The backwards Reader

Book Review - The Big Turnoff - Confessions of a TV-Addicted Mom Trying to Raise a TV-Free Kid

2007-09-25T08:03:00.001-07:00

You will never experience the same when you turn on your telecasting after you read the "The Big Turnoff" by Ellen Currey-Wilson. Published in 2007 by Algonquian Books of Chapel-Hill, "The Big Turnoff" follows the journeying of the writer after she do the determination that her soon-to-be-born kid will not be exposed to television. Currey-Wilson makes this determination based surveys that show the damaging influence telecasting have on children and on her realisation that she is addicted to television.

Her book open ups with her informing her hubby of her determination that she back ups with facts gleaned from articles such as as:

The norm kid sees 16,000 homicides on telecasting by the age of 18.

Every hr of telecasting watched by preschoolers additions their opportunities of being strong-arms by 9 percent.

Over 60 percentage of kid fleshiness lawsuits are linked to inordinate telecasting viewing.

Currey-Wilson's determination to save her kid such as negative personal effects come ups from her acknowledgment that her inordinate telecasting screening originates from a dysfunctional demand for comfortableness and distraction. She cognizes that she utilizes telecasting as a comrade instead of participating more than fully in life. Television was her comrade all the manner through a troubled childhood that included a dead father and an alcoholic, pill-popping mother. She skipped a batch of school and watched telecasting instead, and she still watches hours of telecasting every day.

Protecting her kid from telecasting motivates the writer to set up a program of cutting down her telecasting screening to two hours a week. This end is supposed to be reached by the clip her boy is born, but it actually takes old age for her to ran into her goal.

Her telecasting dependence is portrayed in guilty item throughout the book as she fights to defeat the powerful draw of the television. Even as she protects her babe from its influence, she creature comforts herself with telecasting to get by with the emphasis of being a mother.

Also, as the writer depicts her journeying out of her addiction, she demoes you through the course of study of the narration just how ubiquitous telecasting is in our lives and in our society. The other female parents that Currey-Wilson befriends all usage telecasting and pictures as a manner to entertain and pacify their children, which often do drama days of the month and other societal states of affairs hard for the writer because her kid is not supposed to see television. For example, her boy makes not cognize the telecasting fictional characters on which the other children alkali their games.

Currey-Wilson portrays herself with unflattering fairness as she uncovers her numerous insecurities and defects as a person. Although she is vehemently committed to keeping her immature boy telecasting free, she then goes overly stressed about his problem adjustment in and making friends with all the television-raised children. She actually endures more than than than her son, who is actually happy and comfy with his lifestyle.

Currey-Wilson also uncovers her jobs creating friendly relationships because she is more accustomed to watching telecasting than interacting with people. In her treatments with her therapist, Currey-Wilson depicts her slowly maturing ability to constitute existent human human relationships as a patterned advance from junior high to high school to adulthood. Her advancement with human relationships is touchingly illustrated by her improving interactions with her mother. They used to only watch telecasting together, but now, under the new television-limiting regulations of the home, Currey-Wilson and her female parent fall in in echt conversation and new activities. The writer gets to defeat lingering bitternesses about her female parent as she larns about the challenges her female parent faced as a single parent and feminist calling woman. She accomplishes a much deeper apprehension and understanding for her mother.

"The Big Turnoff" is written with great skill, which the reader can appreciate even more than because portion of the book depicts the author's development as a author as she turns away from television. Many of the analogies she weaves throughout her narration are derived from the secret plans and fictional characters of telecasting shows. This technique reenforces the author's point about the pervasiveness of telecasting in our society.

About the lone flaw in this book that brands a good lawsuit for everyone to restrict telecasting screening is the occasional peep into Currey-Wilson's sexual activity life. I make not mind sexual activity is books, but I just was not interested in her sexual activity with her husband, and I make not believe that it added anything to an otherwise of import book.

Aside from a couple doses of "too much information" Currey-Wilson have produced a book that everyone should read. Her ain psychoneurotic behaviour and mediocre interpersonal accomplishments turn out her lawsuit against inordinate telecasting viewing. And her recovery from her dependence and development into a healthy and good member of her community should animate everyone to watch less telecasting and make more.

The Shadow of the Wind - Book Review

2007-09-21T12:41:00.001-07:00

Daniel Sempere is a ten-year-old boy in Barcelona taken by father to the graveyard of forgotten books. He is encouraged to choose just one book, which he does, and small makes he cognize that by doing so, he put in movement a series of events that volition form his life forever.

The Shadow of the Wind have been hugely successful and have bathed in infinite Numbers of truly fantastic reviews. It have sold massively well and I came to this book full of hope, and yes, though I enjoyed it, I went away slightly disappointed.

It is translated from the Spanish and one or two of the interlingual renditions really grated with me. "Excuse me?" Time and again for Pardon, or I implore your pardon, being just one of them. In 1940's Barcelona, I believe not.

I establish the book surprisingly hard to read too. After a twelve pages or so I wanted to set it down and seek something else, when I prefer a book that catches me and demands to be read as long as I stay awake. Consequently it took me ages to complete, though coating it I did eventually. I detest to begin anything without reaching the end.

The book is set against the background of the Spanish Civil War and mental images and memories from that clip were stark, real, frightening, and a reminder of how recent it all was, and how easy it is, for mature states to oversight into pandemonium and violence.

Don't allow me put you off. There is enough in here to delight almost anyone. The fictional characters are strong and unrecorded long in the memory, as make many of the images. But did it dwell up to the hype? Not in my eyes, but thankfully each of us different. You may love it, many folks do.

The Shadow of the Wind

By Carlos Ruiz Zafon

ISBN: 0753819317

Targeted E-Book Creation - Latest 4 Methods to Increase Your E-Book Creation

2007-09-19T12:41:00.001-07:00

An e-book, like an article used for article marketing, have a greater opportunity to be a success if it's written and marketed towards a targeted audience. If an e-book makes not do it clear what audience it addresses, it may not have got got a very advantageous response from any marketplace which takes to dingy sales.

You necessitate to place your mark marketplace even before authorship you first bill of exchange so that your authorship volition have way and your e-book will have focus. To better your accomplishments for authorship for an audience, here are some helpful tips:

1.) Make your research thoroughly before writing. You can only cognize what your audience really desires if you take clip to analyze what's in demand and what's not. You can also analyze past tendencies to see how fast and often your market's demands are changing. You can also find a form in the alterations so you can place just how exactly your market's demands change as clip travels by. You can utilize the information as footing for determining the way your e-book must take.

2.) If you're unsure how your chosen marketplace reacts to the subject you've settled on, you can compose short articles first, print them in your blog and website or submit them to article directories. If your mark audience reacts well, you can take this as a go-signal to work on your e-book.

3.) Whatever your subject is, do certain that you only supply high quality and relevant content. No substance what marketplace you are trying to reach, high quality is expected from you. Don't scant on the quality even though your mark audiences are not as enlightened as you are.

4.) Once you complete writing the e-book, it only do sense to marketplace this towards your mark market. This sounds like simple common sense but you'll be surprised how writers lose out on this opportunity.

Write Your Non-Fiction Book to Pass or Sell in a Crowded Book Marketplace

2007-08-28T13:43:00.001-07:00

Will my book base on balls or sell in a crowded book market?" Good question. You desire to know. I desire to know. We all privation to cognize before we put our time, attempt and most of all our money. Here are a few tips to assist you cognize if your book will just go through or sell well before you even compose it.

Give your thought or your book ms the diagnostic test of significance. Write your book to ran into at least 2-3 of the countries listed below to achieve significance in the book marketplace place. To do certain your book go throughs the diagnostic test of significance, makes it offer:

1. Original, different information. Rich Person you wondered what do a new diet book sell well even when there are tons of diet books on the market? The writer shows their alone set of successful diet rules, their exercising program, their perspective, their testimonies and their credentials. They utilize original, different information for the same results.

2. Expert advice to a specific grouping of people. Target a grouping of people within your wide market. For example, the Chicken Soup series for Teen-Agers, Mothers, even Prisoners sold much better that the original more than general Chicken Soup for the Soul.

3. Inspire people to make something good. Weave inspiring narratives into your book and sell more. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership spent 18 consecutive calendar months on the Business Week Business Best Seller List. Dr. Maxwell started each chapter with a short narrative of a celebrated individual successfully using the chapter's law of leadership.

4. Solutions to your audience problems. Get this right and you could have got a best seller. Bash you cognize the solution to a exasperating problem? Write the solution in your book. You might be surprised at who's searching online for a small relief.

5. Entertainment, wit or fun. Bash you have got a endowment to do people laugh? Use it in your book. Supply a small oasis of flight for your readers. People love it when you entertain them. Intertwine amusing narratives into your non-fiction manuscript. Entertain them, do them laugh; they'll love you for it. Best of all, they will have got merriment telling all their friends about your amusing book.

6. Greater apprehension of life. Rich Person you been talented with a deep apprehension of life? Put little extracts of your apprehension throughout your book. Scatter your quotation marks along with other celebrated philosophers or human race minds within your book.

7. Success undergoes that actuate your audience to make more, give more than than or share more. Share your experiences to actuate your audience. Share how you overcame seemingly unsurmountable challenges in your field. It will actuate your audience to believe if you did it; they can make it too.

8. Specific accomplishments and information. Thousands of people hunt for specific information daily. They desire simple to read and easy to understand information. Seek to educate your audience; include battle tools in your book. Aid them do more than money, cut costs or work out their problems. Examples include: online assessments, how to tips, short reports, resource lists, how-to tutorials, lexicon of footing in your field, etc.

9. Opportunity to larn something new or interesting. Scatter your book with small cognize interesting facts about your topic. Be careful to avoid information overload with pages of elaborate statistics. But if you scatter them as morsels throughout your book, you make expectancy that volition Pb your readers through to the end. People love statistics and bite-sized trivia about just about any topic.

10. An easy to read style to larn about something. Take a complex topic in your field and do it simple. Most people bask an easy reading language. They will not only honor you by reading to the end but your readers will be happy to state all their friends about your insightful easy to read book.

Are you ready to begin authorship your top merchandising non-fiction book yet? Did your book thought base on balls the diagnostic test of significance in at least two areas? Great! Now that you cognize your book is significant, travel ahead daydream big. Don't waver any longer. Start today. Your audience is waiting for your alone thoughts and point of view to assist them. Brand it different. Brand it count. Brand it yours.

Targeted E-Book Income - Two Ways to Earn Money From Writing Your Own E-Books

2007-08-24T14:44:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered how you can gain income from an e-book when it usually travels for a very low price, and sometimes even for free? Before you disregard the e-book arsenic a waste material of time, believe of all those authors selling their e-books online. You have got to inquire yourself why they go on doing that if e-books aren't profitable.

Here's a fact: e-books can be profitable. Here's how:

1.) Established e-book writers already have got fans who are willing to pay a very low-cost terms for their works. The terms may be inexpensive but that wouldn't substance much once the multiple purchases stack up. If people are willing to pass on traditional books that are more than expensive than e-books, then there's no ground for them not to buy an e-book they really like.

However, take short letter that readers don't usually desire to put on a new writer, so be ready to ear not much with your first few works. Your purpose at the start is not to gain immense profit, but to do a name for yourself. Money will follow later on.

2.) You can also sell your e-book to a company, and that company can utilize your e-book arsenic a giveaway or inducement to their customers. This is a good venture because you'll acquire a fixed amount for your work. Just do certain that the terms you'll acquire for your e-book is deserving its quality, or you may stop up regretting it.

The last thing you desire is the company devising billions off your e-book after you sold it to them for a few thousand dollars. If you can acquire a trade in which you maintain your byline and acquire royalties, then travel for it. The company you're selling your e-book to shall aid a batch in promoting your e-book, which you may not be able to make as effectively if you make it on your own.

"I Don't Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say," by Joyce Shafer - Book Review

2007-08-01T15:00:00.001-07:00

"I Don't Desire to be Your Guru, but I have got got Something to Say" is James Joyce Shafer's gift to me. This book, short and easy-to-read, do me recognize that other books, sharing wisdom that I have read, were merely building up to this book. The book could be read in one afternoon, but why would you desire to? I took my clip reading this book and intentionally did not tag in it, high spot or flag any portion of it. I desire to read it again before I really draw the lessons out of the text.

Through an easy departure conversation in a cafe, lessons about how we see ourselves and the human race around us are shared between two people. Each lesson is one which I desire to enjoy – like a delicious amuses-bouche. An amuses-bouche is bite-sized morsel served before the first course of study of a meal. And its purpose is to tantalize (or amuse) the oral cavity and indeed tease the diner with what the chef have prepared for the followers courses. "I Don't Desire to be Your Guru" functions up an array of amuses-bouche – each lesson teasing me with the possibility of how my life could be altered, bettered, lifted by integrating these lessons into it.

In "I Don't Desire to be Your Guru," the loose narrative which environments these lessons is a immature adult female named AJ (though I say it could be a man, but as I am a adult female I surmise Ms. Shafer intended me to see AJ as a woman) who is returning to the land site where she had this life-changing conversation with Old Bill. She is returning 10 old age after the conversation – and Iodine suspect that of everything she learned in her conversation with this "guru," it could take 10 old age to really incorporate and reflect on these lessons as portion of your mundane life. And I, for one, can't wait to acquire started!

Discover Your Online Book Store

2007-06-03T19:21:00.001-07:00

Audio Books are a great way to learn ~ or relax. Discover how easily they can be downloaded and carried. They are easily downloaded to CD, MP3 or iPod and carrried effortlessly anywhere we go. Whether we get stuck in traffic jams, or waiting at airports or just while waiting for trains or buses ~

Learning History is one way we can all learn and try not to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. The books of the Bible are great inspiration for personal philosophies which we can incorporate into our lives. All of this information can now be found in these audio books.

History is past and we can't do anything except learn about that; the future is what we make it based on the decisions we make today so that is why today is called "the present" because it needs to be our gift to ourselves!

Technology has come a long way since the days of quill and ink.

Remember when we were in primary school and someone had the job each week of cleaning and filling the ink wells? I remember too vividly. The boys inkwells were always stuffed with rolled up blotting paper ready to tear off to flick at us girls!

Dreadful job! A good reason to stay out of the Teachers 'Bad book' because that was always a favourite punishment meted out to misbehaved children.

Now we have whole books of what was once printed pages stuffed into small items capable of carrying any number of previously large and heavy books; and we don't even have to read them ~ they are read to us.

Is this what was once known as 'second childhood'? If it is, I'm all for it. "Bring it on" as the kids today say so eloquently.

Market Your Book

2007-05-22T08:43:00.001-07:00

Book as industrial product, science product, and intellectual product, needs to market to get support from the society. This is very important because from there we will get money to develop knowledge and science. Without this, our culture and society never change from bad to the best hope.

Our book needs marketing to share our thinking and knowledge become enlightenment to human and society. Publisher and author should cooperate to market their books. Every effort must conduct to market it. Publisher need marketing to get money for develops their business. Author needs marketing to spread their idea in the book and making feedback about book.

Author has many efforts to promote author's book. Author relationship with many peoples will increase book selling. Sometimes, author can promote book in talk show. They can promote in the class of school, seminar, lecture, etc. This is can influence customer to see and buy their book.

Publisher can promote their book in website, radio, television, flyer, brochure and other kinds of promotional tools. Publisher has some trick to sale book like direct selling or sale to bookstore. Business cooperation with other side is very support in selling of the book. Sponsorships can increase selling of book to. Other way is book fair in the city. Usually, publisher association has book fair calendar in the various cities. This is very good to increase book selling. Publisher, author, and customer can meet in one location to create business transaction or social transaction to create other good idea.

This event is very good to combat book hijacking. Every side has same opportunity to promote them selves. Author can promote self as good author. Publisher of course can promote every product in right situation and right customer. Society will get best enlightenment and information from that event. Book fair always has multiplier effects to every side of business. Every effort can conduct to increase book selling.

Choosing the Best Audio Book Player

2007-05-10T16:56:00.001-07:00

One of the things that will help you enjoy your audio book to its fullest potential is to invest in a good audio book player. Portable media devices are good tools for listening to your audio books, but audio book players are specifically designed for listening to audio books. An audio book player typically includes features that make listening to your book just as enjoyable as reading your favorite book.

Many people still enjoy the original format of audio books on tape. Even with modern technology, audio books on tape provide conveniences that other players do not provide. Listening to an audio book on cassette eliminates the problems of skipping and losing your place, so people can enjoy listening to their favourite book while jogging or exercising. Others may listen to books on tape in their cars because they are the most convenient option for enjoying a book during those long daily commutes.

Compact discs have also had an impact on the audio book industry. For people who do not have an MP3 player that they can use to take their files with them, CD audio books are the next option. This format allows listeners to easily skip and repeat certain sections of the book. Unlike cassette tapes, you cannot simply stop a CD and resume listening from the place it was stopped. Listeners have the option of "pausing" the book, but if the CD player is running on batteries this will quickly drain its power.

With the innovations of internet technology, the ideal audio book player is an MP3 player or any other portable media device with large memory capabilities. Downloads of audio books in digital format are often large, so it takes a large memory to store even a few of your favorite books. The most popular MP3 players are iPods. Audio book players, specifically made for enjoying audio books, are quickly becoming popular as well. With these devices, you can bookmark particular pages or sections so that you can resume listening at the last place you left off. An audio book player is also compatible with a greater number of the audio books available for download. iPods are typically only compatible with audio books downloaded from the iTunes service.

Audio books are a convenient and popular way to enjoy your favorite books. Their growing popularity has added demand for new advances in technology to appreciate them. While audio books on tape are considered old-fashioned, some people still prefer this method for playing their audio books. Downloads, however, have surpassed both cassettes and CD audio books because of the ease of accessibility. Digital formats are also more cost-effective and space-efficient, which is an important thing to keep in mind. Before investing in a new audio book player, evaluate your specific needs in order to choose the best player for your lifestyle.

Book Review of "The Hiding Place"

2007-04-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom, is the ultimate story of love and forgiveness. It is the redemptive tale of an older woman and her family who become involved with the anti-Nazi underground movement to hide and secure Jewish people. Living in Holland, a neutral state, the Germans siege the country and enforce their strict regime on the citizens there.

This true story offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people capable of extraordinary measures. The Ten Boom family is an example of strong familial ties, of traditions steeped in religion and of values rooted in morality and humanity for all. Members of the family become imprisoned for work in the underground anti-Nazi movement whose goal it was to help aid the Jews from the furor of the Germans. Living their lives amidst the horrors of war, the Ten Boom family is confronted with unspeakable ills and forced to choose which side of humanity they will place themselves on. This affords the reader the opportunity to ask themselves if they would be capable of similar decisions if the times demanded it.

This moving account illustrates how one's faith may provide the moral fiber to one's character; allowing one to keep moving forward even amidst inhumane conditions, including the despair and lack of dignity of war.

Corrie's mother once told her that "Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings... It's something we make inside ourselves." This literally became her mantra as she faced insurmountable odds to achieve countless acts of humanity. An older spinster, caring for an ailing father, Corrie literally stepped outside her comfort zone, not only in achieving success in the anti-Nazi movement but in demonstrating a level of inner strength and resolve previously unbeknownst. Hers is a wonderful example of discovering your life mission in the midst of your own life.

While some may view the account as overtly optimistic and full of hope, the story certainly does not diminish the pain and suffering endured by those persecuted, including many members of the Ten Boom family, in the concentration camps during the Holocaust. What differs is that Corrie saw hope in every situation in which she found herself. She places her faith in the hand of God and realizes that with Him there are no accidents. Hers is the conviction that she is carrying forth the plan of the divine. She lives with the knowledge that defeat will come to the Germans.

Her new mission after the war is to help rehabilitate those who had suffered in the concentration camps; she even extends herself to work with those who betrayed their own countrymen. She went on speaking engagements all over the world to endorse her message of the love and peace that comes from forgiveness. Her life was a shining illustration of her belief that "the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do."

This begs the questions: Are we are allowing our own past to help shape our future? Are we prepared for the work in store of us? Hopefully, the answer is "yes".

Book Review- Tales from the Detroit Tigers Dugout by Jack Ebling

2007-04-24T08:40:00.001-07:00

In many ways, we can read the history of America on its ball fields, written in the dust of the infield or the chalk of the baselines. Well-suited to lazy summer days by virtue of its leisurely pace, and providing a wealth of statistics to keep its fans amused during the off-season, baseball is a uniquely American blend of action, reflection, and squabbles (called "rhubarbs" in the vernacular). And in this, the game oddly reflects the culture that gave it birth.

For those whose appreciation of sports extends no further than the city limits of New York or Boston, a book about a team of mere provincials may prove as alluring to east coast sophisticates as a trip to WalMart to mingle with the riffraff. But for those with a love of the traditions and lore of the Great American Pastime, Tales from the Detroit Tigers Dugout offers a welcome and tantalizing glimpse into one of the oldest and most successful baseball teams in history. Fast-paced and tightly written, the book will delight Tiger fans, and enlighten fans everywhere.

As the author recounts, in recent years the team from Motown had fallen on hard times. Tiger fans had begun to measure the time between winning teams in decades, rather than seasons, capped by a team-record 119 losses in 2003. Yet in those dark years, careful behind-the-scenes planning was already laying the foundation for the team's 2006 re-emergence into the upper tier of major league baseball. And the book is filled with past legends and hints of future glory that offer fans the promise of baseball glory in the years to come.

Though often ignored by sportswriters from bigger cities, Tiger legends are among the most gifted and venerated names in the history of the sport. Ty Cobb, for instance, was probably the best player ever to walk onto a baseball field—and arguably the nastiest and most contemptible human being ever to don a baseball uniform. But other Tigers were almost as skilled, yet often labored in the shadows of their better-publicized counterparts from the coast. Hank Greenburg, Charlie Gehringer, Al Kaline, and other Hall-of-Famers brought off-field class as well as on-field brilliance to the game. As the author notes, their contribution to franchise history is not lost on students or true fans of the game. Though like other stars of Cooperstown, their timeless talents are often obscured by the large salaries and larger egos of today's lesser stars, fans of all ages and eras will enjoy the stories of how and why baseball in Detroit has grown along with the game that is among the treasures of American culture.

All Americans love an underdog, one who can rise from nothing and soldier on through adversity. Win or lose, there is something about the struggles of the common man that speaks to the American heart, giving us hope for ourselves and our future. A book about baseball will not solve the problems of world hunger or global terrorism, but the magic of sports consists of bringing people together through shared adventures in a sheltered world where conflicts are solved through teamwork and effort. And by sharing some of the hopes and dreams of a long-suffering and newly emerging sports team, Tales from the Detroit Tigers Dugout reminds us that miracles are everywhere around us. We only need to open our eyes and hearts to the magic, and sports can bring smiles to our souls, no matter what is happening in the rest of the world.

How To Build Up A Full Collection Of Chalet School Books

2007-04-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

The Chalet School series by Elinor Brent-Dyer seems to be one of the most popular school series. There were 62 books altogether which is why it is so difficult to collect the whole set. There were also additional books and newsletters. Recently new authors have written 'fill-in' books where they feel there should be extra information not provided by the author herself. Some of the books are extremely rare and some paperbacks, even reprints can sell for £30+ making some of the hardback first editions extremely valuable indeed.

If you have started a collection or would like to I have some tips for you. Firstly decide whether you wish to collect paperbacks, hardbacks or either and whether you want to get every title or just the actual series of books and not the newsletters, additional books and books by other authors. Once you have decided you will need to get together a list of these titles. Most of the more modern reprints carry a full list of titles in the front and you can also look these up on various websites. I have included a list at the end of the article (It includes all of the original books plus some additional ones. I know I have missed some of the additional ones out).

Now you need to know where to start looking for these books. EBay is an obvious choice but some of the rarer books are hard to find even on eBay and when they do appear it is easy to be outbid. However it is still worth looking and listing on the 'wants' pages of eBay. There are other websites that sell second hand books but they do tend to be more expensive. Therefore I would tend to look in second hand bookshops, bookfairs and at charity book sales. You can sometimes pick up the titles slightly cheaper and you can also ask the dealers to look out for copies for you and put them by for you. Girls Gone By publish some of the out of print titles in unabridged paperbacks and some new authors who have written 'fill-in' books. These go out of print very quickly but you can usually find copies on eBay for a while. These are ideal if you are looking to fill gaps in your collection and do not mind that the books are a different size to the originals. Other publishers of fill-in titles are Bettany Press and Troubador publishing.

If you want to, for example, read the whole series but also get a nice hardback collection, I would recommend buying any title you see that you do not own. It may take a long time to get every book in hardback and you can always sell the paperback on eBay once you find a hardback version. You can also do this with paperbacks if you want a particular cover style or if you want to replace some of your tattier copies with neater ones.

Full List of Titles

Original series by Elinor Brent-Dyer : The School at the Chalet, Jo of the Chalet School, The Princess of the Chalet School, The Head Girl of the Chalet School, Rivals of the Chalet School, Eustatia Goes to the Chalet School, The Chalet School and Jo, The Chalet School in Camp, The Exploits of the Chalet School, The Chalet School and the Lintons, A Rebel at the Chalet School, The New Houseat the Chalet School, Jo Returns to the Chalet School, The New Chalet School, A United Chalet School, The Chalet School in Exile, The Chalet School at War, The Highland Twins at the Chalet School, Lavender Leigh at the Chalet School, Gay Lambert at the Chalet School, Jo to the Rescue, The Mystery at the Chalet School, Tom Tackles the Chalet School, The Chalet School and Rosalie, Three go to the Chalet School, The Chalet School and the Island, Peggy of the Chalet School, Carola Storms the Chalet School, The Wrong Chalet School, Shocks for the Chalet School, The Chalet School in the Oberland, Bride Leads the Chalet School, Changes for the Chalet School, Jey Goes to the Oberland, The Chalet School and Barbara, The Chalet School Does it Again, A Chalet Girl From Kenya, Mary-Lou of the Chalet School, A Genius at the Chalet School, Chalet School Fete, A Problem for the Chalet School, The New Mistress at the Chalet School, Excitements at the Chalet School, The Coming of Age of the Chalet School, The Chalet School and Richenda, Trials for the Chalet School, Theodora and the Chalet School, Joey and Co in the Tirol, Ruey Richardson at the Chalet School, A Leader in the Chalet School, The Chalet School Wins the Trick, A Future Chalet School Girl, The Feud in the Chalet School, The Chalet School Triplets, The Chalet School Reunion, Jane and the Chalet School, Redheads at the Chalet School, Adrienne and the Chalet School, Summer Term at the Chalet School, Challebge for the Chalet School, Two Samsat theChalet School, Althea Joins the Chalet School, Prefects at the Chalet School

Related Books : The Chalet Book for Girls, The Second Chalet Book for Girls, The Third Chalet Book for Girls, The Chalet Girls Cookbook, Chalet School Newsletters, Friends of the Chalet School Annuals.

'Fill-in' titles : Visitors for the Chalet School by Helen McClelland, Gillian of the Chalet School by Carol Allan, The Chalet School and Robin by Caroline German, A Chalet School Headmistress by Helen Barber, New Beginnings at the Chalet School by Heather Paisley, Peace Comes to the Chalet School by Katherine Bruce, The Chalet School Librarian by Pat Willimott, Hilda Annersley Headmistress by Lesley Green.

Imogene of The Pacific Kingdom - Novel By Teresa Saari

2007-04-16T12:00:00.001-07:00

Imogene of The Pacific Kingdom was self-published by Teresa Saari and kicks off a series of fiction for the ten year old set.

On her website, she compares her novels to Harry Potter but for girls and so naturally, I wanted to see if the similarity applies. I love when authors compare themselves to other writers I have heard of or book series. It gives you an instant idea of whether or not you want to read it.

It arrived and I read it as fast as humanly possible. I did find that the comparison was fair. There is a lot of detail in Harry Potter books and this too can be said for the same detail orientated description found in Imogene Of The Pacific Kingdom. But her label of describing this fiction for girls was somewhat limiting and I didn't find it to be true. I would also say that it has a wider audience and that she's created great fiction for people of all ages.

The story begins with Imogene and her somewhat crankie Auntie, boring life and almost insufferable life. She keeps herself positive by remembering her mother.

Imogene is abandoned by her mother and left with her crankie Auntie plus some staff. She is told always to stay out of the east wing and very little about her mother's disappearance. Even though she was young at the time, she can remember plain as day when her mother promised to return in five years to the day and the time is nearly up. She clings to this and is amazed when it becomes truth. Her mother does return when she is ten and that is when Imogene is exposed to the truth of the world. Think of Splash from the 80's but in reverse.

Imogene discovers a magical kingdom, the Pacific Kingdom with her mom and of course the intrigue that goes along with it, the secret of the deep as well as the mystery of her own existence. Events are set in motion that take the reader on an electrifying ride.

The book is riveting and moves on at an irresistible pace, and no matter what you have to keep reading. Forget about your worldy cares. This book is wonderful. This book is an absolute masterpiece of description, occular worlds that wait for discovery.

One thing I would say is that the cover design is pretty misleading. On it are dried out colors, graphically designed in a big mess with a blurry picture of a girl standing there. Basically, the cover design is terrible and I'm written down the name of the graphic design company that is boasted in the inside covers to avoid them.

Also, if I'd found this book in a bookstore, I totally wouldn't have bought it from the description. There is very little description on the back and even duller pictures and graphic design on the back. This would be what would be called a diamond in the rough, an irresistible page turner for all ages who enjoy a good fantasy now and again but in no way would this be obvious in its physical state.

This book, I give a solid four with one star taken away for presentation.

To find this book, google search to her website where she sells online with paypal.

Yes, You Can Still Retire Comfortably! The Baby Boom Retirement Crisis and How to Beat It

2007-04-14T11:55:00.001-07:00

Book by Ben Stein and Phil DeMuth

Save more money.

Lots more money.

That's the overriding message of this book, and it's a shame so few people will follow their advice. If you get nothing else from this book or this article, but you pay off all your consumer debts and max out your tax-deferred retirement accounts, you'd owe Stein and DeMuth a tremendous debt.

However, they do provide a lot more useful information and advice. Unfortunately, in my opinion, they don't fulfill the promise of their title and subtitle.

In Chapter 1 they outline the problems that the retirement of baby boomers will bring to the world's (it's not just an American problem -- in fact, it's even worse in Japan and many European countries) economy. There's simply not enough money to pay boomers the Social Security, Medicare benefits and pensions they expect and are entitled to by law.

Baby boomers who have their own savings are going to be much better off than those depending on Social Security and pensions.

Most of the book is devoted to advice on how to invest those savings for maximum return before you retire, and, after you retire, how to convert them into cash to live on and yet keep from running out before you die. Much of the advice is good, even terrific.

They have the guts to point out something that few financial advisors do. Although stocks have historically returned 10% per year on average, nobody can count on that, because that's simply a long-term average of returns that fluctuate across a wide range of negative and positive results, in no predictable pattern.

They publish a chart on page 76 that's a real eye-opener. It's the range of possible returns from the S & P 500 over a 30 year period. Because the stock market fluctuates so much, its range of returns from year to year varies enormously. People's overall results, depending on the sequences of good and bad years, even over a 30 year period, can differ tremendously even though the average return remains 10%.

For instance, someone investing $1000 at the beginning of the best possible 30 year scenario would wind up with over $1 million. Yet the person investing that same $1000 at the beginning of the worst possible 30 year scenario would have only $268 at the end. The median was just over $10,000.

I'm also glad that they point out the value of maintaining good health, and that you must plan your finances as though you're going to live to be 100 -- maybe more, as our life expectancies are gradually on the rise. A lot of improvements are going to be made in health care over the next 50 years.

And they point out that it's likely the government will expand the means-testing of Social Security and Medicare benefits. (I consider taxation, and the recent increase in Part B Medicare premiums for people making over $80,000 a year, to be a form of means-testing, so it's already started.)

The wealthy will have enough money to get by without Social Security and Medicare. The poor will be provided for. The middle-class will have every possible dollar confiscated from them. Prepare.

One area I think could have been improved on was their advice to postpone retirement as long as possible. The more you work and save money instead of spending down savings, the better off financially you'll be. I think they could have gone into more detail about how people can work part time from home, or find other ways to make money without spending another 5-10 years at a hated conventional job (which many baby boomers are not going to do).

Where I really fault this book is that after outlining the particular problems of baby boomer and Gen X retirement, they then explain standard retirement strategies. They advocate saving through the "couch potato" portfolio -- putting half your money in a bond index and half in a stock market index.

And they devote many pages to strategies for funding your retirement through selling off your saved stocks and bonds over the course of the rest of your life. They are conservative in standard retirement financial advice, but do not consider what will happen to the prices of stocks and bonds when millions of baby boomers start selling off their stocks and bonds. They basically assume the markets will continue to go through normal cycles.

They make no adjustment in their advice for the possibility that the sale of stocks and bonds (especially stocks) will bring in relatively small amounts of money, at least after the initial wave of retiring baby boomers start to sell. The very first ones will get normal market prices.

The rest of us? Rots of ruck, for many years to come.

Their advice on funding and staying funded through retirement is certainly superior for normal conditions. But conditions won't remain normal for more than a few years.

That's why I believe they don't fulfill on the promise of the book title's. If they were advising previous generations, their advice would be terrific.

This is doubly disappointing because these same authors wrote a good book addressing the only real solution to the baby boomer's retirement dilemma: Yes, You Can Succeed as an Income Investor. I believe baby boomers should be buying up high quality stocks and bonds that pay dividends and interest, and hang on to them.

Live on the income from your investments and you don't have to worry about their current market prices.

A Psychic Reading for Answers to Life's Questions

2007-04-11T15:04:00.001-07:00

Everyone has questions they would like answered about the situations in their life at one point or another. Difficult life decisions leave people yearning for help and advice in making their decisions. Should they stay in their relationship or break it off? Should they start a new business? Should they move for a new job or stay put?

Then there are general life questions everyone wonders at some point such as, "Will I ever find my true love?", "What does this year have in store for me?", and "Will I find a good job?"

Getting a psychic reading is a way to get help with life's questions. People from all walks of life consult psychics, from politicians, lawyers, and CEOs, to housewives, retired people, and college students. It is known that some very famous and successful people have a trusted psychic they regularly consult before making any major decision. People have been consulting psychics and trying to get a look into the future, all over the world for centuries.

A psychic is a person with a sixth sense. Not all psychics are alike. Different psychics have different levels of talent as well as different ways of getting answers to client's questions. Some use tools to help them such as tarot cards, astrology charts, or I-ching. Some use no tools at all and rely only on their natural gifts of intuition and perhaps visions.

Some psychics have areas of specialty. Some may focus on love, relationships, and break-ups, others will focus on careers and money while others do not limit their service to a particular area.

Our modern times makes it very easy for anyone who wants to get a psychic reading, thanks to the internet. A lot of psychics now have websites or a listing on a website so clients from all over the world can contact them. Now, someone can log online at two in the morning and in a few minutes be talking live to a psychic via chat or telephone.

Some people have not seriously considered getting a psychic reading because they are skeptical, afraid of being scammed, or simply have misunderstandings. A lot of people think of a gypsy looking into a crystal ball when hearing the word psychic.

Unfortunately, there are scammers posing as psychics just as there are in many fields. But a consumer can avoid being scammed. Many psychics will offer a free first reading, give the first few minutes of a psychic reading free, or answer a question for free. This way, the client can be comfortable and confident with the psychic before paying for a reading. If they don't feel good about the psychic, they have no obligation.

Free readings are a way to gain the confidence of skeptics and for psychics to show they are genuine. This is also good for the reader, because it allows the psychic to see if they feel a connection with the client. Hopefully the client will be impressed with the psychic's gift and want to know more.

Book Review for Valley of the Raven by Ken Ramirez

2007-04-09T12:26:00.001-07:00

Valley of the Raven is a captivating novel set in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. When teenagers Ty Dettin, his younger brother Seth, and their pal Tanner White set out for a typical dirt bike ride in the California Sierra Gold Country, they are unaware of the life-altering adventure lurking around the next bend. Tooling along in the spring sunshine, Ty and Tanner follow Seth onto an overgrown trail that leads to decrepit buildings, vestiges of the California gold rush days, when the land was ravaged for the sake of monetary riches. While poking around one of the shacks, the trio discovers a map buried beneath floorboards in a tin box.

The yellowed map appears authentic, providing a detailed sketch of a gold-filled cavern, signed by "Coop." Fueled with a desire to discover the gold, they set out to investigate.

In a strange and magical twist, the trio happens upon an elderly Native American woman, Nevar, who lives along the banks of a river in a remote and magnificent valley. She connects with them spiritually, most particularly with Ty, accompanied by her totem, the raven. Said raven, Kaji Taka, appears at all crucial points of the adventure, assisting and protecting the boys as they move closer to the awful truth of a pending scheme that threatens Six Hills and its pristine reservoir. Ty is touched by this encounter, haunted and somewhat frightened, but he cannot stop thinking about the old women and the strong urge to visit her again.

In a parallel effort to claim the gold of their ancestor, "Coop," recently released jailbird Curtis "Junior" Cooper and his brother Carl begin an expedition to mine the gold. Assisted by fellow ex-cons, Skinny, a chain-smoking expert underwater diver who watched his abusive father drown in the pond by his home when he was a child, and Steve "Eight-Pack" Hunt, a body-builder mechanic who resembles a big Swede, Junior and Carl plan to drain a pond that hides the gold-filled cavern.

Mr. Ramirez expertly weaves yet another theme through the novel, bringing us back in history to the life of Buffalo soldier, Clay "Coop" Cooper, a strong and upstanding black man who fought bravely for the American army, and with his meager savings purchased the land that includes the valley in which Nevar appears to them. He and his wife, a lovely Lakota woman named Maka, begin a life in the rich Sierra valley, and implement a plan to purchase as much of the land as possible, donating it to the people and forbidding it to be sold privately in the future. The diverse history of the Native American tribes, the Buffalo soldiers, and their plights are beautifully told by Mr. Ramirez, a teacher himself, through scenes in a classroom where his own teaching abilities become apparent.

When the boys and their friends discover the Coopers are planning something so dastardly the entire region is threatened, they push forward with great integrity and courage, in spite of the mind-numbing roadblocks that constantly impede them. Ty is drawn to a destiny ingrained in his part-Comanche genes, and moves forward on a path of sheer lunacy and utter heroism as he endangers his own life to save the land and people of Six Hills.

Mr. Ramirez has created a lyrical world that breathes with life. The boys' dialogue is natural and real. Their actions, fears, discussions, and reactions ring true, a testimony to the author's acute understanding of youth.

Aside from the engaging storyline, Mr. Ramirez's has painted enchanting descriptions of the countryside, as in this excerpt:

"As the sun crested over the surrounding granite peaks in the glorious morning scene reflected on the lake, its surface completely smooth, not a wave, not a ripple, a true mirror – Maka's Mirror. The sky and lake together burst into a flaming golden-orange, accented with large white clouds whose fiery bellies seemed almost metallic. A small flock of Canada geese circled the lake and then, with extended webbed feet and outstretched wings, skidded across the surface of the placid mountain water, their honking amplified by the stillness of the dawn. When they finally settled on the water, the wakes of disturbance rolled through the liquid canvas, sending splinters of color and sparkling reflections in every direction."

As the completely satisfying adventure escalates toward a pulse-pounding finish, Mr. Ramirez incorporates surprising, yet believable twists in his characters, all the while subtly sharing life lessons about responsibility, stewardship of the land, respect for people of all nationalities, and following one's destiny. The most important lesson deals with the insight that our natural world – with its sparkling streams, wildflowers, tall pines, and unspoiled wilderness – provides the true "riches" which transcend monetary wealth.

I highly recommend Valley of the Raven to readers of all ages. It will quench a deep universal thirst for adventure and heroism. My only question is this: will Mr. Ramirez grace us with a sequel?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003)

2007-04-04T08:13:00.001-07:00

This is a very engaging read and the characters literally leap to life as you turn the pages. It is an epic tale that spans lives across two continents. We start the story with an adult man, Amir, looking back to 1975 when he was 12 years old and growing up in Afghanistan. The novel lets you experience the depths of his thoughts and feelings, and the reader cannot help but become heavily involved in his life and relationships. I could not put the book down as the characters lives were spread out before me.

The book, by its location, covers the war and destruction of those living in Kabul, with the fall of monarchy, the oppression of the Northern Alliance and the Taliban regime. However, it is relationships that figure most strongly - between a father and son and with his best friend, Hassan. The very fabric of the novel is woven from love, guilt, betrayal, fear, cowardice and atoning for past mistakes. Amir is tormented by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend Hassan, the son of his father's servant, and this is carried into the next generation with Hassan's son. We follow his journey to redemption and how he manages to "find a way to be good again."

The writing is so good it makes the characters' emotions almost palpable and the descriptions of various incidents are vivid. Many have questioned whether it is a work of fiction as it seems so real. The author, Khaled Hosseini, has revealed that he has drawn heavily on childhood memories, but it is definitely a work of fiction and is now an acclaimed top book. Khaled's family were granted political asylum in the U.S. in 1980, and moved to California, where he studied to become a doctor. His knowledge as a medic certainly enabled him to describe various injuries and traumas in the novel in great detail, and his words conjure up haunting images. At times, it is a heart-breaking and emotional read, but it is also spiritually uplifting and inspiring as we travel along with Amir and his struggle through life.

The book begins and ends with the practice of kite running, a popular sport in Afghanistan - trying to remain holding the last kite flying in the air, by cutting down the contenders with a kite string coated with ground glass. Then the kite runners chase through the streets to catch the falling kite - the symbolic chasing of a dream in a nightmare world.

The Power of Your Supermind: A Book Review

2007-04-02T04:00:00.001-07:00

Vernon Howard authored an amazing number of books, booklets and other writings, all in that area of spirituality that goes by so many names, among them metaphysics, "the perennial philosophy," new thought and cosmic consciousness, just to name a few.

One of his best books is The Power of Your Supermind. It is second perhaps only to The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power as his clearest, most compelling work. In some ways, though, it outshines Cosmic Power, for example, in the wealth of practical exercises and suggestions it provides for getting in touch with (in Howard's words) "that ... remarkable part of you ... that is above and beyond conditioned human thought."

Howard has a special knack for stating timeless truths in fresh ways that hit the reader with sometimes startling newness. Often they are simply those things we knew all along -- or had encountered before in the pages of the world's great wisdom literature -- but that he is able to show to us in a new light.

I've always appreciated the insight from Lao-tse the Taoist that rules of morality arose from the loss of people's naturalness in the world, and are not really helpful at establishing goodness. Vernon Howard puts it this way: "Unawakened people are victims of their public virtues. I don't know anything more painful than trying to be 'good' people; they are so bad. ... But the self-unified man ... is good simply because it cannot occur to him to be anything else. Only an awakened man is truly moral."

Howard sums up the entire book nicely in the concluding chapter, "How to Have Everything Right through the Supermind." A person in a hurry could go directly to this chapter, make a committed effort to put into practice its suggestions, and find themselves achieving amazing progress on the spiritual/self-improvement path.

The Power of Your Supermind is published by Prentice Hall of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey; ISBN # 0-13-686718-9.

Must-read Classics for Kids

2007-03-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

Reading should always be an integral part of growing up. It should always start in the home and encouraged even until the children are already grown up. It is only in this way that they learn the value of reading which they can carry on until their twilight years and then pass on to their own children and grandchildren.

From the time they are born, children are exposed to nursery rhymes and then to the fairy tales. Once they are a little older and are able to widen their understanding of surrounding, the children's classics should be gradually introduced. These classics are worth reading because they impart lessons relevant to life and insights that will help them comprehend the world they are living in.

There are numerous classic children's books to choose from and we're sharing some of the most well-known stories. These stories never grow old as they can be read over and over again even by adults.

Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travel" is one of the most popular classic of English literature. Originally titled "Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World," the novel narrates the travels of Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon-turned ship captain. First published in 1726 and amended in 1735, the book became very famous as soon as it was published.

Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is considered by contemporary critics and scholars as one of America's greatest works of art. Originally published in the U.S. in 1885, the book was an instant best-seller when it first came out. Just last month (January 2007), Time Magazine ranked the book in the fifth place in their 10 Greatest Books of All Time list. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn relates the adventures of "Huck" and his relationship with Jim, a runaway slave. The two escaped north on the Mississippi River using only a raft and encountered several adventures along the way that made them closer.

The Swiss Family Robinson written by Swiss pastor Johann David Wyss imparts important family values. First published in 1812, the novel tells of a Swiss family who got shipwrecked in the East Indies while on their way to Port Jackson, Australia. The book has the father narrating the experience of his family of six from the time they got shipwrecked to surviving life in a remote island somewhere near New Guinea. The family consists of the intellectual father, his wife who has excellent culinary skills and four energetic sons. While struggling to survive on the island for more than 10 years until their rescue, the family members showed resourcefulness and resilience and built their own abode.

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" was first published in 1843 and became an instant hit selling six thousand copies in one week. Dickens originally wrote the book to be able to pay off a debt but surprisingly, it ended up being one of the most famous and enduring Christmas stories of all time. A Christmas Carol is a story of morality about an old and bitter miser by the name of Ebenezer Scrooge. Working as a financier and money-changer, he has always wanted to accumulate his wealth and disregards other things including friendship, love and the Christmas season. However, he was made to realize life's importance other than money in just one evening prompting him to finally change his life and become more generous, kind-hearted. In the end, he also learned to honor Christmas with all his heart.

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum should not be forgotten. The book, about the adventures of Dorothy in the Land of Oz, is one of the best-known stories in American pop culture and has been translated into more than 40 different languages. It is considered the first purely American fantasy for children that blends traditional magic like witches and early 20th century American symbols like cyclone, a scarecrow and a man made of tin. The book is America's best-loved homegrown fairytale and one of the most-read children's stories.

Book Review - The Bilingual Family - A Handbook for Parents

2007-03-21T04:39:00.001-07:00

The Bilingual Family is subtitled A Handbook for Parents, but to reach as many parents as possible it should be read by ESL teachers, too. While teaching English to immigrant parents of small children, I based several lessons on what I had learned from this book. Many of my students were unsure what bilingualism would do to their families. Should they let their children wait to start school before they learned English? If they encouraged the kids to learn English, would they (the parents) end up with no one to talk to in their native language? What if the children picked up the parents' accent and mistakes? With this book, I was able to help them feel a little more sure of themselves.

In the first section, the authors (professional linguists, one British, one French) look briefly at bilingualism in general and the process by which bilingual children's language skills typically develop. As they say, "Most children mix [the two languages] very early on and then gradually get things sorted out." Possibly the most useful part of this section is the description of the three phases children go through while doing this. A parent who's afraid her child is never going to speak any recognizable language, only a mixture of two, needs to hear that this is only a stage on the journey. The first section ends with a questionnaire to get parents thinking about bilingualism in their family.

The second section consists of 16 case studies, which remind the reader that each family is unique. One family got into the book after an author heard them on a ferry between England and Denmark. The children were talking to their parents in both English and Danish, seemingly at random. It turned out the family spoke English at home in England and Danish while visiting the mother's family in Denmark. As the ship was in-between, either language would do.

The third section is an alphabetical list of topics from Accent to Writing, and suggestions for dealing with them if there are problems – like swearing or a refusal by the child to speak his parent's language. My class had some good discussions on several of these topics.

Finally, this book is very positive about bilingualism. If students absorb what it says, they will realize they have a chance to give their children a great gift.

The Bilingual Family: A Handbook for Parents, by Edith Harding and Philip Riley, is published by Cambridge University Press (1986, ISBN 0 521 31194 1).

Wish I May, Wish I Might... Book Review

2007-03-18T10:10:00.001-07:00

Wish I May, Wish I Might. . .

by Barbara Elliott Carpenter

ISBN-10: 1420860100

Finding yourself is the greatest endeavor in life. Sometimes it takes great challenges or tragedies to help us to look within. Sometimes we get there through laughter and love. Mostly, it takes a lot of everything, ups and downs, to understand ourselves. In Barbara Elliott Carpenter's novel, "Wish I May, Wish I Might…" readers witness one girl's journey to inner self.

In 1954, Sissy Bannister moves from the place she knew as home in Illinois, to West Virginia. At 14, she isn't happy about leaving behind her world, but she soon finds a brand new one waiting to be explored. Making new friends is just the beginning. Sissy experiences differences in beliefs and attitudes in the people around her and begins to learn what she believes in herself. Desegregation, varying religious beliefs, and class relationships are all part of her lesson plan. Dealing with family trials and tribulations isn't easy either and Sissy learns how important family bonds are, many times over. A schizophrenic uncle, an almost missing sister, and the stories of her parents' lives are woven into her soul's fibers. Her friendships, with other teens and with other adults bring more chances to learn about life, and herself. As the years pass, Sissy grows into a young woman she can be proud of, holding on to her fiery youth but also embracing the heart-touching moments of her life.

Barbara Elliott Carpenter leads readers on a journey of small town America, coal mines, colorful characters, romance and fun, heartbreak and tragedy. "Wish I May, Wish I Might" evokes varying emotions, reaching out through vignettes of life that have a homey familiarity. Sissy is so real she leaps off the pages and into your heart. Watching her come into her own was a pleasure. Carpenter offers a memorable and enjoyable read. I laughed, and I cried, and I loved every minute of it. Well done!

"A Time Before Me" By Michael Holloway Perronne - Book Review

2007-03-15T13:37:00.001-07:00

A Time Before Me
by Michael Holloway Perronne
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 9781583484630
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/07)

Mason is a gay teen growing up in rural Mississippi . Not only does he have to deal with all of the normal issues that teens deal with, like deciding his future, but he also has to deal with his secret of being gay. Neither the town, nor his family, is receptive to people with alternative lifestyles. Rather than accept a scholarship to his local college or work with his father in a factory, Mason wants to spread his wings and fly. His best friend and lifelong crush, Billy, has run away to live in New York City. Billy is also gay, but he and Mason never talked about this aspect of their lives. Mason meets an out of town visitor that shows him where the secret gay night life is. He gets to meet other people like himself. It is a relief to be able to be out in the open, even if it is only with this group.

After a summer visit to his Aunt Savannah, who runs a drag queen cabaret in New Orleans, Mason decides that he wants to move there. His aunt really understands him, and in New Orleans, Mason is surrounded by people who accept him for who he is. He meets Joey, who works for his aunt. Joey is very attractive and sweet. Mason feels drawn to Joey and begins to forget about his crush on Billy. Except for a kiss with Billy, Mason has not been with anyone. Joey encourages him not to rush into anything with anyone. New Orleans has a lot of wild stuff going on and Mason admits that he is not ready for that. As he and Joey get closer, his feelings for him deepen.

Out of the blue, Mason gets a call from Billy who is going to be in New Orleans with his current boyfriend. Mason begins to feel tugged away from Joey. Joey can sense this and is hurt. Mason has to figure out what he really wants and he needs to take a good look at what his relationship with Billy really was.

I really enjoyed reading "A Time Before Me." My heart goes out to Mason's character, because throughout the entire story, he was always trying to do what was right. He has a strong sense of values and did not let himself get seduced into the wild New Orleans lifestyle. He is a young man that wants to be loved. He just needs to decide who the best man is for him. It is pretty obvious to the reader, but for him, he has to decide where to follow his heart.

I highly recommend this book. I think that it is perfect for young adult readers that are learning how to deal with issues of their sexuality and for people that care about them. In addition to be an excellent story, Mason's story also taught me a lot about how hard it is for a gay youth to fit in and be accepted for who he is. Being a teen is so hard, and being a teen with a secret is so much harder.

Book Review - A Healing Heart

2007-03-12T13:42:00.003-07:00

Genre: Spiritual/Inspirational

Title: A Healing Heart

Author: Alberta H. Sequeira

Alberta Sequeira faces the last facet of life- death. She deals with the death of her father by learning about his life as a man, a husband, a father and a believer in miracles. She learns that as a Commanding Officer in W.W.II, he was loved a respected by all men who's lives he touched and protected. She has to accept her mother's way of coping with the inevitable and is grateful for the valuable help and heartfelt empathy from 'Cathy' of the Hospice Association. Throughout this tragedy, Alberta regains her faith in God. Remembering her father saying
"Family is one of the most important things in life" and "Love one another as I have loved you" (St. John 15.12) We need to all remember to tell our loved ones while they are with us how we feel, how grateful we are to have them in our lives. All too soon it will be too late!

Not long after her father's passing, Alberta's mother falls ill. Once recuperated enough to travel, Alberta and her sister take her to pray at the Shrine of The Blessed Mother in Medway, MA where they experience a mystical moment heightening all of their faiths.

After her own health issues are sorted out and overcoming many fears, Alberta travels to Medjogorje in Bosnia. This is a spiritual journey to a place where many claim to have received visits from the Blessed Mother Mary. Not only does she make numerous life long friends, find her own confidence, deepen her renewed faith, she also finally understands that the love and happiness we all crave comes from within.

There are many excuses in life that we use to leave our faith behind or questions God's very existence; disillusionment with our political and religious leaders, personal tragedies we cannot comprehend, war itself, let alone the horrendous war crimes committed against our fellow man. All too often we turn to Him only when we are desperate, when we should talk to Him with gratitude, as well. We need to be teaching the next generations the importance of faith.

Alberta H. Sequeira is married and lives with her husband in Rochester, MA. She relaxes by reading, gardening and in the portrayal of this powerful story, we know she enjoys her writing. This is her first published novel.

There are so many life lessons to be found in this book. Alberta has also enlightened many families about the benefits provided by accepting help from the Hospice Association.

I would Highly Recommend this novel to readers of all faith and spiritual viewpoints.

Available at: http://www.publishAmerica.com or http://www.ahealingheart.net

Title: A Healing Heart

Author: Alberta H. Sequeira

Publisher: PublishAmerca

ISBN: 1-4241-4458-2

Pages: 243

Price: $19.95 US

Jan. 2007

Book Review - A Healing Heart

2007-03-12T13:42:00.001-07:00

Genre: Spiritual/Inspirational

Title: A Healing Heart

Author: Alberta H. Sequeira

There are so many life lessons to be found in this book. Alberta has also enlightened many families about the benefits provided by accepting help from the Hospice Association.

I would Highly Recommend this novel to readers of all faith and spiritual viewpoints.

Available at: http://www.publishAmerica.com or http://www.ahealingheart.net

Title: A Healing Heart

Author: Alberta H. Sequeira

Publisher: PublishAmerca

ISBN: 1-4241-4458-2

Pages: 243

Price: $19.95 US

Jan. 2007

The Honor Harrington Series by David Weber - Book Review

2007-03-09T07:11:00.001-08:00

David Weber is a prolific writer of science fiction and fantasy. He has written over 30 books and collaborated on several others with Eric Flint, Steve White and John Ringo. This review covers the first book On Basilisk Station in the Honor Harrington series and a general review of the whole series.
On Basilisk Station

This is the first book of the Honor Harrington series. In it we meet Honor as she is about to take command of her first cruiser. With one hyper-capable command under her belt and a second one about to begin she has finally got her foot on the command ladder. But both her life and career are about to take a turn for the worse.

First, the weapons on her new ship have been gutted to make room for a new weapon. Second, her next in command can't get past his jealousy and work with her. Third, when the new weapon turns out to be a dud an embarrassed Admiral finds it easier to exile Honor and her crew to Basilisk Station then to admit the mistake. Fourth, her whole crew would rather complain then get on with their jobs. And if that isn't enough, an old adversary already assigned to Basilisk finds her arrival an excuse to return to Manticore for unnecessary repairs, leaving her holding the proverbial bag.

For years Basilisk Station has been the place that the Navy sent their screw ups. Nobody seemed to care if the job that they were there to do got done or not.

Unfortunately for a lot of people no one explained that to Honor. Left with an impossible job she sets about solving it. If her unhappy crew won't follow her then she will just have to get behind them and push. If the civilian traffic doesn't like her confiscating their contraband then they had better start following the regulations. And if the People's Republic of Haven thinks that taking Basilisk Station and its wormhole junction away from Manticore will be easy, they are in for a big surprise.

The Rest of the Series

The first six books in the Honor Harrington series are the best. These are tightly written, well plotted and stand alone. This changes when we get to In Enemy Hands. This is the first book that leaves you hanging, and it's a real cliff hanger. Although the books written after this one aren't 'cliff-hangers' they all lead you into the next book. They can be read without the background of the rest of the books but not easily.
We see another major change in the books after "In Enemy Hands." They are not only much longer but they are also much more loosely written. All of them suffer from a serious lack of editing. There are fewer battles, more politics, plot lines which go every-which-way, and confusing story lines. Echoes of Honor, the follow up to In Enemy Hands, jumped back and forth between story lines so often that it was difficult to read. I actually used post-it notes to mark the chapters according to which story-line it fit into and read the book in sections.

If you like military space opera then I highly recommend the first six books in this series.

They are:

1 On Basilisk Station

2 The Honor of The Queen

3 The Short Victorious War

4 Field of Dishonor

5 Flag in Exile

6 Honor Among Enemies

In Enemy Hands is also very good, but I left it off the favorites list because of its ending. I don't like books that leave you hanging.

The rest of the books in the series are:

7 In Enemy Hands

8 Echoes of Honor

9 Ashes of Victory

10 War of Honor

11 At All Costs

There are also four books, edited by David Weber, containing short stories which take place in Honor's Universe. Some of the stories are written by Mr. Weber and others by other well known science fiction authors. If you like this series then you will also like the stories contained in these books. They are:

1 More than Honor

2 Worlds of Honor

3 Changer of Worlds

4 The Service of the Sword

Two full length books, Crown of Slaves written with Eric Flint and the Shadow of Saganami full out the series.

What's All The Fuss About Audio Books?

2007-03-06T11:47:00.001-08:00

All of a sudden there appears to be a huge number of articles and web pages about audio books. What's the scoop on this?

Simply put, downloadable audio books are a hot new trend, a trend that is getting ready to explode. Some months ago a company released a limited number of franchises, whose owners are now promoting the "Rolls-Royce" of audio books.

Don't confuse these audio books with the poor quality recorded-in-the-garage audio books that you may have seen around the web. No Siree ! These are the creme-de-la-creme of audio books. They are the top titles from the world's leading publishers including Time Warner (Hachette), Simon and Schuster, Naxos, Harper and Collins, Brilliance, BBC, and so on.

The titles are equally as impressive and includes best sellers from our top selling authors including Patricia Cornwell, Stephen King, Dan Brown, Michael Connelly, Michael Chrichton. These are top of the tree fiction writers and the list of impressive authors doesn't stop there. What about the top authors of self help, health, fitness and business books from Robert Kiyosaki, Ken Blanchard, Wayne Dyer. Paul Coelho, Dale Carnegie and more...more..more!

Industry sources are making predictions that downloadable audio books will outsell printed books in the next few years with some predicting that downloadable audio books will overtake printed books as the No1 best selling product on the Net.
In 2004 the off-the-shelf audio books on CD and cassettes recorded sales of around $800 million. In 2005, industry estimates for audio books was $2 billion. In just one year there was this massive increase!

But it won't stop there. Why? Because TIME is the most precious commodity in people's lives these days.

Multi-tasking has become the norm as people look for ways to better utilise their time while doing the chores, jogging, commuting, waiting in queues, etc. With the advent of the mp3 players such as the ipods, Palms and other devices, people have been listening to audio books while they are on-the-go. It's possible to learn a new skill such as a speaking a foreign language, hear a murder mystery or enjoy a great romance book while going about the day.

There's even time to learn to speak Chinese in time for the 2008 Olympic Games!

I Wrote the Book on Cold Calling!

2007-03-04T07:17:00.001-08:00

"If you put enough monkeys at typewriters," one of my consulting clients said in a seminar with me, "Sooner or later, one of them will come up with WAR & PEACE."

He was predicting that with so many people going into telephone selling, telemarketing, lead generation, appointment setting, tele-sales, telephone solicitation, inside sales, or whatever you want to label it; at least one of them would give me a run for my money and would become a formidable competitor.

My techniques, popularized in a dozen books, including best-sellers REACH OUT & SELL SOMEONE and YOU CAN SELL ANYTHING BY TELEPHONE, would be cloned, knocked-off, and with the chance to purchase fairly decent imitations, the market would disappear for a Great Master.

Just as he finished uttering this statement, his associate said: "That'll never happen. Gary's light years ahead of the market and he always will be."

Despite the rise of the phone factory, or as it is better known, the call center or contact center, I have never found anyone with my gifts. Specifically, nobody has cracked the code of persuading folks to buy by phone as I have.

Scripts are everywhere, as are the trained chimps who toothily chatter them, but they're next to impossible to use in a way that sounds like real, spontaneous, heart-felt talk.

To this day, phone and "phony" go together, are inseparable in the minds of most recipients of calls.

This unnerving lack of authenticity led to the draconian DO NOT CALL REGISTRY, where nearly 100 million consumers opted out of being contacted. There has never, in history, been such a consumer uprising against a communication METHODOLOGY.

You would think the industry would take note and invest in more sophisticated techniques. It hasn't.

If you compare my early books with the current state of practice, you'll find frighteningly few people among the millions on the phones that have nearly the sophistication some of us manifested in the 1980's.

Computers have improved, long distance rates have been reduced dramatically, and there are more MBA's than ever in call center management, but the quality of conversations, at best, has gone sideways, not up.

Peter F. Drucker, the famous management guru and my professor, made a few remarks that are pertinent:

(1) People don't achieve in areas that they disrespect; and

(2) You can judge the health and trajectory of an industry based on its rate of "brain formation."

To this day, cold calling, telemarketing, outbound selling, appointment setting, lead generation, telephone soliciting, inside sales, tele-sales, or whatever you want to call it; engenders disrespect. Mention it, in a business or private setting, and most people will recoil and hiss.

And where are the other working communication theorists, who put themselves through undergrad and graduate schools in telephone sales and telemarketing management? Where are those well informed "brains?"

They're not to be found.

I wish I weren't light years ahead of the market.

I'd vastly prefer being right on time with the products and services grateful clients will respect and pay value for.

Audio Books Are Just Plain Fun! The Whys And Hows Of Enjoying Audio Books

2007-03-02T07:08:00.001-08:00

If you haven't listened to an audio book yet, you're about to discover a whole new world that can amuse, enlighten, educate and delight.

Earlier audio books were simply an audio recording of a written book, which is fine, but today's audio books can create a richer, fuller experience using different voices for different characters, adding beautiful music and delightful background sounds.

Imagine a Sherlock Holmes mystery with the clip-clop of a horse drawn buggy and the melancholy sound of a London foghorn off in the distance. Enjoy a fascinating biography of the musical genius of Mozart including CD quality samples of his amazing virtuosity. You're not just listening to each story, you're EXPERIENCING it!

Audio books are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the latest novel, add laughter to your life with an outrageous comedy, develop your personal or business skills, find spiritual enlightenment, or even learn a new language.

Audio books are a great time saver and an excellent way to get more done throughout your day. Enjoy them while driving to and from your job or school, taking a walk, working around the house, exercising, or nearly any other activity that allows you to listen while doing it.

Audio books are great for kids too. Children love to have stories read to them, but it's often hard to find the time. Even older kids like to hear stories as well, but they're not likely to admit it or ask their parents to read to them. Audio books are an excellent supplement to reading and add quality learning and entertainment to a child's life.

Audio books come in three basic formats:

1. Audio on Cassette

2. Audio on CD

3. Downloadable Audio files such as MP3 or WMA.

Audio books on Cassette are becoming less popular as fewer and fewer people use cassette players. Audio books on CD are popular and should be available for several years to come. Downloadable audio books are becoming the most popular since they can be burned to a CD or transferred to a portable device such as an MP3 player or IPOD.

Downloadable audio books have the advantage of getting your selections NOW and not having to wait for physical CDs to arrive. You can also save money since audio books that are downloaded are usually less expensive than their physical counterparts plus you save on shipping by downloading your audio books rather having the CDs sent to you.

With thousands of titles available on almost every conceivable topic, nearly everyone can enjoy the benefits of audio books. Some of the available topics are: Arts & Drama, Biographies, Business, Crime & Thrillers, Fiction, Foreign Language Study, Health & Recreation, History, Humor, Radio Shows, Religion & Spiritual, Self Help, Televison & Film, Youth Interests and much much more.

With such a large selection of audio books available, the time saving benefits, plus all the advantages of a multimedia rich experience, shouldn't you try one (or two) for yourself?

Enjoy an audio book today!

Fisher Price 1-2-3 Tetherball

2007-02-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Fisher Price 1-2-3 Tetherball

You Save:	$-15.97
Final Price:	$15.97

Description :
From sitting to crawling to standing, the 1-2-3 Tetherball keeps baby active and entertained. The big inflatable ball offers lots of ways to play, with colorful designs and jingly sounds adding extra fun to batting, bouncing, or playing catch. And the light-up base has busy activities and musical rewards!.

Go to Walmart.com
Add to Shopping cart for $15
Final Price : $15 + $0.97 Shipping = $15.97 + State tax may apply
Hint: If 'Free Shipping: Site to Store(SM)' available in your area.. then you can Ship Free to Store and pickup to save $0.97
Click here to grab this deal from Walmart.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Factory-Reconditioned DeWalt DW926K-2R 9.6-Volt Compact 3/8" Adjustable Clutch Drill/Driver Kit

2007-02-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Dell DimensionE521 AMD Athlon 64 3200+,512MB, 250GB, 16X DVD ROM Drive, 15" LCD (Flat Panel), 1yr Warranty

List Price:	~~$599~~
You Save:	$150
Final Price:	$449

Description :
Basic daily tasks, Intense multimedia applications, Enhanced video editing, Digital photography, Web content creation

Go to Dell.com
Click on Desktop offers
Click on Customize it under Dimension E521 model with $449
then keep continue and add to cart for $599
Final Price: $599-$150 instant = $449 + Free Shipping + Tax
Click here to grab this deal from Dell.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Rolling Business Overnighter, Black

2007-02-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

Meritline 6-in-1Multi-tool Stainless Steel Pocket Plier with Bright LED Light, 4 LR41/AG3 Batteries Included and Stainless Steel Tools, Silver Metal, Nylon Pouch/Keychain in Tin Box, 2.5" Long Folded

List Price:	~~$25.99~~
You Save:	$19
Final Price:	$6.99

Description :
The tool, a most comprehensive multipurpose folding tool chest. This tool array offers the unique combination of versatility, one hand opening, and many features.

Go to Meritline.com
Add to Shopping cart for $6.99
Final Price : $6.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA)
Click here to grab this deal from Meritline.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

6 Feet HDMI TO HDMI A/V Cable, 26 AWG Cable, Gold Plated Connectors, Support 720P and 1080P True HD Resolution

2007-02-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

6 Feet HDMI TO HDMI A/V Cable, 26 AWG Cable, Gold Plated Connectors, Support 720P and 1080P True HD Resolution

List Price:	~~$14~~
You Save:	$6.01
Final Price:	$7.99

Description :
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Cable connects HDMI devices that have Build-in HDMI ports, like HDTV, Upconvertor DVD Player, satellite boxes, LCD Monitor and projectors. HDMI cable can transfer Ture HD Video/Audio signal in one cable.

Go to Meritline.com
Add to Shopping cart for $13.99
At Checkout apply $6 off Special Coupon Code : HW1931426OFF
Final Price : $13.99 - $6 = $7.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MA)
Click here to grab this deal from Meritline.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Dell Dimension 9200, Core2 Duo E6300,1.86GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB, 16X DVD-ROM Drive,22" Flat Panel(LCD), 1yr Warranty

2007-02-16T17:02:00.000-08:00

Dell Dimension 9200, Core2 Duo E6300,1.86GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB, 16X DVD-ROM Drive,22" Flat Panel(LCD), 1yr Warranty

List Price:	~~$1148~~
You Save:	$249
Final Price:	$899

Description :
Basic daily tasks, Intense multimedia applications, Enhanced video editing, Digital photography, Web content creation

Go to Dell.com
Click on Desktop offers
Click on Customize it under Dimension 9200 model
then keep continue and add to cart for $1148
Final Price: $1148- $249 instant=$899 + Free Shipping + Tax
Click here to grab this deal from Dell.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

4GB PQI Traveling Disk U230 Pen Drive

2007-02-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

4GB PQI Traveling Disk U230 Pen Drive

List Price:	~~$99.99~~
You Save:	$69.49
Final Price:	$30.5

Description :
Mobile USB flash drive, USB 2.0 compatible, Hot swappable, USB Plug & Play compatible, LED indicator with three model: Busy, waiting, and off, Support software for password protection, formatting & partitioning.

Go to Meritline.com
Add to Shopping cart for $30.50
Final Price : $30.50 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MA)
Click here to grab this deal from Meritline.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Florsheim Men's Norton Linen Moc Toe Oxford

2007-02-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Bravetti 5.5 Liter 3-Basket Deep Flash Fryer (Refurbished

List Price:	~~$129.99~~
You Save:	$74.2
Final Price:	$55.79

Description :
Save precious moments in cooking and turn any meal into an event with this Bravetti 5.5 Liter 3-Basket Deep Flash Fryer.5.5-liter capacityOne full size fryer basketTwo half size fryer baskets, Built-in glass window so you can check on cooking progress without removing the lid.

Activate 7%off Entire Order Coupon at Overstock.com (Exp 02/28/2007)
Add Bravetti 5.5 Liter 3-Basket Deep Flash Fryer to Shopping cart for $59.99
Final Price: $59.99 -7% = $55.79+ $2.95 Flat Shipping + No Tax in most states
Hint: New Customers can use 10%off entire order coupon (Exp 2/28/2007)
Click here to grab this deal from Overstock.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Logitech Wireless Headphones for PC Bluetooth (New White Box) - 980429-0403

2007-02-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Oregon Scientific BAR618HGA Weather Forecaster with Remote Thermometer and Atomic Clock

List Price:	~~$79.95~~
You Save:	$59.96
Final Price:	$19.99

Description :
Weather forecaster with remote, wireless thermometer and atomic clock; LCD screens on both main console and remote sensor; Displays humidity, temperature, plus 12-24-hour forecasts and days of week; Automatically sets to U.S. Atomic Clock and Daylight Savings Time; Measures 7-1/4 by 4-3/4 by 2 inches; crescendo alarm with snooze;

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $19.99
Final Price : $19.99 + Free Shipping w/$25 purchase + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Toshiba MES30VW Gigabeat 30 GB Portable Media Play

2007-02-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Toshiba MES30VW Gigabeat 30 GB Portable Media Play

List Price:	~~$299.99~~
You Save:	$141
Final Price:	$158.99

Description :
Product GuidesDigital MusicPortable Media Center - Getting content has never been easier. Enjoy Music, Photos, Video and TV content anywhere you go with Windows Mobile Portable Media Center Software. Connect your gigabeat to your Xbox360, select and enjoy your music while playing games. View your videos and photos in either landscape or portrait mode.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $158.99
Final Price: $158.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Soehnle Presto Plus Kitchen Scale

2007-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

Soehnle Presto Plus Kitchen Scale

List Price:	~~$35~~
You Save:	$9.9
Final Price:	$25.1

Description :
The perfect kitchen accessory, the Soehnle Presto Plus Kitchen Scale allows you to extract precise measurements to enhance your culinary creations. Includes accurate kitchen clock with timer function.

Activate 7%off Entire Order Coupon at Overstock.com (Exp 02/28/2007)
Add Soehnle Presto Plus Kitchen Scale to Shopping cart for $26.99
Final Price: $26.99 -7% = $25.10+ $2.95 Flat Shipping + No Tax in most states
Hint: New Customers can use 10%off entire order coupon (Exp 1/31/2007)
Click here to grab this deal from Overstock.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

IntStep EZ Strider Jogging Stroller

2007-02-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Embroidered Peasant Top

List Price:	~~$19.99~~
You Save:	$11.5
Final Price:	$8.49

Description :
Designed with the modest coverage you desire. Keyhole opening, beaded tie, floral and butterfly embroidery; 26" L. Taped shoulder seams for shape retention. Cotton/polyester knit.

Go to Blair.com
Search for 45142 and Add to Shopping cart for $9.99
At Checkout apply 15%off + $0.99c Shipping on Any order Priority Coupon Code : MA2 (Exp 03/31/2007)
Final Price : $9.99 - 15% = $8.49 + $0.99c Shipping + No Tax in most states
Click here to grab this deal from Blair.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

ZyXEL AG-225H 802.11a/b/g WiFi Finder, USB 2.0 Adapter, and Soft Access Point

2007-01-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

ZyXEL AG-225H 802.11a/b/g WiFi Finder, USB 2.0 Adapter, and Soft Access Point

List Price:	~~$99.99~~
You Save:	$62.04
Final Price:	$37.95

Description :
Product GuidesWireless NetworkingThe ZyXEL AG-225H is the ultimate tool for todays road warrior. It combines a 802.11a/b/g USB 2.0 adapter with a fully functional stand-alone hotspot detector in a sleek device small enough to fit in your pocket.Hotspot FinderThe ZyXEL AG-225H makes it easy to find a wireless hotspot when you are on the road. The dual-band tri-mode USB adapter is equipped with a high contrast LCD screen and built-in LiON battery, which allows you to scan the environment for hotspots without being attached to your notebook computer.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $62.95
-$25 Mail-in rebate ( Offer valid from 1/15/2007 to 1/31/2007 )
Final Price: $62.95 -$25 = $37.95 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Fantom Drives Titanium-II 250GB USB 2.0 7200rpm 8MB Cache External Hard Drive -TFD250U8

2007-01-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Fantom Drives Titanium-II 250GB USB 2.0 7200rpm 8MB Cache External Hard Drive -TFD250U8

List Price:	~~$119.95~~
You Save:	$39.96
Final Price:	$79.99

Description :
Fantom Drives Titanium II USB 2.0 Hard Drives offer the most affordable storage solution for USB enabled PCs and Macs. These drives provide transfer rates of up to 60MB/sec on USB 2.0 and are fully backwards compatible with USB 1.1. The Titanium USB 2.0 Hard Drive family feature sturdy aluminum casing to provide maximum durability, fanless design for silent operation, and could be placed horizontally or stand vertically to allow maximum deskspace.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $89.99
-$10 Mail-in rebate ( Offer valid from 1/29/2007 to 2/6/2007 )
Final Price: $89.99 -$10 = $79.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Hint: If you use Google Checkout for First Time then you get $10 off instantly to get this for $69.99
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

iPod Compatible Retractable Travel Kit -35505

2007-01-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

iPod Compatible Retractable Travel Kit -35505

List Price:	~~$59.99~~
You Save:	$43.7
Final Price:	$16.29

Description :
With iPod compatible retractable travel kit, you can conveniently carry all the cables you need for your Apple iPod player. Always have the connection you need, wherever you go. Eliminate the mess of jumbled and tangled cables in your car, bag or briefcase.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $38.29
-$22 Mail-in rebate ( Offer valid from 1/15/2007 to 1/31/2007 )
Final Price: $38.29 -$22 = $16.29 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Hint: If you use Google Checkout for First Time then you get $10 off instantly to get this for $6.29
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Rockin' Gym

2007-01-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Rockin' Gym

You Save:	$-37.97
Final Price:	$37.97

Description :
The Baby Gymtastics 3-in-1 Rockin' Gym overhead mobile set plays music to an entertaining light show, with movable toys to reach and bat. It also converts easily to a ride-on rocker, rewarding movement with lively, energetic music and dancing lights. Plus, the detachable xylophone keyboard lets babies make music wherever they go. It's versatile, fun and adaptable to your baby's stage of development.

Go to Walmart.com
Add to Shopping cart for $33
Final Price : $33 + $4.97 Shipping = $37.97 + State tax may apply
Hint: If 'Free Shipping: Site to Store(SM)' available in your area.. then you can Ship Free to Store and pickup to save $4.97
Click here to grab this deal from Walmart.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Flannel Shirt

2007-01-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Flannel Shirt

List Price:	~~$19.99~~
You Save:	$6
Final Price:	$13.99

Description :
The very essence of comfort... soothing yarn-dyed plaids and toile prints exude vintage charm. These wonderful shirts are tailored with button cuffs and easy side vents; 30"L. Pure cotton flannel;

Go to Blair.com
Search for 30904 and Add to Shopping cart for $13.99
At Checkout apply Free Shipping on Any order Priority Coupon Code : XAB (Can expire any time)
Final Price : $13.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax in most states
Click here to grab this deal from Blair.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Obus Forme Comfort Support System Hendon Backpack, Navy Blue/Cool Grey

2007-01-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

Remote Plane with Two Speed and Rotor Speed Control (806-030)

List Price:	~~$37.99~~
You Save:	$10
Final Price:	$27.99

Description :
The airplane features a remote controlled, battery-powered propeller for extended flights. The remote will switch off the engine and let your high-flying glider adventure begin. Need more altitude? Flip the switch on the controller and the propeller fires up to help you climb again. Master banking turns and flying in different wind conditions as you carefully hone your skills. Recommended for ages 10 and above.

Go to Meritline.com
Add to Shopping cart for $37.99
At Checkout apply $10 off Special Coupon Code : HW20523510OFF (Exp.1/22)
Final Price : $37.99 - $10 = $27.99 + Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MA)
Click here to grab this deal from Meritline.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Sony NW-E005F 2 GB Flash Digital Music Player Black

2007-01-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Garmin StreetPilot i5 GPS

List Price:	~~$399.99~~
You Save:	$113.1
Final Price:	$286.89

Description :
No larger than a baseball and affordably priced, the StreetPilot i5 GPS system from Garmin is certain to be a hit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who want to experience the ease and enjoyment of an entry-level satellite navigation system.

Go to Walmart.com
Add to Shopping cart for $279.92
Final Price : $279.92 + $6.97 Shipping = $286.89 + State tax may apply
Click here to grab this deal from Walmart.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Belkin PureAV Home Theater Power Conditioner PF21 - 12 Outlet -AP11200-12

2007-01-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

SnowJoe 12-Inch 6.6 Amp Electric Snow Thrower #322

List Price:	~~$129.99~~
You Save:	$60
Final Price:	$69.99

Description :
Recommended for use on patios, steps, and sidewalks; Cuts snows up to 12-inches wide and 4-inches deep; Powerful 6.6 amp motor drives unit operation; Ergonomic design and adjustable handle to alleviate back strain. Lightweight; unit weighs only 12 pounds; Environmentally friendly (uses electricity, not gas);

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $69.99
Final Price : $69.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Sanus System VM200S TV Wall Mount (Silver)

2007-01-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix P4 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Vibration Reduction Optical Zoom

List Price:	~~$399.95~~
You Save:	$99.96
Final Price:	$299.99

Description :
8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints; 3.5x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display; Continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second; BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from ten sequential shots; Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (23 MB internal memory included);

Go to Ritzcamera.com
Add to Shopping cart for $299.99
Final Price : $299.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax
Click here to grab this deal from Ritzcamera.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Fantom Titanium 250GB 7200RPM USB 2.0 External Hard Drive -TFDU25072

2007-01-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

12-Pack Compatible Inkjet Cartridge Combo for Epson Stylus Photo R260/R380/RX580 Printers: Two T078120, T078220, T078320, T078420, T078520, T078620

List Price:	~~$55.99~~
You Save:	$20.04
Final Price:	$35.95

Description :
NA.

Go to Abcink.com
Add to Shopping cart for $55.95
At Checkout apply $20 off Special Coupon Code : PROMOTION-20OFF
Final Price : $55.95 - $20 = $35.95 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA)
Click here to grab this deal from Abcink.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Pfaltzgraff Napoli 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4

2007-01-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

Pfaltzgraff Napoli 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4

List Price:	~~$143~~
You Save:	$83.01
Final Price:	$59.99

Description :
16-piece dinnerware set in Napoli pattern, service for 4; Includes 4 each: dinner plate, salad plate, soup/cereal bowl, and mug; Durable stoneware is chip-resistant and safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher; Elegant hand-painted designs recall the romance of Italys coast; 5-year warranty against defects; 5-year in-stock warranty after pattern retirement;

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $59.99
Final Price : $59.99 + $2.99 Shipping + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Lexmark Z611 JetPrinter

2007-01-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Lexmark Z611 JetPrinter

You Save:	$-23.85
Final Price:	$23.85

Description :
Print photo-quality resolution on a wide range of media, from envelopes to the highest-quality paper stock with Lexmark's Z611. Prints 4800 x 1200 dpi on photo paper in Best Mode and up to 2400 x 1200 dpi on all other paper types at up to 14 ppm in black and 8 ppm in color. With an Accu-Feed paper handling system that virtually eliminates paper jams.

Go to Walmart.com
Add to Shopping cart for $22.88
Final Price : $22.88 + $0.97 Shipping = $23.85 + State tax may apply
Click here to grab this deal from Walmart.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Viewsonic 20" LCD WideScreen 1680x1050 5ms Height/Swivel/Tilt Adjustment -VG2030WM

2006-12-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

Viewsonic 20" LCD WideScreen 1680x1050 5ms Height/Swivel/Tilt Adjustment -VG2030WM

List Price:	~~$389~~
You Save:	$157.08
Final Price:	$231.92

Description :
The ViewSonic 20" VG2030wm features a 16:10 WIDESCREEN VIEWING EXPERIENCE and 1680x1050 optimum resolution that give you ample space for viewing multiple document windows, side-by-side full-page layouts and immersive game play. CLEARMOTIV5MS VIDEO RESPONSE WITH DYNAMIC STRUCTURE technology delivers brilliant HD video content and blur-free gaming action. The COMPREHENSIVE HEIGHT, TILT AND SWIVEL ADJUSTMENTS and high brightness and contrast ratios let you work or play comfortably for hours.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $301.92
At Checkout use 'Google Checkout' option to save $20 instantly on $50 or more purchase
-$50 Mail-in rebate ( Offer valid from 12/26/2006 to 12/29/2006 )
Final Price: $301.92 -$50 - $20 = $231.92 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Sony 5 pack Premium-grade Minidv Videocassette

2006-12-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

Sony 5 pack Premium-grade Minidv Videocassette

List Price:	~~$24.95~~
You Save:	$13.36
Final Price:	$11.59

Description :
Quality at an exceptional value; Advanced metal evaporated tape technology; Diamond-like carbon protective layer improves durability; Five individually wrapped tapes;

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $11.59
Final Price : $11.59 + Free Shipping w/$25 purchase + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Barbie Time Teacher Gift Set with Analog Watch

2006-12-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

Barbie Time Teacher Gift Set with Analog Watch

List Price:	~~$20~~
You Save:	$12.01
Final Price:	$7.99

Description :
This "Time Teacher" watch set comes with a Barbie Watch, an instructional "Time Teacher" clock, and an instructional booklet. This set was developed by elementary school teachers to help children learn to tell time.

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $7.99
Final Price : $7.99 + Free Shipping w/$25 purchase + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Tissot Women's Gold Tone MOP Bracelet Watch # T09.5.485.82

2006-12-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

Tissot Women's Gold Tone MOP Bracelet Watch # T09.5.485.82

List Price:	~~$195~~
You Save:	$95.01
Final Price:	$99.99

Description :
An elegant classic in gleaming goldtone steel, this Tissot watch will complement any outfit. The perfectly round case frames a shimmering mother-of-pearl dial with goldtone baton hands and indicators and a T-shaped hour marker at the twelve o'clock position.

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $99.99
Final Price : $99.99 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Fujifilm Finepix F470 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

2006-12-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

Fujifilm Finepix F470 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

List Price:	~~$299.95~~
You Save:	$149.96
Final Price:	$149.99

Description :
The Navman PiN 570 is the latest in Navmans successful range of personal interactive navigation systems. Small but powerful, the Navman PiN570 provides you with United States and Canada mapping and an integrated GPS receiver as well as full Microsoft Pocket PC functionality and performance.This fully-fledged global positioning systems (GPS) navigation solution with integrated Pocket PC capabilities is the ideal travel companion for busy professionals on the road.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $199.99
At Checkout use 'Google Checkout' option to save $20 instantly on $50 or more purchase
Final Price: $169.99 - $20 = $149.99+ Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Kingston 2GB DataTraveler USB 2.0 Flash Drive -DTI/2GBKR

2006-12-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Kingston 2GB DataTraveler USB 2.0 Flash Drive -DTI/2GBKR

List Price:	~~$68~~
You Save:	$60.05
Final Price:	$7.95

Description :
The 2GB DataTraveler USB Flash drive is ideal for home office, small business, schools and promotions. It is affordable and puts mobile storage in nearly anyone's hands. Now you can store, carry and transfer files quickly in an affordable, convenient device. The DataTraveler from Kingston helps budget-conscious users break storage barriers, allowing you to easily store and move files in a device no bigger than a pocketknife.

Go to Buy.com
Add to Shopping cart for $52.95
At Checkout use 'Google Checkout' option to save $20 instantly on $50 or more purchase
-$25 Mail-in rebate ( Offer valid from 11/19/2006 to 12/2/2006 )
Final Price: $52.95 -$25 - $20= $7.95 + Free Shipping + No Tax (Except CA, MD, MA, and TN)
Click here to grab this deal from Buy.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com

Canon PIXMA MP530 Office All-In-One Photo Printer with Fax (0580B002)

2006-11-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

Canon PIXMA MP530 Office All-In-One Photo Printer with Fax (0580B002)

List Price:	~~$199.99~~
You Save:	$35
Final Price:	$164.99

Description :
Compact, stylish unit saves on office space while giving you all the features your workgroup needs to thrive; Features a productive 30-page Automatic Document Feeder; prints up to 29 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white, and 19 ppm in color; 150-page fax memory safely stores all incoming faxes if paper or ink runs out; built-in scanner offers 1200 by 2400 dots per inch (dpi) optical resolution; Dimensions: 18.4 x 10.4 x 18.4 inches (WxHxD); weighs 28.2 pounds; All-In-One photo printer prints, copies, scans, and faxes;

Go to Amazon.com
Add to Shopping cart for $164.99
Final Price :$164.99+ Free Shipping + No Tax (Except KS, KY, ND & WA)
Click here to grab this deal from Amazon.com

Grab more HOT Deals at StealZone.com