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I'm tired of all the political commercials and phone calls and speeches and debates. You probably are, too. Soon it will be decided and life can move on for another four years. In the meantime, I'm enjoying Over the Rhine. I hope this song brightens your Poetry Friday. Be sure you vote!
More poems brighten the day at Mainely Write.
If A Song Could Be President
If a song could be president
We'd hum on Election Day
The gospel choir would start to sway
And we'd all have a part to play
The first lady would free her hips
Pull a microphone to her lips
Break our hearts with Rhythm and Blues
Steve Earle would anchor the news
We'd vote for a melody
Pass it around on an mp3
All our best foreign policy
Would be built on harmony
If a song could be president
We'd fly a jukebox to the moon
All our founding fathers' 45's
Lightnin' Hopkins and Patsy Cline
If a song could be president
If a song could be president
We could all add another verse
Life would teach us to rehearse
Till we found a key change
Break out of this minor key
Half-truths and hypocrisy
We wouldn't need an underachiever-in-chief
If a song could be president
We'd make Neil Young a Senator
Even though he came from Canada
Emmylou would be Ambassador
World leaders would listen to her
They would show us where our country went wrong
Strum their guitars on the White House lawn
John Prine would run the FBI
All the criminals would laugh and cry
If a song could be president.
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Ironman Florida
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I spent a packed three days in Panama City Beach this weekend with our daughter and boyfriend while they ran Ironman Florida 2012. Friday afternoon the temptation to take a nap was huge, but I resisted, choosing to get to bed early and sleep since rising time for race day was 4 a.m. After dropping Jeanetta and John off to get ready, Cliff, Gail (or Gee, John's mom) and I parked the car and made our way to the beach. This was John's third Ironman. Jeanetta has done several half Ironman races, but this was her first full.
.JPG)
They found us on the beach just before the start at 7 a.m. At the mass start, three thousand athletes rushed through the timing arch and into the water.
It was complete craziness! It looked like a massive school of human fish. Bodies packed together so tightly, you could have walked across them on the water. The water was rough, making it hard to see the course. We watched the rescue team bring several people ashore on stretchers attached to seadoos.
.JPG)
Once they transitioned out of the water, we were able to see both of them heading out on the bikes. Then it was time for a breakfast break and a few hours of rest at the condo. The bike ride took them right past our condo, so we stood on the sidewalk cheering riders on their way to the finish until we saw John go past. We jumped in the car and headed back to the race area hoping we would see John early on the run, but he was already past us.
.JPG)
We caught him (on the right) at about mile 12 of the run.
Then we rushed back over to catch Jeanetta coming in on the bike. Here's where we got separated. Gee went back to the car because we forgot John's keys. He was planning to load the bikes after he finished. I was rushing forward so I wouldn't miss Jeanetta coming in. Cliff was searching for a trash can to dump our garbage. In a crowd of about 30,000, a blue shirt just doesn't stand out! We never found each other again until the end of the race.
I watched her come in, then raced back to the other side of the transition area to see her leave on the run. She stopped coming out and gave me a hug. Jeanetta told us later that she saw all three of us and we probably weren't more than 10 yards apart.
.JPG)
At one point we had to cross the bike path. It was like playing a game of chicken. There were crossing volunteers. I would have had heart failure if that had been my job. Bikes coming down the road at 20 miles an hour, a short space in the oncoming traffic, a mad dash by handfuls of spectators going both directions across the road! Someone shouted, "Run like a bandit!"
Once Jeanetta was out on the run, it was time to watch for John to come in for his finish. I found a nice spot on the rail just before the stretch to the finish line. The bleachers at the grandstand were crowded, noisy, and hard. I was happy to be at a spot where I could see the runners coming in. He finished with a great time, but pushing himself in the heat of the day took a toll on his body. He crossed the finish line and headed straight to the medical tent with cramping and dehydration. Fortunately there were still hours left before Jeanetta came and and Gee was able to take him back to the condo where he could soak in the tub and recover a bit before coming back to the grandstands for Jeanetta's finish.
After he finished, I waited around for a while thinking I might find Cliff or Gee, but no such luck. So I headed back to the car and to wait and see Jeanetta at the turn around midway through the run. Cliff had done the same thing and we finally stumbled on each other again. At the midpoint, Jeanetta was still looking happy.
We went and found some dinner. Cliff watched some of the LSU/Alabama football game. He had a wager going with our son on the game. Loser buys dinner. We connected with Gee by phone and agreed to meet them at the grandstand to watch Jeanetta come in. During the last half of the run, she started slowing down. Cliff went to find her and was able to run the last bit with her before the finish.
I'm not too good with a camera when I'm trying to see what's going on, too! I pressed stop too soon, but I did catch a bit of her finish..JPG)
.JPG)
So proud of my sweet ironman woman!
Swim - 2.4 miles. Finish times. John - 1:19:45 Jeanetta - 1:24:26
Bike - 110 miles. Finish times. John - 5:05:12 Jeanetta - 7:45:12
Run - 26.2 miles. Finish times. John - 3:51:00 Jeanetta - 6:38:01
Overall finish.
John - 10:28:16
Jeanetta - 15:59:50
We finally got to bed around 1 a.m. What a day!
They found us on the beach just before the start at 7 a.m. At the mass start, three thousand athletes rushed through the timing arch and into the water.
It was complete craziness! It looked like a massive school of human fish. Bodies packed together so tightly, you could have walked across them on the water. The water was rough, making it hard to see the course. We watched the rescue team bring several people ashore on stretchers attached to seadoos.
Once they transitioned out of the water, we were able to see both of them heading out on the bikes. Then it was time for a breakfast break and a few hours of rest at the condo. The bike ride took them right past our condo, so we stood on the sidewalk cheering riders on their way to the finish until we saw John go past. We jumped in the car and headed back to the race area hoping we would see John early on the run, but he was already past us.
We caught him (on the right) at about mile 12 of the run.
Then we rushed back over to catch Jeanetta coming in on the bike. Here's where we got separated. Gee went back to the car because we forgot John's keys. He was planning to load the bikes after he finished. I was rushing forward so I wouldn't miss Jeanetta coming in. Cliff was searching for a trash can to dump our garbage. In a crowd of about 30,000, a blue shirt just doesn't stand out! We never found each other again until the end of the race.
I watched her come in, then raced back to the other side of the transition area to see her leave on the run. She stopped coming out and gave me a hug. Jeanetta told us later that she saw all three of us and we probably weren't more than 10 yards apart.
At one point we had to cross the bike path. It was like playing a game of chicken. There were crossing volunteers. I would have had heart failure if that had been my job. Bikes coming down the road at 20 miles an hour, a short space in the oncoming traffic, a mad dash by handfuls of spectators going both directions across the road! Someone shouted, "Run like a bandit!"
Once Jeanetta was out on the run, it was time to watch for John to come in for his finish. I found a nice spot on the rail just before the stretch to the finish line. The bleachers at the grandstand were crowded, noisy, and hard. I was happy to be at a spot where I could see the runners coming in. He finished with a great time, but pushing himself in the heat of the day took a toll on his body. He crossed the finish line and headed straight to the medical tent with cramping and dehydration. Fortunately there were still hours left before Jeanetta came and and Gee was able to take him back to the condo where he could soak in the tub and recover a bit before coming back to the grandstands for Jeanetta's finish.
After he finished, I waited around for a while thinking I might find Cliff or Gee, but no such luck. So I headed back to the car and to wait and see Jeanetta at the turn around midway through the run. Cliff had done the same thing and we finally stumbled on each other again. At the midpoint, Jeanetta was still looking happy.
We went and found some dinner. Cliff watched some of the LSU/Alabama football game. He had a wager going with our son on the game. Loser buys dinner. We connected with Gee by phone and agreed to meet them at the grandstand to watch Jeanetta come in. During the last half of the run, she started slowing down. Cliff went to find her and was able to run the last bit with her before the finish.I'm not too good with a camera when I'm trying to see what's going on, too! I pressed stop too soon, but I did catch a bit of her finish.
So proud of my sweet ironman woman!
Swim - 2.4 miles. Finish times. John - 1:19:45 Jeanetta - 1:24:26
Bike - 110 miles. Finish times. John - 5:05:12 Jeanetta - 7:45:12
Run - 26.2 miles. Finish times. John - 3:51:00 Jeanetta - 6:38:01
Overall finish.
John - 10:28:16
Jeanetta - 15:59:50
We finally got to bed around 1 a.m. What a day!
Don't Feed the Boy
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I absolutely loved this book! Okay, yes, I've had it since October, but life is strange and the to be read pile is never ending, but finally I managed to get to it, and it's wonderful.
Of course, I'm slightly prejudiced because I love the author,
but that doesn't change the fact that this is a good book.
You may think you'd like to live in the zoo, but Whit, who really does live in the zoo, would change places with you in a minute. Whit's mother is the zoo director and his father the elephant keeper. The business of the zoo keeps his parents so involved with the animals that it's easy for Whit to be overlooked. He even wonders if he should have been born another species.
Whit hasn't had many friends besides the animals. He is homeschooled by a tutor and seldom goes anywhere outside the zoo. When he discovers Stella, the Bird Girl, Whit is determined to become her friend. He takes her on tours and into places only the zoo people are allowed to go. When he breaks the rule never to leave the zoo and goes to Stella's house, he is confronted by a problem that is way too big for him to solve. But that doesn't mean he won't try.
Whit has "normal" problems with his parents. Problems most eleven-year-olds experience. Stella's problems are much more threatening. Yet Irene handles both situations with respect and sensitivity.
I love the scene when Stella realizes that Whit understands her situation. He doesn't feel safe in her house, but he doesn't want to leave her.
Nice, huh? No spoilers here, but you'll breathe a sigh of relief for both characters as the book comes to a satisfying end.
If you have a young reader on your Christmas list, it's perfect stocking stuffer.
I absolutely loved this book! Okay, yes, I've had it since October, but life is strange and the to be read pile is never ending, but finally I managed to get to it, and it's wonderful.
 |
| From Roaring Book Press. Available on Amazon. |
Of course, I'm slightly prejudiced because I love the author,
| Irene Latham |
but that doesn't change the fact that this is a good book.
You may think you'd like to live in the zoo, but Whit, who really does live in the zoo, would change places with you in a minute. Whit's mother is the zoo director and his father the elephant keeper. The business of the zoo keeps his parents so involved with the animals that it's easy for Whit to be overlooked. He even wonders if he should have been born another species.
Whit hasn't had many friends besides the animals. He is homeschooled by a tutor and seldom goes anywhere outside the zoo. When he discovers Stella, the Bird Girl, Whit is determined to become her friend. He takes her on tours and into places only the zoo people are allowed to go. When he breaks the rule never to leave the zoo and goes to Stella's house, he is confronted by a problem that is way too big for him to solve. But that doesn't mean he won't try.
Whit has "normal" problems with his parents. Problems most eleven-year-olds experience. Stella's problems are much more threatening. Yet Irene handles both situations with respect and sensitivity.
I love the scene when Stella realizes that Whit understands her situation. He doesn't feel safe in her house, but he doesn't want to leave her.
She grabbed his arm. "So now you know. And that's why you can't complain about your parents. Because what you have is so much better than this."
Whit stared at her.
What she said was true.
And it wasn't.
Yes, it was an awful situation. Clearly Stella's family needed help. But that didn't make Whit's problems any less important. Stella telling him that he couldn't complain was like saying you can't complain when you have a sore throat because there are people in the world who have cancer.
Oh, he could complain all right. Stella didn't have the corner of the market on unhappiness. It was just different, that's all. Their situations were completely different.
Nice, huh? No spoilers here, but you'll breathe a sigh of relief for both characters as the book comes to a satisfying end.
If you have a young reader on your Christmas list, it's perfect stocking stuffer.
Taking Stock
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December is always a month of looking back for me. Did I accomplish what I set out to do? Did I achieve the goals I set for myself? Did I stay true to the word I felt was mine for the year?
So I started looking back and realized I didn't really set any goals this year.
That may sound terrible, but it was just the reality of my place in time back last January. My desire for the year had nothing to do with accomplishing pages of writing, but rather with reconnecting with my love for writing. I seem to have lost something of that in the push of trying to get books written.
Somewhere about midway through the year, I felt the word for me was "Don't strive." That's not the same as don't try, don't create, don't write, but don't strive so that the joy in the writing gets lost in the producing a product.
So have I been true to those "un-goals" I set for myself this year?
In some ways, yes. I have relaxed a bit. I have had some wonderful reconnections with my writing. Sometimes though, I still miss the joy I once had in playing with words. I am still wanting that essence to return to my writing life.
Health challenges with my parents have been a very real part of this year's journey. As I watch them in this last stage of life, my heart fills will a myriad of emotions. Sometimes it's hard to get past them to write. Sometimes they are the impetus to write. I find that I need to give myself a bit of room, not expect so much of myself on these days. Life is happening right before me and I need to be part of it. And hopefully the writing will flow from it with a little more grace.
How about you? Are you looking back? If so, what have you found?
December is always a month of looking back for me. Did I accomplish what I set out to do? Did I achieve the goals I set for myself? Did I stay true to the word I felt was mine for the year?
So I started looking back and realized I didn't really set any goals this year.
That may sound terrible, but it was just the reality of my place in time back last January. My desire for the year had nothing to do with accomplishing pages of writing, but rather with reconnecting with my love for writing. I seem to have lost something of that in the push of trying to get books written.
Somewhere about midway through the year, I felt the word for me was "Don't strive." That's not the same as don't try, don't create, don't write, but don't strive so that the joy in the writing gets lost in the producing a product.
So have I been true to those "un-goals" I set for myself this year?
In some ways, yes. I have relaxed a bit. I have had some wonderful reconnections with my writing. Sometimes though, I still miss the joy I once had in playing with words. I am still wanting that essence to return to my writing life.
Health challenges with my parents have been a very real part of this year's journey. As I watch them in this last stage of life, my heart fills will a myriad of emotions. Sometimes it's hard to get past them to write. Sometimes they are the impetus to write. I find that I need to give myself a bit of room, not expect so much of myself on these days. Life is happening right before me and I need to be part of it. And hopefully the writing will flow from it with a little more grace.
How about you? Are you looking back? If so, what have you found?
The Snow-Flake
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No snowflakes here in the deep South, but we can always hope! It did at least get cold this week, a nice cool change from our 70/80 degree winter. So I am enjoying the images of snow in verse.
Enjoy more Poetry Friday at Jama's Alphabet Soup.
The Snow-Flake
Walter De La Mare
Before I melt,
Come, look at me!
This lovely icy filigree!
Of a great forest
In one night
I make a wilderness
Of white:
By skyey cold
Of crystals made,
All softly, on
Your finger laid,
I pause, that you
My beauty see:
Breathe, and I vanish
Instantly.
No snowflakes here in the deep South, but we can always hope! It did at least get cold this week, a nice cool change from our 70/80 degree winter. So I am enjoying the images of snow in verse.
Enjoy more Poetry Friday at Jama's Alphabet Soup.
The Snow-Flake
Walter De La Mare
Before I melt,
Come, look at me!
This lovely icy filigree!
Of a great forest
In one night
I make a wilderness
Of white:
By skyey cold
Of crystals made,
All softly, on
Your finger laid,
I pause, that you
My beauty see:
Breathe, and I vanish
Instantly.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL Twitter Sweepstakes - Win a Trip to "The Emerald City"!
To contact us Click HERE
Disney announced today that they are launching a New Year’s Sweepstakes and an Instant Win game on December 31st in support of their upcoming, Sam Raimi-helmed film “Oz The Great and Powerful,” which opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013. The promotion runs through January 31, 2013, and offers a Grand Prize as well as Instant Win Prizes.
Inspired by the wizard’s journey, the Road to the Emerald City Sweepstakes invites fans to Tweet their New Year’s resolutions, using #DisneyOz, for a chance to win the Grand Prize—a 4-day/3-night trip to Seattle, Wash., for two.
Visit the official Oz The Great and Powerful Facebook page to watch the Tweets pave the way to the Emerald City and click on select bricks to instantly win prizes, including $100 gift cards for HSN (Home Shopping Network), $50 Visa cards, $10 Starbucks gift cards, copies of the L. Frank Baum Book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” signed movie posters, and other “Oz The Great and Powerful” products.
Visit the Road to the Emerald City experience, play the Instant Win game, and view Official Rules: https://www.facebook.com/OzTheGreatAndPowerful
For Sweepstakes: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents 13 years or older of 50 U.S. and D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Entrants must have a Twitter account, tweet a New Year’s wish, and include #DisneyOz. Starts 12:00:01 PM ET on 12/27/12, ends 11:59:59 PM ET on 1/31/13. Sponsor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
For Instant Win Game: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents 13 years or older of 50 U.S. and D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Entrants must select the Instant Win Bonus Brick in the game located at www.facebook.com/OzTheGreatAndPowerful. Starts 12:00:01 PM ET on 12/27/12, ends 11:59:59 PM ET on 1/31/13. Sponsor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.Follow the film on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyozmovie
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great wizard but into a better man as well.
“Oz The Great and Powerful” is produced by Joe Roth, with screen story by Mitchell Kapner and screenplay by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire. Grant Curtis, Palak Patel, Josh Donen and Philip Steuer are serving as executive producers. “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
----------------------------------------
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Disney announced today that they are launching a New Year’s Sweepstakes and an Instant Win game on December 31st in support of their upcoming, Sam Raimi-helmed film “Oz The Great and Powerful,” which opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013. The promotion runs through January 31, 2013, and offers a Grand Prize as well as Instant Win Prizes.
Inspired by the wizard’s journey, the Road to the Emerald City Sweepstakes invites fans to Tweet their New Year’s resolutions, using #DisneyOz, for a chance to win the Grand Prize—a 4-day/3-night trip to Seattle, Wash., for two.
Visit the official Oz The Great and Powerful Facebook page to watch the Tweets pave the way to the Emerald City and click on select bricks to instantly win prizes, including $100 gift cards for HSN (Home Shopping Network), $50 Visa cards, $10 Starbucks gift cards, copies of the L. Frank Baum Book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” signed movie posters, and other “Oz The Great and Powerful” products.
Visit the Road to the Emerald City experience, play the Instant Win game, and view Official Rules: https://www.facebook.com/OzTheGreatAndPowerful
For Sweepstakes: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents 13 years or older of 50 U.S. and D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Entrants must have a Twitter account, tweet a New Year’s wish, and include #DisneyOz. Starts 12:00:01 PM ET on 12/27/12, ends 11:59:59 PM ET on 1/31/13. Sponsor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
For Instant Win Game: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents 13 years or older of 50 U.S. and D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Entrants must select the Instant Win Bonus Brick in the game located at www.facebook.com/OzTheGreatAndPowerful. Starts 12:00:01 PM ET on 12/27/12, ends 11:59:59 PM ET on 1/31/13. Sponsor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.Follow the film on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyozmovie
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great wizard but into a better man as well.
“Oz The Great and Powerful” is produced by Joe Roth, with screen story by Mitchell Kapner and screenplay by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire. Grant Curtis, Palak Patel, Josh Donen and Philip Steuer are serving as executive producers. “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
----------------------------------------
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Looper Comes to Blu-Ray and DVD
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Looper is available to own on Blu-ray and DVD as of December 31, and below is a cool "Mashup" trailer that you may enjoy!
About the Movie
In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented - but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a "Looper" - a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) - is waiting to mop up. At the top of his game, Joe is getting rich and life is good... until the day the mob decides to "close his loop," sending back Joe's future-self (Bruce Willis) for assassination.
DVD Bonus Materials Include:
Feature Commentary with Director Rian Johnson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt
Blu-ray Bonus Materials Include:
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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About the Movie
In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented - but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a "Looper" - a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) - is waiting to mop up. At the top of his game, Joe is getting rich and life is good... until the day the mob decides to "close his loop," sending back Joe's future-self (Bruce Willis) for assassination.
DVD Bonus Materials Include:
Feature Commentary with Director Rian Johnson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt
- "Looper: From the Beginning" featurette
- "Scoring Looper" featurette
- 5 Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Rian Johnson and Noah Segan
- Looper Animated Trailer
Blu-ray Bonus Materials Include:
- All DVD bonus materials plus
- "The Science of Time Travel" Featurette
- 17 Additional Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Rian Johnson and Noah Segan
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Questions? Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com
Carpet Cleaner Machines and Its Uses
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You have a fabulous new carpet installed in your home, which instantly perks up your indoor spaces with a fresh new look. But several weeks have passed, and that pristine and perfect look of your new carpet is fading fast. You start to worry because you do not know which would be the best carpet cleaner machine to use on it. You are reluctant to experiment, because after all, that carpet was expensive and you don't want to take a chance on ruining it by making the wrong decision. Luckily there is no cause to worry, for here is a list of the various types of carpet cleaner machines that you can choose from for your needs. This list should help you find out what sort of cleaning machine would be best to use to keep those lush new carpets looking as good as new!
First on the list are vacuum cleaners. These are the staple of home carpet cleaner machines, as they have been around forever and they help you in surface cleaning your carpets quickly and efficiently. Vacuum cleaners come in all shapes and sizes, and you do not have to spend a fortune on buying one to get a great result. There are vacuum cleaners these days that cost as little as $100 and yet still provide an excellent clean. It is a one time purchase for a lifetime of dust free carpets and floors.
There are also vacuum cleaners that allows you to vacuum objects like that dusty old mattress or your fur filled couch, or just about anything that has fabric on it. Another feature that vacuum cleaners are known for are their talent for getting into tight spots with their variety of attachments. This is because they have long hoses that helps you vacuum inside your couch and in all the nooks and crannies of your home. A vacuum with a selection of attachments is a must have if you want to keep both your carpets and your upholstered furniture items looking dust free and clean at all times.
Next on the line is the carpet shampooer. These type of carpet cleaner machine is meant for heavy cleaning and works deep down to remove the stains in your carpet. What is different with these from the vacuum is that there is a tank attached to it. This is where the shampoo solution is kept. The carpet shampoo is squirted out of the machine through the hose. This hose runs down to the two rotating brushes attached. You can either rent this type of carpet cleaner or buy one if your carpet is prone to being stained often. http://www.kleendrycarpetcleaning.com.au/
I am the webmaster of the http://www.kleendrycarpetcleaning.com.au and an article writer. Kleen carpet dry cleaning are fully qualified carpet cleaners with up to date cleaning equipment, we guarantee all work and offer a full 24hour emergency service.Mattress cleaning,flood & water damage cleaning,strip and seal flooring cleaning,carpet cleaning. http://www.kleendrycarpetcleaning.com.au/
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Cute Korean Retro Simple Style Camera Bag for Women
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Cute Korean Retro Simple Style Camera Bag for Women - Business - ECommerce
Search by Author, Title or ContentArticle ContentAuthor NameArticle TitleHomeSubmit ArticlesAuthor GuidelinesPublisher GuidelinesContent FeedsRSS FeedsFAQContact UsCute Korean Retro Simple Style Camera Bag for Women?? by Bluelans.comin Business / ECommerce ?? (submitted 2012-11-01)
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Cute Korean Retro Simple Style Camera Bag for Women - Business - ECommerce
Search by Author, Title or ContentArticle ContentAuthor NameArticle TitleHomeSubmit ArticlesAuthor GuidelinesPublisher GuidelinesContent FeedsRSS FeedsFAQContact UsCute Korean Retro Simple Style Camera Bag for Women?? by Bluelans.comin Business / ECommerce ?? (submitted 2012-11-01)Yes, this little round ball is a handbag for women. In professional, it could not be called a ball, because we could not inflate this one. This is just a ball shape handbag, so small and so special. As far as our eyes can reach, there are thousands of handbags crowed the street. And look at these women, their big handbags or shoulder bags are expanded by all kinds of things. Personally, we bear so much pressure from our job or family, if we have the time for playing, we should carry the slightest things with us. We go out for enjoying, not moving a house. When I go out, I usual bring a small shoulder bag to hold cash, keys and phone. That's enough. Today, China bags wholesale would like to share a small camera bag with you. Take it easy and enjoy a great weekend. And this is IN THE FASHION at Bluelans.com.
When I am looking for a small bag to go outside, I always carry a small shoulder bag, with a long strap, because I don't want to take my large handbag to run errands; stylish yet practical. This little China wholesale women's bag is ideal; one compartment holds the less important but immediately needed things. And the main space of this bag may allow you to carry the basic needs when you go out, not burdensome. The small strap slips comfortably onto my shoulder and the whole thing doesn't weigh more than a bangle bracelet. I was quite pleased with the high quality of workmanship and materials of this bag.
This Korean Retro Faux Leather Simple Style Camera Bag Shoulder bag Students Packets Bag is at a wholesale price, $3.99. And the colors of khaki, green, orange and red are available. The length of the strap is 120cm. And the width of the bag is 16cm, the height of it is 15cm and the depth of it is 7cm. Measured by hands, so it could be 2cm different. As an experienced and professional China fashion wholesale online shopping store, which targeting at the fashion market, Bluelans has a great experience of sharing all kinds of comfortable and fashion products. And meanwhile, Bluelans is applying itself to achieve the object of "better things, cheaper price, and faster shipping" all the time. If you like this retro simple style camera bag, and then click the pictures or emphasized sentences, for they are all linked to the products or our online store. Hope you find a proper bag.About the Author
Bluelans offers by Hongkong Bluelans Co., Ltd. Bluelans is one of the biggest online commercial corporations in Asia, committing itself to build a worldwide wholesale shop online. Our company was originally set up in Shenzhen, China in 2007, aiming to operate the business-to-customer transactions with overseas consumers. Along with the rapid development of electronic business in China, Bluelans has earned itself a solid reputation for quality, reliability and professionalism in this field. Our operation capabilities cover favorable policy, instant and safe delivery, privacy protection and well-rounded customer support.
Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelineswhereby the original author's information and copyright must be included.
Bluelans.com
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SKN Group Presents ?EUR~Wall City?EUR(TM) at NH-8, Jaipur
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SKN Group Presents ‘Wall City’ at NH-8, Jaipur - Business - Sales
Search by Author, Title or ContentArticle ContentAuthor NameArticle TitleHomeSubmit ArticlesAuthor GuidelinesPublisher GuidelinesContent FeedsRSS FeedsFAQContact UsSKN Group Presents ‘Wall City’ at NH-8, Jaipur?? by Zameendurgeshin Business / Sales ?? (submitted 2012-11-02)
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SKN Group Presents ‘Wall City’ at NH-8, Jaipur - Business - Sales
Search by Author, Title or ContentArticle ContentAuthor NameArticle TitleHomeSubmit ArticlesAuthor GuidelinesPublisher GuidelinesContent FeedsRSS FeedsFAQContact UsSKN Group Presents ‘Wall City’ at NH-8, Jaipur?? by Zameendurgeshin Business / Sales ?? (submitted 2012-11-02)SKN Group has launched 'Wall City', an integrated township at NH-8, Jaipur. This premium residential project at Jaipur is a 250 acres project of which 150 acres are being offered in Phase-1. The project offers Freehold residential plots of sizes ranging from 100 sq.yards to 500 sq.yards at affordable prices. Buyers can refer to Price list of Wall City for detailed information about prices. The township boasts of amenities like- Club house, Swimming pool, Party lawn, Shopping complex, Green belt, Jogging track, Mini Golf Course, Temple etc. Township has gated entry and there is provision for essential facilities like- Round the clock security, Water supply, Electric lines network and Well lighted roads. International Universities like- Manipal, BITS Pilani, Jyoti Vidhyapith and Government Central University are in close vicinity. Strategic location of this township makes it ideal for both home builders and investors. Township is located on Jaipur-Ajmer Express Highway, nearby to Mahindra Sez. Mahindra Sez is spread over an area of 3000 acres and more than 150 companies will create 2.5 lacs new jobs here. Proposed Kishangarh airport is in close vicinity. Township is very well connected to Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor ( DMIC ). Strategic location of the township makes it ideal for both home builders and investors.
This premium residential project at Jaipur offers an excellent investment opportunity for those looking to buy properties for investment purpose. Appreciation in property prices in Jaipur has been hovering around a healthy 12% per annum, which is remarkable for a tier- II city. Property prices here are quite low compared to big cities and other tier- II cities. This provides great scope of appreciation. Due to depreciation in rupee against dollar, NRIs and PIOs are also showing heightened interest in investing in real estate sector. Wall City Jaipur can be a good investment opportunity for them too. Rupee was trading at Rs. 55 per dollar few weeks ago but now a steady rise in its value is being noticed. This trend is expected to continue for a while now. So, NRIs investing now can expect windfall gains of more than 30% within a year ( on account of appreciation in value of rupee and general appreciation in property prices in Jaipur). Moreover, Government policies for NRI and PIO real estate investors are also quiet favorable. As government allows 100% repatriation, they can easily take the rental income and capital investment in the property outside India subject to FEMA. NRIs can get loans easily from banks to invest in properties but NRI remittances and repatriation procedures have emerged as the best option for them. NRIs are permitted to use their own funds to acquire immovable property. These funds can be remitted through Non-resident external(NRE), Non-resident ordinary(NRO) or Foreign currency non-resident(FCNR) accounts.
Developer of this project, Shree Krishna Nayan Real Infra Pvt. Ltd. ( SKN Group ) is a young, dynamic and vibrant real estate developer from Jaipur, specializing in providing plots, villas, shops and farmhouses in locations surrounding Jaipur. The Group has been one of the pioneers in plotting and farmhouses segment.About the Author
Hi,
I am Zameen0005.
I am working as SEO in Bhardwaj Buildtech India Pvt. Ltd.
Which is an leading Real Estate consultancy firm in India
For more information about real estate, residential and commercial property log on to
http://www.zameen-zaidad.com or contact us +91-11- 40024002
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Zameendurgesh
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1 Ocak 2013 Salı
Remembering our veterans - sharing Heart of a Shepherd and Dear Blue Sky (ages 9-12)
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I've been thinking about Veteran's Day this weekend, thinking about all the sacrifices and contributions made by men and women who have served our country. As I think about these brave veterans, my mind always turns to their families. What would it be like to have your mom or dad sent away to war? What would it be like living with the uncertainty of when or how they would return?
Naturally, my mind turns to powerful stories I've read that let me feel what it might be like to live through these difficult times. Two books come to mind: Heart of a Shepherd and Dear Blue Sky. Share these books with children who want a story that touches their heart.
Dear Blue Sky is another heartfelt story that revolves around the pain and loss caused by the Iraqi War.
As I wrote a few months ago, "I was particularly impressed with how Sullivan raises these complex issues in a way that tweens will understand - personalizing the impact of the suffering caused by the Iraq War, focusing in on family and friendship dynamics, looking closely at the impact of assumptions and isolation."
The review copies were kindly sent by the publishers, Random House and Penguin. If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
Review ©2012 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
Naturally, my mind turns to powerful stories I've read that let me feel what it might be like to live through these difficult times. Two books come to mind: Heart of a Shepherd and Dear Blue Sky. Share these books with children who want a story that touches their heart.
Twelve-year old "Brother" is the youngest of 5 boys growing up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon. His older brothers gone away to school or the army, and now Brother is alone helping his dad and grandparents manage their cattle ranch. When Brother's dad is called up to fight with his reserve unit in Iraq, everything falls on his shoulders to help keep the ranch running smoothly. His dad believes in him, and Brother has to keep faith that his father will return safely. Here is one of my favorite quotes from his dad:Heart of a Shepherd
by Rosanne Parry
Random House, 2009
ages 9-12
available on Amazon and at your local library
“You don’t have to be brave,” he says, real quiet. “Neither of us does. A man’s life is not so much about courage. You just have to keep going. You have to do what you’ve promised, brave or not.” (page 24)Heart of a Shepherd has stayed with me, finding a special place inside. It's a powerful story of loss, faith and coming of age. I originally read and reviewed this in 2009 (see original post here), and it has stayed with me.
Dear Blue Sky is another heartfelt story that revolves around the pain and loss caused by the Iraqi War.
I shared about this book just a few months ago, so I won't go into as many details (see original post here). But it would be interesting to read these two books together and see how the characters deal with the situation caused by their loved ones being sent away to war.Dear Blue Sky
by Mary Sullivan
Penguin, 2012
ages 9-12
available on Amazon and at your local library
As I wrote a few months ago, "I was particularly impressed with how Sullivan raises these complex issues in a way that tweens will understand - personalizing the impact of the suffering caused by the Iraq War, focusing in on family and friendship dynamics, looking closely at the impact of assumptions and isolation."
The review copies were kindly sent by the publishers, Random House and Penguin. If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
Review ©2012 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade, by Melissa Sweet (ages 5-9)
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Ask a room full of children, "Who's seen a parade?", and you'll see dozens of eyes start to sparkle. A parade?!! What fun!! One of my favorite books to share at this time of year is Melissa Sweet's Balloons Over Broadway. It tells the story of Tony Sarge, the puppeteer who created the original giant balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Whether you have the chance to see this parade in person or watch it on TV, this book will delight families with its story of creativity and invention.
Children love thinking through Sarge's dilemmas with creating puppets for his parade. How can he make them big enough for everyone to see? How can he carry them down the streets if they are that large? How did he get his ideas? Melissa Sweet shows just the right amount of clues that kids put the pieces together themselves, feeling Sarge's "ah-hah" moment for themselves. Her artwork is full of joy, creativity, and clear history as she leads children through Sarge's life.
I enjoyed reading this interview with Melissa Sweet over at Monica Edinger's column at the Huffington Post. Monica asked Melissa to tell readers a little bit about her process creating the art.
Also make sure to check out the great collection of primary resources over at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast - Melissa Sweet shares original video from the Macy's Parade in the 1930s, photographs of Tony Sarge and his puppets, and some of her early sketches from the book.
If you like sharing nonfiction with your children, be sure to check out the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. This award is given every year to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book for children. I am always fascinated by the range and depth of information books that this award recognizes.
The review copies came from our school library. If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
Review ©2012 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
Ever since Tony Sarge was a boy, he loved inventing creative solutions to problems. Sweet hooks readers right from the beginning with the snippet of Tony as a child inventing a way to use pulleys to open the chicken coop early each morning while managing to stay in bed. Tony Sarge was truly a creative inventor who looked at new ways to do things his whole life. He brought his puppet making skills first to London, and then to New York. It was in New York that Macy's asked him to put on a parade, which Sarge did with delight.Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011
winner of the 2012 Sibert Medal
winner of the 2012 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
ages 5 - 9
available on Amazon or at your local library
Children love thinking through Sarge's dilemmas with creating puppets for his parade. How can he make them big enough for everyone to see? How can he carry them down the streets if they are that large? How did he get his ideas? Melissa Sweet shows just the right amount of clues that kids put the pieces together themselves, feeling Sarge's "ah-hah" moment for themselves. Her artwork is full of joy, creativity, and clear history as she leads children through Sarge's life.
I enjoyed reading this interview with Melissa Sweet over at Monica Edinger's column at the Huffington Post. Monica asked Melissa to tell readers a little bit about her process creating the art.
"Melissa Sweet: My studio is full of old toys, fabric and found objects I've collected. I started making quirky toys and paper-mache puppets using the materials I had on hand. People often ask which comes first, words or pictures, and in this case making these objects taught me about Tony's creative process and helped me figure out an angle to tell the story. I knew I wanted a 3-dimensional aspect to the art to give the feel of what Tony's studio might've been like."For more resources, be sure to check out the Classroom Bookshelf Blog. Grace Enriquez has assembled everything from suggestions for bringing this into the classroom (as a biography, as a unit on puppets, as a study of community parades, and more) to online resources including Melissa Sweet's activity kit, the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade website, and many more.
Also make sure to check out the great collection of primary resources over at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast - Melissa Sweet shares original video from the Macy's Parade in the 1930s, photographs of Tony Sarge and his puppets, and some of her early sketches from the book.
If you like sharing nonfiction with your children, be sure to check out the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. This award is given every year to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book for children. I am always fascinated by the range and depth of information books that this award recognizes.The review copies came from our school library. If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
Review ©2012 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
Mermaid Tales - a fun friendship story & gift idea
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Our 2nd and 3rd graders are loving Debbie Dadey's new series, Mermaid Tales. If you are looking for a friendship story for a girls who's read all the Rainbow Magic books, this might be a nice choice for you.And since this is the holidays, I always try to find gifts that might make a nice pairing with books - here's a fun, sparkling ball to include for your mermaid loving 8 year old.
These books provide a comfortable, enjoyable reading experience to our kids who are moving into chapter books. It is a bit more difficult than the ever-popular Ivy & Bean, but easier than Clementine. As the Kirkus Review writes, "While Echo and Shelly are not particularly distinctive, and Pearl and the archetypal token boy, Rocky, are cartoony, the characters' interactions are funny and believable." This friendship-driven story will find many fans. Here's a sample to preview from Google Books:
If you're looking to pair this with a fun gift, look for a mermaid themed toy. You might try the Play Visions Mermaid Ball. My kids have loved these types of hi-bouncing balls. With these mermaid decorations inside, it reminds me of a snow-globe, but actually is something kids can play with!
For other holiday gift ideas, check out these ideas for giving books. For some more favorite chapter books, see my recommendations for favorite series for 2nd and 3rd graders.
The review copies came from our home library (tested and loved by our 8 year old). If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
Review ©2012 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
Our 2nd and 3rd graders are loving Debbie Dadey's new series, Mermaid Tales. If you are looking for a friendship story for a girls who's read all the Rainbow Magic books, this might be a nice choice for you.And since this is the holidays, I always try to find gifts that might make a nice pairing with books - here's a fun, sparkling ball to include for your mermaid loving 8 year old.Mermaid Tales:Best friends Shelly, Echo and Kiki are all third-graders at Trident Academy. They share fun times and help each other through struggles that many kids will relate to: anticipating the first day of a new school, dealing with a difficult classmate who thinks she's the best at everything, being the only one not invited to a special party. In Battle of the Best Friends, Echo is invited to another girl's birthday party but Shelly isn't. The friends must figure out how to deal with this difficult situation.
1. Trouble at Trident Academy
2. Battle of the Best Friends
3. Whale of a Tale
by Debbie Dadey
Alladin / Simon & Schuster, 2012
ages 6 - 10
Amazon, your library, Google books
These books provide a comfortable, enjoyable reading experience to our kids who are moving into chapter books. It is a bit more difficult than the ever-popular Ivy & Bean, but easier than Clementine. As the Kirkus Review writes, "While Echo and Shelly are not particularly distinctive, and Pearl and the archetypal token boy, Rocky, are cartoony, the characters' interactions are funny and believable." This friendship-driven story will find many fans. Here's a sample to preview from Google Books:
If you're looking to pair this with a fun gift, look for a mermaid themed toy. You might try the Play Visions Mermaid Ball. My kids have loved these types of hi-bouncing balls. With these mermaid decorations inside, it reminds me of a snow-globe, but actually is something kids can play with!For other holiday gift ideas, check out these ideas for giving books. For some more favorite chapter books, see my recommendations for favorite series for 2nd and 3rd graders.
The review copies came from our home library (tested and loved by our 8 year old). If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
Review ©2012 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
2012 Cybils Book Apps Finalists - a fantastic group of apps to explore!
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I am so excited to announce the finalists for the 2012 Cybils Book Apps Award. The Cybils Award recognizes books for children and young adults that combine both excellent literary quality and high kid appeal. I am honored to serve as the category organizer for the Book Apps category.
Here are this year's finalists for the 2012 Cybils Book Apps Award! Here is our full list of finalists, with links to the apps. This week I will share more about each of these apps. For a full description today, head over to the Cybils website.
Bats! Furry Fliers of the Night
written by Mary Kay Carson
developed by Bookerella and StoryWorldwide, 2012
nominated by Cathy Potter
Dragon Brush
created by John Solimine and Andy Hullinger
developed by Small Planet Digital
nominated by Aurora Celeste
Rounds: Franklin Frog
written by Emma Tranter
illustrated by Barry Tranter
developed by Nosy Crow
nominated by Danielle Smith
The Voyage of Ulysses
based on the epic by Homer
developed by Elastic Srl
nominated by Viktor Sjöberg
Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Story
written by Jamie Lee Curtis
illustrated by Laura Cornell
developed by Auryn, Inc.
nominated by Teresa Garcia
Our fantastic team of judges debated long and thoughtfully to come up with this list of finalists. We evaluated over 80 book apps, ranging from picture books for the very youngest readers to nonfiction apps developed for young adults. We sought to highlight the full range of apps that are being produced, recognizing those that integrate text, illustrations, narration, animation and interactive features to produce an engaging reading experience.
I want to thank all of the round one Book App judges: Cathy Potter, Paula Willey, Carisa Kluver and Lalitha Nataraj. They all contributed so much, bringing different perspectives and experiences to our deliberations. I am so grateful for their time and thoughtful conversations about these apps. I am also so very grateful to the whole Cybils team for their support and exploration of this new way of sharing books with children. I hope you all enjoy these book apps with your children!
Head over to the Cybils website to learn more about these five fantastic book apps for children. This week, I will share more about each one of them. Over the next six weeks, the fabulous round two judges will select one winner from these apps - to be announced on February 14th.
©2013 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
Here are this year's finalists for the 2012 Cybils Book Apps Award! Here is our full list of finalists, with links to the apps. This week I will share more about each of these apps. For a full description today, head over to the Cybils website.
Bats! Furry Fliers of the Nightwritten by Mary Kay Carson
developed by Bookerella and StoryWorldwide, 2012
nominated by Cathy Potter
Dragon Brushcreated by John Solimine and Andy Hullinger
developed by Small Planet Digital
nominated by Aurora Celeste
Rounds: Franklin Frogwritten by Emma Tranter
illustrated by Barry Tranter
developed by Nosy Crow
nominated by Danielle Smith
The Voyage of Ulyssesbased on the epic by Homer
developed by Elastic Srl
nominated by Viktor Sjöberg
Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Storywritten by Jamie Lee Curtis
illustrated by Laura Cornell
developed by Auryn, Inc.
nominated by Teresa Garcia
Our fantastic team of judges debated long and thoughtfully to come up with this list of finalists. We evaluated over 80 book apps, ranging from picture books for the very youngest readers to nonfiction apps developed for young adults. We sought to highlight the full range of apps that are being produced, recognizing those that integrate text, illustrations, narration, animation and interactive features to produce an engaging reading experience.
I want to thank all of the round one Book App judges: Cathy Potter, Paula Willey, Carisa Kluver and Lalitha Nataraj. They all contributed so much, bringing different perspectives and experiences to our deliberations. I am so grateful for their time and thoughtful conversations about these apps. I am also so very grateful to the whole Cybils team for their support and exploration of this new way of sharing books with children. I hope you all enjoy these book apps with your children!
Head over to the Cybils website to learn more about these five fantastic book apps for children. This week, I will share more about each one of them. Over the next six weeks, the fabulous round two judges will select one winner from these apps - to be announced on February 14th.
©2013 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
The Voyage of Ulysses, by Elastico Srl - an enchanting, accessible book app (ages 9 - 12)
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The Voyage of Ulysses, a gripping app for tweens based on Homer's classic Odyssey, is a finalist for the 2012 Cybils Book App Award.
The Odyssey, Homer's classic tale of adventure, longing and struggle, is at once utterly gripping and hard to digest for many of today's children. I remember trying to teach this epic poem to a class of urban 9th graders - this hero's journey felt far away from their reality. The Voyage of Ulysses, a book app developed by the Italian company Elastico Srl, makes this classic story accessible for middle grade children while staying true to the original story.
This is an excellent example of a book app for older readers that uses effective narration controlled interactive features to draw readers in. The distinct chapters kept the pacing of Ulysses' journey moving clearly toward his homecoming. The interactive features were enough to keep the reader engaged without ever taking them off-task or off-track. I loved the interactive map (on the right) that you could use to explore Ulysses' journey.
Enjoy a quick taste of the app in this book trailer / preview:
Share this book app with fans of the Percy Jackson series, Greek mythology and epic journeys. I hope this app reaches a wide audience in the US. So many of our stories continue to draw on Homer's quintessential hero's journey - we need to keep sharing it with children. This a fantastic example of an international app that appeals across cultures.
Review ©2013 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
The Voyage of Ulysses, a gripping app for tweens based on Homer's classic Odyssey, is a finalist for the 2012 Cybils Book App Award.The Odyssey, Homer's classic tale of adventure, longing and struggle, is at once utterly gripping and hard to digest for many of today's children. I remember trying to teach this epic poem to a class of urban 9th graders - this hero's journey felt far away from their reality. The Voyage of Ulysses, a book app developed by the Italian company Elastico Srl, makes this classic story accessible for middle grade children while staying true to the original story.
The Voyage of UlyssesAs Paula Willey of PinkMe writes in her review for the Cybils Award,
developed by Elastic Srl
2012 Cybils Book App Award finalist
nominated by Viktor Sjöberg
ages 9 - 12
available through iTunes App Store
With pathos and romance, the Odyssey is at once a gripping story and a fascinating look at how people long ago lived their lives. In twenty-four screens, mirroring the traditional 24 books of the Odyssey, this book app tells the story of Ulysses's ten-year travail on his way home from the Trojan War.Spellbinding, slightly accented narration continues while we explore the delights of each page - arrows that rain from the ramparts of Troy, Greek warriors creeping from the giant horse and setting Troy ablaze, text that spins into the whirlpool Charybdis. Understated art, music, and sound effects match the lyrical, timeless style of the text, while pull-up sidebars provide even more information. A truly engaging app that also succeeds in communicating the themes of loneliness and exile that make Homer's epic emotionally arresting three thousand years later.
This is an excellent example of a book app for older readers that uses effective narration controlled interactive features to draw readers in. The distinct chapters kept the pacing of Ulysses' journey moving clearly toward his homecoming. The interactive features were enough to keep the reader engaged without ever taking them off-task or off-track. I loved the interactive map (on the right) that you could use to explore Ulysses' journey.Enjoy a quick taste of the app in this book trailer / preview:
Share this book app with fans of the Percy Jackson series, Greek mythology and epic journeys. I hope this app reaches a wide audience in the US. So many of our stories continue to draw on Homer's quintessential hero's journey - we need to keep sharing it with children. This a fantastic example of an international app that appeals across cultures.
Review ©2013 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
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