Julia Suzuki, the children's author who has been described as 'the next JK Rowling' (Daily Mail) has created a national dance competition based on her books about the mythical Land of Dragor.
The competition, currently at regional heat stage, is open to dancers of all ages (male and female) and contestants are judged on their interpretation of a piece of music and the themes of Julia's book 'Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms'.
At each of the ten regional heats, ten dancers will qualify for the Grand Final (held in May 2012) and a winner in each age category at regional stage will take home a sash, trophy and goodie bag.
The overall winner will receive a holiday for four people at one of SPICE resorts' five star European destinations, a Dragor outfit (custom made by Dancehouse) and be crowned Dragor Dream Dancer 2012.
In addition, every dancer competing will receive a gemstone from Julia herself.
For more information, details of heats and rules visit www.facebook.com/DragorDreamDancer
Book review blog site, with some entertainment material from time-to-time.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Sunday, 1 January 2012
2012 – A Year of Turmoil? In His New Book, Astrologer Jonathan Cainer, Says it's All in the Stars
In a new book, out on January the 5th, leading astrologer Jonathan Cainer takes a detailed look at every supposed threat to the future – and predicts what is actually in store for 2012.
2012 is billed as the year that the world will end or at the very least fall apart.
Fuelled by internet conspiracy theories and the real threat of economic meltdown, doomsayers are having a field day.
Jonathan reveals how a rare solar maximum – the Sun firing off flares - threatens electrical supplies and communication systems.
Meanwhile, as a result of a rare planetary alignment there is a risk of:
* dramatic weather changes and increased “seismic activity” with earthquakes, tornadoes, drought.
* An even more dramatic time economically – with the financial system having to “adapt and evolve at a rate much faster than many people feel comfortable with.”
*increased natural disasters over the next two years.
*And unexpected outcomes to the elections in France, Russia and the USA
But perhaps the most worrying fact is that in in 2012 a solar maximum is overdue. This rare occurrence – which happens every 11 years - is when the Sun ejects flares (gigantic blasts of light, gas and radiation) which threatens to destroy the communications system and shut off Earth’s electricity.
Even Jonathan admits: "We may have surprising power outages and communication problems with disruption to international travel.”
In his book, he also examines the theory that Eart are under threat from - Planet X, Nibiru or a Brown Dwarf star – an invisible giant cosmic force about to exert humongous gravitational pull on the planet.
But even though, the ancient South American Mayan calendar, predicts the end of the world on December the 21st, Jonathan says: “In my own astrological judgement, 2012 is going to be a surprisingly good year.”
Jonathan, 54, has studied astrology for over thirty years and has been famous in the UK since 1985. He has successfully predicted the outcome of countless sporting events, elections and trials... and is now respected by an international readership of millions for his accuracy and insight. His summary of 2012 is that, though it remains a worrying time, there are ways it can be made OK and, as long as the challenges everyone faces are handled correctly, it can yet be a surprisingly good year.
“Ultimately, it is all going to be okay,” he says.
But how many are really in for a good year? Alongside questions about his new book ‘The 2012 Survival Guide’ Jonathan can also tell your audience about their own zodiac signs will fare in the coming year. You can ask him;
Is it true that anyone born under Aries can expect to get what they’ve been wanting for years now?
Are Taureans really due to become wealthier than they’ve ever been before?
Will Geminis really find their love lives become totally delightful?
What is it that Cancerians need to be finally free from and is that actually going to happen?
If Leos are going to become so popular and sought after in 2012, will this mean their lives change beyond recognition?
Why is there so much hard work for Virgos to do this year... and will it bring them the success they crave?
How can Librans expect to keep their daily lives normal when so much is changing in their world?
What is the great secret that Scorpios will have to keep... and what is the amazing discovery they are going to make?
Who is the mystery person that will transform the life of each Sagittarians and how will that relationship affect their future?
When can Capricorns stop making quite so many sacrifices and will there ever be a reward for all they’ve been putting up with?
Have Aquarians got to keep putting so much at risk this year? And will their great emotional gamble pay off?
What will happen to Pisceans to help them feel as if they are finally in the right place, for the right reason?
2012 is billed as the year that the world will end or at the very least fall apart.
Fuelled by internet conspiracy theories and the real threat of economic meltdown, doomsayers are having a field day.
Jonathan reveals how a rare solar maximum – the Sun firing off flares - threatens electrical supplies and communication systems.
Meanwhile, as a result of a rare planetary alignment there is a risk of:
* dramatic weather changes and increased “seismic activity” with earthquakes, tornadoes, drought.
* An even more dramatic time economically – with the financial system having to “adapt and evolve at a rate much faster than many people feel comfortable with.”
*increased natural disasters over the next two years.
*And unexpected outcomes to the elections in France, Russia and the USA
But perhaps the most worrying fact is that in in 2012 a solar maximum is overdue. This rare occurrence – which happens every 11 years - is when the Sun ejects flares (gigantic blasts of light, gas and radiation) which threatens to destroy the communications system and shut off Earth’s electricity.
Even Jonathan admits: "We may have surprising power outages and communication problems with disruption to international travel.”
In his book, he also examines the theory that Eart are under threat from - Planet X, Nibiru or a Brown Dwarf star – an invisible giant cosmic force about to exert humongous gravitational pull on the planet.
But even though, the ancient South American Mayan calendar, predicts the end of the world on December the 21st, Jonathan says: “In my own astrological judgement, 2012 is going to be a surprisingly good year.”
Jonathan, 54, has studied astrology for over thirty years and has been famous in the UK since 1985. He has successfully predicted the outcome of countless sporting events, elections and trials... and is now respected by an international readership of millions for his accuracy and insight. His summary of 2012 is that, though it remains a worrying time, there are ways it can be made OK and, as long as the challenges everyone faces are handled correctly, it can yet be a surprisingly good year.
“Ultimately, it is all going to be okay,” he says.
But how many are really in for a good year? Alongside questions about his new book ‘The 2012 Survival Guide’ Jonathan can also tell your audience about their own zodiac signs will fare in the coming year. You can ask him;
Is it true that anyone born under Aries can expect to get what they’ve been wanting for years now?
Are Taureans really due to become wealthier than they’ve ever been before?
Will Geminis really find their love lives become totally delightful?
What is it that Cancerians need to be finally free from and is that actually going to happen?
If Leos are going to become so popular and sought after in 2012, will this mean their lives change beyond recognition?
Why is there so much hard work for Virgos to do this year... and will it bring them the success they crave?
How can Librans expect to keep their daily lives normal when so much is changing in their world?
What is the great secret that Scorpios will have to keep... and what is the amazing discovery they are going to make?
Who is the mystery person that will transform the life of each Sagittarians and how will that relationship affect their future?
When can Capricorns stop making quite so many sacrifices and will there ever be a reward for all they’ve been putting up with?
Have Aquarians got to keep putting so much at risk this year? And will their great emotional gamble pay off?
What will happen to Pisceans to help them feel as if they are finally in the right place, for the right reason?
Friday, 30 December 2011
Children's book inspires £50,000 offer to National Trust
A recent poll shows 94% support for replacing the famous White Horse at Uffington in Oxfordshire with an image of a unicorn. A new fantasy book for 7 plus year olds has prompted thousands of children and adults to support the explanation of the chalk carving revealed in the book. One enthusiastic supporter has even gone so far as to offer the National Trust, being the owners of the site, GBP50000 to cover the cost of the work.
Paula Broderick, the author of the book that has sparked so much interest in the prehistoric monument, is amazed at the activity the book has generated. “While researching material for The Rowan Tree I discovered the amazing story of Dragon Hill, which is next to the Uffington Horse and is said to be the spot where Saint George slew the dragon. The whole area is wrapped in legend and the story I have told does have a certain plausibility that appeals to most ages – including the parents who read to younger children.”
Richard Henderson, National Trust general manager for Oxfordshire, has declined the cash offer forwarded through a legal firm in Cornwall. Richard explained “There are so many mysteries and legends surrounding the White Horse, but we have no reason to believe that it was ever intended to represent a unicorn so we would have no intention of carrying out any work to change it.”
Although Paula is a new children’s author her first book in the Toby and Sox trilogy has already required a second print run. The Rowan Tree, released in early December, is the second book and had people queuing at a recent book signing in Bristol. Asked to comment on the success of her books Paula said “I believe a child’s imagination is very special and my stories encourage the reader to think about the content and possibilities long after closing the book.”
Paula Broderick, the author of the book that has sparked so much interest in the prehistoric monument, is amazed at the activity the book has generated. “While researching material for The Rowan Tree I discovered the amazing story of Dragon Hill, which is next to the Uffington Horse and is said to be the spot where Saint George slew the dragon. The whole area is wrapped in legend and the story I have told does have a certain plausibility that appeals to most ages – including the parents who read to younger children.”
Richard Henderson, National Trust general manager for Oxfordshire, has declined the cash offer forwarded through a legal firm in Cornwall. Richard explained “There are so many mysteries and legends surrounding the White Horse, but we have no reason to believe that it was ever intended to represent a unicorn so we would have no intention of carrying out any work to change it.”
Although Paula is a new children’s author her first book in the Toby and Sox trilogy has already required a second print run. The Rowan Tree, released in early December, is the second book and had people queuing at a recent book signing in Bristol. Asked to comment on the success of her books Paula said “I believe a child’s imagination is very special and my stories encourage the reader to think about the content and possibilities long after closing the book.”
Saturday, 24 December 2011
That's Christmas: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
That's Christmas: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team behind the That's Team of online magazines! We hope that you are able to get and to giv...
Friday, 23 December 2011
Special Book Offer Can Save You £6
Author Heather Flood's latest book for youngsters, Giant Sticker Monster and Other Children's Stories, has been acclaimed by actress Judy Buxton as perfect for stirring young children's imagination, while another reviewer compares it favourably to Aesop's Fables and Hans Christian Andersen.
Our readers can buy these wonderful short stories for children, aged four to 12, at special reduced prices, and save £6 in all, if they also wish to purchase Heather's previous book Mousey Mousey and the Witches' Spells and her husband Tony's fantasy adventure novel The Secret Potion, recommended by actress June Whitfield as an ideal present for Harry Potter fans.
And Mr Flood, the former Controller of Information at Sky Television and now New Authors Co-ordinator with My Voice Publishing, Eastbourne, is also revealing the secret of how would-be authors can get published.
Heather, who is a prize-winning member of Anderida Writers group, of which Tony is chairman, has been published by My Voice Publishing. Her books and Tony's The Secret Potion are available on Amazon as e-versions and paperbacks or from www.mvpub.co.uk/ as discounted paperbacks.
Actor and director Alan Baker declares: "Heather's outrageous Giant Sticker Monster and lovely collection of short stories provide characters and plots that will have children eager to read more. They are a combination of Aesop's Fables and Hans Christian Anderson. As an actor, I am pleased that they are easy to read aloud. I heartily recommend them to every parent of young children."
Jacq Molloy, journalist, author and writing tutor, says: "Giant Sticker Monster and other Children's Stories is a delightful read for younger children. They will get caught up in the antics of characters like the mischievous Giant Sticker Monster, Pixie, the naughty kitten, and Amber, the Christmas Tree Fairy. It's an enchanting collection!"
Actress Judy Buxton adds: "Heather Flood's wonderfully entertaining stories are perfect for stirring a young child's imagination. The characters are all enchanting and there is something for both girls and boys."
By taking advantage of our reader offer for the three books, you can buy The Giant Sticker Monster for £2 below the retail price, Mousey Mousey and the Witches' Spells at a discount of £1 and The Secret Potion for a saving of £2.
Simply send a cheque made payable to 'Sportsworld Communications' with your order to: Discounted books, 24 Brisbane Quay, Eastbourne, BN23 5PD. You will need to allow 96p each for postage and packing so send £4.95 for Giant Sticker Monster and Other Children's Stories, £4.95 for Mousey Mousey and the Witches' Spells and £5.95 for The Secret Potion.
Or you can save even more - over £6 - by buying all three books for £13.99, which includes P&P.
Tony Flood says: "I have been asked by My Voice to recommend authors whose manuscripts I feel would be of a sufficiently high standard. This means they can be fast-tracked instead of waiting months for a publisher to give them an answer."
Mr. Flood will also be happy to give advice if readers contact him on tflood04@yahoo.co.uk
Anyone wishing to join Anderida Writers, which has four other published authors in Liz Wright, Brigitte Sumner, Jill Rutherford and Harry Pope, can look on their website at www.anderidawriterseastbourne.co.uk/
Our readers can buy these wonderful short stories for children, aged four to 12, at special reduced prices, and save £6 in all, if they also wish to purchase Heather's previous book Mousey Mousey and the Witches' Spells and her husband Tony's fantasy adventure novel The Secret Potion, recommended by actress June Whitfield as an ideal present for Harry Potter fans.
And Mr Flood, the former Controller of Information at Sky Television and now New Authors Co-ordinator with My Voice Publishing, Eastbourne, is also revealing the secret of how would-be authors can get published.
Heather, who is a prize-winning member of Anderida Writers group, of which Tony is chairman, has been published by My Voice Publishing. Her books and Tony's The Secret Potion are available on Amazon as e-versions and paperbacks or from www.mvpub.co.uk/ as discounted paperbacks.
Actor and director Alan Baker declares: "Heather's outrageous Giant Sticker Monster and lovely collection of short stories provide characters and plots that will have children eager to read more. They are a combination of Aesop's Fables and Hans Christian Anderson. As an actor, I am pleased that they are easy to read aloud. I heartily recommend them to every parent of young children."
Jacq Molloy, journalist, author and writing tutor, says: "Giant Sticker Monster and other Children's Stories is a delightful read for younger children. They will get caught up in the antics of characters like the mischievous Giant Sticker Monster, Pixie, the naughty kitten, and Amber, the Christmas Tree Fairy. It's an enchanting collection!"
Actress Judy Buxton adds: "Heather Flood's wonderfully entertaining stories are perfect for stirring a young child's imagination. The characters are all enchanting and there is something for both girls and boys."
By taking advantage of our reader offer for the three books, you can buy The Giant Sticker Monster for £2 below the retail price, Mousey Mousey and the Witches' Spells at a discount of £1 and The Secret Potion for a saving of £2.
Simply send a cheque made payable to 'Sportsworld Communications' with your order to: Discounted books, 24 Brisbane Quay, Eastbourne, BN23 5PD. You will need to allow 96p each for postage and packing so send £4.95 for Giant Sticker Monster and Other Children's Stories, £4.95 for Mousey Mousey and the Witches' Spells and £5.95 for The Secret Potion.
Or you can save even more - over £6 - by buying all three books for £13.99, which includes P&P.
Tony Flood says: "I have been asked by My Voice to recommend authors whose manuscripts I feel would be of a sufficiently high standard. This means they can be fast-tracked instead of waiting months for a publisher to give them an answer."
Mr. Flood will also be happy to give advice if readers contact him on tflood04@yahoo.co.uk
Anyone wishing to join Anderida Writers, which has four other published authors in Liz Wright, Brigitte Sumner, Jill Rutherford and Harry Pope, can look on their website at www.anderidawriterseastbourne.co.uk/
Sherlock Holmes - The Great Detective Returns!
The Missing Earl and Other New Adventures
N. M Scott
The great detective returns!
In this beautifully crafted homage to Conan Doyle's greatest creation, N.M. Scott presents eight brand-new cases for the incomparable Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr John Watson.
On reviewing his case notes from over the years, Dr Watson once again sets pen to paper to record, among others, the mysterious case of the 'Haversham Jackdaw' in which a burglary is committed by apparently impossible means.
'The "Ring of Stones'" leads the duo to Salisbury Plain, where an investigation into a missing girl turns into something far more sinister and deadly, and in 'The Silver Button' Holmes finds his powers of deduction put to the ultimate test in his attempt to save a man from the gallows.
Written with wit and style, these stories plunge the reader once more into the murky depths of Victorian criminology, and will prove a delight to all Holmes fans, ever thirsty for more adventures from Dr Watson's voluminous case book.
N.M. Scott was born and educated in south London, but then moved to the Sussex coast where he now lives and writes in Rottingdean. He maintains a lifelong interest in the history of transport, along with church architecture and, of course, the 'Canon' of Sherlock Holmes.
Written with full assent of Conan Doyle literary estate
Eight brand new mysteries featuring Holmes and Watson
A must for the bookshelves of all Holmes fans
£16.99
Hardback
978-1-84624-647-0
N. M Scott
The great detective returns!
In this beautifully crafted homage to Conan Doyle's greatest creation, N.M. Scott presents eight brand-new cases for the incomparable Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr John Watson.
On reviewing his case notes from over the years, Dr Watson once again sets pen to paper to record, among others, the mysterious case of the 'Haversham Jackdaw' in which a burglary is committed by apparently impossible means.
'The "Ring of Stones'" leads the duo to Salisbury Plain, where an investigation into a missing girl turns into something far more sinister and deadly, and in 'The Silver Button' Holmes finds his powers of deduction put to the ultimate test in his attempt to save a man from the gallows.
Written with wit and style, these stories plunge the reader once more into the murky depths of Victorian criminology, and will prove a delight to all Holmes fans, ever thirsty for more adventures from Dr Watson's voluminous case book.
N.M. Scott was born and educated in south London, but then moved to the Sussex coast where he now lives and writes in Rottingdean. He maintains a lifelong interest in the history of transport, along with church architecture and, of course, the 'Canon' of Sherlock Holmes.
Written with full assent of Conan Doyle literary estate
Eight brand new mysteries featuring Holmes and Watson
A must for the bookshelves of all Holmes fans
£16.99
Hardback
978-1-84624-647-0
In Search of Sara Ann - The True Story Of An Adoptive Child
Gareth Adeney
The true story of an emotional reunion with long-sought birth family
An official letter from the State of Israel marks a significant step forward in Gareth's quest to track down his birth mother. Sadly, it comes two years too late for him to actually meet his American mother Sara, who gave birth to him three decades before in the sixties, as a free-loving, Gaia-worshipping college drop-out, during a discreet trip to Israel, returning home alone. She passed away from cancer two years before the paperwork enabling him to trace her was processed.
But her spirit lives on in her rock-guitarist son and charismatic barmaid daughter—Gareth's half-siblings, who are overjoyed to discover that he is trying to make contact with them, his niece, his uncles and his elderly grandmother.
Follow Gareth, or David, as he becomes, preferring his middle name, which was the name Sara gave him, as he travels to Washington state to meet his new-found birth family in an emotional encounter in which Sara's presence is felt as strongly as if she were still alive.
This is the true story of an adopted child who comes to terms with his real family.
Gareth Adeney was born in Haifa, Israel but educated in the UK. He holds an MA in Design Studies and a B Ed. in Design Technology. His career as a teacher and lecturer has seen him travel widely, and he has lived in Malaysia, Finland, Cyprus, USA and latterly, Kazakhstan.
Movingly written and timely piece on the search for a birth mother from the adopted child's point of view
Of nostalgic appeal to those with an interest in the "hippy" era of the Sixties
£9.99
Hardback
978-1-84624-640-1
The true story of an emotional reunion with long-sought birth family
An official letter from the State of Israel marks a significant step forward in Gareth's quest to track down his birth mother. Sadly, it comes two years too late for him to actually meet his American mother Sara, who gave birth to him three decades before in the sixties, as a free-loving, Gaia-worshipping college drop-out, during a discreet trip to Israel, returning home alone. She passed away from cancer two years before the paperwork enabling him to trace her was processed.
But her spirit lives on in her rock-guitarist son and charismatic barmaid daughter—Gareth's half-siblings, who are overjoyed to discover that he is trying to make contact with them, his niece, his uncles and his elderly grandmother.
Follow Gareth, or David, as he becomes, preferring his middle name, which was the name Sara gave him, as he travels to Washington state to meet his new-found birth family in an emotional encounter in which Sara's presence is felt as strongly as if she were still alive.
This is the true story of an adopted child who comes to terms with his real family.
Gareth Adeney was born in Haifa, Israel but educated in the UK. He holds an MA in Design Studies and a B Ed. in Design Technology. His career as a teacher and lecturer has seen him travel widely, and he has lived in Malaysia, Finland, Cyprus, USA and latterly, Kazakhstan.
Movingly written and timely piece on the search for a birth mother from the adopted child's point of view
Of nostalgic appeal to those with an interest in the "hippy" era of the Sixties
£9.99
Hardback
978-1-84624-640-1
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