ARE YOU IN?

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Entry 9

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Entry 8

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Entry 7

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To Write Adventures...You Must Have Adventures

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Grizzly Gulch, Hong Kong Disneyland's Newest Land, Opening July 14

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First 3D Eyewear Retail Outlet Opens at Santa Anita Mall

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MediaMation Sets Sail at South Korea's National Maritime Museum

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Electori Named As Exclusive Japanese Distributor of Alcorn McBride Products

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Seattle Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibition choose ticketing system

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George Wiktor of The GW Group to Speak at SATE 2012

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George Wiktor will speak at SATE 2012, the annual Experience Design conference of the Themed Entertainment Association, September 19 - 21 at Disneyland Paris.  Wiktor is a principal at The GW Group, a project development and consulting firm providing specialized and independent project support for owners, operators, designers and producers in the international themed entertainment and experience industry.

George Wiktor is a creative producer with over twenty five years experience in developing and producing places that entertain, inform and thrill the public.

While navigating the convergence of theater, architecture and media, George has been instrumental in the creation of world-class projects such as museums, corporate information centers, world’s fair pavilions and theme park attractions.

Prior to founding the GW Group, George was senior producer at The Hettema Group, an experiential design and production firm. While at THG his projects included the Russian Jewish Museum in Moscow, Russia; The National WWII Museum Theater presentation in New Orleans and several major projects in the Middle East. And for 18 years prior to that, George was a principal at BRC Imagination Arts where he lead the creative development and production of major projects for entertainment companies, museums and corporations including Disney, Warner Bros, Volkswagen, Toshiba and NASA.

George Wiktor is an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and also a past President of the TEA, an international organization representing the creators of attractions, places and events.

For more information or to contact George Wiktor and The GW Group, visit www.gwgweb.com.

For information on SATE 2012 or to register, visit http://sate2012.blogspot.com/

los Haitises

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El Parque Nacional de Los Haitises, se encuentra situado al noroeste de la República Dominicana, enmarcado en la Bahía de Samaná, de la cual forma parte. Los Haitises constituyen un karst (relieve en rocas calizas) tropical en mogotes, característico de estas zonas climáticas de la tierra. En su morfología externa presenta colinas, corredores y valles, y en su morfología interna cavidades, algunas de grandes dimensiones como las de litoral.

La riqueza en fauna del Parque Nacional Los Haitises queda reflejada entre los mamíferos por la presencia del manatí (Trichechus manatus) en los cayos de manglar, el solenodonte (Solenodon paradoxus) pequeño mamífero insectívoro endémico de la isla, en el bosque, y los murciélagos en las cuevas. Entre los reptiles cabe destacar la presencia de la boa (Epicrates striatus) y las tortugas marinas (Chelonia mydas, Carrretta caretta, Dermocheylys coriacea). Dentro de la fauna, las aves son el grupo más numeroso, 110 especies de las 270 totales del país, pudiéndose distinguir entre las propias del manglar, garzas y otras zancudas.

La fauna de Los Haitises es de una gran variedad y la de mayor representatividad nacional de todas nuestras áreas naturales protegidas, debido a la diversidad de sus ambientes. Los mamíferos están presentes en diferentes especies de murciélagos como también en la jutía (Plagiodontia aedium) y el solenodonte (Solenodon paradoxus); ambas especies son endémicas y están amenazadas de extinción.

Por ser un parque costero-marino, contiene una avifauna sin igual, con una representación mayoritaria de las especies de aves endémicas, nativas y migratorias que no se pueden encontrar en el resto del país. Algunas de esas especies son el pelícano o alcatráz (Pelecanus occidentalis), la tijereta (Fregata magnificens), la cotorra (Amazona ventralis), la lechuza (Tyto alba), la lechuza orejita (Asio stygius) y otras.

El Parque Nacional Los Haitises contiene elementos paisajísticos muy impresionantes como son la Bahía de San Lorenzo, los diferentes cayos y las poblaciones de mangles.

Entre la Boca del Infierno y El Naranjo Arriba está localizado el Cayo de los Pájaros. Este es fácilmente reconocido por la presencia, sobrevolándolo a poca altura, casi permanente de las tijeretas y los pelícanos. Los árboles más altos crecen en el centro del cayo, que es la parte más elevada. El copey es dominante y sus ramas horizontales son usadas por las aves para percharse. El higo (Ficus aff. laevigata) y el almendro (Terminalia catappa) componen la otra parte de los árboles.

Para visitar el el parque, los lugares más usados son Samaná y Sabana de la Mar.

the Hard Rock Hotels Punta Cana

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The majestic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana  Resort brings the Palace brand of uncompromising, all-inclusive luxury to its newest destination — one of the most beautiful beachfront locations in the Caribbean.

Set on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana, this resort offers nine different outdoor pools with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea and a secluded lagoon.

Every spacious guest room features a private balcony, LCD satellite TV and double Jacuzzi. The resort also offers a magnificent state of the art Spa and an elegant full service Casino. And when you're hungry, you'll have a choice of 8 different restaurants, a wireless Internet equipped Cyber Café & Lounge and 24-hour room service.

If you think you know what an all inclusive, upscale resort is, think again. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic defies any pre-concept you may have by providing you with a vacation destination like no other. And it is not just the inclusions and the service. You are in an environment where you and nature become one.

With the largest casino in the Dominican Republic covering 45,000 square feet of gaming space and 1,791 elegantly appointed rooms, the resort is designed to appeal to a varied range of guests. From families, couples, and friends, to casino players, golf enthusiasts and spa lovers, there is plenty for everyone. And its superb location, overlooking a golden beach, entices those looking for a resort that will certainly surpass their expectations to deliver the best all-inclusive experience.


Accommodations at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Sumptuousness in tropical-style is what defines the guestrooms at this resort. And you will be more than pleasantly surprised when you discover the amenities that have been incorporated in the room to make your stay even more pleasant. Small pleasures such a double Jacuzzi, a terrycloth bathrobe and slippers invite you to tune into vacation mode

1,791 rooms are planned for the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. Each accommodations comes complete with a double Jacuzzi, stocked in-room liquor dispenser, mini bar, and luxury bath amenities.

13 outdoor pools offer scenic views and numerous swim-up bars. At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a state of the art spa awaits while the Dolphinarium will entertain the little ones with choreographed dolphin performances. Float down a lazy river that meanders throughout the resort or rest beachside on the beautiful Macao Beach.

Palace Resorts signature all inclusive plan will include a choice of eleven restaurants and seven bars. Choose from Italian, Brazilian, Asian, American, Mexican and other styles of cuisine. Premium International and local beverages will flow from a multitude of bars.

A full range of daily activities are complemented by the 45,000 square foot Casino, nightly theme parties, and shows in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana theater. A disco keeps nights moving for the energetic.

Incentive groups or business meetings will fawn over the top of the line convention center. 60,000 sq feet of meeting space comes complete with individual lighting, wireless internet, audio controls, digital display boards and more.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will also offer first rate golf packages and spa packages for an additional fee

Private balcony,
LCD satellite TV and
Double Jacuzzi.

CARIBBEAN SUITE

•1 King or 2 dbl beds
•Double Jacuzzi
•Balcony
•Liquor Dispenser contains whiskey, tequila, rum & vodka
•Mini Bar contains sodas, bottled water & domestic beer
•LCD TV w/ Satellite
•Purified Water
•Farouk bath amenities
•Bathrobes & Slippers
•Digital Safe (laptop size)
•Coffee Maker
•Individually-controlled A/C
•Coffee Maker
•Direct Dial telephone
•Alarm Clock
•Hair Dryer
•Iron/ironing board
•Wireless Internet
•24-hour room service
•Turndown Service

ISLANDER JUNIOR SUITE

•1 King bed
•Double Jacuzzi
•Seating Area
•Balcony
•Liquor dispenser contains whiskey, tequila, rum & vodka
•Mini bar contains sodas, bottled water & domestic beer
•LCD TV w/ Satellite
•Purified water
•Farouk bath amenities
•Bathrobes & slippers
•Digital safe (laptop size)
•Individually-controlled A/C
•Coffee maker
•Direct dial telephone
•Alarm clock
•Hair dryer
•Iron/ironing board
•Wireless Internet
•24-hour room service
•Turndown service



FACILITIES & ENTERTAINMENT AT Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Fun and entertainment go hand in hand. And at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, this concept is translated into several pools, spa facilities, a golf course, a kids club, and even gift shops and boutiques to amuse yourself according to your preferences. The casino, with world-class gaming, is a “must-go” stop to try your luck, enjoy your favorite drinks and much more.

9 outdoor pools toward the ocean (3 open) Spa facilities ($) - (expected to open: Mar 24)
3 outdoor pools overlooking the lagoon - (2 open) Provisional spa - open
2 kids pools with water toys & toboggan - (expected to open: Apr. 30) Fitness center - (expected to open: Mar 31)
4 swim up bars - (2 open and 1 expected to open: Mar. 15) Provisional fitness center - open
Lazy river (expected to open: Apr. 30) Kids club (ages 4 – 12) - (expected to open: Mar.31)
Sunbathing area Xtreme Center ($) - (expected to open: June 1)
Casino ($) - June 1 - Provisional casino ($) (Apr.1) Amphitheater - TBA
2 tennis courts -(expected to open: Mar. 31) Miniature golf - (expected date to open: Mar.15)
Nightclub - (expected to open: June 1) Billiards, ping pong, table games - TBA
Provisional nightclub (expected to open: Apr.1) Theme parties or shows nightly
Daily activities
The resort also offers a
magnificent state of the art Spa and an elegant full service Casino. And when you're hungry, you'll have a choice of 8 different restaurants, a wireless Internet equipped Cyber Café & Lounge and 24-hour room service


DINING/BARS at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Gastronomical delights, that’s what you will find throughout the venues designed to enjoy them in casual settings or more formal sit-down meals. US premium beef cuts, traditional Italian cuisine, and delicious seafood dishes are some of the specialties served with daily baked bread and paired with the wine of your selection. You can choose among Californians, Spaniards, French, Chileans, Argentineans and Australians wineries. And while you are relaxing between meals, enjoy a cup of carefully- roasted Costa Rican coffee or request your favorite drink from a wide list of whiskies, vodkas, liqueurs, and tequilas, including Chivas Regal, Jack Daniels, Smirnoff, Absolut, Don Julio, and many more.

Tangerine – 24 hr service (expected to open: June 1)
Cuisine: International
Breakfast, lunch & dinner: buffet

Tao – Tepanyaki ((expected to open: March 10)
Dinner: Japanese a la carte

Spaggo
Dinner: Italian a la carte

Los Gallos
Dinner: Mexican a la carte

Lucca (thematic)
Breakfast & dinner: International buffet

Marina Grill
Breakfast & lunch: International buffet
Dinner: Caribbean and Seafood a la carte

Prime Grill (expected to open: April 10)
Breakfast & lunch: International buffet
Dinner: Steakhouse a la carte

Samba (expected to open:April 30)
Breakfast & lunch: International buffet
Dinner: Brazilian a la carte

Baccarat – Fusion Cuisine (expected to open June 1)
Dinner: Fusion a la carte

Pizzeto
Dinner: Brick oven pizza

Cafetto
Breakfast, lunch & dinner: American a la carte

Sante - Gourmet Deli

Lima Deli – (11am-8pm)

Rain Deli – (4pm – 12am) (expected to open: June 1)

Bars/Lounges
Asia Lounge – service (8am – 10pm)
Blue Bar – lobby bar service (3pm – 1am)
Sun Bar – lobby bar service (10am – 1am)
Pool snack bars - in pool areas (3 open)
Soda bar – soda fountain (12pm – 10pm)
Must Sweet & Coffee – service (4pm – 12am)
Ice Cone – Ice cream parlor (12pm- 10pm)
Casino bar (expected to open: June 1)
Sports bar (expected to open: June 1)
Onyx Nightclub – with bar service (expected to open: June 1)

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana Services:
The extensive list of services has been developed to contemplate all your needs and bring close to you the possibility of accessing those extra conveniences, such a flower bouquet to celebrate an anniversary or the souvenirs to take back home. Trained staff will be available to guarantee that all your reservations, from spa appointments, tours or tee times, are handled with the diligence and promptness you deserve.


Concierge Car rental ($)
Bell staff service Doctor on call 24 hrs ($)
Wedding services ($) - TBA Ice machines
Beauty salons ($) - Taxis available 24 hours ($)
Gift shops ($) - Dry cleaning & laundry service ($)
Spa boutique ($) - (expected to open: Mar. 24) Cribs and rollaways on request -
Cana shop boutique ($) - Currency exchange
Jewelry stores ($) - (expected to open: Mar.31) Palace Vacation Planners desk ($)
Flower Shops ($) - TBA Travel agency ($)
ATM Machine - Wireless Internet access (available in rooms)
Complimentary Self/Valet Parking

Seaplane in Paradise

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Bucket Lists-- everyone has one or at least has thought about one and everyone is trying their very best to cross each item off before they... well, kick the bucket. I have always had a fascination for airplanes. From small 4 seater airplanes to jumbo jets, I find them all very interesting and intriguing. So, while planning activities for our Virgin Island vacation this past year, I came across Seaborne Airlines based out of St. Croix.

After some basic Internet research I found out that there are multiple flights each day that take you from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Christiansted, St. Croix by SEAPLANE. This is something I have always dreamt about, and of course was something that was on my bucket list.

When we arrived to St. Thomas we began to ask the islanders about the seaplane experience. Nobody really seemed to have too much insight into the experience. We decided to book round trip tickets for my mom, grandma, and myself to go to St. Croix for a few hours. The experience wasn't about exploring St. Croix, well for me it wasn't at least. I was all about the seaplane experience.

A "seaport" is much different than your typical "airport," in a very good way. Each passenger is allowed 1 bag and you are not allowed to bring any bags with you aboard the seaplane. This rule eliminates the headache of going through security. The seaport experience was very different. It was open air (as was almost everything in the Virgin Islands.) You look out one direction and you see the crystal-clear "runway" (water) and the other way was the busy streets of Charlotte Amalie.


Once we heard "flight 140 service to St. Croix will now begin its boarding procedures, please make your way to the door," we couldn't wait for the experience of a lifetime. As we proceeded to the door, the gate agent led us out the door to the an area where we watched our seaplane land. As the plane taxied to the dock we were instructed what our seat assignments were. Seat assignments were based upon your weight.


Walking aboard the seaplane you had to basically duck way down to be able to fit through the tiny door. Once we reached our seats I looked around the cabin in awe. This was going to be great! There were a total of 15 seats aboard the seaplane. Most of the passengers were business people or locals. My mom, grandma and I were  obviously the only tourists and we stuck out like sore thumbs. Think we cared? No way!

Not wanting to miss out on capturing every moment of this bucket list event, I had my camcorder in one hand and camera in the other. Once the pilot and co-pilot climbed aboard they took their seats which we had full view of from the cabin as there was no door separating them from us passengers. The security procedures consisted of the co-pilot turning his head and informing us where the exits were and the location of the life vests. Funny how close you pay attention to the emergency information when you are aboard a seaplane.


As the plane taxied from the dock the roar of the propellers deafened our ears. All of a sudden the plane sped up and we glided over the Caribbean ocean. It was so smooth you barley could tell we were on water. Then the plane lifted from the water and up we went. We had wonderful views of the cruise ships that were in port as well as a great view of our resort. It was such a thrill. 

The flight lasted about 20 minutes before we started our decent toward St. Croix. As the plane defended toward the water we were anxious to see how the landing would be. We soon found out that landing on water was much better than any other runway landing on land. Flying on a seaplane such a great experience.

After spending a couple hours roaming around Christiansted we repeated the procedures and flew back to St. Thomas.

Here is a video of our experience aboard Seaborne Airlines.

Caribbean- - Did you Know?

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In the November issue of Islands magazine, it features some fun-facts about the Caribbean that most people don't know. Being the Caribbean junky that I am, I was surprised at how much I didn't know about the wonderful islands. Here are just a few of the loads of facts that Islands features in its November issue:  



Did you know… 
1. Some puffer fish species can actually bite off toes! 2. The Hotel Caravelle in St. Croix features an underwater wedding package. Check out the video below via YouTube. 3. You can swim with pigs on Big Major Cay at the southern end of the Bahamas.4. Off Grenada, there are 65 underwater sculptures giving creatures new places to hang out. 
5. Grand Cayman's sea-turtle farm has released 31,000 turtles since 1968. 6. The island of Dominica is home to the region's warmest lake which consistently reaches over 200 degrees! 7. There are 7,000 islands in the Caribbean. It would take more than 19 years to see them all and only 2 percent of the islands are inhabited. 8. Grand Cayman's 7-mile beach is actually 5 1/2 miles. 9. The closest thing to snowfall was a mix of snow and rain in Grand Bahama back in 1977. 10. It's rare for the islands to reach 100 degrees. Dominica's ten year high is 95. 

Hard Rock Punta Cana Christmas 2011

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In just under 30 day's myself and my family will be going to the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana for Christmas. After a wonderful Christmas Cruise in 2009, we decided we needed to escape the cold, Iowa Christmas and celebrate it in 80 degree weather. This year we decided to give the All-Inclusive resort experience a chance.

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has numerous amenities and activities that we are all looking forward to. From 11 pools to 11 restaurants to 15 bars plus a large casino, this resort has something for everyone. There is even an 18-Hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course right on property. Plus-- each room has a jacuzzi!

The resort has 24-hour room service, numerous daily activities, off-shore excursions, mini-golf course, tennis courts, top-self drinks, and pool side service. Now how great does that sound?

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a brand new property located at the eastern end of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana. This resort debuted in February of this year. Recently, Hard Rock unveiled its nightclub ORO. The resort has revealed some of its Christmas day activities and it sounds like a blast with a live nativity to a party on the beach and breakfast with SANTA! I am ready to go!

Entry 6

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Title: Not A HolidayGenre: MG Historical FictionWHRRRRR, whrrr, WHRRR, whrrr            “Hurry, hurry!” Mummy shouted. “Joyce, Gina!  Get out of bed now!  Get to the shelter!”            Our shelter was in back of our council house.  Daddy dug a deep trench in the back garden where we used to grow potatoes and covered it with a big piece of wavy aluminium.  The walls and floor were cold and damp and I hated going in it.            “I don’t want to, Daddy,” Gina whined.  “It’s full of creepy crawlies.”            “It’ll be fine,” Daddy’s face was drawn in tight.  We could hear the bombs whistling through the air and the thunderous explosions as they landed.            “Down there, now!” roared Daddy. 

Entry 5

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Title:     Winding Roads
Genre:  Memoir

Before they labelled me Slaggy Aggie and Slit-Eyes, even before someone later dubbed me Sunshine, Mamma named me Silvija.  It's pronounced Sil-vee-ya.  My Mamma told me she wanted a beautiful name for a beautiful baby, that's why she chose it.  That was probably the only time Mamma ever used the world 'beautiful' in the same breath as my name.  Mamma believed that giving children praise encouraged vanity, and, since vanity in either a child or an adult was right at the top of her own personal list of heinous sins, it was to be avoided at all cost.
I believe the only reason she eventually told me she considered my name beautiful was because she got fed up with me coming home with my nose bloody, my hair in disarray and grimy tears drying on my face.
.

Entry 4

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Title: "My Hair is Black, My Eyes are Brown. At least I think so.
Genre: Picture Book
My dad and mom were born in America, so they are Americans. I was born in China, so I’m Chinese, right? My parents say that I’m not. They say I have blond hair and blue eyes. I disagree. I have to have black hair and brown eyes, like all other Chinese people I see in my city.The policeman has black hair and brown eyes.The people at the market where mom buys fresh vegetables, fruit and meat all have black hair and brown eyes.The lady outside the park entrance with her large barrel of warm sweet potatoes has black hair and brown eyes. 

Entry 3

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Title: SEVENTY-TWO HOURS Genre: MG adventure
      Anna threw open the barn door and smiled at Fancy. Two scents―sweet hay and horse surrounded her. The chocolate bay mare stamped her foot and stuck her head over the stall opening. Her mane trembled with excitement and Anna’s hands began to tingle.           “Fancy, you know I love how you smell, but you won’t win today!”      Anna jabbed her boots into the dirt, determined to win. Fancy swished her long tail. The horse’s stare pierced through her black forelock that hung down to her eyelashes.                  The sound of boots scuffing the ground broke Anna’s gaze. She blinked then whirled around.

Entry 2

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Title: The Crazy Part
Genre: Contemporary YA

I should have known Daniel would try this again. I should have known from the way the chords of his guitar smeared the dark spaces above me as I lay alone in bed at night.                Standing here staring at the note he wrote, my hands shaking so hard I can hardly read it, all I can think is Oh God, how did I miss this? Dear God, what do I do now?                I haven’t prayed in years. Not even a whisper.                Then Jayden squalls from upstairs and everything flashes back at me in quick time. I have responsibilities and here I am sitting on a closed toilet seat, my face hot, my hands cold, trembling so hard I’m not sure I can stand.

Entry 1

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Title: DISAPPEARANCE AT HAWNBRIDGE MANORGenre: YA mystery
I find the note in my locker after seventh hour.It’s just sitting there on my algebra book, nothing special about it. No flashing lights, no eerie background music, not even a mysterious little wind ruffling my hair. Just a photocopied yearbook picture enlarged to the size of a sheet of notebook paper, with cut out magazine letters pasted across the top like a ransom note in an old movie. It’s caught at a funny angle on top of a stack of books, so I can’t read what it says. I can see the picture though, and that’s enough.

Peer Critique Fest.....

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Okay, ladies and gentlemen...
Let's get cooking!
If you submitted a piece, please critique at least five pieces.  Be kind with your comments, but if you have constructive advice, please give it.  :)  
Thanks to everyone who was able to participate.  For those of you who are heavy into A-Z, I'll do another one this summer.    :)

Entry .5  (This one came in a little later than the others...sorry about that.)



Title: POSTER OF THE YEARGenre: Picture book      
         Amy slouched through the door, flinging her books down on the kitchen table.         “What’s wrong?” Asked Amy’s mom, taking a tray of cookies out of the oven.         “I spilled milk on my jeans at lunch and I didn’t get picked to be the class monitor.” Amy scratched at the milk stain on her pants leg. “Worst of all, there’s a poster contest at school and I can’t think of anything to draw.”         “You’ll come up with something.”         Mom offered Amy a cookie. “Want a snack?”         “No thanks.” Amy shrugged and frowned. “What can I draw for the contest?”

Confidence & How To Get It...

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I have a confession...I've been struggling with my confidence just lately.  It's kind of strange because when I was a teacher I knew I was a good teacher.  My thoughts in that are validated by the students who stay in touch with me and occasionally come to me for advice.  But I stopped teaching about 6 years ago and have been searching for something I am good at ever since.  I want to be a great writer, but getting published is hard.  I have a few minor publications under my belt, but nothing major.  So how do I build my confidence back up?

I've been reading this wonderful book called Manage Your Mind by Gillian Butler and Tony Hope.  I thought I'd share some of the high points and my interpretations of the chapter I just finished.

• Recognize that you are confident in certain areas. (Don't focus on just one area of weakness.)
• Understand that people who appear to be confident all the time may not be as confident as you think.
• Work on gaining confidence by doing things. (Keep trying to get published in a variety of venues.)
• Use positive talk about yourself. (If you tell people you are no good, they might believe you and you will believe it.)
• Practice having confidence.(Pretend you are in a play and you are the confident charming character that everyone loves. I do this all the time at conferences.)
• Learn from your mistakes, but don't let them define you. (What's done is done, and move forward.)
• Don't allow yourself to use negative self talk. (Speak encouragingly to yourself, just like you would to a friend.)
• Always be kind to yourself. (Apply the same standards to yourself that you do to others.)
• Don't undervalue yourself. (I have a lot of trouble with this one. Recognize that you bring something to the table.)
• Do the best you can, but don't make yourself feel bad for not being perfect.  (Would you ditch a friend  because they weren't perfect?  I doubt it.)
• Spend time (real or virtual) with people who make you feel good.  (Remove negative influences from your life.  If someone is not bringing something positive to your relationship, then it's time to move on. Did you know you can hide people on Facebook, so you don't have to see their posts?)

Something I realized as I was writing this post is that you should treat yourself the same way you treat your friends.  Wow...(dramatic pause, cause a huge light bulb just went off in my head.)
On a positive note...My writing tip was chosen as the Tuesday Tip on Literary Rambles.  I am so excited that Casey and Natalie thought it was worthy of being on their awesome blog.  (Note the positive self /public talk here.)  

What do you do to keep your self confidence level up?  

Sweet Dreams? Or Not?

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 Nightmares are more common in children than in adults and when people are upset, worried, or distressed. Do you have dreams and/or nightmares?   Do you remember them?  Do you write them down for future writing projects?(I've done this...)
If you are having troubling dreams it might make you anxious about going to sleep.  Some things you can do are tackle any problems that are worrying you before you go to bed, avoid diuretics, caffeine and too much alcohol before bed, establish a night time routine that involves winding down time, and remind yourself to relax and that it's not the time to worry.  Managing Your Mind recommends counting backwards or counting your breaths.  It also recommends tensing each of your body parts and relaxing until you have done your whole body.
On average adults sleep seven and a half hours.  But that can vary.  (Einstein needed more sleep than average and Churchill slept less.)
How many hours do you sleep at night?  I write best after a nap... (I don't dream when I nap, but I do at night...)

A Symphony of Seasons...book release and giveaway

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Winter

Spring

Summer

And Autumn
These are a Symphony of Seasons...


Every season has it's own moment to shine.  Bloggy friend, Connie Arnold, just released her newest poetry book.   Everyone who buys A Symphony of Seasons directly from Connie gets one of these lovely framed photos (below) free with purchase.
Connie gave me permission to share one of her summer poems (because summer is my favorite season).

Shelter of the Trees
A warm summer windblows through the trees,A soft and gentle caressing breeze,Causing the branches towave and sway,Enhancing the beauty of the day.
Children are playing in the shadeThat these magnificent trees have made,Running around and having fun,Protected from the hot summer sun.
Green leaves shine in the bright sunlightWhile children are laughing with delightOn this perfect day that’s sure to pleaseBeneath the shelter of the trees.
To read an excerpt (in a variety of formats) follow this link. You can purchase Connie newest book and other books and a calendar at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. 


You can even purchase it directly from her publisher RPJ.
Connie has two blog... Connie Arnold Children's Writer and Inspirational Poetry.  
Connie is giving away a couple lovely prizes during her blog tour, so if you leave comment here or on one of the other sites you will be entered in that contest.  
Because I adore Connie, I'm going to giveaway a signed copy of her book and all you have to do is be a follower and answer my question in the comments... (I'll announce the winner of Connie's signed book on May 11th)
What is your favorite season?

Butterflies: Made in the USA

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New Orleans, LA, USA -- In a most unusual salute to Independence Day, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium created a patriotic display made out of red, white and blue butterflies and visitors are invited to celebrate the Fourth of July with two full days of Red, White & Butterfly themed activities! The fun flutters in on Saturday, July 7 through Sunday, July 8 from 10am - 5pm.

In celebration of the newly renovated Butterfly Garden, guests will learn about the interesting life histories of several butterfly species, life spans, butterfly gardening, butterfly farming in other countries, and the differences between butterflies and moths. A butterfly release and chat are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Throughout the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, visitors will enjoy unique butterfly themed activities including up close views of butterfly wings using a "scope-on-a-rope" camera, butterfly specimen identification by the Entomology staff in the Field Camp, and hands on butterfly crafts.

Additional butterfly activities include:

• Butterfly-shaped balloons - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Beautiful butterfly dancers in the lobby - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Caricature portraits in butterfly form - Noon to 3:00 pm
• Butterfly face painting - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Roaming magician - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

All Red, White & Butterfly activities are included in general admission cost.

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Audubon Butterfly Garden Insectarium prices are $16.00 for adults, $13.00 for seniors and $11.00 for children and free for Audubon Nature Institute members. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased by visiting AudubonInstitute.org or at any Audubon Nature Institute attraction. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is located at 423 Canal Street in downtown New Orleans in the U.S. Custom House and is open from 10am to 5pm.

Remembering Artists, Authors, and Entertainers

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Dick Clark and Donna Summer

By Joe Kleiman, IPM Online News Editor

As 2012 hits the halfway mark, IPM News pays tribute to some of the talent we have recently lost:

DICK CLARK
Considered the world's "Oldest Living Teenager," Dick Clark was America's iconic face of New Year's Eve, as for decades he counted down the ball drop in Times Square for a nationwide audience in a broadcast featuring the freshest sounds in contemporary pop and rock.  It was in this genre that he made his name, as host of American Bandstand.  Here, every week on the ABC television network, he would introduce American youth to the newest artists, who performed in front of a live crowd in a studio dance club atmosphere.  His brand would prove so succcessful that it would spawn a chain of American Bandstand eateries, a live theater venue in Branson, MO, and an American Bandstand attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN.

But American Bandstand's greatest contribution to the themed entertainment industry was in telling young people that it was cool to dance, an idea that parks around the country quickly picked up on in an effort to pull in younger crowds, especially at night.  Disney, among others, has proven to be a master at the American Bandstand concept, employing the formula through the years from Tomorrowland Terrace to Videopolis, Pleasure  Island, and this year's Mad T Party.  Dick Clark passed away at age 82 on April 18.

DONNA SUMMER
One of the artists who performed on Bandstand was Donna Summer.  The "Queen of Disco" wrote her songs based on the world she saw in her gritty New York other locales of the 1970's.  Few realize that her hit song Bad Girls is about streetwalkers looking for customers, but the rhythm and her voice combined to place it in the American popular songbook.

Summer had a long career of performing at Disney parks, appearing in television specials for Disneyland's 30th and the grand opening of the Disney/MGM Studios.  In 2006, she performed at Disney's Animal Kingdom for the International POW WOW, one of tourism's most important industry events.  A year later, she shited gears to Universal, headlining the 2007 Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Florida.  Here her legacy remains, as attraction designers selected Bad Girls as an official onboard music track for the park's Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster.  Donna Summer passed away May 17, age 63.

Michael Swinney, SONY Development, with Maurice Sendak

MAURICE SENDAK
Children attending Universal theme parks in Singapore and Osaka, Japan, along with those attending parks operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment here in the states, have much for which to thank Maurice Sendak.  As a creative advisor to Sesame Street during its formative stage in the 1960's, and author of bestselling children's books, Sendak's legacy can be found anywhere friendly monsters exist. From a Sesame Street theme park in Pennsylvania to a giant purple dinosaur in Central Florida, to a picnic on a plantation in Georgia, Sendak's imagination sprouted monstrous fruit at parks worldwide.

But it took more than a generation for his most famous creations, the creatures of his best selling childrens book Where the Wild Things Are, to find a home.  In 1999, a Where the Wild Things Are interactive play zone opened as a key component to SONY'S Metreon urban entertainment center in San Francisco, CA.  Sendak, touring the attraction during its construction, told the San Francisco Chronicle how proud he was that it wasn't high tech.  "I like them to use their imaginations," he said.  Although the attraction only operated for a few years, the monsters returned a decade later, when a feature length Hollywood adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are played in METREON's IMAX theater.  Sendak passed away May 8 at age 83.

Ray Bradbury.  Copyright Disney.

RAY BRADBURY
Ray Bradbury considered himself a children's book author at heart, telling the BBC that his novel Farenheit 451 was nothing more than a fun book about a chase.  But to millions around the world, he was known as a leading science fiction author and futurist.

Bradbury was at the forefront of science fiction and fantasy as the atomic age began and the promise of space travel was around each corner.  With the advent of television, a new and exciting medium opened up and Bradbury took advantage of it, writing not only for The Twilight Zone, but for his own television program as well.

Bradbury had strong ideals about the connection of the past to the future and it showed on two projects he helped conceive - Past as Prologue at the United States Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair, which used 135 screens to convey the idea that the exploration of space was an extension of the Western expansion of the United States, and Epcot Center's Spaceship Earth, which told the story of interhuman communication and the effects of technology on lessening the gaps in both time and space between people.   Bradbury would also work with Disney on other Future World attractions at EPCOT and on Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris.  He passed away June 5.  He was 91.

Stan Jolley (on right).  Copyright Disney.

STAN JOLLEY
While Ray Bradbury helped envision the future at EPCOT, Stan Jolley made tomorrow a reality at Disneyland.  Having been encouraged by his friend Herb Ryman in 1953 to join the team designing the new park, Jolley illustrated conceptional ideas for the new Tomorrowland, including the Autopia, an attraction still operating today.

Jolley wasn't stuck in the future, as his artistic skills helped create a look for many of the park's most beloved attractions, including the Golden Horseshoe and the Storybook Land Canal Boats.  He would go on to become an art director and production designer for Disney television programs, including designing Walt Disney's office that appeared at the beginning of each episode of the hosted tv show and later at the Disney parks.

Jolley also worked on films, including Caddyshack, Taps, Walking Tall, and Witness, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.  Stan Jolley passed away June 4.  He was 86.

Celebrate the 4th at Six Flags Parks

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Here's what's in store this Fourth of July at Six Flags parks:

Magic Mountain
Open 10:30 am - 9 pm
No special entertainment or fireworks have been announced.

Discovery Kingdom
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm
Throughout the day, thrill to your favorite roller coasters and rides, enjoy the always phenomenal summer weather, and see our talented animal stars showcase their amazing skills and talents.

Spend the afternoon listening to the tunes of country music star Jason Michael Carroll*. This rising star has opened for such mega-stars like Brooks & Dunn, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood. He has also been featured on Good Morning America, the CMA Music Festival, and has played multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry. Also performing will be local favorites, the Terry Sheets Band who will bring their rockin’ country sounds to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

Wrap up the night with our spectacular fireworks show* and make this year’s Fourth of July a day to remember!

*Concert and fireworks are included with General Admission. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.


Fiesta Texas
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm
Fireworks have been canceled due to weather conditions.

Six Flags Over Texas
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm
No special entertainment or fireworks have been announced.

Six Flags St. Louis
Open 10:30 am - 9pm
Six Flags St. Louis is honoring the men and women who serve our country with the third annual Salute to Heroes event July 1 through 4. Active Military Personnel will receive free admission to the park, and families can enter for a discounted price. Displays will also give guests an insight to Military life and a chance to help Operation Homefront.
Fireworks on July 1 and July 4 have been cancelled due to weather conditions.

Great America
Open 10 am - 10 pm
Chicagoland residents looking for the best 4th of July festivities need look no further. Six Flags Great America is hosting, “4th Fest,” an all-day and night patriotic celebration.

This year’s “4th Fest” includes specialty grilled foods throughout the park, a funnel cake eating contest with cash prizes, live entertainment, a wrestling show featuring former WWE champion Rhino and of course all of the Park’s signature rides and attractions. End the night with a bang and check out Great America’s patriotic nighttime illuminated parade and firework extravaganza. Families can also save with Buy One, Get One Free tickets available online for the event.

“4th Fest is our summertime answer to Fright Fest,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America park president. “As many area communities have to cancel their fireworks and festivals, we are offering a full-blown 4th of July celebration at the park. With 14 roller coasters, a 20-acre water park, specialty grilled foods, live entertainment, illuminated nighttime parade and fireworks show, 4th Fest is an experience families can’t get anywhere else.”Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags America
Open 10:30 am - 9 pm
Celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend at Six Flags America with a fireworks spectacular over Hurricane Bay wave pool on July 4.

Great Adventure
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm
Celebrate Independence Day with your friends & family at Six Flags. Join us on July 4 for a special picnic and cap off the night with our special fireworks celebration.

Six Flags New England
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm
Special events include a picnic and extended ride time on Goliath, both for annual pass holders, as well as the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular.


The Great Escape
Open 10 am - 10 pm July 3
Open 10 am - 7 pm July 4
The Great Escape will be celebrating Independence Day on July 3.  Don’t miss their spectacular fireworks display for Independence Day! Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30pm.

www.sixflags.com

Compiled by IPM News

Celebrate the 4th with Cedar Fair

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Here's what's in store for Independence Day at Cedar Fair's theme parks:

Knott's Berry Farm
Open 10 am - 10 pm
Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City water parks- Orange County, San Diego and Palm Springs are pleased to announce that they will offer FREE admission to active and retired United States Military personnel July 2-6 as part of their Tribute to the Armed Forces program. In addition, active and retired members of the U.S. military will be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) for Knott's Berry Farm ($32.99) and Knott's Soak City water parks ($27.99)at the gate. A valid military ID must be presented during time of ticket purchase at gate.

Knott’s will celebrate the 4th with a spectacular aerial fireworks show at 10:00 pm as well as offer some fantastic park wide entertainment starting with Knott’s ice show “Happiness is….Snoopy!”, “All Wheels Extreme” Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular and more!

California's Great America
Open 10 am - 8 pm
California's Great America welcomes the world famous Santa Clara Vanguard for a special Independence Day performance. This special performance in Celebration Plaza will take place at 4:00PM.

Gilroy Gardens
Open 10 am - 6 pm
June 30 - July 4 and September 1 - 3 • Join us in saluting our heroes! Active Duty Military personnel get FREE ADMISSION to the park, on the dates listed above, when presenting an Active Duty Military ID—one complimentary admission per ID.

June 30 - July 4 • Come celebrate with us! The Park will host a special All-You-Can Eat BBQ in the South County Picnic Grove from noon to 2:00pm.

World's of Fun
Open 10 am - 11 pm
Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are offering FREE admission to active, reserve, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel on July 3 - 5.

Worlds of Fun lights up the sky with a huge fireworks show on Wednesday, July 4, PLUS every Saturday in July! Fireworks begin at 10 pm.

Valleyfair
Open 10 am - 11 pm
Military members receive FREE admission to Valleyfair over the Fourth of July holiday!

Valleyfair will light up the sky on select evenings from June 1 – August 25 with a Fantastic Fireworks display. Fireworks begin at 9:50pm on every night the Park is open until 10pm or later. An extended Fantastic Fireworks show will be presented Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

Michigan's Adventure
Open 11 am - 9 pm
No events or fireworks have been announced for this park.

Kings Island
Open 10 am - Midnight
Kings Island prides itself on providing world-class thrills, fun and family entertainment for guests of all ages. Kings Island is also proud of the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military and is pleased to announce plans for its Tribute to the Armed Forces program during the 2012 season.

Kings Island’s Tribute to the Armed Forces program will offer a free regular admission ticket to any active or retired military personnel Memorial Day weekend and over the Fourth of July. Along with free admission, active and retired members of the military will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price of $29.99. A valid military ID must be presented at the Kings Island ticket window July 3-5 to receive this offer.

Kings Island lights the fuse on one of the Midwest’s largest and most impressive Fourth of July fireworks displays. This colorful pageant in the sky set against the backdrop of the park will be 10 times the size and scope of the traditional nightly fireworks display at the park, creating an experience unlike any other in the Tri-State region. To keep the excitement in high gear, Kings Island will stay open until Midnight July 4, giving guests the chance to experience and enjoy even more thrills.

Cedar Point
Open 10 am - Midnight
Any active, retired or honorably-discharged member of the United States Armed Forces can receive one (1) free regular admission ticket to Cedar Point. Fireworks will take place at 10:30 pm following a 9:15 pm performance of Luminosity.

Dorney Park
Open 10 am - 11 pm
Dorney Park is proud of the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military and will offer a deeper discounted admission this week for any active or retired military personnel and their families of $30.99. In addition, active and retired military personnel can receive free admission when celebrating July 4th at Dorney Park.

Join us for the LARGEST and BEST fireworks display in Dorney Park’s history! We plan to treat our guest with the GREATEST firework display in the state to celebrate our nation’s birthday. You won’t want to miss it! Show starts at 9:30 pm, then stay for one last ride as the park is open until 11:00 pm.

King's Dominion
Open 10:30 am - 10 pm
Join us July 3-4 as we pay tribute to our brave military service men and women by offering FREE park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D.

*Free Admission only valid on July 3 & 4 for those qualifying with a valid US military I.D.

Schedule of Events

• Moment of silence at noon
• Flag raising before opening by Quantico color guard and soloist on July 3 and VFW veterans on July 4
• Recruiters from all branches of military will have booths set up by the Eiffel tower on July 3
• Bagpipe soloist Tim MacLeod
• Band performance on the Bandstand at 12PM
• Uncle Sam stilt walker at front gate
• Special 15 minute firework show on July 4

Carowinds
Open 10 am - 10 pm
Join us May 27-28 and July 3-4 for the third annual Military Days! Carowinds salutes our brave military service men and women by offering FREE park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D.
*Free Admission only valid on May 27 & 28 and July 3 & 4 for those qualifying with a valid US military I.D

Daily Special Activities at Carowinds:

Tuesday, July 3
Presentation of the Colors by the Indian Trail VFW Post 2423
Flag Ceremony
All-You-Can Eat Command Picnic
Interactive Military Artillery Vehicle

Wednesday, July 4
Presentation of the Colors by Civil Air Patrol of Iredell
Flag Ceremony
All-You-Can Eat Command Picnic
Performances by the Army Ground Force Band- Brass Brigade
Celebrate America! Fireworks Spectacular
www.cedarfair.com
Compiled by IPM News

Superman Soars to New Heights at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

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Vallejo, CA, USA /PRNewswire/ -- Superman has arrived in time to put his iconic stamp on an exciting new thrill ride in Northern California.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, has launched SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight, featuring the tallest inversion west of the Mississippi. At 15-stories tall, this one-of-a-kind roller coaster takes riders on a maximum speed of 62 mph over two vertical rolls and two upside-down twists.

"SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight definitely pushes the envelope in the thrill category," said Dale Kaetzel, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom park president. "Since last summer's announcement, there has been tremendous buzz about this ride and our guests have been anticipating the debut. This ride will, no doubt, be the 'must-experience' attraction in Northern California."

SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight was custom-built by ride manufacturer Premier Rides. The new ride represents the newest technologies developed by Premier, including a highly-sophisticated multi-directional magnetic launch system. As a launch coaster, 12 passengers are seated two by two in two separate coaches before propelling forward through a tunnel, taking a heartline roll inversion at the height of 150-feet, then twisting at a 180-degree dive. Midway, the ride brakes twice at unexpected intervals for cliffhanger and dramatic effects — all in under 60 seconds.

Themed to one of DC Comic's greatest super heroes, Superman, the SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight steel coaster is vibrantly colored in Superman's red, blue and yellow. The queue line features a series of panels showcasing Superman's powers and attributes that include: "Strength: More powerful than a locomotive™," and "Faster than a speeding bullet™." The iconic Superman "S" Shield dominates the ride landscape.

As Discovery Kingdom's first DC Comics-themed ride, the new addition is the perfect complement to the park's unique collection of marine life, wildlife and wild rides. Thrill rides include the popular coasters, Medusa, Kong, Roar, V2 and Boomerang, and now — SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight's addition solidifies Discovery Kingdom's standing as Northern California's best place to experience thrills of all kinds.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with $1.0 billionin revenue and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. For more information, visit sixflags.com.


About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.


About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Random Act of Kindness BLITZ!

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A smile. An encouraging word. A thoughtful gesture. Each day people interact with us, help, and make our day a bit brighter and full. This is especially true in the Writing Community. 
Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.
So many people take the time to make us feel special, don't they? They comment on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook.



Kindness ROCKS!

To commemorate the release of their book The Emotion Thesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ.  And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I'm participating too!

Choosing one person to celebrate today was hard.  So many people in blogland have done kind things for me.  I have more than two hands full of people who critique for me or come to the rescue when I have a question.  So I dug deep and thought about something more than what they did for me...  Do you remember a few months ago I did a post about my talented niece, Bethany? Well the person I am celebrating today, has done something wonderful for my niece.  She has given her a shot to illustrate a story for her magazine.  More than that she has helped my niece see what a gift she has given her confidence and a direction for the future.  With that being said I'd like to introduce you to Donna McDine.Donna has been published in over 100 print and on line publications.  She has one award winning early reader book called THE GOLDEN PATHWAY and three more books under contract.  She is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angels Kids Magazine.  Donna is an exceptional person and I hope you will hop over and check her out.  I sent Donna a little surprise in the mail and she should get it on Today.
Do you know someone special that you'd like to randomly acknowledge? Don't be shy--come join us and celebrate! Send them an email, give them a shout out, or show your appreciation in another way. Kindness makes the world go round. :)
Becca and Angela have a special RAOK gift waiting for you as well, so hop on over to The Bookshelf Muse to pick it up.
Have you ever participated in or been the recipient of a Random Act Of Kindness?  Let me know in the comments!

If you leave a comment you'll be entered in a contest for some random things....journals, puzzle books, and office supplies.  I'll announce the winners on Thursday.  :)
HUGS TO EVERYONE!