American Media to Launch Shopping Mag - The shopping magazine category keeps getting larger. American Media announced on Tuesday that it is launching Star Shop, a new special interest publication described as a cross between Star and a shopping magazine, in March 2005. Star Shop will sell for $3.99 and will be on newsstands for three months. Star Shop joins a category that seems to be growing more crowded each month. Following the success of Lucky, Hearst launched Shop Etc. earlier this year, while Fairchild is soon to launch a version of its new shopping quarterly, Vitals, aimed at women.

New Blender Editor - After Andy Pemberton was ousted last week as part of a series of cutbacks at Dennis Publishing, Craig Marks has been named the new editor-in-chief at Blender magazine. Marks, who was previously the editor of the magazine and has been with the publication since its launch in May 2001, has over 20 years of music industry experience, including stints at Spin and Rolling Stone. Though sales have declined at the newsstand, Blender has performed better than most Dennis titles of late, having increased its frequency from 10 times a year to monthly back in March. The company is also planning a 20 percent rate base increase for January 2005 (to 630,000). Ad pages are up 7 percent through August.

Marvel, Meredith Team for Kids Books - Meredith Corporation and Marvel Enterprises have announced a multi-year agreement to develop and publish a portfolio of children's books products ranging from sound storybooks and coloring books to picture story books based on some of the best- known Marvel super heroes.

Vinton Studios Sets Selick On Gaiman's Coraline - Vinton Studios has obtained the rights to Neil Gaiman's Hugo Award-winning children's book CORALINE and has named Henry Selick as the director, reports VARIETY. Co-producing the film with Vinton will be Bill Mechanic's Pandemonium Films. Selick will also adapt the book, which tells the tale of a young girl who views an alternate version of her life after walking through a secret door. HarperCollins published the novel in 2002.

Major graphics flaw threatens Windows PCs - According to an article at News.com, there's a security flaw in the way Internet Explorer, Windows XP, and several other Microsoft programs handle JPG images. According to the article, an attacker could "create an image file that would run a malicious program on a victim's computer as soon as the file is viewed." Pretty scary, considering almost every web page that has a photograph uses the JPG format, meaning that just looking at a photograph could allow someone access to your computer.

Read the entire article and check your computer to see if there's something that needs updating.

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION LAUNCHES EDUTOPIA MAGAZINE. - The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF) launches EDUTOPIA, a new magazine for a new world of learning. Serving as a catalyst for change in education, the publication's editorial will showcase the best and most innovative thinking in education, profile the sharpest minds, reveal ways around roadblocks and question the status quo. EDUTOPIA is the first magazine launch for Lucas and for the foundation, which was founded in 1991 to chronicle innovative practices in education. Serving as editor in chief will be James Daly. He has served as founder/editor in chief of IMAGINE MEDIA'S BUSINESS 2.0, editor in chief of RED HERRING, a features editor at WIRED and a senior editor at FORBES ASAP. Cheryl Lucanegro will take on the role of publisher. She is a founding member and svp of THE INDUSTRY STANDARD and former svp of sales for the Salon.com group. GLEF exec director Milton Chen will oversee the publication.

JACKSON TO PERFORM AT GIBB TRIBUTE CONCERT - MICHAEL JACKSON and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE will honor late BEE GEE MAURICE GIBB by performing at a tribute concert next year (05). Actor JOHN TRAVOLTA has been approached to host the event organised by Gibb's twin brother ROBIN, because of his starring role in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which featured the group's soundtrack. Robin says, ''Maurice loved life. We want to celebrate his life and talent the best way we know how - through music.'' The concert will raise money for the Gibb Family Foundation which helps a number of charities including National Drug Abuse Council in America.

POLITICIANS WANT MADONNA BANNED FROM EGYPT - Campaigners are trying to get MADONNA banned from visiting Egypt, because of her devotion to the Kabbalah. Politicians in the country have asked the government to refuse Madonna any visas into the Muslim country because of her recent pilgrimage to Israel to celebrate the Jewish New Year with other followers of the mystical branch of Judaism. The Egyptian newspaper ALBAWABA says, ''On a similar note, Arab parliament member, AHMAD AL TAIBI, in the Israeli Knesset, turned down an invitation from Madonna to an event she held after she showed inconsideration for the sufferings of Palestinians, especially children, under the occupation of Israeli soldiers. ''Ahmad had stressed that he wished the singer would try and learn from other international stars like RICHARD GERE and JULIE CHRISTIE who came to the occupied lands and showed their support for the suffering of Palestinians.''

LOST PINK FLOYD DOCUMENTARY FOUND - A short film documenting the final days of PINK FLOYD, which was believed to be lost, has been discovered in a filmmaker's personal archives. Editor HOWARD LAMDEN misplaced the 25-minute film, shot during the 1980 THE WALL tour, and feared it was lost forever. But he recently stumbled across the documentary footage and now plans to release THE LOST DOCUMENTARY on DVD. Shot mostly backstage at an Earls Court concert in London, the film clearly shows the tension between Pink Floyd's bandmates on their final tour before ROGER WATERS split with partner DAVID GILMOUR.

MELISSA LANDS TV DEAL - Singer/songwriter MELISSA ETHERIDGE is to star in a new TV sitcom in America after striking a deal with 20TH CENTURY FOX bosses and BRAD PITT's production partner BRAD GREY. In the offbeat family comedy, the COME TO MY WINDOW rocker will play a gay music teacher who lives with her best friend, a straight man, while raising another friend's daughter. Etheridge will also serve as producer on the project.

The Norumbega Fiction Awards - is an annual literary competition to recognize the work of unpublished writers, self-published writers, and small- press publishers.

Check out who made the list!

September 27, 2004

David Henry Thoreau, most famous for his philosophy of "Simplify, simplify," lived his own dream for only a few years. Traveling to Walden Pond where he wrote his most profound works, he later obsessed over it for seven years until it was in his opinion perfect. Perhaps this obsession is what led to his own loss of the enlightened state that he sought for so long.

Walt Whitman's greatest work, "Son of Myself" gives the impression of a highly enlightened man in touch with the infinite Truth, but his later works depict a man who has found but not held on to, the absolute Truth.

Paul Hourihan dissects the lives of these two men with a deep spiritual understanding, exposing them for the lost souls that they were. Although great writers and revered philosophers, both died after long periods of attempting to once again regain that feeling of absolute enlightenment that was once theirs. Samples of their works are sprinkled throughout, tempting the reader to do their own research.

Written in true literary style, yet in layman's terms as readers will find many of Hourihan's works, the author delves into the personalities, lives and successes of these two great men. This reviewer found it a fascinating read, being a fan of both. Illuminating, informative and insightful, highly recommended.

Author, Paul Hourihan earned his doctorate in English literature from Boston University. During the course of his life he studied the world's spiritual traditions, compelling him to publish his works. This is only one of the many spiritual works of Paul Houihan.

Reviewed by Allbooks Reviews, Shirley Roe

Hand in hand, Magda the Enchantress and Brit approach. Brit holding Shayla's offering: a single long stem red rose, a symbol of human blood. Emotions suddenly flare when it is unveiled that the rose is not the actual gift, but Brit herself! Brit's life is turned upside down when she opts to save her friends.

Brit reluctantly concedes to the offering, now making her the property of Lord Daison. Her greatest fear is whether he will drain her of the precious life sustaining fluid that courses through her veins. Though none of this impedes the headstrong Brit from conducting business as usual. During daylight hours she proceeds towards her appointment with Pandor Evans who is on the Human Power Committee. Evans wants to hire Brit to acquire information about the Sacred Scepters.

The legend: He who holds the scepters acquires their power. The power to rid the world of magic! But Evans is not the only one who searches for them, so does Diablo. Without hesitation Brit takes the job well aware of Diablo's murderous profile.

A treacherous journey through underground rail stations, heartbreak of death, and the sweet fragrance of victory in life await readers of Vintage Blood and the Sacred Scepters. A. B. Wallace has done an exceptional job of storytelling and bringing terrifying mythical creatures to life. This novel will make a great addition to the avid readers library collection!

Reviewed by Betsie

Many have moved past 9/11 and focus intently on the combat in the Middle East. We want to see justice and those responsible punished for their acts. As this broken country struggles to rebound from 9/11 many are pointing fingers with the hopes that blaming someone else will serve as a form of retribution. This surreal event - the tragic morning on September 11, 2001 will never leave our minds and will always be in our hearts - but there is a way to heal.

We must not blame God for this tragedy. Instead, we must stand tall and work harder at strengthening our resolve to honor and respect each other. We are given a chance to rebuild our lives and make it better. Dr. Duval compares our country to Christ and the pain and death that he overcame. He was "broken" beyond repair however, he was resurrected and his words and love continues to comfort those in need of spiritual healing.

I can recall that tragic day and the days that followed. People were kind to each other as we shared in the hurt and pain. Every house displayed the American Flag proudly and the "Proud to be an American" bumper stickers adorned every vehicle. Individual differences did not matter, 9/11 affected many countries in different ways and we enjoyed a brotherhood that you rarely see today. For a moment, just a moment, the tragedy created a society where crime rates dropped, people were kind to each other and we comforted anyone in need of comfort. As time went by, that all dissolved and continues to fade away.

"America After Siege: Roadmap to Victory After 9/11" should be read as you read the bible or whatever book represents your faith. America has been given a chance to be reborn out of the ashes of 9/11. Together we can go forward and live the lives as dictated by God, Allah or whatever deity you choose to worship

This book will open up a train of thought and internal reflection that will vary depending on the person reading these words. Instead of reviewing this book and relaying the poetry and words that I've read, I have chosen to digest these words and make them a part of myself. I challenge myself to return to the brotherhood and Christianity that enveloped my being after 9/11. I have not forgotten the events but I now remind myself of the calm that followed the storm prior to our quest for justice. The battle will continue to rage and those who do not fight, as instruments of war can become instruments of faith.

Even if you believe that you have "healed" emotionally after 9/11, read this book and you will be enlightened. Dr. Duval's simple words represent complex feelings and emotions that are necessary to embrace as we move forward with our lives. Read this book and share it with others. There is a message to spread and that message starts with you...

Reviewed by Tyrone Vincent Banks

Ms. Plesset takes you through the process from decision to remodel to completion of chosen remodeling project. This is done using a series of surveys, spread sheet, contractor evaluations, material and supply comparison and budgeting techniques. The decision making process involves all family members and is inclusive of evaluating cost and quality of supplies and materials, as well as building codes for your chosen project.

Finally and most importantly there's a price comparison for projects and supplies, budgeting spreadsheet, and contractor etiquette. This book is a must for any homeowner undertaking a large scale- remodeling project. Not only does this book help the reader with decision-making regarding remodeling, but it also provides thorough information on a range of subjects. It also includes basic information for smaller projects!

Reviewed by Juanita Reynolds

'Sin City'
Dimension Films & Troublemakers Studios
375 Greenwich St.
New York, NY 10013
Cast: Elijah Wood

End Game (Action/Thriller)
Two Sticks Productions/Martini Films
6108 Saturn Street
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Cast: Aidan Quinn, Sarah Ann Schultz

Josiah's Canon (Action/Thriller)
Twentieth Century Fox
10201 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035.
Cast: Sean Connery

Tishomingo Blues (Drama)
Bull's Eye Entertainment
10850 Wilshire Blvd., 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Cast: Don Cheadle, Matthew McConaughey

The Good Shepherd (Drama/Thriller)
Universal Pictures/Tribeca Prods./Initial Entertainment Group
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro

Adam's Apotheosis (Drama)
Sextile Pictures
1400 Westerly Trail
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Cast: Sean Brown, McKenna King, Michael Evans

One World Records - A NYC based indie label

Go-Kart Records - Brooklyn, NY based indie

Ruff Stuff Records - Brooklyn, NY recording and rehearsal studio for reggae andhiphop artists

Spitfire Records - New York-based classic and heavy metal label.

Yapah Records - NYC based studio label

Twinz Records - A jazz boutique label featuring traditional and modern jazz - based in NJ

World Wide Recordings - N.J. based indie

Albion Recorder
111 West Center Street
Albion, MI 49224-1796
Phone: 517-629-3984
Fax: 517-629-5790
Daily Circulation: 2,500
Frequency: 6 x week

Alpena Star
431 Ripley Boulevard
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: 517-356-2121
Fax: 517-354-8275
Daily Circulation: 18,921
Frequency: 1 x week

Antrim County News
206 North Bridge
Bellaire, MI 49615-9590
Email: editor@upnorthpub.com
Phone: 231-533-8523
Fax: 231-533-6803
Daily Circulation: 5,850
Frequency: 1 x week

Arenac County Independent
203 East Cedar
Standish, MI 48658-9487
Phone: 517-846-4531
Fax: 517-846-9868
Daily Circulation: 6,200
Frequency: 1 x week

Battle Creek Enquirer
155 West Van Buren Street
Battle Creek, MI 49017-3002
Email: enquirer@cerealcity.com
Phone: 616-964-7161
Fax: 616-964-0299
Daily Circulation: 28,920
Frequency: 7 x week

Birmingham Eccentric
805 East Maple
Birmingham, MI 48009-6440
Email: newsroom@oeonline.com
Phone: 248-901-2560
Fax: 248-644-1314
Daily Circulation: 17,439
Frequency: 2 x week

Arts Indiana
445 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: artsmag@iquest.net
Phone: 317-951-9601
Fax: 317-951-8331
Frequency: 6 x year
Circulation: 5,200
Editorial Profile: Publication covers literary, performing, and visual arts

Biography Magazine
235 East 45th Street, 11th floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212.210.9053
Fax: 212.210.9319
Frequency: 1 x month
Circulation: 733,495
Target Audience: Young, upscale adults; female skewed

Star
5401 Northwest Broken Down Boulevard
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Email: letters@starmagazine.com
Phone: 561-997-7733
Fax: 561-989-1165
Frequency: 1 x week
Circulation: 1,900,615
Editorial Profile: Publication is a news magazine whose editorial content features an inside look at celebrity news and lifestyles; covers topics such as health and fitness, diet, food, and parenting.

The Comic Bible
222 West 233rd Street
Bronx, NY 10463
Email: comicbible@aol.com
Phone: 718-548-7907
Fax: 718-548-2325
Frequency: 6 x year
Circulation: 10,000
Editorial Profile: Publication features information on all facets of the comedy community

V Magazine
P.O. Box 14393
Irvine, CA 92623-4393
Phone: 714-556-1226
Fax: 714-839-1917
Frequency: 6 x year
Circulation: 74,000
Publication Category: Consumer

Bamboo Ridge Press
P.O. Box 61781
Honolulu, HI 96839-1781
Phone: 808-626-1481
Fax: 808-626-1481
Frequency: 2 x year
Circulation: 2,000 Editorial Profile: Publication is a literary journal, which publishes anthologies special issues and features the work, poetry or prose, of one author.

Poor Richard's Books
233 Broadway
Frankfort, KY 40601
Tel: (502) 223-8018
Fax: (502) 223-8010

Arbor Books
Bradford Square Mall
4000 Fort Campbell Blvd
Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240-4930
Business: (270) 886-2665

Joseph-Beth Booksellers
161 Lexington Green Circle, Suite B1
Lexington, KY 40503
800 248 6849
859 273 2911

The Bookstore
301 W. Lincoln Trail
Radcliff, Ky. 40160-2044
Phone: (270)351-1801
Fax: (270)351-1869

KAAK-FM 98.9
1300 Central Avenue West
Great Falls, MT 59404-3971
Phone: 406-727-7211
Fax: 406-727-7218

KAAP-FM 99.5
231 North Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee, WA, 98001-2009
Phone: 509-665-6565
Fax: 509-663-1150

KABK-FM 97.7
121 Radio Heights Drive
Searcy, AR, 72143-4868
Phone: 501-305-0977
Fax: 501-305-2977

KACW-FM 107.3
P.O. Box 180
Coos Bay, OR, 97420-0021
Phone: 541-267-2121
Fax: 541-756-6813

KADI-FM 99.5
1601 West Sunshine
Springfield, MO, 65807-2275
Phone: 417-831-0995
Fax: 417-831-4026

KADQ-FM 94.3
P.O. Box 66
Rexburg, ID, 83440-0066
Phone: 208-356-7323
Fax: 208-356-7324

KADR-AM 1400.0
24493 Highway 128
Elkader, IA, 52043-8038
Phone: 319-245-1400
Fax: 319-245-1402

KADZ-AM 1550.0
730 West Hampden Avenue
Englewood, CO, 80110-2120
Phone: 303-783-0880
Fax: 303-761-1774

Scriptapalooza 6th Annual Television Writing Competition CALL FOR ENTRIES

Scriptapalooza TV, has grown in reputation and stature over the last three years with several of its past winners gaining access to top television production companies and literary representatives.

Barbara Schwartz has won a 2003 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children's Animated Program for the TV series, RUGRATS, produced by Klasky Csupo. Her animation work is a direct result of her finalist placement in the Scriptapalooza TV competition.

Scott Gray, also a 2003 Daytime EMMY winner, forOutstanding Children's Animated Program for the TV series, RUGRATS. "Winning the competition helped get me to the top of industry "to read" piles and I was able to sign with CAA", says Gray.

Deadline is November 15, 2004.

The three categories include existing 1 hour spec scripts, existing half hour spec scripts and pilots.

email us at info@scriptapalooza.com or call 323.654.5809 or....

Southampton Sergeant Vincent D'Agosta, FBI Special agent Pendergast and New York's police captain Laura Hayward become the homicide (team) to investigate the gruesome murders of Southampton art critic Jeremy Grove and New York music entrepreneur Nigel Cutforth.

The Association of Young Journalists and Writers rewards that effort with many prizes and awards.

WriterOnLine is an e-publication dedicated to writers and lovers of writing. Fiction, poetry, business and technical writing, how-tos, articles, reviews, freelance markets, jobs for writers and much more, published bi-weekly.