy shops, bars, and ethnic restaurants. College towns are more politically liberal and politically engaged than their neighbors where people with widely differing backgrounds coexist. College sports play prominent roles in their culture, especially on weekends, and many are hubs for high-tech research. And college towns are home to the inevitable “town vs. gown” clashes between student renters and homeowners.

In researching the American college town, Gumprecht conducted more than 200 interviews, took 2,000 photographs and amassed enough material to fill three filing cabinets and a six-foot-long bookshelf. He visited numerous U.S. college towns, and several are explored in depth in the book. They include Norman, Oklahoma, Ithaca, New York; Manhattan, Kansas; Davis, California; Athens, Georgia; Auburn, Alabama; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Newark, Delaware.

Gumprecht’s book has been praised by scholars nationwide.

“Thoroughly satisfying! Blake Gumprecht has given us a keenly observed, richly documented, many-sided account of a critically significant part of the American scene, one too long ignored by its scholarly residents. A truly brilliant achievement,” said Wilbur Zelinsky, author of “The Cultural Geography of the United States.”

“’The American College Town’ demonstrates Gumprecht’s knack for recognizing a great untold story. It also proves that it is actually possible to articulate that most elusive of geographical concepts, the sense of place, when the writer is a master of landscape observation, as Gumprecht unquestionably is. This book teaches readers how to see the meaning embedded in places we take for granted. Gumprecht’s exhaustive, multi-dimensional research enables him to read landscapes better than any historical geographer writing today,” said Anne Kelly Knowles, author of “Calvinists Incorporated: Welsh Immigrants on Ohio’s Industrial Frontier.”

A Trip to Remember’

2008-11-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

New Children’s Book Shares the Delights of Traveling to Bangladesh

“A Trip to Remember” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), the new illustrated children’s book by Rahima Karim, follows young Rana and his family to a bustling, vivid Bangladesh.

“A Trip to Remember” is based on the true adventures of Karim’s 3-year-old son’s first trip back to Bangladesh from the United States. From the viewpoint of her son, Karim is able to fully capture the tumult of emotions that the boy, Rana, feels about traveling to a foreign country for the first time.

Karim depicts the anticipation and excitement that Rana feels from the start while packing his things and awaiting the day of his trip. In describing the beginnings of Rana’s travels, Karim writes:

Rana did not sleep well the whole night. He was extremely excited and got up very early in the morning. Today was the day he would leave with his family for a long journey to Bangladesh. His parents told him Bangladesh was their homeland. But when they landed there, Rana felt very strange. The train ride from the city to the village was exciting. Both sides of the train showed a picturesque countryside. At his Grandma’s house, he saw farm animals and a world without electricity. He heard interesting stories from her. In three weeks things would seem so different to Rana. This would certainly be a trip to remember!

After a 30-hour plane ride, Rana awakes to the crowded streets of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. His uncle is there to greet Rana’s family and bring them back to meet the rest of his family. During Rana’s stay in Dhaka, he discovers a variety of new things and experiences, from the elephant rides of Dhaka’s zoos, to the beauty of its mustard fields, to its social structure and rich cultural heritage.

Karim enriches “A Trip to Remember” with educational facts about Bangladesh and world travel, which complement her captivating story for children who are eager to travel and learn about other countries. Take “A Trip to Remember” with Rana and get a glimpse of a world that is only a plane ride away.

Rahima Karim was born in Bangladesh. She received her master’s degree from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She came to the U.S. in 1968 to join her husband. She has previously published four books in Bengali. “A Trip to Remember” is her English-language debut.

‘Here’s What It Takes … to Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise’

2008-11-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

New Self-Help Book Sees Life as Pieces of a Puzzle, Offers Advice on Making Those Pieces Fit

“When trying to understand life, it helps to look at it like a puzzle with several big pieces that make a whole,” writes Dr. Linda A. Smith in her new self-help book, “Here’s What It Takes … to Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com). “These puzzle pieces are actually the key areas of your life. This book is designed to help you identify and learn how to make the most of each one of those areas, and to understand how to fit them together to make life easier and better.”

Dr. Linda has identified eight pieces to the puzzle of life: career, money management and consumerism, education, health and well-being, interpersonal relationships, spirituality, leisure time, and fun. “Here’s What It Takes … to Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise” is divided into eight sections corresponding with each puzzle piece.

Dr. Linda presents her information in a concise, straightforward, bulleted format. Some of her advice in the area of money management and consumerism includes:

Identify specific financial goals (e.g., a vacation, holiday presents, college tuition, a home of your own, etc.), and what actions to take to reach those goals.
Accept that there will be “rainy days,” better known as emergencies, and that it’s important to be prepared for them (to avoid borrowing from family, friends, or taking out payday loans that most times charge exorbitant interest rates). The “rule of thumb” is that you need at least two to three months of salary saved for emergencies.
Keep saving simple. To start, use jars. Mark them or not, but put in your spare change and/or bills on a regular basis.
Full of commonsense guidance, “Here’s What It Takes … to Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise” offers real-life advice that is simple to follow. Also included are goal-setting worksheets for each life area that readers can complete to clearly identify and do what it takes to reach their goals.

Dr. Linda A. Smith worked in consumer affairs at the Gas Co. and ARCO for 12 years before deciding to leave the corporate sector for work in the non-profit area, promoting consumer education in communities and schools. She’s written and hosted numerous consumer education programs airing on cable television, some sponsored by the Gas Co. and others by the California Alliance for Consumer Education (CACE), where she serves as president. She also works as a career advisor and college instructor, teaching courses in life management, consumer awareness, and marriage and family life. She holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s degree in family and consumer sciences. “Here’s What It Takes … to Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise” is her first book.

What Smart Companies Do While the Dow Stays Below 10,000

2008-11-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

Despite Obama’s stunning victory last night and a hopeful mood, the Dow remains in a slump and many businesses are scrambling for alternatives to the expensive world of traditional advertising.

Enter Dirty Little Secrets of Buzz, an extraordinary new book by no-holds-barred “PR guru” David Seaman about the art of attracting free international media attention — and about using paid services such as Google AdWords with laser-like precision, without wasting a single dime or click.

Featured in The New York Times, Arizona Republic, iMedia and now available on shelves nationwide at Barnes & Noble and Borders, this is a book that will fascinate your viewers and listeners.

David says traditional methods of advertising and marketing are not as successful today as more consumers turn to blogs, YouTube and MySpace for direction on what product or service is the next viral “must-have” item.

David can share the secrets to generating publicity without spending a dime, including:

Rivalries are publicity gold
Rivalries aren’t just for Donald Trump and Barry Diller anymore. If you want national media coverage for your small business or new product, you need to identify an enemy — and fast.

Stage an event or piggyback on an existing news story
Give the media an actual event to cover like Harley-Davidson’s garage parties or add to a hot topic already in the news.

Find your niche
Do one thing better than anyone else. Publicize this fact and build a lifestyle around it. Olympic athletes become famous for pursuing one ability to the point of perfection. Well-rounded products get zero media attention.

When it makes sense to pay for attention online
There are certain relatively cheap self-serve advertising networks that are worth the small investment, such as Google AdWords. It’s crucial to use these powerful services as buzz-builders, targeting your audience with laser-like precision and making use of every dime and click spent.

David has been a dynamic guest on CNN Headline News, CN8, FOX’s The Morning Show, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, E! Radio, XM, Maxim Radio, and elsewhere.

Crime, Espionage, and Conspiracy Energize New Thriller, ‘The Grandfather Clause’

2008-11-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

Philip A. Genovese Jr., the grandson of Mafia crime boss Vito Genovese, makes a remarkable fictional debut with “The Grandfather Clause” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), a suspenseful thriller only he could write.

Genovese’s novel has received accolades and recognition, winning the Santa Fe Trail Creative Arts Council 2008 Book Contest First Prize for Fiction and named as an Eric Hoffer Award for Independent Books 2008 semifinalist in the Suspense/Thriller category. Bill Handleman, Asbury Park Press columnist, applauded the novel as “a fast-paced thriller teeming with indelible characters.” One reviewer suggested “you get lots of sleep before starting this book.” Another declared it “a great read … loved the twists, turns and well-developed characters.” Another said it reads “like the Sopranos on steroids … think Nelson DeMille meets Brad Thor meets Mario Puzo.”

The story begins in March of 1963 in a quiet New Jersey shore community. Joseph Napolo is a young boy who cherishes his Pop Pop Carmine’s Sunday visits. Joseph has come to understand that there is something special about his grandfather - the stories he tells, his friends that visit after dinner, how they kiss his ring and call him Don Carmine.

This Sunday, however, Joseph is the sole witness to sinister and dramatic events. Young Joseph and his grandfather pledge to keep a dark secret.

Over time, Joseph learns his grandfather had been the boss of a New York crime family - one that the media continues to illuminate as the most powerful Mafia organization in the country. Joseph has shunned his grandfather’s ways, but he will forever share the family name. He understands that fame is fickle and fleeting. Infamy is not.

Now the spring of 2001, Joseph is a husband, father, and with his best friend, Michael Cogan, co-owner of a successful trucking company. However, trouble with the Teamsters Union, Cogan’s gambling debts, and a hijacking that is more than it appears to be create a scenario where the past and the present reconvene.

Seemingly unconnected events bring together several nefarious entities. Teamster officials, a high-tech defense contractor, the Napolo crime family, and an ex-U.S. intelligence operative collude and collide. Reluctantly, Joseph penetrates his grandfather’s world to protect his own family and save his friend, only to find himself a key player in a conspiracy that redefines patriotism and his grandfather’s role in history.

“I was immediately drawn into the world created by the author and the very real decisions made by all the characters. At times I had to literally put the book down and breathe because I had been holding my breath or squirming in my seat, lost in the world of this book,” one reviewer wrote. You can join others who have been “pulled in from page one (and) couldn’t put it down” and wrote that “The Grandfather Clause” is “an amazing page turner with crisp detail and dialogue. I found myself laying awake thinking of how I would end the book if I was the author. Now that I’ve finished, I genuinely miss the story. I miss the characters.”

‘Yo Mujer’: Woman Escapes from Abusive Marriage

2008-11-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

For any woman who has ever confused abuse for love, for any woman trapped in an abusive relationship without the confidence to break free, Palmira Moncada-Wassermann offers up her new Spanish-language novel, “Yo Mujer” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com).

“Yo Mujer” is as much the inspirational story of one woman’s journey to freedom as it is a denunciation of the Latin male chauvinist. Moncada-Wassermann sets her sights on those self-important husbands, boyfriends and fathers who force Latin women to surrender their dignity by means of physical and verbal abuse.

The woman at the center of “Yo Mujer” is like so many other women who fall in love, only to watch their relationships fall apart when the men in their lives turn into monsters. This woman has four children with an abusive, unfaithful husband who has no interest in taking responsibility for his family. She struggles to accept her own worth, ultimately gaining control of her life and her family by leaving a man who did not deserve her love or devotion.

Moncada-Wassermann hopes that “Yo Mujer” will encourage Latin women to find the help necessary to escape abusive relationships and break the cycle of violence.

Portals to Freedom Explores Love Against All Odds

2008-11-03T23:49:00.000-08:00

“A light summer breeze funneled across western Maryland and sifted through the dogwoods lining the oval entrance to the Roulette farm. The large limestone mansion was absorbed into the tranquil scene and depicted the best of times.” So the scene is set in Jack Babb’s “Portals to Freedom” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), the entrancing new novel that takes a dramatic look at the lives of the Roulette family during what the author calls “one of the most romantic periods of history.”

Taking place just prior to the Civil War, between the 1850 Compromise and 1859, “Portals to Freedom” tells the love story of Johnny Wills and Melissa Roulette, as well as the stories of love, life and death of those around them. The cast includes Ben and Clara Roulette, Melissa’s parents; slaves Samuel and Emma and their son, Jonesy; Flossie, Jonesy’s love interest; Senator Penderson and his wife, Myra, Ben’s sister; and a variety of other characters who breathe life into this captivating saga.

Capturing the realities of life’s continuous flux, “Portals to Freedom” follows these characters as they deal with the hardships of unforeseen occurrences that disrupt the peace in all ways imaginable. Amidst colorful scenes of military balls “with uniforms and gowns twirling in the oil lamplight,” county fairs and Fourth of July celebrations are unforgiving tragedies: death, racial injustice and rape. The latter sends Melissa on a journey like none she had ever imagined. Pregnant and without Johnny, she is forced to join the Underground Railroad, a rare experience for a white woman.

Fear is rampant as Melissa and her fellow travelers attempt to evade the relentless pursuit of bounty hunters and marshals and survive the harsh winter en route to freedom. Johnny’s deep love for Melissa sends him on a desperate search to find her, a search that brings them together in an unexpected way. Discover true love’s ability to overcome all odds in Jack Babb’s “Portals to Freedom.”

Author Jack Babb studied journalism at the University of Maryland and received training as a screenwriter through several schools pertaining to film techniques using 16 and 35 MM film. After writing for several large companies, Babb began writing for television, including such programs as Bonanza, Hawaii Five-O and The Richard Boones Show.

‘The Graveyard Book’ Scents to Benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

2008-11-03T23:46:00.000-08:00

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) has released a series of 9 fragrances inspired by “The Graveyard Book,” author Neil Gaiman’s newest bestseller. Scents such as “Eau de Ghoul” and “The Macabray” are based on the characters, locations, and ideas found within the pages of the young adult fantasy novel.

Proceeds from every bottle sold go to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1986 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community.

This perfume series joins Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s scents inspired by Neil Gaiman’s “Good Omens,” “Stardust,” “American Gods,” “Anansi Boys,” and “Snow, Glass, Apples.” To date, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has raised over $38,000 for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund through sales of their Neil Gaiman-related series.

The collaboration between artistic visionaries is always an exciting and thought-provoking endeavor. Rarely, if ever, though, have modern literary characters been so lovingly and accurately interpreted by a skilled perfumer. Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s interpretations of Gaiman’s colorful and thoroughly unique characters are, like the characters themselves, creative masterpieces and not to be missed.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab specializes in formulating intriguing, compelling body and household blends with a dark, romantic, and sexual tone. Their scents run the aesthetic gamut of romance era, Renaissance, Medieval and Victorian formulas, pagan and mythological blends, and horror/Gothic-themed scents. They have over two decades of experience in the field, and their joy is their work. All of their products are hand-blended in their laboratory.

A Conversation About Alzheimer’s

2008-11-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

“When my father was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in September of 2001, I read every book, pamphlet, and newspaper article I could get my hands on,” writes Michele L. Tucker in her new book, “A Conversation About Alzheimer’s” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com). “Educate, educate, educate … that’s all I could think about. I told myself that once I knew the facts, I could get the right physicians, no matter the cost, to fix him. I just wanted to fix him!”

Unfortunately, as Michele found out, there is no “fixing” Alzheimer’s. Over the next four years, she watched her father’s condition worsen as his health and personality deteriorated. “A Conversation About Alzheimer’s” is her starkly honest, unflinching account of the progression of her father’s illness and how it affected her and her family. “Of course there are handbooks for the caregiver on the bookstore shelves, autobiographies and the like,” Michele notes. “Each book, every website, offers phases of the disease, symptoms of the disease, how to relate to the patient in particular situations, but nothing exposed the real-world experience.”

Michele sets out to detail her real-world experience as she was forced to face the reality that her father’s Alzheimer’s wasn’t going to go away. She describes in heartbreaking detail the toll his disease took. She shares her emotional reaction to his diagnosis, the slow loss of his independence, and how family and friends reacted to her father’s illness.

Michele is hopeful that “A Conversation About Alzheimer’s” will educate others who may be watching a loved one turn into a stranger, that it will comfort them and remind them that they are not alone, and that it will provide strength when perhaps they feel they have no more to give. She gives advice on choosing an assisted living home and making funeral arrangements, along with detailing early warning signs of the disease.

“This passage has been an incredible one for me and my family,” Michele writes. “We’ve learned a great deal of how sophisticated the brain actually is. We’ve also learned how the brain can rip away your very existence. But mostly, we learned patience.”

About the Author: Michele L. Tucker, a native Virginian, currently resides there with her husband of 16 years and her teenage son. A 25-year career in the administrative field taught her invaluable lessons in how to react to pressure and crisis, skills she drew upon while dealing with her father’s illness. “A Conversation About Alzheimer’s” is her first book and she is currently at work on a second, a novel based on the tragic murder of a relative in Washington, D.C.

Obsession: A History

2008-11-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

A new book from a University of Illinois at Chicago scholar examines the progression of obsessive behavior from its religious and secular origins to its present status as a medical and cultural phenomenon.

"Obsession: A History" (University of Chicago Press, 2008) by Lennard Davis, UIC professor of English, offers a narrative featuring wide-ranging perspectives on the history of compulsive behaviors.

Davis writes that we live in an age of obsession. Originally considered the result of demonic possession, obsessive behavior related to one's work or hobbies is now admired while compulsively washing one's hands or avoiding lines on the sidewalk is a dreaded condition.

He also explores a sharp rise in diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, citing a 600-fold increase over the past 30 years, and the treatment of the disease.

"I want readers to see that psychological diseases have, at least, one long and very significant taproot in culture and society," said Davis, who is also professor of disability and human development and medical education. "Something like obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't just a purely clinical entity, but participates in a complex set of social, cultural, political, and professional issues."

Davis, who is well-known for his disability, literary, and cultural studies, was inspired to explore obsession while conducting research on the difference between literary characters from the 18th and 19th centuries.

He found that many characters from the latter era, featured in works by authors such as Poe, Dostoevsky, Zola, Balzac, and Dickens, were obsessed. Davis set out to investigate the origin of the word and when people began to talk about or label others as being obsessed.

The mid-19th century in England and France was the tipping point, according to Davis.

"Monomania was the operative term, and the more I researched this I began to see that it was a diagnosis that had a popular appeal," he said.

"It seemed to be a hallmark of modernity -- both in culture and in the rise of the professions and specialization."

Davis says it is important to remember that diseases have histories that are relevant to the way they are considered today.

"Psychological diseases can be the dark sister to the qualities that a culture upholds -- in this case, doing or thinking one thing too much can make you famous, or can put you on Prozac, and sometimes both," he said.

"We should always be careful to remember that the line between normality and pathology is a tenuous one, even when we try to make a firewall between them."

A book launch for "Obsession: A History" is scheduled Nov. 13, 5 – 7 p.m. at UIC's Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted St.

Secret to Well-Being Is the Connection Between Health and Emotions

2008-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Renowned psychotherapist and Leonia, New Jersey author Dr. Harriet Haberman is announcing the publication of her new book - Emotional Wisdom: A Compassionate Guide to the Messages Hidden in Your Feelings.

Dr. Haberman notes, “In these uncertain times, the significant information in Emotional Wisdom is needed more than ever before. The stress of recent economic events can easily play havoc with our health.” Although ongoing emotional upset may not be the single root cause of an illness, there is now abundant evidence to prove that unresolved feelings can be a major contributor to bodily distress and most health-related issues. Emotional Wisdom offers a unique method of healing that involves simple, effective skills for interpreting the unseen world of feelings and the priceless information they contain.

“Emotional Wisdom teaches the skills needed to unlock these emotional messages and supports us on the path to inner peace,” states Dr. Haberman. Emotional Wisdom offers the reader an effective, compassionate approach to psychological well-being and is based on Dr. Haberman’s over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker. Dr. Haberman’s concepts evolved from guiding the healing process with hundreds of clients as they transformed their lives with authenticity, self-compassion and personal contentment. Dr. Haberman adds, “My purpose in writing this book is to provide the general public with the opportunity to benefit from this healing method. I hope the readers, especially during these difficult times, will explore the positive life-changing possibilities that can occur when they tap into the reservoir of wisdom concealed within their emotions.”

Emotional Wisdom: A Compassionate Guide to the Messages Hidden in Your Feelings includes new concepts for emotional healing, numerous case examples and an exercise at the end of each chapter to help the reader integrate what they have learned. The book has received numerous endorsements, including one from Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., renowned author of Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, founder of Imago Relationship Therapy, and frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Emotional Wisdom: A Compassionate Guide to the Messages Hidden in Your Feelings is currently available for purchase through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and http://www.harriethabermanphd.com.

About Dr. Harriet Haberman:

Dr. Harriet Haberman is a licensed clinical social worker, and is available for radio, television and newspaper/magazine interviews. Dr. Haberman received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University and has been in the field for over 30 years and in private practice for more than 25 years. As part of her postdoctoral studies, Dr. Haberman has completed clinical training and certification in Body-Centered Transformation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), guided imagery healing techniques, hypnotherapy, Imago Relationship Therapy, Radiance Breathwork, and Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Haberman conducts seminars and lectures at corporations, schools, clubs and non-profit organizations.

Whimsical Tale Teaches Young Readers Values That ‘Stick’

2008-10-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

When it comes to creative problem solving, nothing beats a child’s imagination and a little help from mom. In her new children’s book, “The Day My Peanut Butter Lost Its Stick” (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), Elena Tait invites young readers to follow a whimsical story of a little girl who discovers one of her favorite foods has lost some of its gooey appeal.

When five-year-old Abby realizes her peanut butter has lost its stick, she knows it is up to her to solve the problem and restore order in the world of tasty, spreadable foods. With the help of her mother, Abby visits the local library and magic shop to try and fix her “sticky” situation. Even though she seeks the advice of very knowledgeable adults, the answer still eludes the determined young sleuth. Abby returns home, where she concocts a brilliant plan to solve her problem and return her peanut butter to its original stickiness.

“The Day My Peanut Butter Lost Its Stick” is a lighthearted story with two important messages: count on friends to help with messy problems and stick to a problem until a solution is found. Colorful characters come through for Abby in this entertaining tale. Her mother; best friend Janie; Mrs. Berner, the librarian; a magician; and her brother Tanner are all part of the solution process.

A fun and educational tale, “The Day My Peanut Butter Lost Its Stick” is the perfect reading level for children in first and second grades. The unexpected dilemma offers life lessons to young readers in an engaging way.

About the Author: Elena Tait is a first-time author. A single mother of two teenagers, she builds houses with Habitat for Humanity and creates original works of art in her pottery studio. An elementary school staff member, Elena enjoys tapping into the children’s imaginations for inspiration for her books. “The Day My Peanut Butter Lost Its Stick” is her first book. She has since written two more that will soon be published.

Mary Soliel Honored as Two-time National Best Books 2008 Award Finalist

2008-10-27T13:34:00.001-07:00

Groundbreaking Book Awakens Readers to Meaningful Coincidences
Mary Soliel’s debut non-fiction, I Can See Clearly Now: How Synchronicity Illuminates Our Lives, has been chosen by USA Book News as a Finalist in both Best New Non-Fiction and Best New Age Non-Fiction categories of the National Best Books 2008 Awards.

USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of the National Best Books 2008 Awards (NBBA) on October 20, 2008. Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, says of the awards, now in their fifth year, “The 2008 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States.”

“I feel very honored that my book is being recognized, and am especially excited to know that more readers will find their way to my message,” says Ms. Soliel. Her book provides a significant and magical way of looking at life through synchronicity. The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung coined the term synchronicity and regarded coincidences as being actually meaningful. Soliel delves into the mysteries of this phenomenon and describes through her own personal experiences, how we are being guided, validated, and blessed with the power of meaningful coincidences. She explains that these very signs can be used to help us create the lives we desire.

“After people read I Can See Clearly Now, they are noticing stunning synchronistic occurrences right away,” says Soliel. She adds, “Signs are constantly occurring for all of us. It’s a matter of whether or not we are noticing them. This book is helping readers to take notice, which is life-altering and uplifting for them.”

Mary Soliel is a visionary, teacher, healer, and self-described “synchronist.” Born and raised in Michigan, she moved with her family to New Mexico nearly a decade ago, and presently lives near Boulder, Colorado with her two children. Visit her online at http://www.marysoliel.com.

‘What the Heck Do We Do Now? Families Facing Alzheimer’s’

2008-10-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Carefree Senior Living Press, based in Santa Barbara, announces the release of its first book by local author and Alzheimer’s care professional John G. Bloomer. The book, notably titled “What The Heck Do We Do Now? Families Facing Alzheimer’s,” offers practical advice to navigating some of the uncharted waters of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. It touchingly looks at “real” situations families face when the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s impacts their lives. Unlike almost any book on the market today, it also offers advice and information about licensed residential facilities specializing in the care of these gentle souls.

The book is a narrative of three families and their experiences with this dread disease. Along the way it demonstrates why certain choices are better than others. The information is integrated so family members do not have to read through list after list to see how the information fits their circumstances.

As Jackie Marston, current Vice President of Carefree Senior Living in California, Executive Administrator of Villa Alamar Care facility, and fondly referred to in local circles as the “dementia diva,” sums up:

“Finally, a book that touches the heart, and is a reference manual for families as they begin the uncertain journey through Alzheimer’s. The twists and turns and mistakes and successes are described as they happened without exaggeration. Anyone who finds themselves caring for those with this disease should give this small book a read.”

This handy publication offers guidance for families and caregivers dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s and memory loss and helps move them from a place of fear to a place of peace. How to handle “embarrassing” social behaviors, directing those with memory loss, obtaining legal and medical advice, conservatorships, finding assisted living facilities, and disease prevention are all described for the layperson.

Author, John G. Bloomer, describes his personal story of Alzheimer’s:

“My wife and I entered the world of Alzheimer’s Disease 22 years ago, with a tearful call from her mother who was sure something was wrong with her brain. Hearing her plea for help, I immediately thought, what the heck do we do now? Much of this book is the result of our experiences, both negative and positive, in attempting to care for and protect her.”

This is a book of passion! Mr. Bloomer is called upon to speak and counsel hundreds every year. As the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease increases astronomically, the demand for practical applied information of this subject has never been greater.

Accountability Crisis in U.S. Business and Political Arenas

2008-10-22T11:16:00.001-07:00

High performing teams know and use a "secret" language to get results. An international consulting firm, Dynamic Results has released their new book, "Winning with Accountability: The Secret Language of High Performing Organizations" (Cornerstone; October, 2008, Perfect Paperback: $14.95). The book exposes methods Dynamic Results has used to boost the performance of their client organizations worldwide.
Dynamic Results outlines clear, concise methods and case studies that identify:

The language that indicates predictable relationship and project failure
The language that insures high performance
The four required components of an accountable dialogue
That "leaders" can come from any part of the organizational chart
In a time when the world is having to reinvent its economy, "Winning with Accountability" offers readers immediate take away tools that will improve their very next interaction, thereby increasing organizational performance. Using the principles outlined in this book, readers become leaders in creating high accountability in any organization, regardless of where they may fall on the organizational chart.

Dynamic Results' co-founder and Managing Partner, Henry J. Evans, created "Winning With Accountability" to offer uncomplicated concepts to improve the communication and performance of individuals when they are making or requesting commitments. The result is higher organizational performance.

Evans says, "This book is a quick read, providing reminders of business concepts that can be applied every day to encourage accountability at all levels within an organization."

Designed to fit in a briefcase and be absorbed on a plane ride, the book describes the methods that are taught in the firm's four hour Accountability Workshops and delivers them in a form that takes about 90 minutes to read. Evans says, "Our job as a firm is to take years of clinical research and complex business strategies and re-tool them to become easily absorbed and rapidly applied by increasingly busy executives."

What our clients are saying about the methodology: "At adidas we speak over 50 languages. The language of accountability in this book cuts through them all. By simply using these tools, I'm setting clearer expectations and see them being met more often." -- Steve Bonomo, Head of Group Recruiting, adidas Group, Germany.

Visit winningwithaccountability.com to read what others are saying about the book, learn about other products and services, and to purchase the book. The book is also available for sale at Amazon.com.

About Dynamic Results, LLC:
Dynamic Results, LLC is an organizational development consulting firm specializing in helping organizations create and execute strategic plans. Plans are achieved through coaching and development of key leadership skills in general leadership and also in Emotional Intelligence, restructuring organizational charts, creating core-competency models, training, and through the Accountability Method addressed in the book.

Dynamic Results is a boutique firm with big clients in many business sectors including bio-tech, athletic apparel, manufacturing, energy production, distribution, and federal defense.

Clients of Dynamic Results report that they achieve their personal and professional goals at an average rate of 86%!

About the Author:
Henry J. Evans is an executive adviser to leading executives and organizations worldwide. He also delivers keynote addresses and workshops, and teaches in MBA programs internationally on the subjects of "Creating High Accountability Cultures" and "Emotionally Intelligent Leadership."

As co-founder and Managing Partner of Dynamic Results, Henry leads the firm's clients to improve organizational and executive performance using many of the methods outlined in this book. Henry keeps his and the firm's focus on boiling down various clinical research and studies to applicable, easy to understand concepts that busy executives can apply immediately.

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free Options for Healthy Living

2008-10-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

When gluten-free cook, mother and author Theresa Santandrea-Cull compiled her latest recipe book "No Wheat? No Way!" she included 10 years of research into wheat-free and dairy-free dishes and desserts. Her book, now available for download online, is an assortment of delicious recipes especially crafted without the use of dairy or wheat.
In "No Wheat? No Way!", readers learn how easy it can be to bake with gluten-free flours. Santandrea-Cull shares healthy recipes for almost any food, from pancakes to pizza. Her scrumptious treats include:

-breads, loaves, waffles
-Yorkshire pudding, tea biscuits and scones
-cakes, muffins and cinnamon buns
-pies, tarts, fruit crisps and cobbler
-lasagna, sauces…and so much more

Book contributor and naturopathic doctor Dr. Dawn Cormier-Hazen, N.D. affirms that the most common food allergens are dairy products and gluten grains.

"It is estimated that 80 percent of our diseases are directly related to the food we eat on a daily basis," says Cormier-Hazen, who wrote the forward to 'No Wheat? No Way!'. "Anyone can attain better health by identifying, then avoiding his or her particular food allergens."

Challenged with preparing totally gluten and dairy-free meals, snacks, and desserts for her twin boys for the past 14 years, Santandrea-Cull has found the secret combination of gluten-free flours that yield delicious baked goods every time. Through trials and tribulations, she attributes a positive transformation in their behavior and well-being to baking with non-gluten grains.

"No Wheat? No Way!" is available for download through the website. Also, on the No Wheat No Way website visitors will find tips and tricks to cooking without gluten or dairy, additional recipes, an Ask The Chef segment, testimonials, and much more.

About Theresa Santandrea-Cull )
Theresa has been wowing crowds with cooking demonstrations at local health food stores where gluten-free products are readily available. Grocery chains are quickly jumping on board the gluten-free train and most now carry gluten-free ingredients.

Facing Uncertainty? Create More, Says New Management Book

2008-10-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Smart people who are overwhelmed by uncertainty make even smarter bankers, according to new research by A. Alexandra Michel of the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.

Michel’s new book, “Bullish on Uncertainty: How Organizational Cultures Transform Participants,” explores the case of two major U.S. investment banks – with two differing philosophies on how to structure business processes and organizational strategies.

The counterintuitive findings: the bank that amplified bankers’ uncertainty produced better overall results than the bank that reduced bankers’ uncertainty. The book’s conclusions have implications for every knowledge-based industry.

“In our society we tend to believe that knowledge workers can better cope with complexity when we decrease their uncertainty and give them the tools they need to become experts,” says Michel. “This research, in contrast, shows that people are often better at complex jobs when they know less. This gives them the incentive to question assumptions and collaborate with others.”

Michel compared radically different management training and organizational procedures in the two institutions. To reduce uncertainty, one bank did what every good management textbook recommends: Top management articulated a clear strategy that was translated into explicit roles and into revenue goals for bankers. New bankers were trained carefully to fill these roles, assigned work based on their relevant expertise, and given targeted feedback.

The other bank intentionally thwarted this model and amplified uncertainty. Instead of receiving goals and roles, new bankers were deluged with statistics about the consequences of their actions -- ranging from cost of color copies to deals lost to the competition. Projects were staffed based on banker availability, not expertise. Junior bankers sometimes did the work of VPs and often worked on deals for which they no training. Meanwhile, the organization’s leadership -- busy executing deals themselves -- let corporate strategy bubble up from below.

The findings show that reducing uncertainty ultimately leads to a culture of the self-reliant “individual” – one in which expertise is segmented and in which personal fiefdoms flourish. Feeling confident in their abilities, experts often do not notice when situations change and their knowledge is no longer applicable.

Such expert cultures have contributed to the “bad bets” that have recently rattled financial markets, resulted in thousands of layoffs and undone venerable institutions, says Michel.

On the other hand, investment banks that amplified uncertainty through information overload produce a corporate culture of “organization.” Overwhelmed bankers need to draw on others to do their work -- and the company consequently thrives by constant collective questioning and collaboration.

Given the vagaries of Wall Street, the sudden changes of new technology, the unknown pitfalls of political decisions, and the sheer complexity of international markets, Michel says that investment bankers can’t possibly be definitive experts in every area. “Similar conditions are now present in other industries and similar conclusions about the management of employee uncertainty apply,” she says.

For the study, Michel charted the professional development of new investment bankers in two major firms over a period of two years. (Because of non-disclosure terms, these banks cannot be named publicly.)

The bankers, who graduated from top MBA programs, initially exhibited similar psychological processes. After about six months, however, the bankers at the two banks developed different types of cognition, emotion, motivations and identities because of the distinct types of uncertainty they experienced—with profound consequences for individual and organizational performance.

Woman’s Heroic Battle for Equal Justice

2008-10-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tseghe M. Foote begins “Stolen Justice” by recounting her early life as an Ethiopian girl, describing how her chance meeting with an African-American Peace Corps worker eventually led to marriage and a new life in America. Although she ultimately divorced, Ms. Foote retained a fierce determination to stay in America and build a thriving business. At first, she succeeded beyond her wildest dreams.

After selling Ethiopian art on the side, Ms. Foote decided to open her own store - first called Zebra Imports, later Africa House - that would sell high-quality African art. Soon, she counted among her clients world-famous celebrities from all over the world.

But storm clouds of injustice were brewing. After moving her store to the Tabor Center in Denver - and operating a successful business for four years in a mall with only 56 percent occupancy - Ms. Foote one day was told the Center was evicting her. Although no reason given for the eviction held any water, Ms. Foote soon found herself thrown into the American justice system, battling to save her store from corporate and legal maneuverings that shook her faith and hope to the core.

Now, in the scathing expose “Stolen Justice,” Tseghe M. Foote reveals the long legal nightmare she went through to prevent her thriving store, Africa House, from being evicted out of the Tabor (Shopping) Center in downtown Denver. Chapter after chapter, Ms. Foote offers readers a shocking look at how powerful corporate and “legal” interests hide behind fancy, authoritative-sounding language and schemes in order to advance corrupt agendas. Ms. Foote reveals how she was abandoned at every turn by individuals, legal entities, and even a civil rights group professing to stand up for the “little person” against corporate and legal malfeasance … and how she ultimately won key victories in her brave, lonely, principled battle for decency, equality, and justice.

New Science Fiction Book Follows the Adventures of Seven Extraordinary Teens

2008-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Every teenager dreams of striking out on their own and doing something extraordinary. In the new book “Artisans of Time, Books I, II, & III” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com), M. Jude Gove tells the story of seven teens who are transported from Earth to the distant planet of Nur for the purpose of saving its inhabitants from annihilation and by extension, Earth itself.

As the teens begin to explore the alien world and meet its inhabitants, the Ge’mell, they realize that their presence there is no accident. The seven discover that Ge’mell from the future have brought them to this far-off planet. The heroes’ purpose on Nur is to aid the Ge’mell in the present with their centuries-old struggle against the ruthless Varnif. Once allies, the Ge’mell and the Varnif have been at war for over 200 years. The Ge’mell were once the technologically superior of the two races. However, the Ge’mell were scattered across the Galaxy after the destruction of their home world by the Varnif.

The journey of the seven young heroes is chronicled by a reporter named Ed Dalton. As “Artisans of Time” opens, Dalton is approached by an older gentleman who tells him a tale that is so far-fetched as to be virtually impossible. Not surprisingly, Dalton does not believe what he is told. However, after checking parts of the gentleman’s story, Dalton’s curiosity is peaked and he decides to pursue the story. What he uncovers is more than he could have ever imagined:

As we went further into the cave, we could see it didn’t go completely through the mountain at all. Instead, something metallic was reflecting the light from the entrance, as well as our flashlight beams, back at us. We kept walking towards the reflection, but it didn’t seem to be getting any closer. Finally, we decided to head back to the bus. Dan figured if we told one of the instructors what we had found that it would peak their curiosity also, and they would want to get out some of their equipment they brought and completely explore the cave. That was all forgotten when we stepped back out of the cave entrance. All of us were in total shock. Finally, Dianna muttered in a soft voice, “We’re not in Kansas anymore!”

“Artisans of Time” bends both time and space. The epic adventure that the seven young heroes embark on will spark the imagination of science fiction fans young and old alike. The intricate plot, rich narrative and compelling characters make this a must-read for any science fiction fan.

M. Jude Gove is a native of Arizona. He began writing this epic when he was in high school and published his first book in 2001. “Artisans of Time, Books I, II, & III” completes the series first published as “Rings of the Gods” and folds the first two books into one volume along with the third book, completing the trilogy.

Exercise Can Help You Cope with Financial Stress and Heal Emotional Pain

2008-10-14T13:04:00.001-07:00

The economy is in turmoil. The stock market appears to dip lower ever day. Houses are being foreclosed upon and jobs are disappearing. Headlines scream out to us and we begin to panic. We wonder if the American Dream has become only a dream that cannot be turned into reality. We wait to hear remedies from our government leaders that never seem to be forthcoming. We are drowning in their silence and a sense of hopelessness sinks its teeth in our souls. We sit around immobilized by shock and fear.

As “The Body Mind Soul Solution: Healing Emotional Pain through Exercise” (Pegasus Books, Second Printing 2008) by Bob Livingstone shows, there is a means to overcoming this emotional paralysis, and it is by vigorously moving your body on a regular basis. Exercise has proven to be a stress reducer. Studies have also found that exercise can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise is a natural pressure reducer and can be used to manage the tension you carry around about the current worldwide economic crisis.

Exercise, such as walking as little as 15 minutes per day, can alter the brain chemistry enough where a sense of calmness is experienced. It can also be used as a healthy distraction from focusing on the economy. Concentrating on your workout can help you plan strategies for dealing with the financial crisis. Readers of “The Body Mind Soul Solution” find that hopelessness turns into hope and insurmountable problems now seem solvable.

According to author and psychotherapist Bob Livingstone, “Exercise can also heal emotional pain, and now may be an opportune time to explore this possibility.” His new book, “The Body Mind Soul Solution: Healing Emotional Pain through Exercise” (Pegasus Books, Second Printing 2008), combines exercise, self-questioning, listening to music and journaling as a means to heal emotional pain.

The book has received rave reviews. According to the Miami Herald, “Run through your anger and bike through your anguish … your mind and body work in concert to resolve emotional issues.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch states that “The Body Mind Soul Solution” is an “emotionally charged book” and New York Times bestselling author of “The Fat Flush Diet,” Ann Louise Gittleman, calls the book “ground breaking.” The prestigious Library Journal states that the book is “A holistic approach to finding balance among mind, body and emotional health … sure to fly off the shelf. Highly Recommended.”

Bob Livingstone has been featured in The San Francisco Chronicle, The Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News, The Hartford Courant, Natural Health Magazine, The Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, The Library Journal, MSN.com, The Athens Banner-Herald, Woman’s Day, Care2.com, Grand Magazine and Lee’s Summit Journal. He is a featured contributor to DrLaura.com, Beliefnet.com, Ediets.com, Selfgrowth.com, Kids.LovetoKnow.com, Psychotherapy.net and SheKnows.com.

Savvy IT Pros are Broadening their Career Focus to Alternative Fields

2008-10-14T13:02:00.001-07:00

Layoffs and hiring freezes are heightening competition for a dwindling number of IT jobs but - as IT professionals are learning from “Debugging Your Information Technology(TM) Career” (Elegant Fix Press - http://www.elegantfixpress.com) - their computer knowledge can open doors to many offshore-resistant alternative tech-related careers. A key advantage of these fields: They offer IT pros who feel pressured to change careers because of the weak IT job market the opportunity to leverage - rather than “throw away” - their investment in their education and experience.

Janice Weinberg, the author, is a career consultant (http://www.janiceweinberg.com) formerly with IBM and GE, whose IT background enabled her to identify the 20 careers she describes. While most of them aren’t usually thought of as computer-related jobs, computer proficiency is a key qualification for success in each. For example:

A software architect’s knowledge of best practices in systems design would be a strong asset in a technology due diligence position.
A business analyst who guided manufacturing staff in defining their IT requirements should be a viable candidate for a strategic alliance management position at a company marketing manufacturing software.
A NOC manager who upgraded a change-management function would bring a valuable customer’s perspective to a product management position at a company marketing change-management software.
A network security administrator could become a broker or underwriter of cyberliability insurance.
A software engineer who supported financial applications could parlay that experience into a higher-paying position selling financial software.
Any IT professional who can assess the commercial potential of new computer technology could qualify for a position as an equity analyst covering the computer industry.
Most of the careers can be entered without further education beyond a BS in a computer-related discipline. Several - for example, business continuity planner - require a certification. Some readers may be motivated to become information technology attorneys or healthcare administrators. Many of the fields can be springboards for new consulting practices.

As Weinberg describes each career, readers will:

Realize why computer expertise is an advantage in delivering top performance;
Be able to imagine themselves in the field by reading the hour-by-hour Typical Workday;
Understand how a recession could undermine job security, while learning career-planning strategies for minimizing or avoiding any negative impact.
Readers will learn job-hunting techniques tailored to specific fields, including guidance in identifying and approaching employers, and in selecting those aspects of their experience to highlight in their resumes and interviews for greatest impact. Although most of the fields are highly insulated from offshoring, where vulnerability exists, Weinberg offers job-hunting techniques to minimize one’s exposure.

While there are many books providing IT career advice, Weinberg’s gives new - and much broader - meaning to the term “computer job,” demonstrating that an IT professional’s knowledge constitutes precious currency in a world dependent on computer technology.