Top Rated Reviews

Cheers (DVD) Review

2011-03-25T16:33:00.001-07:00

One of the greatest television comedies in history, Cheers is an absolute must see for anyone who's ever had a regular hangout "where everybody knows your name". The shows centers itself around a friendly neighborhood Boston bar named Cheers. The bar is owned by former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Sam has two employees – bartender Ernie “Coach” Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto) and waitress Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman). Things are great for Sam until he hires a jilted graduate student named Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) to waitress in the bar. Regular barflies Norm Peterson (George Wendt) and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) round out a strong supporting cast…

The Cheers DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere “Give Me A Ring Sometime” in which the gang at Cheers first meets Diane when she spends the day in the bar waiting for her fiancé, distinguished Boston University professor Sumner Sloane, to return from meeting with his ex-wife (where he hopes to retrieve his grandmother’s ring for Diane). Sumner never returns, resulting in Diane accepting a job at the bar… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include “Sam At Eleven” in which Sam’s ex-teammate turned sportscaster Dave Richards (Fred Dryer) arrives at the bar to interview Sam for the eleven o’clock news only to end up ditching him for John McEnroe, and “Pick a Con… Any Con” in which Coach is being played by a conman, prompting Sam to enlist the help of Harry the Conman (Harry Anderson) in order to get Coach’s money back. Only Coach has a few surprises of his own…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Cheers (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Give Me A Ring Sometime) Air Date: 09-30-1982
Episode 2 (Sam’s Women) Air Date: 10-07-1982
Episode 3 (The Tortelli Tort) Air Date: 10-14-1982
Episode 4 (Sam At Eleven) Air Date: 10-21-1982
Episode 5 (Coach’s Daughter) Air Date: 10-28-1982
Episode 6 (Any Friend Of Diane’s) Air Date: 11-04-1982
Episode 7 (Friends, Romans, Accountants) Air Date: 11-11-1982
Episode 8 (Truce Or Consequences) Air Date: 11-18-1982
Episode 9 (Coach Returns To Action) Air Date: 11-25-1982
Episode 10 (Endless Slumper) Air Date: 12-02-1982
Episode 11 (One For The Book) Air Date: 12-09-1982
Episode 12 (The Spy Who Came In For A Cold One) Air Date: 12-16-1982
Episode 13 (Now Pitching, Sam Malone) Air Date: 01-06-1983
Episode 14 (Let Me Count The Ways) Air Date: 01-13-1983
Episode 15 (Father Knows Last) Air Date: 01-20-1983
Episode 16 (The Boys In The Bar) Air Date: 01-27-1983
Episode 17 (Diane’s Perfect Date) Air Date: 02-10-1983
Episode 18 (No Contest) Air Date: 02-17-1983
Episode 19 (Pick A Con… Any Con) Air Date: 02-24-1983
Episode 20 (Someone Single, Someone Blue) Air Date: 03-03-1983
Episode 21 (Showdown 1) Air Date: 03-24-1983
Episode 22 (Showdown 2) Air Date: 03-31-1983

Charlie's Angels (DVD) Review

2011-03-25T13:12:00.001-07:00

Long before Magnum, PI put Tom Selleck on the map, Charlie's Angels owned the world of TV private eyes. Nominated for 4 Emmys and 7 Golden Globes, including 2 for Best TV Series - Drama, Charlie's Angels was a truly rare overnight sensation. The forerunner to modern day shows such as La Femme Nikita and Alias, creators Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts capped off long careers as showbiz writers by penning the unforgettable story of three sexy and vivacious private investigators. Executive producer Aaron Spelling (linked to innumerable hit shows such as Beverly Hills 90210, The Love Boat, Melrose Place, Dynasty, 7th Heaven, and Charmed among others) played a prominent role in the pop culture explosion of this series which witnessed the immediate mass marketing of Charlie's Angels trading cards, posters, lunchboxes, and endless other memorabilia - including a full-length feature film of the same name two decades later (2000). Through the duration of the series (five seasons), the cast changed continuously as Charlie's angels became media stars in their own right and left to pursue various opportunities in modeling, film, and TV…

Charlie's Angels centers around a group of gorgeous female ex-police officers hired to work for the Charles Townsend Detective Agency. A mysterious multi-millionaire with seemingly unlimited means, Charles Townsend communicates with his girls via speaker-phone and through the aid of his personal assistant, John Bosley (David Doyle). Charlie sends the girls on various undercover missions and dangerous assignments where they apprehend criminals and pursue justice with a vengeance. The original angels are Sabrina Duncan (Kate Jackson) who plays the role of the "smartest" angel, Kelly Garrett (Jaclyn Smith) who plays the part of the "street-smart" angel, and Jill Munroe (Farrah Fawcett) who plays the role of the "athletic" angel. Together, they unleash their collective talents on the criminal underworld, putting their own lives at risk in process… As the show progressed, Jill Munroe left as a regular on the series and was replaced by her sister Kris (Cheryl Ladd). The following year, Sabrina left the agency to tend to her family and was replaced by Tiffany (Shelley Hack) and later by Julie (Tanya Roberts)…

The Charlie's Angels DVD features a number of action-packed episodes including the series premiere "Hellride" in which the audience first learns of the mysterious Charles Townsend Detective Agency and the beautiful women who comprise the majority of its agents. When a female racecar driver suffers a questionable death, Charlie sends the girls out to uncover the truth. To get the job done, Sabrina poses as a racecar driver, and the girls discover the existence of a murderous conspiracy… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Bullseye" in which the angels uncover a drug-ring owned and operated by two corrupt military officials, and "The Vegas Connection" in which the angels and Bosley travel to Las Vegas in order to catch a deviant con artist…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Charlie's Angels (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Hellride) Air Date: 09-22-1976
Episode 2 (The Mexican Connection) Air Date: 09-29-1976
Episode 3 (Night of the Strangler) Air Date: 10-13-1976
Episode 4 (Angels in Chains) Air Date: 10-20-1976
Episode 5 (Target: Angels) Air Date: 10-27-1976
Episode 6 (The Killing Kind) Air Date: 11-03-1976
Episode 7 (To Kill an Angel) Air Date: 11-10-1976
Episode 8 (Lady Killer) Air Date: 11-24-1976
Episode 9 (Bullseye) Air Date: 12-01-1976
Episode 10 (Consenting Adults) Air Date: 12-08-1976
Episode 11 (The Seance) Air Date: 12-15-1976
Episode 12 (Angels on Wheels) Air Date: 12-22-1976
Episode 13 (Angel Trap) Air Date: 01-05-1977
Episode 14 (The Big Tap Out) Air Date: 01-12-1977
Episode 15 (Angels on a String) Air Date: 01-19-1977
Episode 16 (Dirty Business) Air Date: 02-02-1977
Episode 17 (The Vegas Connection) Air Date: 02-09-1977
Episode 18 (Terror on Ward One) Air Date: 02-16-1977
Episode 19 (Dancing in the Dark) Air Date: 02-23-1977
Episode 20 (I Will Be Remembered) Air Date: 03-09-1977
Episode 21 (Angels at Sea) Air Date: 03-23-1977
Episode 22 (The Blue Angels) Air Date: 05-04-1977

Casablanca (DVD) Review

2011-03-04T03:01:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest, and certainly one of the most quoted, films in cinema history, Casablanca contains all the essential elements of a Hollywood blockbuster: adventure, romance, intrigue, suspense, and of course, evil Nazi bad guys (if you doubt this last one as an essential element, then reference the success of the Indiana Jones films). With a director (Michael Curtiz) and cast second to none, Casablanca makes a strong case for consideration as the best movie ever made. And although I loath clichés, it is true that they just don’t make ‘em like this one anymore…

Casablanca unfolds in a place called Rick’s, a popular watering hole in Vichey-controlled Morocco on the outskirts of Nazi dominated Europe. An important travel hub, Casablanca plays host to numerous colorful characters with any number of varying agendas. Arms dealers, spies, and revolutionaries walk side-by-side through streets littered with pickpockets. But at Rick’s, everyone seems to enjoy themselves. Owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) seems content with his life of serving customers and making money, at least until the day she walks in, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), the love of Rick’s life.

Less than two years earlier, as the Nazis moved into Paris, Rick and Ilsa fell in love. But in the act of fleeing the Nazi advance, Ilsa sent Rick a note at the train station informing him that she could not go with him. She offered no explanation. Now, she was appearing in his establishment with her husband, fugitive and Nazi resistance leader Victor Laszlo.

As the hours pass, and the Nazis desperately search for Laszlo in an attempt to cut off his escape, Rick learns the truth about Ilsa and her reason for leaving. For the moment, Laszlo’s fate is in his hands. Since his days in Paris, Rick’s made a habit of being practical, both in his business life and in his personal life… But will Rick use his influence and connections to help himself or Victor Laszlo? Will his idealism prevail over his hardened pragmatism? The Third Reich is closing in, and Rick must make a decision regarding Ilsa and Laszlo before time runs out…

The recipient of widespread critical acclaim in the more than six decades since its release, Casablanca is one of the few films deemed as a “cinema classic” that actually lives up to the mega-hype surrounding it. The set design, costumes, and direction are absolutely flawless. The dialogue is superb. Bogart and Bergman are perfect as the lovers torn apart, and Claude Rains is unforgettable as Captain Renault. If you have an aversion to pre-1980 movies or some other strange reason for missing out on this one, then I highly encourage you to watch Casablanca. You won’t regret it.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (DVD) Review

2011-03-03T17:04:00.001-08:00

The brainchild of writer Joss Whedon, Buffy The Vampire Slayer originally entered American pop culture as a full-length feature film, starring Kristy Swanson, in 1992. But creator Whedon felt that the project never quite did justice to the full scope of his vision, so he managed turn the film into a television series in 1997. The result of Whedon's increased artistic freedom is a series that has enjoyed both critical acclaim and audience notoriety. Nominated for 14 Emmy's during its seven year run, the show managed to win only two (both in 1998 for Outstanding Makeup and Outstanding Music Composition in a television series). Yet, the true success for Buffy The Vampire Slayer is indicated by the massive success of the show's long run, strong DVD sales, and the overwhelming success of the series spin-off Angel…

Sarah Michelle Gellar plays the title role of Buffy Anne Summers, a teenage girl who stands alone among her generation as the "chosen one" able to "stand against vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer…" But Buffy is not alone in fulfilling her destiny as a slayer of vampires. She also receives help from the high school librarian, Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), who is a Watcher - the one chosen to train and guide slayers on their developmental path. In addition, new friends Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan - of American Pie fame) and Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) quickly uncover the truth of Buffy's destiny, and they often aid her in defending the world against evil forces…

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer DVD offers a number of exciting episodes including the series premiere "Welcome to the Hellmouth" in which Buffy and her mother arrive in Sunnydale, California, trying to escape their past. But Buffy quickly learns from the school librarian that the small town sits atop a "hellmouth" about to bring forth a master vampire. When her secret is revealed to new friends Willow and Xander, the three must work together to keep the master vampire from using his vessel to enter their reality… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "The Harvest" in which Buffy prepares to face down the master vampire's henchmen so she can stop the harvest (a ceremony which will free the Master), and "I Robot, You Jane" in which Buffy and the Scooby gang discover a demon trapped in the school's computer network…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Welcome to the Hellmouth) Air Date: 03-10-1997
Episode 2 (The Harvest) Air Date: 03-10-1997
Episode 3 (The Witch) Air Date: 03-17-1997
Episode 4 (Teacher's Pet) Air Date: 03-25-1997
Episode 5 (Never Kill a Boy on the First Day) Air Date: 03-31-1997
Episode 6 (The Pack) Air Date: 04-07-1997
Episode 7 (Angel) Air Date: 04-14-1997
Episode 8 (I Robot, You Jane) Air Date: 04-28-1997
Episode 9 (The Puppet Show) Air Date: 05-05-1997
Episode 10 (Nightmares) Air Date: 05-12-1997
Episode 11 (Out of Mind, Out of Sight) Air Date: 05-19-1997
Episode 12 (Prophecy Girl) Air Date: 06-02-1997

Braveheart (DVD) Review

2011-03-03T16:24:00.001-08:00

Long before The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson directed another cinematic masterpiece, Braveheart. Filmed against the backdrop of majestic mountains and rolling meadows, it tells the historically-based (yet not entirely accurate) story of William Wallace, a common man’s warrior who led the Scottish people in rebellion against King Edward I, also known as “Longshanks”. Written by Randall Wallace, an American tourist fascinated with a Scottish statue of his namesake, the script collected dust in Hollywood for over a decade before Gibson made the brilliant decision to put it on the big screen. Just like The Passion, it’s a decision he would not regret…

Set in the 11th Century, Braveheart catalogues the struggle of Scottish serfs who labor under the brutal oppression of English occupation forces. Amidst these terrible conditions, William Wallace (Mel Gibson) falls in love with Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack). Insistent on not sharing his wife (a proclamation by the king gives local rulers “first-night rights” to new brides) Wallace secretly marries Murron. Nevertheless, an English knight assaults her, sparking a fight with Wallace. Fleeing the village, Wallace believes Murron has escaped and will soon meet him at a secret rendezvous point. But Murron is captured and executed by the king’s emissaries.

Angered by his wife’s murder, Wallace instigates a local rebellion, slaughtering all the king’s loyalists in his village. As his rebellion grows, a distraught Longshanks (Patrick McGoohan) dispatches his fabled Northern Army to destroy it. But the heroic Wallace delivers a stirring speech to rouse his men, while deploying an ingenious battlefield trick to defeat the king’s cavalry.

With the power and legend of Wallace growing day by day, Longshanks relies on his daughter-in-law, Princess Isabelle (Sophie Marceau) to broker a truce. But Isabelle’s power is limited, and Wallace realizes his people can only win freedom if backed by the Scottish nobles. Their appointed leader is Robert the Bruce (Angus MacFadyen) who vacillates between his own idealistic views and his father’s pessimistic pragmatism. Will the nobles join with Wallace? Will the Scots win their freedom? Only history tells us the answer…

With elaborate costumes, vivid battle scenes, and a noble hero as its focal point, Braveheart is more than your typical run-of-the-mill action movie. Part history, part Hollywood heroism – its timeless idealism strikes a cord with every viewer. In fact, the movie itself led to a revival in nationalistic pride that fueled the successful Scottish independence movement of the 1990s. It’s a testament to the strength and character of the real life William Wallace. A thousand years later, his enduring legacy continues to transform the European landscape, and Mel Gibson captures the noble warrior’s passion with an awe-inspiring Academy Award-winning masterpiece…

Blue Collar Comedy Tour (DVD) Review

2011-03-02T18:01:00.001-08:00

Among all the comedies available today, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour ranks number one in the "must see" category. Few comedians can find an audience among a broad range of demographic groups, and with varying tastes among individuals, it's quite difficult to find universally entertaining people. But Blue Collar Comedy Tour showcases four stand-up comics of such ability. The stand-up routines are filmed in Phoenix with intermittent features on the exploits of each of the men as they travel the country on their popular comedy tour. Opening up with all four men fishing in a lake, amazingly even the conversations between these men are hilarious and entertaining. What then could we expect when they take the stage? Only the best of modern redneck, working man comedy…

One of the rising stars of stand-up, Ron White brandishes his liquor and tobacco drenched persona along with a loveable sarcasm to produce one of the better comic routines of the decade. White chronicles his 9-minute plane ride to Phoenix which almost ended in tragedy when the plane was forced to turn around in mid-flight due to equipment trouble. But the event didn't phase the alcohol-induced outlook of White who advises the passenger next to him (a man who has something to live for, unlike White) that if one engine goes out, the other will take them right to the scene of the crash. And to top it off, they'll beat the paramedics by thirty minutes…

White's act is well followed by Larry The Cable Guy, a redneck's redneck who lives by the catchphrase "Get 'r done!" Speaking in a redneck dialect that borders on another language, Larry The Cable Guy is a barrel of laughs for any American who loves apple pie. Providing unique insight into the world at large, his audience is presented with the great conundrum of the dog dish water purifier (among other things). Why should he buy a water purifier for an animal that eats its own crap? If you're unfamiliar with this guy's routine, you need to pick up a copy of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD just for him alone (or for that matter - any of these comics merit a full-length DVD by themselves).

Beginning the second half of the movie is Bill Engvall, a comic who takes a more well-spoken, family man approach to his routine. I first saw Bill on The Tonight Show when I was ten years old. He delivered the best stand-up routine I've ever seen, and I still remember much of it word-for-word to this day… Central to the routine was his trademark tagline "Here's your sign" (referring to a "stupid sign" handed out to people who make dumb remarks). Just like his colleague Jeff Foxworthy, Engvall has managed to keep that tagline not only going, but while inventing a hilarious treasure trove of new material. This guy is just plain funny…

Rounding out the final one-man routine is Jeff Foxworthy, perhaps the most famous of the crowd due to his widely promoted "you might be a redneck if…" jokes. Foxworthy starts off with a standard routine that's really funny (this part of his career has been widely overlooked), but then he naturally moves into the part of the routine that people love to hear - the redneck jokes. My favorite of the whole Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD is his line "If a beaver bites off your nipple, you might be a redneck". Based on a true story, you simply have to watch Blue Collar Comedy Tour in order to understand just how hilarious that one is…

But the funniest part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD is when all the comics are finished with their individual routines and they gather together on stage to tell personal stories to the audience. Each story keeps the belly laughs rolling, and each comic has his moments, but Ron White steals this part of the show with his "tater salad" story. Recounting the story of his recent drunk in public arrest (he was actually drunk in the bar - they threw him into public), White tells the tale of his rise from a small town in Texas to a life replete with criminal aliases such "tater salad" and his fathering of a child named "tater tot". You just have to it to really enjoy it!

With a host of talented funnymen, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour DVD is grade-A entertainment. Certain to be an enduring classic for years to come, this is one comedy film you don't want to miss…

Beauty And The Beast (DVD) Review

2011-03-02T17:06:00.001-08:00

Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Beauty And The Beast is one of Disney's greatest animated achievements. Its massive success reinvigorated the Disney animation juggernaut which had been dormant for decades, launching the release of smashing blockbusters such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. Taking home two Oscars for Best Music (Original Score and Original Song), the film launched a trend in Disney animation by blending musical numbers (with cartoon choreography), an aspect that would become a staple of film after film for the remainder of the decade. In short, Beauty And The Beast is a landmark production just as remarkable today as when it was first released…

Following the Disney tradition of transposing well-known fairy tales from the pages of a book to the sparkle of the big screen, Beauty And The Beast follows the life of Belle (Paige O’Hara), a beautiful bookworm maiden who captivates her town’s most eligible bachelor, Gaston (Richard White). Dissatisfied with life in her small French villa, Belle grows especially tired of the conceited and self-absorbed Gaston, who is unable to fathom the idea that Belle does not welcome his affections.

Meanwhile, The Beast lives in solitude in a long-ago abandoned castle, having had a spell cast upon him because of his inability to love. The spell turned the handsome prince into an ugly beast, and it turned all of his servants into dinnerware, candlesticks, and other inanimate objects. When Belle’s father, Maurice (Rex Everhart) makes a wrong turn, he inadvertently unites the lives of Belle and The Beast. After spending much time with Belle, the bitter and hardened Beast begins to soften. He and Belle fall in love, but Gaston and his fellow village marauders arrive at the castle walls and demand the return of Belle, threatening to kill The Beast…

The highlight of Beauty And The Beast is the musical number “Be Our Guest,” which features an entire dining hall filled with dancing teacups, plates, and eating utensils. The sequence forged the way for similar scenes in Aladdin (“A Whole New World”) and The Lion King (“Hakuna Matata”). Directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise not only create a perfect transition from song to story, but they also manage to introduce innumerable humorous lines into musical sequences, especially with the early song bandied about by the rival for Belle’s hand, Gaston.

One of the top films of all-time (that’s from any genre, not just animation), Beauty And The Beast remains one of Disney’s most heralded creations. It tells the classic love story of the beast with a good heart and does so with vivid characters, a world-class musical score, and animated visual images that would make Walt Disney proud. Critically acclaimed and extremely successful at the box office, Beauty And The Beast is a true blockbuster in the traditional sense of the word. An awe-inspiring film that launched a new generation of animated Disney masterpieces, Beauty And The Beast is the quintessential must-see film…

Bambi (DVD) Review

2011-03-02T07:37:00.001-08:00

Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Music - Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Bambi is a true animated classic of the silver screen. Long before the public's introduction to Aladdin, The Lion King, or Finding Nemo, Walt Disney single-handedly conjured the full-length animated feature film out of nothing and into an enduring, well-respected genre - creating one family classic after another, starting with Snow White (1937) then Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), and Dumbo (1941) before creating this gem in 1942. Directed by David Hand, a longtime Disney animator and supervising director of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Bambi is a masterpiece of color, motion, and the beauty of life. Its relative simplicity harkens to a time long past when such movies focused on symbolism, emotional breadth, and challenging the boundaries of artistic creativity, instead of catering to a perceived audience demographic. The result is a truly remarkable and memorable family experience…

Bambi begins with the forest birth of a young fawn (Bambi) who comes into the world surrounded by an anxious crowd of admirers. Hailed as the "great prince of the forest," Bambi is thrust into an exotic world of animal and plant life, complete with all the highs and lows experienced in the world of reality. One of the film's most powerful scenes (and the one most often referenced in regard to Bambi) is when the dreaded "man" (i.e. a band of hunters) enters the forest and kills Bambi's mother. Although the scene takes place off camera, Disney manages to convey all the emotional trauma of the event in the brevity of a few bold and powerful brushstrokes.

As Bambi seeks to recover from his mother's death, he must learn to grow from a fumbling fawn into a fearless buck. The charming scenes of Bambi bumbling across a frozen pond are soon overshadowed by the power of his maturation into a formidable leader. Assisting him on his journey is a parade of unique personalities, the most notable of whom is a rabbit named Thumper. Thumper's vocal velocity and eagerness to befriend Bambi threaten steal the show, but the growing deer never loses his deserved spotlight. Throw in a skunk named Flower and a beautiful doe named Faline (Bambi's love interest), and the film comes together in its own right, creating a combination of tragedy and triumph all ages can enjoy…

In stark contrast to its contemporary peers, Bambi is a refreshing exit from today's highly commercial animated features. Although Thumper provides the necessary comic relief, the film is more than just a deluge of juvenile one-liners - and boasts absolutely zero fart jokes. Instead, Bambi wraps a timeless story of a life's journey to adulthood in the majesty that is mother nature. Its ingenious illustration of a forest teeming with wildlife and the dangers encountered by its inhabitants is truly awe-inspiring. In short, Bambi has all the makings of a tinsel-town classic - one that should make today's Disney creations utterly green with envy…

Babylon 5 (DVD) Review

2011-03-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Nominated for 6 Emmys and 3 Hugo Awards in its five-season run, Babylon 5 changed the landscape of the TV science fiction series genre. Following on the heels of hit series such as Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5 is unrivaled by any of its peers in its application of special effects. The brainchild of J. Michael Straczynski (writer for such shows as Murder She Wrote and Walker, Texas Ranger), the hour-long sci-fi drama series breaks new ground by deploying a five-season storyline that follows the outline of a traditional novel. As such, Babylon 5 is more like a mini-series that lasts five years instead of the usual three to five nights. And also unlike its predecessors, the series showcases original advanced technologies, believable alien characters (who speak alien and not English), and boasts of superb costume and makeup. Premiering in mid-season 1994, Babylon 5 established a solid audience and continues to inspire new generations of fans via syndicated reruns on cable…

Babylon 5 follows the daily events that transpire on Babylon 5, a five-mile long space station from the year 2258. Built by the Earth Alliance, Babylon 5 orbits a lone planet in interplanetary (neutral) space. The setting for an Earthling military post and a transportation hub for businessmen and general travelers, the space station's primary purpose is to provide a safe haven for the airing of differences between the alien races. Similar in function to the United Nations, Babylon 5 is tasked with preserving the peace between the five primary space-traveling civilizations - the Earth Alliance, the Mimbari Federation, the Centauri Republic, the Narn Regime, and the Vorlon Empire. Headed by Commander Jeffrey Sinclair (Michael O'Hare), and later by Capt. John J. Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner), Babylon 5 is home to almost 300,000 humans and their alien counterparts. With so many confined to such a small area, the space station is ripe for internal struggle, racial conflict, regular cast members' personal problems, and showdowns between various political interests. It's this intricate and diverse storyboard, coupled with amazing visual effects, that makes Babylon 5 one of the most successful sci-fi TV shows in recent memory…

The Babylon 5 DVD (Season 1) features a number of exciting episodes including the series premiere "Midnight on the Firing Line" in which the crew of Babylon 5 awake to find that the Narn have launched an attack on a Centauri colony. The event drives a wedge between Londo and G'Kar. Meanwhile, a number of attacks on ships around Babylon 5 by space pirates has become a rampant problem… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "The War Prayer" in which Babylon 5 is plagued by a racist group of humans who attack and brand alien residents, and "Babylon Squared" in which Babylon 4 reappears in the same coordinates in which it disappeared several years earlier, prompting the crew of Babylon 5 to arrange an evacuation of its predecessor while they try to discover the cause…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Babylon 5 (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Midnight on the Firing Line) Air Date: 01-26-1994
Episode 2 (Soul Hunter) Air Date: 02-02-1994
Episode 3 (Born to the Purple) Air Date: 02-09-1994
Episode 4 (Infection) Air Date: 02-16-1994
Episode 5 (The Parliament of Dreams) Air Date: 02-23-1994
Episode 6 (Mind War) Air Date: 03-02-1994
Episode 7 (The War Prayer) Air Date: 03-09-1994
Episode 8 (And the Sky Full of Stars) Air Date: 03-16-1994
Episode 9 (Deathwalker) Air Date: 04-20-1994
Episode 10 (Believers) Air Date: 04-27-1994
Episode 11 (Survivors) Air Date: 05-04-1994
Episode 12 (By Any Means Necessary) Air Date: 05-11-1994
Episode 13 (Signs and Portents) Air Date: 05-18-1994
Episode 14 (TKO) Air Date: 05-25-1994
Episode 15 (Grail) Air Date: 07-06-1994
Episode 16 (Eyes) Air Date: 07-13-1994
Episode 17 (Legacy) Air Date: 07-20-1994
Episode 18 (A Voice in the Wilderness: Part 1) Air Date: 07-27-1994
Episode 19 (A Voice in the Wilderness: Part 2) Air Date: 08-03-1994
Episode 20 (Babylon Squared) Air Date: 08-10-1994
Episode 21 (The Quality of Mercy) Air Date: 08-17-1994
Episode 22 (Chrysalis) Air Date: 10-26-1994

Another bullet in the cake?

2011-03-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Another bullet in the cake? No, this time I eat the cake.
I finally saw "Hate Rock" the long awaited - actually 23 hours download - documentary about us. The presentation of the documentary seems much harder than what the video says in reality. Before watching this video I asked for impressions to people who saw it on the cable in the US and all their comments have been very negative. I was caught days ago while answering to some questions on the phone. I classified this documentary as antifascist propaganda, because this is what it seems reading the introduction on the websites (SMG productions and Discovery Times) and this is how people described the show to me. I have to say instead, after watching the work, that it is a "documentary" and not the ultimate show about the "absolute evil".
If I ever missed anything or did not understand anything or if you just want to post a comment (including the expected "go to hell"), you can send a message to my forum (you don't need to register) or to my email address: viking@ashtree.org

Contents
Length limitation (about 1 hour) and lack of time make also the best of the videos a marginal work. You must have asked yourselves: what to include and what to exclude? How to delineate the whole documentary? So, this is the section in which I will list (I will exceed!) your "made 30s, why not 31?", all good advices for someone who'll try to write a book - maybe - about hate rock in future, and I guess many of the things I will write down here were maybe consciously excluded, not just forgotten.

I have seen you pointed your attention to our more or less extreme faces, the "interface", so how music is spread, how concerts are organized, what different images we use, the persecution we get and so on...it's a very good video, but I think sometimes it is too "aesthetic", it often proposes some songs with "impact" lyrics but does not get into their deep meaning, imaging people outside already know about our beliefs (only in Detroit instead you captured a good deal of explanations about some aspects of white power music or when you talked about the 14 words) and sometimes it escapes too much towards descriptions of political organizations forgetting it is a documentary about music and it confines the "white power" movement into the racist thing too much.
Question number one: what is a racist? And on a higher level: what is a nationalist?
It would have been interesting to know how a song is born, in what situation. From the documentary we seem to want ethnic cleaning mostly or only and above all... and you sent my song "Don't go round with the Jews", for instance (I'll take myself as example, because I know myself), which is not a song about that topic, but about the problem of social integration. You chose from my interview my declaration "I say I'm not a nazi, I'm a fascist, I must defend my italian history"... I must comment, with or without that sentence my position doesn't change: I'm a so-called "white power" songwriter anyway, so the statement - extracted from a long discussion - is redundant in this context.

You talked a lot about persecution against our music, absolutely daily life. I think you fully described what happens to our bands and organizers.
Shawn made very clear arguments about it and Erich of Resistance added that music sales help the activities, but what's missing between these parts? It's quite clear that people like the Big Jews or the Communists persecute us (Death to ZOG! People shouted.), but no one clearly expressed some opinions about the reasons. Hegemony for example? What does it mean? What could the interests be? (I'm aware it's impossible to talk largely about it in such a video without falling out of the circle of the topic, but maybe a little idea could be given)
I think the most important reason is implicit, but at the same time fragmented, in your documentary: this kind of music is engine for activities!
Really there are harder crimes than "loving your own folk" in this world, but they are not persecuted. Is recruitment a possible reason for this persecution? You talked a lot about it, but you did not say it is - surely it is - a reason why we are persecuted, or better, there are opposite forces pulling people from other sides into their own gardens.
Very good...In total simplicity you expressed so well the moment "before the concert" in Verona (also in Britain showing true rehearsal). It's direct, it's clear... I'll write more about it later in the editing section. Another good note about the concert in Germany (it was like you were there ready to be arrested together with the skins!).

I saw you noticed how internet increased the sales and the spreading of our music... this is real. Anyway, you didn't investigate about how our music is technically and artistically produced. (You must have seen that artistic production is almost completely missing in this scene!) You showed a recording studio... but what about other solutions, live recordings and...distance recordings? You also talked too little about executive production: if you look carefully you'll find deep gaps among labels! You touched the MTV topic, but which are the requisites for being on MTV? And do we want to be there or are we avoiding? (I personally was on the charts for most downloaded songs on mtv.it...eheh! I'm terrible!)
Or did you ask yourself: in terms of numbers does the white power movement produce and prefer more musically skilled bands or lyrically oriented bands? Which is the balance among these two aspects? (Erich just mentioned something about it) Is there any kind of attempt/effort for an industrial product? Prussian Blue have an organization behind, they "aggressed" the media, they have a tv crew supporting them, a network of advancers...you talked about them, but did not notice this! And how would a music industry based on political groups make difference from current mainstream industries if it takes off? What consequences does it take?
You talked about bands, some in political groups, others external, but which are the differences between a band in politics and a band which is not? Is music more transversal when outside the party?
What about the "fans"? How much do they spend? How do top seller products change according to age, country, income...of buyers?
What about peer-to-peer and how does it damage our scene? How do fans interact and cultivate their interest (forums, mp3-video-photo uploads, blogs and original websites...)?
The Turner Diaries: cutting that part there was place for all these aspects or for another band... I would have chosen Kolovrat or some other band from Eastern Europe.

I appreciated the fact - and now I'll be killed for this - that you didn't mention Ian Stuart so much, but your analysis of "hate rock" has been contemporary.
I liked a lot the line you followed, visiting the concerts and their backstages as self-talking environments.

What's really missing? I'm not the only one who states this: I think you didn't focus at all on the metal scene, such as Burzum (whose cds are sold at your local Virgin Megastore!), or neofolk (I'm considered neofolk, but I'm not one of the exemplary artists who play this genre). You didn't talk about the pagan and christian subcurrents and their struggles (oh, so wrong to have religion and politics together... but this happens!).
And what else... you didn't see there are some professionists who make this music and who are trying their way outside the movement. (I won't nominate, because I'm not sure I am allowed)
I'm sorry to say this final thing, because your work really deserves many honours, but this documentary is still a "flouring" of white power music. I'm very critic about this, yes, like a spinster teacher, because the attempt was really promising and mature this time!
So, sincere congratulations!

My experience on the set and the comments of the old aunts...
I have to award the professionality of those who worked on this documentary, obviously in particular those 3 nice guys I mentioned on "Gloucester Road" (I don't know the others...).
It was not my first time on tv and on press in general. Apart from right-wing press stuff, my relationship with the out-of-the-ghetto press has always been quite stormy...
do you remember, folks, for example, my pics with the bottle or when (on Italian satellite tv) a prestigious reporter aggressed me and cut my hair?
I have to say this time I was treated like a princess. I spoke, answered to questions, I was not aggressed, never interrupted and I have eaten and drunk.
I was shown on the screen like a normal girl with a guitar during a possible ordinary moment of my life - ok, Magnus and Katana are still laughing on the floor saying I walk like a duck. Also all the other people in the video are "men and women".
I received some complaints via email about what I didn't say in the video...
you have to know, sometimes I speak too much and I had promised my close mates of Ashtree things about defence topics and scientific reseach and paganism, because these are important themes in our struggle here at Ashtree Records.
You didn't choose anything of this and ok, it's your choice.
To those who say I'm shown for a too short time on this documentary I reply:
I have always tried to fill my music with hidden messages and now I appear on this video as a subliminal message, so I don't see the problem!

Audience
Some people said your documentary is too British. Well, in my opinion since you are British and the documentary was first produced for Five and then distributed overseas, I think you might have some British audience.
I would like to write down some personal observations and I would like to propose some new hint for reflection and curiosity.
Before investing money on any television production, you must have an idea about the audience to which your product is addressed. It's hard - believe - it's hard to find a man who's got no interest or simply never heard of "hate rock", who sits down in front of the tv and watches a show like this. It's not ignorance... it's a situation like going back home, tired from work and just relax with something pleasant which depends on tastes. You know, television is still not "programmed" by audience (even digital terrestrial, which is sold like "power in the hands of the spectators!") anyway the man, who's God with the Remote Control, could choose a documentary about lions rather than sieg heil sieg heil...
You talked about "arising hate rock". Do you think hate rock is arising alone or is it accompanied by the number of people who are interested in watching your documentary on tv? (Remember, we sell cds because there are fond listeners)
I'll try to be clearer. I have the curiosity to know, whether you considered to produce this video because there are a lot of people who would like to know more about the topic.
Somebody shouted "another jewish thing!"... no, I think, instead, as Orwell's Big Brother teaches, the unwanted truth is hidden! You DO show hate rock, so I see no jewish conspiracy.

MacIntyre
Donal, what kind of name is that? Anyway, I thought MacIntyre was much worst, according to what my nice cooperator from our Press Room Neil Rush said: "George Clooney on holiday". Oh, God, I thought, What is it?
I'm watching from far away Italy. The times I was in Britain I never had the opportunity to see this man in action on tv, so this is my first time. I read his name and I searched on internet. His photos on his website don't make good impression of him as professional figure... I'm not becoming a bigot...
I would like to focus again on the introduction written for this documentary. As I said above it seems a factious introduction, referring to words like "disturbing rise of the racist and anti-semitic music industry". It's true, I should not connect the man with the words reported above, but - this is an advice - pay attention, Mac, because you may fall into the well known tv trap of "kindness", a disease attacking media... nobody's safe!
The history of times has taught: good-looking = kind.
Anyway, Mac, I know you too little to go on discussing this.
I found the location where you spoke adeguate. It was very "hip hop" style and in a certain way "opposed" to white power and since you are an external viewer (I'm not saying you're hip hop or black) the thing unconsciously matched somehow.
I'm sure, I bet 50 pounds, you didn't think about this, but the location was chosen because it was more "streetlife" and more "bad macintyre".

Video & Sound Editing
I cannot say much about filming, because I haven't got the requisites to talk about it, but I can say something about the editing, since it is a bit my cup of tea.
There's not much to say in reality. It's a professional work and done by masters.
I'm a little (some one would rather say "short") beginner - even though somebody has the courage to pay me for editing stuff - but I think I should examine.

I already talked about it, but I should add in this section that the times used to describe the different moments of the Verona event are as precise as a clock.
Sometimes too much "tourism" (indispensable, I don't deny!) cutting time for significative information. A "tourism" like the one in Detroit with explanations of places and local fauna is the good solution.

Sometimes maybe too long zoom in, zoom out on still images and...I don't remember,
I maybe took note about some too slow transition... but those are choices and strategic "fill holes" and pauses, change of rhythm...
The "futuristic" images + music leading to title "Hate Rock" after the introductive speech are like putting Madonna's "American Life" as soundtrack for a documentary about nuns. I don't know if this intro is stylistically in common with other documentaries from your series, but really here it is a punch in an eye.
I think the introductive speech was enough, since it was a sort of well done summary, it could lead to title "Hate Rock" perfectly.

The last 20 minutes of the show are much slower than the first part. Is it my impression?
Too long uncut videos, less movement... in my opinion, after about 40 minutes play, such a video should get a faster rhythm because it's like the audience - I don't want to say it falls asleep - is eating 300g of pasta and after all this food you may get enough of it.

Sometimes different speeches of a same person taken in different places, with too different noise backgrounds, are attached like a continuous speech but the contrast is too evident.
You should have overlapped or attached more carefully or tried to show the video (even half a second, don't need much) from which the environmental noise is taken.
You may wonder "You, right you are telling me this...have you ever seen your own stuff?"
Yes, I have and I don't want to remember.

Angel (DVD) Review

2011-03-01T14:43:00.001-08:00

Nominated for 25 Saturn Awards and one Emmy for Outstanding Makeup for a Series, Angel has established a strong cult following during its five-year run on the WB network. A spin-off of the enormously popular series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel has followed in the footsteps of its predecessor and boasts many of the same heroes and villains. Created by Joss Whedon, the show is one of a number of successful original series aired by WB including Buffy, Smallville, Dawson's Creek, and Gilmore Girls among others…

Angel revolves around the life of Angel (David Boreanaz), a vampire turned do-gooder following a long career of killing the innocent. After spending three years in the small California town of Sunnydale with his girlfriend Buffy, Angel moves to Los Angeles where he sets up Angel Investigations to help those people most in need of protection from the dark forces that lurk within the city. Aided by old friends and new, Angel seeks to redeem his soul while cleansing the streets of Los Angeles of demons, warlocks, and evil lawyers… Angel's supernatural fighting team includes Buffy crossover character Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), now an aspiring actress; erudite Englishman Wesley Wyndam-Price (Alexis Denisof), and street fighter Charles Gunn (J. August Richards). Together, they join forces in a series known for its well-written and suspense riddled plots…

The Angel DVD features a number of exciting episodes including the season premiere "City Of" in which Angel moves to L.A. unaware of his life purpose, at least until he meets up with his half-demon spiritual advisor Alan Doyle (Glenn Quinn) who reveals a more positive direction for Angel. When powerful vampire lawyer Russell Winters sets his sights on Cordelia, it's up to Angel to save her from his evil clutches… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Sense & Sensitivity" in which an evil sensitivity training instructor casts his spell over an entire police department including Angel himself, and "The Ring" in which Angel stumbles into a secret underground demon fight club…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Angel (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (City Of) Air Date: 10-05-1999
Episode 2 (Lonely Hearts) Air Date: 10-12-1999
Episode 3 (In the Dark) Air Date: 10-19-1999
Episode 4 (I Fall to Pieces) Air Date: 10-26-1999
Episode 5 (Rm w/a Vu) Air Date: 11-02-1999
Episode 6 (Sense & Sensitivity) Air Date: 11-09-1999
Episode 7 (Bachelor Party) Air Date: 11-16-1999
Episode 8 (I Will Remember You) Air Date: 11-23-1999
Episode 9 (Hero) Air Date: 11-30-1999
Episode 10 (Parting Gifts) Air Date: 12-14-1999
Episode 11 (Somnambulist) Air Date: 01-18-2000
Episode 12 (Expecting) Air Date: 01-25-2000
Episode 13 (She) Air Date: 02-08-2000
Episode 14 (I've Got You Under My Skin) Air Date: 02-15-2000
Episode 15 (The Prodigal) Air Date: 02-22-2000
Episode 16 (The Ring) Air Date: 02-29-2000
Episode 17 (Eternity) Air Date: 04-04-2000
Episode 18 (Five by Five) Air Date: 04-25-2000
Episode 19 (Sanctuary) Air Date: 05-02-2000
Episode 20 (War Zone) Air Date: 05-09-2000
Episode 21 (Blind Date) Air Date: 05-16-2000
Episode 22 (To Shanshu in L.A.) Air Date: 05-23-2000

All In The Family (Season 2) DVD Review

2011-02-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

The top Nielsen-rated television program from 1971 to 1976, All In The Family is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV sitcoms ever produced. Inspired by The Flintstones and The Honeymooners, All In The Family focused on the weekly antics of its own loud-mouth, politically-incorrect Fred Flintstone/Ralph Kramden clone, and like his predecessors, Archie Bunker has a hidden sensitive side. Ingeniously written and downright hilarious, All In The Family established new ground for TV sitcoms with its willingness to take on the taboo social issues of its day. Topics covers included bigotry, racism, homosexuality, sexism, death, and other namby-pam, commie-lib feminist ideals (at least that's how Archie would say it!) A true mammoth in the history of TV, All In The Family also led to a pair of highly successful spin-offs: Maude and The Jeffersons…

The All In The Family (Season 2) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere "The Saga of Cousin Oscar" in which Archie's Cousin Oscar arrives in Queens for a visit. Considering him a lazy, do-nothing, Archie isn't pleased to be playing host to Oscar (whom we never actually see), and the irritation is further amplified when Oscar dies in the upstairs bedroom. Now mourners fill Archie's house, and he must decide whether or not to plan a funeral… Other notable episodes from Season 2 include "Edith Writes A Song" in which Archie purchases a handgun for protection only to have two robbers use it against him, and "The Election Story" in which Mike and Gloria vociferously campaign for the liberal candidate while Archie throws his hat in with the opposition candidate…

Below is a list of episodes included on the All In The Family (Season 2) DVD:

Episode 14 (The Saga of Cousin Oscar) Air Date: 09-18-1971
Episode 15 (Gloria Poses in the Nude) Air Date: 09-25-1971
Episode 16 (Archie and the Lock-Up) Air Date: 10-02-1971
Episode 17 (Edith Writes a Song) Air Date: 10-09-1971
Episode 18 (Flashback: Mike Meets Archie) Air Date: 10-16-1971
Episode 19 (The Election Story) Air Date: 10-30-1971
Episode 20 (Edith's Accident) Air Date: 11-06-1971
Episode 21 (The Blockbuster) Air Date: 11-13-1971
Episode 22 (Mike's Problem) Air Date: 11-20-1971
Episode 23 (The Insurance is Cancelled) Air Date: 11-27-1971
Episode 24 (The Man in the Street) Air Date: 12-04-1971
Episode 25 (Cousin Maude's Visit) Air Date: 12-11-1971
Episode 26 (Christmas Day at the Bunkers') Air Date: 12-18-1971
Episode 27 (The Elevator Story) Air Date: 01-01-1972
Episode 28 (Edith's Problem) Air Date: 01-08-1972
Episode 29 (Archie and the FBI) Air Date: 01-15-1972
Episode 30 (Mike's Mysterious Son) Air Date: 01-22-1972
Episode 31 (Archie Sees a Mugging) Air Date: 01-29-1972
Episode 32 (Archie and Edith Alone) Air Date: 02-05-1972
Episode 33 (Edith Gets a Mink) Air Date: 02-12-1972
Episode 34 (Sammy's Visit) Air Date: 02-19-1972
Episode 35 (Edith, the Judge) Air Date: 02-26-1972
Episode 36 (Archie is Jealous) Air Date: 03-04-1972
Episode 37 (Maude) Air Date: 03-11-1972

All In The Family (DVD) Review

2011-02-27T08:42:00.001-08:00

The #1 Nielsen rated program from 1971 to 1976, All In The Family is quite simply one of the greatest television programs in history. Inspired by The Honeymooners and The Flintstones, All In The Family features its own loud-mouthed, opinionated blowhard sporting a hidden soft and sensitive side. Like Ralph Kramden and Fred Flintstone, Archie Bunker fulfills his role to absolute perfection, and the result is TV magic. Well-written and outright hilarious, All In The Family broke ground in the 70's with its willingness to tackle all the social issues and societal taboos of its day. Topics included racism, bigotry, sexism, homosexuality, death, and other namby-pam, socialist and liberal-feminist ideals (or at least that's how Archie would put it!) A titan among television sitcoms, All In The Family spawned a pair of shows which topped the ratings in their own right - Maude and The Jeffersons…

Carroll O'Connor plays the role of Archie Bunker, the titular head of the Bunker household. Loud and crass, Archie freely dispenses his bigoted remarks and ignorant comments from the living room of his Queens, New York home. Joining Archie is his loving and ditsy wife Edith (Jean Stapelton), his beautiful and progressive daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and her ultra-liberal husband Mike (Rob Reiner) whom Archie refers to as "Meathead". As Gloria and Mike's modern ideas clash with Archie's old school beliefs, all hell breaks loose in the Bunker household, but the Bunkers don't spend all their time arguing as they're inevitably held together by the immutable bond of love…

The All In The Family DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere "Meet the Bunkers" in which it's Edith and Archie's anniversary, and Edith manages to drag a reluctant Archie to church. Meanwhile, Mike and Gloria work overtime to create a celebration the Bunkers will never forget… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Archie Gives Blood" in which Archie refuses to participate in the blood drive because he's afraid of having his blood mixed with that of another race, and "Edith Has Jury Duty" in which Edith's conviction to hold steadfast as the lone juror in favor of a defendant's acquittal proves correct when the true culprit comes forward…

Below is a list of episodes included on the All In The Family (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Meet the Bunkers) Air Date: 01-12-1971
Episode 2 (Writing the President) Air Date: 01-19-1971
Episode 3 (Oh, My Aching Back) Air Date: 01-26-1971
Episode 4 (Archie Gives Blood) Air Date: 02-02-1971
Episode 5 (Judging Books By Covers) Air Date: 02-09-1971
Episode 6 (Gloria's Pregnancy) Air Date: 02-16-1971
Episode 7 (Mike's Hippie Friends Come to Visit) Air Date: 02-23-1971
Episode 8 (Lionel Moves Into the Neighborhood) Air Date: 03-02-1971
Episode 9 (Edith Has Jury Duty) Air Date: 03-09-1971
Episode 10 (Archie is Worried About His Job) Air Date: 03-16-1971
Episode 11 (Gloria Discovers Women's Lib) Air Date: 03-23-1971
Episode 12 (Success Story) Air Date: 03-30-1971
Episode 13 (The First and Last Supper) Air Date: 04-06-1971

Alias (DVD) Review

2011-02-19T09:01:00.001-08:00

Premiering in September 2001, Alias has built a steady and loyal following among television viewers. The show combines the fast pace action sequences of 24 with the conspiracy theory backdrop of the X-Files. It also doesn't hurt that the show centers itself around a character that's a beautiful and mysterious woman. But the true strength of Alias, as with most successful TV shows, is its unique and creative writers who manage to always keep their audience on edge…

Jennifer Garner (star of 13 Going On Thirty) plays the role of Sydney Anne Bristow, a beautiful, intelligent American woman recruited to work for the government's super secret SD-6 agency. However, problems arise when her fiancé is murdered by the agency she works for, and she ultimately discovers that SD-6 is not a legitimate government organization at all… In seek of revenge, Sydney contacts the CIA, and they deploy her as a double agent. Meanwhile, Sydney's estranged father, Jack (Victor Garber), also works as a double agent, and their relationship blossoms as a result of their work. Together, they manage to eliminate SD-6, and now both work full-time for the CIA where they're accompanied by fellow colleagues Marshall Flinkman (Kevin Weisman), Marcus Dixon (Carl Lumbly), and Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan)…

The Alias DVD features a number of exciting episodes including the season premiere "Truth Be Told" in which Sydney, against her better judgment, confides in her fiancé Danny the secrets of her SD-6 affiliation. Some time later, Danny is murdered, and Sydney finds reason to believe that SD-6 is involved in his death. She also comes to the realization that SD-6 (which also employs her father) is not a branch of the CIA, but an anti-US government force working against it. Sydney agrees to work with the CIA as a double agent, and along the way, she learns that her father is also a double agent. Episode one sets the framework for the remainder of the series… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Time Will Tell" in which Sydney is forced to take a lie detector test while SD-6 attempts to identify the mole within its ranks, and "Snowman" in which the SD-6 rival K-Directorate dispatches as assassin known as the "Snowman" to eliminate the newcomer Khasinau (alias "the man")…

Below is a list of episodes included on the Alias (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (Truth Be Told) Air Date: 09-30-2001
Episode 2 (So It Begins) Air Date: 10-07-2001
Episode 3 (Parity) Air Date: 10-14-2001
Episode 4 (A Broken Heart) Air Date: 10-21-2001
Episode 5 (Doppelganger) Air Date: 10-28-2001
Episode 6 (Reckoning) Air Date: 11-18-2001
Episode 7 (Color-Blind) Air Date: 11-25-2001
Episode 8 (Time Will Tell) Air Date: 12-02-2001
Episode 9 (Mea Culpa) Air Date: 12-09-2001
Episode 10 (Spirit) Air Date: 12-16-2001
Episode 11 (The Confession) Air Date: 01-06-2002
Episode 12 (The Box: Part 1) Air Date: 01-20-2002
Episode 13 (The Box: Part 2) Air Date: 02-10-2002
Episode 14 (The Coup) Air Date: 02-24-2002
Episode 15 (Page 47) Air Date: 03-03-2002
Episode 16 (The Prophecy) Air Date: 03-10-2002
Episode 17 (Q & A) Air Date: 03-17-2002
Episode 18 (Masquerade) Air Date: 04-07-2002
Episode 19 (Snowman) Air Date: 04-14-2002
Episode 20 (The Solution) Air Date: 04-21-2002
Episode 21 (Rendezvous) Air Date: 05-05-2002
Episode 22 (Almost Thirty Years) Air Date: 05-12-2002

Aladdin (DVD) Review

2011-02-19T07:40:00.001-08:00

Anxious to follow up on the massive commercial and critical success of Beauty And The Beast, Disney created another animated masterpiece with Aladdin. Although not nearly as successful in terms of critical acclaim as the aforementioned film, or later Disney creations such as The Lion King and Finding Nemo, Aladdin is nevertheless just as entertaining and probably the funniest of all the animated Disney features. With the voice of Robin Williams leading the way, the film is a non-stop foray into the timeless fantasy world of A Thousand And One Arabian Nights spliced together with the rapier-like wit and quick-fire humor of one of America’s most talented comic performers…

The film takes place hundreds of years ago in the windswept sands of the kingdom of Agrabah, where a young street urchin named Aladdin wanders the streets, stealing and hustling for survival. Along the way, he’s joined by his loyal companion Abu, a clever and enterprising monkey. Yet, in stark contrast to the poverty-ridden streets below, the lustrous facade of a massive palace towers high above the urban world of Aladdin. Inside, the Sultan of Agrabah lives a carefree life of opulence and luxury with his beautiful daughter Jasmine and a cunning, ambitious adviser named Jafar.

Forced to spend her days inside the palace walls, the headstrong Princess Jasmine sneaks out in order to experience the world around her. During this dangerous trek through the streets of her kingdom, the girl befriends Aladdin who is immediately awestruck by her beauty. But when Princess Jasmine’s escape is brought to the attention of Jafar and her father, she is quickly rounded up, and Aladdin is thrown in prison. Hoping to seize the kingdom for himself, Jafar enlists the aid of Aladdin in an effort to obtain a fabled magic lamp, the purported powers of which are unlimited. Legend has it that only a “diamond in the rough” is capable of retrieving the lamp from the Cave of Wonders. All others will be swallowed whole by the endless sands of the desert.

When Aladdin fails in Jafar’s quest, he is left for dead. But he soon discovers the mysterious lamp and the blue genie who resides within. Granting Aladdin the ultimate power of three wishes (with certain conditions such as not wishing for more wishes or wishing for someone to fall in love with you), the genie transforms Aladdin into a powerful Prince, thus making him eligible to marry Princess Jasmine. Riding into Agrabah at the helm of a triumphant parade, only Jafar knows the true secret of Aladdin’s identity and his success, and he’s determined to scheme and connive until he gains control of the magic lamp himself…

Aside from Robin Williams, this film is easily forgettable. With him, Aladdin is transformed into a legendary blockbuster hit. In fact, the later appearances of comic voices in animated films such as Shrek (Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy), Mulan (Eddie Murphy), Finding Nemo (Ellen DeGeneres), and The Lion King (Nathan Lane & Whoopi Goldberg) can most likely be traced back to the overwhelmingly positive audience reaction to Robin Williams and the comic relief his blue genie provided. This once overlooked aspect of the animated film has since become a staple, and Aladdin is the reason why. In addition, the film boasts a beautiful soundtrack that gave birth to the chart-topping hit “A Whole New World”. Fun for children and adults alike, Aladdin is the perfect film for those who enjoy creativity, humor, and a great story…

Al Gore’s Inconvenient Infomercial: A Movie Review

2011-02-18T07:53:00.001-08:00

Who is the chubby, aging baby boomer waddling through airport after empty airport, wearily tugging along his 2-piece luggage roller? Hey, it’s not Michael Moore (again). Why, for heaven’s sake, it’s none other than a bored, disgruntled Al Gore, Jr. – the Man Who Personally Believes He Coulda/Woulda/Shoulda Been King! Well, at least Saturday Night Live believed him. Instead of ruling the Western World with a Green Fist, he’s starred in a new movie persuading us to stop using up so much energy. Meanwhile, Al Gore Jr. cruises about foreign capitals in one gas-guzzling, chauffeured Mercedes after another, pondering one very deep thought after another while solemnly tapping away on his Mac Powerbook. Earth to Al Gore: Actor Steven Seagal already nailed down the slick but glazed ‘poseur look’ about nine movies ago.

Is “An Inconvenient Truth” a documentary about Global Warming, or Al Gore’s microphone-grabbing, spotlight-snatching platform to whine about, and revisit, his presidential election loss, six years ago? Is former Veep Gore really hoping to educate film audiences about the very serious dangers of carbon dioxide emissions, greenhouse gases and abrupt climate change, or conniving to create a multi-media white paper for the Democratic Party’s energy agenda? We’re not sure, actually. Perhaps, it is because Al Gore, and the film’s executive producer Davis Guggenheim, were themselves confused as to the direction in which they were heading with this narcissistic political propaganda.

C’mon, a former high-profile Vice President of the United States shuffling through airport security like the rest of us hoi polloi? If so, then why didn’t the alarm bells go off? For those who missed it, in one scene Gore wore a belt buckle the size of a small dish, when passing through the airport’s metal detector. And it didn’t screech? Right! Or how about the scene where a pompous Al Gore (sans bodyguards) was hailing a cab in Manhattan, but no one recognized him? Well, perhaps that part was realistic. Who really cares about Al? Was the former #2 man doing a for-the-people inspirational routine, along the lines of “He Walks Among Us,” so that we’d buy his punch line about self-sacrifice at the end of the movie?

The man, who at one time claimed to have invented the Internet, more carefully documented his alleged 30-year personal campaign to help bring Global Warming to a screeching halt. Amazingly, he didn’t include footnotes with his film speech. We’re sure Gore was anticipating the “I invented the Internet” jokes and dutifully prepared his track record for audiences. He shamelessly dredged up memories of his old Harvard science professor, Roger Revelle, whom he once called into congressional hearings to have the scientist warn about CO2 emissions and rising water temperatures.

How seriously can we take ‘Scientist’ Al Gore? In a Washington Post article (March 19, 2000), Al’s grades and scores were questioned, during the presidential campaign, and the assistant headmaster at Gore’s private school, St. Albans, reportedly “chuckled at (Gore’s) science results.” He had scored so poorly.

Gore’s one constant, his glibness, manifests in this quasi-documentary. Mostly it’s a political infomercial, but for whatever reason Gore was so fervently pitching and hyping Al Gore was never made clear. He hasn’t quite grasped how serious the earth’s climactic changes could impact our civilization, other than flicking through multiple photos of receding glaciers and a few other tidbits. Gore mentions we might have 100 million refugees if sea levels rise, as if those many would actually survive. In contrast, Dr. Lovelock, author of “The Revenge of Gaia,” is forecasting the demise of billions of people under the same “earth is melting” scenario. Whom do we believe? We vote Lovelock, not Gore. After all, the politician admits, in a recent Rolling Stone magazine interview, Lovelock has forgotten more science than Gore has ever learned.

Whatever gravity the poseur portrayed during his supercilious narration, and in his deep-thinking (but awkward) poses, Gore nullified these moments with clumsy flashbacks to the 2000 presidential campaign. (Well, Gore reportedly did a lot of drugs in college, so we guess he's entitled to his flashbacks.) While he claimed in his movie to have moved on, the man still sounded downright bitter during this pre-campaigning film farce. His movie oozes contempt for the man who defeated him, and offers the same ill will toward anyone distantly related – family, business or otherwise – to the man who is now President of the United States. For those who helped keep him out of the White House or dissed him? He repays his enemies in a way only a screenwriter could: Gore adds his enemies to his movie.

Gore’s rapid-fire “subliminal images” are cleverly aimed at Florida and the 2000 presidential campaign. Take that Senator Katherine Harris! Guess which state gets submerged first when the polar ice caps melt? You got it, Florida. Of all the lakes in the world which are drying up, Gore selects Lake Chad. For those who have forgotten, it was the notorious “chads,” which cost Gore the presidency. Darn it Al, will you let it go? It’s been six years, you know. You LOST the election!

Film goers should wonder why an ex-tobacco farmer, and erstwhile U.S. presidential candidate (going 0 for 2 on presidential campaigns), has only NOW come out against fossil fuels because of Global Warming. What’s his agenda? To educate the public? If that is the case, then the filmmakers should have focused on the matter at hand – the earth is getting hotter, and we need a solution. Dr. James Lovelock’s mandate is simple: Nuclear energy is the single solution. Listen up, Hillary Clinton – you might have enjoyed Al’s ramblings, and said so in your pretentious New York Press Club speech last May, but where is Gore’s actual solution to the Global Warming crisis?

The self-righteous Al Jr. offers no solution in his movie. Even when asked by an audience in China for his solution, Gore spouts non-sequiturs – political rhetoric, but no word of a solution. The movie director deftly cuts away before Al can look even sillier, while we wonder why Al offered no solution.

The film shows images of a nuclear reactor, a wind farm and running water. Was the blustering Al or his bewildered movie director hoping the audience would choose a solution for them? At least Ross Perot, in his infomercials, had some solution for the ills then facing America. Al has none. Zippo. Nada. Just join Al’s crusade and start driving a hybrid car. Or did he mean a bicycle? After all, in one scene, Al boasts about the Chinese riding their bicycles and flashes a dated photo showing this. Wake up, Al, last we heard, the Chinese were driving Beemers and Benzes, not bicycles. Bikes are reserved for environmentalist weenies who can’t find a real job.

Al seems to be pro-nuclear, but claims there are problems with proliferation and waste disposal. In an interview with Australia’s The Age newspaper, published in November 2005, Gore told the reporter he was not “reflexively against” nuclear energy. Wearing his hat as a fund manager for the Generation Fund, he told the newspaper that investing in uranium mining comes down to sustainability. In another interview with “Grist Magazine’s” David Roberts, published in May of this year, Gore responded to questioning about the nuclear energy renaissance, saying, “ I doubt nuclear power will play a much larger role than it does now.” How’s that for naiveté in the context of dozens of countries having already announced their plans to advance their nuclear energy programs?

Perhaps, Gore will begin touting renewables, as Hillary Clinton has done on behalf of lapdog/energy guru Amory Lovins. We asked third-term Wyoming legislator, David R. Miller, who is also president of a U.S. uranium development company, Strathmore Minerals, about the madness over renewables becoming a serious factor for baseload electricity generation. Miller told us, “We were 100 percent renewable 300 years ago, 50 percent renewable 100 years ago and 30 percent renewable 50 years ago. Now, we are less than 10 percent renewable and shrinking fast.”

About nuclear energy, Miller added, “It nearly unlimited. We are learning to use better technology to make purer energy to do more for us.” Miller’s rebuttal on Al Gore’s message was emphatic, “Those that preach about saving the earth should practice what they speak, but the loudest voices are those that consume the most.” Miller pointed out, “Only the rich and idle have time to rail against too much consumption. But they want you to stop the consuming, not them.”

One could look deeper to better understand Al Gore’s ambiguity toward any solution. For example, is Al Gore’s family still a large shareholder of Occidental Petroleum? After all, his father took a consultancy with a subsidiary of the multi-national oil firm, upon leaving the U.S. Senate in 1970. Just in time to cash in on the oil embargo of 1973, Al Gore’s dad was paid $500,000 per year for his services. Al Gore Sr. also served as a company director. Why was Al Gore’s father on such great terms with Armand Hammer, the founder of Occidental Petroleum? Hammer was a good buddy of Josef Stalin and his Kremlin successors. Hammer’s dad introduced Little Armand to Stalin, who helped him build the Hammer Empire. All this in return for one small favor: Julius Hammer founded the U.S. Communist Party.

Have the sins of the father visited the son? For the past thirty or forty years, Al Gore has allegedly received a “mining royalty” check from Occidental Petroleum for zinc ore discovered on the Gore family property. Reportedly, Al has been paid about $20,000 annually for mining rights to the property. But, that’s just chump change. Long before the Buddhist Temple fund-raising fiasco in Los Angeles, Al Gore was involved in dubious political financings.

We didn’t look that much more deeply into Al Gore. Truthfully, why bother? Gore’s remorse appears rigged; his acting is pathetic. For example, his sister died of lung cancer, before the family stopped growing tobacco. He makes a really big deal about this in his movie (despite his own alleged chain-smoking habits as a college student). But he failed to mention he continued receiving royalties from his tobacco farm for years after his sister died.

Gore also forgot his vivid 1988 presidential election campaign speeches, defending tobacco farmers in the southern United States. Imagine Mr. Clean telling tobacco farmers about how he, himself, tilled the soil with his bare hands and picked dem dar tobacco leaves wit his own fingers! Our research shows Gore continued accepting campaign donations from tobacco companies until at least 1990. Instead of being truthful with his audience, Gore mentioned in passing that the reason he ran for President in 1988 was to give Global Warming some exposure. Hypocrisy or ambivalence? You decide.

In his film, Gore claimed to have changed the way he performed his congressional duties after his six-year old son was hit by a car and nearly died. Throughout his movie, Gore uses every personal tragedy to play upon the audience’s heart strings. What does that have to do with Global Warming? Nothing, but it aids and abets an otherwise insincere politician to better sell his purported sincerity concerning abrupt climate change. The message is good; the messenger needs to take up a new hobby. Like unsuccessfully running for president again so he can finally get his just deserves: “Strike Three, you’re outa here!”

Why pay good money to get bored out of your skull with this blasé movie? Save the $7 to $10 (or more) on “Al Gore’s Inconvenient Infomercial” by reading the same stuff for no charge whatsoever (and without the deep-thinking, brooding ex-politician who spends nearly all of his 100 minutes preaching in your face). Kevin Bambrough and Eric Sprott wrote a detailed report, covering a great deal, if not more than what the Gore movie attempted to discuss.

24 (Season 2) DVD Review

2011-02-18T03:26:00.001-08:00

Premiering in November 2001, 24 set the television landscape on fire as one of the best new series and cemented its position as a pop culture phenomenon. Making use of an extremely original plot device, each season follows the exploits of a single day in life of hero Jack Bauer, each of the season’s 24 episodes chronicling an hour-long action segment from the day. Kiefer Sutherland plays the part of Jack Bauer, a daring government agent with awesome responsibilities. Each year’s episodes are similar to an action-packed Hollywood blockbuser, but they’re only a glimpse into a normal day in the life of Jack Bauer…

Season 2 supposedly takes place eighteen months after Jack’s big day in Los Angeles. Jack is now dealing with the death of his wife and is estranged from his daughter Kim. As a result, he contemplates retirement. But when President Palmer personally requests his help, Jack agrees to take on a new assignment. In so doing, Jack learns that a Middle-Eastern terrorist group called Second Wave is going to detonate a nuclear device in Los Angeles in the next 24 hours. Yet again the clock is ticking, and yet again, only Jack Bauer stands in the way of an evil conspiracy reaching its final fruition…

The 24 (Season 2) DVD features a number of breathtaking episodes including the season premiere which begins with President Palmer and his son fishing in an Oregon lake when he’s called away for an emergency. Ushered into an underground bunker, he learns of a terrorist plot to set off a nuclear weapon in the Los Angeles area in the next 24 hours. At the CIA’s Counter Terrorism Unit, George Mason is ordered to contact Jack Bauer in respect to the case, but it takes the personal appeal of President Palmer to move Jack into action. Meanwhile Kim, working as a housekeeper/nanny, overhears a domestic dispute between her boss and his wife, and she locks herself and the man’s daughter in a bedroom. As the episode concludes, Jack learns that the key to uncovering the whereabouts of the nuclear device may lie with a domestic terrorist organization he once infiltrated… Other notable episodes from Season 2 include (#31) in which Jack and Nina set up a sting to see if a contact can lead them to the site of the bomb, and (#46) in which Jack stands on the verge of making a break in the case but has his efforts thwarted by the president’s ex-wife, who’s involved in the terrorist conspiracy…

Below is a list of episodes included on the 24 (Season 2) DVD:

Episode 25 (12:00 A.M. – 1:00 A.M.) Air Date: 10-29-2002
Episode 26 (1:00 A.M. – 2:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-05-2002
Episode 27 (2:00 A.M. – 3:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-12-2002
Episode 28 (3:00 A.M. – 4:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-19-2002
Episode 29 (4:00 A.M. – 5:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-26-2002
Episode 30 (5:00 A.M. – 6:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-03-2002
Episode 31 (6:00 A.M. – 7:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-10-2002
Episode 32 (7:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-17-2002
Episode 33 (8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-07-2003
Episode 34 (9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-14-2003
Episode 35 (10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.) Air Date: 02-04-2003
Episode 36 (11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-11-2003
Episode 37 (12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-18-2003
Episode 38 (1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-25-2003
Episode 39 (2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-04-2003
Episode 40 (3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-25-2003
Episode 41 (4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-01-2003
Episode 42 (5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-08-2003
Episode 43 (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-15-2003
Episode 44 (7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-22-2003
Episode 45 (8:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-29-2003
Episode 46 (9:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-06-2003
Episode 47 (10:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-13-2003
Episode 48 (11:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M.) Air Date: 05-20-2003

24 (DVD) Review

2011-02-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

First airing in November 2001, 24 quickly established itself as one of the best television series around and solidified itself as a cult classic icon. Utilizing a novel premise, each season of 24 comprises a single day in lives of its characters, with each of the 24 episodes representing a one-hour time segment of that day. Kiefer Sutherland stars in the imminent role of Jack Bauer, a government agent periodically faced with enormous challenges within a single day. Each season is reminiscent of a fast-paced Hollywood action thriller, but it's only a busy day in the life of the heroic Bauer…

Season 1 unfolds in Los Angeles during the California presidential primary as CIA agent Jack Bauer and his colleagues uncover a murderous plot to assassinate front-running candidate David Palmer. With only 24 hours to uncover the identity of the determined killer, Jack must race against the clock if he has any hope of thwarting the plot. Meanwhile, Jack is distracted by his crumbling marriage and the disappearance of his rebellious teenage daughter. The clock is ticking… Can Jack save the man who may become president? And can he do so while keeping his family intact?

The 24 DVD features a number of breathtaking episodes including the season premiere in which the groundwork for the series and the season is laid. Jack plays chess with his daughter Kim (Elisha Cuthbert) before receiving a call from Nina Myers (Sarah Clarke), his colleague at the Los Angeles Counter Terrorism Unit, telling him to report in for an emergency meeting. Meanwhile, Jack and his wife Teri (Leslie Hope) realize that Kim snuck out of the house during the phone call… When Jack arrives at headquarters, he's informed of a plot to murder Senator David Palmer, the first serious African-American presidential candidate… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include (#8) in which Nina and Tony discover the identity of the mole who is working for Gaines, and (#23) in which terrorists threaten to kill Kim unless Jack complies with their wishes…

Below is a list of episodes included on the 24 (Season 1) DVD:

Episode 1 (12:00 A.M. - 1:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-06-2001
Episode 2 (1:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-13-2001
Episode 3 (2:00 A.M. - 3:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-20-2001
Episode 4 (3:00 A.M. - 4:00 A.M.) Air Date: 11-27-2001
Episode 5 (4:00 A.M. - 5:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-11-2001
Episode 6 (5:00 A.M. - 6:00 A.M.) Air Date: 12-18-2001
Episode 7 (6:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-08-2002
Episode 8 (7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-15-2002
Episode 9 (8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.) Air Date: 01-22-2002
Episode 10 (9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.) Air Date: 02-05-2002
Episode 11 (10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.) Air Date: 02-12-2002
Episode 12 (11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-19-2002
Episode 13 (12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.) Air Date: 02-26-2002
Episode 14 (1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-05-2002
Episode 15 (2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-12-2002
Episode 16 (3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-19-2002
Episode 17 (4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.) Air Date: 03-26-2002
Episode 18 (5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-02-2002
Episode 19 (6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-09-2002
Episode 20 (7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-16-2002
Episode 21 (8:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.) Air Date: 04-23-2002
Episode 22 (9:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-07-2002
Episode 23 (10:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.) Air Date: 05-14-2002
Episode 24 (11:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.) Air Date: 05-21-2002

Your Mental Energy Sphere - review

2011-02-11T05:40:00.001-08:00

Author Shyam Mehta is far from new to the world of writing, as this is his 16th publication. The main focus of all of Shyam’s work is helping others to find happiness in their lives and within themselves. Dedicating his life to what he believes in, Shyam is currently the founder and operator of the Loving Heart Center and an informative website (http://www.lovingheartcentre.net/) where Bhaki Yoga or Karma Yoga is taught.

Your Mental Energy Sphere is his latest work, and could qualify as a novelette - in that it is less than 20,000 words. Yet, to fully make use of this self-help guide, readers must allow space and time to contemplate what he is saying. Readers will benefit by reading this book slowly, at times when there are no distractions. Each sentence is valuable – no word is wasted, here. Using realistic tools such as deep introspection, evaluation and deduction, Shyam coaxes individuals to find their true happiness. Though Shyam provides the tools, he makes it clear that readers will have to take the steps that will ensure their own satisfaction in life.

Your Mental Energy Sphere is certainly an upbeat and educational publication. I recommend it to anyone looking for something that they just can’t quite reach. For any seeker of understanding, any person that is reaching for contentment in life – this book may bring the inspiration they need.

ISBN#: 1-4121-5165-1
Author: Shyam Mehta
Publisher: eBooksLib

Your Flight Questions Answered

2011-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Whether you are an experienced air traveler or a novice, John Cronin's book, "Your Flight Questions Answered," has a little bit of something for everyone.

Written more as a reference guide, Cronin's book covers the many questions the flying public can have before, during, and after flight. Cronin divides his book into seven sections each containing several questions with detailed answers: flight cancellations and delays, baggage handling, weather, air traffic control, airports, airliners, and pilots. His questions are written in basic form, much like the questions a concerned passenger would ask who is unfamiliar with flying. For example, one question he covers: what are those tiny pieces of metal sticking straight up from the wing? He details his answer with the explanation that they are vortex generators, which create a vortex that prevents air from separating from the wing or other surface area on an aircraft. Cronin breaks down his explanations further with additional details and often includes a supporting picture or graph to visually stress the answer.

For those who frequently take to the air, Cronin covers a number of the more difficult questions regarding aircraft instrumentation, airport markings, and cabin pressure; these are things that we probably know something about but may be unable to give a satisfactory answer to the inquiring passenger. Although the questions may seem more directed toward passengers flying on an airliner, business aircraft crew may find Cronin's book a handy reference to have available to their passengers as well.

Willa's Poppy - Book Review

2011-02-10T07:14:00.001-08:00

Willa’s Poppy is a 166-page young adult, thriller-adventure with a hero-element in a subtle theme of rising above challenges and making a difference in the world. Animal lovers, rescue shelter workers and all readers from 8-18 will adore Poppy’s adventures. Because the author also gives insight into an adult’s life through their feelings and experiences with their careers, this book may serve as a tool to bring understanding and awareness in families.

Willa’s Poppy is about the exciting adventures of a girl and her puppy as they grow to maturity. Willa, a young teenager, struggled in school. Her desires for a bloodhound dog enabled her to earn the pet through better grades. Always a bit of a loner with only one true friend, Willa easily took to training and befriending the rescued puppy. Bonding with her beloved Poppy brings Willa out of her shell where she blooms into a bright flower. The family has subtle difficulties, but the entire family comes together when Poppy locates a missing child and rescues both Willa and her baby brother, from a dangerous criminal.

Author of 5 other books, WWII veteran, farmer and garlic specialist Chester Aaron creates a wonderful, heart-warming story in which the hero is Willa’s dog – Poppy. The only noticeable negative point is the poor quality of the front cover design. Otherwise, I heartily recommend this book.

ISBN#: 1-55410-282-0
Author: Chester Aaron
Publisher: Zumaya Publications

What’s It Like Being You? - Book Review

2011-02-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

What’s it Like Being You? – Living Life as Your True Self is co-written by John Roger and Paul Kaye, who have collaborated previously on another book. Both of these authors are successful and sought-after lecturers, educators and best-selling authors in the self-help and spirituality genres.

This 184-page non-fiction book is jammed packed with helpful commentary that readers can use in their own lives to change their attitude towards themselves. By doing this, we can learn more about our purpose in life, attain more energy and a positive outlook in every moment of every day.

The heavy, durable cover is designed with large inner flaps that can easily serve as bookmarks. To help readers through the ongoing challenges to attain peace within themselves and in their lives, the authors have provided us with an inspirational meditation CD of just over 45 minutes in length.

In all, I felt a kin-ship with many parts of What’s it Like Being You? . In fact, it was like the authors had read my book of poetry (Towards Understanding) and translated it for me. I was able to see the journey I have been on from a different angle and I found this comforting.

Certainly, this book has provided helpful advice that will aide me in tuning out the noise and stresses of the world and focus on what this life – each moment of every day – brings forth.

ISBN#: 1-89020-25-8
Authors: John Roger and Paul Kaye
Publisher: Mandeville Press
Published: Nov. 2004

Waxing - Book Review

2011-02-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

The excerpt in the opening page of Waxing, before all the credits and the title page, was fantastic! That little enticing excerpt compelled me to read on with energy. This compact, 204 page fiction could be classified as a paranormal romance fantasy.

Author Megan Powell uses wit and pace to create a fun and suspenseful story. An alpha werewolf male is cursed and assailed from unexpected directions. In desperation, he turns to a solitary witch in hopes of righting wrongs and keeping peace within his pack. This is a story about obligations, finding love and balancing an underground life while intermingling with a society that must never know their kind exists.

Contrary to many stories involving werewolves and witches, Waxing has a believable scenario, is action-packed with an interesting and complex romance between the main characters, Derek and Liz. The author displays a rare talent in bringing the reader into the story at a deeper level by showing the thought processes of her main characters.

Having written her own books, participated in several short-story anthology books and currently editing two e-zines while doing book reviews for another e-zine, one could easily say that Megan Powell is an accomplished and busy writer. Her work tends to involve notes of magic, mystery and the intrigue of the unknown.

I enjoyed reading Waxing by Megan Powell. Actually the story reminded me of another enjoyable book entitled Shifter by J & G Reeves-Stevens - book one of the Chronicles of Galen Sword. Waxing, however, would be appropriate for young adult and adult readers alike.

ISBN#: 1-55410-263-4 (also available in e-book format)
Author: Megan Powel
Publisher: Zumaya Publications

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii - Review

2011-02-08T03:41:00.001-08:00

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii is the third book of a children’s series written by author Bettina Bathe. One of the very first striking aspects of this book is the illustrator’s use of bright colored fish and birds, a flowery helicopter, tropical scenery and agriculture within the Hawaiian Island region. The illustrations by Barbara Fortin (www.bellocchioillustration.com) also reveal lush forest and wildlife scenes including a myriad of creatures that dwell in the waters surrounding the islands.

This adventure begins when two Hawaiian youth, Kimo and Malia, request a scenic tour ride in Violet’s purple helicopter. As always, safety comes first for Violet, and they spend a few moments discussing air currents and looking at maps before starting out.

Violet and her passengers are accompanied by as they fly above tropical forests, a beautiful waterfall, interesting volcanoes and agricultural fields. The adventure is interrupted when they are called upon to help rescue a baby whale. Thanks to Violet’s confident pilot skills and her loyal animal and insect friends, the frightened whale is returned to her pod. These unlikely heroes arrive to their destination safely and celebrate with a Luau and a feast. This is no ordinary feast – the table is laden with all kinds of Hawaiian foods. And later, they are entertained by Hula Dancers and Violet plays her Ukulele.

The author incorporates real life terms in her books, yet she is able to explain things in a way that young people can clearly understand. The last page has an illustration with all three of the flags from the countries Violet has worked in so far. These could be excellent teaching and memory tools for the reader to use with children. However, Violet the Pilot in Hawaii offers more than entertainment and education - the author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Canadian Red Cross. Additionally, Bettina’s website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers for her young readers to enjoy.

ISBN#: 0-9738290-1-X
Author: Bettina Bathe
Illustrator: Barbara Fortin
Publisher: Violet the Pilot Enterprises, Inc.
Published: January 2006

Unspoken Dream: Book Review

2011-02-04T03:09:00.001-08:00

Carol Bennett writes a stunning mystery-thriller. Her chilling entrance is one I have encountered only rarely in a book. Here, we have a victim who looks like he had been swarmed by bees in the middle of a storm, but the reader is lead to believe that it was something much more ominous and that it is about to get worse.

There are many characters in the tale, but a group of teenagers that are about to graduate from high school (Mike, Jack, Jared, Jenny, Tracy, Dana, Alan) and Sheriff Nate are the main characters. The lead character, Mike, is more like a father figure for the group in that he concerns himself with the needs of his friends and becomes a compassionate leader to his community during an emergency. His girlfriend Dana, as a sweet and supportive character, gives him strength. Shy, Jenny who is blooming into a beautiful girl has a crush on Mike’s friend Jack, which sends Alan into a jealous frenzy. Though James and Tracy are dating, their buddy Jared holds a secret fondness for Tracy.

Carol did a wonderful job in portraying the characters in Unspoken Dreams. I was so involved in the story that by the time Mike finally broke down in grief for his friends’ death, I had tears running down my cheeks – this was less than 2 dozen pages into the book! Mike’s humorous relationship with his parents had me laughing aloud. And I felt real pity for Alan’s situation.

An excellent read for those who love a good thriller with a solid rate of tension throughout the book."

ISBN#: 1413767397
Publisher: Publish America, Inc
Author: Carol Bennett

Traci's Story - Book Review

2011-02-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

Tracie’s Story: Book Review

Tracie’s Story, by Marguerite Ashton, had sucked me into the story right from the start, and I had difficulty tearing myself away from the book all the way to the end. This is very a moving tale that is based on a true story of a woman brought up by an alcoholic single mother.

As a child, Tracie bravely accepts the barrage of difficulties, disrespect and responsibilities of handling a helplessly drunken parent – but it leaves her emotionally scarred. While driving under the influence, the thoughtless mother inflicts a permanent and visible disability on her child that serves as a constant reminder of her past. Every mirror, every pair of eyes reflects her abnormality and this becomes a torment for Tracie. As an adult, she struggles with her inner demons and the mind-numbing addictions to both alcohol and her work.

Marguerite Ashton uses a direct and simple writing style that envelops the reader in Tracie’s world so deeply that the real world fades away for a little while. The ending left me with a feeling that the book is not finished. Yet, because I was thinking about it for days, I would have to say the ending was quite effective.

ISBN#: 1-4137-7386-9
Author: Marguerite Ashton
Publisher: Publish America

Tips on Staying Young at Any Age

2011-02-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Can you stay young in your 50s, 60s and 70s? Is it really possible to fight the aging process? As the population of seniors in America grows, more and more people will be looking for ways to do just that.

In the past century, the average life expectancy in the United States has increased by 27 years. In fact, there are now about 70,000 people in America who are 100 years of age or older, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 1 million by 2050.

Barbara Morris, a pharmacist and motivational speaker, says that with the right outlook and motivation, it is indeed possible to enjoy at least 25 more years of "the good life."

In her new book, "Put Old on Hold," Morris tells you how to look, act and feel young at any age.

One way, Morris says, is to never tell people how old you are.

"Society attaches enormous significance to chronological age and most people have a stereotypical image of what a person at a specific age should look like, think like, dress like and speak like," Morris writes.

She suggests the following additional tips for living and feeling young.

* Have a clear vision of what you want your life to be like in 25 years. Know how well you want to function, mentally and physically, 25 years down the road. Have a clear vision and make a commitment to achieve it. This commitment will drive the choices you make about how you will live your life.

* Take an inventory of your youthful assets. Monitor and manage how you are changing. Identify and sharpen important youthful attributes such as mental and physical strength and flexibility. Remember, it's much easier to keep what you have than to regain what you lost. Be proud of what you can do.

* Indulge in positive thinking. You are what you say you are, so don't tell yourself you are getting old. Replace negativity with positive affirmations of your plans for improvement.

* Get in control of your health. Work with a traditionally trained doctor, but make sure she or he has expertise in anti-

aging therapies.

* Do not plan to retire. Instead, plan to have the time of your life. Go back to school or start a new business or career. Remember, if you have made your health a priority, you can have a great second life that's better than the first.

The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree

2011-02-02T08:38:00.001-08:00

Fascinating from the start, The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree, by Janice Parrish, is certainly hard to classify. A creative fiction based on the author’s own experiences while growing up in Southern States in the tumultuous 1960’s – a time of great change for America - could also be classified as an inter-racial romance or possibly a drama.

The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree involves multicultural and social issues, true young love, the relationship between the main character and her parents and so much more. The setting is based in Alabama, USA during the summer of 1963.

The novel follows 19-year-old Gaynell McGowan from the moment she returns to her home town during a summer break from college where she had learned all kinds of novel ideas that would forever alter her view of the people she once believed in and knew so well. Failing to fully complete her college course, Gaynell is assigned a paper, which lead her into the most tender and truest of loves anyone could ever experience. Readers will thrive on the thrilling, secretive, inter-racial romance and the incredible sacrifice Parrish’s characters endure.

A town, stubborn in their ways, is afraid of racial change and this fear empowers a threat so great that it has begun to rip the town apart and shatter families. The small town is facing the challenge of having the first school in Alabama become integrated with black students. Under orders from the government, bigoted and heartless behavior toward a set of people who just happen to have a darker skin begins to tear the town apart. So-called "normal, god-fearing" individuals strengthen their resistance and suppression, while a few individuals turn to hateful, murderous, cross-burning tactics.

My respect for the author grew when I read her statement "In Gaynell McGowan, I have found the voice to express the inhumanity we Southerners covered with good manners and lace tablecloths."

So many aspects of this time period and radical change are covered in her fantastic array of characters that I could not possibly do it justice in this book review. All that I can say is that this book has found a spot on my shelves indefinitely and the characters are locked in my mind forever. While I did not spend time in the Southern US, I did grow up around those that struggled with this issue and feel the way this author portrayed the people could not have been more realistic or more heart-felt.

The Sweet Shade of a Chinaberry Tree would be an excellent historical fiction movie not just because of the first hand experience, but also due to the excellent research the author put in to get the right feel for this dramatic period.

ISBN#: 0-7599-4807-0
Author: Janice Ward Parrish
Publisher: Hard Shell Word Factory
Published: 2006

The Road of Silk: Book Review

2011-02-02T03:27:00.001-08:00

The Road of Silk is an adventure fantasy, with mystical and magical elements and a high energy feel to it that any reader will enjoy. Although this novel is written for an adult audience, I believe anyone over the age of 10 could easily become immersed in its pages. This is a co-written work between Matt Afsahi and Barbara Dysonwilliams, who have written many of their own books in the past. In The Road of Silk, they successfully combined their wide range of knowledge in journalism, art, archaeology, literature and languages into a wonderful piece of work.

Six main characters play important parts in this battle of good against evil - where there is little hope of survival. Running is not an option, as it would only result in a gruesome war. Queen Yasmin, a stunningly beautiful young woman, is more than willing to sacrifice herself and marry an evil King whom she cannot love for something bigger than herself - the safety of her people. For her, war is a tragedy to be avoided at all costs, even if it means sacrificing love and happiness.

Queen Yasmin finds love where she did not expect it, and learns hidden family secrets that alter her future forever. She discovers a great power within herself and the journey helps her to find the strength and confidence that will help her rule justly and wisely. Along the way a deep friendship develops between unlikely characters that breaks through belief systems and ingrained feelings of duty.

Forced to make choices in challenging situations helps the six main characters grow into better (or sometimes worse) people. They all end up facing their greatest fears and their choices will determine their fate.

The Road of Silk was definitely an entertaining read. It had a smooth story line with interesting characters and had a sense of fun and energy to it throughout. I felt the authors were trying to tell readers that friendship and honor will seek us out when we live consciously. Living is about choices, after all – and few of the choices are easy.

ISBN#: 0974764469
Authors: Matt Afsahi and Barbara Dysonwilliams
Publisher: Synergy Books

The Real Story by Stephen Donaldson. Retrospective review

2011-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Synopsis

The Real Story is a short but intense tale set in a future in which humans travel between the stars using "gap drives," controllable brain implants are punishable by death, and a private company called the United Mining Company runs law enforcement for all of known space. Ensign Morn Hyland lives aboard a police ship with most of her family, chasing down pirates and other illegals who prey on the weak or smuggle goods into forbidden space.
Through a strange turn of events, one particularly nasty perpetrator ends up with Morn as his companion--or at least that's the way it appears to the folks at the space station's bar. Why would a young, strong, beautiful police officer associate with a crusty, murdering pirate? People watch with interest as Morn appears to fall in lust with another racy illegal, Captain Nick Succorso. Morn and Nick must have plotted together to frame Angus and escape together, right? But the real story was quite different.

Review

This novella is a prelude to four subsequent volumes, and it tells a simple and one-dimensional story. An intergalactic setting in the far future revolves around two rival space pirates named Angus Thermopyle and Nick Succorso, and, between them, a UMCP (United Mining Companies Police) ensign named Morn Hyland. The story is told from Angus' point of view, and he is one of the most depraved and sorry figures ever depicted in a work of fiction. His repeated violations of Morn -- described in graphic detail -- have drawn hostile reviews and cries of misogyny, but Donaldson's purpose is to evoke a thoroughly dark and sordid mood in this series. 'The Real Story' is simple and short., and indeed, as a stand-alone novel, this book is lacking is depth, character development (with the exception of one character, and though we come to understand his decisions, his motives are largely unrevealed) and a satisfying conclusion, there are two points that are vital to note. These two points are apparently contradictory, but I'll attempt to explain:

1) This was written as a short novella. It wasn't intended to be the first in a series, and as such it doesn't bear many of the traits usually associated with the first book in a series, such as hints of larger plots or other elements designed to draw the reader back for book 2. As a stand-alone novel, Donaldson kept this in a drawer, unpublished, for some years. Only as part of a larger series does it work, yet it doesn't read like the beginning of a series. Once you understand this, the flaws are less glaring.

2) In apparent contradiction of point 1, above, please understand that it IS the first in a series. The series itself is probably the best science fiction I've ever read, but it really doesn't get going until mid-way through book 2. Again, once you accept that most of the "good stuff" comes after 'The Real Story, it's easier to bear to flaws.

Though I don't seek to excuse any form of weakness here (after all, whatever it was intended to be and however great the rest of the series, the first book should still be complete and engaging), I do seek to prevent people being deterred by the lukewarm reviews of this first installment. It's not bad by any means, merely incomplete. I would issue a couple of warnings though: Firstly, this book is grim and brutal; be prepared. And secondly, Donaldson tells character-based stories in fantastic settings - if you're looking for detailed high technology and hard science, this might not be your scene.

The Letter Writer: Book Review

2011-02-01T08:30:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were portrayed very well. Jack, a multimillionaire who experiences mid-life crisis and ends up finding meaning to his life – but it costs him millions of dollars and emotional pain. Adele is a heavy-drinking, free-living, multimillionaire with an independent mind and a sense of humor. Wendy, a single mother who finds the love of her life. Mixed up educators playing with their students’ lives in their conquest and the retiring professor who resists this plot has a big secret. A married advisor carries on an affair with another man and when he is discovered, he thinks his world has ended.

I would say this fiction is a light comedy that is quite entertaining and has some romance elements as well. Author Robert Mercer-Nairne brings attention to common human frailties with a sense of fun. He clearly reveals the desire to ‘get rich quick’ in North American Society. Members of this society tend to hear what we WANT to hear and perceive the greener pasture out there somewhere – rather than in the here and now.

Readers are shown the foolishness of following others blindly and the danger of where our greed can take us. Innocents can have their life irrevocable altered by someone else’s desire to climb a corporate or social ladder. The benefit of spiritual leaders to help ground the characters in this novel, helping them learn to forgive themselves and move on in life is used at several points in the story.

I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, entertaining read.

ISBN#: 0974814105
Publisher: Gritpoul, Inc
Author: Robert Mercer-Nairne

The Latent - book review

2011-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

Marshall Frank, author of six books, has proved an exceptional ability to write absorbing who-dun-it’s time and time again. According to his website he is able to do this by embellishing on real life experiences during his 30-year career investigating homicides in the Miami-Dade region of Florida. In doing so he creates a realistic, action-packed, suspenseful detective story with his recent release, The Latent – a fiction novel, that I found difficult to put down.

The Latent focuses on one main character - the completely stressed out, heart-broken police investigator, Rock Burgamy. Haunted by a childhood experience and the loss of his young son, Rock battles an inclination to numb his sorrow and stress with booze. And these are not his only secrets. Twice divorced, Rock is slammed regularly with alimony and child support payments for his two other children. In order to keep up with it all, Rock must take as much overtime as possible. Unfortunately, with all of this happening at once, he delves further and further into the bottle. But he is a good man, a stubborn man who will not let a case go unsolved without giving it his all – even if it means his life or sacrificing love.

A chain of gay men killings appear to have a connection and over-worked Burgamy is assigned the case. Plots thicken as the investigation deepens and poor Burgamy walks into several situations that set him up for a fall so big that he cannot get out alone.

Fantastic and intriguing insight into the underground street-sex establishments is only one of the many angles in this book. Problems within the police department from budget constraints and personal temptations to office politics is another. I am confident that The Latent will take readers inside this dark and dangerous world so smoothly that everything else fades away unnoticed.

ISBN#: 1-4137-9890-x
Author: Marshall Frank
Publisher: Publish America
Published: 2006

The Jewish Pilgrimage - Book Review

2011-01-28T04:51:00.001-08:00

The Jewish Pilgrimage – An Exploration of Reality, Mainly in Verse

The Jewish Pilgrimage by Geoffrey Hoffman is clearly written to inspire philosophical discussion. This book depicts the author’s personal journey to find some form of understanding about man, our various versions of God and how this effects society and the use of its knowledge. He debates moral issues and provokes deep thinking in several areas that will never leave my mind as I travel along my own road.

Geoffrey questions the justness of creation itself and the gift of consciousness. Also he cleverly uses metaphors when he depicts various pieces of himself by using the universe, planets and astrological colors. Without a doubt this student of life, takes joy in nature. Throughout the book the author makes his awe in the vastness of the universe quite apparent.

My personal favorite piece was Beautiful Among The Buildings, which used powerful visual statements like:
"Night sprawls among the broken lives that line the broken street;
The lonely and unpitied men whose waste is our defeat.
Men stagger from dank cellars; men, imprisoned in their cars,
Go roaring into sightlessness – unmindful of the stars."

And the equally powerful anti-war piece, No Frontiers:
" The father carrying the limp body of his child,
The soldier staring at his amputated hand,
The little girl among the bloodied pieces of her parents –
What does it matter if they are of one side or another?
Dogma cannot grieve.
It is the pain of individuals that sears."

I also really appreciated Half Sight, which discussed the inability to witness the good and love in life when there is so much horror to distract us from it. Today Near Watford Market was a very moving piece for me in that it was so visual. It describes an event where the author witnesses a man speaking to the public about his lack of belief in religion. And "circling like wolves, the true-believers snarled, snapping at both his arguments and him." Yet nearby an elderly women fell, sprawling her shopping items on the ground around her. The non-believer ran over to her side and helped her on her way, "jostling to her assistance through unmoving ranks of true-believing ice". It is a beautiful story about seeing God where you least expect it.

In the later part of the book, the author moves away from poetry and gets in to verse debating who the Jewish people are, what they are perceived as being and the persecution of this group of people through the ages. His interesting look at the holocaust does not dwell on the sorrow or loss of the people – rather it centers on the people themselves.

By far, Jewish people are not the only race of people who have suffered at the hands of man and I think the author means to use the example as a tool to accelerate the intellectual growth of mankind.

ISBN#: 1-4137-7281-1
Author: Geoffrey Hoffman
Publisher: Publish America

The Frugal Book Promoter - Book Review

2011-01-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Frugal Book Promoter – How to do What Your Publisher Won’t is the third book written by author Carolyn Howard –Johnson, but by far – it is not the last. Already she is planning on releasing a book of poetry. The Frugal Book Promoter has won the USA Book News award for Best Book 2004, and has also been an Irwin Award winner.

For Dave and I, the promotion of our two books and promoting the upcoming e-book has been an uphill battle. Intensive research on our part for more than three years has prepared us for most of the work, and because of this research and hands-on experience I found very little in this book that was actually new to me. I also found it somewhat lacking in areas that could have used more attention, such as its organization.

Carolyn’s sentence structure and grammar use was confusing and frustrating at times for me to read. There was also repetitive use of information and examples, which I found a bit redundant. Personally, I would have preferred another method of organization for the book. For instance, there are many aspects of reviews, but I felt all of these should be discussed in one chapter rather than scattered throughout the book. While few links on the site were new to me, of the dozen or so that I tried one or two were no longer active. This is no fault of the author, however, and is due solely to the ever-changing Internet.

However, I was reminded of some weak areas in our marketing plan and was given some incentive for those areas I am about to broach in our schedule. I appreciated many of the links that I discovered and have had excellent responses from them.

Overall, I think The Frugal Promoter is a book that reads like you are sitting across from the author having a discussion. This is an aspect of the writing style that I certainly enjoyed. It could be considered a useful beginner’s tool that would save time by providing links, basic promotion options to choose from and several marketing ideas that are outside the norm.

ISBN#: 1-932993-10-X
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Publisher: Star Publish
Published: 2004
Pages: 288

Reviews

The Fair Tax Revolution

2011-01-27T07:55:00.001-08:00

Few people would expect a book about taxes to take The New York Times bestseller list by storm, but that's exactly what The Fair Tax Book has done. For decades, Americans from every point on the political spectrum have moaned about April 15th and the maze of ridiculous instructions and high confiscatory taxation that accompanies that day. The current tax code is a labyrinth of over nine million pages of indecipherable jargon only a federal bureaucrat could fully appreciate. So is there anything we can do about this monstrosity?

You bet. The Fair Tax Book, authored by Georgia Congressman John Linder and nationally syndicated talk radio host Neal Boortz, lays out a perfect case for why the current tax code should and can be replaced by a simple and easy to understand tax system that slashes the current nine million pages of red tape in favor of a 133-page gateway to prosperity.

The concept is simple. All current federal taxes - income taxes, medicare taxes, social security taxes, gasoline taxes, capital gains taxes, etc. - will be eliminated overnight. In their place, the federal government will levy a single 23% sales tax on all retail goods. Workers will finally get to take home 100% of their paychecks. Investors will finally be able to invest without having worry about the tax consequences. And April 15th will become just another ordinary day. Sounds simple right? Well, you'll probably have more than a few questions and concerns. But The Fair Tax Book performs a stellar job in addressing the most commonly asked questions. Questions such as the following:

If we do this, won't prices go up 23%? No. The elimination of all current federal taxes will also eliminate the embedded tax costs inherent in all products currently sold. Since the Fair Tax will only be applied to final retail products, and not the inputs used in the manufacture of those products, prices will drop an average of 22% across the economy. So prices will remain the same!

What about the poor, won't they get hammered by the Fair Tax? Absolutely not. In fact, the Fair Tax is the only tax reform bill before Congress that totally eliminates the tax burden of the poor. Under the Fair Tax, every American (from the richest among us to the poorest among us) will receive a monthly rebate check from the federal government that covers the cost of the 23% sales tax up the poverty level. So a check for approximately $450 will be deposited in everyone's bank account to cover the 23% tax on the basic necessities of life (such as food, gasoline, clothing, etc.)

You'll probably have more questions than can possibly be addressed in this short article, but I have no doubt they'll all be answered if you simply take the time to read The Fair Tax Book. Authors Neal Boortz and John Linder brilliantly lay out their case for tax reform in an easy to read format that's also quite entertaining. And with powerful and influential Americans such as Tom Delay, Alan Greenspan, and Sean Hannity all trumpeting their support for the Fair Tax, it seems certain to dominate the realm of political discourse in the months and years ahead.

Once you've read it, you'll probably agree that The Fair Tax Book is probably the most important book to hit the American political landscape since Uncle Tom's Cabin. The FairTax is simple and easy to understand. More importantly, it returns America to the original intent of the Founding Fathers by creating a system of voluntary taxation that unleashes the true potential of free individuals. The explosion in wealth creation certain to follow will fuel America's position as the world's leading superpower for decades to come and solidify our nation's future for our children and grandchildren.

As a result, The Fair Tax Book will probably launch a political revolution. With the 2006 mid-term elections drawing near, take the time to educate yourself about the Fair Tax Act of 2005. You might well decide to become a minuteman in this modern day American tax revolt!

The Dark Side Of Camelot

2011-01-27T06:49:00.001-08:00

What if that magical world of Arthur had really existed? What if we only had part of the story? What if Camelot still existed? No longer in the hands of Arthur or his knights, but in the hands of Morgen le Fey and her court who are determined to reconstruct the Round Table and use it for evil? It would be the ultimate tale of good versus evil.

That is just what Kinley MacGregor, medieval historian and New York Times best-selling author (writing as Sherrilyn Kenyon), does as she exposes the dark side of one of literature's most beloved legends in her upcoming novel, "Sword of Darkness" (Avon Books, $6.99). "Sword of Darkness" is the first novel in her much-anticipated new series, "The Lords of Avalon," which marks a complete departure from MacGregor's lauded works of medieval Scottish romance, and the first instance in which she introduces elements of the paranormal, for which her alter ego Kenyon is famed, in her pantheon of works with Avon Books.

In "Sword of Darkness," Camelot is not ruled by King Arthur and his sword of Excalibur, but by Kerrigan, champion of evil, and his sword of Darkness. Kerrigan is the male counterpart to Morgen le Fey, the magical enchantress who presides over the creatures damned by the Celtic god Balor, and who pursues the one thing that would eclipse good from Camelot once and for all. This compelling new novel from beloved author Kenyon is truly a remarkable retelling of one of literature's most beloved legends.

The Cranberry Bog - Book Review

2011-01-24T13:41:00.001-08:00

Scott Underhill takes readers on a stimulating, emotional ride in his book The Cranberry Bog, an environmental suspense novel. Environment Engineer, Jeff Ridge works for the Environment Protection Agency. He and his co-worker, Tara Clemens, are walking on eggshells around an unusual assignment after being called into investigate tainted water at a Bed and Breakfast owned by Joshua and Debra Klickman. Jeff and Tara are quickly exposed to the ‘small town syndrome’ – everyone knows everyone else’s business.

Meanwhile, Jeff is feeling ousted by his superiors who choose to compromise the Sheziou Report. Heated tempers and flared verbal exchanges are not enough to deter Jeff from his ideals. When the criminals resort to beatings and persecution, Jeff is only fueled by the knowledge that he is on to something big. The mysterious helper who drops off notes and envelopes of evidence leads Jeff to clues that egg him on to seek the truth.

Attraction to Lydia Kittle, the heiress of Kittle Manufacturing, contradicts his nearly fanatic feelings towards big business, which has often turned its back on the environment. Jeff’s tragic tale of loss froze his heart, but the sight of Lydia gives him the strength to thaw and except love again.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, which seemingly has it all. Environmental pollution, corrupt officials, politicians and companies lead to thrilling chase scenes and to cold-blooded murder. It is a moving romance with a glorious ‘David against Goliath’ theme that will have you cheering for the underdog. Of course, the focus on the environment is very appealing to me as I deeply cherish, and work towards, the health of the planet.

I highly recommend Scott Underhill’s novel, The Cranberry Bog – and I look forward to reading his other novel, Give a Little!

ISBN#: 0975357158
Author: Scott Underhill
Publisher: The WordPro Press

The Chronicles Of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Review

2011-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

One of the great children's classics by C.S. Lewis, is brought to the screen in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Set in wartime England, its plot has the four Pevensie children sent out of London for their safety. They end up in the country house of the eccentric Prof. Digory Kirke, and like all children removed from their usual source of fun and amusement, they're bored, bored, bored.

Then one day, Lucy begins poking into things, and one of them is the very odd wardrobe of the professor's. What she sees inside, is not the professor's clothes, but a world encased in snow. The others of course, don't believe her, since they haven't found anything half so interesting. But eventually they give in to their own curiosity, and all enter the wardrobe to find themselves transported to the world of Narnia, where an evil White Witch has created an eternal winter, that will never see a Christmas.

Meeting up with the kind and caring lion Aslan who rules the strange land, the children begin their trek towards defeating the witch. But along the way, one will fall behind and join the very forces of evil they are trying to defeat. Amongst the mysteries of talking animals, mythical creatures and magic spells, the children must free Narnia from the perilous cold, and one of their own, from dangers that could destroy them.

This movie was extremely engaging from beginning to end, even at a long 2 hour and 20 minute running time. Perhaps, it's because it was one of my favorite novels growing up, but the young actors were quite engaging and Tilda Swinton was superb as the White Witch.

Just one note of caution to parents: The movie was rated “Parental Guidance Suggested” and parents should be aware. The movie definitely has numerous violent scenes and it’s certainly not for little ones.

Director: Andrew Adamson
Producers: Perry Moore, Philip Steuer, Andrew Adamson
Starring: Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, James Cosmo, Jim Broadbent, Elizabeth Hawthorne

The Bubblegum Babes’ Guide to Sixth Grade – Book Review

2011-01-23T13:14:00.001-08:00

This is one book that I would have cherished as a little girl. The Bubblegum Babes’ Guide to Sixth Grade is the first in a series designed for young people growing up in today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world. Doreen Lewis wrote it so that each chapter can be read as a complete story on its own - perfect for pre-teens that like to read small sections at a time. An award winning author and mother of two, Doreen writes with clarity and energy and draws upon her life for inspiration in her work. Her own personality is revealed nicely in the Acknowledgement and About Author sections in the book.

The main character, Kelly, takes the reader through adventures with her three best friends. They dub themselves the Bubblegum Babes after an evening of giggles and make-up. The four girls experience and discuss many things that aren’t easy to talk about in everyday life. Excellent advice is interwoven into each tale from how to maintain friendships, the mysteries of menstruation and the complexity of discovering an interest in boys.

Starting with their nervous beginnings in a new school year right through to the graduation dance, The Bubblegum Babes will have you wishing you were one of them.

ISBN#: 0976919303
Author: Doreen Lewis
Publisher: Helm Publishing

The Adventures of Willowby Went: Book Review

2011-01-23T12:15:00.001-08:00

This is definitely a fantasy novel. Being a Tolkien fan, I found many days of enjoyable reading here in J.S. Harrison’s world. This is a place that is crowded with Fairies, Leprechauns, friendly Trolls and Ogres, Wizards, Knights, Dragons, Vampire assassins, large evil black rabbits and ghouls along with Men, Dwarves, Elves and Trofkins.

With an anti-racist sentimism, the author places many different races together to embark on a journey that may bring hope to the people of Werdanbabadood and to save their world from the Evil Wizard, Sardego. This strange mixture of people go through many trials and adventures to find the Knights, only to arrive at a time when so few were able to come to their aide. Regardless of the odds, they carry on and work together in a desperate effort to break the magic staff of Sardego and end his war mongering.

Though everyone plays a very important part in the interwoven web of events, it is the Trofkins, a tree-dwelling people of writers and lovers of food and mischief, who are the heroes of the world. This race was thought unlikely to produce heroes, being a people of many social constraints and clear definitions of what is proper or not. Yet with war on their doorstep, they had little choice but place their only hope in their young chieftain-to-be, the one Trofkin who seemed the least likely to be responsible enough to accomplish this dangerous task. Young Willowby goes far beyond any expectation the Trofkin could have had for even the greatest of their kind. He proves his worth to himself and his people and gains the necessary confidence to rule with a fair, yet just hand.

I very much enjoyed J.S. Harrison’s writing style. It was like being drawn into a big sitting room with a large fireplace, where a deep grandfatherly voice tells the story of Willowby Went. Then without realizing it, I felt sucked into the scenery and it was if I had become the cameraperson at a real, live historical event. It was an effort to put aside the book to carry on with my own tasks!

Keep an eye out for future work by J.S. Harrison folks! I have a feeling he’s going to be one of the ‘great’ writers of our era."

The 7 Rules of Growth For Small Businesses

2011-01-20T08:29:00.001-08:00

For years, I have tried to answer this one question: What do small businesses that achieve sustained growth do differently from those that do not grow?

As a senior consultant for Inc. magazine, I speak to thousands of business owners each year. I've learned that there are no silver bullets or 17-point checklists that will lead to guaranteed growth. There are, however, seven specific areas in which growth companies concentrate their efforts.

1. Strong sense of purpose. Most leaders of companies that have achieved growth discover that it takes more than the promise of increasing financial reward to fuel their aspirations and ambitions. They find a higher calling than simply the pursuit of "more money."

2. Outstanding market intelligence. This is an organization's ability to first recognize, then adapt, to fundamental changes in the marketplace. Many times, small-business owners become too myopic, seeing only a limited view of the markets in which they compete. Growth leaders see the bigger picture.

3. Effective growth planning. This is the best predictor of whether or not a business will grow. To be effective, a plan for growth does not need to be overly formal or complicated. However, it does need to be written, well-communicated and regularly updated.

4. Customer-driven processes. These days, every company I talk to believes it is customer-driven, when actually very few really are. Take a look at all of the business processes from a customer's perspective. Are they in place to make it easier for the company, or to help deliver on the promise of faster, cheaper and better for the customer?

5. The power of technology. Successful leaders don't let the boom and bust of technology cycles give them the excuse to ignore that we live in an information age. If a company is in business, it is in the technology business.

6. The best and brightest people. Growth leaders recognize that they are only as good as the people with whom they work. The ability to hire, train and retain the best and the brightest people is often the difference between success and failure.

7. Seeing the future. Few organizations take the time to regularly consider the future. Growth leaders learn how to diligently monitor and interpret the macro forces of change affecting the world in which they live.

Ten Times Guilty - Book Review

2011-01-19T14:52:00.001-08:00

Brenda Hill’s passion for the world of writing and her experiences as an editor, proofreader and educator have definitely worked exceptionally well together to develop her book - Ten Times Guilty. This suspense thriller is truly an outstanding novel. I do not mean to sound cliché when I say that I had difficulty setting aside this review project. In fact, for two days I had forgotten about lunch entirely!

Sergeant Reese and his partner, Captain Cooper, are on the case of a serial rapist and stalker. Tracy Micheals, a young single mother from a neglected childhood, is struggling to make a better life when she is brutally assaulted and terrorized by a stalker. Sergeant Reese suspects Tracy’s attacker is the same man he is hunting for – but so far, none of the surviving victims are willing to break through their terror and help the police bring the mad-man in. Tracy knows in her heart that Reese is the only one who can save her life and lovable Suzy Banning is the one person who can save her mind. But does she dare to let them help her?

The author displays her skill right from the first few sentences, which really grabbed hold of me, dragged me into the story and would not let me go. The novel has incredible insight to the daily troubles that rape victims endure. From medical procedures and healing – both physically and mentally – all were well done without being too technical. Historical and present-day societal views of rape are discussed with clarity and understanding. I loved how she portrayed the support systems and enjoyed following along with the police who chased clues along the trail. The level of suspense was consistent throughout the book and each character’s inner battles were clearly portrayed. Brenda Hill certainly deserves to sit among the ranks of best-selling writers like Nora Roberts (Carolina Moon), William Diehl (Thai Horse) and Trevanian (Shibumi)!

ISBN#: 142410089
Author: Brenda Hill
Publisher: Publish America

Sweet News-Strawberries Are Part Of A Heart-Healthy Plan

2011-01-19T09:01:00.001-08:00

The road to a healthy heart runs through the kitchen. Just ask Joe Piscatella, who had coronary bypass surgery at the early age of 32. Told that he wouldn't live to see his two young children graduate from high school, Joe decided to take a crash course in heart-healthy eating and learned a few things along the way.

Thirty years later, Joe is now the President of the Institute for Fitness and Health and best-selling author of "The Road to a Healthy Heart Runs Through the Kitchen." Full of facts and sound advice, this book is an easy-to-follow lifestyle plan that combines the newest guidelines from the USDA with 300 easy and delicious recipes.

Joe knows the importance of eating foods that you love and explains how to include them in a heart-healthy diet. Take America's favorite fruit: the Strawberry. Strawberries are a superfood that Joe recommends to increase levels of folate, a B vitamin important for heart health. Studies have shown a reduction in artery-damaging inflammation and lower blood pressure after eating a serving of strawberries every day for eight weeks. Luckily for your heart, fresh, sweet strawberries are available year-round from California!

According to Joe, "This book is easy to follow and will engage your head along with your stomach in the quest for a lifestyle that will really make a difference."

Spinach, Strawberry and Walnut Salad

4 servings

4 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves

1/4 cup wine vinaigrette

1 cup thickly sliced California strawberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup walnut halves, chopped

Toss spinach with vinaigrette. Add berries and walnuts. Toss again.

Nutrition Note: The antioxidants in strawberries and the omega-3 fatty acids in the walnuts help keep artery walls healthy.

You can include the food you love in a heart-healthy diet.

Star - Book Review

2011-01-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

Tom Peters crafted a moving, educational animal adventure story in his novel Star. This is a dog-lover's fiction - written for a young adult audience. Any young person who loves animals, or wants to own a dog should read this book.

Without preaching, Tom enlightens humans to the plight of dogs. He brings understanding to how they see things and why they behave the way they do. The most moving moral to the story for me was shown through the main character (a dog named Star) whose owners had school, work, play and friends – while Star has only them. It really puts their world into perspective. I was torn and sorrowed by the incidents in the kennel and animal shelter. I definitely feel for the plight of animal shelters and because of this book, I feel compelled to try and do a little more to help.

Star is a courageous, loving lab-rottweiler cross who goes through many adventures from being ‘rescued’ from a puppy mill, abandoned in a forest, being stolen by a trucker and used by jewelry thieves. Star ensures a place in the readers’ heart through his self-less rescue of a little boy and his generous, loving heart.

I do not think a reader could put down this book without being moved by the great heart that Star displayed repeatedly. There are many lessons here for young adults from the dangers in the world, to the plight of pets and the strength of love.

ISBN#: 1553521927
Author: Tom Peters
Publisher: Tree Side Press

SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy: Sheet Metal Training Book

2011-01-16T15:13:00.001-08:00

The first book published by Sheet Metal Guy, LLC was SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy - Course 1: Part Creation. The book is a fun and engaging way to explore the sheet metal capabilities of SolidWorks at your own speed. You learn how to use SolidWorks and its sheet metal tools from experts in the sheet metal industry. The series of self-paced training books, SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy, demonstrates how to create real life sheet metal parts and is written in terms sheet metal people know and understand.

Books and other training materials about SolidWorks are available, but very little coverage is given to the specific sheet metal tools and unfolding capabilities, leaving users on their own to learn these tools. Dedicated to the SolidWorks market, SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy addresses this need by showing you how to use the sheet metal tools of SolidWorks. You learn from the beginning how to create sheet metal parts designed with manufacturing in mind. Throughout the book, SolidWorks' sheet metal tools are used to guide you step by step through the basics of part creation into complex features of sheet metal design. Emphasis is on creating parts and features that maintain the design intent even when changes are made to key dimensions of the part, the material thickness, or the bend radius. Taking advantage of parametrics from the beginning assures that any changes will not invalidate design integrity.

Sheet metal designers and manufacturers must increase their SolidWorks proficiency in order to get new products to market faster and achieve a higher return on their investments. Now there’s a new way to learn SolidWorks. This new comprehensive course is a self-paced learning tool, using real projects that work through the design process step-by-step. You can choose to follow the lessons from start to finish, or you can dive into just the lessons that interest you most. SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy - Course 1: Part Creation is available right now. Sheet metal designers and manufacturers will surely benefit from SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy self-paced training book.

SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy is written by Neil Bucalo and Joe Bucalo. Neil is a CAD expert, having over 14 years of experience using numerous CAD systems. He has a diverse background, including mechanical engineering, CAD/CAM consulting, support, training, and technical writing. Neil is a Certified SolidWorks Support Technician. Co-author Joe Bucalo has over 30 years experience in the sheet metal industry. Joe is the president and founder of Applied Production, Inc., a SolidWorks Solution Partner that develops software tools for sheet metal manufacturing, including ProFab and ProFold.

Sheet Metal Guy, LLC, located in Cincinnati, OH, was formed to help increase the productivity of sheet metal designers and manufacturers through education. As a publisher of books and other materials, the company's primary focus is to provide high quality, cost effective training for the design and manufacture of sheet metal parts and assemblies. Sheet Metal Guy, LLC is focused on designing easy to understand, self-paced training books for all knowledge levels of 3D CAD software users. Additional company and product information is available on the company’s Web site. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Sledgehammer -- Medical Fiction Thriller at Its Best

2011-01-15T18:52:00.001-08:00

Looking for a good fiction book to read? Look no further. This medical thriller will have you glued to every page as the drama unfolds and an ER doctor must stop a biochemical nightmare from happening.

6 days … 6 days to stop an epidemic and convince the government that terrorists have indeed used smallpox as a weapon against us. When one of the terrorists shows up in the ER with symptoms, time is of the essence to convince higher ups and the government that indeed this is the dreaded once thought eradicated disease smallpox. If not for the quick action and prior medical expertise of the main character, Dr. Max Kroose, fatalities could be in the millions.

What makes the book even more interesting is that the events unfolding in the ER symbolize real events that occur in emergency rooms daily. The author, Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, is a practicing Emergency Room Doctor and First Responder to disasters in Los Angeles, California with a medical career spanning 25 years. His medical expertise helped to create a medical environment that medical personnel, fans of medical TV dramas, as well as all science fiction fans will enjoy. Added to that, the characters are well developed and passionate in their quest for answers. Although the book is fictional, it’s based on extensive research and leaves you questioning-could it happen today?

With today’s ongoing terrorists’ threats, the growing concern of a biochemical attack, and the fear of a global pandemic, this book shows you how situations like this would be handled. Would the government be prepared? Do we have enough vaccinations for everyone? Should we have voluntary vaccinations now? Questions you will want answers for.

To add this book to your collection, stop by our site at http://www.pauloreyes.com/. The book sells at Amazon and iUniverse as well as other leading online bookstores. Also, sign up to be an affiliate and start selling Sledgehammer on your site now. Science fiction at its BEST! This book has gotten numerous 5 Star Reviews. Get it now and see why.

Silent Lies - Book Review

2011-01-15T12:09:00.001-08:00

Silent Lies is an action romance saga, that takes the reader through decades of a tumultuous time between the end of World War I and the beginnings of World War II. Excellent and intelligent use of actual historical events makes this piece both educational and entertaining.

Leo, a young Hungarian boy who sees too many horrors and deceit, barely survives while family and friends are slaughtered. He finds himself alone, again and again. Subsisting on his uncanny ability to mimic behavior and languages, a gift that keeps him alive – and in serious trouble, he travels from Hungary to Paris. Leo is innocently trapped by very ruthless and influential people and he is forced to run for the sanctuary of Shanghai. There, both his greatest hopes and greatest fears come true.

This is an endearing story of a love that many can only experience in dreams. It is about self-sacrifice – of enduring when all hope is gone and strength is fading. Readers witness the consequences of the political and personal choices that Leo is forced to make. Personally, I had to brush away a little water from my eyes a few times in the story.

Without hesitation, I give Silent Lies high ratings because the author has provided an exceptional piece of work. I look forward to the second book to find out what else will happen in Maggy and Leo’s adventurous lives.

ISBN#: 1563527502
Author: M.L. Malcolm
Publisher: Long Street Press

Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions - Book Review

2011-01-15T11:16:00.001-08:00

Betty Woodrum released her first book of poetry entitled Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions in on July 16, 2005. Her poetry is clean and simple and extremely honest. There is such a strong theme of the various forms of love that the word ‘love’ should almost be included in the title!

It is apparent throughout Betty’s poetry that friendships mean a great deal to her. The poem about online friends reveals how deeply the Internet is involved in our society’s home-life. Betty warns to never let feelings go left unsaid to the important people in our lives and then welcomes readers on a journey through some tough times in her life. Readers will watch Betty let go of the past, witness her learning to live in the moment and feel her suffocation while she battled depression.

Although Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions could use a little editing, the poetry is well organized and is enjoyable to read. I certainly related to many of her poems, especially the one where she discusses the vulnerable feeling of being invisible and out of control. These are feelings I think many of us share – and this is what makes Betty’s book so special. She helps readers feel like they are not alone.

ISBN#: 1413784364
Author: Betty Woodrum
Publisher: Publish America

Shadow of an Indian Star - Book Review

2011-01-13T13:31:00.001-08:00

Shadow of an Indian Star is a 500-page historical fiction set in the early 1800’s. It accurately brings life to a fascinating era of gun slinging, saloon drinking, hard work, rough living and bittersweet romance. The exploits of heroes, villains and those just trying to survive during this tumultuous era are certain to keep readers aching to turn the next page.

A rich family lore, with momentary appearances of well-known historical characters such as Billy the Kid and General Custer, was remembered and passed on to each new generation until Bill Paul and his wife Cindy became curious enough to determine the accuracy of the tales. As it turned out, the stories were true!

Map-lovers will enjoy the insert within the first few pages, which depicts the area that this story takes place in. Three generations of the Paul family history and their bitter feuds are divided into segments, one for each generation. A simple family tree is provided on the last page.

Little known facts of the Native Indian tribe known as the Chickasaw Nation along with the life of early settlers in Oklahoma could be excellent reading for history classes. Readers will witness the Trail of Tears and learn about callous and greedy settlers and a corrupt government. Readers will also see the grace and pride between both peoples in their uninhibited generosity, genuine grief for each other and intense inter-racial romances.

Authors Bill and Cindy Paul are both well educated individuals. Bill holds a degree in animal science, while Cindy has degrees in biology and environmental science. The couple resides in the very same valley and maintains the family graveyard that is written about in their first novel, Shadow of an Indian Star.

I am completely in awe of the authors’ talent and superb story-telling capabilities.
This tale was amazing and I enjoyed the ride immensely. There is no doubt in my mind that this book needs to be seen by movie or TV series producers.

ISBN#: 097559222X
Author: Bill and Cindy Paul
Publisher: Synergy Books

Secrets to Getting Free Publicity for Your Business

2011-01-13T07:13:00.001-08:00

Advertising is telling the world how great you are, while publicity is having others tell the world how great you are. Companies and organizations that understand the importance of publicity are generally more successful than those who use advertising alone to reach their target audiences.

Newspapers, magazines and radio and television news programs are filled with stories about businesses and organizations. Those who know how to present materials professionally to the right people will get media coverage for free, while those who don't understand how publicity works have to rely on large advertising budgets to reach their audiences, usually with less impressive results.

"If you can get a news organization to report about your event or praise something you're doing, you have gained an enormous amount of credibility that simply couldn't be generated through paid advertising," said David Forman, a public relations veteran and author of "Publicity Professor," a workbook that teaches business owners how to get free news coverage.

The first step in reaching out to media professionals is to create an appealing press release. Its main purpose is to get an editor or producer interested in what you have to say or in what you are doing. It should contain enough information, specifics and quotes that a writer can craft a story from it without ever having to call you.

A media alert is another tool for getting press coverage. Its purpose is to give news assignment desks the specifics about an event in a way that entices editors or television news directors to send a reporter or camera crew.

There are dozens of other ways to get news coverage, such as placing feature stories or writing pitch letters offering your expertise in a subject for quotes or on-air interviews.

Forman says you don't have to hire outside help to get publicity.

"Nobody knows your business like you do," Forman said. "You simply have to reach the appropriate person with your message, in a format that media professionals expect."

Using real-world examples, "Publicity Professor" shows you how to give editors and producers exactly what they're looking for to get your story covered for free.

The guidebook includes easy-to-follow templates of press releases, media alerts, feature stories and pitch letters; suggestions on creating newsworthy special events and awards programs; and resources for contacting local, regional and national media.

Secrets to Diet Success

2011-01-13T04:13:00.001-08:00

In the struggle to lose weight and keep it off, the best advice may come from people who have been there and done that-winners in the battle of the bulge. A new book offers advice and plenty of frontline tips. The book, "How to Lose 9,000 Pounds or Less by 516 Dieters Who Did" (Hundreds of Heads, $13.95), contains hundreds of interviews with real people across America.

This book isn't like so many other diet books that promise a "quick fix" for readers who follow a rigid plan. Instead, it gives hard-won, down-to-earth advice from hundreds of real people who have tried every kind of diet, found what worked for them (and what didn't work), and lost weight. The tips range from simple adjustments to more elaborate lifestyle changes. For example, one dieter found that she could stop sugar cravings by eating a pickle. Another dieter lost weight by using the trunk of her car as her refrigerator. In winter, she made herself walk outside barefoot every time she wanted something to eat.

The book includes the best tips and secrets on choosing a diet, motivation and avoiding temptation, exercise, keeping weight off, and enlisting the support of family and friends. With real-world stories from successful dieters and expert advice from nutritionist and special editor to the book, Joan Buchbinder, RD, readers can make more informed choices about which diet is best for them and start losing weight.

Second Eden - Review

2011-01-11T18:33:00.001-08:00

Carlton Austin has crafted a wonderful piece of work in Second Eden - an action-packed suspense thriller with a little romance and some elements of science fiction. Its beautifully designed cover incorporates gorgeous images depicting scenes within the plot and the book is available in both hard and soft cover. I recommend the hard cover, folks. This book is sure to be one that you keep among your favorite authors on your bookshelves. Second Eden is destined for a talented director to take big screen fans on its roller-coaster ride.

Best of friends, Peter (an intelligence agent) and Bo (an astronaut), have a bond that even Peter’s affair with Bo’s wife could not break. Bo and some other scientists perish in a mysterious fire just after completing an assignment. The government cover-up pushes Peter to find out what really happened and he becomes torn between patriotism and humanitarianism. He never loved a woman until he met Molly – but can he trust her? In fact, he wonders if he can trust anyone at all.

This is definitely an intelligent read; the author incorporates incredible alien artifacts, mysteries, murders, government espionage and complex cover-ups, cat and mouse chase scenes, archeological finds and ancient societies, deceit and a love story that transcends this life into the next.

Second Eden certainly has a plot that will make its readers think deeply about our world. Carlton shows us the dangers of where our science could lead. His story teaches that there are repercussions for every single choice that we make - both as individuals and as a society. He brings up social issues, like reminding us of the importance of recognizing the value of women who choose to be mothers – as a career, rather than as a side project. He even includes enlightening views of what might happen to a soul when the body can no longer serve it.

I really cannot say enough about Carlton’s novel. Truly, I could barely put it down to go to work or prepare meals! Second Eden will remain on my bookshelf for years to come and will, no doubt, be read many times by my family.

ISBN#: 0595316530 – soft cover 0595663567 – hard cover
Publisher: iuniverse, Inc.
Author: Carlton Austin

Science And Religion In Perspective

2011-01-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

To help people better understand themselves as spiritual beings, 100 essays from diverse fields have been collected into a volume that shows what we have learned from studying ourselves, our planet and the universe. Critics say "Spiritual Information: 100 Perspectives on Science and Religion," edited by Charles L. Harper Jr. (Templeton Foundation Press, $39.95), conveys the excitement of discovery, the challenge of debate, the diversity of thinking and the excellence of multidisciplinary research.

The essays reflect the motto of Sir John Templeton: "How little we know, how eager to learn." Sir John's vision has inspired people throughout the world to open-mindedly seek new spiritual information that relates to such diverse fields as the physical world, unlimited love, laws of nature, quantum reality, the problem of evil in theology and the ways in which prayer and meditation affect daily lives, among many others. The book is a tribute to his mission.

Themes of the essays incorporate Sir John's principal domains of interest and expertise: spiritual capital and spiritual information.

• The History and Future of the Science-Religion Dialogue

• Cosmology, Physics and Astronomy

• Quantum Mechanics, Mathematics, and Symbolic Logic

• Evolution and Purpose

• Sociology and Ethics

• Religion and Health

• Contemplation and the Virtues

• Theology and Philosophy

• World Religions

In his preface to the book, Dr. Harper notes that Sir John's commitment to expanding the science-religion dialogue has enabled us to edge ever closer to the frontier where knowledge meets wisdom at the threshold of "ultimate reality." The hope, he adds, is that these essays "will inspire others to pursue his quest to discover 'over one hundredfold more spiritual information than humankind has ever possessed before.'"

Rich Dad Poor Dad

2011-01-11T06:59:00.001-08:00

A lot of people have read Robert Kiyosaki's books (and he has a lot of them), but this is the one that started them all.

I think what endears people to Rich Dad Poor Dad is the story. It seems to me that whenever a non-fiction book teaches with stories, it does very well. So, if you're going to write a non-fiction book, weave your info into a story.

Rich Dad Poor Dad is the story of Robert learning the habits of the rich from his best friend's dad. Robert's own dad was a highly paid, highly educated government official, but who ended up poor (this is his "poor dad"). His best friend's dad was not highly educated, but he started lots of businesses, bought lots of real estate, and invested in stocks. He is "rich dad".

Some lessons or themes that keep coming up:

*School prepares you for a job while financial education prepares you for better financial habits that lead to a more prosperous life

*The rich invest in ways that the poor and middle class do not

*The rich invest in assets that produce class flow, and then reinvest that cash flow into other assets

*The poor invest in liabilities, or things that take money out of their pockets

*The middle class tend to go to school, get a job, buy everything on credit, get raises, then buy bigger houses and nicer cars, under-save and under-invest, and then retire on less than what they should have.

*There are 3 kinds of income:
-Earned income (what you make when you're there)
-Passive income (money that comes to you when you're not there...that can come through businesses, real estate income, intellectual property, etc)
-Portfolio income (money that also comes when you're not there...but specifically from stocks, mutual funds, and other such paper investments)

As it turns out, Robert didn't go on to become a rich guy too soon into his adult years, like his best buddy did. Robert went into the Navy to learn how to sail ships, then to the Marines to fly helicopters in the Vietnam war. I might have the timeline wrong, but he he was a top-selling Xerox sales rep for several years. And then he went on to start a successful business importing/selling those Velcro nylon surfer wallets from the eighties. Remember those? After a few years, that business went bust.

Eventually he made the jump into buying assets...income producing real estate...and within 8 to 10 years, he and is wife retired. Then six months later he came out of retirement to start his financial education business...which includes his books, board games, tapes, seminars, etc. In reality, it sounds like he's started a whole ton of other businesses too, but that's what I've pieced together from other books of his that I've read. Notice that most of his activities center around passive income?

It's a great and easy read and should shock you out of your usual way of looking at money. Another one of his books that I like a lot is one he didn't even write by himself...aptly named "Success Stories". It's a collection stories by many of Robert's students that have taken his advice and who started businesses or are collecting assets that produce cash flow.

There's so much more that can be said, but it's time for you to start the adventure of reading a new book. Try to think of "Rich Dad Poor Dad" as financial education; it will make the purchase that much easier to justify.

Requiem of Insanity: Book Review

2011-01-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

Debra Ulrich has explored a unique way of bringing some light to the journey of a medical patient in this nonfiction fairytale. I have to admit that the first 40 pages were difficult for me to get through - but in the end, the material is definitely worth reading and I recommend this book to anyone involved with heavy medication.

This is a story of a woman (Queen Sara) and her son (Prince Max) who become locked into a medical-go-round due to trusting overzealous doctors who have their hands poised over prescription pads. Queen Sara followed the doctors blindly, as most of Western society is still trained to do. Side effects and reactions to the heavy long-term medication drove these two patients into being misdiagnosed with one disorder after another.

Anyone with a serious health condition is quite familiar with strategically taking multiple prescription drugs throughout the day. However, just as each body can react differently to a disease or disorder – we can also react differently to medication. Every pill, even herbal or over-the-counter medication, can have side effects. Multiple medication can be tricky due to cumulative effects of medication combining in the body – sometimes becoming something else entirely. This makes the physician’s job much more difficult.

Synthetic drugs tend to give immediate results, but generally, they do not cure the disease/disorder. Instead, they mask it - while the cause of the problem still exists. Sara learned that though alternatives to western medicine could be quite helpful, they are not readily embraced by the doctors. She embarked on a long, expensive journey and dedicated herself to a strict health regime for years. Cleansing the body of built up toxins, food allergy tests, hair tests, herbal remedies, muscle tests, gaining nutritional knowledge and emotional work were all components in Sara’s healing process.

The author closes her book with a spreadsheet of the drugs she has experience with, their known reactions and some possible alternatives. The last seven pages list contacts for associations that may prove helpful for those on a medical adventure.

This story is an excellent example of how deficiencies and emotions can play a huge part on our overall health. As a closing, I would like to leave you with quote from Debra’s book "Patients must be treated as equal partners and need to be the ones ultimately responsible for their own health and welfare.

ISBN: 1413728324
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
Author: Debra Ulrich

Recipes Cooks Can Trust And Love

2011-01-11T03:59:00.001-08:00

Many cookbooks these days are long on dazzle and flash, and short on good recipes that we can instantly trust and love.

New York Times best-selling author Phyllis Pellman Good gives us recipes that include ingredients we already have on hand or can easily buy-recipes that are easy, foolproof and will make our families smile.

Good's series of slow-cooker cookbooks, "Fix-It and Forget-It," sold more than 6 million copies! Now, her new "Fix-It and Enjoy-It! Cookbook" (Good Books, $15.95) offers readers even more tried-and-true, welcome-home recipes for stovetop and oven cooking.

A collection of more than 675 recipes submitted by at-home cooks from around the country, the "Fix-It and Enjoy-It! Cookbook" features mouthwatering favorites such as "10-Minute Meatloaf" and "Frozen Mocha Cheesecake." Each recipe includes its prep and cooking times.

Here's an appetizer recipe taken from the new book:

Cheese and Shrimp Strudel

Makes 16-18 slices

1 half of a 17.25-ounce package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry, thawed

11/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

1 cup (4 ounces) cooked shrimp, chopped, or 4.5 ounces canned shrimp, rinsed, drained and chopped

1 egg, beaten

On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry to a 10" x 18" rectangle.

Place rectangle of pastry on a lightly greased, large baking sheet.

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together cheese, sour cream, onion, shrimp and half the beaten egg (about 2 tablespoons).

Spread the mixture length-wise down half of the rectangle. Brush edges of pastry (using pastry brush) with some of the remaining beaten egg.

Carefully fold dough over the filling and seal edges with the tines of a fork. Brush top and sides of strudel with remaining egg.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool 20 minutes before slicing. With a very sharp knife, slice slightly on the diagonal.

A cookbook with detailed directions, including prep and cooking times, can help even novice cooks navigate the kitchen with confidence.

Reality Checked - Book Review

2011-01-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Reality Checked – Life through Death, is a moving saga about finding meaning in a world of suffering and pointless hate based on the color of skin. Former school teacher and Theologist, Victor Waller has incorporated many of life’s issues through the lives of his characters who were forced to make decisions in hopeless situations. Racism, revenge and hate are rampant in this book. Domestic abuse and the dangers hidden within our society’s foster care system are also addressed.

There is only one main character – Catherine Brown – along with a host of supporting characters. Catherine grows up under the terrible threat of racism - which many use simply as an excuse to harm another human. In fact, her father and uncle were orphaned at a very young age through a racist attack. The fairy-tale romance of her parents slid away as fears of her father’s suspected infidelity enforces her mother’s accusations that she is being poisoned. Never really knowing the truth, Catherine stumbles through her youth and into adulthood.

Unfortunately, a disturbed individual brutally murders her family and Catherine is dragged away by the police and incarcerated for many years. She survived the harsh environment through the friendship of her cellmate – and their hunger for revenge.

As an old woman, Catherine is only free from the bars of her prison. Her body is now her jailer – it is discovered that she inherited her mother’s mysterious illness. Thinking she had no family remaining alive, Catherine is surprised when she is invited to a family reunion. This reunion proves to be one of Catherine’s greatest challenges. As she seeks to repair the family discord, she is contacted by a person from the past and her chance for revenge is handed to her on a silver platter.

Victor Waller has created an important and meaningful story in Reality Checked. In fact, the work is well titled. The novel provokes the reader to question their own choices in life - and possibly, to release some of the pessimistic inner voices which influence their decisions.

I give this 377 page novel the highest of ratings with no hesitation, what-so-ever."

ISBN#: 0976498103
Author: Victor Waller
Publisher: Turn Key Press

Reading Into Beliefs

2011-01-04T11:00:00.001-08:00

A provocative, new book by author and scholar Marc Mourier reveals hidden secrets of the Bible.

In "The Garden of Eden: What Really Happened?" (Index Publishing, $14.95), Mourier cites Biblical evidence that he believes proves that Eve was cloned from Adam. Mourier feels that Noah's flood was one way that God cleansed the Earth when the "Adam Experiment" went wrong. He also believes that Adam and Eve came after many civilizations, including Darwin's apes.

Mourier says that more than 4,000 years of translations have changed the original meaning of the Bible and that people should be inquisitive and cautious about how the Bible has been relayed. He claims that many religious thinkers and theologians have purposely created a power grid to "cover up" ideas they do not want to openly disclose but "know are true," such as the mission to create Adam and Eve.

Mourier also paints a picture of the Garden of Eden that is very different from what is traditionally taught. He believes that the original Hebrew Bible shows that the Garden of Eden isn't a typical flowery garden that one might picture. Instead, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the snake, and the apple are symbolic. For example, when Eve is described eating the fruit, Mourier interprets this as acquiring scientific laboratory knowledge on how she was created.

The book also gives Mourier's explanations on:

• "The secret, shocking and hidden revelations" of the Bible

• Where the Bible shows "proof of visitors from outside"

• Religious "cover-ups"

• Who specifically visited the Garden of Eden and created Adam.

"The Garden of Eden: What Really Happened?" has drawn positive reviews from readers who fall on different sides of Mourier's research on Intelligent Design. It comes fully illustrated with what Mourier calls "evidence that the ideas expressed in this book have secretly been known for centuries."

Quest for the Source of Darkness - Book Review

2011-01-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Quest for the Source of Darkness, Patricia Perry’s first novel, has an action fantasy story line with a strong mystery theme and an interesting romantic twist. This is no short novel, at 422 pages you’ll be kept entertained for quite a while.

The main hero character is a strong and gifted woman who is stricken with a form of memory loss. Little flashes of memory come to her, but she is frustrated with not knowing who she is and what her origins are. All she can remember is her name, Ramira.

Baffled in a tumultuous world of elves, dwarves and desert nomads, whose inability to co-exist peacefully could spell doom for all. They are forced to work together to battle the evil Mahn and his minions, a variety of demons from the low demons called Kreetch to the terrifying Vox, who are capable of possessing a body and torturing its soul for centuries.

The Elf Kings, Alyxandyr and Gard, and their royal peers - the Dwarf King, Seven, and the rulers of the Herkahs, Zada and Allad - converge together at the gates of grand city of Bystyn. Together their people find solace in numbers while they prepare to battle the sourcerous evil. Ramira discovers her power and learns that she is not meant to be alone. There is also a powerful seer and the hidden elf magic to aid her – but they all must grow in strength if there is to be any hope at all.

Patricia does not explain things in this novel. Instead, the book expertly unfolds little tantalizing bits to the reader at just the right pace. Quest for the Source of Darkness is a larger-sized book that will take the reader on fantasy adventure for many days.

ISBN#: 141377427X
Author: Patricia Perry
Publisher: Publish America

Queens and Crescents - Book Review

2011-01-04T07:21:00.001-08:00

What certainly stood out for me in Barry Southers novel, Queens and Crescents, was his strong and deep feelings for his family that Barry made apparent in the dedication for this book. The love and appreciation he shares here is actually quite touching. The introduction does a good job of setting up the book through a discussion of happiness and success in today’s society.

Readers will find plenty of action and suspense in this murder romance novel. The main character here is Sean Martinez, a 28-year-old divorcee who works a mundane position in a mortgage broker firm. For Sean, life is just one day blending into the next. He just could not get over his wife leaving three years ago with her old lover. If there were a need for an example of a man in dire need of a vacation, Sean would be chosen.

Spurred on by a radio commercial one excruciatingly hot day, Sean’s vacation destination is decided for him. There, he finds true love, fascinating passion and discovers the power of intuition and fate. Cruel crime lords fighting for position, bloodcurdling hired killers and a heavy loss bring Sean back into living life for what it is.

I was impressed with Barry’s writing style because I could really picture the scenes in my head. I felt he delved deeply into the psyche of his characters, making them seem much more real than many authors are able to do. Queens and Crescents may take readers only a day or two to read, but the characters will remain alive in their minds for a number of days.

ISBN#: unknown
Author: Barry Southers
Publisher: Publish America

Putting the Magic Back Into Young Adult Fantasy

2011-01-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

As the market becomes saturated with young adult fantasy books in the "Harry Potter" mold, how long will it be before the genre loses its magic?

"If, like me, you've noticed that the spell being cast by the latest crop of young adult fantasy novels is becoming less potent, it seems a fair question to ask," said R.J. Nimmo, a young adult novelist and expert on entertainment for children.

Nimmo doesn't dispute the continued popularity of the sword-and-sorcery retreads out there.

"Nonetheless, assorted witches, djinn and goblins risk succumbing to that well-known pitfall of every successful celebrity from boy bands to Britney: overexposure," he said.

Nimmo says the genre's rise in popularity was initially due to J.K. Rowling's wildly successful "Harry Potter" series and was further compounded by the success of the "Dark Materials" trilogy by Philip Pullman.

"They are all fantastic books - genuinely fun and original," Nimmo said. "The problem is the market is becoming saturated. One more insipid 'Harry Potter' clone may be one too many."

So how can parents find worthwhile reading choices that their kids - whose appetites for fantasy fiction show no sign of abating - will want to open and read?

"The trick is to find books for children and young adults where the fantasy genre elements are infused as part of historical-inspired stories, thus sharpening the emotional, intellectual and educational edge," Nimmo said.

"The Ancient Egyptian Ennead," Nimmo's latest myth-inspired novel set in Egypt in the time of the pharaohs, promises to do just that.

"The magic in my books is something readers can identify with: the magic of learning about ancient civilizations, gods, myths and monsters," he said. "It's the way forward for an increasingly lackluster genre. I want to put the magic back in the hands of the reader."

Putting it on Paper: Book Review

2011-01-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

Dawn Josephson, author of 14 books, has written a fantastic author resource with her latest book Putting it on Paper – The ground rules for creating promotional pieces that sell books. This book discusses the development and use of contents within a media kit, and other marketing materials. From cover letters, press releases, book reviews, bios, sell and catalog sheets to articles – Dawn covers it all.

Each chapter concludes with two brief, but very helpful sections. ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ is an essential ingredient to this well-rounded book because it touches on creativity and exceptions to the rule. Her section ‘Key Points’ acts as a summery to the main ideas within the chapter.

There are many excellent samples of actual promotional pieces, which give authors a variety of choices and ideas to use in creating the content for their own marketing materials. The samples are also precluded with notes on the construction of the piece so that the reader can fully understand the purpose of each opening, paragraph or by-line. Dawn shows many ways to tweak text for each piece and then closes with how to present promotional materials to various markets.

I really enjoyed the thought provoking quotes she used throughout the book and felt Putting it on Paper was quite inspirational. As an author who has spent a year of intensive marketing research and hands on application, I can say that several of Dawn’s tips are unique and I cannot wait to try them. The information on multiple press releases, mock book reviews and catalog sheets were particularly helpful for my own applications.

I highly recommend this useful book to any author who is facing book promotion. Putting it on Paper will certainly help authors get noticed.

ISBN#: 0974496618
Publisher: Ground Rules Press
Author: Dawn Josephson

Pumping Your Muse - Book Review

2011-01-03T06:14:00.001-08:00

Pumping Your Muse is a 136-page non-fiction, self-help writer’s manual that is conveniently available in both electronic and print format. The hardcopy is coil-bound – perfect for an inviting workbook.

Published just recently in June 2005, this book belongs on every writer’s reference bookshelf. Donna Sundblad’s goal for her manual has certainly been met, as Pumping Your Muse is able to stretch the readers’ creativity beyond their normal limits by developing skills and focusing creative energies in new directions.

The author focuses on the ability to build worlds through a variety of exercises including reflections, perspectives, balance, using multiple sensory tools and expanding thinking patterns. Readers will learn about tracking implements such as cards, journals and maps that help develop a detailed world for the reader and make the book a whole experience.

Following every exercise like a home-school class will take several weeks and will definitely improve creative writing skills. Pumping Your Muse could also be used as a refresher course, a tool during the proofreading processes of a manuscript, or to get past writer’s block.

Donna Sundblad keeps the continuity flowing at an interesting pace and has allowed space for notes at the end of every chapter. Her useful manual also includes a number of excellent writer’s resource websites.

I recommend that readers review the entire manual and then return to chapter one before they actually begin the program. In this way, the reader will be more familiar with the reasons and goals for each exercise. I’ve been anticipating my return to chapter one since I began the reviewing process of this book and have no doubt that my skills will be improved because of the exercises in this manual.

ISBN#: 0970863578
Author: Donna Sundblad
Publisher: ePress-online.com ~ Writopia, Inc.

Providence Pond - Book Review

2011-01-03T04:05:00.001-08:00

Author, Beresford McLean brings a new novel to his fans, this one delves into a time when British culture dominates over those within Jamaica. Providence Pond’s 500 pages are divided into four parts; each involves four generations of the King family between 1880-1920. The book closes with an afterword that provides insight into some of the issues in Jamaica over the years. Readers may want to read this section first, as it will definitely enrich the experience.

A mysterious Wiseman suddenly appears to a small group of seven individuals from Providence Pond just when matters were about to get out of hand. Asa, an aged shaman-like character, intends to begin a new branch of his “Family” within their community, and this scares some folks who are intimidated by the persecuting officials. But Asa leaves and does not return until much, much later – bringing Congo King and Miss Hene along with him. There are numerous characters in Beresford’s novel but Congo, the co-leader of the new branch of Asa’s Family, is the leading role.

When I began this project, I was under the mistaken impression that it would be about a cultural clash between two peoples. Instead, the story seems to be more about a small group of people in a rural area who have children and the children have children – the readers witnessing all the drama from adultery, romance, jealousy and greed.

Anticipation of a mistaken impression could have lead to my disappointment with some sections of the book. But the transformation of Detective Graham was something I wouldn’t have wanted to miss and I am glad that I read the book through to the end. I was certainly intrigued by the beliefs, culture and drumming – perhaps due to our home-based business, Drum-it Percussion. Sadly, the story did not delve deeply into these subjects. However, the brief glimpses were certainly bright points for me.

Providence Pond is Mr. McLean’s second novel – the first being Broken Gourds – and is currently working on a third book. He is a generous man, deeply involved in numerous charities. Beresford actually emigrated from Jamaica to the United States roughly 36 years ago, and so writing about his homeland obviously slips easily into his novels.

This book would certainly appeal to readers who enjoy rural romance.

Publisher: Anancy Books
ISBN: 0-9753297-1-5

Proof Evident - Book Review

2010-12-18T09:18:00.001-08:00

Proof Evident is a newly released crime fiction novel by lawyer and controversial psychologist, John Dicke. The story line is based around a criminal case for Judge Avery Jackson who coldly murdered Sheriff Hardacre during his speech to 150 city officials. The problem is, Mr. Jackson has no memory of the event at all…

Jack Maine leaves the public service and starts up a private practice with the assistance of his talented wife while taking on this difficult and seemingly doomed case. His dedicated and patient staff includes a master investigator and a phenomenal young novice lawyer – both of whom are fully aware they may not see a paycheck for some time. Jack’s nemesis is the quick-witted and well-financed defense team led by an ambitious attorney that is set on becoming "seen". Death follows this case everywhere. Just when the lawyers feel they are getting somewhere - people start dropping like flies. Soon a CIA scandal is discovered that threatens national security, which powerful people are desperate to cover-up; meanwhile a drug ring threatens to take control of every aspect of the community.

John Dicke addresses the issue of pleading Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity, which is a much larger issue than I had previously been aware of. Even mentioning the plea will turn off a jury, who are hardened by the preconception that the plea is repeatedly used to falsely gain sympathy, and therefore, receive a lighter sentence for a crime they are guilty of committing.

John also shows the intense stress of an exhausting case, which can be exhilarating to intrigued lawyers bored with the mundane courthouse activities, and the temptations that could destroy those that have more desire than sense. Mr. Dicke uses elements of real life, historical events – including the government scandal.

It is my opinion that Proof Evident is a book for deep-thinking individuals who favor courtroom drama - because there is a lot of it. I found myself wanting to skip through those sections, but had I done so the ending would have left me shocked and baffled. I loved the eventful conclusion and was surprised by a few characters as well. Overall, I think John Dicke has created an interesting novel that deserves to be given a chance by readers of this genre.

ISBN#: 0-9764981-5-4
Author: John Dicke
Publisher: Synergy Books

Political Frugality - Book Review

2010-12-18T05:05:00.001-08:00

It is hard to specify exactly what genre Larry Roth’s new book can fall into. Political, frugal living, gay rights, taking care of the body and more are covered in Political Frugality – Guerrilla Economics for the Demonized, Devalued and Disenfranchised.

Larry was a high income-earner who gave it up to be a relaxed gardener; he exercises, eats right and lives frugally. This retired professional walks-the-walk, and raises several interesting points of view on society and communities.

Discussions on how we dictate each other’s belief system to one another without even realizing what we are doing were definitely thought provoking. Larry also brings to light the unrealistic discrimination that still slides in and out of our daily lives - and we find this normal.

I found the author’s ideas on social security just fantastic. When you think about it, where does our money go if we die early and are not married? For that matter, why should the spouse left behind be penalized by receiving only a portion of the mate’s coverage?
The true cost of climbing the social ladder is certainly a point well made by Larry and his thoughts on how consumerism is a vote with the wallet is enlightening. He talks about corporations that build items without replaceable parts or limited availability in order to force more consumer spending. According to Larry, it does not have to be like this.
Although Political Frugality begins a little heavy and political for my tastes, just past these first few pages the real life stories will entertain and shock the reader. Larry’s nightmare situation with the credit bureau is pretty shocking. This is not another "victim of fraud" story folks, but rather a bureaucratic goof taken to an extreme!

Larry also makes some excellent arguments for the benefits of walking. It can be so much more than frugal and responsible transportation, exercise and meditation – it can actually bond communities. How? I can’t tell you here, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
So many beliefs and views on issues were similar to my own that I found myself thinking "Exactly!" repeatedly. Larry certainly brings attention to some very ironic and illogical social issues. Folks that read Political Frugality will learn new ideas on how to live in a more socially and fiscally responsible way.

ISBN#: 0962522848
Author: Larry Roth
Illustrated by: Andy Dandino
Publisher: Living Cheap Press

Poker Book Review: The Illustrated Guide to Texas Hold’Em

2010-12-18T03:35:00.001-08:00

At a time when new poker books are pouring onto store shelves, Dennis Purdy is the first author to offer a unique approach to learning poker with The Illustrated Guide to Texas Hold’Em. The former gambling pro uses a visual problem-solving approach rather than a textual approach at teaching poker strategy.

The first three chapters of the guide start off very similarly to many beginner books on the poker market, covering the basic rules of how to play Hold’Em, what you might wear to a table, how much you should buy-in for and some rules of good poker etiquette. The fourth chapter presents eight brief rules of ‘good basic poker strategy’ followed by a detailed explanation of actual odds and pot odds. Chapter five is where this book becomes unique as the next 300 pages are filled with 150 different, illustrated Texas Hold’Em poker scenarios, matched with the author’s answer to each of the practice situations! Purdy ends the book with a noteworthy 30 page poker terminology glossary.

The cover indicates that this guide may make a winner out of an advanced player but this book was really designed to captivate those unlikely readers that shy away from the other poker books already published. The introduction warns that this book is not ‘targeted towards sophisticated and knowledgeable players’, and I would agree. Advanced players will find too many examples stating ‘the obvious’ like situation #2: folding 27 offsuit before the flop.

Purdy’s advice is mostly in-line with most other poker authors however there are certainly some debatable answers to a few of his problems (i.e. Problem #46 suggests to cap the betting with 36s pre-flop?). There is often more than one correct way to play any individual poker hand however I sometimes found myself wondering why Purdy would suggest such advanced plays, especially since these situations can be easily misinterpreted by new players. The intention of this guide may have been to give definitive situational advice to poker scenarios, however, I suggest that readers actually place more importance on the general strategy advice given in the answers rather than the specific action to take. It’s really the whole strategic approach you take to the game that will make the most difference in your results.

The visual representation of each of the poker situations is by far this book’s greatest asset. I personally know readers to have picked up this book after ignoring the other acclaimed texts on the premise of its simple and fun-looking learning method. Another quality point is that no commitment is needed as the reader can easily review a couple pages and put the book back down again without losing the value of the material. The teaching pattern also follows through with its ideas, enabling the reader to encounter the same notions and strategies in various problems throughout the book (for example, each of situations #17, #38 & #148 address folding small pocket pairs in early position before the flop).

Due to the popular nature of problem solving game books, this style of teaching poker is expected to appeal to many players and will most likely be adopted in more books to come. Like many books of its nature, The Illustrated guide to Texas Hold’Em is not recommended as the only book to teach you sound poker strategy, but as a visual practice supplement for those players not interested in studying the more technical texts. Readers that insist on keeping the fun and excitement first and foremost in their poker education will appreciate this chance to learn without being bogged down with abstract concepts or complicated terminology.

Peter Kent: Search Engine Optimization for Dummies (Book Review)

2010-12-17T10:58:00.001-08:00

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a field overshadowed by sensational claims and sometimes dubious practices. If your business has a website, you naturally want it to obtain high rankings in the major search engines so that potential customers can find you. Yet you might be suspicious of companies that promise to catapult your website to #1 ranking in almost no time ot announce that they will submit your site to thousands of search engines and web directories.

Peter Kent's book in the For Dummies series offers a useful introduction to search engine optimization. He starts out by surveying the various search sites and search systems and explains who gets results from whom. He then suggests how yo give your website a quick makeover to give it greater visibility.

Throughout the book, Kent repeatedly emphasiszes functionality over slick web technologies that might actually hinder search engines in finding your site. His second emphasis is on content as a lure for search engines.

Kent uses a fictitious website on "rodent racing" to give the reader very specific advice on picking the right keywords, getting into search engines, optimizing code, finding specialized directories, and much more. With over 350 pages (and a detailed index), this book offers you a wealth of suggestions and useful advice, whether you want to improve your website's ranking by yourself or hire a SEO firm to do it.

While the "For Dummies" series of books varies quite a bit in quality, this volume can be recommended. What is particularly useful is the associated website that contains all the links mentioned in the book.

Pausing To Catch My Breath - Book Review

2010-12-17T09:21:00.001-08:00

Debra Warren has appropriately titled her book of poetry ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’. The pages depict this mother and grandmother as someone who I would personally love to sit across from at a kitchen table with a huge pot of tea and talk for hours.

Her style implements simple vocabulary with an honest appeal, yet her work is astoundingly moving. This is the kind of poetry that I like to read at a slow pace in order to allow the statements to really sink in. ‘I think’ is a good example of what I mean. ‘Today’ challenges readers to see beyond the mundane, by considering what others are experiencing that very moment. ‘Its Never Too Late’ was a moving piece about many kinds of incarceration. I related with ‘Trapped’, especially where she wrote, "I am trapped inside a body that betrays". ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ is a particularly beautifully written piece. I hope to retain in memory my favorite line of this poem, "Hearing the music, I dance to my yesterdays". Debra also displays an appealing sense of humor in her work. I loved the imagery of viewing cruel and stupid people as "human speed bumps" along the road of life.

‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ most certainly displays Debra’s ability to use uncomplicated prose to create deep emotion, intellectual thought and crisp images.

ISBN#:14137767478
Author: Debra Warren
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

Pariah: Book Review

2010-12-17T03:20:00.001-08:00

Pariah, written by muti-talented artist and author Timothy Goodwin, is a science fiction, fantasy novel that incorporates some very clear ideas to what is wrong with today’s world. The characters are colorfully portrayed and the battles were very well written.

Eric, the main character, is a victim of an abusive father and endures extreme poverty as a young adult. He is eventually diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and grows into what could be called a normal life. He meets and marries a wonderful woman and her son embraces Eric as his father. Eric loves his life despite the difficulties in finding a good job and unfulfilled dreams to relocate his family to a place where his wife would not suffer from allergies so badly.

Eric becomes involved in a motor vehicle accident and wakes up in a wildly different place called the Itarri. He is later told that this is a space ship and he is light years - and possibly another dimension - from the life he once knew. Everyone on board expects Eric to become someone else when he regains his senses. Seemingly on the brink of insanity, he experiences "fragmentation" – when memories of other lives collide - but eventually works his way back to sanity only to discover that he is actually a clone.

In a desperate attempt to do whatever it takes to return to a time and a life he cherished so dearly, Eric undergoes intensive training. The reader is taken on fantastic space travel and time travel adventures, battles with foes, scenes with gods, demi-gods and an old flame that is incredibly vindictive are good spices for a great read.

At times I found myself confused, but I know from experience that books I have reread many times are those that challenge the mind and intrigue the reader to return. The ending has an interesting twist, which I think readers may suspect early on, but the work is written so well that it will leave them guessing.

ISBN#:1413713025
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
Author: Timothy Goodwin

Pandemonium: Book Review

2010-12-16T10:51:00.001-08:00

Within the first few pages, I was engrossed and deeply moved by Apina Hrbek’s eloquent writing skills. Tears of compassion were in my eyes at several points in this moving story of survival.

The main character, Edita, was raised by a heartless mother who became twisted after helplessly watching the communist government steal her family’s vast fortune. Her nonconformist father was her only source of comfort and it was from him that she learned about these forbidden things called "choice" and "freedom".

The setting is a land under strict Soviet rule where people are in a constant state of fright and can not afford to trust anyone – not even their own kin. To trust was an invitation for disaster.

The story of their escape to a land of freedom was wrought with circumstances going wrong – and yet it all worked out in the end. Resettling in a place where they must learn new customs, new languages and find employment to support their small family was no easy task for Edita and her husband. Through poverty and displacement, the family struggled to find their dreams and learn how to deal with this new idea - the freedom to make choices.

Pandemonium is certainly an educational book that may be beneficial for children and grand children of immigrants who wish to understand what it was like. It also could serve as a useful reminder to appreciate, protect and expand upon the rights of all mankind.

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
ISBN#: 1413756670
Author: Apina Hrbek

New Series Provides Fast, Easy Answers For PC Users

2010-12-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Over the past 20 years, the personal computer has evolved from a high-tech toy for brainiacs with pocket protectors, into a vital part of virtually every American home and business. And with the help of the Internet and the latest software, PCs can be used for everything from communication and productivity to entertainment and leisurely pursuits.

Unfortunately for the new or inexperienced PC user, there's no techie boot camp or PC driver's license to ensure a core competency in personal computing, and it's easy to get confused or overlook critical details in a new computer system.

However, help is on the way. Wiley Publishing, the premier personal technology publisher, has created a new series of computer books in conjunction with Geeks On Call-America's premier provider of on-site computer services. Together, they are rolling out four titles that will help home and small-business users with everything from tuning up and maintaining a Windows XP system to installing and securing a wireless network.

The "Geeks On Call 5-Minute Fixes" series aims to clearly explain the most commonly diagnosed issues troubling PC users and save them both money and time on service calls or telephone tech support. The first four titles in the series include "Security and Privacy," "Windows XP," "PCs" and "Wireless Networking." With these books-which list at $14.99 each-readers learn straightforward ways to have a better and more secure personal computing experience.

Geeks On Call is the leading independent provider of on-site computer services. Its certified, trained and tested technicians provide expert computer installation and networking services, on-site repairs, security solutions and system upgrades for residential and commercial customers alike.

New Book Takes New Look At Newborns' Gift Of Life

2010-12-15T13:32:00.001-08:00

A new book points out that many scientists and clinicians are concentrating their energies on umbilical cord-derived stem cells from healthy babies. Recent research shows human umbilical cord stem cell therapy (hUCSCT) can help many conditions.

"Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy: The Gift of Healing from Healthy Newborns" by David Steenblock, M.S., D.O, and Anthony G. Payne, Ph.D. (Basic Health Publications, $24.95) explores this medical frontier, including current research, descriptions of how various conditions respond and the personal stories of many patients. The Steenblock Research Institute is at the forefront of the groundbreaking umbilical cord stem therapy research. Researchers indicate improvements with:

• Cerebral palsy

• Traumatic brain injury

• Diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy and other eye conditions

• Stroke and other circulatory problems

• Multiple sclerosis

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In the book, Drs. Steenblock and Payne describe how scientists retrieve stem cells, expand their numbers and apply them to patients. The doctors explain what happens after a stem-cell treatment and what makes treatments more effective.

A question-and-answer section tackles such frequently asked questions as: is the treatment safe, how quick are the results, what is the cost, what are the pre- and post-treatments, does insurance cover the costs, what are side effects, what is the current status of FDA approval for stem cell treatments and why is this type of therapy permitted in some countries but not others.

There is increasing evidence, the authors report, that relates aging and disease to lack of normal stem cell growth and repair. A new area of study, they explain, is dedicated to exploring the ability to mobilize one's own stem cells to help a body repair itself. Additionally, there are scientifically validated ways of ensuring that stem cells are not compromised in terms of function or ability to mobilize in response to injury or disease.

New Book Describes Our Commitment To Service

2010-12-15T11:10:00.001-08:00

In a year marked by war and natural disasters, there is good news: Americans are committed to service, charitable giving and volunteering.

For example, charities and philanthropic organizations are thriving-even after a period filled with an unusually high number of natural disasters. According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, "Many of the nation's biggest charities are raising as much or more than they did in the late 1990s, when the strong economy and booming stock market boosted charitable donations a startling 50 percent."

In addition to record monetary contributions, volunteerism in certain population segments is booming, too. It's estimated that more than 64 million Americans annually volunteer their time, talent and energy to make a difference in their community and in the lives of those around them.

Some say that commitment to service is one of the more enduring legacies of President George H.W. Bush's presidency.

A new book, Points of Light: A Celebration of the American Spirit of Giving by Robert Goodwin and Thomas Kinkade, with a foreword by former President Bush ($19.95, Center Street), tells the story of this rise in philanthropy and volunteerism.

Each of the 12 chapters presents a different story of people making a real difference, from Timothy Miller, who organized the Texas EquuSearch Mounted Search and Recovery Team after the abduction and murder of his daughter, to Lt. Jim Mayer, who lost his arm in Vietnam but not his spirit to serve. Mayer dedicates his life to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and spends his spare time as a volunteer amputee peer adviser at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities.

Robert Goodwin has served as president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation since July 1, 1995.

Described as a "painter of light," Thomas Kinkade is said to be America's most collected living artist, according to CBS News.

My Dad Wears Polka-Dotted Socks! - Book Review

2010-12-15T10:17:00.001-08:00

Bright colored sheets just inside the sturdy book cover certainly set the mood for this excellent book geared for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

The main character is a young boy who is desperately fretting over the class reaction to his strange family. He dreads the day the children in his classroom are due to present their portrayals of their families. Much to his delight, he realizes his family is not so strange after all. Parents and teachers will certainly find the yoga-loving dad with orange polka-dotted socks is sure to get the giggles rolling. The impressive illustrations hold attention to the page.

As youth, we are often fascinated by other family’s doors and what lays beyond them. When we discover that all the quirks and differences reside in everyone’s family, it makes it easier to accept our families and our place in them. This is a valuable life skill that would certainly help to ground little people at this age.

Educators and caretakers may find this book useful in social and family studies.
Children are encouraged to personalize the book on the first page and create a list of their family and their personality traits on the last page – thus making this book more interactive."

ISBN#: 0974430722
Author: Kristin Joy Humes
Illustrations: Loel Barr
Publisher: Merry Lane Press

Mother Of Ten Offers Real-Life Wisdom

2010-12-14T12:20:00.001-08:00

There's helpful news -and possibly inspiration-available to women who are trying to juggle the roles of individual, wife and mother.

A new book, described as a household handbook like no other, is said to offer a blend of encouraging chats and step-by-step game plans that address everything from phasing out clutter to revitalizing a marriage.

The book, "Woman First, Family Always" by Kathryn Sansone (Meredith Books, $24.95), is built on the principle that no woman can care for her family unless she cares for herself.

"You are important as a woman and an individual, not simply as a mother and wife. During 18 years of marriage, with children, I've learned that if a woman gives up an aspect of herself-either the woman in her, the mother or the wife-the other two facets will suffer," said Sansone.

In each section, she provides gentle reflections and eye-opening techniques for keeping the peace, maintaining order, and bringing more fun into a family's routine.

The book also offers tips on coping and thriving within three roles:

• Self. Sansone, a mother of 10, describes ways to hibernate for a few hours, exercise regularly, delegate tasks, ask for plenty of help, and even develop a personal style and beauty regimen.

• Wife. Financial pressures, disagreements over how to handle the kids, and the aging process itself can all contribute to stress in a marriage. Readers will find rejuvenating ideas for creating a true partnership in marriage, no matter how much is going on in their lives. She even offers tips for making the bedroom a sanctuary.

• Mother. A child is subject to more outside influences than ever before. Fortunately, the author provides parents with ways to be heard over peer pressure, media personalities and seductive advertising. From resolving sibling squabbles to navigating a school system, fighting childhood obesity and nurturing a genuine spirit of love and happiness at home, her advice for raising well-grounded, well-mannered children is intended to reassure and inspire.

Kathryn Sansone was recently recruited by America Online to serve as a real-life Chief of Everything Officer (CEO) for the company's Life Management program. She has also been featured in a range of media outlets including O Magazine and Inside Edition, and has appeared on Oprah. Sansone, her husband, Jim, and their 10 children live in St. Louis, Missouri.

Moon Child - Book Review

2010-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Moon Child by Simone Maroney is a larger sized adventure, fantasy novel with 55 chapters. The story line involves complex relationships between six main characters, which are delicately balanced leaving room for intrigue.

Hanna, the chief character, was selected from birth by the Goddess, given special training and endowed with ‘gifts’ the elders call the ‘Memories’. As Hanna goes through many travelling adventures, she becomes respected and known as the ‘One’ a ‘Reader’ and a ‘Healer’.

Her father, a priest and a shaman in the village tries to protect her while making Hanna learn to stand on her own. Manon, a dear friend and fellow ‘Healer’, helps Hanna find a position in the same village that tried to kill her. Raer, her childhood friend, whose brain was inadvertently injured during play, becomes a valuable aid to Hanna and her adopted village. Janna, Hanna’s archenemy, keeps people at attention with her evil and treacherous behavior. A little romance is thrown in with Jio, also known as ‘Maih’, who is actually Janna’s brother.

So much is going on in the book that readers may find themselves stopping to retrace a few pages. I enjoyed reading this novel and found that it reminded me a little of Clan of the Cave Bear – because of the tribal differences, traveling and ‘gifts’ the chief character endures. Sometimes being selected by the Gods brings a tumultuous life!

ISBN#: 1933157046
Author: Simone Maroney
Publisher: Draumr Publishing

Men of Extreme Action - Book Review

2010-12-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Action, thriller and humor – this book has it all! Men of Extreme Action by Joseph Kochanoff is one of the better books I have reviewed this year, despite its obvious need of editing. Based in the action movie making industry, Joseph incorporates murder, excellent fight scenes and sabotage.

The two main characters are action movie stars that have difficult personal issues keeping them from doing their best. Wolfe Neilson is an aging man who is losing the battle both in his career and with alcohol. Steele Taylor is an older egomaniac who has become ruthlessly rude and demanding. These two actors are forced to make one last stab at reviving their dying careers (and personalities) by making an action movie together. Neither is used to sharing the ‘lime light’ and the antagonism between these two ancient enemies is quite entertaining. Steele and Wolfe are constantly trading insulting wisecracks that had me guffawing aloud – yet in the end they will depend on each other to live through another day.

Colorful characters such as Mr. Pang, the torture-trainer who forces Wolfe and Steele to cooperate, and Tina, the agent who mediates many antagonistic situations, brighten the story line. The rival -the most popular action movie star of the day - Blaze Vansome, is easy to hate.

Steele and Wolfe are soon living as if inside one of their movies. Who can they trust? Where do they go for help? How does one fight a well-connected crime organization on their own?

In their desperate efforts to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage their movie, Wolfe and Steele stumble into one hilarious situation into another. Their banter keeps the mood light and the action is so fast paced you will not want to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book."

ISBN#: 1413735398
Author: Joseph Kochanoff
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

Meal Makeovers - That Stand The Test Of Time.

2010-12-03T07:05:00.001-08:00

A delicious and nutritious way to add zinc, iron and protein-zip to a salad is to add some beef tenderloin. Not only is beef tenderloin an excellent or good source of nine essential nutrients, but it is also one of 29 lean cuts of beef.

Nutrient-rich lean beef is a complete recipe for better health, with essential vitamins and minerals and great taste.

To help you prepare delicious lean beef, "The Healthy Beef Cookbook" (Wiley, $21.95) is now available wherever books are sold and on www.amazon.com and www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

The cookbook is a collection of more than 130 lean beef recipes, nutrition tips and culinary techniques. The delicious recipes are satisfying for people watching their weight and contain many essential nutrients in fewer calories. In fact, nearly 75 percent have less than 400 calories per serving and more than 50 percent incorporate all food groups.

Tenderloin Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey

Mustard Dressing

Prep Time: 25 mins, Serves 4

4 beef tenderloin steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick (4 ounces each)

1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper

1 package (5 ounces) mixed baby salad greens

1 medium red or green pear, cored, cut into 16 wedges

1/4 cup dried cranberries

Salt

1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Honey Mustard Dressing

1/2 cup prepared honey mustard

2 to 3 tablespoons water

11/2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Season beef steaks with 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, whisk Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients in small bowl until well-blended. Set aside. Divide greens evenly among 4 plates. Top evenly with pear wedges and dried cranberries.

3. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt as desired. Divide steak slices evenly over salads. Top each salad evenly with dressing, pecans and goat cheese, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 321 calories; 14 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 7 g monounsaturated fat); 67 mg cholesterol; 434 mg sodium; 21 g carbohydrate; 3.3 g fiber; 26 g protein; 7.6 mg niacin; 0.6 mg vitamin B6; 1.4 mcg vitamin B12; 2.4 mg iron; 30.0 mcg selenium; 5.1 mg zinc.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium and zinc, and a good source of fiber and iron.

Mathew and the Highland Rescue: Book Review

2010-12-03T06:05:00.001-08:00

A stimulating adventure! Sabine Muir has written a wonderful children’s story that can be read many, many times. This is a time-travel, Christian fantasy novel that reminds me a little bit of one of my favorite childhood books, ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.

Here, the main character, Mathew, is a young boy growing up under difficulties that are quite uncommon from his piers. Mathew’s father is missing, his mother has begun a new romance and bullying at school weighs heavily upon his young shoulders. Mathew thought he could escape it all during his stay at his Aunt and Uncle’s tranquil family farm. Unexpectedly, Mathew and his cousins are thrown into an adventure when they accidentally enter a mystery gateway into to a world of Kings, Queens, Castles and ghosts.

Sabine Muir’s use of factual, historical legendary characters brought the Canmore Dynasty to life - an era that is quickly fading from all memory. The author’s research and understanding of the historical era is evident in this excellent piece of work. Her fascination with this particular section in time has produced several works of fiction.

‘Mathew and the Highland Rescue’ is only the first in a series of adventure books. A delightful light read for the adventurous and young-of-heart. I look forward to reading her next published work."

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
ISBN#: 1413759165
Author: Sabine Muir

Making Summer Reading Fun And Exciting

2010-12-02T04:20:00.001-08:00

Asking most kids to pick up a book during July or August is like asking them to clean their room or eat their Brussels sprouts. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to the quandary of summer reading lists: Stock them with titles that are fun and challenging and encourage kids to look beyond a book's covers.

"A Treasure's Trove" (Treasure Trove, Inc.) by Michael Stadther is one such book to consider. A beautifully illustrated fairy tale suitable for children of all ages, it became a New York Times best-seller, captured the hearts and imaginations of children and families and, through clues hidden in its pages, inspired a nationwide treasure hunt. At the request of teachers and librarians, the author has read it to children at hundreds of schools throughout North America and at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The story, which appeals to both boys and girls, takes place in the Great Forest and tells a sweet (and sometimes sad) tale of friendship and greed, good and dark fairies and how love can overcome fear. There is plenty of action and suspense, plus beautiful fairies and romance. The book is all about family values, love and cooperation, loyalty and friendship. It teaches children the importance of saving the forests, about working together to accomplish their goals and that they need not be afraid of the dark.

"This book's value is truly in the words and excitement on the kids' faces," said Katie Mullins, a 3rd grade teacher at Degan Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas.

Now Available:

Free Teachers' Guide & Books

Because children quickly and easily gravitate to the book's characters and themes, teachers asked the author if he could provide additional "Treasure Trove" material for classroom use. In response, "A Treasure's Trove Teachers' Guide," developed in conjunction with a panel of leading educational advisors in the U.S., is now available for download at www.atreasurestrove.com/schools.

Intended as an enrichment tool, it is chock-full of puzzles and activities in such subject areas as reading comprehension, poetry, music composition, map reading and drawing, problem solving and critical thinking. The first 1,000 educators to register online for the new guide will receive a free copy of "A Treasure's Trove," "A Puzzle Book Companion" and the "Official Solution Book to A Treasure's Trove."

In September 2006, the book's sequel, "Secrets of the Alchemist Dar," will be released-this time accompanied by a worldwide treasure hunt. Once again, Stadther will visit schools to read the book to students in grades 3 and up. Teachers and principals interested in having the author visit their schools should sign up early by visiting www.atreasurestrove.com/schools.

"A Treasure's Trove" is available in hard- and softcover at major bookstores and Amazon.com.

Lucian's Place

2010-12-02T01:36:00.001-08:00

Lucian’s Place - Book Review

Lucian’s Place is a tale of far-fetched proportions, yet so close to the possibilities of our own present technologies that it is quite believable.

The idea of three people and their immediate surroundings (a high-tech self-sustained ranch) being thrown back in time might seem a trifle wild, yet the author gives it all a sense of normalcy that distracts you from that. As the characters discover they are defending their very lives from strange creatures from another time, the dangers never relent. With the help of an aware computer that thinks acts and feels like a human, the battle to simply survive is eased somewhat, however the question of returning to their proper time is inherent.

Belle Smith gives us a great science fiction read without the typical concoction of space travel and high-tech aliens. Instead, she keeps us on Earth with a taste of what computers, combined with nano-technology and human creativity, may achieve for us in the not too distant future… or should I say past? Her unique vision of how civilization might be rebuilt from scratch with minimal impact on the environment makes for an inspiring read.

Lucian’s Place is a definite page-turner and a book I found very hard to put down. Guaranteed to make you think differently before cursing your home computer!

ISBN#: 1-4137-6963-2
Author: Belle Smith
Publisher: Publish America
Pages: 364

Love Spells Review

2010-12-01T10:25:00.001-08:00

Author: Ashra Enchantments
Love spells, magic spells and witch craft spells are real easy to shy away from on your spiritual journey, but modern medicine has yet to account for the direct relationship between positive thoughts, spirituality and kindred spirits! Our thoughts have a direct chemical reaction within our spiritual health. Alternative medicine has proven spiritual healing. As a spell caster and professional psychic advisor, I have consulting many seeking spirituality and health. New age remedies are on the rise!

Attract a new love? Find your soul mate? Bring back a former love? Return a former lover? Mystical powers and voodoo spells have nothing to do with it! Powerful love spells are about authentic spell, energy influence for results that work. I have studied Egyptian Love Spells and Egyptian Witch craft for many years. If you know “how to” manifest powerful love spells, you can learn any book of spells! Revenge spells, binding spells or money spells – the full moon is the limits! Free beginner spells for those who prefer candles and Safire dust are available in e-books online.

True love spells MUST manifest from an authentic spell caster that cares! The problem with magick spells and potions failing is directly related to poor technique because the “how to cast spells” is not present, or the spell caster forget the binding, or they are a learning spell caster wanting to cast a spell. Please seek experienced, accurate spell casters for powerful love spells, magic spells and voodoo spells! Always ask questions prior to requesting the casting of spells. Real love and money spells will need a waxing moon / full moon to bring back a lover or attract new love. This is because the binding process takes that moon energy forging it with Egyptian Love Spell materials to have a full manifest gain that has guaranteed results. Traditional witchcraft is the roots for love spells and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The great pyramid of Giza had the first shadow book of spells.

Companionship is one of the greatest love gifts in life! I guaranteed you that you don’t want to take it for granted. Real love is a blessing that has no boundaries and does no physical harm. On this spiritual journey through life, we must acknowledge the positive and learn from the negatives. Your enlightenment awaits you!

© Spell Enchantments 2006.

Ashra: Renown psychic advisor, spell caster and Akychi Master. She specializes in paranormal expert, metaphysical and Egyptian witchcraft! Turning dreams into reality. Owner of Spell Enchantments a spiritual source, successor in future predictions and love spells has earned place rank of eBay's #1 Psychic (2005-2006) and published recognition worldwide.
Website: FreeLoveSpells.ca

Looking Glass by James R Strickland . A Book review

2010-12-01T07:49:00.001-08:00

Synopsis

Looking Glass is set in the not too distant future, in a gritty, unrefined, shattered North America. Hackers and IT security technicians fight a different kind of war in cyberspace. A serial killer has found a way to use the network to reach inside his victims brains, and use these brains as his weapon. Shroud is a security network team leader for a large retail company. In the realm of cyberspace, inside a sensory deprivation tank and jacked in to the network, she is fast, nimble, and ruthless. She is just beginning her shift when the killer strikes for the first time. She survives, but her entire team is dead or missing. She is exiled from her corporate resources, and her search for the killer is fraught with peril and overwhelming odds.

Review

As a fan and reader of the cyberpunk genre, I strongly recommend Looking Glass. I won't go into a plot synopsis, as others already have. The writing style is tight, and focused through the window of Shroud's perception and life experiences, and her shift into an increasingly uncomfortable and dangerous situation, both mentally and physically. It is this revelation of her inner life, with its defensive limitations and powerful motivations that keeps the focus on the human, despite the seeming technological focus of the plot.

The dystopic setting of the splintered second world North America is revealed as is needed by the narrative. The technology is speculative, but much more soundly grounded in current technologies that give a sense of competence to the characters actions, and satisfaction to the reader familiar with the topics.

In the end, to me, Science Fiction is a human story. It asks what will we do, what will we become, when technology has changed our society, our horizons, our bodies and challanged the limits of what is possible. Looking Glass does this, with a good touch for personal tension, evolving character awareness, and human weakness.

The plot is well thought-out, and the pacing is fast without being frenetic. There's little, if any, plot telegraphing or foreshadowing. The setting is future, yet the reference points are tantalizingly close to our present - again, enough to keep me invested (Shame about Reno, though). And while "cyberpunk" applies in general genre terms, the author isn't trying to be William Gibson or anyone else, which is a refreshing change! But if you like that style, then you'll definitely want to give this book a try. One day, one of those hackers turns out to be a serial killer, and uses the fact that people are jacked in to the Internet to use the Internet as a way to kill. Her corporation, Omni-Mart, in standard shortsighted corporate cover-up style, gets in the way of her investigation, while the killer pursues her every move in a world that is so completely connected to the Net that movement without observation is just about impossible.

Dr. Farro, or "Shroud" as she is known, is one of the most dynamic characters in fiction. She wrestles with inner demons as well as the muck that is the Internet of tomorrow. She doesn't necessarily deal with these demons very well. In a job that requires a certain level of paranoid schizophrenia to perform well, she is good at her work.

However, when the reader gets inside her head, we wee that this perfect employee of the future is far from a perfect human being, a metaphor, I think, for the futureshock and information overload that we experience every day. Strickland shows us that all the great technology that makes our civilization work so well may not be good for our mental health. It's a powerful message, yet there is no moralizing that gets in the way of a truly exciting thriller.

All in all, it was a great read, and I'll be back for the next instalment.

Living With Kindness And Compassion In Today's World

2010-11-25T05:39:00.001-08:00

Whether you are working through a problem with a friend or trying to stay calm about world events, there is a new book to help you understand and work with the world around you.

"When I meet new people in new places, in my mind there is no barrier, no curtain," said the Dalai Lama in "Kindness, Clarity, and Insight" (Snow Lion, $19.95). "In my mind, as human beings you are my brothers and sisters; there is no difference in substance."

For 25 years, the Dalai Lama has shared his philosophy with people in North America. As a religious leader, he has worked toward peace and tolerance in his own and other countries.

As a pop culture icon, he has influenced thousands to reassess the minor and major frustrations in life, to take stock of themselves and to find a centered, peaceful inner self.

As his good friend and the book's translator, Jeffrey Hopkins, said, "His Holiness is calling on all humanity to appreciate the social value of kindness and compassion; kindness and compassion are the fabric that make society possible."

"No matter whom I meet and where I go, I always give advice to be altruistic, to have a good heart," said the Dalai Lama. "This is the essence of religion; this is the essence of the Buddhist teaching."

This celebratory new edition of the very first book of the Dalai Lama's teachings in the English-speaking world is a testament to the kindness, clarity and insight of the material within it.

Twenty-five years after its original publication it remains one of the most readable and wide ranging of his books.

The book's 20 chapters are deftly arranged in a developmental sequence so that readers easily understand the background needed to appreciate more complex topics later in the text.

Taken as a whole, the teachings in this book provide an accessible map of Tibetan spiritual culture. It has been described as both an excellent introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and a clear picture of the Dalai Lama.

Living in Darkness - Book Review

2010-11-16T10:13:00.001-08:00

Award winning author John Roynesdal, is a retired English teacher who has written for more than 15 years and produced 3 books for his Phillip Michael Carnegie Mystery series. Throughout the series, John focuses on issues that prevail on mankind: greed, prejudice, poverty, dysfunctional families and the conflict between traditional and modern societies. Living in Darkness, a 265-page mystery novel, is the third book in this series.

Here, we have a serial killer at large. Detective Carnegie and his coworkers Paul and Nick are out to solve the case. Clues point to many possibilities and keep the team working hard. Is it the work of a homophobe? Or a case of mad revenge? Or pointless youth rage? Juliana, their insightful and caring friend has often aided in cases in the past – and this one is no different. Inspired by the work of another man, Juliana is attempting to open a safe house for runaway gay children but she is obstructed by zealous religious leaders.

The boss, "Fats", wants to see the serial killer case closed and it seems that it should be – but Detective Carnegie feels something is not quite right. He continues the investigation without consent and stumbles on some clues that change everything.

This book promotes freedom and a willingness to live and let live regarding sexuality. Good points were made about prohibition making various sexual urges into something secretive and devious. I felt that John did a wonderful job depicting the stresses of the homosexual. Readers are shown the stigma that is placed on them as soon as they are known as "gay". The reaction of employers and family was interesting and the prejudice homosexuals endure was enlightening. The story line definitely brings awareness to the hateful and disgusting crime of gay-bashing.

ISBN#: 1411626702
Author: John A. Roynesdal
Publisher: Lulu Press

Living Better in Times of Chaos is The Only Way Out

2010-11-10T03:56:00.001-08:00

Is your life full of chaos?

Challenges such as stress, anxiety, illness and depression all contribute to a chaotic life. So how do you rid your life of the obstacles to your happiness and change it for the better?

Yehuda Berg says the answer lies within a group of sacred letters from the biblical story of Moses and the Red Sea. In his book "The 72 Names of God," Berg says that through 72 three-letter combinations taken from three biblical verses, you can find the strength to eliminate negative forces that keep you from living a fulfilling life.

The book explains that the 72 names are not "names" in the literal sense, but visual mantras that are activated spiritually rather than vocally. These spiritual tools come from a tradition called Kabbalah, which is today the fastest-growing global spiritual movement. Contrary to popular belief, Kabbalah is not a religion and you do not have to be Jewish to study it.

According to the teachings of Kabbalah, everything, including our destiny, begins and ends with our own individual behavior. The apparent randomness that we encounter in life is actually a system of cause and effect. Furthermore, the ability to overcome challenges lies in the power of mind over matter.

"The 72 Names of God" encourages readers to meditate on the names and follow through with a physical action to implement positive change in their lives.

Here are a few of the names and their applications:

* Healing: Think about others who also need healing. Be accountable. Blaming someone or something else absolves us of responsibility. Accepting 100 percent responsibility brings about the energy of healing.

* Unconditional Love: You should offer unconditional love to others if you want to have peace and serenity in your life. Love has the power to eradicate all forms of darkness. When you offer love to your enemies, you destroy their darkness and hatred.

* Eliminating Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts - worry, anxiety, fear, pessimism, uncertainty - invade your mind, focus on thoughts that move you forward, not backward.

* Letting Go: Human nature is to hang on to past regrets and earlier traumas. But you cannot live a fulfilling future if you are hanging on to an unhappy and cynical past. This name gives you the courage to let go.

Living Better in Times of Chaos

2010-11-09T10:28:00.001-08:00

Little Mornings – Book Review

2010-11-09T08:15:00.001-08:00

The Little Mornings, by C M Albrecht is a murder mystery with 262 absolutely absorbing pages. We have three main characters here – the grandfather, an alcoholic of questionable character, a slightly off balance woman (Angie) and an impressionable young man (Darcy) who becomes mixed up in a whirlwind of events. Murder, thievery and lies keep the unsteady relationship between Darcy and Angie on edge. Keeping a secret is no easy task, especially when someone else pops into the scene with inside knowledge to the truth. Darcy, unable to control the events, becomes another person entirely from the one we knew in the first few pages of the book.

Perhaps because I am a writer, and this book has to do with the publishing industry, I am partial to the theme. Grandfather’s description of a writer’s methods to reach their creative dreams had me laughing out loud – because it was so true. As were the frustrated, aspiring writers and the over worked publishers. I felt the book was very realistic in this regard.

I loved the first few paragraphs – they really pulled me in. I kept hearing Humphry Bogart’s voice in my head narrating the story as I read along. I sat on the edge of an uncomfortable plastic chair 2 days ago and opened the first page to begin reviewing The Little Mornings. I meant to take only a ten-minute break from my day to enjoy the sunshine. The next thing I knew, my leg and butt-cheek were both completely numb and lifeless… and I was on page 50! So be warned, readers, this book may very well take you out of commission for a few days. I could not wait to get back to it every minute I had to spare!

ISBN#: 1894942434
Author: C M Albrecht
Publisher: Zumaya Publications.

Life Lines - A Really Great Read

2010-11-09T05:36:00.000-08:00

Joyce Meyers has been inspiring Christians for decades with the pearls of inspirational wisdom which she has faithfully shared via her radio program and books. Now, her husband Dave shares a powerful devotional crafted from a strong, personal walk with the Lord. Let's take a look at the book that will certainly capture the attention of those drawn to Christian devotionals.

Dave Meyers is one of those rare men who works quietly in the shadow of their wife's ministry. Joyce Meyers, who has been inspiring and motivating Christians for decades is a strong inspirational and motivational speaker in her own right. Still, Joyce credits the quiet, strong leadership of her husband in keeping her ministry on track as well as debt free. In reading Life Lines you will fully appreciate the saying, "still waters run deep" and quickly understand that Dave's relationship with his Savior is a strong one.

Life Lines is only 126 pages in length, but each page is a separate devotional that stands by itself. On any given page the first thing that you will read is a Biblically based saying followed by the chapter and verse that the saying is based upon. The body of the devotional is a 1-2 paragraph exposition of the text full of wisdom and laced with nuggets of truth. Indeed, on page 98 Meyers states: God is more interested in your stability than your tranquility. He then references Psalm 1:2-3 for supporting text and sums up how "a life rooted in God and His Word is like a tree rooted in the eternal stream."

The devotional is composed of five chapters featuring five separate themes:

Faith

Grace and Forgiveness

Character

Life in Christ

Secrets of Daily Living

I personally like to read devotionals from varying themes on one day or several devotionals from the same theme on another day. You may find yourself cracking open the Word and reading the supporting chapter to glean the most out of every devotional. Truly, Meyer's book exhorts believers to seek God's will for every aspect of their lives. In that, this book is a real gem.

Life Lines is published by Warner Faith, New York, 2004 and is available at Christian bookstores everywhere or through Joyce Meyers Ministries.

Letter to Maya Angelou - Review

2010-11-09T04:26:00.001-08:00

Letter to Maya Angelou is a book that is intended to entice the reader’s attention and provoke them to delve into deep thought on environmental and society issues.

One hundred breath-taking, intimate photographs of nature scenes have been included in this book. Beautiful shots of flocks of birds just taking off in flight, enchanting forests, stunning autumn color and incredible sunsets were enough to make me a fan of the book.

The photos are accompanied with poetic verses, which, unfortunately, did not strike a cord in me. Honestly, I did not even understand many of the verses. Overall, though, it was clear that the author’s intent was to encourage openness to adventure, the opportunity for growth and participation in issues that matter. I really liked a few statements in particular, "Let your heart be your guide, and the brain a tool" and "It’s always a holiday when you love".

Oluwadahusi is a man who has been juggling many hats for some time - from being a lawyer, author and poet, to the more rewarding efforts as a teacher and father. He warns his readers that "any apparent disorder in any of the text, lack of punctuation" was done with the intent to provoke the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves.

ISBN#: 1420820486
Author: Oluwadahunsi
Photographs provided by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Publisher: Author House

Lethal Option - Book Review

2010-11-09T03:04:00.001-08:00

This has to be one of the best detective novels I have read in some time – right up there with Lawrence Sanders! P.J. Lawton is far from new to the world of writing and he displays excellent story-writing skills in Lethal Option. He shares much of the same history as his main character, giving the detective more depth than could be achieved otherwise.

I think I would classify this book as a ‘thriller-mystery’. The reader is taken on a roller-coaster ride from one seemingly unconnected crime into another. The main character is a Private Investigator who has a loyal heart and honestly tries to make wrongs right whenever he can. Along with his military history and police experiences, the PI was aware of and listened to his sixth sense, which allowed him to detect when things were not quite right – a lethal combination. In his private life his heart is beginning to awaken after many years of slumber and he is faced with a decision that he is not sure he is ready to make. Eventually the PI encounters something so great that it changes his destiny, and possibly his character, forever.

I sincerely enjoyed reading and reviewing this book. Honestly, I could not put it down and I have already begun a second read – this time for pleasure. I will be found pacing the floors until I can get my hands on book #2 to see what happens next! I give this book the highest rating possible and recommend it highly to readers who love a book that makes you think."

ISBN#:1413779301
Publisher: Publish America
Author: P.J. Lawton

Learning To Succeed On Your Own Terms

2010-11-08T16:53:00.001-08:00

What three things do the world's most successful people share in common? They have their own definition of success, they know the personality qualities that drive them, and they've seized their defining moments.

That's the idea in a new book that examines the personality traits of successful people across the globe. The book's authors say the lessons learned can help people succeed in their careers and in life.

Written by Herb Greenberg and Patrick Sweeney-who have advised more than 25,000 companies in the areas of hiring, employee development, team building and organizational development-"Succeed on Your Own Terms" (McGraw-Hill, $21.95) offers readers practical tips and advice.

The book provides an in-depth look at more than four dozen talented individuals who have made their marks in business, politics, sports, the arts and global affairs. It also offers readers the chance to complete a free, in-depth personality profile (worth over $200) to help focus their energies on specific fields or goals. According to the book, successful people know that:

• Real success comes from recognizing, understanding, developing and concentrating on one's strengths. According to Paul Schulte, the youngest U.S. Olympic wheelchair basketball player at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, that means "focussing on what you have, rather than what you don't have."

• Being self-aware means not letting the outside world define you and knowing what motivates you. For instance, Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to climb Mount Everest, says, "Success is the achievement of whatever it is that you set out to do. And it's up to you to decide what that is. It can't be determined by anyone else."

• Being willing to risk means being all right with the possibilities. Senator Barbara Boxer says she doesn't always succeed if that only means accomplishing what she wants. "I can feel successful just moving my agenda forward," she explains.

• When you love what you do, people can sense it in your presence.

Reading the book's success stories will help people gain a new perspective-one that can be useful when striving for success in their own lives.

Laguna – Book Review

2010-11-08T13:55:00.001-08:00

The first thing that stood out for me about Michael Putegnat’s novel, Laguna, was the author’s excellent writing skills. He has the ability to create a vision in the readers mind and employs a clever use of humor. Attractive hooks at the ending of most chapters kept me unable to resist reading at least the first paragraph or two of the next one.

Laguna opens with Octavio Paredes, the missing fisherman, and his wife Anajita. This interesting inter-racial marriage gives glimpses of underlying racism in their families. From there we are introduced to Jason, a sergeant at a police station, and his brother Jack, who is depressed and out-of-work. The hands of fate drag these two brothers into the case of the missing fisherman. Intriguing threads lead back to Jack’s old job and his only refuge is his sailboat. However the unexpected romance with Angela brings a ray of relief to Jack’s battered life.

Sweet Angela, the green-eyed daughter of Sophia Poole, is more than she seems. She gets that from her mother. Sophia, no ordinary elderly lady, holds an emotional secret.

John Mange, his wife and two sons are facing financial loss on a grand scale. But nothing small in this family has been done in more than four generations. Greed runs deep in John’s genes and like his forefathers, he stoops to unspeakable levels to get what he desires most.

Enter Fester Stubb, a former IRS tax fraud specialist is employed by John Mange. John doesn’t yet know it, but he has just made his biggest mistake.

As you can probably tell by the list of characters, the back cover statement accurately describes the setting for Laguna as a place where “power and greed are the new religion and love is an accident”.

This book invokes political scams and rich men’s schemes, harbored loves and dedications that control women’s lives - and my favorite of all themes – the love and desire to protect the environment. I love the good verses evil scenario set out from the start. Here we have greed working against vengeance with the backdrop of romance and the need to do what is right. I was stunned to discover this is this author’s very first book. It is of excellent quality with writing skills I have seldom seen.

The characters are made to appear so real. No one in particular is a “hero”, yet they all play a heroic part in some way – each without knowledge of what any of the others were doing. It was a great example of what each of us can do by playing an active role.

In his real life, author Michael Putegnat is familiar with the political arenas and enjoys sailing. He also comes from a long line of Texans; his family has lived in the state for 5 generations or so. Because of this, his book comes alive for the reader with seemingly little effort on his part.

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art Adventure - Book Review

2010-11-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art Adventure is a 40-page children’s book written by the accomplished and award-winning illustrator Pamela Key. Her intent in writing this book is clear in this passage from the book:

"If a kid does any kind of art at least three hours a day, three days a week, for a year he or she is four times more likely to win an award for writing or be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be elected to class office or win an award for school attendance."

There is no doubt that this is an excellent book and could easily be one of the best I have seen. The art is amazing - especially the backgrounds, which are full of colorful textures and blends. Another noticeable feature was the bright, almost realistic eyes of Pamela’s characters.

Monroe, a curious little boy filled with questions, has a conversation with his artistically inclined mother about the many various forms of art. Everything from writing, music, pottery and painting are covered in their discussion. A lovable egomaniac cat is Monroe’s best friend and he appears on each scene with cunning comments. Fun activity sheets (four in total) mentally stimulate children and help develop the ability to focus on details.

The way the book is illustrated and written allows for plenty of dialogue between the reader and children. They can seek out images together and discuss what is happening. Also every-other page has a small box with extra historical facts. Such as: science-fiction author Jules Verne writing about air and water travel 100 years before it was possible; and the adventure of Dolly Madison who risked her life to safe important national treasures.

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art is a fun and stimulating book for learning historical lessons and as an introduction to art – and as such, the book would be ideal for groups of children at schools, libraries and even daycare centers. Children are not the only people that can be enlightened by this book - my husband and myself were both educated about "surrealism" and more. I was also particularly partial to the author making sure it is understood that each person has their own art and express thoughts and emotions through it in their own unique way.

I heartily recommend this book!

ISBN#: 0-9771971-1-5
Authored and Illustrated by: Pamela Key
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

Kisho - Review

2010-11-07T11:01:00.001-08:00

ow here’s a treat for dog-lovers! Author of multiple short stories for children, Jarod Twiford, has recently released his first children’s book, Kisho. This story line is unique and has an ending that readers will not see coming.

Everyone loves a hero story. But in Kisho, the hero is an animated animal that is not really animated nor is he an animal! Here we have a young boy who privately loves to watch animated movies. He undergoes a magical transformation into an animated character from a movie and embarks on an adventure of a lifetime. Impending disaster, earthquakes, romance, adventure and finding true happiness are all a part of the story line in Kisho.

Jarod Twiford has been writing for young people for about six years before the release of this book. After intensive research and painstaking attention to detail, he picked the name for the leading character because Kisho means "one who knows his own mind". His thoughtful use of many breeds of canines definitely lent more power to the characters' personalities.

Though I felt a few areas were a little rushed over by the author, it certainly uses an interesting and fairly unusual theme. This book is certain to entertain and be read multiple times by readers.

ISBN#: 1-4241-0525-0
Author: Jarod Twiford
Publisher: Publish America

King Bartholomew and the Jester’s Riddle - Book Review

2010-11-07T08:51:00.001-08:00

King Bartholomew and the Jester’s Riddle by Pina Mastromonaco is a wonderful, fun book with a humor level perfect for children aged four to eight. Entertaining riddles entice readers to try to guess the answer while enjoying the tale.

Childlike King Bartholomew is obsessed with toys and solving riddles. The chubby, balding King learns to balance play and work time so that he can take responsible care of his land and citizens, yet still enjoy a playful life. The moral-of-the-story is not laid on thick – it is lightly applied so it will be easily accepted by young children. Teachers, librarians and caretakers will enjoy reading this pleasant book to children who like to play rather than accomplish chores or school assignments.

The illustrator, David Martin, is extremely accomplished and very gifted. Each page is filled with incredible detail that reveals more the longer one gazes at them. Many illustrations some form of nature included from the fantastically sculpted bushes, an array of birds and a maze of hedges with a big ‘B’ in the center (B – for King Bartholomew). Richly colored clothes and hilarious costumes for the jester and the King’s servants prove to add an interesting twist to this fun-loving book."

ISBN#: 0974430714
Author: Pina Mastromonaco
Illustrations: David Martin
Publisher: Merry Lane Press

Keeping Current With Home Wiring Projects

2010-11-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

Some people get a charge out of doing their own home electrical work. Others fear getting zapped or creating even bigger repair problems. No matter which category fits you, there's a handy guide that lets you get current with the latest techniques-which could save you a bundle on service calls, as well as increasing the wattage of your smile.

"The Black & Decker Complete Guide to Home Wiring: 3rd Edition" (Creative Publishing International, $24.95) expands on the popular volume that has sold more than half a million copies, with tried-and-true projects and the latest fixtures-and enough information to help do-it-yourselfers meet the requirements of the 2005 National Electrical Code.

For example, one of the biggest challenges facing homeowners today is hooking up the many electronic components they own-computers and printers, home theaters and surround-sound systems, CD and DVD and DVR units, to name a few. Getting electronics to operate together correctly has its own dedicated chapter on how to solve this common source of frustration. You'll learn everything you need to know about home media connections, including how to create a high-definition home theater with surround sound. The book also includes:

• A full range of repair and upgrade wiring projects;

• Special circuit maps that take all the guesswork out of wiring lights, switches, receptacles and appliances;

• A dedicated chapter on connecting and networking home electronics; and

• Descriptions of how to use state-of-the-art wireless technology, such as "Bluetooth" and "wi-fi."

This last item is essential because technology is helping create homes with fewer and fewer wires and greater and greater freedom of movement and communication. The final chapter in the book covers this exciting technology, and will show you how to integrate computers, printers, telephones, audio and video equipment and more-all with no wires attached.

Jill 9 - Book Review

2010-11-05T06:56:00.001-07:00

Jill 9 has a story line based around a psychologically disturbed female serial killer
The only lead the detectives have is the one thing all the victims have in common - all of the victims share the name, or sudunoume, of "Jill Walker".

Young new weather-woman, Jill Wallokowski shines on camera stunning the television station staff and her audience. Unfortunately, she is stalked, attacked and targeted for death by some twisted members of her audience.

FBI agent Ian… is obsessed with the "Jill" serial killer and harbors a deep guilt and anger over the killings he could not prevent in the past – especially the last one. Now, the "Jill Killer" has targeted the new weather-woman and Ian is driven in more ways than one to protect her. Their attraction for each other may just drive them both mad, but Ian knows he cannot become too close because he won’t be able to fully protect her.

This fiction novel could be classified as an action-suspense thriller. Involving a stalker, sexual deviant and serial killer, a serious team of FBI agents led by Ian Hamlin and the incomporable Jill Wallokowski.

Be prepared; this 300-page book contains some swearing and erotic scenes between the steamy pair. In closing, I would like to mention that I was moved by the author’s heart-felt dedication for Jill 9 to the men and women in the law enforcement fields who strive to keep every one of us safe.

ISBN#: 0-9767732-9-5
Author: J.D. Tynan
Publisher: Better Be Write Publishing
Published: 2006

Invisible Ink - Book Review

2010-10-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Carl Veno’s book, Invisible Ink, provides an insider’s view of the newspaper world during the author’s 25-years as a journalist and editor - at a time when major events were having dramatic affects on American society. Told in a no-nonsense matter-of-fact manner, the tales of experience are intermingled with the author’s family history, including the immigration of his Italian ancestors to America more than 125 years ago. Reminiscent moments clearly reveal Carl’s fond memories of growing up and his youthful love of New York.

Various newspaper readership "wars" were destroying and absorbing each other during an incredible age of change and discovery for the American people. Exciting and newsworthy issues including men and women learning to co-exist in the workplace, mobsters, racism, riots, war and space travel were fighting for newspaper space. Between all this the author reveals inner office politics within the industry. We all know from our own experience, differences occur at places of employment – management issues, co-worker competition, etc. – and it is all here. Yet on top of this the reader is introduced to interesting and eccentric characters, complicated work-related relationships and office love affairs. The epilogue closes nicely with the fate of some of the newspapers mentioned in the book.

Prior to entering the world of journalism, Carl spent time as a barber, boxer and army trooper. Not including his free-lance work and lecturing, Veno was employed by eight newspapers (some of which won many awards) and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize during his career. Carl is now retired and able to pursue his love of exercise through jogging and continues to write books.

ISBN#: 1-4137-4881-3
Author: Carl Veno
Publisher: Publish America