December 2008 Archives

 
Textbook price comparison site CheapBooks.com has created a competitive bidding marketplace for repurchasing textbooks from students, extending its cash for textbook options. Students may receive bids from up to 20 retailers who will immediately buy their textbooks back, and even pay for shipping.

Internet stores repurchase used textbooks from students in local markets, even when local bookstores are unable to buy them back, and redistribute them to other markets across the country, where the textbooks are still needed by other students. Local bookstores do not do this, and do not buyback all textbooks.

Campus bookstores do not buyback textbooks under a variety of conditions; every new textbook displaces the need for buying back 1 book; campus bookstores prefer to buyback books with only 1 owner (no pre-existing 'used' sticker); campus bookstores do not buyback books that are not needed the following semester (the vast majority of higher level classes are not offered every semester, only entry level classes are).

CheapBooks advises students to take the buyback value into consideration when purchasing or renting a book, to use a price comparison service to ensure you find the best deal, and to take advantage of free shipping offers and coupon codes.

Purchasing textbooks and returning them through an online buyback is a cost effective solution for most students to obtain textbooks, and can even be profitable. For students who want to pay less upfront without the option of being recompensated at the end of the semester, CheapBooks also offers textbook rentals with 3 textbook rental companies.

Syrus Yarbrough is currently appearing in CheapBooks TV and radio ads nationwide promoting the textbook buyback options. Syrus first came to the national spotlight as a regular on MTV's "The Real World: Boston."

CheapBooks Inc, which has not previously accepted outside investment, is currently in discussion with investment bankers to manage its frequent requests to purchase the startup.

CheapBooks.com is a leading destination for college students searching for deals on new and used textbooks, textbook rentals, downloadable textbooks, and textbook buybacks.

CheapBooks may be reached at (260) 399-6111, or on the web at http://cheapbooks.com/

Textbook buybacks may be searched at http://media.cheapbooks.com/sub/include.shtml?/content/buybacks

*(LOGO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-1229-CheapBks_72dpi.jpg)

All trademarks acknowledged.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com

 

 
 
SOURCE CheapBooks.com
 

 

Thousands of Hmong-Americans from California and across the United States will gather in Fresno for special ceremonies on December 27 at the Hmong and Lao veterans monument at Fresno County Courthouse Park and the Hmong New Year at Fresno Fairgrounds. The ceremonies will honor author and human rights activist Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt and commemorate the 15th anniversary of the publication of her book Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, the Americans and the Secret Wars for Laos (Indiana University Press).

"We will recognize our fallen soldiers, their families, and honor Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt," said Lt. Colonel Wangyee Vang, President of the LVAI. "Dr. Hamilton-Merritt was a Nobel Prize nominee ... the 15th anniversary of her book 'Tragic Mountains' which details the Lao-Hmong contribution during the Vietnam War, will be acknowledged and honored."

A Lao Hmong veterans ceremony will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., at the Hmong and Lao Veterans Monument at the Fresno County Courthouse Park. A special evening commemoration ceremony will be held from 7:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M., at the Fresno County Fairgrounds.

The Lao Veterans of America (LVA), Lao Veterans of America Institute (LVAI), the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CPPA) will cosponsor and participate in the ceremonies.

"Many Hmong and Lao-Americans will be gathering in Fresno to celebrate the Hmong New Year and commemorate and honor the 15th anniversary of the publication of 'Tragic Mountains' as well as Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt's crucial humanitarian work," stated Philip Smith, Executive Director of the CPPA in Washington, D.C. "Dr. Jane Hamilton Merritt's pioneering book and critical humanitarian and human rights work have helped to save the lives of many thousands of suffering Hmong and Laotian refugees over the years."

"In celebration of the 15th anniversary of its publication, a revisit to Tragic Mountains is a must," stated Indiana University Press. "Tragic Mountains is her account of the historic struggle of the Hmong and of their betrayal by the United States." http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=21032

Currently, some 7,000 Hmong political refugees are in danger of forced repatriation from Thailand back to the one-party authoritarian regime in Laos which they fled. The refugees are being detained at Nong Khai and Ban Huay Nam Khao, Petchabun Province, Thailand. http://www.tragicmountains.org

www.centerforpublicpolicyanalysis.org

 
 
SOURCE Center for Public Policy Analysis
 

Crystalis Institute's 30-Day Program Opens Users to Opportunities

 
  Naisha Ahsian, director of the Crystalis Institute, recently launched "The Infinite Abundance Program: A 30- Day Course in Healing Abundance Consciousness," designed to create spiritual awareness during stressful times. Ahsian says the program helps users learn processes that can immediately stop scarcity thinking and the stress it generates.

The "Infinite Abundance" program is unique because it leads the user step- by-step through the process of healing their abundance consciousness. Unlike the book "The Secret," the "Infinite Abundance" program is not based on the "law of attraction." Instead, the "Infinite Abundance" program strengthens the spirit through the body, healing a user's abundance consciousness through the understanding of the parasympathetic nervous system.

"Users report immediate and profound changes in both their perception of abundance and its manifestation in their lives," Ahsian says.

The recently expanded "Infinite Abundance" program includes a printed manual containing the revised edition of "The Little Book of Infinite Abundance," two professionally produced CDs -- "Core Abundance Practice" and "Abundance Affirmations" -- and a bonus 44-page journal.

The "Core Abundance Practice" CD contains the powerful consciousness- shifting meditation that will help the user access, embody, and manifest abundance. Ahsian guides students through the meditation step-by-step, with peaceful background music and powerful Brainwave Pulse technology to lead listeners even deeper into the flow of abundance.

"Use this meditation each morning to powerfully jump-start your abundance consciousness and attract opportunities all day long," Ahsian says.

The "Abundance Affirmations" CD is an hour-long track that can be used as a meditation itself or enjoyed while doing other tasks. Ahsian says these affirmations help listeners change their conscious belief systems, while the Brainwave Pulse technology helps carry these conscious changes to the subconscious and unconscious levels of awareness. She encourages students to use this CD each night as they fall asleep to rewrite scarcity consciousness and empower abundance.

"The manual provides the information and understanding necessary to stop scarcity consciousness," Ahsian says. "While the CDs guide the student through the actual processes necessary to shift the mind and body into abundance consciousness."

About Naisha Ahsian and the Crystalis Institute

Naisha Ahsian is director of the Crystalis Institute, which offers information and training in spiritual growth and vibrational medicine. She is the creator of the two vibrational therapies: Crystal Resonance Therapy(TM) and the Primus Activation Healing Technique(TM). Ahsian teaches certification programs and training through webinars and workshops in many subjects relating to crystal healing, vibrational healing, abundance and manifestation, modern shamanic practice, and the use of her book, "The Crystal Ally Cards." Ahsian is a recognized authority on vibrational healing with two bestselling books: "The Crystal Ally Cards: The Crystal Path to Self Knowledge" and "The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach." The second book, winner of the 2007 Coalition of Visionary Resources (C.O.V.R.) Visionary Award, was coauthored with Robert Simmons. For more information, visit http://www.crystalisinstitute.com.

    Contact:
    Naisha Ahsian
    (802) 472-5511

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

 
 
SOURCE The Crystalis Institute
 

 

The National Archives will celebrate Black History Month in February with a special showing of the Emancipation Proclamation, an American Conversation with Henry Louis Gates, book talks, and films. These programs are free and open to the public. They will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., located on Constitution Ave. between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.

 

The Emancipation Proclamation!

**February 12-16, 2009 - Featured Document Display: The Emancipation Proclamation**

Thursday, February 12 through Monday, February 16, 2009

National Archives East Rotunda Gallery

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and the Presidents' Day holiday, the National Archives will display the original Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. The special display of the Emancipation Proclamation is free and open to the public.

Special hours: Open extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on February 14-16 for viewing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.

Thursday, February 5, at 7 p.m.

An American Conversation with Henry Louis Gates

7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater

The National Archives welcomes Harvard professor and renowned author, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., to discuss African American genealogy. Lonnie Bunch, Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, will also join the discussion. While researching his own family history, Professor Gates discovered the fascinating histories of other prominent African Americans, resulting in his new book, In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past. A book signing will follow the program. The two-part PBS documentary, African American Lives, upon which In Search of Our Roots is based, will be screened in the William G. McGowan Theater on February 6 and 13 at noon.

Friday, February 6, and Friday, February 13, at noon

Film: African American Lives

Noon, William G. McGowan Theater

Hosted and narrated by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois Professor of the Humanities and chair of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, African American Lives, an unprecedented four-part PBS series, takes Alex Haley's Roots saga to a new level through moving stories of personal discovery. Using genealogy, oral history, family stories and DNA analysis to trace lineage through American history and back to Africa, the series provides a life-changing journey for a diverse group of highly accomplished African Americans: Dr. Ben Carson, Whoopi Goldberg, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Dr. Mae Jemison, Quincy Jones, Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Chris Tucker and Oprah Winfrey. Each day's program will run 120 minutes.

Wednesday, February 11, at noon

Book talk: Becton: Autobiography of a Soldier and Public Servant

Noon, Jefferson Room

Lt. General, Julius W. Becton, Jr., discusses his memoir, Becton: Autobiography of a Soldier and Public Servant. Julius Becton fought for his country in three wars, overcame many obstacles and reached the unprecedented rank of three-star general. Later, he was both the innovative head of FEMA and a university president. A book signing will follow the program.

Wednesday, February 25, at noon

Book talk: Death or Liberty: African Americans and Revolutionary America

Noon, Jefferson Room

In Death or Liberty, Douglas R. Egerton offers a sweeping chronicle of African American history stretching from Britain's 1763 victory in the Seven Years' War to the election of slaveholder Thomas Jefferson as President in 1800. Egerton helps to recapture the drama of slaves, freed blacks, and white reformers fighting to make the young nation fulfill its republican slogans while recalling compelling portraits of forgotten figures. A book signing will follow the program.

The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please email public.program@nara.gov or call (202) 357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, see the Calendar of Events on the web at: http://www.archives.gov/calendar/.

 

 
SOURCE National Archives

Benjamin Akande, dean of the School of Business & Technology at Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., presented Timothy Olagbemiro, vice chancellor of Bowen University in Iwo, Nigeria, with more than 500 business, computer and math books for the Bowen University library. The presentation took place on Monday, December 22, 2008, at Webster University.

 

Named after the Reverend Thomas Jefferson Bowen, who pioneered Baptist work in Nigeria in 1850, Bowen University is a private institution owned by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The University was founded in 2002 and has grown to a current student population of 4,200.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University's core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

 
 
SOURCE Webster University -- Saint Louis Campus
 

Students set a new record and read one million passages in only 20 days

  Voyager Expanded Learning(R) announced today that students registered on Ticket to Read(TM) ( www.tickettoread.com ), the company's online reading program, surpassed seven million reading passages. It took students only 20 days to reach the new milestone. They recently hit the six million mark on November 25.

Ticket to Read, is an easy-to-access and easy-to-use website designed to increase phonics skills, reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary through a reward system that promotes reading practice at home and school for all students including struggling and on-track readers. Students read high-interest passages at increasing levels of difficulty and take passage quizzes to demonstrate they understood what they read while earning points to use in customizing their personal clubhouse. Students can independently practice important reading skills at school, home, library or anywhere there is Internet access.

"If you find something that resonates with children, no matter what their background, they will want to learn and will learn, without even realizing it. It is evident that Ticket to Read is one of those things," says Ron Klausner, president of Voyager Expanded Learning. "We are excited about the role the program continues to play in learning and the effect it has had on students from all backgrounds and reading levels."

Voyager consistently receives positive feedback about Ticket to Read and educators have even observed students reading through their recess time because they are so engaged in the program.

"We were having indoor lunch recess due to air quality as a result of the recent wildfires and as I visited and monitored the students, it amazed me that one of the favorite activities to "play" during the recess time was Ticket to Read," says Dorie Staack, principal at Mabel Paine Elementary School in Yorba Linda, California. "One of the second grade boys informed me that he couldn't really talk to me now because he had to get to work. He was trying to earn enough points to purchase a world globe that he saw in the "Clubhouse of the Week" of a girl in Florida."

To request a free trial password for Ticket to Read, visit: http://www.voyagerlearning.com/tickettoread/trial.jsp

Voyager Expanded Learning

Voyager Expanded Learning provides core, intervention, and supplemental reading programs, as well as math intervention and ongoing professional development programs, for school districts throughout the United States. Founded in 1994, Voyager has delivered extended-time reading and basic skills intervention programs, as well as large-scale reading and math programs, to more than 1,000 school districts in cities such as Buffalo, N.Y.; Miami; New York City; Richmond, Va.; El Paso, Texas; and Los Angeles, resulting in dramatically improved student performance. Voyager Expanded Learning, Inc. is a business unit of Voyager Learning Company (OTC: VLCY.PK) and based in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.voyagerlearning.com or call 1-888-399-1995.

 
 
SOURCE Voyager Expanded Learning
 

Hollywood, Height And Heavy Metal Headline As 'Brangelina', The World's Tallest Man and Guitar Hero Top List of Record Breakers

 
From Britney Spears' unparalleled comeback to Brangelina's Hollywood ascension, 2008 has been a year marked by record-breaking achievements from around the globe. Grabbing headlines throughout the year, Guinness World Records has chronicled hundreds of amazing feats from all across the globe, perhaps none as captivating as the improbable meeting between Svetlana Pankratova, Longest Legs, and the World's Smallest Man - He PingPing.

"Guinness World Records has spent over 50 years chronicling remarkable record-breaking feats and 2008 was one of the best years yet," said Craig Glenday, Editor-In-Chief, Guinness World Records. "With well over 1,000 claims a week, we were thrilled to validate some of the most jaw-dropping, triumphant and mind-boggling records from around the world."

After sifting through its voluminous files, Guinness World Records highlights the following record moments as the best of the year.

 

He PingPing and Svetlana Meet - Opposites attract, especially when it comes to the media as He PingPing, the World's Smallest Man, met Svetlana Pankratova, the World's Longest Legs, in London on September 16, 2008. Standing at an astounding 6' 5" tall, the Russian beauty's legs measure 51.9 inches long where as the tiny 20-year old from Inner Mongolia, China, measures only 21.9 inches total!
Most Powerful Actor and Actress in Hollywood - Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie nabbed Tinseltown's top spot this year when they were crowned the Most Powerful Actors in Hollywood. Jolie jointly held the title with her hubby's ex Jennifer Aniston in 2007, while Pitt ended Tom Cruise's four-year reign as the Most Powerful Actor.
High Score on a Single Song for Guitar Hero III - Video game prodigy Chris Chike scored a staggering 899,703 points on the song "Through the Fire and Flames" on August 29,2008. Chris set the Guinness World Record on Guitar Hero's toughest track besting the previous record holder Danny Johnson's score of 890,971 points on the same song.
Tallest Man - China's Bao Xi Shun (7 feet 8.95 inches) recaptured the record as the world's Tallest Living Man from Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk (8 feet 5.5 inch). In order to ensure the highest level of accuracy in this category, guidelines for the title were amended earlier this year. After repeated requests to measure Stadnyk in person went unanswered, Guinness World Records returned the title to Xi Shun in compliance with its new regulations.
Largest Gathering of People Wearing Underpants - 116 bold and nearly-naked people gathered in their underpants at St. Pancras station on November 13, 2008. The members of Pants to Poverty not only received the Guinness World Record but brought global attention to their ethical fashion cause.
Highest Revenue Generated by an Entertainment Product in 24 Hours - In May 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV became the most profitable entertainment release of all-time when it crushed the competition by selling 3.6 million units and earning $310 million in its first day of release. The record-breaking sales far surpassed any video game, film and book release including Harry Potter.
Largest Group Shower - Eco pioneers Ludacris and Tommy Lee along with hundreds of people took part in the world's Largest Shower at the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas for the show Battleground Earth, which explores ways to help the environment.
Fastest Bed - Racing full-throttle through the streets of London, Britain's Edd China set the record for the Fastest Bed on November 13, 2008. At a whopping 69 mph, China raced his way to another Guinness World Record.
Largest Rubber Band Ball - Florida resident Joel Waul unveiled the world's Largest Rubber Band Ball at 9,032 pounds. Measuring 6 feet, 7 inches tall and with a diameter of 25 feet, this popular record easily surpassed the previous mark by more than 4,000 pounds.
Fastest Circumnavigation Cycled Around the World - In February 2008, modern day Magellan Mark Beaumont of Scotland completed the fastest cycling circumnavigation around the world in 194 days and 17 hours. Beaumont pedaled a distance of 29,445.81 km (18,296.74 miles) and traveled over 40,100 km in total (including transfers) with stops in France, Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

With an impending new year, Guinness World Records is currently searching for record-breakers in open categories including Oldest Living Cat, Tallest and Shortest Women, Shortest Living Twins, Biggest Feet and a new category for the Tallest Teenager. For more information on how to submit a record claim, visit our website at: www.guinnessworldrecords.com.

The world renowned and celebrated annual, Guinness World Records 2009, contains the most comprehensive collection of the greatest and most amazing accomplishments from around the world and beyond. A "must-have" for both knowledge-seekers and aspiring record-breakers of all ages, Guinness World Records 2009 is available for the suggested retail price of $28.95

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness

World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com ) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.

 
 
SOURCE Guinness World Records

 Long checkout lines, spiteful motorists, family stress and a sagging economy all add up to frustration and unrest at this time of year when peace should abound. Author Bryan Hurlbut says, "With so much to be grateful for, don't let frustration with the election, fear of financial woe and family failure rob you of a wonderful Christmas season. Remember that the original Gift of Christmas came in the gentle light of a child. So, as you look at the darkness around you, remember that joy is a decision away. Here are a few practical things to help turn your Christmas jeer into Christmas cheer:

Give yourself time. If you feel the need to rush, break your outing into three separate ones or rearrange your schedule so you have more time. You can postpone almost anything if you choose to. Do not be afraid to exercise your right for freedom at this time of year.
Stop for a Christmas treat. Make a point to take a break during your holiday chores. You may not feel like it, but you are working and there is stress involved. Make yourself stop to enjoy a much-earned Christmas treat and remember the reason you are running around.
Take a detour. Find ways to travel that you may have never gone before. Driving, walking, cycling or bussing a different route will introduce you to things you may have never noticed and will make the journey more enjoyable. But remember, get off the phone and enjoy the scenery."

 

Bryan Hurlbut is the author of Making It Count (ISBN 1-934454-13-3, Synergy Books) which is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Ingram, Baker & Taylor and at fine bookstores nationwide.

About the Author

Bryan Hurlbut resides in Salina, Kans. with his wife Mary. Together they have two children Landon and Abbie. A business owner, consultant and the manager of a human services outreach program to at-risk families, Bryan invests his skills and talents in helping people set their focus for life. Today, Bryan continues to educate and to get the message out that our best life is ahead if we make every decision count. You may contact Bryan Hurlbut at bryan.hurlbut@bigmeaning.com.

    Contact

    Bryan Hurlbut
    BigMeaning
    785-577-1818
    bryan.hurlbut@bigmeaning.com

 
 
SOURCE BigMeaning

Authors can now easily generate coupon codes for promotion on author blogs, websites, social networks and fan email lists
 

Smashwords (http://www.smashwords.com), a publisher of ebooks from independent authors, today introduced a coupon generator that allows self-published authors to issue promotional coupon codes for their books for sharing on blogs, websites, social networks and fan email lists.

"Our mission at Smashwords is to provide independent authors the free tools they need to publish, promote and sell their ebooks," said Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords. "The Smashwords Coupon Generator represents a powerful new marketing tool for self-published ebook authors to create excitement and buying interest among their potential readers."

The Smashwords Coupon Generator give authors flexible options for how they design their coupon promotions, including designating cents-off or dollars-off list price, a flat percentage off retail price, and fixed expiration dates. Authors can also create coupons that entitle the recipient to receive the book for free, which can be useful for promoting the book to book reviewers or for use in limited time promotions.

For independent authors, there's never been a better time to publish ebooks on Smashwords. Authors simply upload their manuscripts as Microsoft Word files, and then Smashwords automatically converts the book into multiple DRM-free ebook formats, such as .epub, .lrf, .pdf, .mobi, .pdb, .rtf and .txt. Authors set the price of their books, determine the sampling percentage, and receive 85% of all net sales proceeds. Authors access the Coupon Generator from their Smashwords Dashboard.

For book lovers, Smashwords offers a virtual literary playground where they can discover new and emerging voices in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Most Smashwords books are priced between $3.00 and $5.00. Smashwords books are available for free sampling, often up to 50% of the book, so readers can try before they buy.

Free multi-format ebook samples are available for downloading to all leading ebook reading devices, including the iPhone, iPOD Touch, the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader, the iRex and others. Books can also be sampled online over a web browser.

Today's news follows an announcement earlier this month in which Smashwords announced full integration with the Stanza ebook reader (http://www.smashwords.com/press/release/3), which is used by over 500,000 iPhone and iPOD Touch owners to read ebooks. Stanza users can now easily access the complete Smashwords catalog on their iPhone or iPod Touch, download book samples and free books, access their personal Smashwords library, and even purchase and download full books.

About Smashwords, Inc.

Founded in 2007, privately held Smashwords operates an digital publishing platform and online book store for independent ebook authors. The free service puts authors in full control over the marketing, pricing, sampling and licensing of their works. In addition to receiving exposure to hundreds of thousands of potential readers, authors receive 85% of the net proceeds from sales of their works. For readers, Smashwords offers the opportunity to discover exciting new voices in fiction and non-fiction. Smashwords, Inc. is based in Los Gatos, California, and can be reached on the web at http://www.smashwords.com/. Visit the official Smashwords blog at http://blog.smashwords.com/

     Press contact:  Mark Coker, Smashwords, Inc.
    http://www.smashwords.com
     email:  first initial second initial at smashwords dot com
     408.358.1824

 
 
SOURCE Smashwords

15th annual edition profiles 1,360 brands of handmade, machine-made and small cigars

Just in time for last minute holiday shopping, Perelman's 2009 Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars, the only comprehensive, all-in-one reference to premium cigars, has arrived in tobacco shops nationwide and online at http://www.CigarCyclopedia.com. Compiled and edited by cigar expert, Rich Perelman, the 15th annual Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars has established itself as the "go-to" reference for aficionados, manufacturers and retailers, and is a must for cigar enthusiasts who want the fine points on handmade, machine-made and small cigars.

The compact, four-inches-by-six, soft cover book provides details and profiles on 1,360 brands of cigars, and fits neatly into briefcases, coat pockets, car glove compartments, gift baskets and holiday stockings. It is price-perfect at $14.95.

In addition to detailed listings for more than 7,500 models of cigars, the 672-page Pocket Cyclopedia includes chapters on cigar basics -- construction, shapes, sizes and how to enjoy cigars -- and The Cigar Almanac. The almanac chapter includes listings of which brands are new, which have gone to the graveyard and lists of the longest, shortest, fattest and thinnest cigars on the market, plus specialty cigars and even a review of the old Cigar Bowl college football game, held in Tampa from 1947-54.

The first edition of Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars was printed in 1995 and had a total of 370 brands, including 287 handmade brands. The 1998 edition reached a high of 1,448 total brands and 1,269 handmade brands. The 2009 edition, with its 1,360 brands, including 1,209 handmades, has the second-highest totals ever.

The Pocket Cyclopedia focuses on cigars available in the United States and listings of cigars produced in Cuba are not included. However, there is a companion volume, Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Havana Cigars (3rd edition), which is also available local tobacconists or at http://www.CigarCyclopedia.com.

About CigarCyclopedia.com

Launched in 2004, http://www.CigarCyclopedia.com is the authoritative online source for coverage of cigars, people and the issues surrounding cigar smoking. The site, which is updated daily, includes in-depth information on prices, rankings, reviews, recommendations and ratings; cigar basics; brand information; history; retailers, manufacturers and distributors; news and views, and parties and promotions. The site logged 1.6 million visits and 5 million page views in 2007.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Rich Perelman
http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=84545

 
 
SOURCE Perelman, Pioneer & Co.
 

Walter H. Wagner, adjunct professor at Moravian Theological Seminary, recently authored "Opening the Qur'an: Introducing Islam's Holy Book" (University of Notre Dame Press). The book is described as a masterful work that offers a comprehensive and extraordinarily readable step-by-step introduction to the Qur'an, making it accessible to students, teachers, clergy, and general readers.

Wagner's background provides him a great sensitivity toward the risks and opportunities for non-Muslims who attempt to interpret the Qur'an, and a sympathy for the long struggle to build bridges of mutual trust and honest appreciation between Muslims and non-Muslims.

According to Wagner, an ordained Lutheran pastor who has taught graduate and continuing education courses at Moravian since 1993, "this book would not have been possible had it not been for my teaching at Moravian Seminary." He cites his long history of preparation for classes such as Christianity and Islam, Qur'an and the Bible, and Opening the Qur'an as having broadened his own knowledge base and heightened his awareness of the thirst among non-Muslim's to better understand the Qur'an.

In addition to his teaching at Moravian, his relationships with leaders of the Lehigh Valley Sunni and Shi'a communities and his work with the Lehigh Interfaith Dialogue Center in Bethlehem, Pa., has richly informed his appreciation of Islam and the Qur'an. These relationships have also helped to focus his energies on ways to engender greater understanding among the members of the major faith traditions of our community. Wagner often shares the stage with Muslim and Jewish leaders at Interfaith Dialogue events, where he most commonly serves as the expert on Christianity.

His publisher, Notre Dame Press, commends Wagner for Opening the Qur'an, which first places the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, and the early Muslim community in their historical, geographical, and theological contexts. This background is a basis for interpreting the Qur'an and understanding its role in later Muslim developments, as well as for relationships between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Wagner then looks in detail at specific passages, moving from cherished devotional texts to increasingly difficult and provocative subjects. The selected bibliography serves as a resource for further reading and study. Woven into the discussion are references to Islamic beliefs and practices.

Among the experts who reviewed Opening the Qur'an was interfaith pioneer, Harold Vogelaar, director of the Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He states, "This is not just a book that is being introduced but a context, a culture, its teachings, and the way Muslims have been interpreting, finding meaning, and living in obedience to the Qur'an over the centuries...I highly recommend this book for use in schools and seminaries and even church study groups where people are serious about learning why the Qur'an is considered by Muslims to be God's final revelation. The book's step-by-step procedure and the important glossary of key terms in the back are extremely useful for readers who are being introduced to the Qur'an for the first time."

Retired in 2001 from full-time parish ministry in the ELCA after 41 years, Wagner continues to serve as interim pastor for congregations in pastoral transition. Dr. Wagner has also served as adjunct faculty member at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Moravian College, and Muhlenberg College. In addition to his expertise in Islamic Studies, he is a scholar of the New Testament, Church History, and Theology. He has authored several books including "After the Apostles: Christianity in the Second Century and "The Zinzendorf-Muhlenberg Encounter: A Controversy in Search of Understanding."

Moravian Theological Seminary, located in Bethlehem, Pa. is the seminary of the Moravian Church in the United States. The Seminary awards three degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, and Master of Arts in Theological Studies. The institution also awards certificates in theological studies. For more information, visit www.moravianseminary.edu.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

 
SOURCE Moravian College
 

Top reading authors from Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, a leading publisher of print and digital educational materials for elementary students, recently collaborated to share their expertise in a volume of writings. The volume, to be published by the California Department of Education in July 2009, addresses the latest strategies and theories for improving English learner instruction in the classroom. Among other researchers, the volume will feature the writings of Diane August, Ph.D., Tim Shanahan, Ph.D., and Jana Echevarria, Ph.D.,

These three also applied their extensive knowledge and expertise in reading by co-authoring Macmillan/McGraw-Hill's California Treasures. California Treasures is a comprehensive reading and language arts program that includes differentiated instruction, an English language development program, writing support, and classroom management resources.

The book's main content focuses on such topics as implementing two-way immersion programs, research on English language development (ELD), and ELD in elementary and secondary grades. In other chapters, Dr. August and Dr. Shanahan discuss findings from the National Literacy Panel report and Dr. Echevarria will review programs and practices for effective sheltered content instruction. There is also a section dedicated to the latest in EL legislation and general best practices.

Dr. Echevarria, a professor of education at California State University, Long Beach and Dr. August, a senior research scientist at the Center for Applied Linguistics, both served on the author team that developed California Treasures program. Dr. Echevarria, also served as co-author of California Treasures' California Tesoros de lectura program, a parallel Grades K-6 reading and language arts program in Spanish.

Dr. Shanahan, a professor of Urban Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and director of the UIC Center for Literacy, has published more than 100 books, chapters, and articles on reading and writing and received numerous awards for his research and work in education.

For more information, visit www.califtreasures.com.

About Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

Macmillan/McGraw-Hill is part of McGraw-Hill School Solutions Group (MHSSG).

The group combines Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, which focuses on Grades PreK-6, and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, which serves Grades 6-12. MHSSG is the only major educational publishing business to provide a comprehensive approach to the development of print and digital instructional materials from pre-kindergarten through high school. Additional information is available at http://www.macmillanmh.com.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com.

    Contacts:
    Tom Stanton                       Brynn Burton
    McGraw-Hill Education             Paul Werth Associates
    (212) 904-3214                    (614) 224-8114
    tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com       bburton@paulwerth.com

 
 
SOURCE Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

Cultural Phenomenon SparkPeople.com Goes Multi-Platform

Company Appoints Tami Booth Corwin To New Position of EVP, Publishing and Content

In its first major offline content deal, SparkPeople.com has signed with Hay House, the world's leading publisher of self-improvement books and products, to publish THE SPARK: The Secret Formula for Losing Weight, Getting Fit, and Transforming Your Life. The book will give readers a proven program to improve their health, lose weight and reach their goals with a unique combination of health and weight loss advice integrated with innovative motivation and goal-setting techniques, inspiration and community. One of the unique elements of THESPARK will be SparkPeople members directly participating in authoring and promoting the book.

With 4.5 million members and 100 million page views per month, SparkPeople.com has become one of the world's largest and most engaged health & lifestyle websites. A powerful and inspirational web resource, SparkPeople offers nutrition, diet, health, fitness and goal setting tools, motivation, support and resources. SparkPeople.com is the only major site of its kind to make these programs 100% free to users. Over 175,000 new members join SparkPeople each month - almost 6,000 per day. Among its community are thousands of members with dramatic weight loss and health success stories who are regularly featured in the media. Among others, SparkPeople members' appearances have included Ellen, E! Entertainment News, Fox News, The Today Show, and Good Housekeeping, and the covers of USA Today and Woman's World.

The book will be authored by Chris Downie, SparkPeople's Founder, CEO and one of the site's Motivation Experts. Unique among CEOs in the category, Downie appears regularly on the site, personally leading teams and fitness challenges, and helping members to reach their health goals. Prior to founding SparkPeople, Downie co-launched the world's second largest auction website, which became pre-IPO eBay's first acquisition. He took his proceeds from the sale to launch SparkPeople, and later made it free, to help fulfill his personal mission: to help "spark" millions of people to reach their goals and lead healthier lives.

Leading SparkPeople's publishing and media partnership efforts is Tami Booth Corwin, the newly-appointed Executive Vice President of Publishing and Content. Formerly a President and Editor-In-Chief at Rodale, Inc. and one of The Wall Street Journal's 2005 50 Women To Watch, Corwin has helped sign, develop and/or launch successful multimedia brands and brand extensions such as The South Beach Diet, The Biggest Loser and An Inconvenient Truth. She will focus her efforts on growing the SparkPeople brand and its offline extensions. "I joined SparkPeople because I believe passionately in its mission, and based on the growth statistics and passion among its membership alone, SparkPeople is already fast becoming a cultural phenomenon. I'm very excited about this project because I've seen firsthand how a book can drive a brand. I'm delighted to be working with Hay House, who shares our mission and has a great track record of successful and innovative publishing."

THE SPARK was sold at auction to Hay House by the Stephanie Tade Agency in a major deal, and will publish in January 2010.

About SparkPeople

SparkPeople.com is a leading health and weight-loss website that teaches people how to stop dieting for good and make the transition to a permanent healthy lifestyle. The SparkPeople.com philosophy, combined with smart motivational strategies and a collection of personalized online tools, has helped thousands of members lose weight and keep it off and improve their lives in numerous ways. SparkPeople has also launched additional sites in the health and lifestyle category including SparkRecipes.com, SparkTeens.com, BabyFit.com, and DailySpark.com, one of the fastest growing health blogs. SparkPeople has also launched a nationwide initiative called SparkAmerica, to help promote a healthy lifestyle across the nation. This initiative provides opportunity for members to meet both online and offline, and is another example of this online brand extending offline. See www.sparkpeople.com.

About Hay House

Located in Carlsbad, California, Hay House is one of the fastest-growing self-help and transformational publishers in the world. The company publishes approximately 300 books and 350 audio programs by more than 130 authors, and employs a full-time staff of 100-plus. Hay House has international divisions in Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa. In 2005 Hay House launched its own radio station, HayHouseRadio.com -- Radio for your Soul(TM) -- which is broadcast worldwide via the Internet. Hay House also produces and distributes its content in multiple formats including audio, video, film, merchandise, and live events. See www.hayhouse.com.
 
 
SOURCE SparkPeople.com
 
 

Join the CEO of the world's largest retail corporation as he struggles to keep the business thriving amid competition and internal conflicts in Alfred E. Johnson Jr.'s new book, "War-Mart World" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com).

War-Mart CEO Benjamin A. Goodfellow is attempting to bring the company out of its recent lackadaisical performance and back to the dynamic stock growth and profits delivered by his aggressive predecessors. Every day presents a new and dynamic challenge as Ben is hammered by pressure from large stockholders to raise the price of the stock.

War-Mart's number-one-retailer ranking is threatened by the huge profits derived from oil companies. Ben is concerned to learn that two-man helicopters are being manufactured for the oil industry in a nearby city. He realizes that the company's satellite dish field, which transports and supplies goods to the worldwide store network, is vulnerable to an air attack.

Additional problems crop up for the young CEO when the vice president of the company, left over from the former CEO's regime, begins soliciting the support of his former boss and board members to take back control at the forthcoming annual stockholder's meeting. The corporate executive courier alerts Ben to the plan, and he works to find a way to thwart the takeover.

Ben is faced with the need for a more environmentally friendly image, demonstrations by "mom and pop" store owners, a walkout of the store's butchers, and the forced firing of his only female department head after a charity fundraiser goes astray. The CEO desperately works to restore profit growth by soliciting his administrative assistant, Ms. Happi, to harness the country's female buying power.

Will Ben succeed in putting War-Mart back on the right track, or will he lose his power to internal enemies and outside competitors? Find out in the shocking conclusion of this hilarious novel that strikes a familiar chord for anyone in the corporate world.

About the Author:

Johnson was born and raised in Arkansas. He holds a degree in engineering from George Washington University and served in the U.S. Navy. He is also an accomplished oil painter, specializing in rural Arkansas landscape scenes. Johnson loves nature and frequents his retreat in Woodson, Ark. He and his wife, Penny, have four grown sons. His other writing credits include "Fishing Made Easy," "Company Honor Man" and a monthly technical column for the City and Town Magazine of the Arkansas Municipal League.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.

    EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

    Promotional Services Department
    Tel: 888-728-8467
    Fax: 812-961-3133
    Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
    (When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

 
 
SOURCE AuthorHouse
 

 

 

Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies is an authoritative guide explaining the causes of hair loss and the newest ways to treat it.

Renowned hair restoration surgeons Robert M. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.A.D., and Dr. William Rassman, have co-authored the first authoritative, but user-friendly guide, to help both men and women understand hair loss, its prevention, and their medical and hair transplant options. The book, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., was published on December 3. Titled Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies, the book follows in the tradition of the other informative books in the popular For Dummies series. Dr. Bernstein is the author of numerous medical publications on hair restoration, which can be found at www.bernsteinmedical.com.

Those who follow the current trends in hair restoration and hair transplant procedures know Dr. Bernstein for his pioneering work in the development of the Follicular Unit Transplantation procedure which has revolutionized the treatment of hair loss. Recently awarded a certificate of achievement from Columbia University, he has been named one of New York Magazine's "The Best Doctors in New York" for the ninth consecutive year.

"Dr. Rassman and I felt it was necessary to write this book because we wanted to dispel many of the myths about hair loss and give men and women basic, easily understandable information about their hair loss," Dr. Bernstein explained. "We feel that this book will provide men and women suffering from common baldness and other types of alopecia with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about their condition. There are a lot of options when it comes to the treatment of hair loss and we want to make certain that consumers are making the decisions that are the best fit for them as individuals -- whether it is medical therapy or a hair transplant."

In addition to providing readers with information about the latest trends in hair loss medications and hair transplants, the book also aims to caution against potentially harmful products that are currently on the market for treating hair loss. Finally, the text also gives tips for maintaining a healthy head of hair: from washing and drying correctly, to caring for children's hair.

About Dr. Bernstein

Dr. Bernstein is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York. He achieved worldwide recognition for pioneering Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. He is founder of Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration in Manhattan which is devoted to the treatment of hair loss using his state-of-the-art hair restoration techniques.

Dr. Bernstein has been chosen as one of "America's Top Doctors," by Castle Connolly Medical and New York Magazine's "The Best Doctors in New York" for nine consecutive years. He has been selected to be among New York Magazine's "Best Beauty Docs in New York" for his pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction and is the most widely published author on these subjects. He is the founder of Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration in New York City (www.BernsteinMedical.com).

About John Wiley & Sons, Inc. / For Dummies Series

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1807 during the Jefferson presidency. In the early years, Wiley was best known for publishing the works of Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and other 19th-century American literary giants. By the turn of the century, the company was established as a leading publisher of scientific and technical information.

In recent years, Wiley has focused its efforts on delivering its deep reservoir of "must-have" content to global communities of interest, forming collaborative relationships with such significant partners as Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal, CNBC and PricewaterhouseCoopers, among others. In 2001, Wiley acquired Hungry Minds, Inc., including the latter company's wildly popular For Dummies series of books. Cleverly written, packaged and marketed, all For Dummies books utilize a lighthearted approach and down-to-earth style (often including cartoons and humorous icons) to dispel fears, inspire confidence and educate the public. For more information on John Wiley & Sons, Inc., visit wiley.com.
 
 
SOURCE Bernstein Medical
 

 
 

 

 

Lucia Gonzalez and Lulu Delacre, author and illustrator of The Storyteller's Candle / La velita de los cuentos, celebrate the remarkable efforts of New York City's first Latina librarian, Pura Belpre, in her native Puerto Rico.

On December 13 and 14, the award-winning author and artist will perform lively readings of The Storyteller's Candle -- the first children's book about the renowned librarian and storyteller. The bilingual picture book offers a heartwarming tale of how Pura Belpre inspired Puerto Rican immigrants living in New York City during the Great Depression to discover the public library and its potential to be the living, breathing heart of their community.

As the first Puerto Rican librarian to be hired by the New York Public Library System in 1921, Pura Belpre actively advocated for the Spanish-speaking community by instituting bilingual story hours, buying Spanish language books, and implementing programs based on traditional holidays. Over the course of her long career, she inspired generations of young people through her imaginative storytelling and puppetry.

Join Lucia Gonzalez and Lulu Delacre as they read The Storyteller's Candle at the following venues:

Saturday, December 13, 2008

11:00 am: Castlebooks, San Patricio Shopping 2 level, Suite 12, Guaynabo, PR 00968, tel. 787-774-1790

2:00 pm: Borders, Plaza las Americas, 525 F.D. Roosevelt Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918, tel. 787-777-0916

Sunday, December 14, 2008

3:00 pm: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Avenida De Diego 299, Santurce, Puerto Rico 00910, tel.: 787-977-6277

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

LUCIA GONZALEZ was born in Cuba. She is a children's librarian, bilingual storyteller, puppeteer and author. A recipient of the Pura Belpre Honor Medal, Lucia lives in Miami, Florida, with her family, friends, and cats.

LULU DELACRE was born in Puerto Rico. She has written and illustrated many award-winning books for children. A common thread in her work is the celebration of her Latino heritage. Lulu lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

ABOUT CHILDREN'S BOOK PRESS

CHILDREN'S BOOK PRESS is a nonprofit publishing house founded in 1975 that promotes cooperation and understanding through multicultural and bilingual literature, offering children a sense of their culture, history, and importance. Visit us online at http://www.childrensbookpress.org.

    Contact: Christina Troup
    Publicity Coordinator
    ctroup@childrensbookpress.org
    (866) 935-2665 ext. 13

 
 
SOURCE Children's Book Press
 

 

Harlequin Enterprises Limited, one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, has launched Harlequin(R) Historical Undone! -- sexy, scandalous short stories set in a wide array of historical settings and available exclusively in the eBook format. In just 10,000 - 15,000 words, these romantically charged historical short stories offer all the passion and plot that readers expect from full-length Harlequin Historical novels. Regularly priced at $2.99 U.S., Harlequin Historical Undone! eBooks were introduced at a special price of 99 cents each during their November 2008 launch month.

The historical romance marketplace is dominated by Regency-era stories, but Harlequin Historical Undone! offers readers a broader choice of historical periods and locations -- from hot medieval romances to exciting World War II encounters, from sexy Viking adventures to steamy Old West showdowns and, of course, the ever-popular Regency tales. Harlequin Historical Undone! is also different from full-length Harlequin Historical books (or eBooks) in that it features sexier and racier editorial for those who enjoy a more sensual read.

"These sexy historical short stories are convenient, easily accessible and the perfect length for the discerning woman in today's busy lifestyle," says Linda Fildew, senior executive editor for Harlequin Historical. "In addition to being compact, they still contain imaginative and engaging premises, well-constructed plots and believable characters. Furthermore, they build upon the tremendous popularity of the Harlequin Historical series and the success of Nocturne Bites paranormal eBooks and Spice Briefs-eBooks."

Harlequin Historical Undone! launched in November with four titles, including The Unmasking of Lady Loveless by Nicola Cornick, and features some of the best-known authors of historical romance fiction, like Bronwyn Scott, Joanne Rock and Michelle Willingham.

With one new title per month, Harlequin Historical Undone! stories are available in all eBook formats (including Adobe PDF, Microsoft Reader, Mobipocket, Palm, Kindle and Sony) and can be downloaded through eBooks.eHarlequin.com and all other eRetailers.

Already an industry front-list leader in eBooks, Harlequin is at the leading edge of digital publishing, offering over 100 new titles every month in eBook format and regularly topping the eBook bestseller lists.

Harlequin Historical is a long-running and popular series that publishes four titles monthly.

For more information, please check out www.harlequinhistoricalundone.com and www.eHarlequin.com.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 29 languages and sold in 107 international markets. The company produces over 120 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,200 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.B). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 19 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.

 
 
SOURCE Harlequin Enterprises Limited
 

 

In her new book, "Changing the Odds for Children at Risk," Dr. Susan Neuman, professor at the University of Michigan School of Education writes, "We need to recast our priorities, to fund programs that have solid evidence of results-programs that stake their reputation on their abilities to exponentially improve the performance of at-risk children."

Neuman brings a unique perspective to this effort as her life's work has taken her from the front of the classroom as an elementary school teacher to the halls of power in the White House and on Capitol Hill. She served as Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education in the Bush Administration from 2002-2004 and is regarded as one of the key implementers of No Child Left Behind. During her tenure she established the Reading First program (funded at $6 billion) and the Early Reading First program ($75 million).

"Changing the Odds for Children at Risk," published by Praeger and available online and in bookstores, takes the reader along as Neuman goes into the field to investigate educational programs up-close and develops what she calls her "Seven Essential Principles of Educational Programs that Break the Cycle of Poverty."

"Susan Neuman offers a compelling, first-hand look at what works in education today in 'Changing the Odds for Children at Risk,'" says Former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt, chair, Hunt Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy. "She has taken the best of what she has learned from her research and public service and combined it with the realities of what actually happens in thousands of schools every day in America. We would be wise to learn from her efforts and apply the seven principles she advocates in her book as we try to fix our schools."

    1. Actively target the neediest children.
    2. Begin early in children's lives.
    3. Emphasize coordinated services, particularly for children whose
        families present multiple risks.
    4. Focus on boosting academic achievement through compensatory high-
        quality instruction.
    5. Deliver instruction by trained professionals, not by aides or
        volunteers.
    6. Acknowledge that intensity matters, defending against any dilution of
        program quality as a waste of public resources.
    7. Always hold themselves accountable for results and for children's
        achievement.

"This is an immensely readable book that argues that the achievement gap can be narrowed by various government programs that serve disadvantaged families. In a warm and personally caring way, she relates what she considers to be the successes of various government programs, including early childhood education, nurse home visitor, and after-school services," says Douglas Besharov, director, American Enterprise Institute's Social and Individual Responsibility Project.

Neuman's book is all the more pressing given taxpayers spend more than $400 billion dollars a year on education, yet the high school dropout rate is still 30% or higher in some cities. She believes the rhetoric of leaving no child behind has trumped reality.

Neuman's book includes examinations of:

-- Philadelphia's Books Aloud initiative that encourages reading by focusing on child care providers. Program data show that it results in preschoolers receiving statistically significant gains in receptive language, phonological awareness and other measures.

-- California's and Texas' After-School Enrichment Program that provides in-depth training to its program directors who lead activities.

-- Charlotte, N.C.'s Bright Beginnings early education program that has graduates who score at or above average in reading skills both at the end of kindergarten and first grade.

-- Early Head Start Programs nationwide that have helped to improve scores on standardized tests of infant and toddler development, and led to better developmental functioning, greater parent involvement and lower levels of family conflict and stress.

Neuman's writing takes the lessons she has witnessed and infuses them with her research and knowledge to create a persuasive set of principles that policy-makers, political leaders, educators, parents and all taxpayers and citizens can learn from and apply.

Neuman writes that, "In light of this extraordinary convergence of increased awareness of the problem, knowledge of what works and renewed commitment toward educating every child in America, the bleak cycle of poverty and disadvantage that has until now appeared so intractable can be broken forever."

SOURCE Dr. Susan Neuman