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Skip to comments.Demi Lovato has been chatting with aliens since Max Ehrich breakup
Posted on 10/20/2020 10:44:16 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Demi Lovato, 28, shared on Instagram that she recently spent a few days in Joshua Tree with Dr. Steven Greer one of the worlds foremost authorities on the subject of UFOs, ET intelligence, and initiating peaceful contact with ET civilizations, according to his Instagram bio and a group of close friends to connect with aliens.
Over the past couple months I have dug deep into the science of consciousness and experienced not only peace and serenity like Ive never known but I also have witnessed the most incredibly profound sightings both in the sky as well as feet away from me, she captioned a series of photos and videos of UFOs in the night sky.
Lovato, along with Greer and his CE5 (Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind) team, are encouraging just one percent of the worlds population to meditate and make contact with aliens so that governments would have to acknowledge the truth ab
(Excerpt) Read more at pagesix.com ...
She should work for ICE.
She should work for ICE.
The wall needs to be a lot higher.
What wall?
Maybe part time at SHADO?
Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, she is.
Who? WHAT????? and Who?
Pretty girl. Very, very hot. Unfortunately, also very, very crazy.
The Hot-Crazy Matrix may require some extension...
We need to keep the aliens out, unless they enter legally through our embassies.
What a scam artist.
So many celebs make millions without the brains to wipe their own butts.
What did that Barney thing do to her?
I'm sorry, but now when I see any child actor, I wonder what had to happen for them to get the job.
She's no crazier than any number of other child stars who pretended to grow up. At lease she isn't sticking her **** in our faces like that sick twit Cyrus.
Yes, because an advanced society of intelligent beings would want to communicate with a semi-intelligent entertainer.
I see she's the latest to climb on the "I'm Bisexual" bandwagon.
They brought in Owsley Stanley's chemist ...
Reminds me of a Frank Peretti book.......
Needs a little rest before her life caves. Why should the rantings of semi lune like her matter?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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In a time when people are living longer, but with more complex healthcare needs, GPs are increasingly using social prescribing to help manage conditions.
The practice involves prescribing non-medical, community or social activities via a link worker – and the current UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, has stated that social prescribing is a priority and will be available in every GP practice by 2024.
But researchers agree there is not enough evidence on what works, for whom and why. Now a new study by the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter has started to shed light on...Read more
Domestic violence and abuse is devastating and impacts the whole family, not just the person who is the focus of the abuse. But children can often be hidden victims or fail to get appropriate support. Research shows that only half of children affected by domestic violence and abuse are known to social services and only 42 per cent receive support from a specialist abuse service. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in the South West is driving forward ground-breaking research to understand the experiences and needs of children affected by domestic violence and abuse and looking at innovative ways...Read more
Today marks the start of a new era of health research in the South West as PenCLAHRC relaunches as a NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). But what exactly is an ARC?
The ARC programme is a NIHR-funded network of research collaborations across England established in order to support applied health and care research, and to respond to and meet the needs of local populations and health care providers. The funding is part of a £135 million investment in health research aimed at tackling the biggest challenges the health and care system faces over the next five years.
The successor to the CLAHRC programme,...Read more

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Added: 2020-05-11
Category: one
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Adrienne Cortez. Wall Design. April 04th , 2020.
Avoid hanging shelves because things connected to the wall are not simple to change. It's even better if you are in possession of a huge wall. You do not have to worry since your painted walls don't get damaged. Decorated walls always improve the attractiveness of the home or workplace.
Vinyl wall decals come in assorted shapes and sizes. Also, various sorts of wall stickers can be found in the industry. Our kids wall stickers can be readily applied, so getting the childrens involve is going to be a terrific idea. Some individuals have used a number of wall stickers in various rooms to convert their house into a masterpiece.
From decorations to custom signs, decals may be used on pretty much any flat surface for a range of explanations. Our wall decals aren't designed to be written on. The wall decals are created with a very low tack adhesive which allows for both removal and reuse on a normal basis. They can make a kid's room look like a creative and awesome getaway. They can be removed so easily that they work great for a classroom. Disney princess wall decals arrive in little and massive sizes.
Thus, you are going to be capable of seeing your mailbox surface through and about the decal's openings. Stenciling a huge room with a little wall pattern stencil can get tedious and frustrating. We're delighted to teach you the way to stencil. Although we offer large stencils, our rates are rather affordable.
It won't be ideal to just leave walls plain, dull, and boring especially if there are plenty of means to put more life into it. In addition, a bathroom wall doesn't need to be lifeless. It is quite a bit easier to paint the walls and the ceiling at first before you find yourself with a new floor installed. In the event the walls don't have any decorations, nails or punctures, they will nonetheless have something of usage.
There are a lot of pink flower designs to pick from that can definitely make a difference to her room. It is possible to never ever fail with a waterfall decor no matter the other interior design elements of your bedroom. If you aren't the handy type, interior decorating may be a simple means to increase your house without the heavy lifting.
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Ewan McGregor Sheds New Light on Upcoming Obi-Wan Disney+ Series
It'll take place between 'Episode III' and 'IV.'
Originally announced during D23, little has been revealed about the upcoming Disney+ series based around Star Wars character Obi-Wan, but now actor Ewan McGregor, who played the role in the prequel trilogy of the franchise, has given fans more to be excited about during his recent interview with Men's Journal.
Though McGregor said that he was not at liberty to share anything about the upcoming project, he did drop a few significant details never announced before. The Scottish actor said that the new story will take place at a time between the events of Episode III and Episode IV, where "the Jedi Order was falling apart. " Elaborating, he says "It will be interesting to take a character we know in a way and show him—Well, his arc will be quite interesting, I think, dealing with that the fact that all the Jedi were slaughtered with the end of Episode III. It's quite something to get over."
While McGregor has never rewatched the three Star Wars films he was part of, he said he plans on revisiting them in preparation of his role. This time, however, he wishes to be closer to the Obi-Wan portrayed by late actor Alec Guinness: "I want to get closer and closer to how Obi-Wan felt while Alec Guinness was playing him. I feel like I'm grayer and nearer him in age, so it'll be easier to do that."
Before concluding the interview, McGregor also let slip that the series will consist of six hour-long episodes, though he hasn't revealed whether that would constitute the entire series or whether there'll be more seasons to come. For fans of the franchise, shooting will commence summer of 2020, so definitely stay tuned as more updates are due to come.
Elsewhere in entertainment, CNN and HBO Max are working on an Anthony Bourdain documentary.


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5 RHYTHMS SWEATS - at Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington, HR1 4EX 7pm
21st October Wednesday - 10.15 am to 12 - and then fortnightly - Unfortunately these are on hold for the lockdown but I will continue as soon as I can use the hall again. The two sessions that happened were beautiful with an enthusiastic group of dancers turning up. Contact me if you would like to receive the newsletter to keep up dated on 07946748104 or email
Socially distanced, well ventilated spacious venue for a limited amount of people.... £10 for the session
Whether you are experienced or a beginner, the space is safe and free for you to dance your own dance. Moving meditation means that you can move with whatever or in whatever rhythm you find yourself, in each moment, as it arises. The music is a guide through the 5 rhythms of flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. No prior knowledge is needed to come along - in fact not thinking, not knowing can be a very restful place ,where new ideas and inspiration might burst into life .... to not judge, to not worry, not plan, but to experience yourself fully is a gift.
When I move through a wave something magical happens. Its like all life's ups and downs find a way to be present and I land at the end in a vulnerable, soft open space where there is clarity and I feel connected to the group and human kind.
The Hall at Tarrington is open and spacious and I hope to be aboe to offer daytime classes as well as the monthly evening session soon.
I often upload videos of me dancing/moving to enourage everyone to dance anywhere - there is no choreography, there is no looking cool or getting it right - its about feeling into your senses and moving whatever feels to move - its about breathing into sensations and letting the body move with awareness - and when we really connect to our innerdancer, then we move and flow, shimmy and shift into a better version of ourselves.
follow me on instagram miniyogini_


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Welcome to the member's area! From here, you can access all your training programs and content. If you have any access issues, please email us here.
Welcome to the Movement
I'm so happy you decided to join this movement to empower healthy families from fertility forward – you are a change maker, and your world is going to be abundantly blessed because of your heart, vision and drive.
You're on MY team now – and I want nothing more than for you to get value that will help grow your business and change lives forever. You will find all the content here in our Health Hub.
Take a tour of the Hub with Dr.Marcia!
The Truth About Fertility Hub contains all of the training content associated with your Truth About Fertility membership.
We strive to keep all of the information for this membership as streamlined as possible to make it easy for you to get around. There are multiple ways to be involved, and we will get to that, but your baseline information and tools to get you off the ground and successful is right here!
If you get lost at anytime, come on back to this tour of the Hub to get your bearings – think of it like your compass.
You can also email us at firstname.lastname@example.com and someone on our team will get you squared away.
Don't forget about the other members! This membership includes access to a rabidly supportive community of docs and students just like you! Click here to join the group.
Roadmap of the Truth About Fertility Hub
The Hub is organized as follows. Each section builds on the previous, and you need to complete one to move on to the next. Be sure you see the "completed" button as you work through each lesson so it automatically continues to move you forward!
This is our administrative unit, with information about using our membership service and additional resources.
Truth About Fertility Success Path. In order to get you moving down the road to success, we have literally created a path to follow – no matter where you're starting. In this introductory unit, learn which stage of the Success Path you are currently on, and what training content you need to focus on to keep moving up.
Fast Start Guide. This is an opportunity to jump in and learn all about each of the essentials. It's just what it says it is – a fast start guide! it provides insight and action steps with each essential to get you started or to give you a base to understand the protocol from.
Certification. If you choose to become certified in The Schaefer Protocol, you can choose to apply and start your certification. The certification takes a minimum 120 days to complete, and prepares you to understand and work with the protocol for your own health, or to bring to your practice and use with your practice members. Upon certification, you are added to our website search feature, giving you further prestige and allowing couples to find you.
Mastermind. This is our highest level, mastery certified. In order to join The Schaefer Protocol Mastermind, you must first be Certified in The Schaefer Protocol. This is for doctors who want the highest level of accountability and plan to work mainly with preconception couples and in the hormone and fertility space.
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The Treasury is coming under pressure from Esther McVey to overhaul business rates tax and replace it with a fairer system whereby monies paid is based on turnover.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak suspended business rates for the current financial year as part of his package of support to help businesses survive the pandemic.
The Tatton MP said now was time to change the archaic taxation and replace it with a system whereby tax paid reflects turnover, meaning everyone would pay a fair share regardless of where their business or warehouse was based.
Ms McVey said: "For too long businesses on our high streets have been disproportionately affected by business rates. Many online retailers can operate from wherever they want to secure the cheapest rents and business rates so overhaling the system would create a level playing field and allow all businesses to thrive.
"The Chancellor was right to suspended business rates for a year but this pandemic is still very much impacting on businesses and we need to think about what will happen come next April. Businesses already struggling will then be hit with huge bills but profits and sales may still be down on pre pandemic levels so one solution would be to do away with the current system and replace it with the percentage tax on sales."
Ms McVey's suggestion would see each business, regardless of where it was based, pay a percentage based on sales, meaning smaller shops with lower turnover would pay significantly less than stores taking large sums of money. It would run alongside the current VAT which would remain unchanged and the money would be paid to the Treasury and redistributed to local authorities in the same way business rates are.
A recent business survey carried out by Ms McVey distributed across Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Rudheath and Handforth showed business owners were unanimous in their concern over the strain business rates were putting on them.
Ms McVey added: "I have raised the concerns of business owners across the constituency with the Chancellor and it is clear from the responses I received action is needed. I am sure the views of my business owners will be mirrored across the country and Government must listen."."
Business rates are calculated by rental value of the property meaning bricks and mortar businesses in prime locations like the high street often have astronomically higher rent than online businesses who can manage stock from hold warehouses out of town or in the cheapest locations they can find. Revaluations take place every five years.


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Bakeey Automatic Induction Foaming Intelligent Hand Washing Tank Machine Soap Dispenser For Smart Home
paid 26usd for this and is very happy about it. Can be mounted on wall, os stand on its own. Mix regular liquid soap with water (50/50) and you are golden.
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Awards, accolades highlight alumni luncheons
June 17, 2014
Alumni awards, accolades for current presidents and reports of significant progress in seminary education highlighted June 11 luncheons for alumni and friends of Southern Baptist seminaries at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
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Xi proposed the concept during a virtual G20 leaders' meeting on Saturday...Posted on November 24, 2020
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03:30 on Saturday, Beijing time on February 20, was approaching 2015-2016 France football's serie a round, twenty-seven below small make up take you to preview in advance the arrangement and the analysis of the event.
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, vs
DE bordeaux ranking method yet six last season, the season of short duration36 points ranked ninth.
League last round, road 4-2 victory over bordeaux guingamp, team end the league defeats.
Bordeaux at home this season, winning percentage is high, 13 league games this season 7 wins 3 flat 3 record, the French home record ranked fourth.
DE bordeaux in matchday 17-23 didn't lost, but the team recently state seem a little down, lost two games last three league games.
Bordeaux, look from the two sides against trailing, recently against nice game five home are numerous, home war record of absoluteDon't look good, it has the home team to win.
, nice ranking method currently sit 11 last season, the team currently hold 40 points, high ligue 1 third championship.
League last round, 1-1 draw with marseille, nice home team in the league two rounds of too numerous to record.
, a nice was the chance to premier league second place, it's a pity that the league for two consecutive rounds of league there, lead to the second league points lead to six points.
In recent seasons, nice keeps up the momentum, the outbreak of the seasonClub was not unexpected, the investment of the accumulation of a group of midfield attacking talent, now they should fire damage in ligue 1 after a greater.
, nice in the last four games, but the French events only scored 2 goals, goals of low efficiency to team humiliated strikers, coupled with the team this season away record is rather ugly, team last 7 away all competitions.
Bordeaux, the recent two matches unbeaten.
DE bordeaux last eight matches each both goals were greater than 2.5.
, nice last 7 away all competitions.
, nice last eight games road all competitions every both goals are less than 2.5.
, nice last 4 ligue 1 event per both goals were below 2.5.
Optimal DE W88, western sports remind: the game recommended total score 2-3 balls.


text:
The Blues summer signings seems to have clicked and all seems to be going fine for the manager.
Frank Lampard completed deals of Ben Chilwel from Leicester City, Kai Havertz from Bayern Leverkusen, Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, Hakim Ziyech from Ajax.
After the Blues were conceding goals in the start of the season, as Kepa Arrizabalaga wasn't consistent and Willy Caballero didn't look convincing, Frank Lampard approached Rennes for th signature of Edouard Mendy.
The young Senegalese has been able to adapt to life in England as he has kept six clean sheet so far.
Also, Brazilian and experienced Thiago Silva left Paris Saint-Germain after he's deal ran out at the Parc Des Princes.
Silva have since adapted to life at Stamford Bridge at the moment as he brought his experience into the back line.
It looks like his family are also enjoying the City of London.
Chelsea star Thiago Silva's wife Belle decided to show off her fan since and love for the celebration moments.
Christmas is coming up next month and preparations have started in the family of Thiago Silva.
According to reports, Belle
brought in a company to help in the decoration of their crib.
Although, thr Brazilian is currently representing his national country, Brazil. He will be surprised when he return to England and meets his home has been decorated.


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October 13, 2020 CAC Living Water Devotional ;- : THE SATANISTS' AGENDA (2)
Read previous CAC Living Water Devotionals here
THE LIVING WATER {July ~ Dec., 2020}
Monday, October 13, 2020
Read Exodus 15:1-9
MEMORISE: The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be satisfied on them, I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them (Exodus 15:9)
In the Living Water dose of yesterday, it was established that Satanists are direct worshipers of Satan in different ways. The Lord Jesus Christ referred to a synagogue of Satan (Rev. 2:9; 3:9). The more important aspect of their fellowship, and of which a Christian should not be ignorant of, is The Agenda. This is what they have sworn or bound themselves to do, or accomplish, since time immemorial, and till the end of the world.
Today's lesson, as revealed by the memory verse, further awakens us to the unfinished work of the kingdom of darkness – the outline of their evil agendas and unrepentant deeds.
The Satanists have mission (1) to pursue,
(2) to overtake,
(3) to spoil,
(4) to corrupt or and pollute,
(5) to cause war, and
(6) to destroy (cf. Ezk. 38:10ff; Jn. 10:10).
The issue is what Christians can do to frustrate this evil agenda. We must be aware that there are gates of hell through which they operate, or infiltrate anything that is God's or godly (Matt. 16:18; Leviticus 18:24ff). But rest assured, we have the promise of our God that the gate of hell shall not prevail against the Church. Praise the Lord (Matt. 16:18; cf. CAC GHB 721)! Then, we must put on the Whole Armour of God (cf. Psa. 149:1ff; Luke 22:36,37; cf. CAC GHB 725).
To frustrate Satanists' agenda, we must be united in purpose. Christians worldwide must live and do God's bidding in love and unity (Matt. 16:19; Jn. 13:13-17,34,35; Eph. 4:3). Then, the fifth piece of biblical advice, if we are going to frustrate this evil agenda is that we must not join or be part of them, to practice what they do, i.e. do not compromise your faith or join secret cults (Exod. 23:2; Jn. 16:33; 2 Cor. 6:14ff). Finally, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit to resist the devil, and submit to God (Lk. 22:31-33; Jas. 4:6-10; 1 Pet. 5:5-9).
We are more than conqueror. Just continue to go in your mighty strength in God and practise your God-given victory.
1. We relegate every evil agenda, drawn against the sovereignty of our God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, in Jesus' name.
2. I send back every pursuer of my glory. You shall not overtake, corrupt, or spoil my life, in Jesus' name.
3. We cripple every war and destructive agenda against the advancement of the Gospel, everywhere, in Jesus' name.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Isaiah 33 – 36
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!


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Ford Focus VS Kia Optima
Ford Focus
- Refined styling
- Roomy interior
- Advanced safety equipment
- Blind spot warning standard only on Titanium
- Auto transmission can seem indecisive
- No manual gearbox
Kia Optima
- Very roomy
- Great ownership plan
- Decent price
- Removed some good stuff to lower price
- Not as good looking as pre-facelift model
- A bit basic inside
Ford Focus
Ford has just released its new-generation Ford Focus. Do you know what that means? It means we're at a monumental point in history that, while nobody will ever really remember it, could impact you greatly.
Because like the automotive equivalent of planetary alignment, we are reaching a moment when Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai and Ford will have all brought their latest-gen small cars to market at about the same time.
Okay, you may not find that exciting. But it means you've now got the most current technology, styling and safety features to choose from right across the board, with Ford the latest to throw everything it's got at its new small-car contender.
This new Ford Focus has a three-cylinder engine, so does it have enough power to get out of its own way, then? How may ANCAP stars did it get in its crash test? And are there any surprises in store?
All that and more as we take you through the launch of the 2019 Ford Focus, where we tested the hatch in the Trend and ST-Line grades, and the new wagon, too.
|Safety rating
|Engine Type
|1.5L turbo
|Fuel Type
|Regular Unleaded Petrol
|Fuel Efficiency
|5 seats
Kia Optima
There are plenty of reasons why you should still consider a mid-sized sedan like the Kia Optima. I'm sure there are… just let me think about this for a sec…
Okay, so this part of the market is dying. A decade ago, sedans like this were really popular, but now there are heaps of alternative options. Yep, people are going for mid-sized SUVs rather than mid-sized sedans like this.
But that doesn't mean models like the just-updated 2018 Kia Optima are without their reasons for being. I'm just not sure the facelift has made it more appealing to look at…
|Safety rating
|Engine Type
|Fuel Type
|Regular Unleaded Petrol
|Fuel Efficiency
|5 seats
Ford Focus8/10
Different but more refined looks, a smaller but powerful-for-its-size engine, plenty of advanced safety equipment and more room than ever before, the new Ford Focus is much better than the model before it. And it has to be – the competition is fierce.
The sweet spot in the range is the ST-Line hatch with its long list of standard features, comfortable ride and impressive handling.
Is the new Focus a car to take on the might of Hyundai and Toyota? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Kia Optima 7.6/10
If you travel long distances, want a good amount of space and don't want to pay big bucks for a new car, then yeah, maybe there is a reason sedans like this will hang around for a while longer.
Sure, the appeal of sedans mightn't be as strong as it once was, but models like the Kia Optima prove they still have a reason to exist.
Is a sedan on your shopping list? Let us know in the comments section below.
Ford Focus8/10
This new-generation Focus is completely new, and that goes for its design, the structure of the vehicle and the platform that underpins it all.
That grille, though poutier than before, still makes this new car recognisable as a Focus, but the rest of the car's styling is a fairly big step away from the look of the previous model. The nose looks more elongated and turned down, and the headlights have an irregular shape (which somehow works) and they're helped to look more defined by the LED running lights that sit above each headlight like an eyebrow.
That front-end may take some getting used to, but I think most will like the rear exterior styling straight away. The hoisted-up style to the rear of the previous car is gone and the illusion is now a car which sits lower and level. I particularly like the Focus badging across the tailgate, too, which is reminiscent of Fords of the 1960s.
The car's profile has changed, too, with the window structure simplified. Previous versions of the car had rear quarter glass; a small porthole which looked into the boot. That's now been incorporated into the door glass, which means the rear passenger aperture is larger.
Inside, the cabin has been decluttered of its galaxy of buttons, and that busy interior has given way to a more minimalist design with many of the functions moved to the large dash-top screen. That said, the steering wheel still has way too many buttons for my liking or need.
Telling the grades apart may not be obvious at first, but the ST-Line car is recognisable thanks to the blacked-out grille, more aggressive bumper treatment with its air-blade style design around the fog lights, and its twin exhaust. The car itself sits 10mm lower on sport suspension.
You can pick a Titanium from the inside by its leather-accented seats, multi-colour ambient lighting and the B&O sound system speakers.
The ST-Line's seats are upholstered in a mesh-fibre material with leather accents and red-stitching, and there's a flat-bottomed steering wheel and metallic brake and accelerator pedals. The wagon version of the Focus only comes in the ST-Line grade, and it comes with roof rails and a cargo cover.
The Active grade is the most recognisable of the Focus family due its higher-riding stance and its plastic wheel-arch cladding. The Active suspension has it sitting 35mm higher than a Trend grade, and while that doesn't seem like much, the overall affect is quite dramatic, giving the Active a true SUV-like appearance.
There are nine colours to choose from, including Ruby Red, Orange Glow, Desert Island Blue, Blue Metallic, Shadow Black, Magnetic, Moondust Silver, Metropolis White and Frozen White.
At 4378mm end to end, the Focus hatch is 18mm longer than the previous model, while at 1454mm tall it's 13mm shorter, and it's 1979mm wide including the wing mirrors.
Kia Optima 7/10
Cosmetic changes for the facelifted 2018 Kia Optima include new headlights and tail-lights with revised LED signatures (but still halogen lamps in the base model), and there are newly sculpted bumpers and new wheel designs across the two-model range.
We had the base model Si, which doesn't look as good as the GT model, because it has smaller wheels, the sporty body kit and misses out on the LED headlights, but the LED daytime running lights are still present.
The GT has a more aggressive look, and the side skirts, front spoiler and rear diffuser fit it better - there are dual exhausts, but not sporty quad exhaust tips.
In fact, this model is a bit like the old-man version of the Optima. No offence intended to old men, of course. The GT is just heaps sportier, and I reckon it's considerably more attractive as a result.
Still, the inherent sleek styling of the Optima remains - the chrome highlighting along the window line is a bit too sheeny for me, but the angles and stance of this model are quite gracious. I really dig the fact the top of the windscreen mirrors the 'Tiger Nose' grille shape.
I'm no exterior designer, but I liked the existing Optima more - it just looked a bit neater, even though it had a decent amount of bling with its Mercedes-like diamond-pattern grille, as opposed to the cheese grater look seen here.
There's not quite as much bling inside the cabin of the Si, either, but it is still a well-designed space - just not as special as the premium package offering of the GT (which gets leather trim - not nappa leather, but still a quality cowhide finish, and more). Check out our interior photos to see if you agree - but size and interior dimensions of the Optima are hard to argue against.
Ford Focus8/10
The new Focus is longer by about 18mm, but it's the wheelbase which has increased the most dramatically (by 52mm) and that means more space inside.
I'm 191cm tall and I can just sit behind my driving position without my knees touching the seatback – I wasn't able to do that in the previous Focus. Headroom is also great for me in the backseat.
The entire cabin feels roomy, actually. For this new model the dashboard was moved 100mm further forward, opening up more space in the cockpit. Even the gear shifter being a rotary dial has freed up room.
Storage throughout is pretty good, with a deep centre console bin covered by the armrest and a hidey-hole in front of the shifter, plus two cup holders and big bottle holders in the doors up front. The door pockets in the back are big, too, but there are no cupholders in the second row.
Boot space is for the hatch is 341 litres packed to the cargo cover with a space saver spare, while the wagon's cargo capacity is 575 litres. With the back row down, the hatch can fit 1320 litres and the wagon can do 1620 litres.
Kia Optima 8/10
I really like the way Kia designs its cabins. Sure, there's a lot of black in here, but there's also a lot of thought put into the usability of the space.
The high-mounted 7.0-inch infotainment and multimedia touch screen in the Si is simple to use, and for 2018 the Optima range gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - you couldn't get that in the Optima up to this point.
Also included are a reversing camera, USB input, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and six speakers. The Si model misses out on sat nav - you'll have to use the maps app on your phone. No DVD player either.
Storage is well thought out in here, with big bottle holders in the doors, a good sized pair of cup holders up front, and a nice little storage bin for your phone, wallet, keys and so on.
There's a driver info screen with a digital speedo, and even on this base model you get a dual-zone climate control air conditioner. The updated Optima gets a new steering wheel, too.
Now, what about the back seat?
It may be considered a 'mid-sized' sedan, but there's limo-like space. With the driver's seat in my position (I'm about six feet tall) there was still heaps of rear legroom in the rear seat, with ample knee room, good foot room and decent shoulder space, too - three of me could slot across the back bench comfortably, which means kids will fit easily, too. There are three top-tether points and two ISOFIX points as well.
Kids and adults alike will be happy with the rear air vents back here, and there's a flip down armrest with cupholders, too. Again, big bottle holders appear in the doors, and there are map pockets in the back seats.
What about boot space? With so many people choosing SUVs over sedans because they're theoretically more practical, the Optima offers good food for thought - it has enough luggage capacity for a bunch of suitcases (510 litres VDA in size) and there's a full-size alloy spare under the boot floor. If you need more, you could always invest in a roof rack setup?
Price and features
Ford Focus8/10
Ford has priced its new Focus competitively compared to rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Mazda 3, but its most affordable grade does kick off at a slightly higher level than the entry-level cars for those other brands.
That start point for the Focus hatch range is the Trend grade, with a list price of $25,990. Above it is the ST-Line, which is a sporty spec, for $28,990. And at the top of the hatch range is the $34,490 Titanium. There's also a wagon version of the Focus in the ST-Line grade for $30,990.
But wait, there's more. Ford is offering an SUV-style version of the Focus for the first time. It's called the Focus Active, and it'll cost $29,990. We'll cover the physical differences between it and the rest of range in the Design section below.
Coming standard on the Trend is an eight-inch display screen with sat nav, Ford's Sync3 voice activated media system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, a six-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, single-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a rotary-style gear shifter, LED running lights, paddle shifters, halogen headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The mid-spec ST-Line takes the Trend's features and adds dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, floor mats, puddle lamps, privacy glass and 17-inch alloys wheels. There's also the sports suspension, which we'll cover in the Driving and Engine sections.
The top-of-the-range Titanium brings a B&O 10-speaker sound system, heated front seats, leather accented upholstery, roof rails and LED headlights.
Kia Optima 7/10
Kia dropped prices for this updated and facelifted model range - and not by a small amount, either. So, what's the price? How much does it cost?
The Si model is the entry-grade of two models, and it comes in at the bottom of the price list at $33,290 plus on-road costs (rrp) - an $1100 drop over the previous version. The Si, then, is a value-focused sedan that you might consider if you've looked at a Toyota Camry Ascent, Hyundai Sonata Active, Mazda6 Sport or Subaru Liberty 2.5i.
The standard equipment list is pretty good - although there have been some deletions, because the price is down $1100. The rather good HID headlamps with washers have been dumped in favour of halogen projector lights (yeah, not even xenons), and the satellite navigation system (GPS) is gone.
But now the 7.0-inch media screen is capable of doing the Apple CarPlay iPhone connectivity and Android Auto phone mirroring thing, and that'll serve most people's purposes pretty well, but there is no digital DAB radio, and no CD player for the sound system. Other standard kit includes a digital driver info display with digital speedo, dual-zone climate control, cloth seat trim, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, and 17-inch alloy wheels (with a full-size spare).
New equipment for the Si includes driver-fatigue monitoring and an active lane-keeping assistance system (in place of the old lane-departure-warning buzzer).
If you want all the fruit you really need to fork out the extra cash for the GT, which lists at $43,290 plus on-roads (vs $33,290 for the Si). That is getting perilously close to Kia Stinger territory… but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves - this isn't a model comparison!
You get a fair bit more for your dough, but even the GT has seen a few deletions to help justify its $1200 price drop compared to the pre-facelift model, such as the front passenger seat being manually operated (previously electric), the cooling/ventilation of the front seats has been deleted, and the panoramic sunroof of the previous model is gone, too. And while it rides on 18-inch rims with a new design, the tyre-pressure-monitoring system has been removed.
It uses a new 8.0-inch media screen with extended smartphone connectivity and in-built sat nav (with 10 years of maps included and SUNA live traffic updates), and it also gains redesigned LED headlights but they lose the smart auto high-beam assistance of the old model. The tech doesn't go as far as to include Homelink garage door opening here in Australia, either.
Other standard kit in the GT includes leather seats, electric driver's seat adjustment with memory settings, smart key (keyless entry) and push button start, a sports body kit, a harman/kardon audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, wireless phone charging (Qi) but no Wi-Fi hotspot, rear sunshades (but no tinted windows), different interior trim finishes, a heated steering wheel, and a colour driver-information screen.
The GT also gets the new lane assist system and driver-fatigue monitor, and the entire safety approach has been improved across the range. See the safety section below for more detail.
There is no launch edition, nor is there a sports edition, but there is a decent array of colours (or colors, depending on where you're reading this) available - black, white, blue, red, grey and silver can be chosen, but not brown, purple or gold... if you wanted those.
Accessories available across both trim levels include tailored floor mats, a dash mat and weathershields, among other items.
Engine & trans
Ford Focus7/10
The new Focus has been given a new engine! It's a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol, but don't let that put you off - it makes as much grunt as the four cylinder in the old Focus. Actually, at 134kW, it makes 2kW more power and the same amount of torque (240Nm). Cylinder-deactivation allows the engine to run on two when not under much load, which is even more frugal.
The old six-speed auto has been replaced with an eight-speed automatic – it's not a dual-clutch, it's a traditional torque-converter auto. The Focus doesn't offer a manual gearbox, and is front-wheel drive.
Kia Optima 7/10
The Si model is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which has seen no changes to its specifications for this mid-life update.
Engine specs remain at 138kW of power at 6000rpm, while torque is rated at 241Nm at 4000rpm. It makes use of a six-speed automatic transmission only - there's no manual transmission here, but you do get paddle shifters - and it's front wheel drive (the Optima isn't available with AWD, or as a 4x4, or in rear wheel drive - the latter is left to its bigger brother, the Stinger).
The GT gets a zestier drivetrain with more horsepower - it has a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 180kW/350Nm, which is much more desirable, but also louder than the Si's 2.4. It also has a six-speed auto transmission, and is FWD. If you're into ratings and statistics, that 2.0-litre with a turbocharger is one of the perkier offerings for its engine size in the class.
There is no hybrid model available, despite a plug in hybrid petrol version (allowing you to run in EV mode) being sold in European markets. No diesel here, either, while other markets get a 1.7-litre turbo diesel. No LPG model here, or anywhere else, for that matter.
Towing capacity for Optima models is 750kg unbraked and 1700kg braked for the 2.4-litre, and 700kg/1400kg for the 2.0-litre turbo. Tow bar down-weight is capped at 80kg.
If you're concerned about engine problems, suspension problems, clutch and transmission issues, be sure to check out our Kia Optima problems page.
Fuel consumption
Ford Focus8/10
According to Ford, the three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in the Focus will use 6.4L/100km of fuel after a combination of urban and open-road driving. My mileage in the Trend grade, according to the car's trip computer, was 9.4L/100km after 487.9km of country roads.
Not all of those kilometres were mine, mind, but that was the average after four different drivers had been behind the wheel.
Kia Optima 8/10
Kia claims a very realistic fuel economy rating of 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres for the Si model, and we saw damn close to that consumption during our week of testing. On the highway it will sit at around 6.5L/100km, ensuring good mileage, while city driving will push usage above 12.0L/100km. Our overall average was 8.5L/100km, which is good. Use the eco mode, and you'll get a little better use.
The turbocharged GT model uses a little more, according to Kia's 8.5L/100km combined average claim, but we guarantee you'll actually use more than that because it's more eager to please.
Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres - plenty of size for long distance drives.
Ford Focus8/10
The Active and Titanium grades weren't available to drive at the Australian launch of the Focus, but I did get to drive the ST-Line in hatch and wagon form, as well as the Trend hatch.
The ST-Line hatch is the sporty one in the Focus range, even though it has the same 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the Trend (and the Titanium). What makes it sporty is its sports suspension. Does it work? Absolutely, although I didn't realise just how well until I drove the Trend hatch after steering its ST-Line brother for a few hours first.
Three-cylinder engines tend to have a satisfying little burble to their exhaust notes, but the ST-Line hatch I started in had a particularly deep growl to it at idle. While the ST-Line does have a dual exhaust, the engine output is the same as any other Focus, and so the gravelly voice is more theatrics than suggesting the car is any more potent than a Trend.
What the ST-Line does do without any drama is handle well, because even though it has a torsion bar set-up in the rear (like the Trend), it also has a lowered ride height and a sports suspension tune. It's not Focus ST-level of agility by any means, but the ST-Line hatch felt nicely pinned down in the bends, with excellent steering feel and accuracy ensuring it is a genuinely fun car to drive.
What I didn't know until I drove the Trend hatch is that the firmer sports suspension actually gives a more comfortable ride in the ST-Line than the base-grade car. The Trend, like the Titanium, has softer suspension, which you'd think would offer the best ride, but I found that over the bumps and bruises of country roads, the Trend's ride was comfortable but bit bouncy, while the ST-Line was more composed and meant the occupants weren't jiggled around as much.
The award for the most comfortable ride and best handling of the three cars I drove goes to the ST-Line wagon with its sports-tuned multi-link rear suspension. Yup, the cargo hauler of the range was also the best to drive from a comfort and fun perspective, with its compliant suspension keeping life civilised inside the cabin over bumps, while also feeling planted in the switchback and hairpins that cut through country Victoria.
Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic (you can't get a manual), but it's super keen to shift to a higher gear as early as possible, and when sitting at about 100km/h on a motorway, it was indecisive about which gear it wanted to be in; go 104km/h and it shifted up, drop to 97km/h and it shifted down. Up, down, up, down, up... well, you get the idea.
When it came time to drive roads which went all bendy, the transmission still tried to take the fun out by shifting up and bogging the car down in lower revs. The solution was to leave the car in Sport mode, which instructs the gearbox to cling to lower gears for longer. I kept the Trend and ST-Lines in Sport mode most of the time I drove them – it didn't affect the ride (the cars suspension isn't adaptive), but the throttle response and shifting was perfect for all driving, whether I was flinging through the winding country roads or trundling through town centres.
All three – the Trend hatch, ST-Line Hatch and ST-Line wagon - performed well, with the ST-Line duo feeling like they were approaching or even matching Volkswagen Golf levels of agility and composure.
At no point did I feel that the three-cylinder was under powered - it's a surprisingly responsive and grunty engine.
Kia Optima 7/10
The Optima has some really good elements to the way it drives, but sadly some less impressive bits as well.
Let's start with the not-so-great stuff - the 2.4-litre engine in this Si model just isn't as enjoyable as the turbo unit, and the fact that Kia still doesn't offer a hybrid version here, despite doing so elsewhere, is a bit of a downer.
The drivetrain isn't terrible - the six-speed auto is smart enough, and there's usable power if you boot it. The two more sedate drive modes, 'Eco' and 'Comfort', mean the transmission will aim to save fuel and limit throttle response, with a bit more of a lazy feel to the drive experience. But in 'Sport' mode it is definitely more rewarding in terms of acceleration and performance, offering a bit more pep and urgency (we didn't do a 0-100 km/h speed test, but take our word for it); it undoubtedly at the cost of fuel consumption.
It's just a bit of a shame Kia doesn't offer the turbo in this spec, too. Fuel use for the Si model is better than the turbo, however, so it could be ideal for buyers who are more worried about the bottom line than design and a sportier drive.
The thing I like most about the Optima is its road manners - the steering and suspension have been tuned for local conditions, just like all Kia products, and it shows.
The electric power steering is really well sorted, making for easy parking moves and good assuredness at higher speeds. And the turning circle is decent, too - 10.9m (so, the turning radius is 5.45m).
Plus the ride comfort is really good. On the highway it coasts along with very little fuss, and around town it deals with lumps and bumps impressively. Sharp edges can upset things a tad, and mid-corner bumps can make it jitterbug a little bit, but not to a degree that would rule it out of contention if you want a mid-sized sedan.
It's pretty quiet on the open road, too, and the adaptive cruise control makes long-distance driving a simple task. The GT does suffer a little bit more road noise, though.
Ford Focus8/10
The Focus scored the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2018. Standard across the range are seven airbags, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition - the latter of which can read speed limits for you.
The Titanium comes standard with a lane-centre system, which I tested and found it works seriously well – drift out of your lane and the system rapidly yanks you back in again. Only the Titanium comes with blind spot warning, which is odd considering the impressive advanced safety tech that's already standard across the range
Auto parking is optional only on the Titanium, and can be used for parallel or perpendicular parking. Also standard on all is a 180-degree split-view camera, but front parking sensors are only available to option on the Titanium – again, that's a bit odd.
A space-saver spare is found under the boot floor for all grades. For child seats, you'll find two ISOFIX points and three top tether mounts in the second row.
The new-generation Focus was developed in Europe and built in Germany.
Kia Optima 8/10
The safety rating of the Optima remains at five stars, as it was when the car was tested in this generation in 2015.
The updated Optima carries over the safety features of the previous model including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, while the lane-departure warning system is now supplemented with lane-keeping assistance, and there's driver-fatigue monitoring added, too. There is no park assist / self parking system.
That's in addition to a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, and all the systems you'd expect, like stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist and seatbelt reminders.
Airbag coverage for Optima models is six: dual front, front side and full-length curtain. And parents will be happy to learn there are three top-tether attachment points, and two ISOFIX anchors, too.
If you've been wondering to yourself, "where is the Kia Optima built?"The answer is South Korea.
Ford Focus9/10
The Focus is covered by Ford's five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Servicing is recommended every 12 months or 15,000km and is capped at $299 for the first four services.
Kia Optima 9/10
Kia remains a shining light in terms of its new-car-ownership promise, with a very strong seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. It makes a lot of sense if you plan to hang onto the car for a while. There's no extended warranty available, which is understandable.
That plan also includes a roadside-assist plan for the same seven-year period, provided you maintain your car with Kia Australia. So, given you get one year to start with, then you get an extra year of cover every time you go back to Kia to get your car serviced, you could end up with eight years of coverage. Nice!
Servicing is due every 12 months or 15,000km, with the first seven years covered by a capped-price-service cost / maintenance cost plan. The costs are: service one - $289; two - $466; three - $360; four - $559; five - $325; six - $599; seven - $345. That makes a total cost of $2943, which is competitive for its class. Keep your owners manual or logbook up to date, and your resale value should hold up better.
If you have concerns about common problems, issues, reliability ratings and durability, you should check out our Kia Optima problems page.


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Western Springs officials listened quietly Monday while residents urged them to stop the installation of wireless antennas near their homes. They did not tell them then, what they have said many times before, there is little local governments can control about telecommunications equipment.
About 16 residents called or wrote letters that were read at the Oct. 26 Village Board meeting when they learned Verizon is interested in putting a small cell pole on the southwest corner of 51st and Woodland and another on the corner of Oak Street and Western Avenue in the Old Town North neighborhood.
Laura Swalec said she lives on the 3900 block of Western Avenue, just north of where an antenna is proposed.
"My bedroom window (would be) about 40 feet from a cell tower. I am livid, this is not acceptable."
Such antennas should be in commercial areas along Ogden Avenue or in the Bemis Woods Forest Preserves, not close to homes and schools, Swalec said.
"Get this out of our neighborhood," she said, before five or 10 years from now, scientists and medical professionals find out exposure to emissions from such technology is harmful to humans.
EBI Consulting, a firm that advises on property, environmental and technology issues, submitted documents on Verizon's behalf asking if village officials wanted to comment on the potential impact on historic properties if the poles were installed.
Instead of addressing the location of the poles, the village attorney wrote Verizon a letter reminding company representatives they had pledged to refrain from working on the installation of 5G equipment until after the COVID-19 crisis was resolved, Western Springs Community Development Director Martin Scott said. 5G is the latest generation of mobile technology that provides faster downloads of data and supports new wireless uses.
The letter does not constitute a formal application, but "no doubt it is the first step in the permit application process for these two sites," Western Springs Village President Alice Gallagher wrote in a newsletter to residents posted on the village website Tuesday.
Catherine Beattie told the village board, "In February, we moved to the house next door to one of these addresses at Oak & Western, so this is obviously very important to us. We have three kids. I do have health concerns."
Everyone who spoke at the meeting was "anti-5G," Beattie said.
"Who is on the pro side?" she asked. Is it just the telecommunications industry, "or are you also hearing from another group of people who aren't here?"
Gallagher said she has personally heard from several individuals who are in favor of the 5G antennas.
"Over the course of the past year, the village board and staff have spent considerable time, effort and money in researching the state and federal laws and regulations governing 5G installations, engaging in community outreach, (and) advocating state and federal legislators on behalf of residents concerned with the 5G rollout," Gallagher wrote in Oct. 27 newsletter. Village officials also have been involved in drafting language to amend the Illinois statute governing telecommunications and hired lobbyists to promote that legislation in Springfield, she said.
But currently the village can only negotiate with a telecommunications company the aesthetics of the equipment they want to install.
Latest Western Springs
"Under state and federal laws and regulations, we cannot legally deny the installation of 5G cell towers based on any other grounds, including health and property value concerns," Gallagher said. "The board and staff are as frustrated and infuriated by this usurpation of authority as are the residents who voiced their concerns on the matter during (Monday's) board meeting, and are doing all we legally can to regain some of that authority."
The village is supporting House Bill 5818, known as the "Protect Me From 5G Act."
Gallagher encouraged residents to contact their telecommunications providers, as well as their state and federal legislators.
Gallagher's newsletter and more information about 5G can be found on the village website.


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Alex Cornell's Unusual Iceberg, in Photographs
A series of photos taken by Alex Cornell in Antarctica captures an unusual sight: a bright blue iceberg that had recently flipped over
Designer and filmmaker Alex Cornell was vacationing in the Antarctic Peninsula in December when he came upon an unusual sight: a bright blue flipped iceberg. So he hopped on a small rubber boat from his passenger cruiser to take pictures of it up close. On the trip, he had intended to shoot a short video set in the area but ended up focusing on photographs. His blue iceberg encounter stands out. "In the next couple days, the water and snow would cover it back up again and camouflage it back into the landscape, like all the other icebergs," he says....
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No catches, no fine print just unconditional book loving for your children with their favourites saved to their own digital bookshelf.
New members get entered into our monthly draw to win £100 to spend in your local bookshop plus lots lots more...Find out more
Has your 11+ reader has moved on from middle grade chapter books but struggling to find something more challenging? We have a selection of books we think might fit the bill..strong storylines, excitement, social realism and sometimes a bit of danger. Guaranteed to draw even the most reluctant reader in...
November 2020 Debut of the Month | Nimbly navigating a fine thread between real-world tragedy and elemental inner demons, Richard Lambert's The Wolf Road is a stunning coming-of-age thriller about a boy's battle with bereavement, and the wolf that holds the key to his healing. It's un-put-down-able and emotionally haunting in perfectly balanced measures. Fifteen-year-old Lucas's life unravels when he discovers his parents were killed in a car crash caused by a dog. In an instant "the world didn't make sense", and now he must live with his nan, an "odd woman in purple DMs" (and socially-conscious solicitor) he's only met twice in his life. Despite his angry protests, Lucas has no choice but to move to Nan's cottage in the Lake District, certain the offending dog was, in fact, a wolf. It's not long before wolves infiltrate all aspects of his life - at school he reads The Call of the Wild (a book "about a dog that really wants to be a wolf"). Local TV news reports on a local farmer who believes his livestock is being killed by a wild wolf. And then lupine menace encroaches on Lucas's reality when he hears and glimpses what must be the wolf. As he wonders whether it's coming for him, to "finish off the family after Mum and Dad," he confronts his wildest pains in the wilds of the mountains. While the theme of loss - and Lambert's inventive handling of it - will chime with readers who loved Patrick Ness's A Monster Calls, this also has great appeal for fans of emotion-driven adventures, such as Piers Torday's nature-rich novels. Other plot strands skilfully untangle the complex relationship between Lucas and his Nan. The faltering understandings reached between grandmother and grandson are a joy to witness, as is the bond Lucas forms with Debs, a Sylvia Plath-reading goth-punk.
November 2020 Debut of the Month | Sami is a very ordinary 13-year-old boy, attending school, playing football, PlayStation and has his own iPad – the only thing different about Sami is that he lives in Damascus. As the war in Syria creeps closer, until a bombing of a local mall affects his family, everything has been good. Now Sami and his family have to leave their home, their friends and their beloved Jadda (grandmother) – not just to move to another town but to start a long and perilous journey to the safety of the other side of the world – to England. The journey, and therefore the story, are not for the fainthearted – Dassau tells the story of the journey, the fear and the privations authentically and we vividly share Sami's upset, anger and fear throughout every page. The portrait drawn of the family in such a stressed and frightening situation has the reader on the edge of their seat and pulling at our hearts all the way through. Written with a deep understanding and meticulous research into similar journeys this is a book that will not leave you for a very long time. The switches from adversity to hope to despair in Sami keep your heart in your mouth and is so realistic I was raging at the government for its inhuman treatment of desperate refugees. Read this book – it's needs to be in classrooms and on bookshelves everywhere – it will change you and stay with you.
As Tough Women's subtitle declares, these are "stories of grit, courage and determination". True tales from twenty-two tough women who undertake awe-inspiring adventures across the globe, from canoeing the Canadian wilderness, to hiking Pakistan, to cycling South America. Its editor is the intrepid Jenny Tough, a Canadian mountaineering expert who notes in her introduction that "the outdoor industry is actually fully of women, but when it comes to the highest level of media…the demographic dwindles to one". Fortunately, this sexist state of affairs could be on the verge of changing - through giving voice to the "badass outdoorswomen" who here tell their extraordinary stories, this book might just change that narrow narrative and inspire new generations of female adventuresses. Each account enthrals like the best kind of travel writing. There are dazzling evocations of, for example, rugged Himalayan mountain-scapes, lush South American jungles, and howling Norwegian glacial valleys. Many of the women's stories reveal monumental physical and emotional challenges - challenges tackled and overcome with super-human strength and resilience - and all of them underpinned by a joyously life-affirming spirit of curiosity. For more books with a strong, feminist theme, visit our Girl Power feature.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2021 | Malcolm Duffy's acclaimed, award winning debut, Me Mam. Me Dad. Me, showed us a writer with a totally authentic voice and the ability to portray the direst of circumstances with honesty, humour and heart. Here, young adult readers will be confronted with the terrifying reality of how easily young people can slip under the radar and lose the safety net of a home to go to. Our hero Tyler is a recognisably grumpy 15-year-old uprooted against his will and relocated in Yorkshire. Still to make any friends and with only his dog for company, he stumbles upon a lanky, fellow outsider called Spyder, at the local pool. She wants him to teach her to swim. Given a purpose at last he has no idea what a tangled web of lies he will end up creating as he gradually realises her homeless predicament and wants to help. Unflinching in its examination of a society which would very much prefer not to 'see' the problem- just like Tyler's parents when they discover what he has been concealing. Tyler makes genuine moral mistakes, but we must admire his tenacity and determination to help at whatever cost to himself. Spyder is utterly convincing too- not wanting pity and justifiably scared of dubious 'charity 'help, she deserves everyone's respect. This is a book which sadly is all too pertinent to the lives of young people today and in the foreseeable political future. A crusading novel that more than lives up to the promise of that powerful debut. Highly recommended.
October 2020 Book of the Month | In this brilliant and emotionally gripping sequel to her best-selling debut novel, Dear Martin, the author's focus shifts to a minor character: Vernell LaQuan Banks Jnr. Unlike Justyce, the hero of the first book who is now a law student at Yale, Quan is incarcerated and charged with the murder of a policeman. In Dear Martin, Justyce wrote letters in his journal to his hero Martin Luther King Jnr to work through his thoughts and vent his frustrations about life as a Black American. Here Quan actually does write to Justyce, inspired by reading that self-same journal and through these and a series of flashbacks his painful story is revealed. From the trauma of witnessing his dad's brutal arrest and the domestic abuse his mother experiences from her new partner, to taking responsibility for protecting his small step-siblings to the extent of stealing food to feed them, Quan had none of the love and support that helped Justyce overcome the tragedies in the first book. In fact it is the need for a 'family' that embroils Quan into joining the Black Jihad and then loyalty to them which keeps his mouth shut about the fact that it was not his gun, left at the scene, which fired the fatal bullet. Through these letters we can really see Quan developing as a character and benefiting from studying with the tutor Justyce sent him. Evaluating himself and how he got there as well as the obvious racial disparities in the criminal justice system and how hopeless the future seems for black youths like him. Eventually the truth about his mental state, his coerced confession and the police procedural failure to gather ballistics evidence is revealed and Justyce launches a legal challenge to get the charges against Quan dropped and, just as importantly, find a way to reconcile him with his family and to be released from obligations to the other 'family'. This is an unforgettable insight into lives where options and choices are so limited by systemic and institutional racism that despite every effort to the contrary the pathway to prison seems inevitable. In the afterword the author reveals just how many true stories are so authentically reflected here. Dear Justyce is an absolute must read, giving a voice to those who need it the most.
This inventive page-turner opens with a superb sense of peril as sixteen-year-old Alfie moves from Bristol to spend summer in a small village in the north of England. There's menace from the moment he chances upon a stone in a churchyard and local girl Mia explains the superstitions around it - if a person walks around the stone three times uttering the words "I don't believe in witches" Meg Shelton will come for you! Keen to show he doesn't believe such nonsense, Alfie does exactly that - with immediate menacing effects, and it's not long before he realises that he's become a conduit for Meg, a woman murdered for being a witch way back in 1705. Defying convention and expectation, not only is this a gripping page-turner, but it's brilliantly funny too, with comedy springing forth the moment Meg springs into Alfie's life (and shower…). What's more, it's also edge-of-your-seat pacey as Alfie and Mia - with the help of Mia's witch-expert aunt - race against time to help Meg make peace with her past, with the stakes high, and their feelings running pretty high too.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2021 | Highly Commended in the Branford Boase Award 2020 | Ten-year-old Frank loves code and numbers; they're a way to make sense of the world, as well as providing secret languages to share with his friends and his mum. Frank's five-year-old brother Max is autistic and for him the world is often a scary place, when anything unexpected, too loud or too bright can cause him to have a meltdown. The story is narrated by Frank and every reader will understand his frustration at the unfairness of life. We know that he loves Max, but we know too how hard Max makes life for all the family. Frank is then faced with something even more terrible when tragedy strikes. With the help of those around him we watch Frank find a way to make sense of what has happened and the bravery to cope with the different world. Katya Balen has worked with neuro-divergent children and there's a powerful sense of truth and understanding in her beautifully told story. If they like Wonder by R. J. Palacio they'll love The Space We're In.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2020 | Cleverly blending an upbeat story of a girl who loves Superman comics and is determined to be a super sleuth in the style of Lois Lane and a contemporary story of a child being trafficked and held in slavery, The Invisible Boy is a fast-paced read with a strong message. When Nadia's dog is rescued by a boy she has never seen in the neighbourhood before, she immediately labels him 'The Invisible Boy' and is determined to find out who he is. Influenced by the comics she reads Nadia is used to making up dramas, often jumping to the wrong conclusions! How Nadia pieces together the real story of her new friend is a well-crafted drama. Nadia's shock and horror is powerfully conveyed.
'Every story is the sound of a storyteller begging to stay alive', says Khosrou – or Daniel as he's known to his new classmates in Oklahoma - the narrator of the many wonderful stories that make up this book. Central of course is his own story, how with his mother and sister he had to flee his home in Iran, leaving his father behind, but there are also the stories of his grandparents and great-grandparents, plus the myths that he's grown up with. Horribly picked on at school and tormented at home by his new step-father, he shares his stories Scheherazade-like with his class and with us, the lucky readers, and because of that we know that one day he will be whole again. Poignant, touching, funny and heart-breaking, this is a book in a million, a story that will connect with every person who reads it and become part of their own.
September 2020 Book of the Month | Co-written by award-winning novelist Ibi Zoboi and Dr Yusef Salaam, a prison reform activist, poet and one of the Exonerated Five, Punching the Air is a timely, heartachingly powerful free verse novel. Through its shatteringly succinct lyricism, Amal's story is a mighty call to action that rouses readers to question the deep-rooted and damaging consequences of racially biased societal systems, while radiating the light and hope of art and Amal himself. Sixteen-year-old Amal is a talented poet and artist, but even at his liberal arts college, he's victimised by destructive preconceptions, deemed disruptive by people who "made themselves a whole other boy in their minds and replaced me with him." Amal's budding life careers off-course when he's wrongfully convicted of a crime in a gentrified area. Even in the courtroom it feels to him "like everything that I am, that I've ever been, counts as being guilty". Standing before judgemental eyes in his specially chosen grey suit, he's aware that "no matter how many marches or Twitter hashtags or Justice for So-and-So our mind's eyes and our eyes' minds see the world as they want to/Everything already illustrated in black and white." In the detention centre, Amal considers his African ancestry: "I am shackled again," he says. "Maybe these are the same chains that bind me to my ancestors. Maybe these are the same chains that bind me to my father and my father's father and all the men that came before." He expresses society's double standards with searing clarity too - Black boys are "a mob/a gang ghetto/a pack of wolves animals/thugs hoodlums men" while white boys "were kids having fun home loved supported protected full of potential boys." But through the beatings and despair, through anger and frustration, Amal finds solace in the supportive letters he receives from a girl in his school, and his "poet, educator and activist" teacher. By turns soul-stirring and inspiring, this sharp exposure of injustice and testament to the transformative power of art comes highly recommended for readers who love the work of Jason Reynolds and Elizabeth Acevedo. Find a selection of recommended books that celebrate difference in our blog, Diverse Voices.
Patrick Neate's Small Town Hero melds a sensitive handling of real-life loss with alternate world weirdness to create a surprising, unique novel. There's grief and gaming, family secrets and football, and the interwoven themes of loss and science will appeal to readers who liked Christopher Edge's The Many Worlds of Albie Bright and are now a little older. Everything changed for thirteen-year-old Gabe when his dad died in a car accident. First there's his grief, which has created a "black hole inside me." Then there's his unsettling new ability: "the stories I imagine become real." Reeling with grief and confusion, Gabe finds he's not entirely alone when he spends more time with his estranged Uncle Jesse, writer of an online game called Small Town Hero, which - to make matters even weirder – appears to echo Gabe's life. Jesse believes "there aren't just a few realities, but a countless number" and explains that when Gabe shifts realities and sees alternate versions of his present and future life, he's crossing something called an "event horizon". As Gabe's reality-shifting plays out, he also falls out with his best friend. Still, he has Soccer School to look forward to, and here Gabe takes on pertinent football wisdom from one his Watford icons: "Football's a game of moments. You get the ball, you choose a pass and, whether you chose right or wrong and did it well or badly, the moment's gone and you gotta move on…the game makes you live in the here and now – you can't change what's gone and you can't see what's coming." For similar books you can find an exciting and varied selection in our new Gritty Reads section
August 2020 Debut of the Month | Will Levine has two passions in his life, the local wildlife reserve behind his school and the turtles he has found there. The rest of his life is a bit of a disaster in his eyes – he is given an unkind nickname at school, due to a facial difference, he has to cope with an upcoming Bar Mitzvah, and he has a community service he needs to fulfil for a boy who is confined to a hospital room. Then, to make matters worse, the county plans to sell off the nature reserve. Plus, there is a looming surgical procedure for Will – who hates having blood tests, never mind anything else. How can he make these things work for him – how can he survive it all, when all he really wants to do is look after his turtles and hide away. Slowly Will responds to the needs of RJ who is stuck in the hospital, and they build a strong and wildly adventurous friendship that takes Will away from his comfort zone and helps RJ experience things he would never have chance to do himself. As well as the obvious empathy the book elicits from its readers there is a wonderful amount of humour, and some passing knowledge gained about turtles too! A wonderful story for all of life's outsiders – offering hope and new perspectives.
Twig (a boy) wakes in the afterlife with vague memories of his Da, here he meets a Raven, Kruuk, to help guide him into Heaven where he will be part of the great forgetting. But Twig wanders off the path and meets the Gatherer, who gives him the Lost Soul Atlas, a skeleton key and a bag of bones with which to open Crossings between the physical world and the hereafter. Can Twig open all the Crossings whilst being chased by the Officials? If he opens them will his memories drag him into the real world and keep him there, in which case he will fade before he finds out what happened to him before he died…. He will forget his close 'blood family' friend Flea – who is also a street child and a pick pocket. This is a thought-provoking look at life for street children, how they survive against the odds, the forces lined against them as they try to live, and the lack of choices they have when forced to thieve to keep themselves alive. It is an exploration of loyalty amongst friends and family. There are scares - and lots of caring - but ultimately it is a song to the strength of the human spirit. The author was once told "to shine a light in all the dark places" – and much as one might expect from knowledge of Fraillon's previous prize-winning books – this book does exactly that, using a richness of language that both exhilarates and makes you cry. It is both timeless and ageless having a wide appeal. A powerful read I would highly recommend.
"How can a dog and a girl who can't see solve a crime?" visually-impaired Libby asks herself partway through this pacey novel by the award-winning author of I Have No Secrets. But that's exactly what Libby sets out to do. Fearing her missing classmate Charlie is in danger, Libby and Kyle make it their mission to find him. As the perilous mystery unfolds, Libby's story gives valuable insights into living with visual impairment, including the tactless comments and "help" from strangers that hinder her day-to-day life. Her determination is nothing short of inspirational. The author's unfussy style makes this novel particularly suitable for reluctant readers - the story is driven by snappy dialogue. The plot moves at pace. Timely insights into county line grooming are delivered in an impactful, easy-to-digest way. To add to the tension, the drama plays out against Libby's complex family dynamics – an insensitive gran, an over-protective dad, and a high-achieving mum who wants her to be more independent. All in all, this is a strong springboard for discussing pertinent issues, and a gripping, romance-tinged thriller to boot.
"We are all family," says Mo, the Indian-born RAF pilot who becomes irrevocably connected to thirteen-year-old Joelle when his plane crashes near her Nazi-occupied French village. "I believe that all of creation is one whole. We are bound together, each of us, by invisible links, and all are equally important." This uplifting ethos of equality ripples through Mohinder's War, a story of solidarity and survival against the odds; of friendship and hope through horror and loss. Joelle lived a "charmed life" in pre-war France, her English mother and French father kept busy by their family boulangerie. Following the outbreak of war and Nazi occupation they support the French Resistance. As a result, when Joelle happens upon Mohinder, they keep him safe in their home - but at huge risk, for the Germans know about Mo's crashed plane and have placed a reward on his capture. Alongside the ever-present menace of discovery, the French Resistance want Mo as a bargaining chip. "The British left us to rot," they say. "Now, in exchange for their pilot, they must pay too." Then, when treachery leads to tragedy, Mo comes good on his promise to protect Joelle. Short, and driven by compelling characters, engaging dialogue and an onward-marching pace, this is perfect for reluctant readers who may struggle to keep focus. It's also excellent for prompting discussions around WWII and broader ethical issues - betrayal, trust and what it is to do the right (and wrong) thing. Importantly, it also shows the vital role played by Indians in Britain's WWII campaign, and shares information about Mo's Sikh faith. Stirringly, the story is framed by a contemporary setting, with Joelle revealing this incredible - and hitherto unknown – story at Mo's funeral.
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