FREE Children’s Book with Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
We are avid book reader and I love that Barns & Nobel has a great sumer reading program. It’s easy… your child reads 8 book and logs them in the Reading Journal… take the journal to your local Barnes & Noble and get a FREE book from their selection on the Reading Journal list at the store.
I love programs that encourages children to read…. the reward is a FREE book at Barnes & Noble!!!
Program runs between May 22 through September 4, 2012


Roll over on the left or right side of the background area to view further events in the timeline.
King James I
King James I was looking forward to begin a permanent English settlement in North America. For this reason, he granted charters to a pair of English companies so that they could establish those settlements. Two companies tried to establish the same but only one was succ essful. The location proved to be very useful as it was considered to be a much protected area.
Hardships at Jamestown
However, things were not too good at a placed named Jamestown. In 1607, during the winters, the food shortages made the situation difficult for settlements. The situation seemed grim for many years. It changed however when John Smith procured Indian crops through trade. His trips managed to suffice the need for food. However, it was on one these journeys where he was ambushed by natives of the land. Even then, Smith managed to escape from the situation due to the art of persuasion! From there on, he tried to manage the colony to the best of his abilities. He soon turned powerful and this terrified the Indians. Despite everything, the Princess Pocahontas, who nurtured special feelings for him, ensured he was informed well in advance of any attacks against him. The Jamestown colony then flourished under the rule of Smith.
About the Puritans
In 1607, the Puritan separatists left England. They travelled to Netherlands but were not granted citizenship in the Netherlands. Therefore, they were unable to secure jobs and had to opt for jobs that did not require any skill. However, many Puritans were unable to bear being separated from their children and therefore tried to relocate to America. Around 35 pilgrims boarded the Mayflower which was to set sail for Virginia in 1620.
Journey on the Mayflower
The Mayflower Compact was drafted in order to guarantee an equal treatment of settlers. This Compact was signed by around 41 males who were on board. The decision at that time was to remain at Plymouth. The new settlers now turned into a group of the Council of New England. Apart from the main clause decided, it was also decided that those passengers who remained at Plymouth for seven years would be given around one hundred acres of land. The Mayflower with its passengers sailed the coasts of Massachusetts for many weeks. They finally found a perfect spot at Plymouth on the 21st of December, 1620. Life there turned out to be difficult for all. From health issues to conflicts, there were many who suffered from the same. A year later, the surviving pilgrims celebrated the first fall harvest. This feast was the first ever Thanksgiving.
This was the time of war. By 1754, the French and the Indian war began. The differences arose due to the British and French settlements in the Ohio River valley. The battles however, were fought away from here. The area had a lot of scope in terms of economy and the wildlife. This was the one of the main reasons for the French and the English to wish for possession of this land. There were many attempts made to solve the raging war between both sides in a diplomatic way. However, it did not work out.
French Colonists Warned
In order to protect the land from others, the French built forts along the Ohio River. However, this was not considered acceptable. This is the reason why George Washington was sent to deliver a British ultimatum to the French colonists. Although the warning was given, the French did not pay heed. In May, Washington planned an attack with 160 armed Virginians. The Battle of Jumonville Glen then happened. After this, Washington then constructed a makeshift stockade named as Fort Necessity in case the French attacked. As expected, the French attacked and Washington surrendered. The fort was then burnt down.
Attempts to Drive Back the French
In 1756, more plans were thought about to defeat the French. The areas targeted included those in the Ohio River Valley, North America and also areas in India, Africa, etc. This was the time when the British Prime Minister William Pitt used a military plan to defeat the French. It was also expected that the citizens serve in the military. This plan helped to drive back the French to a certain extent. However, the uprising in 1757 changed things. Even then, the British had control in North America. By 1758, the Fort Frontenac was captured. The British also joined hands with the Indians to get back the Fort Duquesne from the French.
The French Surrender
The situation finally saw a change in September, 1759. The British General James Wolfe finally defeated the French forces at Quebec. This entire battle lasted for two months. The French army surrendered in 1760 at Montreal. The French lost Canada, lands in America which were east of the Mississippi River.
The Whiskey Rebellion
The U.S. Government was in debt in 1790. This was purely due to the Revolution. This was the time when the Government passed an excise tax on all the distilled spirits like whiskey. This was a large attempt to repay the massive debts and also as a way to establish themselves. This made all the whiskey producers very unhappy. This was also because the small scale producers paid higher taxes in cash.
Resistance to the Tax
This tax exercised by the Government was resisted by many. There were instances when excise collectors were even violently threatened and they were unable to set up offices.
The resistance was seen strongly in the Western countries of Pennsylvania. The locals felt that the tax oppressed the poor and the Government did not represent their interests. Even then, there were others who tried to solve the problem peacefully. In 1794, many more protests were carried out. This was the reason President George Washington sent troops to stop the rebellion which resulted in the arrest of many protestors.
The 1860 Presidential Election
It was around 1860 when the United States had a lot of political problems. The Presidential Election in 1860 was the most important issue. There were two segments to the Democratic Party - the Northern Democrats and the Southern Democrats. Stephen A. Douglas was nominated for President by the Northern Democrats. John C. Breckinridge was nominated by the Southern Democrats. Douglas embarked upon a national speaking tour and became the first Presidential candidate to do so. The anti-slavery party nominated Abraham Lincoln. John Bell was nominated by the Constitutional Party.
The Success of Abraham Lincoln
It was in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was officially elected as the President. Although he was not even on the ballot list in around nine southern states, yet there were many reasons for his election. It was the Northern States that had higher electoral values. There was a major voting population that resided in this area. Abraham Lincoln won 17 states in total. These results however brought the country to the Civil War. In 1860, South Carolina issued a Declaration of Secession from the United States.
Reconstruction and Result of the Civil War
Post War, the southern states suffered a lot of issues. The cities and towns were burnt and destroyed. The term reconstruction, here, refers to period that followed Post Civil War. The aim now was to integrate the Southern States into the Union. This however was on the condition that the new States followed the laws as laid down due to the War. This was also the time when three Constitutional amendments were born. One amendment prohibited slavery and also granted voting rights to the Blacks. It was the Congress that enacted the plan which stated that the former states have to meet on certain conditions. This period of Reconstruction thus changed the culture of the southern society. However, the cultural transformation resulted in a large racial disturbance. In 1877, the reconstruction period ended.


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"A wonderful message by one of the most
extraordinary men of our era..."
~ Steve Forbes
"Thank you for the most inspiring speech I've ever
in my life!!"
~ Harvie DeBaron
Million Dollar Round
These weekly columns are read by countless people in
newspapers, magazines, and online publications around the world...read
Detailed Descriptions of Books, CDs and DVDs by Jim Stovall and Kelly
please call our toll-free number 800.801.8184
|The Ultimate Gift
Red Stevens was a self-made man who gave his family everything-and ruined them in the process. Now, as his estate of oil companies
and cattle ranches is divided among greedy and self-serving
relatives, one member is singled out for something special: Red's
In a darkened room, isolated from the rest of his family, Jason
is confronted by the image of his deceased great uncle on a video
monitor...and so begins a 12-month quest for purpose and meaning in
an empty life, as Jason attempts to complete the tasks required to
receive Red Stevens' greatest bequest...The Ultimate Gift.
"A wonderful story. Needed wisdom for young and old alike.
Written by one of the most extraordinary men of our era."
- Steve Forbes, President, CEO and Editor-In-Chief
of Forbes Magazine
|The Ultimate Life
When Jason Stevens found out he had to learn twelve lessons to maybe get
an unnamed inheritance from his billionaire grandfather, he was not
amused. By the time he'd finished learning the imposed lessons, he'd
become a different man. Ready to tackle the duties of running a
multi-billion-dollar trust, his plans for the year are once again
derailed, this time by his pugnacious family. Not content with their
cattle ranches and oil fields, his aunts, uncles and even his mother
are determined to see every last dime entrusted to their own
self-serving pockets. With none of the reluctance he initially
showed for the The Ultimate Gift, he eagerly accepts the
challenge and pushes himself to prove not only to his family and the
court but the world, that with determination and the simple tenets
of The Ultimate Gift, anyone can lead The Ultimate
Life. Sequel to The Ultimate Gift.
|The Ultimate Journey
Jim Stovall has penned three delightful parables for anyone who
wants to be inspired or give the gift of inspiration. In The
Ultimate Gift, Jason Stevens learns to appreciate the value of
his life, while in The Ultimate Life, he learns the value of
love. Now, in the touching conclusion to the trilogy, Jason
learns that life's journey is all about traveling well-not about
In The Ultimate Journey, readers will discover the
secrets of a successful life, including:
and so much more.
- Money helps pay for the trip, but should never be a
- Friends make the journey worthwhile ...
- Laughter lightens the load of any rough or rocky uphill road
- Time may be allotted in small or large portions but the
moment is what counts ...
Do you know how to make your life a success? The Ultimate
Journey packs a powerful message for all ages.
|Songs Inspired by: The
This album includes the signature song from
The Ultimate Gift movie, "Legacy"
"Captivating music that captures the message and spirit of my
The Ultimate Gift." -
"Wow!!!!! All of these songs spoke to my soul. This CD is
peaceful, inspiring, moving and blissful.... Just what I needed to
hear!" - Jamie Townsend
Click here to listen
|The Sound of Honor
On the heels of the best-selling book The Ultimate Gift and
the major motion picture adaptation from 20th Century Fox, Jim
Stovall brings you The Sound of Honor. Author Jim Stovall,
who didn’t allow blindness to prevent him from achieving stunning
successes in both the business and literary worlds, provides an
insightful glimpse inside the world of darkness. His detective,
Jacob Dyer, traveled from the triumphs and tragedies of Vietnam to a
world that suddenly exploded into blindness. In the course of this
action-packed novel, Dyer not only has to solve the mystery but also
right a tragic wrong, restore a fortune, and recapture the elusive
honor that was lost a lifetime ago. In this utterly unique novel,
all the colors of this thrilling and mysterious world are brought
vividly to life through blind eyes. The world will never look the
same again after you hear The Sound of Honor.
The Sound of Honor Segment on Discover Oklahoma
|The Ultimate Financial
From Jim Stovall, author of the bestselling The Ultimate Gift
and The Ultimate Life, and financial planning expert, Tim
Maurer, comes the latest volume in the acclaimed Ultimate series..
Like its predecessors, The Ultimate Financial Plan:
Balancing Your Money and Life is sure to have a
significant impact on the way we think about money. Examining
the connection between actions, thoughts, and feelings when it comes
to all things financial, the book makes a revolutionary argument:
that the key to getting the most out of personal wealth comes from
the contentment found in balancing the influence of money in our
lives with personal values and goals..
"The Ultimate Financial Plan deals
with less tangible matters. While it covers most of the
traditional topics found in a personal finance book, it really isn’t
one.…to their credit, the writers—Jim Stovall, an inspirational
speaker and author, and Tim Maurer, a financial planner—say up front
that they are not writing the usual personal finance book.
Their goal is to help you decide where money fits into your life.”
~ Paul B. Brown, New York Times
Click here to learn more about The Ultimate
The Intersection of MONEY and LIFE. There are an endless
number of books that tell you what to do with your money. There are
even more books that tell you how to, and how not to, live. Why is
it that these two things that are so inseparable, money and life,
are only addressed separately? This book addresses the intersection
of the two. This is not another financial how-to book, nor is it a
collection of philosophical rambling that is hard to apply to daily
life. It is the Timeless Truths of personal finance. Many of these
have been forgotten, destining so many into financial hardship, but
they are the essential foundations for your successful financial
More information about
The Financial Crossroads book
|100 Worst Bosses
A great boss provides leadership, direction,
critique, and a positive example which allows each employee to
fulfill their potential while serving the organization. A bad boss
would be one who fails in at least one of these areas, but to be
immortalized as one of the worst bosses, you’ve got to create an
environment so toxic that none of these elements are present or they
are overshadowed by the deficiencies to such an extent that
employees are unable to approach their potential or even function.
In 100 Worst Bosses, Jim Stovall will show
you how to learn from the very worst how to be your very best.
Foreword by Steve Forbes
A customized guide to discovering
your personal path to success.
Productivity provides the practical tools needed for personal and
corporate achievement. It’s very evident that the writer, Jim
Stovall, has achieved a great deal of success in his own life, and
he is passing the baton to everyone who will take the time to read
and put into practice the principles in his book. I
incorporate these principles in my CPA business every day, and I
think this book would be very beneficial to anyone in business.
I also think the Ultimate Productivity Profile online is very
helpful in identifying internal and external factors that cause us
and those we work with to achieve peak performance.”
- Beth Burkeen, CPA
“The book completely changed my life.
Shortly after reading, I was promoted to General Manager in our
stores. I don’t think it was a coincidence because the book
magically turned on a switch inside of me. I want to read it
again, and I use your on-line profile test to get to know my people
and what motivates them.” - Daryl Shuck
|The King's Legacy
Jim Stovall’s classic parable returns in an
updated edition. In a land and time far from our own, there lived a
king of uncommon wisdom and insight. After guiding his people
through times of uncertainty and turmoil, the king now reigns over a
land filled with prosperity and peace. Now, nearing the end of his
reign, the king longs to leave a lasting legacy for his people. He
considers soaring monuments, precious coins bearing his likeness,
larger-than-life statues. But then the king has a remarkable idea:
To discover the most profound words of wisdom in the world. So the
king invites citizens from all walks of life and all corners of the
realm to share with him the best of their life lessons. Yet as the
king encounters a wealth of wisdom from his subjects, he faces a new
dilemma, just how to determine the single greatest truth in life.
Little does he know that the remarkable answer will come from the
most unexpected and unassuming of places.
Featuring an enhanced look and new
illustrations, this simple, profound story is perfect for readers of
|Today's the Day
What does it
mean to succeed in life? How can we achieve our goals no matter what
our circumstances? This inspiring and uplifting book will help
readers answer those questions personally. In Today's the Day
Jim Stovall shares easy-to-read, easy-to-put-to-work nuggets of
wisdom that he has learned personally by overcoming his own
blindness and becoming one of America's most accomplished
entrepreneurs. Each persuasive chapter gives readers practical,
positive, powerful insight that can help them successfully negotiate
every situation in life.
|Keeper of the Flame
You are about to embark on a journey that
will take you around the world and back in time. Jim Stovall's
masterfully-crafted prose will enlighten your soul, taking you
places where other people from other times will act as a mirror to
help you understand your own time and place and, more importantly,
yourself. “Knowledge is built upon knowledge. Humanity is
separated from all other creatures in that human beings can exchange
knowledge with one another so that one person may learn from the
experiences of literally hundreds who have gone before.
Knowledge is the first step to understanding and acceptance, just as
ignorance is the first step to confusion, misunderstanding, bigotry,
and hatred. He who would have peace and tranquility must first
embrace knowledge and learning. We fear that which we do not
know. We can only love that which we intimately know and
Jim Stovall has created another epic
masterpiece destined for the silver screen. Keeper of the
Flame will explode in the theater of your mind causing you to
think like you never have and live like you never thought you could.
If you loved The Ultimate Gift,
you will love The Lamp. It is a fascinating novel that you
won't be able to put down until you get to the end.
In The Lamp, you will explore the relationship between
wishing, hoping, believing, and reality. Who among us has not
thought about or wished for better things? Too often, these thoughts
or wishes simply fade away into nothingness as we focus on the
hectic lives that we all lead.
|You Don't Have to be
Blind to See
You Don't Have To Be Blind To See,
Jim Stovall shows you how to choose a new path that will lead to
success in every area of your life. This powerful, inspiring book
will help you dream big dreams and define success for yourself. It
will also give you the tools to make your dreams come true and
succeed on your own terms.
Among other things,
Stovall will show you how to:
- Discover your
- Change your life by changing your mind
- Find people around you who believe in your success
- Take the first step into your future
- Focus on your goal
- Prepare for your success
You don't have to
wait--a positive future can begin now. Let Jim Stovall show you how
to discover a vision for your personal destiny. "You don't need to
wait for a tragedy to give you a wake up call about your priorities
and your dreams...You don't have to be blind to see."
|Yes You Can!
In this powerful and
inspirational live presentation, Jim Stovall takes you inside one of
his arena events and shares the personal
story of the loss of his eyesight, and the steps he took
to move out of his 9' x 12' self-imposed prison. He shares the
following principles that led him to become a gold medalist
weightlifting champion and the president of the Emmy Award-winning
Narrative Television Network:
- You are one quality decision away
from anything you want.
- You have the right to choose.
- Your life is not a practice game.
- You change your life when you change your mind.
- Today is the day!
|The Ultimate Gift
When his wealthy
grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens inherits his
grandfather's crash course on life: 12 tasks-or gifts-designed
to challenge Jason in improbable ways. The "course" sends Jason on a
journey of self-discovery that forces him to reevaluate his
priorities and determine what he thinks the most important things in
life really are.
Starring: James Garner, Abigail Breslin,
Drew Fuller, and Brian Dennehy
a Fan of The Ultimate Gift Facebook page.
|Success Secrets of
If you want to know the best way to get to
the top of a mountain you are climbing, you are wise to ask a person
who has been to the top! That's the approach Jim Stovall has taken
in Success Secrets of Super Achievers.
In the course of Stovall's interviews with
dozens of people who are at the top of their fields-people widely
known and admired in entertainment, politics and law, business, and
religion-he has asked two compelling questions: How do you define
success and what does it take to be happy?
The answers will inspire you, at times they
may surprise you, and at other times they may move you deeply. In
all cases, the answers will enrich you and strengthen your own
desire to be all that you can be and accomplish all that you have
set as a goal.
Winning Insights from those who are at the
top! Featuring: Art Linkletter, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor,
Charlton Heston, Lou Holtz, Katharine Hepburn, Dr. Robert Schuller,
and 76 more.
|The Way I See the
Jim Stovall goes beyond theory and rhetoric.
Stovall uses his own life experience of overcoming the challenges of
blindness to achieve great success.
Stovall has been a national champion Olympic
weightlifter, an Emmy Award-winner, the National Entrepreneur of the
Year, one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, a highly
sought-after motivational speaker, and a successful author.
Through his own struggles, you will see your
own possibilities and your ultimate destiny. In this book, Stovall
offers you not only a great reading experience, but he offers you
his partnership in your own personal and professional success.
You will laugh, and
you will cry, but you will never be the same.
|Wisdom of the Ages
What is the Wisdom of the Ages?
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was an enchanted
kingdom ruled by a benevolent and much-loved king who, through his
uncommon wisdom and insights, led his people through many difficult
times to a period of peace, prosperity and happiness such as the
kingdom had never known..
Now nearing the end of his reign, the king contemplates his legacy.
What would be a fitting memorial to his time on the throne? A
monument to rival the pyramids of Egypt? A gold coin bearing his
likeness? A colossal statue carved in his image? No. Such an
enlightened ruler would choose a very different kind of memorial...
From the far corners of the realm, ordinary citizens are invited to
the Throne Room to express the greatest wisdom that life has taught
them. Farmers and physicians, hunters and historians, jesters and
judges--all come before the monarch. From the wisdom that they
share, the king will select that one bit that surpasses all the
others, wisdom that will be passed around the world, wisdom that
will benefit all people from all lands, forever: the Wisdom of the
But as the king hears from more and more of his subjects, he becomes
worried and restless. From so much profound and wonderful wisdom,
how will he discern the Wisdom of the Ages? How will he know when he
has found it? The answer comes in a form that no one, from the king
to the lowliest peasant, could expect, for the greatest wisdom comes
from the most unexpected of places...
|The Lamp, novel
For Stanley, life stopped dead in its tracks the day his young son
was accidentally killed. His wife, Lisa, tried to push forward into
the future, but her husband didn't even know where to begin.
Charles Montgomery III appeared out of nowhere and challenged the
couple to consider the inconceivable. "What I am about to tell you
will change your life. You can have anything you want, including
true happiness, and I am going to tell you the secret of how to get
Will Stanley let go of the past and grab hold of a future full
of love and a new destiny?? Will Lisa take her friend's advice and
leave Stanley for the guy at the fitness club? Or will they continue
to be haunted by the pain and guilt of that fateful day when Eddy
died? The Lamp brings Stanley and Lisa face-to-face with past
tragedy and future hope-all wrapped in the gift of three wishes that
will challenge you to live beyond the hurt and pain, if you just
|The Lamp Movie
A sharply intelligent author, Stanley has
everything: A successful
career, a beautiful home, and a loving wife and son. But when his
little boy is killed in a tragic accident, Stanley cannot accept his
loss and proceeds to poison his marriage and everything around him
with his bitterness and grief.
Two years have passed since the
tragedy. Stanley is on the verge of leaving Lisa, his long-suffering
spouse, and he hasn't written a word since the death of his son. But
a visit from a mysterious and magical messenger, who offers him
three wishes, just may reawaken Stanley's hope for the future. With
a little help from a couple of needy foster kids next door, Stanley
and Lisa find that all their wishes can come true if they just
Starring Jason London, Meredith Salenger, Cameron ten Napel, L.
Scott Caldwell, Muse Watson, and Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.


💖Henley & Brooklynn💖
Six Years of AN Unbreakable Bond
Friendship that stands the test of time! Meet Henley & Brooklynn, two remarkable tweens who've shared laughter, dreams, and adventures for the past six years. Their bond is a testament to the power of true friendship. Today we celebrate their journey together in a heartwarming photo series featuring Henley & Brooklynn in our upcoming spring and summer 2024 collections. Join us as we capture the essence of their beautiful friendship and the vibrant personalities that make them shine individually and together.
FROM THE BEGINNING
In the heart of a bustling library, where books whispered tales of far-off lands and whispered secrets, two bright-eyed 6-year-olds found each other. Little did they know that this chance encounter would mark the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Henley and Brooklynn, an inseparable pair, embarked on a remarkable journey that would see them through Girl Scouts, dance recitals, countless holidays, and countless shared smiles.
Their first meeting, like something out of a storybook, was followed by a visit to Chick-fil-A, where they bonded over chicken nuggets and laughter. From that day forward, they became partners in adventure, painting their lives with strokes of joy, friendship, and shared experiences.
the dynamic duo
What truly sets Henley and Brooklynn apart is their unwavering respect for each other. In a world where differences sometimes drive friends apart, these two have discovered the power of understanding and acceptance. Even on the rare occasion when disagreements arise, they offer each other space and time to reflect. Like the sunrise after a storm, their friendship always emerges stronger and brighter the next day.
Henley, with her outgoing nature and infectious joy, complements Brooklynn's reserved demeanor and sassy sense of humor perfectly. Together, they form a dynamic duo of positivity and laughter. Their unique blend of personalities has enriched their friendship, allowing them to appreciate each other's distinct qualities.
A magical moment
Together, they navigated the winding roads of childhood, celebrating every holiday with unwavering enthusiasm. Their joint ventures in Girl Scouts and dance classes forged an unbreakable bond as they learned the values of teamwork and perseverance, side by side.
However, one of their most cherished adventures took place in the magical kingdom of Disneyland. Dressed as adorable Dalmatian puppies, they embarked on a day filled with enchantment. Little did they know, their escapade would literally stop traffic. As they marveled at the grand parade, the queen of mean herself, Cruella de Vil, couldn't resist the irresistible duo. She jumped out of her car to catch a glimpse of Henley and Brooklynn, a testament to their infectious charm.
Henley & Brooklynn are wearing styles from our upcoming paper flower spring/summer 2024 collection. Available in the trendiest boutiques march 2024. for more info or to be featured in a dynamic duo photoshoot please email us at email@example.com
6 years & counting
As Henley and Brooklynn continue their journey through life, one thing remains certain: their friendship will endure, a shining example of the beautiful connections that can be forged when two hearts meet at the right place and the right time, serving as a heartfelt reminder of the enduring power of friendship, respect, and shared laughter in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and unpredictable. Reflecting on the extraordinary journey of Henley and Brooklynn, we can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their story.
It has been an absolute pleasure to witness their friendship blossom and to share in their adventures. We know that their futures are as bright as the smiles they've shared, and we're excited to see the incredible paths they will each carve out. From all of us here at the Paper Flower team, we wish Henley and Brooklynn the very best in everything that lies ahead. May your days be filled with continued laughter, joy, and boundless success.


Mike Campbell served as an award-winning writer while on active duty with the U.S. Navy and as a civilian journalist and Public Affairs Officer with the Department of Defense. Mike retired from federal service in 2008.
Mike met Thomas E. Devine, author of the 1987 classic, Eyewitness: The Amelia Earhart Incident, in 1988. He was convinced that Devine, Fred Goerner, Vincent V. Loomis, Paul Briand Jr., and others were correct when they claimed Earhart and Fred Noonan died on Saipan after their disappearance in 1937. After 14 years of collaboration with Devine, With Our Own Eyes: Eyewitnesses to the Final Days of Amelia Earhart, was published in 2002 by a small Ohio company.
In 2005, he co-wrote “The Atchison Report,” an extensive debunking of the notorious and false Amelia Earhart-as-Irene Bolam theory. This theory was first presented in the 1970 book, Amelia Earhart Lives. “The Atchison Report” was distributed to researchers at the 2005 Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kansas, Earhart’s birthplace.
Mike lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife, Nee, and their two cats.


Year-end shout-out post dedicated to local Chicago arts publication, Third Coast Review, for supporting the Chicago arts community, and trusting me as a new contributor this year.
In January 2019, a friend referred me to literary editor Dan Kelly, and soon after I was pitching interviews with Chicago authors (or authors who write about Chicago). It became an excellent excuse to get coffee and talk nerdy with Chicago’s literary finest, including Brahm Stoker nominee Julia Fine, Hugo Finalist Alec Nevala-Lee, and accidentally-infamous TJ Martinson, not to mention my personal Chicago literary hero Gint Aras (interview forthcoming). Each author left me agape with more quoteable quotes than I could fit on a page, and each was exceptionally gracious and generous with their time and wisdom. Many thanks and happy writing to each of them in 2020.
This past fall I also began contributing book reviews as well, which you can check out here and here.
Writing about the city, and chatting with writers who share this cityscape has transformed the way I look at both my home and my work. Check out the Best of 2019 as curated by Dan Kelly here.
I’m currently open to book review and interview requests. If you are a Chicago writer and interested in a review / interview for an upcoming release–or just for fun–please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email terry dot galvan dot writer at gmail dot com, or Twitter @TerryGalvanChi.
The talented and charismatic Julia Fine was kind enough to spend an afternoon with me discussing her debut What Should Be Wild. Julia’s an erudite champion of the Chicago literary community, and her novel entwines a profound femme coming-of-age story with wild magic. I’ll be following Julia’s career closely as she blazes into genre-bending and empowering feminist philosophy.
Check out the transcript of our conversation here and pick up What Should Be Wild at your favorite local bookstore or public library.
I had the privilege of interviewing Chicago-area author Alec Nevala-Lee about his group biography Astounding: John W. Campbell, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, L. Ron Hubbard, and the Golden Age of Science Fiction , just as he was named a 2019 Hugo finalist for Best Related Work.
Alec and I met at November 2018’s Deep Dish SFF reading series at Volumes Bookcafe . We got into a lively conversation over ramen with Speculative Literature Foundation founder and Deep Dish host Mary Anne Mohanraj about the nuances of nerd culture, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to continue the conversation after reading his work.
Read the full interview at Third Coast Review. Many thanks to my professional, freakishly-on-time transcriptionist Grace Hall for saving me from premature arthritis, and best of luck to Alec at the Hugo’s, and on his next biography project.
Know any Chicago-based or Chicago-themed writers who’d like to feature an interview in Third Coast Review? Contact me at terry dot galvan dot writer at gmail dot com.
Deep Dish is Volumes Bookcafe Sci-Fi & Fantasy quarterly reading series. Join us:
Thursday October 11, 2018
1474 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60622
with hosts Mary Anne Mohanraj and Chris Bauer
Grab a glass of wine or a coffee and settle in for an evening of quality stories.


Every person I have talked to over the past two decades who have asked me for stock trading advice, I have always recommended them to read one book. And that is Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre:
Why do I cherish this book so much? Because it accurately details what life can be as an equity trader. Even though the story takes place in the early 1900s, the physchological impacts of the stock market on Jesse Livermore (the main character in the book) and his trading are wonderfully detailed in the book. Any trader, new or pro, will enjoy reading this book from beginning to end. It's fascinating, educational, and most of all an inspiration for all stock traders.
If you know of any other books you recommend for new traders to read, please post them below in the comments section. Thank you!
- Hubert Tsai


The Importance of Style in Writing
There is a wide range of writing styles. In fact, there are several categories of writing style that can be used in any genre, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. However, some writers use a particular style for every work, while others don’t. Here are some ways to distinguish between different styles. Some of these examples are listed below. In a given text, style means how a writer frames their thoughts and creates a particular emotional effect in the reader.
There are different types of styles. The APA Manual of Style and the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers each use a slightly different terminology. The MLA manual refers to the bibliography as “Works Cited,” while the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association uses the term “References.” Regardless of the style used in a text, a few things remain consistent. Using a reference book to cite a source is the best practice.
One of the biggest differences between style manuals is terminology. MLA uses “Works Cited” while the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) uses “References.” Both manuals refer to bibliography as a section of the text. You can find more information about both types of citation styles at the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library. A quick search will turn up a wealth of information. It’s recommended to consult a library with experience in the field to make the most informed decision.
Authors have varying styles. Some authors are famous for their direct, non-verbal style, and others for their stream of consciousness. James Joyce is also famous for his varying styles, ranging from impenetrable to impenetrable. A book’s style can also be determined by the genre. For example, a thriller written for adults will be written differently than a young adult fantasy novel. Hence, the use of a reference style is highly recommended.
In writing, the use of style is an important consideration. There are three major styles in use: the AP Stylebook and the ASA manual. APA and Chicago manuals are both the most common. In addition, the Chicago Manual of Style is the most popular among the two. In a similar vein, APA and ASA stylebooks are the most common and frequently used. All of them are widely used in many fields, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The use of style is essential for many people. A single style sheet may be used for different purposes. For example, a style sheet created for a corporate website might be used in speech-based browsers. For instance, a corporate document may use a “corporate” style sheet for its website. Then, it could also be used in a blog. The style of a website depends on its audience. Whether a user wants to be read by a person or a group of people, the style of a website should be considered.


presented by Acoustic Learning
The scansion presented in this book is adapted from Edgar Allan Poe's essay "The Rationale of Verse" (1850), available online from the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore. When "Rationale" was written, Poe had no evidence to support his prosodic theory; and, for nearly a century following its publication, no evidence would be found. Poe's theory can now be supported by modern findings, an account of which is given in Christopher Aruffo's "Reconsidering Poe's Rationale of Verse," Poe Studies: History, Theory, Interpretation 44 (2011): 69. For those readers who wish to evaluate the evidence directly, some essential sources are referenced below.
Poe's most contentious claim was that syllabic length produces stress. Linguists now know that length is a primary correlate of English stress. To learn more about the contribution of length to perceived stress, see Alice E. Turk and James R. Sawusch, "The Processing of Duration and Intensity Cues to Prominence," Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 99, no. 6 (1996): 3789.
Secondly, Poe was criticized for assigning the same value to every "long" syllable, despite the obvious fact that stressed syllables such as smoothed and pep have different durations. We now know that stress is perceived at a syllable's "perceptual center," rendering its absolute duration irrelevant. For more, see John Morton, Steve Marcus, and Clive Frankish, "Perceptual Centers (P-centers)," Psychological Review 83, no. 5 (1976): 405.
Finally, the mathematical rigidity of Poe's scansion was denounced for its implication that verse rhythm should be read as stiffly as a clicking metronome. However, Poe used scansion to show relative syllabic values, not absolute timing. English requires irregular timing to indicate phrasing and emotion. For more on the relationship between timing regularity and English grammar, see Ilse Lehiste, "Isochrony Reconsidered," Journal of Phonetics 5, no. 3 (1977): 253. To understand the effects of timing variation within a rigid metrical structure, see Anjali Bhatara et al., "Perception of Emotional Expression In Musical Performance," Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 37, no. 3 (2011): 921.
In addition to adapting Poe's scansion, the current volume introduces the rhythmical concept of a short stress. Short stresses represent the linguistic construct of "syllabified consonants," as found at the ends of words like given or puzzle. There is ongoing debate as to whether such words should be considered two syllables or one; the scansion here resolves the debate by suggesting that a syllabified consonant may function as either a second short syllable, or as part of a single "short stress," as required. For more about syllabified consonants, see Peter Ladefoged and Keith Johnson, A Course In Phonetics, 6th ed. (Beverly, MA: Wadsworth Publishing, 2010).
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Each project will have:
Understanding the Federation des Associations Regionales Haitiennes de la Diaspora (FAREHD) and the Kay Pa Nou Project is essential to grasp the transformative power of community development initiatives. Haiti, a country rich in culture and potential, has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its progress. However, through the concerted efforts of organizations like FAREHD and projects like Kay Pa Nou, positive change is being instigated.
The Kay Pa Nou Project is a comprehensive initiative designed to uplift communities in all ten departments of Haiti. It is built on five pillars: education, health, economic growth, knowledge, and recreation. Each of these components is integral to the holistic development of the community.
Education is the cornerstone of development. The Kay Pa Nou Project recognizes this and prioritizes the establishment of primary, secondary, and professional schools in each department. These institutions provide the children and youth of Haiti with the knowledge and skills necessary to shape their future and contribute to their communities.
Health is wealth, and the Kay Pa Nou Project ensures that this wealth is accessible to all. By setting up medical centers, the project brings essential healthcare services closer to the people, promoting overall community health and well-being.
Economic empowerment is a critical aspect of community development. The Kay Pa Nou Project fosters this through the creation of credit unions. These institutions provide financial services to the community, encouraging economic activity and growth.
Knowledge is power, and libraries are powerhouses. The Kay Pa Nou Project establishes libraries in each department, providing a wealth of resources for learning and intellectual growth.
Recreation centers are hubs for community interaction and well-being. The Kay Pa Nou Project recognizes this and includes the construction of these centers in its plan. These centers provide a space for community members to engage in physical activities, socialize, and foster a sense of community.
The Kay Pa Nou Project has made significant strides in transforming communities in Haiti. From providing quality education to hundreds of children to improving access to healthcare services, the project's impact is far-reaching. Furthermore, the ripple effect of these initiatives extends beyond the direct beneficiaries, positively affecting the wider community.
Supporting the Kay Pa Nou Project is a tangible way to contribute to the development of Haiti. Donations are a critical source of funding for the project. Additionally, there are numerous volunteering opportunities available for those who wish to offer their time and skills.
The Kay Pa Nou Project exemplifies the power of collective effort in transforming communities. Through its comprehensive approach to development, it is making a significant difference in the lives of Haitians and paving the way for a brighter future for the country.


PILPG in Print
Members of PILPG, including members of the Managing Board, frequently publish op-eds in major news outlets focusing on a range of breaking international news stories. See a select list of writing below.
Click for select op-eds
- Chemical Red Lines on Syria, by Paul R. Williams, J. Trevor Ulbrick & Jonathan P. Worboys, Foreign Policy, December 5, 2012
- Preventing Atrocity Crimes in Syria: The Responsibility to Protect, by Paul R. Williams, J. Trevor Ulbrick & Jonathan P. Worboys, The Atlantic Council, New Atlanticist Blog, September 10, 2012
- Making a Spectacle of Himself: Milosevic Wants a Stage, Not the Right to Provide His Own Defense, by Michael P. Scharf, The Washington Post, August 24, 2004.


Founded in 1885 as Smith & Teal, we are Oregon’s second oldest law firm. The firm’s history is closely tied with the growth of its hometown, Portland, Oregon.
The Early Years, 1885-1894
In 1885, Portland was a hub of rail and steamship transportation for the expanding Pacific Northwest. That year, young lawyers Milton W. Smith and Joseph N. Teal formed a partnership and practiced from the Union Block, located at the corner of First and Stark, in what was then the heart of Portland’s financial district.
Mr. Smith went on to become a circuit court judge. Mr. Teal tried the famous Columbia Basin Rate Case, which gave the Northwest a 10 percent reduction in railroad freight rates and was a major step toward prosperity in Portland. Pendleton attorney Lewis B. Cox, who represented Umatilla County for one session in the state legislature, joined the firm two years later. Mr. Cox was much admired in the legal fraternity and was active in hospital development.
High Water In Portland, 1894-1904
With the Willamette River seawall as yet unbuilt, periodic floods disrupted Portland’s downtown business. Shortly before the Great Flood of 1894, Wirt Minor and William Wick Cotton were added to the partnership. Wirt Minor was an avid golfer, establishing the Waverly Country Club and often golfing 36 holes a day. Mr. Cotton, the more industrious of the two, was appointed by the 1901 Oregon Legislature, together with Judge Charles B. Bellinger, to prepare a compilation of Oregon legislative law, cited for many years as the authoritative statutory law. Of these first five partners, three went on to become judges.
Meet Me On The Trail, 1904-1907
Lewis B. Cox, a partner from 1887 to 1898, conceived the idea and played a key role in making the Lewis & Clark Exposition a reality in Portland. This 1905 fair with its slogan of “Meet Me On the Trail” was instrumental in the tremendous growth and development Portland experienced from 1910 to 1915. Mr. Cox, as well as many other prominent businessmen of his time, saw the fair as being essential to the community. His efforts are still recognized and appreciated today.
The Great War, 1907-1920
The country had grown into a world power. The U.S. Navy included the powerful battleship Oregon. And in Portland, prior to the United States’ involvement in World War I, Messrs. Teal and Minor asked Andrew B. Winfree to join their firm. A graduate of Washington & Lee University, Mr. Winfree added a sophisticated Eastern approach to law. Immediately thereafter, William C. McCulloch entered the firm to assist Mr. Teal in the freight-rate litigation. There were no recruits for the war from the office. However, John W. Shuler, a young sailor who served in the Navy, would later become senior partner of the firm.
The Roaring ‘20s, 1920-1930
When the dance of the day was the Charleston and liquor was sold only underground, downtown Portland bustled with activity. At that time, the partners ushered in a replacement for the late Mr. Minor. Looking for someone to handle the increasing amount of municipal bond work, they chose William Johnson. He remained with the firm until his death near the end of the 1920s, at which time John Shuler assumed the responsibility of municipal bond attorney. At this same time came the passing of Mr. Teal, who had been with the firm continuously since 1885 and was a senior partner since 1904. The firm would list his name as senior partner until 1917.
The Depression and World War II, 1930-1945
The Tillamook Burn darkened the Oregon sky. Portland, hit hard by the Depression, aided the needy with soup lines and CCC work projects. But the firm did not reduce staff during the ‘30s and optimistically added an additional litigator, Alfred P. Kelley. Mr. Kelley later became a colonel serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. John Shuler continued his involvement in municipal bond work. Mr. McCulloch was admitted to practice before both the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Post-War Prosperity, 1945-1972
It was a robust time of growth for the country, for Oregon and for the firm. New construction symbolized the optimism of Portland. With the withdrawal of Mr. Kelley in 1947, the firm convinced Paul A. Sayre to become senior litigator. Two young associates were added the following year: Howard A. Rankin, a naval veteran and recent University of Kansas School of Law graduate and John H. Holloway, who later became executive secretary of the Oregon State Bar.
Mr. Rankin became a partner in the firm in 1951. Mr. Winfree and Mr. McCulloch, each resisting retirement, agreed in 1958 to turn their senior partnership role over to John W. Shuler. During this era, the firm became nationally recognized in the field of municipal law and finance. Mr. Shuler, after more than 50 years of continuous employment with the firm, died in 1971.
Closing of the Firm’s First Century, 1972-1986
With its work expanding during this time in municipal law, business and tax practice, the firm moved from the Spalding Building to the Morgan Building and then, in late 1976, to the Benj. Franklin Plaza. On January 1, 1977, with Howard Rankin as senior partner, Garry P. McMurry, Dennis R. VavRosky and Patric J. Doherty joined the partnership. It was in this period that the firm expanded its practice into civil litigation and workers’ compensation defense.
The firm expanded its litigation and municipal finance departments with the addition of two attorneys. Peter R. Mersereau joined the litigation department in 1982, becoming a partner in 1983, and James P. Shannon joined the municipal finance department in 1983, becoming a partner in 1985.
Portlandia, a large sculpture second in size only to the Statue of Liberty, capped a period of growth for the city and arrival of the firm’s 100th year of service to business and government in Oregon.
Beginning of the Firm’s Second Century, 1986-Present Day
Returning to its roots at the start of its second century, the firm decided to focus its practice on public finance and litigation. In 1990 the workers compensation group moved from the firm’s home on the 16th floor of the Benj. Franklin Plaza, now the Umpqua Bank Plaza, and the firm was renamed Rankin, Mersereau & Shannon. Mr. Mersereau and Mr. Shannon continue to lead the firm’s boutique practice in municipal finance and litigation under the name Mersereau Shannon LLP.


The Italian section of the Department of German and Romance Languages and Literatures offers students the opportunity to study Italian language from the elementary level through advanced composition and grammar
Italian News & Announcements
The board of MLN Italian is delighted to announce that its 2021 issue will be devoted to the work of Elena Ferrante. Guest editors: Professors Tiziana De Rogatis, Stiliana Milkova, and Katrin Wehling Giorgi The global success of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels has firmly established the author as one of the most powerful voices of contemporary World […]
Professor Laura Di Bianco was awarded the “Lauro De Bosis Postdoctoral Fellowship in the History of Italian Civilization” at Harvard University, for spring 2020, for her research project Crumbling Beauty. Italian Cinema in the Age of the Anthropocene.
Professor Walter Stephens and Earle Havens, Kurrelmeyer Curator of Rare Books at the JHU libraries, recently published Literary Forgery in Early Modern Europe 1450-1800, a collection of 13 essays on the subject (Johns Hopkins UP, 2018).


Nothing beats cuddling up with your baby or toddler and reading to them, does it? From ‘baby’s first book’ that you’ll read in soft, calming tones, to interactive books that will allow your child to join in with the story telling, there’s always a fabulous range of books on offer.
Here’s our guide to the best of what’s on the shelves at the moment. ….
by Sophy Henn
Ted is always on the go! If he isn’t whizzing about in his little racing car, he’s digging a hole with his digger. Your child will have great fun watching as Ted’s imagination goes wild…and, thanks to the flaps that are easily manoeuvred by little hands, he or she will be able to see what Ted’s planning to do next!
by Tim Hopgood
Tip Tap Went the Crab is the latest offering from award-winning illustrator, Tim Hopgood. This engaging board book features a curious little crab, who tip-taps out of her rock pool to explore the big blue sea and goes on to discover a world full of wonderful creatures. After some time, however, she realises that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere and is happy to tip-tap home with her ten baby crabs.
by Julia Donaldson
This book may not be exactly ‘new’ but its beautifully redesigned cover makes it a must-have choice for any child’s bookshelf. The Snail and the Whale is just one of the fantastic collaborations between the picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creators of the global success, The Gruffalo. In the book the two characters go on an amazing journey, but when disaster strikes, it’s the tiny snail who saves the day. A beautiful tale of friendship.
by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Alison Jay
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is another classic that has been given a new lease of life thanks to the beautiful illustrations of Alison Jay. Babies and toddlers will love the playful and quirky characters Jay brings to life in this beautiful board book, which is the perfect first introduction to Alice. Your child can run, dance, party and play with Alice in Wonderland, while you can introduce him or her to fun first words like ‘drink’, ‘shrink’, ‘eat’ and ‘grow’.
Award-winning Lane Smith recreates the life story of a much-loved great-grandfather through wonderful illustrations of topiary in this beautiful and touching tribute. Memories of his childhood include his love of stories – illustrated by the Wizard of Oz characters cut into shapes in a hedge. But then war breaks out, and Grandpa’s life is to change forever. An ode to the joys of a full life well lived, as well as to the sorrows that it can sometimes bring.
Julia Donaldson makes another welcome appearance on our top books’ list – this time in partnership with celebrated book illustrator, Helen Oxenbury. This read-aloud classic sees Rabbit arrive home one day to hear a loud voice coming from inside his burrow:
‘I’m the Giant Jumperee and I’m scary as can be!’ shouts the stranger. Rabbit’s friends Cat, Bear, and Elephant come to help, but they’re no match for the mysterious, booming voice. But who is the Giant Jumperee?


The Caldecott Chronicles No. 1 – a reviewJuly 2, 2012
Victorian England. Zombies. With an intro like this I was immediately reminded of the dire Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and more than a little apprehensive. Luckily, I was positively surprised by R.G. Bullet’s first YA book (or rather, “excerpt”) The Caldecott Chronicles. It’s a very short book, so this review will also be a compact one.
The short book of 120 pages is written in the form of a diary, and it details the exploits of the 32nd Earl of Rothshire. In 1896 everyone – aristocrat and peasant alike – is inexplicably hungering for warm flesh, and the fine Earl must adjust with the aid of a young peasant girl and a fine Purdey shotgun. What follows is a lot of fun.
What makes The Caldecott Chronicles so enjoyable? Since I can’t avoid comparisons with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, here goes. TCC isn’t too over the top. You won’t find ninjas, katanas, Shaolin monks or any of that here. What you will find is bear traps, steam technology and a somewhat stiff upper lip. Bullet is also a pretty fluent writer, and the book is an easy read. While not quite reaching “hilarious”, the book did give me a fair few chuckles mostly relating to the polite and reserved mindset of the main protagonist. The book is fairly well grounded in the period, and there weren’t any glaring historical errors. All in all, TCC was what I had hoped PaPaZ to be.
As mentioned, TCC is a quick read. I read it via Amazon’s Kindle cloud on my Android phone, and the book was nicely suited to that platform. The second book is available now, with more on the way soon.
Overall verdict: The Caldecott Chronicles nicely combines the elegance of Victorian England with shambling undead. The result is a fun, humorous mix of period and zombie fiction, and yet another great YA book. Definitely worth getting, if you’re looking to grab a quick bite-sized read.
You can read my interview with R.G. Bullet here!


I’ve been a busy bee these past few months and here’s what I’ve got to show for it!
I’m the Boss of My Body!
Using simple, empowering language, “I’m the Boss of My Body!” makes it a bit easier to teach and open up discussion with little ones about the very sensitive, but necessary topic of child molestation and prevention.
And He Chose the Vine
For any woman whose strength, faithfulness, and trustworthiness has been noticed and appreciated by the man who made her his wife. For any man who has thwarted the affections of other women, recognized the sanctity and seriousness of marriage, and made the choice to declare to the world in word and deed that “a man who finds a wife finds a good thing.” This book is a sweet reminder that of all the women in all the world you, wife, are his chosen “Vine;” and you, husband, chose the vitality of the “Vine” that stands before you both now and forevermore!
Equality, Community, and Church Liability in Urban Education
Using the Detroit Public Schools as the primary backdrop, Teamor uses data gathering including pre and post surveys, investigative, and historical research, to prove that given equal educational and extra curricular opportunities, the mental and academic expectancies of inner city students would become more parallel to those of their suburban counterparts.


Copyright © 2004 © the Debian Installer team
Copyright © 2004 © Canonical Ltd.
This manual is free software; you may redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Please refer to the license in Section C.4, “GNU General Public License”.
This document contains installation instructions for the Ubuntu 4.10 “Warty Warthog” system, for the Intel x86 (“i386”) architecture. It also contains pointers to more information and information on how to make the most of your new Ubuntu system.
Table of Contents


Many businesses, especially medium and larger companies profit from applying the technology of business intelligence and analytics.
This field helps business managers to access insights from data that help them make evidence-based decisions, giving them an advantage in their industry.
In choosing our list of books, we considered which will be suitable for expert focused hands-on skills, for business stakeholders or employee-focused to up skills.
There are other large collections of BI books but here are the best 7 and most relevant ones we recommend.
Data Strategy: How To Profit From A World Of Big Data, Analytics And The Internet Of Things by Bernard Marr
This book is highly relevant to business leaders as the book will convince top managers of the benefit of a business intelligence strategy.
The strength here is that it gives a big-picture view of big data strategy applied in business intelligence and analytics.
The knowledge in the book is also useful to all players in the business and IT world.
Data Analytics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Data Analytics by Edward Mize
If you are a fan of easy to read books like most people, you’d be happy with what reviewers say about the author’s teaching skill.
A little math has not killed anyone yet and that is as much as you need to understand and apply the knowledge from the book.
At the end of the book, anyone with the determination will be able to learn techniques that will help them gain a competitive advantage in their businesses.
Data Analytics: Become A Master In Data Analytics by Richard Dorsey
This book will make your journey towards becoming a data analyst and business analyst easier.
It promises to be a gentle introduction to the life of a data scientist, which will not make you cringe under the toughness of how data analytics could be.
The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide To Dimensional Modeling by Ralph Kimball & Margy Ross
If you think of a book that has it all for all levels of players in business intelligence, it is this one. The 14 case studies culled from all areas of business life are apt in providing business tailored text as well.
Business Intelligence for Dummies by Swain Scheps
For everyone willing to have practicable knowledge on business intelligence and analytics, this is a very top-rated book to read.
With a very simple approach to teaching, there is no much fancy tech stuff to deal with, but with the knowledge from it, business leaders can plan and implement BI in their business.
Data Analytics For Beginners: Your Ultimate Guide To Learn And Master Data Analysis. Get Your Business Intelligence Right – Accelerate Growth And Close More Sales” by Victor Finch
A lot of insights for anyone interested in basic business intelligence for growth hack.
This book is truly useful for beginners and it has useful insights that business leaders will find very useful practical applications.
The author is thoughtful of various users of BI tools and technologies.
Data Science For Business: What You Need To Know About Data Mining And Data-Analytic Thinking by Foster Provost & Tom Fawcett
If you ever dived a little deeper into big data and AI, you will know the importance of data models.
For anyone willing to roll up their sleeves in data science, this is one of the books to start with.


Some tips on getting started for the new reader/collector
So you’ve become interested in comic books, but don’t know where to begin. Maybe you’ve seen one (or several) of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, binged Teen Titans Go! on Hulu, or enjoyed Umbrella Academy on Netflix, and now you’re looking for the source material and more. Here’s some tips on how to get started.
Reading vs Collecting
Hopefully, you’ll be both a reader and collector, but throughout this post, I’ll make some distinctions between these two aspects of the hobby. My first recommendation is to start reading and familiarizing yourself with stories and characters from different publishers in a cost effective manner. You’ll then have a sense of what you might want to spend money on going forward.
Your Local Library
As a new fan, your first stop should be your local library to see if/what comics they might circulate. I am fortunate that my town library (Guilderland, NY Public Library) has an extensive collection of Trade Paper Backs (TPB’s), Hard Covers, and Graphic Novels. Over the years, I’ve been a regular borrower from this collection. In fact, my most recent loans are the Daredevil Shadowland collections depicted in the featured pic of this article. Taking advantage of what your library has to offer will give you a great sense of what you want to pursue further, and best of all it’s free. You only need a library card!!!
In addition to the impressive collection of graphic novels and TPB’s shown above, my local library also has an assortment of recent single issues available to read. These comics are marked as provided by a Local Comic Shop (LCS), not only exposing library visitors to some popular titles, but also making them aware of their store should the reader wish to explore the hobby a little further.
On the subject of libraries, check to see if your branch has any digital comics for loan. Libby by OverDrive is a common app used by US libraries to make digital materials available to their members. These digital materials might include TPB’s/graphic novels that you can download and read on a tablet, as shown in the example embedded below. Your libraries digital collection might also include audio books, and novels/adaptations based on comics, so you’ll have to experiment with your search terms to see what’s available to borrow.
Digital services such as Comixology and Marvel Unlimited make huge catalogs of comics available by different means. Comixology allows you to purchase digital versions of comics, which you will build into a virtual collection accessible from any of your devices. Comixology does have a category of FREE comics to download, so you might want to take a look there to see what catches your interest.
Marvel Unlimited on the other hand charges a monthly fee which allows access to a reported 25,000 comics. Think of this as more like a streaming service, but instead of watching movies, you’re reading what’s available from the inventory offered.
Trade Paper Backs, Omnibus. Etc
When we begin talking about collecting, rather than reading, we are talking about ownership of items. Yes, a service like Comixology as mentioned above lets you collect digital versions of comics, but I think most will agree the hobby is built on holding a paper publication in your hands.
Some enthusiasts focus on Trade Paper Backs, Omnibus, and other collected editions, which typically collect a story line, or run by a creative team into a single volume, or volumes. These collections allow someone to own/read an established and complete story line, including what you might consider the greatest hits of comic books. The downside is that they are collections – not true first appearances, or key issues sought after by collectors. As mentioned above, I regularly read these types of collections as loans from my local library, but I don’t purchase them.
In my opinion, there is nothing better in the hobby than collecting single issues. Yes, you may be collecting series or runs, but those series or runs are comprised of…. you guessed it – single issues.
Whether purchasing new issues, or back issues, buy, read, and collect whatever interests you. However, a word of advice – if you try to collect everything, you’ll go broke!!
I strongly recommend that you set some parameters and a budget for yourself. Read some collections in the free or more affordable ways described above to see where your interests are (publishers, creators, characters, series, etc) and then start buying/collecting.
Like any other product, you can order comics online, but if you have one (or more) in your community, nothing beats visiting a local comic shop (LCS). Not only will you be able to buy new and back issues, but you’ll have the opportunity to get recommendations from staff and customers on titles you might be interested in. To find an LCS in your area, try: https://www.comicshoplocator.com/
I hope these tips are useful to new readers/collectors in getting into the hobby. Check back soon, as our next Collecting 101 post will focus on protecting and storing your growing collection.


How do you think you could use RSS feeds at your library? How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?
I am using RSS feeds on my hospital library intranet site. I am linking to topic specific RSS feeds under a News category - i.e. Internal Medicine, Nursing. I am hoping that patrons will choose to go to the library site to get the latest topic specific news.
I hope that there is a better way to do what I am already doing. It seems that a Feed Reader will simplify the process of linking to many RSS feeds. After completing the Week 1 exercise, I'm not sure if I can link a Feed Reader to my library intranet site to manage RSS feeds or if the Feed Readers are only designed to be used by one person. I would like to link one up in such a way that it would be freely available 24/7 to anyone with access to my library's site.


Indexing for beginners
Indexing is not a quick or simple process but it is very logical and can be very satisfying.
The Chicago Manual Style
The complexity of the indexing enterprise is shown by the fact that the 16th edition of the Chicago Manual Style (CMS) has 64 pages about indexing (I have not seen the 17th edition). The list of entries in Chapter 16 on Indexes shows the many things that have to be considered. CMS very kindly allows free downloads of the 53-page Indexes chapter from the 15th edition.
However, MIT and the Wiley have simple documents that introduce the concepts a beginner needs to know about: how to handle names, abbreviations, compound terms and cross-references. (The documents refer to older versions of CMS and expect you to make manual lists. Don’t worry about the manual lists. They are not necessary because of the computer tools we have today.)
Some people think you can get Word to automatically mark your text for the index (automarking) but automarking does not happen without previous input from the author or editor. Here is an Indexing Example document.
I suggest you download this one-page Indexing Example document to practice on. Create two versions, one for manual indexing and one for automatic indexing.
Things to think about
- Think about whether you will have capital letters for main entries. For example, in a book about composers, I might put PURCELL as the main entry so that composers stand out in the index.
- Think about whether you will have italics for other entries. For example, Dido and Aeneas is in italics to show it is a the title of a published work or collection.
- Think about saving space in the index. For example, I could have two separate entries for “University of Natal” and “University of KwaZulu-Natal”, but the repetition of “University of” could have made both names wrap onto two lines (4 lines). Instead, I made two main entries under “University” with sub-entries for “Natal” and “KwaZulu-Natal” (3 lines).
A. Create index entries manually
- Go through the first Indexing Example document and see what words or terms you think should be in the index. Select them and manually mark them by pressing Alt+shift+x.
- The Mark Index Entry dialog box pops up. Experiment with its different options. Mark All is a very useful timesaver in a larger document.
- You can make more than one entry for one item. For example, in the Indexing Example, I entered Dido and Aeneas on its own and as a sub-entry under Purcell.
- You can create cross-references in the form of see and see also references. However, you still have to mark all the cross-referenced terms as though they were the main entry so that the index picks them up. For example, “Simon” in the second paragraph has a see reference to “Montiya, Simon”, plus an entry for “Montiya, Simon”.
Generate the index and check it
- Once you have marked all the important words,
- put your cursor at the end of the document and generate the index (Reference tab > Index group > Insert Index. The Index dialog box pops up. Choose the Classic template. Select Indented or Run-in type. Specify the number of columns).
- Go through the generated index looking for errors of sense and spacing.
- Go to the error. (The index tells you the page number)
- Make hidden text show. (Ctrl+* )
- Correct the error. You can type between the curly brackets. For example, you can change the order of words or type in sub-entries after a colon (with no space on either side of it).
- Regenerate the index.
- Repeat until you have corrected all errors in the index.
B. Create automatic index entries
On the second version of your practice document, use a word usage list and then a concordance. You need the concordance in order to use Word’s Automark option. I have attached instructions for creating a word usage list and then a concordance to help with indexing single words. Then you can generate an automarked index (Reference tab > Index group > Insert Index. The Index dialog box pops up. Select Indented or Run-in type. Click the Automark button). But you still have to go through the text to see what terms and connections (see and see also references) should be made.
Generate the index and go through looking for errors of sense and spacing, as in A.7 above.
Format the automatic index
After all that, when you are certain there will be no more changes to pagination, you will still probably have to convert the whole index field to non-field text (Ctr+shift+F9) because there will be corrections that you have to make manually in order to comply with institutional requirements.


myFitter - Maximum Likelihood Fits in C++ and Python
myFitter is a library for maximum likelihood fits and the numerical computation of p-values in likelihood ratio tests. It has been implemented independently in C++ and Python.
In some situations the statistical significance (p-value) of a likelihood ratio test can not be computed analytically. This is, for example, the case when some parameters of the model are only allowed to float within a certain range or when the models being compared are not nested, meaning that neither model can be obtained from the other by fixing some of its parameters.
myFitter implements a method for efficient numerical computation of p-values. This method is also applicable in the case of non-nested models. It also provides a convenient framework for performing combined fits of data from different experiments.
The algorithms implemented in myFitter are discussed in
If you use myFitter for a scientific publication, please cite this article. In addition, please follow the citation guidelines of the Dvegas package, which myFitter links to.
The python version is still at an early stage of development and currently lacks complete documentation. A basic and fairly pedagogical introduction was given in a software tutorial at the YETI school 2014 in Durham. The material for the tutorial can be found here.
Please send bugreports to Martin Wiebusch


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This is a comprehensive (but not exhaustive) list of kite retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and traders in the U.K.
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This page lists a number of online resources which we feel would be of interest to both kitefliers and the public alike. It is split into a number of areas:
Local and national kite groups.
A comprehensive list of the world's kite groups, clubs and associations is maintained by Troy Gunn.
Kite plans published in “The Kiteflier” over the past thirty years.
Kite Related Articles
Kite articles published in “The Kiteflier” over the past thirty years. Including kite history and kite aerodynamics.
Book Reference List
An extensive reference of kite books.
The Kiteflier Magazine
A selection of back issues of the Kite Society magazine.
External resources for kitefliers and schools.
Worlds Largest Kite
Information and pictures of the current (@2010) world record holder.
Welcome to The Kite Society web pages.
This site is intended to provide a comprehensive reference source to information about kites and kite flying so finding your local kite group, kite stockist or the rules that govern kite flying can be found here. Follow the links and explore the different aspects of kite flying in Great Britain. All information is as up to date as we can manage but obviously some details change over time and we cannot be responsible for this.


Librarian – Spokane, WA
After being unemployed with a baby who needed health insurance, Aileen understands what it’s like to search for health coverage. Now, a librarian at the Spokane County Library District since 2010, Aileen wanted to help make the process easier for others trying to enroll in health coverage. Aileen and a team of six librarians were some of first librarians in the state to also become In-Person Assisters, who are certified to assist residents with enrollment.
Aileen became interested in the Affordable Care Act after reading a series of newspaper articles about the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Aileen said it soon “became so clear that librarians could easily be navigators. It’s something (librarians) do so naturally.” The librarians quickly set up a system that allowed them to help residents with applications while also performing their full-time duties as librarians. “We could really capitalize on the library’s reputation of being a safe and neutral place,” Aileen said. Word of mouth, along with community forums and outreach events, helped draw people into the library.
Aileen said it has been a humbling experience to see how so many people lived so long without health coverage. “I feel really honored to have been able to help so many people.”


The Intergovernmental Committee meeting held Monday afternoon at the Henderson Police Department’s conference room got off to an anticlimactic start.
After preliminary remarks by the Henderson City Council’s Finance and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Committee’s chair Lynn Harper, Henderson City Council member Bobby Gupton debuted with a suggestion that the opening of the new H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library be delayed until a meeting could be held with all interested parties including the Henderson City Council, the Vance County Board of Commissioners, the Embassy Square Foundation, and the library board. Issues that Gupton wishes to discuss include title and ownership of the new library, annual funding for operation costs including costs of maintenance of the library grounds and the investment the city already has in the library grounds, as well as any other pertinent matters.
Henderson City Council member Lonnie Davis asked if Gupton’s remarks were an opinion. Gupton replied that they were a recommendation to delay the opening until the matters have been resolved.
Henderson Mayor Pro Tempore Ranger Wilkerson commented that Gupton’s remarks reflected some of his own questions regarding the library project.
“There’s a great big ‘I don’t know’ built around this library,” Wilkerson remarked. “I know we’ve got 1.8 million invested in it.”
Tim Pegram, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, said that he had assumed that funding of the library would be what the city and county had agreed upon over the years.
“I have always considered it a City of Henderson library,” Pegram said.
County Commissioner Tommy Hester, who arrived after Gupton’s initial statement, said, “I think it’s a great asset for our community,” referring to the library.
In one of several attempts to steer the debate, Harper advised the committee that Gupton was saying that members should slow down and see how the library is going to be deeded, funded, and maintained.
“I have always considered it a county library,” Gupton told the committee.
Terry Garrison, the County Commission’s third representative to the Intergovernmental Committee, reminded Gupton and others that the county had little or nothing to do with the building of the new library.
Gupton said that as a city resident that he had a problem with city residents paying one and one half times the taxes as city residents to use the same library facilities as county residents.
County Manager Jerry Ayscue gave a brief history of library revenue. According to Ayscue, 21 years ago, the city was the leading funder of the library. As time went on, the county agreed to fund the library on a fifty-fifty basis. There were times when there was not parity, but, for Ayscue, is was as close as can reasonably be expected.
“Was it right?” said Ayscue. “I think it’s right because it worked.”
Interim City Manager Jerry Moss added to the discussion that of the 75 public library systems in North Carolina, 51 are county funded, 9 and municipal, and 15 are regional. The type of funding arrangement enjoyed by the H. Leslie Perry Library is not the norm for North Carolina.
Harper once again attemped to persuade members to discuss the feasibility of a meeting. However, the point was once again sidetracked as Tem Blackburn of the Board of Trustees of H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library was called upon to give his perspective of the history of the library project.
According to Blackburn, the original plan was to expand on the existing library structure which is owned jointly by the city and the county and funded in like manner, except for money it receives from the state. The library was approached by city representatives to change the arrangement and move to a new structure on the same block as the new police department. However, it was determined that there would be inadequate parking, so it was decided to build the new library on the next block. Consequently, the city acquired properties on what came to be known as Embassy Block South. A mortgage was acquired for financing. The deal was that the city would acquire the property for the price of the original real estate investment.
Blackburn went on to inform the committee that the library board understood that the issue of ownership might come up again. He told the committee that he was, however, operating on the assumption that the fifty-fifty funding relationship would continue.
Wilkerson responded that his understanding was that the city was not obligated for the debts and he wondered who was going to pay.
Blackburn indicated that if the bank did not object that the building could be transferred without the debt.
Hester asked if “we” [the city and the county] were going to fund the library fifty-fifty. Harper responded that the city was not prepared to answer until the budget was done.
The discussion then went on to the current shortfall in the library’s operating budget. According to Blackburn, for the library to continue operating at its current hours in the new facility, it will require $32,000 until the end of the fiscal year on June 30. The library board sent two requests to the city council for $16,000, both of which were declined. Ayscue indicated that his recommendation would be for the county commission to decline a similar request to maintain parity with the city council.
The issue of the $23,000 difference in funding that had been identified by former City Manager Eric Williams was also discussed. It was decided that the City and County Managers should research the figure going back five fiscal years.
It was never resolved to have a meeting before the opening of the new library.


Judges for Molly Morpeth Canaday Award - Painting and Drawing 2021
Guest Judge - Karl Chitham
Karl Chitham (Ngā Puhi, Te Uriroroi) is the Director of The Dowse Art Museum and was previously Director and Curator of Tauranga Art Gallery - Toi Tauranga. He has also held curatorial roles at Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, University of Waikato, Whakatāne Library and Exhibitions Centre - Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi and Objectspace.
He has a Master’s Degree in Sculpture from Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland University and has been involved in the arts in New Zealand in a variety of roles for over 15 years. Chitham has been involved in a number of awards most recently as a judge of the Wairarapa Art review and the 2019 Occam New Zealand Book Awards. He was also judged the Taranaki National Arts Awards, the Wanganui Review and the National Youth Art Awards. He has been a selector of the Headlands Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke and was on the selection panel for the New Zealand Pavilion at the Venice Biennale for 2021.
He was co-author of the recently published book Crafting Aotearoa: A Cultural History of Making in New Zealand and Wider Moana Oceania. Other recent writing projects include Lost in Translation: Traditionally Inspired Indigenous Practice and the Contemporary Art World for the international publication Becoming Our Future: Global Indigenous Curatorial Practice and catalogue essays Tears of Tawhirimatea for Toi Mauri: Contemporary Carving by Todd Couper and Making a Stand for a (very) brief history of Aotearoa.
Recent curatorial projects have included Ā Mua: New Lineages of Making co-curated with Kolokesa U Māhina-Tuai, Traverse: Mark Igloliorte co-curated with Wendy Richdale, Whatu Manawa: Celebrating the Weaving of Matakino Lawless, White Rainbow including work by Richard Maloy, Judy Darragh, Saskia Leek and Cat Fooks, #SPACE+TIME: Through the Art of Askew One, Stories of Rust featuring work by Glen Hayward, Brit Bunkley, Ben Pearce and Stephen Ellis and Children of Mallarme: Fashion, Art & Collaboration co-curated with Dr Peter Shand and featuring artwork and fashion from New Zealand and Australia.
Pre-selection judges 2021
Francis McWhannell is a writer and exhibition-maker from Aotearoa New Zealand, currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Museums and Cultural Heritage from the University of Auckland Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau, where he recently completed his Master of Arts in Art History. In October 2019, he was appointed curator of the Fletcher Trust Collection, a major private collection of Aotearoa art founded in 1962. He is a passionate advocate for the arts in general and for early-career artists from Aotearoa in particular. He was a judge of the Aspiring Art Prize in 2019 and the Eden Arts Art Schools Award in 2019 and 2020.
Francis has written for various arts and culture magazines and websites, including Art Collector (Australia), Art New Zealand, Art News New Zealand, Index, and The Spinoff. He contributes regularly to The Pantograph Punch, where he was Visual Arts Editor from 2016 to 2017. He has written essays for exhibitions at public and commercial galleries, including Painting: a transitive space (ST PAUL St Gallery Three, 2016) and Denys Watkins: Dynamo Hum (Gus Fisher Gallery, 2017). He is co-author of two books on historical photography, Bitter fruit: Australian photographs to 1963 (Michael Graham-Stewart, 2017) and Broad sunlight: Early West African photography (2020).
His exhibitions include Postcards from Papatoetoe (Old Papatoetoe mall, 2016), Fluid structures: Watercolour group show (Parlour Projects, 2017), and Projects 2019: Whanaungatanga (Auckland Art Fair, 2019). He is presently working on a group show of photographs with Chris Corson-Scott, Undercurrents: reimagining New Zealand, to be followed by a substantial publication.
Hanahiva Rose (Te Ātiawa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ra’iātea, Huahine) is the assistant curator of contemporary art and collections at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in Ngāmotu New Plymouth.
Hanahiva is regularly published for her research into modern and contemporary art practices in Aotearoa. She has written exhibition texts for a range of institutions, including the Dowse Art Museum, Adam Art Gallery and Enjoy Public Art Gallery, and articles for Art New Zealand, Art News, Artzone, Capital Magazine, The Spinoff, The Pantograph Punch, among others.
Hanahiva is a current participant in the HANDSHAKE Craft Writers' Programme and has previously participated in curatorial and writing programmes run by Creative New Zealand, Adam Art Gallery, Enjoy Public Art Gallery and Blue Oyster Art Project Space. She has a BA(Hons) in Art History and Pacific Studies from Victoria University Wellington.
Natasha Matila-Smith (b1984) is an arts practitioner who lives and works in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand. She graduated in 2014 with a Master of Fine Arts degree from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland. Her curatorial and writing practice broadly explores ideas around Indigenous identities, with the aim of increasing a truer sense of agency for marginalised voices. As an artist, she looks at the language of social interactions and the systems and complexities of intimacy, extending these concerns by considering our metaphysical relationship with space.
In early 2020, she was announced as the inaugural Pacific Curator-in-Residence for the Asia-Pacific Triennial 10 at QAGOMA in Brisbane. Natasha is also a writer who has contributed to publications such as Runway Australian Experimental Art , Un Projects (Australia), Art New Zealand and Matters Aotearoa. She also guest-edited Runway's Issue #38 on Spectacle. In 2018-2019, she was one of 16 applicants from Aotearoa, Australia and South East Asia, selected for the Feminism and Pop Culture Networking Tour to Berlin and Indonesia with Goethe-Institut.
Natasha has exhibited both locally and internationally in places such as the Rotterdam International Film Festival, Rotterdam; Te Uru, Auckland; Bus Projects, Melbourne; The Dowse Museum, Wellington; FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney; Waikato Museum, Hamilton; and Verge Gallery, Sydney. She has upcoming projects at SCAPE Public Art in Dunedin, the National Gallery of Victoria and Artspace Aotearoa.
The process :
Open digital entry All submissions will go through a pre-selection process from the digital image supplied by the artist and will be judged on merit by the three pre-selection judges. Artist names will not be visible to the pre-selection judges
Final stage From the results which are collated on a rigorous points system, the selected works are delivered to the venue for final judging. Artists are advised by the 8th January 2020 if their work is to be called in.
Finalist award judging and will be by the sole guest judge.
Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award Exhibition on display at Te kōputu a te whanga a Toi Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre for six weeks.
A list of artists and the titles of their selected works will be posted on the site (prior to opening).
The awards will be presented at the opening event.
All winners are encouraged to attend the prize-giving.
The major winner is especially encouraged to be present to receive their award.