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Showing posts from November, 2005

Original Lacoste Shirts for Sale

My friend is selling Lacoste Shirts for Men and Women.

For Mens' Shirts Images click here [other colors]

For Ladies' Shirts Images click here [other colors]
For Price, Color, and Size Availability click here [download pricelist]
You may contact Sheilah via
E-Mail: [click to send email now]
Mobile: +639178972041

The Beanster™ Blog v3.5

This is the 3rd major change in my blog hence the v3.5
So what's new...?
Cleaned up the SIDEBAR. Navigation can be accomplished via the Quick Links/Drop Down Menus up top.
Added a new section entitled My Galleries this section has 2 pages [for now] and it has images and links to Online photo albums that I would like to feature. Check em out!
Gave up on making my blog IE friendly [the sidebar is always misplaced in IE] it displays great on
So far that's it... Hope you enjoy your visit to my blog... :D

New Pet!

Wow we have a new dog [Lhasa Apso] my shobe's best friend gave it to us... I took a few snaps of it when I got home but my camera's battery went dead before I could take some more. Hmmm one of my sis is alergic to dogs wonder how this will work out... I hope it's potty trained though.
His name is Burger and he is 2 months old.

Holiday Report: Bel's Beach Bash

Click Image for Online Album [700 images]
[Images from Bny's and Camille's camera, Moj's images will be added later]
ACP La Union Trip [aka Bel's Beach Bash]
November 25 - 28, 2005
'Villa Surla', Bauang La Union,Philippines

Day 1: November 25, Friday
Left the office early on Friday [the 25th] and went to Bel's house to meet up with the others for our ACP La Union trip. We had a lite dinner. Then were on our way to LU... Car 1 [callsign: ALPHA]: Moj/Bel, Tiu/Cams, Kaye, Me, and 'Brownie' [the driver] we met up with Car 2 [callsign: OMEGA] Yap/Kim and By/Lea in a Petron Gas Station along NLEX [North Luzon Expressway],we had some coffee, a few cigs and were on our way. We departed from Metro Manila at around 9pm and arrived at Bel's Beach Crib at around 1am.

Day 2: November 26, Saturday
2am: We relaxed for a bit took some photos, checked out our room assignments. Saw something cool! Check it!: So there was a Salagubang on the ground since I like playin…

Quick Links

I've decided to add Quick Links up on the Header of my blog... :o) Try em out when you navigate my blog!
[note: Freebies section is still not up but can be accessed via my SIDEBAR]
Fixed up the freebies section now all the quick links are working! :o)

I Love Taiwan!!!

A lot of good things coming out of Taiwan. Sheez almost all my gadgets are from Taiwan. My notebook is MSI, my Pocket PC Phone is an i-mate JAM [HTC Taiwan], my Motorola MPx 220 [Chimei Communications Taiwan], my SD cards are all made in Taiwan!
Even the things I plan to buy in my tech road map will be coming out of the little island [yes I consider Taiwan as part of China].
The next PocketPC Phone I'll probably be getting is the HTC Wizard [aka Qtek 9100, i-mate k-JAM, or dopod 838] now this comes from Taiwan as well.
Saw this article on PocketPC Thoughts a new high capacity and high speed miniSD card at 2GB WOW it's made by TEC the story is here [splashphone]!!!... as you may or may not know most new PocketPCs [including the Wizard] will be coming out with this format. I've accepted the fact that upgrading will also mean switching flash formats so it is not an issue for me.
My only concern though is if the Wizard will be able to capitalize on the attributes of this n…

Über Over Time

Me and my mom just finished up doing something for work... wow this is Über Over Time. I've got a pounding headache and I've to wake up early tomorrow [whooops make that later]. I admire my mom she is very very very dedicated; if I'm 1/3 as dedicated as she is I'm sure I'll go places. We'll see tomorrow if all our hard work will pay off... I really hope it does! May the Force Be With Us!!! I better get some shut eye.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday
Wes Chan
Jenny Valdes
May The Force Be With You...

Cryola | Forthcoming Gigs

Forthcoming Gigs:
Wednesday, November 30, 2005 [10:30pm]
Capones, Makati City
Wednesday, December 14, 2005 [9pm]
Temple Bar, Greenbelt 3, Makati City

[Click Image for Cryola on MySpace]
Yahoo Groups/Mailing List

What's New and What's Next...

Wow I'm swamped with work but of course we have to blog for awhile. To me blogging is both a form of expression and stress release... I love blogging! :D
What's new:
Last week I indexed my reviews so that they could be found easier. This can be accessed via my SIDEBAR under My Reviews. Now since I'm sort of OC I've decided to index my blogs of intereset [these are blogs of friends and family that I frequent] it can be accessed via the SIDEBAR as well under My Blog Directory. I hope that this will make navigating my blog easier for my visitors.
What's next:
I plan to fix up my SIDEBAR some more and maybe index My Freebies [unsure though if I should add screen shots or what] section I admit that I haven't been making much content [maybe the occassional ringtone or wallpaper for a friend] this is in part due to being lazy and busy with work related stuff.
I also have albums rotating on my trusty media player that I'll be reviewing.
For the forthcoming long w…

My Sony Ericsson K750i Themes

Here is a list of themes I've made for Sony Ericsson K750/W800, each theme includes a matching mp3 ringtone :o)

Back2Love - Joy;The K&M Project - Pink Is the Colour [Kupper's Heavenly Disco Mix]

Beach House - Kaskade - Everything [Kaskade's Big Room Mix]

Disco Heaven - Solu Music ft. Kimblee - Fade [Grant Nelson Big Room Vocal Mix]

Joe Bailey - Yves Deruyter - Born Slippy [Deep Trance Mix]

Serve Chilled - Ganga - Hi-Fi Love [Kenneth Bager Re-Edit]
***Bonus: Animated version of Back2Love included***
Link to Hed Kandi Collection for Sony Ericsson on dA

Review|Gatecrasher Classics 2 (2005)

Category: Music
Genre: Dance & DJ
Artist: Various Artists
Ok I got Vol. 2 of the Gatecrasher Classics series... so how is it? IMO it's more of the tunes that I love! Hehehe albeit it seems that the mixing is still lacking... hmm was this done by a computer again? Disc 3 features some house sounding tunes that I'm sure you'll know [and appreciate]. If you like Vol. 1 get Vol. 2 [Swabe!!!]

Tracklist here

Motorola in cooperation with Calypso Events,
Kerplunk! Studios and Blue Rain Multimedia

Come to any of the following parties and get the
chance to become the the next MOTOROLA iDJ and

NOV 23 (WED)

DEC 16 (FRI)

OPEN BAR TILL 11pm on ALL nights!

Log on to or text 0927-9143249
for details on how to join!!

See you there!!

Review|Extraordinary Ways (Special Edition) (2005)

Category: Music
Genre: Dance & DJ
Artist: Conjure One
This is one of the better Ambient/Down-tempo albums I've had the pleasure of listening to. Rhyss Fulber's [from Delerium and Front Assembly] does fantastic work by imbuing enthralling vocals with electronic beats and melodies. It might seem biased but my fave tracks on this album are the ones featuring Poe... One Word, Extraordinary Ways, and Endless Dream are all great. Forever Lost featuring Chemda is nice as well. Something struck me as odd though and to me the intro to Beyond Being sounds a whole lot like Stairway to Heaven (Led Zep)???
Since this is a special edition release there are 3 extra tracks:
Endless Dream (Virus-V High Speed Mix) [so-so]
Extraordinary Ways (Antillas Club Mix) [uhm... maybe on a second or third listen it'll be better]
Endless Dream (Virus-V Chillout Mix) [male vocals?! wtf?!]

Sunday Re-cap

[Click Image for Online Album]
Played CS [Counter Strike... weee!] with my friends from around 2:30pm to 6pm! Haven't been playing for a few months and man do I suck! Hahaha! Oh well it was nice to play again it releases some stress [diba Elars :o)]. Then headed off to Rockwell to meet up with Tiu and Cams, Fong and Nadine, Lisa and her family were there as well, Mojix who played with us had a group meeting for his Masters Studies... Go Nature Boy Go! Whoooo! Made a quick stop at Core and were off to Podium to have ddd-dinneR with Yap & Kim and Shoty & Ary, Elars followed from Starbucks i-bank where he was finishing up a report. We ate at CHINA STAR. I went home after dinner...
[RANT]After dinner I had to go home na since as my mom put it: 'I've been out the whole day'... I don't really understand this statement though... what would I do at home the whole day? Watch TV? Be Online? Eat? Sleep? Now if I did all this I'd probably get crap like: "You&#…

Saturday Gimmick

Ok my day started off pretty early [slept at 4:30 am and woke up at 8:00am] started tagging my mp3s till 10am. Went to the office to meet a potential supplier. Went to the temple and burned some incense had a lite lunch and was home by 12:30pm. Tiu picked me up at around 1pm and we went to fetch Cams and proceeded to Ayala Alabang for the Cuenca Bazaar... We saw our friends Jason and Kathy who just so happens had a booth there. We then met up for coffee with Yap and Kim at Starbucks in Alabang Town Center. We went home got changed and it was off to gimmick. We had dinner at this nice little Italian resto called L'Incontro [N. Garcia formerly Reposo St. in Makati City]. Kaye and I split an order of Onion Soup [so-so]... Kaye suggested I order a 'Pansarotti' it's a fresh green raviolli seafood and tomato based sauce [champion! Nice one Yao]. I really liked this resto very cozy and the ambiance was cool! There was a band performing and they were pretty good the singer has…

Review|Precious (2005)

Category: Music
Genre: Dance & DJ
Artist: Depeche Mode
A quick review before stepping out for my Saturday Night Gimmick...
This is Depeche Mode's single entitled Precious... It has 3 tracks 2 mixes of Precious and another single Free. I consider Depeche Mode as one of the greatest groups [or bands around] they've been in the music scene like forever. :o) I really like the way they make their songs and especially the mixes. This CD single, is no different and I'm loving the 2nd track Precious (Misc. Full Mix)... Have a listen and you might like it also.

Sick Bean and It's All My Fault...

Dammit! My slight coughs and colds have escalated into catastrophic coughs and colds damn cigarettes sheez I really need to lay off these death sticks [for awhile atleast hehe]. I hope I feel better soon... LU next week e! I acknowledge that it is my fault haven't been eating and sleeping properly, and have been relying heavily of nicotine to wake me up throughout the past work week. Shit! Gimmick tonight I must let somebody else hold these cigs for me... (*_*)

Chillaxed Friday

ACP met up at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell for a chillaxed Friday Gimmick. Coffee at Seattle's Best Coffee, a few drinks at Via Mare, and a few more at Dencio's

[click image for online album]

Review|It's All Gone Pete Tong [OST](2005)

Category: Music
Genre: Dance & DJ
Artist: Various Artists
If you liked the movie why not have a listen of the OST... It takes musical highlights from the movie and really brings back memories of some of the scenes in the film. I suggest you give both CDs a whirl in your player... Disc 1 (Day) is slower and captures most of the melancholic parts of the film whilst Disc 2 (Night) embodies Wilde's clubbing prowess... Nice!

Review|Creamfields Mixed by Ferry Corsten

Category:MusicGenre: Dance & DJArtist:Various Artists I've always been a fan of Ferry Corsten [aka System F, Moonman, and 1/2 of Gouryella the other half being Tiesto]... this guy certainly has talent in mixing and producing. With this mix album Corsten encompasses a wider spectrum of music [house to trance] and it's a joy to listen to. Great great tracks and nice mix work from one of the Dutch masters of Electronic music.

Review|Energy Winter (2005)

Category:MusicGenre: Dance & DJArtist:Various Artists This is a harder faster album... that I've rotating off my media player for this week for my reviews. Disc 1 is mixed by Zenith DJ while Disc 2 is Mdjaxx and Max B. Grant. This compilation hits you fast and hard... quite a good selection of Tech and Hard-Trance, I know that this probably won't be getting any airplay any time soon [at least none of the tracks won't become another Everafter...], I feel that this sub-genre of Trance is under appreciated especially in the Philippines... Personally I like it. Of course it has to be mixed well and credit where it's due this album is mixed pretty well. Coming off my review of Gatecrasher this is a definite plus.

Review|Gatecrasher Classics (2005)

Category:MusicGenre: Dance & DJArtist:Various Artists This is a must have compilation! 3 Discs [50 Tracks] the mixing sucks [it was done by a computer], I think it would have been better if a real DJ mixed it or if you're having a computer do it then maybe don't mix it and just slap on the tracks... But I must say the song selection is spot on! These are the tracks that really made me fall in love with Trance. Yes I may have had a fling with Hard House in '99, had a short affair with House last year, and am flirting heavily with Dance right now, but it will always be Trance that I go home with... Trust in Trance.

Tracklist here

Under the Weather...

Feeling a bit under the weather... I've been battling slight coughs and colds since Monday night not really a firm believer in medication so I've been taking a lot of fluids... However it doesn't seem to be as effective now maybe this is something viral. Really have to get some more rest... and lay off the death sticks... for awhile :o)

Review|The Best of Ambient Lounge (2005)

Category: Music
Genre: Dance & DJ
Artist: Various Artists
This is what it is... a finely selected collection of Ambient Lounge tracks... Perfect for sipping a nice drink and chatting with friends after a hectic week at work. I imagine this would fit right in into a nice bar. As it says on the album art Perfect Music for Relaxin' & Chillin'

Review|Destroy Rock & Roll (2005)

Category:MusicGenre: Dance & DJArtist:Mylo This is an amazing debut album from Scottish born Myles MacInnes... It is filled with soothing vocals, nice bass lines and wonderful electronic beats. I read somewhere that the 24 year old MacInnes is a wiz with his Apple G4 and some of his masterpieces were made on the desktop! Kewl! You have to give this album a listen. Tracks to Watch: Sunworshipper, Drop the Pressure, In My Arms, Guilty of Love, Destroy Rock & Roll, Otto's Journey, Musclecar Reform Reprise.

Review|Universal FM Transmitter

Category:Computers & ElectronicsProduct Type: OtherManufacturer: Unknown Universal FM Transmitter
Item Description:

This FM Transmitter that can be used with any kind of mp3 players, palm pilots, PDA, laptops, comp, etc. unlike other universal fm transmitters, this can read all radio station listed (like itrip).

* Digital 87.0-108.5 Mhz All-frequency stereo transmission,
* LCD frequency display.
* Clock displays hour, minute, and second time, and 12/24 hour system is optional.
* Active stereo microphone indication.
* Backlight 8s delay.
* Electronic button power switch.
* Memory of three common transmission frequencies.
* Powered by 2 AAA Batteries [doesn't drain your devices' power]

Pricing and Availability:

* In Stock
* Php 1,200.00 [volume pricing available]

Go over to BUDGET GADGET PINOY to get your's today! [click the link]

Got this FM transmitter for my bro a few months back. He's currently using it for his iPOD m…

What's New?!

I've indexed my reviews! The index is a listing of all my reviews [with links to the individual posts/reviews]. This can be accessed via the sidebar under 'My Reviews' or the post itself here. I hope this makes navigating my blog a bit easier. :o)
I plan on doing some more music reviews [I've a couple of albums I'm cycling thru...] and maybe a software review or two if I've the time.

Thoughts on Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith (no spoilers)

No Spoilers
Watched Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith last night.
First off it is a great movie going experience. Both visual and aural aspects of the film blend very well together, I strongly suggest watching it in a THX certified theater. Of course John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra was able to masterfully make music impart some of the story and the feelings of the characters (a mini review of the Soundtrack is here). The movie is 140 minutes (2 hours and 20 minutes). As for the story I've read the novelization so I know it (a mini review of the Novel is here), but of course it is a different thing to watch it.
The Story - As everyone knows this final Star Wars film of the Prequel Trilogy (PT) will tell the tale of how Anakin Skywalker, a young Jedi Knight and hero of the Republic falls to the Dark Side of the Force and rises as Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith one of the most evil villians the Galaxy has ever known. It also documents the formation of…

BeanJAM vs MotoBean

BeanJAM vs MotoBean
My two WindowsMobile™ powered devices will go head to head right NOW!
Been using my Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition (WMPPCPE) --aka BeanJAM for 7 months.
Been using my Windows Mobile Smartphone (WMSP) -- aka MotoBean for 1.5 Weeks.
Thanks for joining us... Tonight's featured bout is between BeanJAM and MotoBean sponsored by Bny This bout is three rounds: Round 1: Communications and Connectivity, Round 2: PDA Functions and Syncing, Round 3: Camera, Expansion, and Others. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages... LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE...!!!!
Tale of the Tape
Hardware: i-mate JAM (aka HTC Magician, dopod 818, T-mobile Compact, Orange m500, O2 XDAIImini, Qtek s100)
Form Factor: PDA
Platform: Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC Phone Edition (wheew! a mouthful)
Approx. 58 (W) x 108 (H) x 18.1 (T) mm Weight with battery: 150g
Intel PXA 272 CPU
Clock speed: 416MHz

Review|Network (2005)

Category:MusicGenre: Dance & DJArtist:Global Deejays Dance Dance Dance! It's all about Dance with this album... I really like the re-made tracks by Global Deejays that familiar song and that nice beat really appeals to me. This album is also made to sound like a radio broadcast [befitting the title Network] a really unique way of presenting their songs. Tracks to watch: Stars on 45, What A Feeling (Flash Dance)(Clubhouse Album Mix) , The Sound Of San Francisco (Progressive Album Mix), Clap Your Hands, American Pie, In the Name of Love, You are All of That (Global Deejays Mix).

Review|Generation (2005)

Category:MusicGenre: Dance & DJArtist:Audio Bullys The Audio Bullys sampled Nancy Sinatra's Shot You Down infused some beats and have a hit... wow is it that simple? All Sing Along, I'm In Love are other tracks that took my notice. The Audio Bullys are surprisingly, enjoying much success since they announced that they were genre agnostic, I do feel however that this is more of a Break-beats style album. Stop-Go-Stop-Go?! Not my bag but there is potential for it. Maybe as driving music...

My Notebook Has Been Invaded!!!

This is by far one of the best skins I've used on my notebook! It really is fantastic [click images for bigger view]... you must check out this skin! Don't forget to open WMP 10... ;o)

[Bootscreen: Alienware Invader Special Edition Wallpaper using TuneUpStyler]

[Windows Logon: Modded ashdgr8's Alienated II Bootscreen using Logon Studio]

[Windows UI: Alienware Invader by Skins Factory]

[Cursors by yingjunjiu]
Want to be invaded? Click herefor the Skin Suite, Cursors, Special Ed Wallpaper and ObjectDock. Click here for ashdrg8's original logon screen

Pinder Laptop Bags and Socks

Right... so you have a Notebook and you're looking for a stylish way to carry and protect your investment. Well look no further... Pinder is here :o)

I've seen these bags upclose and the quality is top notch.
1000D Water Repellent Nylon Cordura™ 100% Nickel Plated Hardware1/4 inch Closed Cell Foam Padding on 5 sidesNo. 8 YKK™ ZippersRipstop Nylon InteriorStrong nylon handlesSide pocket for power supply/accessoriesWeighs only 1.2 pounds (544 grams)High quality shoulder strap includedPinder™ Lifetime Guarantee5% donated to charity --
X-Small: 12 in x 10 in X 1.2 in (30 cm X 25cm x 2.5cm) Medium: 15 in x 11.5 in x 1.75 in (39cm x 29cm x 4.5cm) --
X-Small Laptop Bag is for 12" that's P2,400.00Medium Laptop Bag is for 15" that's P2,800.00--

[Haute Pink, Orange Heat, Mo' Green, Sky High Blue, Silver Steel, Major Camo, Corner Office Black]

Laptop Socks

Ok this is really neat! Giant socks for your notebook [similar to iP…

Proclamation No. 839 [Long Weekends...]

Since I was unsure if the 28th was really a free day I did a search and here it is straight from ATE GLO’s Office [note: this was dated May 10,2005]. [Blue Text is from the Proclamation]

Forthcoming Long Weekend for November
[Friday, November 25, 2005 thru Monday, November 28, 2005]:WHEREAS, November 28, 2005 (Monday) may also be declared as a non-working holiday while November 30, 2005 (Wednesday) may be declared a working day, provided that all activities and celebration in observance of "Bonifacio Day" shall remain to be observed on November 30, 2005 (Wednesday); andForthcoming Long Weekend for December
[Friday, December 23, 2005 thru Monday, December 26, 2005]:WHEREAS, December 26, 2005 (Monday), may be declared as an additional day-off pursuant to Section 9, Rule IV of the Omnibus rules Implementing the Labor Code, which states that "where a regular holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day shall be considered a special holiday for purposes of the Labor Code, unles…

Another Business Seminar

Attended another business seminar this time at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This one was hosted by the Belgian Government.
Very Interesting...

Plain and Simple Men's Shirts

Hi Guys! Looking for comfy clothes? Check these out... my friend is selling them

Free DeliveryDiscounted prices for pick upWe deliver in 2-3 daysWe accept bulk orders --
Mobile: 0917-5342326 / 0922-5312227 look for Johnsy :)

Dinner with Cubs

Cubs is here and we went to have dinner with her :o)
Pity she has to go home na tomorrow... [extend na...!] Had to go home early since it's a workday tomorrow. It was nice seeing you again Cubs [see yah in HK!]

[Dinner and Drinks at Trio: click image for online album]

Bigfish pts. License to Thrill ft. DJ Guy Ornadel

License to Thrill ft. DJ Guy Ornadel
Saturday, November 26, 2005 9PM Onwards
Embassy Super Club, The FORT
Door Charge: PhP 500.00|Pre-Selling: PhP 400.00
Click for BIGFISH Manila Website
Click for Guy Ornadel's Website

RIP: Eddie Guerrero [Updated]

A sad day in sports entertainment... Eddie Guerrero passed away 11/13/2005, he's survived by his wife Vickie and daughters Shaul, 14, Sherilyn, 9, and Kaylie Marie, 3. He was 38.

Eddie Guerrero is one of the funniest and most charismatic wrestlers I've seen in and out of the ring. You'll be missed Holmes...

For more info on Eddie click here

Cause of Death [added 11/15/2005]:

“It was heart failure. It was from his past – the drinking and the drug abuse. They found signs of heart disease. She (the examiner) said that the blood vessels were very worn and narrow, and that just showed all the abuse from the scheduling of work and his past. And Eddie just worked out like crazy all the time. It made his heart grow bigger and work harder and the vessels were getting smaller, and that’s what caused the heart failure. He went into a deep sleep."

Vickie Guerrero on Eddie's Autopsy report here

Chillaxin' Sunday

Went to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell for most of the afternoon with Yap, Kim, Yao met up with Tiu, Cam, Shots and Ary as well. We then had dinner at Kaiseki [Fort] we were joined by Mabs and Vans, had some desert and then chilled out a PGA cars for a bit [they played poker I played AOEIII]. Pretty chillaxed Sunday...

[click image for online album]


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BOGOTA BIRDING -Conservation Through Birding at Colombia

BOGOTA BIRDING too have as target the bird tourism with research and conservation in Colombia the endemic birds . Every 10% the our job we to invest in  our projects in research  and conservation programs the endemic and endangered Colombian birds

2. Monitoring and conservation Chestnut Bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia castaneiventris)

3. Breeding monitoring: Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris)

4. Bird Census: Project Cundinamarca Antpitta MONITORING CUNDINAMARCA ANTPITTA

Help us for follow up the this project Birding with BOGOTA BIRDING

Altogether 5 awareness programs were conducted in 2 different Lower Primary Schools of the fringe villages close to Blakc Inca and Turqoise Dacnis Tanager habitat in Oak forest at Cundinamarca area. A total of 62 students and 3 teachers were trained and benefited from the audio-visual awareness campaigns . After the audio-visual awareness campaign and leaflets were distributed among the students and teachers. During the discussion we gathered information about the species and tried to clear the misconception and wrong ideas prevailing among villagers by providing more information about the species and its importance

World Migratory Bird Day 2013 - Universidad Nacional - Grupo de ornitologia GOUN - Networking for migratory birds

we celebrate the campaign World Migratory Bird Day 2013 at Universidad Nacional with Grupo de Ornitologia Universidad Nacional together with local schools: activities were planned in so manner to change the situation and to draw the interest of local people and students of regional colleges & universities about the conservation the migratory birds .
The education activity was concentrated mainly on the work with two target groups: teachers in local schools and students of colleges and universities.

The workshop was named "Migratory birds how I could conservation them", to assess the impact of the workshop and to generate awareness about current Migratory birds situation and how we can help to preserve your ecosystem. To achieve these objectives, we presented a talk about what birds coming to Colombia and why it is important and we explained the ecological requirement of some endangered species inhabiting the cloud forest around Bogota.
In addition, we generated a discussion space about how children and their parents can help to protect the cloud forest.
we accompanied each talk with recreational activities like drawing, painting and origami. Each of them related with the topics explained during the presentations. At the end of this workshop
Finally, during the visit to schools we provided teachers with bibliographic material related with cloud forest's flora and fauna, as well as pedagogical resources like draws, games, and all the activities done during our workshops. The idea is that each teacher can be able to reproduce this experience in the future and this awareness work can continue with the next generation of students

Environmental education supported for Bogota Birding

Environmental education with birds the wetlands supported for Bogota Birding

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Le Discoteque

by Saturday, November 14, 2015

Dance all the best free style dance condensed into a party format, maracas are welcome! A class packed with fun and movement from Disco, Funk, Soul and Latin danced to music that makes you need to move. We will learn to perform as line dance with a repeated sequence of steps in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the individuals, all facing either each other or in the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. All the famous Disco Dance tracks will seduce you… All fitness and experience levels welcome.

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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Rahul Bose roots for the Mumbai Marathon!

Rahul Bose feels that the Mumbai Marathon is the best community event to happen in the society today especially after the recent terror attacks. He feels that even after the recent attacks the city should not let its spirit die and infact come forward more aggresively to show their support and demand for better goverance which we actually and truly deserve. He feels that this is the only opportunity that we have to come together and let all the differences melt away. The city should come together to show and share the spirit of oneness.It is not surprising to see street girl without shoes running along with an actress wearing designer shoes. A Muslim shares water with a Hindu. This is the only time when we can demand governance we deserve. We can demand to have a cleaner and a corrupt less Mumbai," he said.

Rahul said that the Marathon was an event that did not demand any investment. "It just demands a heart." The actor also said that in times where the atmosphere seemed uncongenial we needed to think in terms of WE. "I want to leave my niece Aalia a city that is a community of million minds and ideologies, aspirations and opinions, but a community all the same."

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

"Beauty Secrets" Revealed...Just Read the Label!

From: www.pronature.com

DANGEROUS BEAUTY: Scientists Warn of Harmful Ingredients In Our Shampoos and Cosmetics
~ by David Lowell Kern

Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Eye Damage in Young Children
The greatest concern of many scientists is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent found in about 90 percent of commercial shampoos. Also known as sodium dodecyl, sodium laureth sulfate (SLFS) this chemical has been shown to damage protein formation in eye tissue in young animals, raising serious concerns about the possibility of ocular tissue malformation, blindness in infants and young children. In animal studies, Sodium Laurel Sulfate penetration and uptake is much greater in neonatal and young animal eye tissue, compared to adult animals, showing "penetration into the eye, as well as systemic tissues (brain, heart, liver, etc.)" SLS also showed long-term retention in tissues, up to 5 days after a single drop.1

Researcher Keith Green, Ph.D., D. Sc., of the Medical College of Georgia, also reports that Sodium Laurel Sulfate extends the healing of corneal tissue by a factor of 5, from 2 days (normal) to more than 10 days. He also has concerns about cataract formation from Sodium Laurel Sulfate. Writing for Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., Dr. Green states in part: There is an immediate concern relating to the penetration of these chemicals into the eye and other tissues. This is especially important in infants...exposure to SLS results in accumulation in eye tissues, a process that could retard healing and possibly have long-term effects. Dr. Green concludes that exposure to Sodium Laurel Sulfate sulfate causes improper eye development in children and that since Sodium Laurel Sulfate is absorbed systemically through the skin, it doesn't have to enter the eye directly.

Our own research found that SLS is present as a main ingredient in most commercial shampoos for adults or children.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate Toxicity and Cancer - Another serious health concern with SLS is its tendency to react with other ingredients to form NDELA, a nitrosamine and potent carcinogen. According to a 1978 FDA report, shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with this nitrosamine can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrate- contaminated foods. (Researchers estimate the nitrate absorption from one shampoo is equal to eating a pound of bacon.) The FDA has recently warned shampoo manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in products containing SLFS (dioxins are also dangerous carcinogenic compounds). Only laboratory testing can determine if a shampoo is contaminated with these powerful carcinogenic compounds.

Damage To Your Skin - Researchers have known for years that Sodium Laurel Sulfate is a skin irritant.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate is implicated in premature hair loss in men and women, and may be one reason for wide-spread incidence of thinning hair.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate is also implicated in scalp irritation, eczema, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. Many shampoos designed to alleviate dandruff, itching, and other scalp disorders may actually be causing the toxicity of Sodium Laurel Sulfate-containing formulas to the skin and scalp. Avoiding contact with this cytotoxic (cell- killing) chemical is all that many people require to completely alleviate scalp disorders.

Natural Brands Offer No Protection - Ingredient reviews of shampoos sold in health food stores under natural brands and labels have turned up many formulas containing Sodium Laurel Sulfate. The cost, reputation, or market position of a shampoo apparently has little to do with its contents. Some of the most reputable and exclusive brands contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate. Don't be fooled by high prices or marketing hype. You must check the ingredients on each product if you want to avoid the harmful effects of Sodium Laurel Sulfate.

1. Clayton et. al., Ed. Chem. Tox., 1985
2. Br J Dermatol 1992 Sep
3. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Jul
4. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1991
5. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh) 1992
6. The Lancet, Feb 3, 1990
7. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Sep
8. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Mar and 1993 Feb
9. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Sep
10. Journal of Toxicology, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 1992
11. Toxicology Letters, Vol 26, 1985
12. Toxicol Pathol 1992
13. Govt Reports Announcements & Index, 1993
14. Acta Derma Venereol (Stockh) 1992
15. Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen

Here is list of ingredients to steer away from in our cosmetics and beauty products,and why. Unfortunately, due to the lax regulation in the U.S. the majority of these ingredients can be found in most of the products we use daily.

Alkylphenol Ethoxylates

Found to reduce sperm count

Benzene/Benzoic Acid/Benzyl Benzoate

Considered a carcinogen, is an endocrine disruptor, and is suspected to cause birth defects

Coal Tar

Known human carcinogen. Prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. May contian harmful impurities or breakdown products. Found in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and hair dyes.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben

Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

Dibutyl Phthalate

Prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. Possoble human reproductive or developmental toxin. Endocrine disruptor. Found in some nail polish, perfume and hair spray.

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)

Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. This chemical interferes with the body's ability to absorb choline which is needed for proper fetal brain development.

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea

These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

This is an extreme irritant to the mucous membranes with often destructive effects. It is also considered to be a neurotoxin and carcinogen.

The label of "Fragrances" can mask a multitude of toxic, synthetic chemicals, many of which suppress the immune system, are endocrine disruptors, and cause cancer. When looking for scented products, make sure it's scented by essential oils -- which are expensive; therefore, companies usually list what essential oils are contained in the product without reverting to the generic term "Fragrances".

Isopropanol/Isopropyl Alcohol

This is a skin irritant that causes flushing, pulse rate fluctuations, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Lead Acetate

Known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some hair dyes and cleanser.

Possible human carcinogen. Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin. Found in some eye drops and ointment.

Methylisothiazoline, or MIT

This can cause skin and eye irritation and is known to cause neurological damage.

Parabens (Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

Increases a person's risk of breast cancer. These class of chemicals are also endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility problems.

Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Petroleum Distillates

Possible human carcinogen. May contain harmful impurities or breakdown products. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some mascara, perfume, foundation, lipstick and lip balm.

This has been linked to damage of the organs -- kidneys, lungs, and liver -- as well as the reproductive system.

Propylene Glycol

Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. Although exposure to high levels of Propylene Glycol is known to cause serious and potentially irreversible health conditions, the chemical industry tell us that "small" quantities or low level exposure of Propylene Glycol is "safe" to use on the skin and in food. According to the safety data sheets of industrial chemical manufacturers, chemicals such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol will cause serious health conditions, including liver and heart damage and damage to the central nervous system if sufficient is absorbed by the body.

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. (See detailed report, above.)

Stearalkonium Chloride

A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.

Synthetic Colors

Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

Synthetic Fragrances

The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. Advice: Don't buy a cosmetic that has the word "fragrance" on the ingredients label.

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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Horror Author Patrick Greene

Some dark serendipity plopped a young Patrick Greene in front of a series of ever stranger films-and experiences-in his formative years, leading to a unique viewpoint. His odd interests have led to pursuits in film acting, paranormal investigation, martial arts, quantum physics, bizarre folklore and eastern philosophy. These elements flavor his fiction works, leading to strange and unexpected detours designed to keep readers on their toes.

Tell us about your book! What is it about and what inspired you to write it?
Olivia Irons was a child of privilege. But a teen pregnancy led to family upheaval, which led to a stint in Special Forces. Mourning the loss of her lover -a fellow operative- Liv seeks sanctuary in a random town, unaware that a small troupe of vampires seeks to recruit her to lead them in saving the world from a renegade faction.

My wife has a thing for vampires and I really wanted to write something for her to, you know, get some snuggles, and it seems to have worked.

Tell us about your publishing process. What was it like? Did you go indie or the traditional way?
Traditional publishing through Hobbes End was a foregone conclusion for this one because I was fortunate enough to have my first novel Progeny published with them, as well as having stories included in their well-received The Endlands anthologies. The beautiful cover and interior design by Jordan Benoit is sort of a trademark of theirs. There was a bit of back-and-forth with that, then we were off and running. I tend to self-edit with a fair amount of meticulous brutality, which I recommend to all writers, as it really is the best way to maintain control of your work and have it reach the masses as close to the form you want it to as possible.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing the story, or did it come later?
It took a while. I believe it came somewhere during the second draft or so, when the story’s essence coalesced into its true self, like when you realize your child is going to be an extrovert, or genius, or athlete or what have you. That title leaped out as the perfect succinct description of what this point in protagonist Olivia’s life means.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?
I did, and I described it, referencing one of the posters from the Resident Evil film series. Jordan Benoit did a reasonable job of realizing that, but I don’t think any of us were really happy with it at that stage. Luckily, he had a concept in mind that was far superior to mine, and went with it. When I saw it, I was elated. It seems to come right out of the narrative, and an author can’t ask for better than that.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?
Jordan works with Hobbes End on most of their releases.

How was your experience working with the designer?
Really, it has been a matter of me sending my ideas to Jairus Reddy, who is Hobbes End’s CEO, then having him add his thoughts and forwarding it on to Jordan, who also did the cover for my first novel Progeny. In the case of that novel, it was exactly as I envisioned it, to the T.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?
I’ve heard so many compliments on it that I wish I could take credit for it! As we know, the cover is a vital element of any book, despite that old adage. Unfortunately, there are a lot of terrible covers out there, some that have you wondering how an author could put their work out with that as its first impression. This cover is beautiful and atmospheric, with a great feel for the novel.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?
I would say to first take a good long look at covers that you find striking. Ask yourself why it attracted you, what are the colors and shapes and poses, if any, that draw your eye when you glance at it? Then search covers, and see which ones have those attributes. Contact that artist. Even of you wind up with someone fairly inexperienced, you can give them an idea of what you want to see – but leave room for them to interpret as well. The story is yours so let the cover be more of a collaborative experience. Sketch your concept if you can, or have someone else do it. Your concept may not turn out as well aesthetically as you imagined so leave room for the artist’s interpretation.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?
I didn’t try to make The Crimson Calling everything for everyone, but I did find in the beta and outside editing process that it appeals to a good cross section of readers. Vampire stories lend themselves well to action and horror, but there is also an element of tragic romance in the best of them, and the consensus seems to be that Crimson is a decent mix of those. I want to hear from readers, as always, and my sincere hope is that it serves as a fun and emotionally satisfying diversion.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

What Am I Waiting For? by Terri Hite

Inside the Book:

Title: What Am I Waiting For
Author: Terry Hite
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Self-Help
Format: Ebook

You’ve probably sought out advice from someone to help you solve a problem, achieve a goal or just to help you get moti vated on a certain project. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself giving out lots of advice—and wondering if you were telling others the right things. There is nothing worse than sending someone you care about in the wrong direction. In this guidebook to getti ng what you want and helping others do the same, life coach Terry Hite explains the benefits of having a life coach.

You can learn how to
 • appreciate the benefits that a life coach provides;
• ask questions that can help you find the right coach;
• develop the confidence you need to pursue your goals; and
• improve your relationships with others.

Hite also shares ways to avoid five common practices that stifle the growth of the human spirit.

Often, we engage in these practices without realizing how detrimental they are, unaware that they’ve been instilled in us gradually over a long period of time. Take steps to find the right life coach, define your objectives, and start achieving results. What are you waiting for? Get a life coach now, and change your life!

Meet the Author:

Terry Hite grew up in the suburbs of New York City. He is a life coach and speaker living in the Queen City—otherwise known as Charlotte, North Carolina.

Terry is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins June 27 and ends on July 8.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on July 9.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

Monday, June 27, 2016

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Children's Author Michelle Nott

Michelle Nott started her career as a French teacher (pre-K to university levels) in the U.S. , but also worked for a French company in Paris and an art gallery in NYC. She has edited and written articles for numerous on-line and print magazines in the American and European markets.

Before moving to Texas, where Michelle currently resides with her husband and two daughters, she lived over a decade in Belgium. During which time she began her blog Good Night, Sleep Tight. On this blog, readers can find her earliest stories (where Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses originally appeared) as well as her reflections on raising Third Culture Kids.

Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is Michelle's first book for children. Her future children's books are represented by Essie White at Storm Literary Agency. She is a member of SCBWI, Children's Book Insider and Houston Writer's Guild.

Twitter: @MimiLRN

Tell us about your book! What is it about and what inspired you to write it?
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is about a young boy who is having trouble with everyday tasks like being on time for the school bus, reading aloud, completing his math homework. Luckily, his imaginary frog, Hoppie, helps him feel better. But at the end of the day, Hoppie is very tired and has headaches. Finally, Freddy tells his mom that Hoppie's not well. She drives them both to the doctor's office to see what is the matter.

What inspired Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses was my daughter's experience with having to wear glasses at a very young age. Freddy's story is completely different from her story. But going to the ophthalmologist for the first time and experiencing the difference eyeglasses can make seemed like a great premise for a children's book.

At the same time, the book is not just about a child getting glasses. More importantly, I wanted to write a story that could show a child how to tell a trusted adult about a problem he or she may not fully understand.

Tell us about your publishing process. What was it like? Did you go indie or the traditional way?
I went for traditional publishing as I do not think I have the know-how nor the time to invest in the self-publishing route.

For this particular book, the publishing process went quite easily. One of my critique partners, who had already read a couple revisions of the manuscript, suggested I submit it to Guardian Angel Publishing. After sending a query and revising to the editor's remarks regarding POV and general tightening, I resubmitted and was offered a contract.

I recently signed with Essie White at Storm Literary Agency for my future picture books and am quite happy with that decision. It's a relief to know she is taking care of submitting my manuscripts to the best editors for each manuscript. Her connections in the publishing world are extremely valuable and would take me a lifetime to achieve on my own.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing the story, or did it come later?
The initial title for the the book, My Frog and the Eyeglasses, came as I was writing the story once I saw how the plot was developing. But since the editor requested 3rd person (versus 1st person) POV for early readers, I had to change the title to what it is now.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?
I had no real say in what the cover design would look like. However, since my editor did ask my opinion as to which style of illustrator on her list I preferred, I knew it would be all right. I had seen the portfolio of Robert Lee Beers and was confident that he would do a good job on the cover and with all the illustrations.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?
My editor arranged for Robert Lee Beers to do the artwork.

How was your experience working with the illustrator?
Great. Whenever I need an illustration for promotional materials or for author visits, he is always very accommodating.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?
Many people have commented on how attractive and colorful the cover is.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?
In my experience, the publisher arranges for the artwork. So I have no tips otherwise.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?
About a year and a half after signing my contract, I looked into the “new illustrator” working with Guardian Angel Publishing. This was, of course, Robert Lee Beers. I liked his work so much that I asked my editor, Lynda Burch, if she would consider assigning him to my book. She very kindly agreed. But understandably, he already had a list of other books to do first.

Although this elongated the publication of my book, I feel it was worth the wait. The cover is a reader's first impression and it's essential to get it right. In the end, I am thrilled with the cover and illustrations throughout my book.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Girls' Weekend by Cara Sue Achterberg

Inside the Book:

Girls' Weekend

Title: Girls' Weekend
Author: Cara Sue Achterberg
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Publisher: The Story Plant
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Ebook/Paperback

Dani, Meg, and Charlotte have bonded over babies, barbeques, and backyards, but when they escape for a girls' weekend away, they can't bring themselves to return to lives that don't seem to fit anymore.

Harried Dani can't explain why she feels so discontented until she meets a young gallery owner who inspires her to rediscover the art that once made her happy.

Dependable Meg faces up to a grief that threatens to swallow her whole and confronts a marriage built on expectations.

Flamboyant Charlotte, frustrated with her stagnated life and marriage, pursues a playboy Irish singer and beachside business opportunities.

All three of these women thought they would be different. None of them thought they'd be facing down forty and still wondering when life starts. What they do when they realize where they're headed is both inspiring and wildly entertaining.

GIRLS' WEEKEND is a fun, yet poignant romp through the universal search of who we are, why we love, and what makes us happy by an author who is quickly emerging as one of our most incisive storytellers.

    photo addtogoodreadssmall_zpsa2a6cf28.png photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpgB&N

Meet the Author:

Cara Sue
  Cara Sue Achterberg is a writer and blogger who lives in New Freedom, PA with her family and an embarrassing number of animals. Her first novel, I’m Not Her, was a national bestseller. Cara’s nonfiction book, Live Intentionally, is a guide to the organic life filled with ideas, recipes, and inspiration for living a more intentional life. Cara is a prolific blogger, occasional cowgirl, and busy mom whose essays and articles have been published in numerous anthologies, magazines, and websites. Links to her blogs, news about upcoming publications, and pictures of her foster dogs can be found at

Book Cover of the Day: Floor 21 by Jason Luthor

Title: Floor 21
Author: Jason Luthor
Publisher: Scout Press
Pages: 355
Genre: Sci-fi/Dystopian

The last of humanity is trapped at the top of an isolated apartment tower with no memory of how they got there or why. All travel beneath Floor 21 is forbidden, and nobody can ever recall seeing the ground floor. Beneath Floor 21, a sickness known as the Creep infests that halls of the Tower. A biological mass that grows stronger in reaction to people’s fear and anger, the Creep prey’s on people by causing them to hallucinate until they’re in a state of panicking, before finally growing strong enough to lash out and consume them. Only a small team known as Scavengers are allowed to go beneath Floor 21 to pillage the lower levels in search of food and supplies.

Jackie is a brilliant young girl that lives far above the infection and who rarely has to worry about facing any harm. However, her intense curiosity drives her to investigate the bottom floors and the Creep. To deal with her own anxiety and insecurities, she documents her experiences on a personal recorder as she explores the secrets of the Tower. During the course of her investigation, Jackie will find herself at odds with Tower Authority, which safeguards what remains of humanity, as she attempts to determine what created the Creep, how humanity became trapped at the top of the Tower, and whether anyone knows if escape is even possible.

For More Information

  • Floor 21 is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Jason Luthor Talks Covers

The book cover was actually made by me when I was entering Amazon’s Scout competition. I needed an image that conveyed fear and tension. So, the font is Demon Skier, and it has a simple drop shadow effect going with a blur on the red shadow to make the font stand out. The lower half of the cover is a rust and blood pattern I passed through a filter to darken it. All it took was an eraser tool to get it to bleed nicely into the above sky. The sky overhead was a simple cloudy sky image that underwent a red tinting. Probably the most prominent element of the book is the skyscraper.

The book is about the last of humanity living on the upper floors of a tower, so the tower itself had to be visually interesting. This is actually an image of the Shanghai Jin Mao Tower in China. I picked it because it wasn’t a simple skyscraper. The architecture is interesting and it makes the silhouette stand out against the sky. The image was run through a simple greyscale filter. The upper part of the tower was already dark from the original image, so adjusting the darkness got it to black out nicely and gave it an ominous feeling. There’s a window set that’s got a red hue about a third of the way up. That was to offset the greyscale of the tower with an interesting visual cue, and the use of red again alludes to the terror of those living inside.

Work on the cover wasn’t terribly difficult, but finding the right images and color balance was. A few hours at most was spent pondering how I wanted to construct it. In the end, I believe it conveyed a feeling of fear and tension that mirrors what the survivors of humanity are experiencing inside the tower as well.

Jason Luthor has spent a long life writing for sports outlets, media companies and universities. His earliest writing years came during his coverage of the San Antonio Spurs as an affiliate with the Spurs Report and its media partner, WOAI Radio. He would later enjoy a moderate relationship with Blizzard Entertainment, writing lore and stories for potential use in future games. At the academic level he has spent several years pursuing a PhD in American History at the University of Houston, with a special emphasis on Native American history.

His inspirations include some of the obvious; The Lord of the Rings and Chronciles of Narnia are some of the most cited fantasy series in history. However, his favorite reads include the Earthsea Cycle, the Chronicles of Prydain, as well as science fiction hits such as Starship Troopers and Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep?

For More Information

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Cable Car Mystery by Greg Messel

Title: Cable Car Mystery
Author: Greg Messel
Publisher: Sunbreaks Publishing
Pages: 180
Genre: Mystery/Romance

On the hottest day of the year in San Francisco in 1959, Private Detectives Sam and Amelia Slater are contemplating fleeing the city for their Stinson Beach house. However, when Sam decides to take a cable car ride to run some errands on the lazy summer day, he’s suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he rescues a woman who fell onto the busy street. Sam pulls the mysterious red haired woman out of the path of an oncoming cable car in the nick of time. The entire incident is captured by a newspaper photographer who splashes Sam’s heroics all over the front page. Sam is troubled not only by his new status as a city hero, but by the rescued woman’s plea for help. She whispers to Sam that she didn’t fall from the cable car but was pushed. She is frightened and disappears into the crowd before Sam can get more details. A San Francisco newspaper launches a campaign to find the mystery woman and Sam hopes to cross paths with her again.

Meanwhile, Amelia is troubled by the sudden disappearance of her elderly neighbor. Two thuggish younger men who now occupy the house next door say he took a sudden trip. One night when she’s alone Amelia grabs a flashlight and finds some disturbing clues in her neighbor’s garage. What really happened to her neighbor? Amelia is determined to find out.

Award winning author Greg Messel spins a new tale of intrigue in Cable Car Mystery, the sixth book in the Sam Slater Mystery series set in at the 1950s in San Francisco.

For More Information

  • Cable Car Mystery is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Greg Messel Talks Book Covers

“Cable Car Mystery” is the sixth book in a series about a private detective and his wife set in the late 1950s in San Francisco.  I conceived the idea for the series on a trip to San Francisco. I was walking around the city and remembering how things had changed since my childhood and the late 1950s and early 1960s.  I did more research and discovered so many interesting historical events occurring in that time period. I also think the culture was very different. Many of the men, including the main protagonist, Sam Slater were just back from World War II.  The last years of the 1950s were the final gasp of an era which was about to end.  San Francisco and the world was about to change forever with the assassination of the president, the Vietnam War and the city itself would become ground zero for major societal changes. The series has been very popular so far and readers seem to enjoy my characters.

I do a lot of rewriting and revisions in my books. I think it the nature of mystery writing. You need to carefully craft the mystery and the suspense. Sometimes that can take a lot of tweaking.
I’m often asked how many books there will be in the series. I plan to keep writing them as long as I can come up with good storylines. At some point I will run out of things for Sam and Amelia to do but that day is not today. After each book in the series I usually answer that they’ll be one or two more. That’s my answer now. I’ve written about 100 pages in the next book in the series “San Francisco Nights.”  I’m also well into a new book that is set in the late 1960s and is about the newspaper business. I’m excited about it and that book may be the launch of a new series. The story is set against the backdrop of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and the 1968 Presidential campaign.

As far as the book cover, I’m extremely proud of my book covers. I get a lot of compliments on the design. My publisher has a design team which does a great job and usually gives me a couple of options to consider. I think covers are so important. I see a lot of covers that are really bad and look amateurish. The book covers in the series have some common elements to them. There are often photos of San Francisco. This cover has my private detective on it and a montage of photos that include the Golden Gate Bridge and of course, a cable car climbing the hills in San Francisco.

We are in a “sweet spot” on our covers for the series.

About the Author:

Greg Messel has spent most of his adult life interested in writing, including a career in the newspaper business. He won a Wyoming Press Association Award as a columnist and has contributed articles to various magazines. Greg lives in Edmonds, Washington on Puget Sound with his wife Jean DeFond.

Greg has written nine novels. His latest is “Cable Car Mystery" which is the sixth in a series of mysteries set in 1959 San Francisco. “Shadows In The Fog,” ”Fog City Strangler," "San Francisco Secrets," "Deadly Plunge" are sequels to the first book in the series "Last of the Seals." His other three novels are "Sunbreaks," "Expiation" and "The Illusion of Certainty."

For More Information

· Visit Greg Messel’s website.
· Connect with Greg on Facebook and Twitter.
· Find out more about Greg at Goodreads.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Horror Author Brian W. Matthews

Brian W. Matthews grew up in a small town in southeastern Michigan, the son of a policeman father and a factory worker mother. After graduating from high school, he worked his way through college, earned three degrees, and then spent over a decade as a child therapist. That changed in 2000, when he switched careers. He currently works as a financial planner and writes novels in his free time. The Conveyance is his third book.

Links to website and social media:

Tell us about your book! What is it about and what inspired you to write it?
The Conveyance is about a psychologist, Dr. Brad Jordan, a man accustomed to keeping secrets. When he stumbles upon the strange happenings in a small town called Emersville, he uncovers a series of threats, each darker and more dangerous than the previous. Together with his friend, Frank Swinicki, he is forced to confront these secrets if he is to save himself, his friends, and ultimately the human race from a sinister device called the Conveyance.

After two books with complicated plots, multiple points-of-view, and extensive use of flashbacks and other literary tricks, I wanted to write a straight-forward horror/science fiction thriller. There is only one point-of-view, no jumping around in time. I had a great time writing it.

Tell us about your publishing process. What was it like? Did you go indie or the traditional way?
Conveyance is the second book in a three book contract I have with specialty publisher JournalStone. That contract followed JournalStone’s purchase of my debut novel, Forever Man. The process was daunting: sending in a sample chapter of that first book to publishers, having JournalStone ask for the full manuscript, signing a contract to publish it. But the experience was also exciting: working with an editor, hearing from the graphic artist and having him ask my opinion on a cover, and of course, seeing the book in its final form.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing the story, or did it come later?
There were three different titles for this book. At first, I called it Starfall. Over time, I didn’t feel the title properly reflected the book’s subject matter. I did keep Starfall, though: it’s the name of a hotel where a couple scenes take place. The next title was Emersville. That’s the city where a majority of the story takes place, and the title held until the very end. But town names had been used in horror books (Salem’s Lot, Imajica), so I ultimately decided on The Conveyance. The word has multiple connotations that might entice a reader, and it ties together various plot points once the reader has finished the book.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?
JournalStone asked what I would like to see as a cover, which isn’t all that common. Book contracts give control of the cover and the title to the publisher. But JournalStone has always been considerate of me. So I wrote out my idea for a cover: a nighttime pastoral scene with a lake, a sky filled with stars, and a Raggedy Ann doll laying forgotten on the shore of the lake. Unfortunately, my idea couldn’t be worked out. The publisher sent me several ideas the graphic artist had devised, and together, we worked out the cover you see today.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?
A gentleman named Chuck Killorin designed the cover. JournalStone hired him, and then put him in touch with me. We emailed back and forth, originally regarding my idea. When that fell through, Chuck came up with the idea of a man’s head with images of mountains and a lake and outer space locked inside the head. It was such a perfect concept that we worked through several iterations until we had a cover we both liked.

How was your experience working with the designer?
Chuck is a wonderful, generous man. We worked quite well together. He listened to what I hoped to covey with the cover, and he responded with a great idea. As I mentioned, this doesn’t always happen. Publishers can consult with the author, but they are not required to. If you get a chance to work with an artist on your cover, go for it.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?
So far, it’s been well received. Most get the outer space theme, and they seem to enjoy how the story is encapsulated in the mind of the man on the cover. That is such an integral plot point. To see it on the cover thrilled me to no end.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?
Try to conceptualize your story into an image. It’s difficult, but well worth the result. And listen to the artist. Writing is an author’s specialty; artwork belongs to the graphic artists. Be sympathetic to their efforts, and respect what they are trying to do for you.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?
Of all my books, I think this cover best conceptualizes what goes on in the story. That’s not to say the other covers were poor; I loved them. But there’s something special about this cover, a symbolism I understand. I hope everyone enjoys the cover and the book as much as I do.

In the Shadow of the Gods by Rachel Dunne

Inside the Book:

Title: In the Shadows
Author: Rachel Dunne
Release Date: June 21, 2016
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Fantasy/Action Adventure
Format: Paperback/Ebook

A breathtaking talent makes her debut with this first book in a dark epic fantasy trilogy, in which a mismatched band of mortals led by a violent, secretive man must stand against a pair of resentful gods to save their world.

Eons ago, a pair of gods known as the Twins grew powerful in the world of Fiatera, until the Divine Mother and Almighty Father exiled them, binding them deep in the earth. But the price of keeping the fire lands safe is steep. To prevent these young gods from rising again, all twins in the land must be killed at birth, a safeguard that has worked until now.

Trapped for centuries, the Twins are gathering their latent powers to break free and destroy the Parents for their tyranny—to set off a fight between two generations of gods for control of the world and the mortals who dwell in it.

When the gods make war, only one side can be victorious. Joros, a mysterious and cunning priest, has devised a dangerous plan to win. Over eight years, he gathers a team of disparate fighters—Scal, a lost and damaged swordsman from the North; Vatri, a scarred priestess who claims to see the future in her fires; Anddyr, a drug-addled mage wandering between sanity and madness; and Rora and Aro, a pair of twins who have secretly survived beyond the reach of the law.

These warriors must learn to stand together against the unfathomable power of vengeful gods, to stop them from tearing down the sun . . . and plunging their world into darkness.

    photo addtogoodreadssmall_zpsa2a6cf28.png photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpgB&N

Meet the Author:

Rachel Dunne
Living in the cold reaches of the upper Midwest with her great beast of a dog, Rachel Dunne has developed a great fondness for indoor activities. For as long as snow continues falling in Wisconsin, she promises to stay inside and keep writing.

Her first novel, In the Shadow of the Gods, was a semi-finalist for the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, and will be published by Harper Voyager in June of 2016. Its two sequels will follow.
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Monday, June 13, 2016

Cover Talk: The Jungle Within by Charles M.

Title: The Jungle Within
Author: Charles M.
Publisher: Createspace
Pages: 308
Genre: Drama/Suspense

When Evan and Katie said “I do”, they expected to navigate life together side-by-side. But when a car accident and a tawdry affair disrupt life as they know it, Evan and Katie are forced to venture on alternate paths, alone. In the darkest depths of an unforgiving coma, Evan fights to survive the treacherous jungle of his mind. He embarks on a spiritual journey to understand the meaning of life and the beauty of death…forcing him to face his deepest fear. Meanwhile, Katie ventures through her own guilt. On a strenuous moral journey, she juggles the consequences of infidelity and the strain of caring for her unresponsive husband. But are their paths truly separate? Or are they simply on parallel journeys that are destined to converge?

For More Information

  • The Jungle Within is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Charles M. Talks Book Covers

My cover was painted on canvas by an artist named Mindy Gray. She is an amazing painter. I had the idea for The Jungle Within inside my head, but I cannot paint, nor am I any good with graphic design. So after a few iterations of painting, she nailed it. Afterwards, she took a high quality photo of it and went to work on Photoshop, adding the title and other information. I have the original artwork hanging up on my wall next to a shadowbox containing the final book. It’s there to remind myself what I’m really capable of.

The cover is basically an abstract depiction of a jungle with a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel is a small light. We all know what that means. Above the jungle are a pair of yellow eyes. I don’t want to give away too much information, but those eyes play a big part in the book. Right around chapter 4 is where the reader has the “Ah-ha” moment regarding the cover. It’s awesome to hear readers say that the cover was perfectly described.

The saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, but in today’s book market I think that it’s incredibly crucial to have a good cover. The writing may be the best in the world, but nobody would ever know if they don’t read it. With all the books out there, you only have a fraction of second to get that reader to open it or read the back cover. During my research I found that the number one thing against self-publishers was non-edited books and bad covers. To me, the cover must intrigue the reader and give away some clues. It needs to look the part.

About the Author

Despite growing up in a small town, I always knew I was destined for bigger things. At age eighteen, I enlisted in the US Navy, a move that allowed me to see the world and explore my passion for life. After 6 years and an honorable discharge, I settled into civilian life, earning my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Technology Management.

Always eager to challenge myself with new and different roles, I took on the role of “Author,” writing my debut novel among the roles of full-time engineer, local business owner, and family man. But, I have no plans to stop there!

I am an avid outdoorsman, enjoy camping, hiking, snowboarding, shooting, and fishing, making the Land of Enchantment an ideal place to call home.

I look forward to sharing my novel and experiences with all of you!

Charles’ latest book is the drama/suspense, The Jungle Within.

For More Information

Friday, June 10, 2016

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Author G.A. Minton

From his early childhood, G.A. Minton has always been a diehard fan of science fiction and horror. Whenever a scary movie was playing down at the local theatre, he was there in attendance with his friends, loudly screaming in terror alongside them. G.A. enjoys many hobbies, but the game of golf is one of his favorites, having lettered on his high school golf team. Besides writing, he also enjoys reading, traveling, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, working out, listening to hard rock music, and watching great movies—especially those genres that encompass horror, science fiction, mystery, and comedy. G.A. is married, and lives in Texas with his wife, a son and daughter, and two Bengal cats.
Strangely enough, it was only after G.A. was rear-ended by a drunk driver and suffered a closed-head injury, that he developed a newfound passion for writing (even though this story has the makings for a cheesy Stephen King horror novel, it is nonetheless true—he is now called “the savant horror writer” by his friends).
G.A. penned his first novel, Trisomy XXI, which oddly enough also has 21 chapters, in only three months. He begins with chapter one and writes in a freestyle manner—almost in a stream of consciousness—using no outlines, formats, or templates to assist him. The narrative flows freely from his vivid imagination, creating a thrilling tale of terror that is formed from an ordered sequence of events.
After his devastating car accident, G.A. suffered from both memory loss and problems communicating with others, which frustrated him to no end. After numerous visits with the neurologist and weeks of taking medication used by patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease, G.A.’s brain slowly began to mend itself. But now, after completion of the healing process, something was very different. G.A. noticed that he had developed this overwhelming urge, this compulsive drive to put on paper a story that had formed de novo in his mind. That’s how Trisomy XXI was born. One could surmise that the damaged neurons in G.A.’s frontal cortex had rearranged themselves into a different pattern, thereby enhancing the creative elements in his brain. God only knows. . .stranger things have happened!
G.A. has recently completed his second novel, a dark, supernatural tale of horror that takes Good vs. Evil to a whole new level. Currently, his brain is busy at work, meticulously processing the text for another story of the macabre—one that will both entertain and horrify its unsuspecting reader!
Tell us about your book! What is it about and what inspired you to write it?
Trisomy XXI is a story about the thrilling adventures of Joshua Allen, a sixteen-year-old boy who was born with an extra chromosome—a genetic aberration known as Trisomy XXI, or Down Syndrome. When a serious accident leaves him in a coma at the hospital, Joshua receives a mysterious injection that endows him with supernatural powers. The transformed teen is linked to a string of bizarre, unexplained deaths that have both the town’s sheriff and the coroner completely baffled. But when a ghastly creature from another planet lands on Earth and begins its hunt for Joshua—viciously slaughtering anyone in its path in order to complete its deadly mission—Joshua and his friends are thrown into a world of horror that is totally out of control. What follows is a horrific life-and-death struggle with the seemingly-indestructible extraterrestrial being. The salvation of an entire race of aliens hangs in the balance!
I was inspired to write creatively after sustaining a closed-head injury when rear-ended in my car by a drunk driver traveling at 80 to 90 mph. Immediately after the accident, I suffered from memory loss and aphasia, a problem with expressing my speech and communicating with others. When the damage to my brain finally healed, I was left with an overwhelming desire to write a story, hence, the birth of Trisomy XXI. From my earliest recollections as a young child, I have always loved the genres of horror and science fiction.
Tell us about your publishing process. What was it like? Did you go indie or the traditional way?
Nowadays, it is very difficult to get your novel accepted for publication by a traditional publisher, especially considering the fierce competition involved. All authors have experienced their fair share of rejections by publishers, a reason why many choose to self-publish their own books. I was extremely fortunate in that Trisomy XXI was accepted for publication by three different reputable, royalty-paying publishers, thereby affording me a choice. I’ve read horror stories (no pun intended) about authors dealing with their publishing companies, so I am very fortunate to have selected World Castle Publishing as my publisher. So far, my journey into the world of book publication is going smoothly and has been very enjoyable. All things considered, I couldn’t have asked for a nicer experience!
Trisomy XXI is published by World Castle Publishing, a traditional publishing press. I chose to traditionally publish my novel because I believe that a royalty-paying publisher is willing to invest their money in a book that is not only well-written, but also has a storyline that will catch the attention of those readers willing to purchase a particular book. A traditional publisher is in business to make a profit, so I felt that my book had the best chance of attaining success through their professional editing, financial backing, and marketing support.
How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing the story, or did it come later?
After my brain had healed from the car accident, a little voice in my head came up with this great idea for a horrific tale involving a boy with Down Syndrome, and. strongly encouraged me to write it. Since Trisomy XXI is the genetic aberration responsible for Down Syndrome, and the science behind it plays a major role in the storyline, I immediately decided to use Trisomy XXI as the title for my new novel.. I also penned this story as a way to deter people from judging or belittling others, especially those individuals suffering from any type of a physical or mental handicap.
Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?
After conceptualizing the storyline for Trisomy XXI in my head, I knew that what I wanted on the front cover of the book would need to reflect the startling horror contained on its pages. The drawing of the green alien monstrosity found on the cover of Trisomy XXI is an ideal fit for my tale of terror. It took me a long time, but when I discovered this particular illustration, I knew that it would be perfect for my book cover.
Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?
Karen Fuller, award-winning author, book publisher, and owner of World Castle Publishing (publisher of Trisomy XXI), combined her special artistic skills along with some magic to create the amazing cover for my book.
How was your experience working with the designer?
Through a team effort and some back-and-forth emails, it couldn’t have worked out any better. As talented as she is, Karen was able to complete the front and back covers for me in only a matter of a few days’ work!
What has been the readers’ response to your cover?
I can’t even begin to tell you how many compliments I have received in regards to this eye-catching book jacket. Upon finishing the story, the reader will appreciate the significance of the grotesque alien strategically placed on the front cover of Trisomy XXI.
What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?
It’s important to take the necessary time and effort to find a talented designer (take a look at the other book covers they have made), and make sure that the finished product is the book cover that you want. Nowadays, with the vast quantity of books to choose from, it’s very important to have an eye-catching cover, especially since that is usually the first thing seen by a potential reader. In many instances, a book is indeed judged by its cover!
Anything else you’d like to say about your book?
Trisomy XXI is a unique horror/sci-fi/mystery novel that is unlike any other book you have ever read. If the likes of Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Michael Crichton were ever to have collectively penned a spine-tingling tale of horror, this would be it!
Delivering a roller-coaster ride full of thrills for its unsuspecting audience, Trisomy XXI will intrigue every intelligent reader with its alluring array of unforeseen twists and turns. Packed with tension and excitement, this chimeric version of Alien meets The Thing is a powerful story that is guaranteed to capture your immediate attention. You won’t be able to put this book down!
Gracie Bradford, a book reviewer from READERS’ FAVORITE, gave Trisomy XXI a 5-STAR review and said, “Trisomy XXI by GA Minton has 266 pages of adventure, with twists and turns the reader would not expect.  The chapters are well developed and flow well, and the writer tells his story, adding excitement and anticipation from chapter to chapter. The story of the boy’s transformation and ordeals in life takes the reader to another dimension throughout the rest of the story. This book is filled with humor, sadness, mystery, and interesting twists in every chapter. . .prepare to be thoroughly entertained.”
Chris Fischer, another book reviewer from READERS’ FAVORITE, also gave Trisomy XXI a 5-STAR rating. “Author G.A. Minton's Trisomy XXI is a book with an exciting and unique premise that will keep readers turning the pages from the very beginning all the way through to the very end. I definitely enjoyed Trisomy XXI. Author G.A. Minton has made a bold choice in choosing a young man with Down Syndrome as the protagonist of this book, and has done a great job at making him so much more than just a stereotype of someone with a disability. This read had action almost from the very beginning and will definitely be able to keep readers on the edge of their seats, even gasping with surprise at times. Any reader who enjoys a great work of horror should definitely grab Trisomy XXI. I am pleased to recommend this book, and will look for more from author G.A. Minton in the very near future!”
Links to book: for TRISOMY XXI paperback on Amazon for TRISOMY XXI eBook on Amazon for TRISOMY XXI paperback and eBook on Barnes & Noble for TRISOMY XXI eBook on Smashwords for TRISOMY XXI paperback and eBook on G.A. Minton’s author webpage at World Castle Publishing website
Links to your website and social media: for G.A. Minton author webpage at World Castle Publishing for 5-Star reviews of TRISOMY XXI at book review page on Readers’ Favorite website for G.A. Minton author webpage at Goodreads for G.A. Minton Twitter URL page for G.A. Minton Google+ URL page for G.A. Minton URL page for TRISOMY XXI YouTube book trailer


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#NBCCLeonard Picks #2: Brendan Driscoll on Nathan Hill’s The Nix

by Brendan Driscoll | Sep-28-2016

In November, National Book Critics Circle members will begin nominating and voting for the fourth John Leonard award for first book in any genre. In the run-up to the first round of voting, we'll be posting a series of #NBCCLeonard blog essays on promising first books. The second in our series is NBCC member Brendan Driscoll on Nathan Hill's The Nix. (Knopf).

A mother’s abandonment of her 11-year-old son, and the son’s search for answers decades later, steer the plot of Nathan Hill’s debut novel through a half-century of iconic American landscapes: midwestern subdivisions and home-economics classrooms; Chicago protests and jail cells; exploding Humvees and Warcraft-esque virtual worlds.  But the ache at the center of this novel is not just the sorrow of a forsaken child.  It feels more like the grief of a nation that has become emotionally unmoored, unable to heal the wounds of its past.

The son is Samuel Andreson-Anderson, a stalled writer who spends a lot of time playing “Elfscape” online and is about to get fired from his lit teaching job for being insufficiently sensitive to the needs of a student who he caught plagiarizing.  He would like to forget all about his mother Faye, but she is suddenly all over the news for throwing stones at an ascendant right-wing politician.  Samuel’s publisher, eager to capitalize, threatens him with a lawsuit that will surely bankrupt him, unless Samuel re-establishes relations with his mother and writes a mean tell-all.   But much about his mother’s past remains elusive.  Why, after escaping her small Iowa hometown for college in Chicago, did Faye return after just a month, suddenly ready to submit to marriage with her high school boyfriend?  What happened to her during the political unrest surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention, and who were those radicals in the photograph with her?  Could the anxious woman who walked out on Samuel and his father really be the same person who was once arrested for prostitution?  But digging into his mother’s past also means that Samuel must come to terms with other significant losses of his life, especially that of his childhood friend Bishop, who bullied the bullies with a troubling recklessness, and Bishop’s beguiling twin sister Bethany, the great love of Samuel’s life, who slipped away to New York and married a finance guy.  There’s also the worrisome issue of the Nix, a lingering family ghost inherited from Norwegian ancestors who clung fast to their pain until it destroyed them.

Meanwhile, the nation is falling apart.  The authorities are craven and cruel.  One-time political revolutionaries now work in the “attention manufacturing business,” or have been reduced to futilely battling invasive plant species on their real estate holdings.  The iFeel app lets you instantly broadcast your feelings to a thousand friends at once via status update, but it won’t let you select “morally compromised” or anything like that.  Pop star Molly Miller sings that you have got to represent! but no one knows what that even means, except perhaps it means that vigorously selling out is the most authentic thing anyone can do.  The Elfscape game, it turns out, can rewire your brain chemistry so badly that suicide, virtual or actual, may be the only way out.

However timely it may be, social commentary laid on this thick could have swamped a lesser novel.  But The Nix is buoyed by its wry humor, which dances nicely above the book’s bleak substrate.  It also helps that Hill braids his plot tight, maintains strong forward momentum, and keeps his focus on his characters.  Samuel, Faye, and the other main personalities are rendered with confident affection, and are complex enough to hold our attention for the length of the novel.  Even the bad guys are presented with some empathy.

Hill’s sentences are lively; his figurative language fresh.  He takes some textual risks--framing chapters as a Choose Your Own Adventure book; using a long stream-of-consciousness exhalation to describe the physical collapse of an Elfscape character called Pwnage--but does not over-indulge, as a matter of good manners.  He playfully fictionalizes Alan Ginsberg, Hubert Humphrey and Walter Cronkite.  Indeed, Hill does so much so well that it’s tempting to think that it is his execution alone that makes this such a good book, as if combining the energies and anxieties of the late-twentieth-century maximalist-novel with the plot-and-character sensibilities of Charles Dickens could tame the excesses of each.  But what pushes this novel into Great American Novel territory may be its rare audacity in insisting that even amidst all of the anxieties of contemporary times--reactionary authoritarianism; the crushing logics of commercialism and media buzz; unavoidable complicitness in the evils of the world; video games that rearrange brain function--we remain capable of righting the wrongs of the past, if we have the courage to rediscover one another.

Brendan Driscoll's work has appeared in Booklist and other periodicals. He is writing a novel about food, love and deportation. He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.

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