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ALAN v25n3 - THE BOOK CONNECTION
Clip and File Reviews of Short Story and Poetry Collections
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Cohen, Daniel
Raising the Dead
Reviewed by Alan M. McLeod
Professor of English Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Raising the Dead by Daniel Cohen The Occult
Cobblehill Books, 1997. 151 pp. $14.99 ISBN: 0-525-6525-8
Zombies, body snatching, bringing the dead back to life: these are the subjects addressed by Cohen in this fascinating accounting of the stories behind the tales of walking mummies, grave robbers associated with medical science, mad scientists, and historical figures. In eight chapters, ranging from the monster Frankenstein to the "Spanish mummification" of Evita Peron's body, Cohen describes much of the "story behind the story," often gruesome, often gripping.
The information provided makes for a quick and entertaining read about European- and Argentinean-derived tales. Especially appealing to fans of horror, Cohen provides a bonus – an annotated listing of ten horror films available on videotapes, from five Frankenstein films to two mummy ones, from one on body snatchers to two on zombies.
The ALAN Review Alan M. McLeod
Spring 1998 Virginia Commonwealth University
Coville, Bruce
A Glory of Unicorns
Reviewed by Lisa R. Wroble
Redford Twp. District Library
Redford, Michigan
A Glory of Unicorns edited by Bruce Coville Short stories/Fantasy
Scholastic, 1998. 208 pp. $16.95 ISBN: 0-590-95943-3
Twelve enchanting tales are gathered together in A Glory of Unicorns. Unicorn enthusiasts know that a gathering of unicorns is called a glory. Fans of fantasy will also appreciate the fitting title after devouring these stories. Woven throughout each tale is the theme of finding the magic in life through the help of a unicorn. Editor Bruce Coville, known for his series "The Unicorn Chronicles," uses the first story to explain to nonbelievers of unicorns a bit about these magical creatures. Other tales in the collection range from brief encounters with unicorns to full-fledged fantasy. Magical wallpaper allows a boy to receive and return a unicorn's love. Unicorn hair woven into a rug saves a boy's life. A magical song summons a unicorn for a girl's grandfather. The true magic in these tales, however, is the hope and beauty for real life that they succeed in displaying.
The ALAN Review Lisa A Wroble
Spring 1998 Redford Twp. District Library, Michigan
Singer, Marilynz
Stay True: Short Stories for Strong Girls
Reviewed by Megan D. Isaac
Assistant Professor of English
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Stay True: Short Stories for Strong Girls Growing Up
compiled by Marilyn Singer ISBN: 0-590-36-31-0
Scholastic, 1998. 208 pp. $16.95
Eleven authors, many of them already well established, like M. E. Kerr, Norma Fox Mazer, and Rita Williams-Garcia, have each contributed an original story to this volume. All of them feature high school age heroines struggling against conformity or misguided authority. Bebe prefers a summer job on the Brooklyn Bridge repair crew over a "civilized" position in a hair salon. Victoria chooses the boy who reads Gabriel Garcia Marquez novels, even if his father is in prison, over a less imaginative suitor. Monica dresses up as the Statue of Liberty and stages a protest in her own front yard when her mother reneges on a promise.
Most of the stories are realistic in their settings and conflicts, but the two fantasy tales, Ann Mazer's empowering version of Cinderella and Marilyn Singer's account of the independent and athletic Princess Rowena, are among the most delightful in this uniformly thoughtful and entertaining collection.
The ALAN Review Megan Isaac
Spring 1998 Youngstown State University
Seabrooke, Brenda
Under the Pear Tree
Reviewed by Mike Angelotti
Professor of English Education
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Under the Pear Tree by Brenda Seabrooke Poetry
Cobblehill (Dutton), 1977. 95 pp. $13.99 ISBN: 0-525-65213-2
Brenda Seabrooke poetically narrates soft reminiscences of her eleventh summer in Fitzgerald, Georgia. There are mini-stories of summer, of her two best friends Lala and Stacey, of dog weddings and attic playacting of Gone With the Wind, of the bittersweet visit of thirteen-year-old cousin, Rusty, and shell-shocked marine war veteran, Joey Van Druten, of the summer dance when twelve-year-old Stacey stepped over the line, of the romance of youth and growing up. Time and again the poet returns to the shade of the pear tree, her safe haven, to recapture experiences in free verse and situate action. There are memorable lines, as in "The Fountain in Front of the Bus Station," where she describes the fish "like chunks of that sweet, gummy orange candy lying at the bottom of the cast-iron pool." Altogether a pleasant, uncomplicated read that suggests a rather interesting alternative to prose memoir writing for middle-school students and older, and their teacher. Certainly worth the read and a place on the classroom bookshelf.
The ALAN Review Mike Angelotti
Spring 1998 The University of Oklahoma
Clip and File Reviews of New Fiction
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Aker, Don
Stranger at Bay
Reviewed by Wendy Bell
ESL Teacher
Buncombe County Schools
Buncombe, North Carolina
Stranger at Bay by Don Aker Stepfamily Conflict
Stoddart Kids, 1998. 246 pp. $4.95 ISBN: 0-7736-7468-3
When Randy Forsythe's father is transferred to a new job in another place, Randy is asked to make some uneasy adjustments. He thinks his new stepmother, Norma, is dumb; he misses his old friends and school; and his father travels a lot. In his new environment he is drawn into a crowd that is going nowhere and has no use for smart kids like Randy. His attempts to reconcile past and present as well as solve the mystery of why his mother abandoned him long ago make for an unevenly paced young adult novel.
On the plus side, there are some engaging situations when Randy stands up to the bullies and makes peace with Norma and his dad. However, too many pages of trite dialogue and plodding plot development pass before we get to the good parts. Stranger at Bay will have the greatest appeal for junior high readers.
The ALAN Review Wendy Bell
Spring 1998 Buncombe County Schools, North Carolina
Cooney, Caroline B.
The Terrorist
Reviewed by Connie Russell
K-12 Reading/Language Arts Coord.
Eau Claire Area School District
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
The Terrorist by Caroline B. Cooney Terrorism/Family Tragedy
Scholastic, 1997. 198 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-590-22853-6
Laura Williams and her younger brother Billy attend an international school in London while their father is carrying out his job of closing down factories in England. While the other students in the international school understand and talk politics, Laura has no interest until her brother is killed by a terrorist's bomb. Laura then becomes obsessed with finding her brother's killer. She suspects everyone except the very person who draws her into a web of deceit. Caroline Cooney has written a book that, as usual, holds the reader captive through the last page. Although Billy's life end abruptly, readers will know him intimately through Cooney's detailed portrayal of this eleven-year-old boy. The Terrorist will be popular with teen readers, and social studies teachers will find it a good base for discussion.
The ALAN Review Connie Russell
Spring 1998 Eau Claire Area School District, Wisconsin
Moore, Martha
Angel on the Roof
Reviewed by John H. Bushman
Professor of Education
University of Kansas
Angels on the Roof by Martha Moore Family Problems
Delacorte Press, 1997. 286 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-385-32278-X
Fourteen-year-old Shelby wants desperately to know about her father even though her mother has no intention of telling her. Over the years, Shelby's mother has dreams that call her to travel, much to the disgust of Shelby. They have lived in many small towns but none so important as their current address: Red Valley, Texas, Here Shelby meets a variety of people – some relatives, some not. But more important, Shelby begins to learn about her father – a finding that will disturb most readers. Moore's strength in this novel is the superb characterization. We meet the cat lady, the waitress with pink Dairy Queen hair, Baby Superman, and Aunt Onie, who wears knee-high support hose even with shorts. Moore explores the complexities of the human heart in a story that is witty and, perhaps more importantly, compassionate.
The ALAN Review John H. Bushman
Spring 1998 University of Kansas
Olson, Gretchen
Reviewed by Marjorie M. Kaiser
Professor of English Education
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Joyride by Gretchen Olson Work/Diversity/Friendship
Boyds Mills Press, 1998. 200 pp. $14.95 ISBN: 1-56397-687-0
Living through a painful yet enlightening passage toward self-knowledge and expanded multicultural understanding with Jeff McKenzie, a reader of Joyride has neither map nor triptych. The journey takes Jeff and the reader into and out of Jeff himself as he learns the meaning of real work on a farm and comes to appreciate both farm families and migrant workers. Middle-class, somewhat pampered, Jeff knows what working hard means but only in relation to his tennis practice and games. Genuine labor is foreign to him until he crashes through a farmer's bean field and is required by law to make reparations through donated labor on the farm. Using description sparingly, Olson, nevertheless, manages to catch and offer an impression of the natural setting of Western Oregon where the story is set. Selective nature imagery coupled with effective use of dialogue, including Spanish, help the narrative move along at a pace that will engage middle and high school readers seeking out a good story.
The ALAN Review Marjorie M. Kaiser
Spring 1998 University of Louisville
Clip and File Reviews of New Fiction
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Philbrick, Rodman
Max the Mighty
Reviewed by Laura M. Zaidman
Professor of English
University of South Carolina
Sumter, South Carolina
Max the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick Friendship
Blue Sky Press, 1997. 176 pp. $16.95 ISBN: 0-590-18892-5
This sequel to Freak the Mighty (now a movie, The Mighty) continues to delight with fast pacing, exciting suspense, and intriguing characters. Boy-giant Max, 14, and bookworm Rachel (Worm), 11, form an unlikely friendship as they flee from police. On their trip across American in search of Worm's real father, they ride with an aging hippie on his dilapidated school bus painted in 1960s psychedelic colors. Their quest ends in Chivalry, Montana, a perfect setting for this story of a chivalrous superhero who rescues a damsel from her dastardly stepfather. Philbrick's entertaining story gently instructs with subtle messages about friendship, especially considering Worm's reading of such classics as The Sword in the Stone, A Wrinkle in Time, The Wind in the Willows, and The Hobbit. Worm is proud to be a bookworm, and she has learned about loyal devotion through stories of Charlotte and Wilbur, Old Yeller, and Shiloh. But when Mighty Max risks his life for her, she sees true friendship in action. How wonderful to find a book proclaiming that reading is magical. Mighty fine, indeed.
The ALAN Review Laura M. Zaidman
Spring 1998 University of South Carolina
Tomlinson, Theresa
Dancing Through the Shadows
Reviewed by Sharon Stringer
Associate Professor of Psychology
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Dancing Through the Shadows by Theresa Tomlinson Dance/Breast Cancer/Family
DK Publishing, Inc., 1997. 120 pp. $14.95 ISBN: 0-789-42459-2
In Tomlinson's beautiful novel, the protagonist, Ellen, faces the grim reality that her mother has breast cancer. Connecting to the book's themes of love and mortality, readers will be engaged by Ellen's personal growth. With her family, this young woman helps her mother cope with surgery and treatment. During the crisis, Ellen and her friend Laura continue to practice dance at school with the guidance of a favorite but rigorous teacher. Ultimately, dance provides Ellen with discipline, self-expression, and healing. Perhaps by serendipity, Ellen and Laura also help another teacher uncover an old buried well. This leads to a communal ceremony of life renewal through the wellspring of new waters.
Tomlinson's story conveys powerful messages about dealing with cancer without trivializing our human responses. The novel is remarkable because it is written with accuracy, sensitivity, and compassion. Rituals of dance, courage, and love intermingle to create a celebration about life and healing.
The ALAN Review Sharon Stringer
Spring 1998 Youngstown State University
Many, Paul
These Are the Rules
Reviewed by Rick Williams
Teacher of English
Hubbard High School Hubbard, Ohio
These Are the Rules by Paul Many Father and Sons
Walker Publishing, 1997. 149 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-8027-8619-7
Okay, admittedly, this is not the Code of Hammurabi or the Ten Commandments of Moses, but Paul Many, through the voice of his protagonist, Colm, does offer a collection of twelve rules for living in an adolescent world. Author Many even challenges some "rules" in the process; for example, will guys read a book about a guy in love?
Prior to his senior year, Colm, who has just quit the school swim team, must deal with his parents' separation, his demanding summer job, his lack of a driver's license, and his own first attempts at falling in love. At times, the reader anticipates the tragedies of yet another dysfunctional family, but Many is able to inject genuine humor into the pathos without becoming sappy or maudlin. Colm endures both automotive and amorous accidents, completes a self-imposed "rite of passage," and closes each of the dozen chapters with another practical and witty rule that he has learned.
Young adults as well as their parents and teachers will find a lighthearted read here.
The ALAN Review Rick Williams
Spring 1998 Hubbard High School, Ohio
Wilson, Budge
Reviewed by Rebecca Barnhouse
Assistant Professor of English
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Sharla by Budge Wilson Moving/Polar Bears/Canada
Stoddart Kids, 1997. 263 pp. $4.95 ISBN: 0-7736-7467-5
Fifteen-year-old Sharla Dunfield is angry – at her parents for moving from Ottawa; at Churchill, a brutally cold and barren Canadian town where all anyone can think about is the famous polar bears; at the bears themselves. Sharla doesn't think much of the bears – not until she sees one, anyway. When she does see one, it almost gets her killed. She's out with Jake, an older man who is photographing the bears; and they're where they both know they shouldn't be when the bear finds them. If it weren't for Theo, a boy who recognizes Sharla's anger and reaches out to her, both Sharla and Jake would be dead. The incident helps Sharla to realize Jake's true nature, to accept Theo's friendship, and finally, to feel at home in Churchill. Unlike Wilson's transcendent prose in The Leaving, the plot here is often predictable and characterization seems simplistic. Nevertheless, the setting – and the bears – will attract many younger readers.
The ALAN Review Rebecca Barnhouse
Spring 1998 Youngstown State University
Clip and File Reviews of New Multicultural Fiction
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Namioka, Lensey
Den of the White Fox
Reviewed by Connie S. Zitlow
Associate Professor of Education
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, Ohio
Den of the White Fox by Lensey Namioka Mystery/Feudal Japan
Browndeer Press/Harcourt Brace, 1997. 216 pp. $6.00 ISBN: 0-15-201183-4
Is the White Fox a supernatural spirit taking revenge on the occupying force that desecrated his shrine, or is it a clever fake? Who is teaching jujitsu to the young band of foxes? Who is responsible for all the thefts? What is it about the poor young woman, Kinu, that commands so much respect from the valley people and from her young brother, Jiro? And who threw Zenta over a cliff? Zenta, a ronin or masterless samurai, and his pupil Matsuzo are looking for work when they enter a strange, dark valley and are plunged into an adventure full of mysterious events, political intrigue, romance, humor. New readers and those familiar with Namioka's series about Zenta and Matsuzo will enjoy this story and its contemporary, universal themes.
The ALAN Review Connie S. Zitlow
Spring 1998 Ohio Wesleyan University
Reeder, Carolyn
Foster's War
Reviewed by Susanne L. Johnston
Senior Lecturer in English
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menominee, Wisconsin
Foster's War by Carolyn Reeder WWII/Family/Hatred/Patriotism
Scholastic, 1998. 272 pp. $16.95 ISBN: 0-590-09846-2
Foster Simmons heads up the Youth for the War effort of his fifth-grade class in San Diego during World War II, while his brother joins the army to escape an overbearing father. After the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, Foster's best friend, Jimmy Osaki, is forced into a Japanese internment camp. As the war escalates, Foster learns that war isn't just adults fighting battles overseas. Young people also fight through buying war bonds, collecting scrap metal and rubber, and babysitting siblings so mothers can volunteer for the Red Cross Nurses' Aide Corps.
Carolyn Reeder's touching and realistic story shows the transition from the innocence of children's war games to the disturbing realities of conflict. It is a credible account of the patriotism that inspired the U.S. during WWII, and it educates younger readers about our history.
The ALAN Review Susanne L. Johnson
Spring 1998 University of Wisconsin-Stout
Brooks, Marth
Bone Dance
Reviewed by Charles R. Duke
Dean, Reich College of Education
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Bone Dance by Martha Brooks Spirituality
Orchard Books, Inc., 1997. 179 pp. $17.99. ISBN: 0-531-33021-4
Alexandra Sinclair never knew her father, but upon his death she receives his legacy – a cabin on the Canadian prairie. Raised in the city, Alexandra has little sense of place or history until she visits the cabin and discovers the Native American spirits of the land that make it a magical place. She meets Lonny LaFreniere, who is tormented by a secret buried in the land. Together the two teens connect with the spirits and come to a clearer understanding of each other and the land's legacy to them. Brooks creates a powerfully lyrical setting and lets her characters connect with the land and the spirits in a very moving way that should help readers gain a greater appreciation for why some pieces of land may be more sacred than others. The story should appeal to junior high and above and could be used as supplementary readings about the Indians of North America.
The ALAN Review Charles R. Duke
Spring 1998 Appalachian State University
Holt, Kimberly Willis
Mister and Me
Reviewed by Gary M. Salvner
Professor of English Education
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Mister and Me by Kimberly Willis Holt Family Relationships
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1998. 80 pp. $14.99 ISBN: 0-339-23215-X
Jolene Jasmine Johnson lives in a rural Louisiana mill town in 1940. Ruby, Jolene's mother, sews dresses for the rich white women in town, and her grandfather cuts lumber at Logan's sawmill. Jolene hardly remembers her dead father, but she resents it when her mother begins seeing Mr. Leroy Redfield, a logger whom she calls "Mister." When they announce their marriage, Jolene strikes back by cutting up the fine velvet fabric Leroy has bought for Ruby. But when Leroy doesn't punch her and when he takes her dancing (just as he had her mother), she is won over. As a wedding present, she gives her new parent a "crazy quilt" made from pieces of the velvet fabric.
While the child-struggles-to-accept-new-stepparent plot line of this story is very conventional, its setting and characters are vividly drawn, giving Jolene's story a texture that young readers will appreciate. Jolene's voice is engaging, and the book is a rich, warm exploration of family relationships.
The ALAN Review Gary M. Salvner
Spring 1998 Youngstown State University
Clip and File Reviews of New Fiction Hardbacks
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Kinsey-Warnock, Natalie
As Long As There Are Mountains
Reviewed by William R. Mollineaux
Teacher of English
Sedgwick Middle School
West Hartford, Connecticut
As Long As There Are Mountains by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock Farm Life
Cobblehill Books/Dutton, 1997. 139 pp. $14.99 ISBN: 0-525-65236-1
Middle school readers will empathize with thirteen-year-old Iris Anderson, who dreams of one day running the family's northern Vermont farm. Unfortunately for her, her father promises the farm to her older brother, Lucien, who yearns to be a writer. Things dramatically change when a fire caused by the negligence of her cousin, Draper, burns down their barn, an act that Draper refuses to publicly acknowledge. While cutting wood for a new barn, her father loses his leg, forcing Iris and Lucien to carry his load as well as their own. Further complicating the situation is Aunt Lurdine, who is determined to turn Iris into a young lady. Iris's world completely crumbles when her father, feeling that he can no longer work the farm, decides to sell and move away.
Set in the 1950s, Kinsey-Warnock has created believable characters and has beautifully created a tale filled with warmth, love, determination, compassion, and forgiveness as Iris discovers that being with her family is even more important than keeping the land. Fortunately, the ending realistically provides both.
The ALAN Review William R. Mollineaux
Spring 1998 Sedgwick Middle School, Massachusetts
Walter, Virginia
Making Up Megaboy
Reviewed by Shirley Giura
Graduate Student
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Making Up Megaboy by Virginia Walter Identity/Troubled Youth
DK Publishing, Inc., 1998. 64 pp. $16.95 ISBN: 0-7894-2488-6
His teacher asks, "How could a quiet, ordinary seventh-grade boy just take out a gun and shoot somebody?" Residents of a small town are in shock after thirteen-year-old Robbie Jones takes a gun from his father's dresser drawer, rides the new bike he got for his birthday to a liquor store, and shoots the proprietor for no apparent reason.
The text of this book reads like a transcript of a CNN News report on the random violence that is becoming all too familiar in American society. Readers get the views and opinions of others trying to rationalize why this terrible act occurred, but what about Robbie? He isn't saying much. This troubled youth, described as "not somebody who stood out in a crowd" by a TV anchorman, "a weirdo" by a female classmate, and "kind of a sissy" by his father, seems only to relate his feeling through a cartoon character he has created named Megaboy, a superhero who works "to defeat the forces of evil who oppress children on this planet." This book might be interesting to use as a discussion starter about youth and violence with an informed professional in the classroom.
The ALAN Review Shirley Giura
Spring 1998 Youngstown State University
Rylant, Cynthia
The Islander
Reviewed by Tom Wilson
Teacher of English
West Middlesex High School
West Middlesex, Pennsylvania
The Islander by Cynthia Rylant Self-identity DK Publishing, Inc., 1998. 97 pp. $14.95 ISBN: 0-7894-2490-8
Unlike the other islanders of Coquille off the coast of British Columbia, Daniel Jennings is deeply interested in a life outside the island and wants to know what is happening in the world outside his own. But it is the island that grants Daniel the experiences that open the whole wide world to his discovery. Raised by his grandfather, Daniel traverses a life full of loneliness and abandonment. Along the way Daniel encounters a mermaid, saves lives, and finds a key that opens much more than just a lock.
Cynthia Rylant's short novel The Islander conveys the first-person account of Daniel Jennings' haunting journey to self-discovery. Despite spending few words and offering a simple plot, The Islander presents itself as a mysteriously enchanting and moving work that will be deeply affecting for readers of all ages.
The ALAN Review Tom Wilson
Spring 1998 West Middlesex High School, Pennsylvania
Harrison, Michael
It's My Life
Reviewed by Susanne M. Miller
Graduate Student
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
It's My Life by Michael Harrison Young Adult Crisis/Adventure
Holiday House, 1998. 132 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-8234-1363-2
Set in contemporary England, It's My Life is a young adult novel similar in both style and theme to the novels of Robert Cormier. Martin, the protagonist, is having difficulty coping with the impending nasty divorce of his parents when life suddenly takes a horrible turn – he is kidnapped and held hostage on a canal boat. Can things become any worse for Martin? In time, Martin discovers the awful truth: his father has won the lottery and not told him; his mother has arranged Martin's kidnapping to get some of his father's winnings; and his kidnapper is none other than Martin's mother's new boyfriend, a man he knows nothing about.
There's plenty of action in this novel as Martin escapes and is befriended by Hannah, the kidnapper's angry yet tender-hearted teenage daughter. Young adult readers will enjoy the pageturning action along with the many plot twists, the believable young characters, and the explosive conclusion of this compelling novel.
The ALAN Review Susanne M. Miller
Spring 1998 Youngstown State University
Clip and File Reviews of New Historical Fiction Hardbacks
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Hesse, Karen
Out of the Dust
Reviewed by Ted Hipple
Professor of English Education
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Poverty/Family Crises
Scholastic, 1997. 240 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-590-36080-9
Set in the drought-stricken dust bowl of Oklahoma of the 30s, written in free verse, told by as memorable a heroine as you will meet in YA literature, Out of the Dust will wrench your gut. You will meet fifteen-year-old Billie Jo, not yet defeated by the Grapes of Wrath kind of poverty that grinds families to the very dust that ruins them; she is helped in her resolve by her mother. But then in a bizarre accident, one Billie Jo played an innocent but deadly part in, her mother is killed. Her father cannot cope, and Billie Jo is left with just her own personal resources. These, however, are considerable.
Please read this book. You will agree with me (and with the committee which selected it for the 1997 Newbery Medal) that it is a distinguished novel, richly meriting as wide a readership as possible among teens, among adults. It is very good.
The ALAN Review Ted Hipple
Spring 1998 University of Tennessee
Napoli, Donna Jo
Stones in Water
Reviewed by Chris Crowe
Associate Professor of English
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Stones in Water by Donna Jo Napoli Nazi Labor Camps/Friendship/Survival
Dutton, 1997. 209 pp. $15.99 ISBN: 0-525-45842-5
Roberto's happy life in Venice is disrupted when he and his Jewish friend, Samuele, are kidnapped along with many other Italian boys and put on a train bound for Germany. The boys become part of the slave labor camps run by the Nazis in Germany and later in Poland and the Ukraine, and the brutality and deprivation the boys endure are only slightly better than the Jewish death camps. The two boys depend on one another for survival, and they are at constant risk that their captors will discover Samuele's Jewish identity. When Samuele dies, Roberto escapes and must find his way – in early winter – from the Ukraine to the Black Sea.
Napoli has written an absorbing tale of friendship and survival based on a little-known historical aspect of WWII. Readers will admire the loyalty and toughness of Samuele and Roberto and will be easily caught up in their efforts to survive the Nazi slave labor camps. This novel would work well paired with stories about the Holocaust or WWII or with survival stories.
The ALAN Review Chris Crowe
Spring 1998 Brigham Young University
Jones, J. Sidney
Reviewed by Jeffrey Kaplan
Professor of Education
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Frankie by J. Sidney Jones Realism/Adventure/Coal Miners' Strike
Lodestar Books, 1997. 167 pp. $16.99 ISBN: 0-525-67574-4
The time is 1913. The setting is Ludlow, Colorado. The plot is a coal miners' strike. And the hero is Luke, a young, pre-teenager caught in a web of adventure and realistic intrigue. This is a grown-up tale of hard times and betrayal, told in a matter-of-fact tone, that young readers will find intriguing for its invitation to a remote time and place.
Found unconscious by the railroad tracks, Frankie, a young girl, enters into the lives of Ma, Pa, Luke, and his sister Beth. At first resentful, Luke learns to appreciate Frankie's endearing street smartness and her charismatic personality. Together, Luke and Frankie jump a train to the huge tent in Ludlow, where they encounter striking coal minters. Tension mounts as the National Guard tries to maintain order between the miners and the mine guards. Trouble ensues when a woman's march to protest the imprisonment of an eighty-two-year-old union organizer results in violence and bloodshed. Matters become worse, though, when Frankie carries out a dangerous plan to seek revenge.
This dramatization of a tragic, and little known, true story reverberates with many hard questions of moral truth.
The ALAN Review Jeffrey Kaplan
Spring 1998 University of Central Florida
Lasky, Kathryn Dreams in the Golden Country
Reviewed by Lisa J. McClure
Associate Professor of English
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois
Dreams in the Golden Country by Kathryn Lasky Historical Fiction
Scholastic, 1998. 192 pp. $9.95 ISBN: 0-590-02973-8
Lasky's second contribution to the Dear America series, subtitled The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl, explores Zippy's adjustment to life in America. Having fled the pogroms of the Russian Cossacks, the Feldmans settle in New York City, along with some 350,000 other Jewish immigrants. Although the storyline is focused on twelve-year-old Zippy, readers learn a great deal about her family and their struggles as well as about life in the early 1900s.
Presented as Zippy's diary, Dreams is historically authentic (clearly grounded in Lasky's personal knowledge and extensive research of the plight of Jewish immigrants). Zippy is, however, a fictional character and, at time, seems contrived. The diary, nevertheless, will appeal to girls (10-12 years) and, along with the other books in the series, is an admirable effort to acquaint us with our nation's history as seen through the eyes of young women. Dreams would make a provocative companion piece to The Diary of Anne Frank.
The ALAN Review Lisa J. McClure
Spring 1998 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Clip and File Reviews of New Fantasy Hardbacks
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Duncan, Lois
Gallows Hill
Reviewed by Diana Mitchell
Williamston, Michigan
Gallows Hill by Lois Duncan Witchcraft/Reincarnation
Delacorte Press, 1997. 227 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-385-32331-X
Sarah is the new girl at school when she is asked to work in the fortune-telling booth at the school carnival. Although hesitant to do so, she accepts the offer because she doesn't want to be an outsider forever. In her booth Sarah is shocked when she looks into the crystal ball for her "clients: and sees vivid scenes that later come true. Branded as a witch by her school mates and the jealous daughter of the man her mother lives with, Sarah soon receives threatening objects and notes. The plot of this supernatural thriller then thickens when Sarah and her friend Charlie begin their school research projects on the Salem Witch Trials and Sarah has terrifying dreams of being part of the Salem witch hunt. What can be happening? Are the participants in the Salem Witch Trials gathering in the present to work out the struggles they experienced hundreds of years ago? Will Sarah survive the intense hostility she feels building? This compelling, fast-paced novel is classic Lois Duncan, and her fans will welcome this newest book.
The ALAN Review Diana Mitchell
Spring 1998 Williamston, Michigan
Crowe, Carole
Sharp Horns on the Moon
Reviewed by Edna Earl Edwards
Professor Emerita
State University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Sharp Horns on the Moon by Carole Crowe Supernatural
Boyds Mills Press, 1998. 112 pp. $14.95 ISBN: 0-56397-671-4
Carole Crowe successfully interweaves the past with the present, the supernatural with the natural in her novel of Ivy Marie Bell. Lonely while living with her father, who is often away on fishing trips, and Aunt Ethel, who home-schools her, Ivy becomes friends with a ghost who is about her age, Eleanor Moneypenny. Through experiences with Eleanor, Ivy puts her mother's death into perspective, solves other mysteries, and confronts herself and her powers. She grows as she absorbs the experiences and leaves her secluded life to enter a regular school.
Crowe effectively deals with Ivy's need for friendship and for answers. She develops Ivy and Eleanor into human characters and blends the supernatural with history that lives on and affects families years later – in the present. This well-written book should hold the interest of young readers who like to explore the unusual.
The ALAN Review Edna Earl Edwards
Spring 1998 State University of West Georgia
Anderson, Janet S.
Going Through the Gate
Reviewed by Nancy E. Zuwiyya
Teacher of English
Binghamton High School
Binghamton, New York
Going Through the Gate by Janet S. Anderson Fantasy/Suicide
Dutton, 1997. 134 pp. $15.99 ISBN: 0-525-45836-0
Every year a small group of children experience an extraordinary sixth-grade graduation ceremony behind their rural school house. The reader meets the five sixth-graders who are about to graduate; and, as they think about "going through the gate," they are excited and afraid. On June 1st, when Becky and her four fellow graduates come together with their teacher, they discover that, when they go through the gate, crossing into a fantasy world, they achieve a sensitivity and knowledge that they never imagined before. With this new discovery comes a more clarified knowledge of reality. One girl, only twelve years old, tries to commit suicide, using the gate to escape pain rather than enter the adult world. The novel develops a sense of mystery and impending doom as the plot moves towards the climax. The final scene of suicide and rescue is shocking, especially considering the age of the children.
The ALAN Review Nancy E. Zuwiyya
Spring 1998 Binghamton High School, New York
Smith, Sherwood
Crown Duel
Reviewed by M. Jean Greenlaw
Regents Professor
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith Fantasy
Harcourt Brace, 1997. 214 pp. $17.00 ISBN: 0-15-201608-2
The death of their father casts young Mel and her brother Bran into the unwanted roles of Countess and Count and into being leaders of a revolution against a despotic king. Their people have fallen on hard times because of cruel taxes, and Mel has grown up gloriously free of the trappings of court. As she becomes enmeshed in war, she is captured, and her journey from captivity to freedom parallels her coming of age. Mel comes to realize that she has led a very sheltered life and that people are often not what they seem. As she travels the countryside, her world expands; and she discovers the need for the education she had previously scorned. Intrigue, romance, and rousing adventure are all part of the saga.
Sherwood Smith writes good story! Her use of language and imagery and her deft plotting keep the reader glued to the pages. This book is the first of the Crown & Court Duet. Smith's previous books formed the engaging Wren trilogy. Each book stands alone in its power and satisfactory conclusion, but each makes the reader want more. What more could we want as readers?
The ALAN Review M. Jean Greenlaw
Spring 1998 University of North Texas
Clip and File Reviews of New Hardbacks
Gary M. Salvner, editor
Sleator, Williams
The Beasties
Reviewed by Donald R. Gallo
Solon, Ohio
The Beasties by William Sleator Fantasy/Ecology/Siblings
Dutton, 1997. 198 pp. $15.99 ISBN: 0-525-45598-1
When fifteen-year-old Doug and his fifth-grade sister Colette explore the forest behind the old cabin their parents have rented in an unnamed wilderness, they discover a trapdoor to an underground tunnel. Below ground they meet a race of fierce but maimed creatures struggling for survival against logging companies that are destroying the forest. To compensate for their sometimes incompletely formed bodies, the "Beasties" surgically remove selected body parts from unwary humans and reattach them to their fellow creatures in crudely constructed operating labs. Becoming sympathetic to the Beasties' cause, Doug and Colette risk their lives to help them survive. If you don't mind far-fetched events with a lot of unreasonable occurrences (e.g. these kids stay up all night and never show sign of sleep deprivation the next day), Sleator's latest novel is a quick and lively read.
The ALAN Review Donald R. Gallo
Spring 1998 Solon, Ohio
Mulford, Philippa G.
The Holly Sisters on Their Own
Reviewed by Tricia Pilcher
English Teacher
Crestview Middle School
Columbiana, Ohio
The Holly Sisters on Their Own by Philippa G. Mulford Sisters/Stepfamilies
Marshall Cavendish, 1998. 158 pp. $14.95 ISBN: 0-7614-5022-X
Charmaine is used to being an "only"; but, for the summer at least, she must give up some of the attention she gets from her parents to make room for her "stuck-up," older half-sister Cissa. As a sharp-witted New York City dweller, almost-12-year-old Charmaine is expected to entertain the more sophisticated and beautiful, but not so street-wise, Cissa. She also must share her room, her friends, her parents, and even her Granny. But she and Cissa seem so different that it seems as if they will never get along, until Charmaine comes to the realization that Cissa may also have something to share.
The very real problem of sibling rivalry is explored here with the quirky humor that comes from Charmaine's voice as the narrator. The main conflict between the half sisters is resolved, though some readers may wonder what happened to certain episodes that are brought up and explored for a couple of chapters but then forgotten. Despite these unfinished story-lines, young female adolescents, probably those in grades five through seven, would find something to relate to in Charmaine's very honest character and in her relationship to Cissa.
The ALAN Review Tricia Pilcher
Spring 1998 Crestview Middle School, Ohio
Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody
In the Stone Circle
Reviewed by Gary D. Schmidt
Professor of English
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
In the Stone Circle by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel Ghost Story/Welsh Fiction
Scholastic, 1998. 225 pp. $15.95 ISBN: 0-590-21308-3
In her first novel Elizabeth Cody Kimmel has crafted an atmospheric ghost story set in a sixteenth-century Welsh house. When Cristyn arrives with her father to spend a summer, she finds mysterious stairways, coins appearing out of the air, furniture moved, and the one picture of her deceased mother transported from room to room. Her own close connection with her father is soon mirrored in the close connection of a young twelfth-century girl who has lost a treasured necklace given to her by her own father, a necklace Cristyn must find. This pair of relationships is shown in the obverse by the other family living in the house, whom the father has hurt and abandoned. The resolution of all of these relationships and needs comes with the finding of the necklace and the mutual recognition of the bonds of love. The separate strands of these plots do not always weave together easily. The tense ghostly atmosphere created in the opening half of the novel, for example, is abandoned in the second half. Elements that could be developed, such as the circle of stones, are left hanging as mere icons. Nevertheless, this is a quick read and worth the fine twist at the end as Cristyn discovers the identity of the ghost in the Stone Circle.
The ALAN Review Gary D. Schmidt
Spring 1998 Calvin College
Westwood, Chris
Virtual World
Reviewed by Jim Brewbaker
Chair, Curriculum and Instruction
Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Virtual World by Chris Westwood Science Fiction
Viking, 1996. 217 pp. $15.99 ISBN: 0-670-87546-5
Christ Westwood's Virtual World is just what the doctor ordered for teenage computer games junkies. In it, Jack, Kyle, and Kate lose their way in Silicon Sphere, a scary virtual reality game so lifelike that it is all but impossible to draw the line between fact and fiction. The brainchild (literally) of evil genius Eddie Matrix, Silicon Sphere, available illegally via the Internet, so intoxicates those who play it that they become unwilling or unable to stop.
Virtual World is set at an unspecified time somewhere between ten and fifty years into the future. Its real world is one where, because of overpopulation, crime, and squandering of resources, the settings of computer simulations are, to some, better than life itself. Though Westwood doesn't do much with this theme, the fact that his characters are caught in a less liveable time and place provokes thought and discussion.
If one makes the logical leap called for by Virtual World, it is a good read. Westwood's descriptions of the simulated places of Silicon Sphere are vivid. Though his teen characters are pale by comparison, few young readers will notice. Recommended for ages thirteen and up.
The ALAN Review Jim Brewbaker
Spring 1998 Columbus State University
by TG


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John Milan/
John Milan pronounces his name MY-lin, not ME-lahn like the Italian city. He's also not from Italy, he's from Brooklyn, Michigan but he's lived in the Detroit area for thirty years. For twenty of those years, John has lived in Woodbridge.
Over the last eight years, John has worked almost exclusively in Woodbridge as a contractor/painter, and for the last year has worked on numerous projects with Live in Woodbridge properties. Like many of the subjects of this interview series, John Milan is not only a worker of Woodbridge, he's also a part of the community and like those other workers, John finds a real sense of satisfaction from the work he does in the neighborhood.
I sat with John and his dog Scoot on the steps of his back porch and asked him a few questions on the work he does and what restoration means not only for the property owners, but for him as a member of the neighborhood.
TL: A lot is happening in Detroit right now. It's safe to say that in that regard, it's unlike any other American city. Have you experienced anything like this before?
JM: No. It's pretty cool. It's amazing to be here and to be part of it — to be so engaged with it here, and these different properties. I feel like it's an honor, really. Every time I get to go in one of these properties, to work on them, to put my stamp on them; it's a real honor.
TL: What is it like to do this type of work in the place you live?
JM: This last summer, starting in late-May, early-June, with the exception of one little job, I never had to work more than two blocks from my front door. I'd get done working every day and I come and grab my dogs and go for a walk. I get to walk past house after house and see — I redid that column on the front of that house, I redid that windowsill, I painted that house. There's a real satisfaction that comes with that. It also keeps you honest.
TL: With all of the people I've interviewed for this series, they all have that sentiment in common.
During the conversation, John and I walked over to his garage which he uses as part workspace and part emporium for pieces of Woodbridge houses that have been discarded or salvaged. One whole wall in the garage was dedicated to moldings, columns, window parts and other historical scraps of Woodbridge neatly stacked and sorted. What might have ended up as forgotten parts of the neighborhood's rich history of craftsmanship, John has cataloged and maintained for future use and restoration.
JL: Over the years I've collected a few columns from a porch that had fallen down or someone dragged to the curb because they didn't really know what to do with them, or moldings that were being thrown out (etc.) I was working on some houses this summer with Dan Mercer and his crew, who by the way is an incredible contractor, and there were some moldings that had to be replaced. You can't just go buy these moldings; they have to be specially made. However, because over the years we've been collecting scraps and pieces of different houses in the neighborhood that were being thrown out, all of sudden I can say let me go check my stock and sure enough I'll go into the garage and there's a match. There were craftsman 100 years ago building these houses and they didn't build just one; they did many of them. It's interesting working on some of the houses because you'll start to recognize the craftsman's mark on some of the ornate pieces.
TL: What do you see for the future of Woodbridge, as Detroit enters this new chapter?
JM: This neighborhood wasn't built with all owner-occupied houses or all rentals. It was built with a mix. I don't think it's going to move away from that. Commonwealth has a lot more rental properties than Avery. Avery is a lot more owner-occupied, single-family homes. There are a lot of people who want to move here for that but with the proximity to Wayne State, there won't ever be a lack of people wanting to keep these houses as rentals. They're already built as rentals, many of them.
I think what's going to happen is that the neighborhood is just going to get better and better in general. Is that going to affect the price of rent? Absolutely. It's bound to. How could it not? Does that mean it's going to price some people out? I don't have answers to that. I can tell you that the work that's getting done here has got to be done, or they won't last. It's gotto be done. Comparatively, it's still affordable, especially when you look at the actual quality of these houses. When you go into them and they have the original wood floors with ten-inch oak moldings, nine, ten-foot ceilings and original tile-work that's 100 years old. Where are you going to go and get that and not pay anything?
Little by little, neighborhood by neighborhood, we'll see what happens.
You can reach John via email at firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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The Battle of the Sexes (2017)
Written by Simon Beaufoy
Directed by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris
It's 1973 and Billie Jean King is the first female athlete to make $100,000. She is right in the midst of her reign as the queen of the court. On the flipside is Bobby Briggs, 55, a former tennis champion for a brief moment in the late 1930s/early 1940s. He is also a gambling addict but one who wins more often than loses. Briggs gets the idea to play into the women's lib movement of the time and hype himself as the ultimate male chauvinist, all in a bid to put on the Battle of the Sexes. This match would pit Briggs against King and help fill his pockets with endorsement money as well as build attention for U.S. Tennis. Meanwhile, King is dealing a personal revelation that will shake her life and her career.
The Battle of the Sexes is a perfectly competent biopic but often falls into those cliches so many films of this genre do. So much of the actual story behind this moment in sports history is glossed over and rushed to hit beats. As a result, background characters up painted in the broadest of strokes and loses any self of individuality. For example, Alan Cumming plays Ted Tinling, an openly gay British tennis player who became a designer of tennis outfits for female players. In real life, Tinling was banned from Wimbledon for designing scandalous women's attire for the court where lace panties could be glimpsed during play. There is an entire film or documentary in this one character, yet Battle of the Sexes presents him as "old gay fashion guy." I would challenge anyone who has seen the movie to even remember his name. What is frustrating is that Tinling is used in the closing scene of the film as a sort of comfort to King who is dealing with her sexual awakening as a lesbian. It feels out of nowhere and definitely not earned as these characters have no real previously established strong relationship or dialogue with each other.
That was the feeling has throughout most of this film, that an excellent documentary would be so much better. The story was intriguing enough that I did some google searching and found out the relationship between King and her hairdresser, Marilyn Barrett was much more complicated than presented. King put Barrett up in a beach house for five years and stayed married to her husband, Larry. When the Kings decided to sell the beach house, Barrett and King had a monumental falling out that led to Barrett throwing herself from the roof and become a paraplegic. After a long legal battle for palimony, the Kings held a press conference in the early 1980s where Billie admitted to the affair but tried to stave off the idea that she might be a lesbian. She and Larry finally divorced in 1987 after twenty-two years of marriage.
I was disappointed that we didn't get a sense of the relationship between Billie and Larry. She claims Larry was the one who introduced her to the ideas of feminism and he even claimed he understood she had an attraction to women as early as 1968. He seemed like a very enlightened person for the time, and she says she truly was in love with him when they married. I think the complicated nature of their relationship would have been fascinating to explore, but he isn't given much development in this story, nor is Marilyn Barrett. Andrea Riseborough does a beautiful job as Barrett but just isn't given much growth beyond being the impetus of King's sexual discovery.
The Battle of the Sexes feels like the sort of movie a studio makes to be submitted for awards season. It plays reasonably safe with social conventions, never exhibiting any sort of nuanced or interesting take on sexuality beyond anything else you've seen. Actors are focused more on the strength of mimicry than bringing real character to their roles. Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs is an excellent example of this, with seemingly no real consistency to the character. Emma Stone does a bit better with her portrayal of Billie Jean King and actually doesn't feel like a pure facsimile. The scenes that hurt the most are the recreations of famous television moments where the dialogue feels like recited dialogue, in both words and delivery. This is an entirely fine film, but nothing truly memorable or profound.


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|Just out from Capstone/Picture Window
The next meeting for the Cincinnati SCBWI group is Tuesday, October 13 at the Sharonville Library from 7 pm - 8:45 pm.
Our speaker is Christina Wald, a local children's book illustrator who specializes in animal and science work. She's a prolific artist with over 20 years' experience in the field and has worked with numerous major publishers including Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Hachette, Penguin, and National Geographic, as well as on smaller-scale projects directly with authors.
Christina will talk about how she became a children's book illustrator and what it's like to work on a picture book from start to finish, including how she works with writers and publishers.
If you would like to have Christina sign one of her books, please feel free to buy it ahead of time and bring it to the meeting. We'll leave time at the end for her to sign.
To learn more about Christina and the amazing books she's illustrated, please visit her website: http://www. christinawald.com/ or her blog: http://christinawald.blogspot.com/
|Latest from Arbordale
|Out in November form Mountain Press


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Yamaha 500SR 'Tuxedo'
Yamaha 500SR 'Tuxedo'
We did not want to go for a "déjà vu" café racer bike on this project.
Of course the seat and tank remind you of the dogmatic aesthetic rules of what a café racer should look like.
But take a closer look and you will see how different the "Tuxedo" is.
Photos: Gary Jézégabel.
The whole bike has been worked out and modified:
- handcrafted subframe;
- handcrafted electricity box welded to the frame;
The fork has been re-conditionned and comes from a Yamaha TDR 230.
Front wheel shiny black powder coated.
Bates headlight and mini-led blinkers.
Mini speedo and tachymeter.
- muffler and wrapping have been matt white high temperature painted;
- Mikuni TM36 carburator mounted with a K&N air filter.
The whole engine has been reworked: new piston rings, new distribution chain, new top-engine gaskets.
Bespoke resin tank coming with a "Monza" fuel cap. Matt white painted.
Firestone Deluxe tires on both front and rear wheels.
- New secondary chain kit (gold colour to match the front disc brake);
- "+4 cm" swing arm;
- no tail light since the rear blinkers include stop + tail light.


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Scott Phillips is the author of three of the most highly acclaimed crime novels of recent years. His debut novel, The Ice Harvest, was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and won the California Book Award, a Silver Medal for Best First Fiction, and was a finalist for the Edgar Awards, the Hammett Prize and the Anthony Award. Its followup The Walkaway continued his success, with The New York Times calling it "wicked fun." His third novel, Cottonwood, has just been published by Ballantine.
Born in Wichita, Kansas, where much of his first two books are set, Scott lived for many years in Paris, and then in Southern California, where he worked on screenplays. Those who frequent Showtime in the middle of the night may see his name on Crosscut (1996). He now lives in St. Louis with his wife and daughter.
Visit http://www.scottphillipsauthor.com for more information on Scott Phillips


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If you have always dreamed of being involved in the aviation industry, you might be unsure of how to get started. After all, your career goal might seem very far away. For many, the best way to get started is to go to college. These are a few ways that your college education can help you start your aviation career off right.
Be Prepared for Future Classes
First of all, attending basic classes in subjects like English, math and science can help you get prepared for aviation training. Once you have these things out of the way, you will have the skills that you need to pursue your further aviation training. Plus, you will have any prerequisites out of the way so that you can start your aviation-related classes as soon as possible.
Learn Job Skills
Once you have completed your basic classes, you can start taking aviation-related classes at a school like the Institute of Aviation at Parkland College. Once you start taking these classes, you can begin to learn the ins and outs of your new career choice. This can help you become fully prepared to do the job that you want to do once you graduate.
Prepare Your Resume
Even though there are a lot of job opportunities in the field of aviation, some job positions can be quite competitive. Since you probably don't want to have a hard time getting your dream job, you may want to do what you can to make it easier for you to score a job once you're ready. Luckily, by attending college, you can help ensure that your resume looks great and that you are fully prepared to start applying for jobs that you are interested in.
Learn Job-Finding Skills
In addition to learning about basic skills and aviation itself, you can learn a lot of things like job-finding skills while you're in college. You might learn how to make a resume, for example. You could also meet people who are involved in the industry, which can be a good thing that can help you find job opportunities later on.
As you can see, if you are interested in being involved in the aviation industry, it is a good idea to seek a college education. Luckily, there are plenty of schools out there that offer programs that can help you get started off right. Once you find a good school and get signed up for classes, you can work toward achieving your goal of someday working in the aviation industry.


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Just Water manufactures preforms, blow our own bottles and purify water. We also manufacture a large variety of quality beverages. Our product range includes Still, Sparkling and Flavoured sparkling drinks which are all endorsed by The Heart Foundation. All our Just Water products are low in kilojoules, diabetic friendly and aspartame free.
STILL WATER 500ML @ R 3.20 each
STILL WATER 5LTR @ R 9.50 each [Stock available from the 09.11.2015]
COMPANY BRANDED CLEAR BOTTLE WATER 500ML @ R 4.50 each
Prices exclude vat.
Please contact Raveen [0823902244] for any additional information / orders
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From today onwards Domino's stores across Australia will be giving pizza lovers something to really get excited about with the chance for them to order the biggest pizza on the menu – ever, The BIG ONE!
It features four fully-loaded quarters of Domino's most popular recipes – Pepperoni, Supreme, BBQ Meatlovers and Hawaiian – each roughly equivalent in size to two large pizzas.
Domino's Global Development Chef Michael Treacy said the pizza is the largest size the stores could make.
"We couldn't make the pizza any bigger or else it wouldn't fit through a standard doorway," Mr Treacy said.
"The supersized pizza contains an impressive 800 grams of mouth-watering mozzarella and 600 grams of sauce.
"We had to source new, custom made pizza pans and specially-designed pizza boxes, which are much thicker and more robust than our standard boxes, so that they can withstand the weight of the pizza.
"The BIG ONE is only available for pick up as it is too large to transport on one of Domino's electronic bikes. Customers will need to make sure they bring a friend to help them carry the pizza out of the store and clear the boot space in their car, so it can lay flat."
Domino's CEO for Australia and New Zealand Nick Knight said only two 'The BIG ONE' pizzas will be available per store each day.
"Customers will need to get in quick to reserve their pizza as only two will be available per store each day and we are expecting them to sell out," Mr Knight said.
"Each pizza has around 20 serves making it the perfect option for parties, events and other food sharing occasions."
The BIG ONE costs $49.95 (pick up only) and must be reserved online 24 hours in advance at thebigone.dominos.com.au.
For more information on Domino's, visit www.dominos.com.au.
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited (DMP) is Domino's largest franchisee outside of the USA. It holds the master franchise rights to the Domino's brand and network in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Japan, Germany and Luxembourg. Today, DMP has a network of more than 2,400 stores.


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Bender Group understands the ramifications of chargebacks and even the potential loss of business that comes with failing to adhere to the retail sectors' stringent vendor compliance requirements. Our number one goal is to limit our client's risk in this area by shipping on-time, accurate orders in accordance with retailers' vendor compliance requirements and routing guides.
Under our vendor compliance program, the specific requirements that pertain to the shipment of goods are taken from the more extensive vendor compliance and routing guides for each retailer and are complied in a quick reference form. The quick reference forms are used by our Customer Logistics Representatives (CLRs) and warehouse employees to ensure compliance requirements are consistently met. Retailers further complicate the shipping process by continually updating and changing their vendor compliance instructions and routing manuals. However, Bender Group establishes clear processes for updating changes to vendor compliance and routing guides with our clients to diminish the chance for chargebacks to occur.
AAFES Bed, Bath & Beyond O'Reillys Amazon.com Dick's Sporting Goods Pep Boys Ace Harware Federated Stores QVC Best Buy Walgreens Rite Aid Circuit City GameStop Sam's Club Costco Kmart Sears CVS Kohl's Shopko Fred Meyer Krogers Target Home Depot Lowes Wal*Mart AutoZone Macy's Whole Foods


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I am looking for one female model for a High-Fashion Artistic Nude internationally Printed Magazine Submission.
Model must fit these stats:
18 and over
5'7 or taller
Slender and or Athletic build
Little to no tattoos. Small tattoos may be accepted.
If you are interested please do the following:
Completely fill out the form with all the needed info, if you have any questions please let me know.
Please understand what is being asked of you. If you are not interested in shooting a High Fashion Artistic Nude with the intentions of being published please do not contact me or submit for this casting.
Please be warned, if you are selected, shoot, submitted, published and then you change your mind, no one from my team will care, so reread this before you contact me, regardless of you feelings or change of heart the publication will be published, and used for the purpose it was intended.
Thank you,
James and Staff!


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One wonders how they might de-conflict their desire to cool the planet, with their desire to prevent the starvation of the Third World poor (or COSTCO shoppers).
However, for the really extreme environmentalists (as opposed to those who learn to "go green" from NBC
In fact for their Eco-Extremist agenda to be successful, they actually want
"Curing a body of cancer requires radical and invasive therapy, and therefore, curing the biosphere of the human virus will also require a radical and invasive approach..."No wonder the environmentalists are pushing ethanol so hard. It *can* save the planet. Ethanol = Starvation = Greener Planet
I guess it is just too bad we won't be around to see it....
UPDATE: Welcome Instapundit readers! For a great collection of alternative Climate/Environmental news that you won't find during Earth Week, check out Doug Ross.


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Uninsured Plaintiffs Can Recover Billed Expenses
The Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals recently provided more guidance on the Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. Sec-tion 41.010. This provision limits recovery of medical expenses to the amount actually paid or incurred by or on the behalf of a claimant. It was enacted in a collection of tort reform bills and was approved through voter referendum. The seminal case that provides the application of this provision is Haygood v. Escabedo, 356 S.W. 3d 390 (Tex 2012). Building on that case, the 5th Circuit court came down with Guzman v. Jones.
In Guzman v. Jones, the issue is whether or not a plaintiff who may have been eligible for insurance benefits but did not have insurance at the time of his injury is permitted to admit evidence of the full billed medical expenses he was charged and obligated to pay.
Mr. Jones caused a motor vehicle accident with another driver, Jaime Guzman. There was no liability dispute. The trial occurred to determine the amount of damages that would be awarded to Jaime Guzman. At trial, Guzman showed medical bills that evidenced he may have qualified for workers' compensation. However, none of his medical bills were adjusted or written off to reflect workers' compensation or Medicaid benefits. It was eventually discovered that Mr. Guzman was not a Medicaid participant and did not receive any workers' compensation benefits despite being eligible for both. Before trial, Mr. Jones argued that based on Mr. Guzman's circumstances he did qualify for workers' compensation and Medicaid benefits so his medical bills should be excluded. The motion was denied.
Mr. Jones argues that the medical debt is not "actually incurred" due to the fact if Mr. Guzman had insurance, he would have been charged a reduced rate. The court disagreed and explained that Mr. Guzman had actually incurred what he was billed for and the fact that he could have had insurance benefits does not change the obligation of payment that Mr. Guzman owes now. The court explains that only evidence of medical expenses that are recoverable are permitted to be introduced as evidence, but there is no requirement that an individual take advantage of reduced rates. The appellate court looked to other courts who also permit uninsured plaintiff's to recover billed medical expenses because there was no evidence that the providers did not have a right to be paid.
The Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's judgment and ruled that the trial court did not abuse its discretion. Texas law allows consideration of billed medical charges for an uninsured claimant despite the fact that there may have been reduced rates available to the claimant had they had insurance they qualified for that the claimant did not participate in.


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I help people with addiction anywhere in the world over the phone or through video chat.
My missions is to help people gain control over their life and addictions that control them.
Many people have turned to addictions or substances to cope with the stresses of their lives. I believe that everyone can find harmony in their life and be free from addiction.
My missions is to help people gain control over their life and addictions that control them.
Many people have turned to addictions or substances to cope with the stresses of their lives. I believe that everyone can find harmony in their life and be free from addiction.
Coping through addition can often be destructive to your livelihood and relationships. It feels like you cannot live without that one routine, those substances or that escape from life. You will quit as soon as you get that relationship, that job or when you just start feeling good about life. The habit has become a muscle memory and you no longer are consciously choosing what you do around your addiction.
Common things that I work with
Substance abuse does not stand alone and separate from every other problem. Often there are other, associated things that go along with the addiction.
What makes me different
Homeopathy uses natural substances which helps people change at the subconscious level. These natural substances are highly diluted and work without side effects. Homeopathic remedies are non addictive, and can be taken with other superscription or healing modalities. Homeopathy helps the person work on the core problems which led to addiction as well as the addiction its self.
Does this sound like you?
- Have you tried other therapies and just not seeing the results that you would like?
- Do you have symptoms that do not seem to fit into any box?
- Do you feel like your medical provider does not spend enough time with you?
- Are you looking for an additional therapy to supplement your healing?
Now is the perfect time to try Homeopathy! If you are unsure, you can schedule a free 15 minute discovery session for more information.
Email or call for an appointment.
Homeopathy can heal many conditions
Homeopathy .... cures a larger percentage of cases than any other method of treatment and is beyond doubt safer and more economical and the most complete medical science.
-Mahatama Gandhi
-Mahatama Gandhi
"Dear Aaron, It is not possible to thank you enough, or for you to know the depth of changes that have transpired in my life since, and beginning with, the work you did with me and the remedy you gave me. The issue of self hatred had permeated my life and colored all my thinking, relationships and life experiences. After taking the remedy only a short while, things started to shift in me to the point where I now find myself a year later embarking on a completely new life with hope and a good feeling about myself. I feel self-respect and a peace that comes from integrity to the self that was not possible in my previous self-hating state. Thank you so much for being the willing vehicle for change in my life." -J.P.
"Aaron is truly a deep listener, and he really took the time to understand exactly how I experienced my back pain. I always thought that all back pain was the same, but Aaron told me how he finds a unique remedy that fits my whole story. And sure enough, within 2 days my back pain was almost completely gone. It has been over 3 months now and the pain is still gone!" -Heather S.
"When I first came to see Aaron, I was suffering from hot flashes every day. They interfered with my volunteer work but I just did not want to take hormones. My friend told me about Aaron and how homeopathy helped her so I made an appointment. The first remedy he gave me helped my emotions balance out, but didn't really help the hot flashes as much as I would like. On the second visit a month later he explained that homeopathy works by removing layers like an onion, and that sometimes what I want fixed first gets fixed a little later. He gave me a different remedy at the second visit and after that my hot flashes were pretty much gone. I couldn't believe it. I highly recommend Aaron DeForest if you want help without turning to prescription drugs." -Betsy G.
Coming Soon


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Since breaking into the music scene in 1993, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. has established a name for himself as one of the world's most famous rappers. Don't recognise the title? No shame on you- Calvin is far more commonly known by his stage name, Snoop Dogg. More than twenty years after his initial breakthrough, the Californian King of laid-back rap is back with his latest album, Bush. Produced entirely by spirit brother Pharrell, with early released single "Peaches 'N' Cream already a hit, it looks set to be a sure fire winner this Summer. To celebrate, we're looking back at our favourite quotes from the main man himself; prepare to have your shizzle nizzled…
1- Master your craft
2- Dream big
3- Feel the love
4- Don't fear loss
5- Plan for your retirement


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I've been a photographer and retouch artist in the fashion and advertising industries for over ten years. During this time I've created an extensive archive of LUTS, Lightroom Presets and Photoshop Actions.
I've now decided to make these available for sale and hope that they will be beneficial to your work.
I've watched the sale of Lightroom presets boom. From Instagrammers to Youtubers, it has been a trend that many creators have jumped on. Admittedly, I have purchased a number of these packs in the past. However, I've often been disappointed to find that many of them look great on the example images but never really match up to one's own work.
Seeing a gap in the market and with an aim to prevent this with my preset packs, I started by choosing 100 different photographs; ensuring a variety of subject matter, lighting scenarios, camera models and file types. I then applied my presets to every picture and noted which ones worked best.
The result is one lengthy spreadsheet and selection of presets that I'm convinced will prove to be a genuine asset to any photographers toolkit.
Before releasing them for sale, I took to the internet and chose to have them vetted by two competitive marketplaces. The first was Filtergrade, in my view one of the best preset/digital asset websites and the chosen platform for many prominent names (Taylor Cut Films, Gab Scanu, Noel Alva, etc.). The second was Creative Market, the largest online marketplace for creative resources.
My presets are now available on both...
I hope that you enjoy them!
Clean Colour & Tone w.Barrel Distortion
Clean Colour & Tone wo.Barrel Distortion
Cyan Shift w.Cross Process (Subtle)
Cyan Shift w.Cross Process + Pop
Cyan Shift w.Rich Reds
Cyan/Magenta Shift w.Rich Reds + Pop
Green Shift w.Low Contrast
Green Shift w. Subtle Colour Pop
High Bake w.Cool Tones & Vignette
High Bake w.Nice Skin Tones & Vignette
High Bake w.Rich Tone, Colour & Vignette_1
High Bake w.Rich Tone, Colour & Vignette_2
High Bake w.Rich Tone, Colour & Vignette_3
High Bake w. Urban/Grunge Tones
High Bake w. Yellow Shift
Lifted Blacks w.Blue Shift & Desat Colours
Lifted Blacks w.High Clarity & Desat Colours
Lifted Blacks w.Pushed Reds & Desat Colours
Luxurious Blacks_1
Luxurious Blacks_2
Magenta Highlights w.Colour Pop_1
Magenta Highlights w.Colour Pop_2
Magenta Shift w.Cross Processed Shadows
Teal & Orange (Subtle)
Teal & Orange (Heavy)
Yellow/Green Shift w.Colour Pop_1
Yellow/Green Shift w.Colour Pop_2
Yellow/Green Shift w.Colour Pop_3
Yellow/Green Shift w.High Clarity
Yellow/Green Shift w.Summer Colour
Travel & Lifestyle Preset Examples
Contrasty w.Bright Highlights
Contrasty w.Bright Highlights & Blues
Contrasty w.Bright Yellows & Greens, Dark Reds
Contrasty w.Bright Yellows, Dark Blues & Greens
Medium Contrast_1
Medium Contrast_2
Medium Contrast w.Blue Tone
Heavy Vignette w.Blue Tone
Heavy Vignette w.Bright Tones & Rich Blacks
Heavy Vignette w.Dark Undertone_1
Heavy Vignette w.High Contrast_1
Heavy Vignette w.High Contrast_2
Heavy Vignette w.High Contrast_3
Heavy Vignette w.High Contrast_4
Low Contrast
Black & White Preset Examples
- Adobe Lightroom Classic CC (7.3+)
- Adobe Lightroom CC
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile
- Adobe Photoshop CC
- RAW (Recommended), TIFF & JPEG File Types
- Easy Installation Guide & Videos Included.
While I have done my best to create a set of presets that look great and save you time, please bear in mind that each scenario is different. Some photographs might only need a single click; others may require further adjustment. There may even be an image where none of these presets give you the look you're after.
If you're really battling, feel free to contact me and I'll help you as best as I can.
© Freddie Child-Villiers, All Rights Reserved.
By purchasing this product, you agree not to distribute (share) or sell this product and/or its contents in any capacity.
Thank you for your understanding.


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Free New Age, Metaphysical, & Spiritual Information Online!
|Shop Fun Learn Community Contact
Learn About Astrology
Did you ever want to know where you were heading in life, what was in store just down the road? Astrology can definitely show you the trends in your life, some say even predict events to come in your future!
People have been studying the stars in the sky for thousands of years. Astronomers were once also astrologers, people who could foretell the future, simply by studying the movement of the planets and luminaries.
The astrology on our learn stuff pages will help reveal much more about you than any horoscope you might read about in the newspaper and the information is free and at your fingertips.
I invite you to peruse at your leisure, pick and choose, what you want to learn about this fascinating subject!
Astrology 1 ~ The Basics
Get Free Horoscopes!
Each of these horoscopes will reveal fascinating information about you, put in different ways.
You may even find some conflicting details, so to begin with, I suggest you try the Western or "American" horoscope.
After you feel you understand that chart, try another and see what other insights you discover!
Astrology 2 ~ More Advanced Topics
Astrology Software Links
After you are done here, be sure to head back to the library to learn more about fun metaphysical subjects, such as incense, candles, auras, ghosts, and much, much more!
Please Note: This area is making a BIG transition. As time permits, new pages will replace the old Learn Stuff pages. In the meantime, If you get lost, just click on the LEARN button on the left hand or top of the page. That will return you to the library door.
Thank you, for your patience and understanding!
Have fun and enjoy your visit!
Love and Peace,
Erin Gjertsen
| Today is Wednesday 09-18-2019
Grandpa's General Store
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CowToy.com - A Moovelous Place To Have Fun!
Website layout and design copyright © 2000-2019 Erin Gjertsen - Grandpa's General Store
All body/health care products are sold "for external use only" unless specifically "labeled" for other use. All body/healthcare information (aromatherapy/herbal/etc) is provided "for educational purposes only", as a folklore reference, and is not to be construed as medical advice, to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. If you are suffering from any disease you should seek the assistance of a qualified health care professional. None of the information on this site has been reviewed or approved by the FDA.
All reviews are the opinions of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Grandpa's General Store.


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We live in a society which prides itself for being modern, sophisticated, and cultured. A society hoping to fight corruption within systems, a society boasting cutting-edge research, a society living with justice and cohesive ethics. While many of us could agree with this, many others would disagree due to the way our society deals with different ethical dilemmas, especially regarding the controversy of animal experimentation. Before we discuss the philosophical ideologies applicable to this problem, let us define animal experimentation, and look at some concrete pros and cons it brings to society.
Animal experimentation is defined as "the use of non-human animals in research and development projects, especially for purposes of determining the safety of substances such as cosmetics and drugs", thus we find two distinct purposes for animal testing: developing cosmetics and drugs. Cosmetic animal testing is used to determine the toxicity, appropriate dosage, and safety of an ingredient before it is put into product. There are many types of tests cosmetic companies run to determine the safety of an ingredient, such as the infamous Draize test, where a substance is applied to the eye of a restrained rabbit and reactions are monitored for up to three weeks. John H. Draize, Ph.D., the scientist who invented to Draize test, also developed a skin irritancy test in which high concentrations of test substances are applied to a rabbit's shaved skin and reactions are observed. The rabbits are then disposed of after the experiment. Most cosmetic animal tests are a variation of Draize's tests, and bring about both pros and cons to society, which we can evaluate with the different philosophical ideologies we discussed in class.
So what are the pros of animal experimentation for cosmetic purposes? From reflecting over what we have learned so far, it appears to only satisfy a lower form of utilitarianism. Cosmetic products make people "happy". Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, primer, foundation, and blush bring many an unyielding confidence and happiness from being perceived as aesthetically beautiful. Soaps, shower gels, lotions, perfumes, and cleansers allow people to (literally) feel pleasant, and bring them comfort and satisfaction as well. Utilitarians would argue that this happiness does bring about the good of "happiness", as happiness from cosmetics is generally perceived as selfish, and so it satisfies only the lower level of utilitarian ethics. Contrasting, Kantian ethics would deem cosmetic animal testing as unethical, seeing that this type of animal experimentation is done only for self-interest. In order for it to be considered moral by Kantian ethics, we must be testing on animals due to a moral duty we have which rationalizes the action of subjecting them to inhumane trials and think; would this maxim be good if made into a universal law? The maxim in which we justify cosmetic animal testing can be phrased into a syllogism:
Cosmetics are tested on animals
Cosmetics make humans happy
Cosmetic testing makes humans happy.
Would this maxim of "doing what makes us happy" bring about good if implemented as a universal law? Simply, no. Some people find happiness in killing others. Some find happiness in wealth, and sell their souls to corruption in order to pursue their desire. Some find happiness in being aesthetically beautiful, and this happiness is often brought about by products which have been tested on animals. So we see that this maxim of "doing what makes us happy" cannot bring about only good if made into a universal law, and thus is considered immoral by Kantian ethics.
Now moving onto animal experimentation for medical research and drug development. Animal testing for medical research and drug development has been used by researchers for many centuries. A few highlights of medical discoveries from animal testing:
1600's: William Harvey dissected animals to observe how blood flowed through the body. This resulted in the discovery of the circulatory system and how the heart pumped blood throughout the body.
Early 1900's: Louis Pasteur proved the germ theory (that germs attack the body from the outside and cause diseases) to be true by infecting sheep with anthrax. He went on to discover how diseases were caused and the developed vaccinations for these diseases.
1920's: Frederick Banting experimented on dogs to find the role the pancreas played in producing insulin, discovering a way to treat diabetes.
1950's: Researchers and scientists injected streptomycin into guinea pigs diseased with tuberculosis, proving the capability of antibiotics to stop and reverse disease.
1960's: Albert Sabin infected numerous animals to be living hosts of Polio, creating a living vaccine to inject into humans.
1960's: Albert Starr pioneered heart valve replacement surgery by learning and practising on animals. The discovery of heart valve replacement surgery. No longer was a full heart transplant needed if someone had a diseased heart, technology could now replace unhealthy heart valves.
Mill's utilitarian ethics would agree to medical animal experimentation, as we see an exponentially greater amount of "good" brought into the world from the harms we committed in order to bring about that good. Animal testing for medical research and drug development also satisfies a higher level of utilitarianism. The "good" (of progression in medical research), brought about by the "harm" (of testing on animals) is being created for an altruistic reason; to benefit and improve the health of all human lives. In contrast to cosmetic animal testing whose purpose is to satisfy debateably superficial wants, scientific animal testing is being used to grant people a higher quality of life.
Something we're unsure about is where Kantian ethics lies on this issue. We've come up with two possible maxims to be conceived as universal law which would label scientific animal experimentation as either moral or immoral:
Moral: I am testing on animals to decrease the amount of human physical suffering in this world. So, would I want to live in a world where everyone worked to decrease the physical suffering of humans? Yes. Therefore, testing on animals is ethical.
Immoral: I am subjecting a living being to inhumane circumstances for the benefit of another living being. So, would I want to live in a world where every being could torture another being for the benefit of another? No. Therefore testing on animals is unethical.
The large difference between the two maxims is that they differ on how they view the rights of non-human persons. If we value them less then humans, then yes, it's ethical. If we grant them the same rights as humans – such as the right to security of person – then no, torturing an animal is completely inhumane and unethical.
So we ask you: does with rights come responsibility? And if so, what responsibilities are animals fulfilling which grant them this right to security of their being?


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- Description
DetailsOrganii Sun Milk SPF50 125ml Organii Sun Milk SPF50 offers high protection for use on individuals which are prone to burning especially childrens' delicate and sensitive skin. Organii Sun Milk SPF50 contains ingredients including Argan and Jojoba which help to nourish the skin whilst Pongamol protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
- UVA & UVB Protection
- Effective immediately
- Fragrance Free
- Paraben Free
- No colourings
- Water Resistant
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Suitable for vegans
- Nickel Tested
- Dermatologically Tested
- Certified by ICEA How To Use:
Apply generously massaging into the skin and reapply frequently especially after swimming or sweating. Ingredients:
aqua (water), pongamia glabra seed oil, dicaprylyl ether, zinc oxide, caprylic/capric triglyceride, polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, glycerin, *alcohol, olea europaea fruit oil, titanium dioxide, oryza sativa bran oil, *linum usitatissimum oil, tocopherol, alumina, stearic acid, pongamol, *helianthus annuus seed oil, *simmondsia chinensis seed oil, *argania spinosa kernel oil, hydrated silica, oryzanol, magnesium stearate, *calendula officinalis flower extract, *malva sylvestris leaf extract, bisabolol, magnesium sulphate eptahydrate, stearic acid.
*All ingredients with asterisk are from Certified Organic Farming
- Reviews


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Life's Journeys According to Mister Roge
Things to Remember Along the Way
|Popular psychology
|Se flere detaljer
Om Life's Journeys According to Mister Roge
An inspiring collection of thoughts to take with us on the paths we travel in life. For all the roads we choose to travel, and even those we don't, Fred Rogers has an observation, a story, some insights to share. Whether you're facing graduation, a new job, a new baby, marriage, any change in your life--expected or not--the wisdom that Mister Rogers offers can contribute mightily to the grace with which you handle the change. With sections titled Who You Are Right Now, Loving and Being Loved, and Guided Drift, Fred addresses the scope of human transitions. It all comes down to knowing we're valuable, and that we're worthy of that value. As Fred would say, "You don't have to be anything more than who you are right now." In her Foreward, Joanne Rogers shares the Fred she knew. With stories from their life together, the joys as well as the struggles, Joanne shows how Fred looked at life as a journey--with the ups and downs and in-betweens. Known as "America's favorite neighbor," Fred Rogers dedicated his life to serving children through public television as creator, composer, writer, puppeteer, and host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He studied at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Child Development and was ordained a Presbyterian minister, with the unique charge of working with children and families through television. Fred Rogers' relentless commitment to all that is best in people led to an astonishing array of honors, from induction into the Television Hall of Fame to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Fred Rogers passed away in February 2003. Family Communications, Inc. (FCI), founded by the late Fred Rogers in 1971 to produce Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and related projects, continues to expand its reach through early childhood trainings, publishing, and new technologies--perpetuating the values and philosophy of its founder.


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I managed to get out of Auckland this weekend. A family birthday lunch was all the excuse I needed to pack up my car and my youngest son, David, and hit the road to Rotorua.
In case you're not aware, I was born in Rotorua, and moved from there when I was 14 years old. So it's familiar enough for me to get around, but I don't know the town super-well. Last week I used Google to find accommodation and booked the City Lights Boutique Lodge on Mountain Road. It was close to the lunch venue, and being elevated, boasted views of the city which is always nice.
We checked in late Saturday afternoon and were warmly greated by Naomi, our host, and her friendly Jack Russell, Jelly. City Lights made a cosy change from the chilly cold of the afternoon. The City Lights website showed the accoommodation well, but it's even more lovely in person. There are only three guest rooms, but they are perfectly formed. Each with a decent sized en suite, and closet of white waffle or pattened silk bath robes, and cosy woollen throws if you want to curl up on your bed and read or watch television. Each room has a wall mounted television, and a tea and coffee making station.
The guest's lounge sports extremely comforable leather seats that recline perfectly, and we plonked ourselves there in front of the television, our plans of going out to dinner abandoned. Jelly instantly claimed David by jumping up onto his lap. He's some sort of dog-whiperer and nice dogs always seek his company. With a boy and a dog and a kids' movie on the television, City Lights was just too cosy to leave. We meed Jim, Naomi's husband, who urged us to make ourselves at home. Judging by my flotsom on the couch, I think it was obvious I felt quite at home already. David and I decided to order in a couple of curries to be delivered from a local restaurant, and we played on my laptop - good strong free wifi - and watch tv all evening instead.
When we finally did retire to our rooms: David to sleep, and me to finish watching The Secret Live of Bees. Everything so comfortable, especially the soft, feather pillows. It was also very quiet. No traffic noise, no animal sounds. Just long, deep, silence. Saturday night was one of the best sleeps I've had in a very long time.
We didn't use the spa pool nor the small gym that is also available at City Lights, but it's there if you'd like to try when you stay. Naomi and her husband Jim have friendliness nicely balanced. Their lodge is purpose built, tastefully decorated, and a wonderful place to stay in Rotorua. I will definately stay again - and in fact, already have fantasies of more weekends away to do some white water rafting during the day, and soaking up the city lights from Naomi and Jim's spa pool overlooking the city.


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APtly Said
Attachment Parenting International Blog
Working on the "Parenting Without Shame" issue of Attached Family was unlike any that have come before. I didn't realize, when I began, of how little I knew about shame as a topic. "Shame" is a term used often in parenting and parent education circles, but do we really know what shame is? So much […]
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Community Support
ArtPrize is truly a collaborative effort and depends on a wide net of supporters coming together to create an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
Large and small, indoors and out, ArtPrize Venues open their spaces to host artwork and visitors from around the world each year. In 2016, 170 Venues curated their spaces, hosting 1,453 pieces of artwork.
ArtPrize works with many community members who share their time as volunteers. This year 1,104 volunteers -- nearly 40% more than in 2015 -- logged more than 12,500 hours in supporting ArtPrize galleries, educational programming, events production and visitor services. Their time spent behind the scenes and face-to-face with our visitors, representing the welcoming and hospitable spirit of our event and city, is an integral part of ArtPrize. Thank you to Lake Michigan Credit Union for their financial support of this important community program.
ArtPrize is proud to offer two membership programs -- ArtClub and ArtFan -- to the community. Membership is a way for community members to support ArtPrize while enjoying benefits that facilitate involvement with ArtPrize in many ways. The 2016 ArtPrize membership programs were comprised of nearly 1,000 art lovers and community leaders (a 40%+ increase over 2015) who serve as ambassadors to the annual event.
City government played a critical role in the success of the 2016 event, from planning to execution. Through this collaborative effort, clean safe streets, beautiful public parks and the wide availability of public transportation options are possible at ArtPrize. The City served as a Parking and Mobility Partner for ArtPrize. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. underwrote curation of outdoor city sites.
As a part of a three-year strategy moving toward the 10th anniversary of ArtPrize in 2018, the organization developed the ArtPrize Community Assembly (ACA). Meeting quarterly, this key ArtPrize stakeholder group is designed to bring together invested community members to reflect, share feedback and thoughtfully inform the short, medium and long term goals of ArtPrize.


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Skip to content
The Property
The Pool & Gardens
The Barn
The Patio
The Kitchens
The Living Room
Dates & Prices
Contact & Location
Contact & Location
Contact & Location
We enjoy a very convenient location.
Situated in the centre of the island, we are around 15 minutes drive to most beaches, towns and places of interest, as well as being perfectly located for lovely countryside walks.
We are also on the doorstep of the delightful village of Santa Gertrudis, with its selection of fine restaurants and shops, a sports centre, playground for children, bicycle paths and traditional village square. Santa Gertrudis is unique, largely untouched by tourism and populated by friendly locals, it is the perfect place to spend a balmy evening.
Contact us:
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+34 671 80 57 64
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Lenovo Ideapad S10-3S:
The lenovo S10-3s has a stuunner with decent keyboard and configuration.
Acer Aspire 4820T:
Nice,very powerful,not too expensive...but noisy. There are some issues regarding the design otherwise it would have won the Best 12-incher.
Samusung R480:
The R480 is stylishly designed notebook with good configuration.The i5 540M processor and 4GB memory allow it to do multitask seamlessly.
MSI Wind U160:
This eye candy has good specs too.A good keyboard and decent battery life add value.
And last,But not the least,
The Eee Pc 1201T may be the harbinger of a new category.It's specifications are higher than notebook,approaching notebook territory.


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I had a face-off in the Business Standard last week on consent orders. Here is the piece. Click on the link to see the opposite view as well - by Shriram Subramanian, Founder and Managing Director, InGovern Research Services.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) should have allowed all kinds of serious and non-serious violations to be settled through the consent route. Indeed, moral arguments can be made on how a serious violation can be settled. But the settlement process has many benefits, many of which are not fully appreciated.
First, instead of decades of litigation and disputes, amounts can be disgorged from a person. To take just two examples from the arena of fraud, have any investors been compensated for the Harshad Mehta scam or the Satyam scam till today? Contrast the lack of compensation to Satyam investors in India, where nothing substantial has even been initiated, with the partial settlement in the US where Satyam securities holders (American depository receipt holders) have settled the case with several of the accused and received compensation. While we have earned a moral victory, the US investors have got real compensation.
Second, litigation in India is particularly long and tortuous. This means few civil litigants see results within a decade or more. This was equally true of Sebi enforcement actions. Weighing complex financial data; gathering oral testimonies, written records and so on from exchanges; and giving a hearing to all parties and often a right to cross-examine can take substantial time. Add to that two appeals and the process is indeed long.
Third, even the guilty party in litigation may get away because a court of law may find the evidence less than watertight. In particular, a situation in which a person is charged with fraud, the burden of proof is extremely high and the guilty party can be set free either on a technicality or on lack of substantial evidence. To take an example, a person accused of insider trading would more likely than not get off scot-free because there is rarely more than circumstantial evidence available. One can rarely prove the conversation that took place inside a closed room with only two people present, particularly when it is in their interest to not disclose the illegality.
Fourth, criminal trials are even worse with a three per cent conviction rate. Most convictions in economic offences don't even invite a jail sentence. Many invite a penalty of Rs 5,000 on conviction. Compare that against a multi-crore scam and the moral victory doesn't look like much of a victory.
Fifth, the judicial system can work more efficiently since it gets unclogged owing to settlements. The securities appellate tribunal is perhaps India's only court or tribunal that has close to zero backlog — this was made possible after the consent mechanism was introduced. The court, with more time, can better appreciate evidence and dispense justice in a time-bound fashion.
Sixth, contrary to public perception, consent penalties and consent remedies are, in fact, higher than in cases that go through the usual process of enforcement. Here an alleged violator gets something and gives up something else. He gets an order that finds him neither guilty nor innocent. And, in return, he must pay a higher penalty.
Seventh, there is no question of lack of guilt. In fact, the condition of settling the case is that a person neither admits nor denies the violation. There have been cases in the US in which people who made a press statement saying they are not guilty had the whole enforcement re-opened against them. Given that the consent orders are in the public domain, and that these need to be disclosed in public documents, there is a sufficient disincentive to commit violations in the future.
Finally, none of this would be possible if serious cases are taken outside the purview of consent. Petty and technical cases are anyway not disputed and don't clog the system. A broker who sends a contract note a day late will end up paying a small fine, which he will not contest since it is impossible to argue against the violation. I, therefore, believe that serious offences like insider trading should be consentable though they should invite a higher penalty.


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The Experience! The Team! The Service!
Licensed in 4 States: SD, MT, ND, WY
Bob was raised in South Dakota on the family's farm and ranch operation near Belle Fourche, SD. He started farming while in high school and for most of his life operated an irrigated farm and ranch in Butte County raising alfalfa hay, sheep and crops. While trucking hay to customers of the farming business, Bob traveled extensively in the region and knows much of it by heart.
Bob started his real estate career in 1997, opening his own office, Tri-State Realty, Inc. in 2002. Bob's knowledge of this region, the friends and contacts he has made over the years help him to give real estate clients professional service. With first-hand experience and knowledge in agriculture, Bob is especially qualified working with farm and ranch properties. He also enjoys working with people wanting to buy or sell a residential property, acreage or commercial property.
Bob is a full time realtor now, although he stays closely connected to agriculture. Son John is a cattle rancher so there is plenty of opportunity to 'help out.' Daughter Jennifer, husband Chad and family live and work in Gillette, WY. Bob and Susan have the greatest grandchildren, of course! Taiton, Wyatt, Jett, Kaedon & Arissa.
You can be confident of Bob's real estate experience and service. He is licensed in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota.