As the modern world establishes itself and pushes the supernatural into the shadows, the supernatural fights back

The Darkening Dream [...]]]>

As the modern world establishes itself and pushes the supernatural into the shadows, the supernatural fights back

The Darkening Dream is a chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter, that has received rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads

Long-time readers of dark historical fantasy (Tim Powers, Guy Gavriel Kay, Katherine Kurtz) will appreciate the weaving together of mythology, occult, and religion, while younger readers and fans of HBO dramas (True Blood, Carnivàle) or urban fantasy (Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher) will be drawn to the twisted imagination, graphic action, and romantic tension.

About The Darkening Dream

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?

No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be her very soul.

The Reviews Are In

“A vampire novel with actual bite.” ~The Kirkus Reviews

“Mr. Gavin has brought something refreshingly new to a genre now suffused with poorly-concealed bodice-rippers which have more in common with Fabio than Bram Stoker: depth. His big baddies are scary, not romantic interests, and the added religious lore is complex and engaging. Don’t expect another Twilight — the story can get downright creepy, so be prepared for a return to the old horror sensibilities of supernatural fiction.” ~Amazon Review

“With Mr. Gavin’s video-game pedigree, I was expecting something aimed squarely at the 18-25 year old fanboy contingent; what I got in The Darkening Dream was something wholly unexpected: A period novel with a female protagonist, a crash-course on Judaism in the colonial years, and multi-layered series of plot arcs featuring a crazy cast of natural and supernatural characters populating 18th Century Colonial America.” ~Amazon Review

“…A perfect blend of mystery, magic and myth. A grown-up Grimm’s fairy tale…emphasis on grim.”  ~Amazon Review

Read the first two sample chapters here >> http://bit.ly/xXVxXS

Princess Recovery A How-To Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered Girls Who Can Create Their Own Happily Ever Afters By Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD Published by Adams Media Decemeber 18, 2011; $21.95 US/$22.99 CAN; 978-1-4405-2795-1

I am all about women empowerment books that do not overpower the reader and this is one.  I Have two girls and this is a great [...]]]>

Princess Recovery
A How-To Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered Girls Who Can Create Their Own Happily Ever Afters
By Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD
Published by Adams Media
Decemeber 18, 2011; $21.95 US/$22.99 CAN; 978-1-4405-2795-1

I am all about women empowerment books that do not overpower the reader and this is one.  I Have two girls and this is a great guide, actually GUIDE I would recommend to any mother wanting to grow up wonderful , strong girls! I enjoyed this so much! Thanks to the publisher I got a copy to review.

Description

If 70% of girls believe they’re not good enough and
62% feel insecure about themselves,
100% of Parents Need This Book

At two, she only wears dresses because she’s a princess like the ones on TV. At six, she wants the trendiest, scantily clad doll because all her friends have it. At eight, she’s begging for makeup because she wants to be pretty like the teen superstars. Your daughter has every opportunity to be independent and confident — if only you could help her tune out the rest of the world! But can you really deny your little girl dresses, cartoons, and friends until she is out of danger?

Child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Jennifer L. Hartstein has good news: You don’t have to! Her unique program teaches you to curb the world’s influence on your daughter — without making her live in a bubble. In this debut book, Dr. Hartstein teaches you to:

Encourage your daughter to pursue her passion with industry and intelligence
Establish high but realistic expectations of your daughter and her future
Provide context for problematic influences — from the media to her peers
Build a mutual trust that will withstand her adolescent growing pains

With this plan, you can bring balance, confidence, and self-sufficiency into your daughter’s life while giving her a modern, vibrant childhood.

Author Bio
Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD, author of Princess Recovery: A How-To Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered Girls Who Can Create Their Own Happily Ever Afters, a child and adolescent psychologist, is a regular correspondent for The Early Show. She has also appeared on Fox News, The Today Show, and Headline News. Dr. Hartstein uses a variety of treatment approaches that promote strong self-awareness, distress tolerance, and acceptance. She lives in New York City.

For more information please visit http://www.drjen.com/, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

I have though about some lapel pins, button pins, and bottlecap pins, but im not sure that would go over [...]]]>

I am always on the hunt especially on the internet for anything to give as small gifts when I sell my hair bows. I have thought about ink pens and pencils. They are kind of expensive.

I have though about some lapel pins, button pins, and bottlecap pins, but im not sure that would go over as well.

I have looked at some cute magnets to put on the back of my business cards , but I have not found an economical place to find them yet.

If anyone has any ideas or comments they would be greatly appreciated!

Contribution by Saul Martin

When my youngest daughter left for college this past fall, her father and I did our best to prepare her for life on her own. Obviously she has us as a safety net, but she’s living self-sufficiently, for all intents and purposes. We set her up in her new apartment with lots [...]]]>

Contribution by Saul Martin

When my youngest daughter left for college this past fall, her father and I did our best to prepare her for life on her own. Obviously she has us as a safety net, but she’s living self-sufficiently, for all intents and purposes. We set her up in her new apartment with lots of new furnishings and her own set of pots and pans and went on our way. We pay her rentand all utilities to allow her to focus on school, and the coolest thing ever happened the other day. Evidently she was talking to some friends and one mentioned that in Texas, where they attend school, each resident has the ability to select his or her energy provider! It’s one of the few states that offers that ability; each person can choose the provider that offers the best rates. My daughter had us call to make a change to a more affordable provider, and we’re saving money every month. I love that she’s only been on her own for a few months and she already understands the value of saving some money on something like a utility bill! I think we’ve taught her pretty well. Take a look at Argyle Texas Can get Bounce Energy to see if you can save a little money!

TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON ON JANUARY 31, 2012

Julian Rubinstein, award-winning journalist, foremost authority on Attila,

and author of the critically acclaimed Ballad of the Whiskey Robber,

is available for interviews about Attila’s release

January 24, 2012, NEW YORK—The Hungarian folk hero Attila Ambrus, aka the “Whiskey Robber,” whose [...]]]>

ATTILA AMBRUS, THE INFAMOUS “WHISKEY ROBBER,”

TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON ON JANUARY 31, 2012

Julian Rubinstein, award-winning journalist, foremost authority on Attila,

and author of the critically acclaimed Ballad of the Whiskey Robber,

is available for interviews about Attila’s release

January 24, 2012, NEW YORK—The Hungarian folk hero Attila Ambrus, aka the “Whiskey Robber,” whose story galvanized a nation and inspired an award-winning book, six songs, an audio cabaret, a German theater production, an international fan base and two competing film projects (including one from Johnny Depp) will be released from prison on January 31, 2012. He is 44 years old and has been behind bars for 12 years.

Attila became a people’s hero by robbing state-owned banks and post offices in what became a serialized protest of the corruption of the political and banking systems during Eastern Europe’s transition from communism to capitalism. His release comes at a time when social movements such as Occupy Wall Street have taken on the same issues. As poignantly noted by the Hungarian media, “Can anyone regard the deeds of the Whiskey Robber as a crime? What about the everyday ‘business’ of the so-called elite….Attila Ambrus had the courage to make an attack against this unjust system…He didn’t rob a bank. He just performed a peculiar redistribution of the wealth, which differed from the elites only in its method.” At the time of his arrest, polls showed 90 percent of his countrymen supported him.

Hailing from Transylvania, Attila escaped into Hungary underneath a train just before the fall of communism in 1988. He worked as a gravedigger, an animal pelt smuggler, a zamboni driver for Hungary’s biggest pro hockey team–and ultimately its goaltender (becoming arguably the worst goalie ever to play pro hockey, once giving up 23 goals in a single game.) Failing to find a way to make a living and frustrated by the rampant corruption in nascent capitalist Hungary, he bought a wig and fake gun and, on the January day in 1994 that President Clinton was inaugurated, he was on his way to becoming “one of the most endearing figures in the annals of bad behavior.” Handing flowers to tellers and mailing wine to hapless investigators, he carried off 29 heists over 7 years, never hurting anyone, and earning the moniker “Whiskey Robber,” because witnesses always spotted him downing a shot before stepping into the banks.

Julian Rubinstein, author of the award-winning Ballad of the Whiskey Robber (Little, Brown) and producer of the digital audio cabaret recording (available on iTunes and elsewhere), has remained in touch with Attila over the years and has visited him 14 times in the prison in Hungary. He is available for interviews, and there are plenty of great audio files, videos from his interviews in the prison, and photos available. (The audio cabaret recording features Eric Bogosian, Demetri Marin, Jonathan Ames, Gary Shteyngart, Tommy Ramone, Arthur Phillips and more.)

“The Illusion of Certainty” follows two parallel storylines. Marc is a successful businessman who seems to have everything-a great job, a beautiful wife, a house in an upscale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and two great kids who are preparing for college. But something is not right. Marc is unsettled by the sudden change in his [...]]]>

“The Illusion of Certainty” follows two parallel storylines. Marc is a successful businessman who seems to have everything-a great job, a beautiful wife, a house in an upscale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and two great kids who are preparing for college. But something is not right. Marc is unsettled by the sudden change in his wife, Aimee, who seems distant and unhappy. What is going on with her? The second storyline involves a successful young attorney Alexandra Mattson. Alex, as she is called by her friends, meets a handsome young cop, Sean, during an unexpected crisis in her neighborhood. Sean and Alex seem made for each other and begin to merge their futures in a world of uncertainty. The only certainty in life is that we will face uncertainty. Despite all of the technology and controls available in the modern world, sometimes the only comfort comes from the human touch.

About The Author

Currently, Greg and Carol live on the Puget Sound in Edmonds, Washington, a ferryboat town, just north of downtown Seattle.  He also enjoys running, he has been in several races and half marathons.

My Take

It is really good that writing gives one an outlet to share their emotions and stories. Its is a great heart wrenching story!

Available Print and Kindle at Amazon.com  

Print and Nook at Barnes&Noble.com

Available on iTunes for iPads and iPhones.

Dr.Perricone has lots of nice beauty products. I have tried their cold plasma-sub d . That stuff is absolutely amazing! You can really feel a difference before and after using this.  [...]]]>

I am so excited to be running a contest. This year blogging is starting out really good.  One of my FAVORITE skin care products Dr.Perricone.

Dr.Perricone has lots of nice beauty products. I have tried their cold plasma-sub d . That stuff is absolutely amazing! You can really feel a difference before and after using this.  He used his research and many years to perfect his products. They are highly sought after!

Lots of people do not know that Dr.Perricone has come with his his own diet. The Perricone Diet contains a daily dose of healthy supplements to take. Boosting metabolism and decreasing body fat while increasing energy levels and satisfying the appetite. The supplements are organized for convenience into morning, noon and evening packets. Sometimes I get all my vitamins mixed up and if I had them in individual packets my  life would be much easier.

I am offering up a contest for a contest for my readers! The rules are very simple.

 
Here is a Promo code if you can not wait for giveaway!

Dr.Perricone promo code

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t these kids look familiar? Well, they should – hundreds of millions of people have viewed these videos across the web. I’m sure you’ve thought your kid is just as funny if not FUNNIER. Admit it! Now’s your chance.

Youtoo TV (the nation’s first “social TV” network) wants to put your readers’ little angels on national [...]]]>

Don’t these kids look familiar? Well, they should – hundreds of millions of people have viewed these videos across the web. I’m sure you’ve thought your kid is just as funny if not FUNNIER. Admit it! Now’s your chance.

Youtoo TV (the nation’s first “social TV” network) wants to put your readers’ little angels on national television!

We are inviting moms to shoot a 30-second video with their tots, sharing their kids’ funniest moments.

Moms can then upload these 30-videos, called “Peoplemercials” to Youtoo.com and receive an email confirming that their video will air on national TV – on the Youtoo TV network, currently in 15 million homes!

Moms will also receive an “air check” email with the exact date/time when their Peoplemercial will air. This gives your moms the chance to tell their friends and family WHEN they can tune in to see their kids on national TV!

Here’s how it works:

1. Moms shoot 30-second videos
2. Upload the video to www.Youtoo.com

Like Youtoo’s Facebookand join the conversation!

Thank you!

According to Car and Driver , texting while driving is more dangerous than driving under the influence* and those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash**.  Music sensation JoJo [...]]]>

JoJo , Cambio and AT&T Join Together to Tell Fans ‘It Can Wait’ to Stop Texting While Driving

According to Car and Driver , texting while driving is more dangerous than driving under the influence* and those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash**.  Music sensation JoJo and Cambio, the online destination for teens and young adults, have teamed up with AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign to help combat this epidemic.

Throughout the month of January, Cambio will release three videos about the risks of texting and driving narrated by the twenty-one- year-old-platinum-selling songstress, JoJo,  through Cambio Impact — Cambio’s new social causes platform.  In these compelling vignettes, JoJo reminds her peers that text messages can and should wait until after driving. The first video is available to watch HERE.

JoJo and Cambio encourage their collective fan base to take AT&T’s “It Can Wait” pledge to not text and drive on Facebook. To help drive pledges, JoJo has agreed to do a Cambio Live Chat with her fans when the total number of pledges exceeds 50,000.  To take the pledge, visit https://apps.facebook.com/itcanwait/.

JoJo is available for phone interviews to discuss this important issue this week. Please contact us directly if you are interested.

Cambio Impact, with JoJo as its exclusive launch partner, is an extension of Huffington Post Impact and AOL Impact that will reach and engage today’s millennial around causes that are important to them.

About JoJo

JoJo released her platinum self-titled debut album in 2004 at the age of 13 and its follow up, the gold-certified The High Road, in 2006 at age 15. She was the youngest artist ever to reach #1 at the Top 40 radio chart wither debut single “Leave (Get Out).” She was also the youngest (13 years old) solo artist to receive a MTV Video Music Award Nomination. Last fall JoJo released a mix tape through RapUp.com that had over 400,000 downloads and most recently she had the internet buzzing with her remix of Drake’s “Marvin’s Room.” JoJo’s new single “Disaster,” off her forthcoming full length Jumping Trains, is available now.  Jumping Trains will be released April 2012 on Blackground-Interscope/Streamline Records. Collectively JoJo has sold over three million albums worldwide. Connect with JoJo on Twitter and Facebook

About Cambio

Cambio is an interactive online entertainment experience, connecting teens and young adults to their favorite celebrities and professionally-produced original content programs. This groundbreaking destination fuses information, social interaction, exclusive video and compelling entertainment content together to bring our passionate audience from fans to friends. Cambio is a joint venture between AOL, Jonas Group and MGX Lab. For more information, visit www.cambio.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Connect with Cambio on Twitter and Facebook

About AT&T’s “It Can Wait” Campaign

“It Can Wait” is AT&T’s growing movement to encourage teens and young drivers to pledge to stay safe behind the wheel by not texting while driving. AT&T will honor those taking the pledge by contributing to non-profit organizations focused on youth safety. JoJo joins celebrities like Rachel Zoe, Katie Cassidy, Jesse McCartney, Brandon Mychal Smith and Joey Lawrence who have also supported the ‘It Can Wait’ movement. For more information on the ‘It Can Wait’ campaign, please visit AT&T’s Facebook Page or the official ‘It Can Wait’ website.

*http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q2/texting_while_driving_how_dangerous_is_it_-feature