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I am thrilled to report I finished reviewing a book for children. Here are the details:
Lady Flatterly
Linda L Wagner
Outskirts Press
ISBN: 2008936015 (10)
ISBN: 9781432732332 (13)
Paperback, $22.95
The stained glass quality of the artwork in this book will capture your eyes and your heart as the message behind the words will give your spirit a dose of inspiration. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers should find this book now and read it many times to the young. I believe this story will earn a place in the imagination of the young, and it should earn a place on many bookshelves.
With the media's focus on outer beauty and the rush for children to grow up too fast, Linda L Wagner captures the message families and children need to hear. From reading, everyone will understand God has a plan for each one of us. At the right time, we will take the steps to move forward and blossom, just like Lady Flatterly. As a caterpillar yearning to become a beautiful butterfly, she learns about herself and the world around her. She also comes to accept the path God has for her.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, simply know a child, or are a teacher for the young, I encourage you to find this book and share the beauty of its valuable and vital lessons today. For further learning based on the book, try these ideas:
1. Ask the child to list three wonderful features about him or herself. Encourage him or her to draw a picture of how he or she might use these to help others as this is what God wants us all to do.
2. Use colorful art supplies and encourage the child to draw a caterpillar, cocoon, and a butterfly. Then, ask him or her to talk about how he or she hopes to grow in each stage. Help him or her to discover what obstacles may pop up on the journey of growth and how he or she may overcome these with God's help.
The book is competitive in pricing and should fit well on a bookshelf; the length is 41 pages and offers a comfortable number of words on each one. Buyers will have many choices this holiday season and it would make a wonderful gift!
About this author: Linda L Wagner is a nurse and grandmother with a gift for following her dreams. Her spirituality and life helped give her the motivation she needed to pursue the dream of writing a book. And her grandchildren provided the inspiration to try again years after her first attempt. She completed work on other books, and hopes to have them edited and readied for publishing. For more information about her, and contact details, visit her weblog at www.lindawagner.wordpress.com.
NEW BOOK BY MORGAN MANDEL !!!!
Here is another great book by Morgan Mandel. It is called Girl Of My Dreams! Light, romantic and easy to fall in love with, Mandel did a great job of developing and connecting the characters. This would make an awesome gift for Valentine's Day!
Here is the information you need to get one for yourself, or to let someone know exactly what you want.
Title: Girl of My Dreams
Author: Morgan Mandel
ISBN# 9780759947009
Hard Shell Word Factory, www.hardshell.com
Title: Two Wrongs by Morgan Mandel
ISBN: 0-7599-4062-2
Publisher: Hard Shell Word factory
Publish Year: 2006
Review By: Patti McQuillen
This book is an awesome page turner! Once I began reading, I did not want to stop. In the first sitting, I read seventeen chapters! The cover is dark, and shows what you believe is a naked woman lying on the ground, From this, you know it is a murder mystery. The title gives you a clue as well: somebody did something, presumably involving the woman on the cover, and revenge followed.
The story begins with the horrific rape and murder of a young woman named Mary Alice. From there, I discovered a plot that progresses in a logical style. It is easy to follow the story as details of her traumatic death unfold, and the Callaways – especially their son, Danny – fight for the conviction who they believe is the killer.
The interaction between the characters, on both sides of the case, provides deep insight into their hopes, fears, feelings and hearts. They are convincing as the story continues along at a pleasant rate, never plodding. What happens at the trial of Kevin Green, the accused, sets the story in a motion and kept me connected and interested until the final line of the book.
Morgan Mandel, the writer, does a magnificent job of using situations and scenarios in a realistic way thus helping me to feel empathy for each character, even Green who eventually leaves prison. I easily followed his movements as he sought revenge, and his personality deepened. Mandel describes the settings in a creative, yet clear manner and I found it easy to visualize each location.
I originally wanted to read this book because I felt intrigued by the plot, from a communications perspective. From the perspective of Green, Calloway ruined his life, yet it is Green himself that causes the most pervasive damage. The perceptions of the characters have a tremendous amount of power and truly make this book a must read. Plus, if you seek out books that make you think about choices and consequences in life, communication or even life in general, this book is for you.
While I am not a huge fan of mysteries, I do recommend this one because it is more than murder. It pulls together life, perception, choices, consequences and communication. Look for it by visiting Morgan Mandel’s site and clicking on the navigation button to the left, the one that reads Two Wrongs. This will lead you to her page about the book and if you scroll down to the bottom, you will see the link for Hard Shell Word Factory. There, I spotted a price of $5.00. It is worth every penny, and more!
Title: The Elements of Style
Author: William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
Published by: Allyn & Bacon/Longman Publishers, Fourth Edition
Review by: Al Rickert
I am an avid reader, and when the desire to write grabs me, I know what is needed first – a definitive guide to correct grammar and word composition. Other writers and teachers quickly informed me that Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style is the book I need. This “little” book sells for $7.95 at most all booksellers. It has a grey cover with bold red, aqua and black printing with the ISBN number 10-205-30902-X. It is a fact and example based guide to all elements in writing that successful authors consider a “must have.”
The Elements of Style clearly and authoritatively combines all the elements for writing: rules of usage, principles of composition, form, misused words and expressions, and approach to style. Each section gives examples of incorrect and correct usage I find both common and understandable.
Rules of usage cover punctuation, singular and possessive noun forms, placement of commas, the proper use of pronouns, and basic sentence structure. The principles of composition include: using an active voice, using specific language, needless words, the use of emphatic words, and maintaining one tense.
In the final section, An Approach To Style, the authors present a list of quality reminders to make your writing stand out: do not overwrite, avoid fancy words, and use figures of speech sparingly, to name a few.
William Strunk Jr. wrote The Elements of Style in 1919. In 1957, Macmillan commissioned E. B. White to revise and edit the book. The second edition appeared in 1972 and the third in 1979. Today’s fourth edition remains the standard for the rules and principles of English literature.
Title: Handbook of Magazine Article Writing
Author: Edited by Michelle Ruberg
Published by: Writer’s Digest Books 2005, 2nd Edition
Review by: Al Rickert
Before I begin my full review I am offering you the basic information. I was motivated to read this book, found in Writer’s Digest magazine, because I may attempt to enter the essay and magazine article writing market. I felt it made sense and seemed logical, and offered more than an overview – it thoroughly dug into the material.
You can purchase a copy for $11.65, from Amazon. They also offer a used version from $9.50. The 10 digit ISBN number is 1-58297-334-2. The 13 digit ISBN is 978-1582973340. The cover is all in yellow and white print, on a background of brown and reddish-brown color.
Now for the more in – depth review. If your dream or goal is to be a freelance writer, this book will get you started on the right path. It combines the knowledge and experience of both writers and editors who present their information in a logical, straight-foreword, understandable way.
Talent, desire and presentation are the keys to successful freelance writing. This handbook will hone your talent, streamline your style, and focus your desire. Even more, this book will teach you how to market your talent with the correct and desired presentation format.
This book alone will not make you a great writer, What it will do is make you aware of both the pitfalls and opportunities of writing, and give you the tools to overcome the former and take advantage of the latter. This knowledge, in turn, will put you on the road to greater success.
As Kristin D. Godsey, editor of Writer’s Digest magazine advised, “Read this book, find your voice, then get out there and start pitching.”
Group leader's note - Amazon's site explains that 73% of the people looking at the book, on their site, buy it. It has a five - star rating.
Lady Flatterly
Linda L Wagner
Outskirts Press
ISBN: 2008936015 (10)
ISBN: 9781432732332 (13)
Paperback, $22.95
The stained glass quality of the artwork in this book will capture your eyes and your heart as the message behind the words will give your spirit a dose of inspiration. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers should find this book now and read it many times to the young. I believe this story will earn a place in the imagination of the young, and it should earn a place on many bookshelves.
With the media's focus on outer beauty and the rush for children to grow up too fast, Linda L Wagner captures the message families and children need to hear. From reading, everyone will understand God has a plan for each one of us. At the right time, we will take the steps to move forward and blossom, just like Lady Flatterly. As a caterpillar yearning to become a beautiful butterfly, she learns about herself and the world around her. She also comes to accept the path God has for her.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, simply know a child, or are a teacher for the young, I encourage you to find this book and share the beauty of its valuable and vital lessons today. For further learning based on the book, try these ideas:
1. Ask the child to list three wonderful features about him or herself. Encourage him or her to draw a picture of how he or she might use these to help others as this is what God wants us all to do.
2. Use colorful art supplies and encourage the child to draw a caterpillar, cocoon, and a butterfly. Then, ask him or her to talk about how he or she hopes to grow in each stage. Help him or her to discover what obstacles may pop up on the journey of growth and how he or she may overcome these with God's help.
The book is competitive in pricing and should fit well on a bookshelf; the length is 41 pages and offers a comfortable number of words on each one. Buyers will have many choices this holiday season and it would make a wonderful gift!
About this author: Linda L Wagner is a nurse and grandmother with a gift for following her dreams. Her spirituality and life helped give her the motivation she needed to pursue the dream of writing a book. And her grandchildren provided the inspiration to try again years after her first attempt. She completed work on other books, and hopes to have them edited and readied for publishing. For more information about her, and contact details, visit her weblog at www.lindawagner.wordpress.com.
NEW BOOK BY MORGAN MANDEL !!!!
Here is another great book by Morgan Mandel. It is called Girl Of My Dreams! Light, romantic and easy to fall in love with, Mandel did a great job of developing and connecting the characters. This would make an awesome gift for Valentine's Day!
Here is the information you need to get one for yourself, or to let someone know exactly what you want.
Title: Girl of My Dreams
Author: Morgan Mandel
ISBN# 9780759947009
Hard Shell Word Factory, www.hardshell.com
Title: Two Wrongs by Morgan Mandel
ISBN: 0-7599-4062-2
Publisher: Hard Shell Word factory
Publish Year: 2006
Review By: Patti McQuillen
This book is an awesome page turner! Once I began reading, I did not want to stop. In the first sitting, I read seventeen chapters! The cover is dark, and shows what you believe is a naked woman lying on the ground, From this, you know it is a murder mystery. The title gives you a clue as well: somebody did something, presumably involving the woman on the cover, and revenge followed.
The story begins with the horrific rape and murder of a young woman named Mary Alice. From there, I discovered a plot that progresses in a logical style. It is easy to follow the story as details of her traumatic death unfold, and the Callaways – especially their son, Danny – fight for the conviction who they believe is the killer.
The interaction between the characters, on both sides of the case, provides deep insight into their hopes, fears, feelings and hearts. They are convincing as the story continues along at a pleasant rate, never plodding. What happens at the trial of Kevin Green, the accused, sets the story in a motion and kept me connected and interested until the final line of the book.
Morgan Mandel, the writer, does a magnificent job of using situations and scenarios in a realistic way thus helping me to feel empathy for each character, even Green who eventually leaves prison. I easily followed his movements as he sought revenge, and his personality deepened. Mandel describes the settings in a creative, yet clear manner and I found it easy to visualize each location.
I originally wanted to read this book because I felt intrigued by the plot, from a communications perspective. From the perspective of Green, Calloway ruined his life, yet it is Green himself that causes the most pervasive damage. The perceptions of the characters have a tremendous amount of power and truly make this book a must read. Plus, if you seek out books that make you think about choices and consequences in life, communication or even life in general, this book is for you.
While I am not a huge fan of mysteries, I do recommend this one because it is more than murder. It pulls together life, perception, choices, consequences and communication. Look for it by visiting Morgan Mandel’s site and clicking on the navigation button to the left, the one that reads Two Wrongs. This will lead you to her page about the book and if you scroll down to the bottom, you will see the link for Hard Shell Word Factory. There, I spotted a price of $5.00. It is worth every penny, and more!
Title: The Elements of Style
Author: William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
Published by: Allyn & Bacon/Longman Publishers, Fourth Edition
Review by: Al Rickert
I am an avid reader, and when the desire to write grabs me, I know what is needed first – a definitive guide to correct grammar and word composition. Other writers and teachers quickly informed me that Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style is the book I need. This “little” book sells for $7.95 at most all booksellers. It has a grey cover with bold red, aqua and black printing with the ISBN number 10-205-30902-X. It is a fact and example based guide to all elements in writing that successful authors consider a “must have.”
The Elements of Style clearly and authoritatively combines all the elements for writing: rules of usage, principles of composition, form, misused words and expressions, and approach to style. Each section gives examples of incorrect and correct usage I find both common and understandable.
Rules of usage cover punctuation, singular and possessive noun forms, placement of commas, the proper use of pronouns, and basic sentence structure. The principles of composition include: using an active voice, using specific language, needless words, the use of emphatic words, and maintaining one tense.
In the final section, An Approach To Style, the authors present a list of quality reminders to make your writing stand out: do not overwrite, avoid fancy words, and use figures of speech sparingly, to name a few.
William Strunk Jr. wrote The Elements of Style in 1919. In 1957, Macmillan commissioned E. B. White to revise and edit the book. The second edition appeared in 1972 and the third in 1979. Today’s fourth edition remains the standard for the rules and principles of English literature.
Title: Handbook of Magazine Article Writing
Author: Edited by Michelle Ruberg
Published by: Writer’s Digest Books 2005, 2nd Edition
Review by: Al Rickert
Before I begin my full review I am offering you the basic information. I was motivated to read this book, found in Writer’s Digest magazine, because I may attempt to enter the essay and magazine article writing market. I felt it made sense and seemed logical, and offered more than an overview – it thoroughly dug into the material.
You can purchase a copy for $11.65, from Amazon. They also offer a used version from $9.50. The 10 digit ISBN number is 1-58297-334-2. The 13 digit ISBN is 978-1582973340. The cover is all in yellow and white print, on a background of brown and reddish-brown color.
Now for the more in – depth review. If your dream or goal is to be a freelance writer, this book will get you started on the right path. It combines the knowledge and experience of both writers and editors who present their information in a logical, straight-foreword, understandable way.
Talent, desire and presentation are the keys to successful freelance writing. This handbook will hone your talent, streamline your style, and focus your desire. Even more, this book will teach you how to market your talent with the correct and desired presentation format.
This book alone will not make you a great writer, What it will do is make you aware of both the pitfalls and opportunities of writing, and give you the tools to overcome the former and take advantage of the latter. This knowledge, in turn, will put you on the road to greater success.
As Kristin D. Godsey, editor of Writer’s Digest magazine advised, “Read this book, find your voice, then get out there and start pitching.”
Group leader's note - Amazon's site explains that 73% of the people looking at the book, on their site, buy it. It has a five - star rating.
Discussion Forum
REVIEW: Perseverance From The Heart (Patrice Watley-Hall)
Started by Apex Reviews Nov 11.
REVIEW: The Girl In The Lighthouse (Roxane Tepfer Sanford)
Started by Apex Reviews Nov 11.
The Trojan Project
Started by Eileen Thornton Oct 31.
Comment Wall
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Comment by Harvee Lau on November 25, 2009 at 9:05am
- Cheating Death by Sanjay Gupta MD, reviewed. Great stories of survival due to medical marvels.
-
Comment by Lucy on November 24, 2009 at 9:57am - Come read my review of Myself My Enemy, by my favourite author, Jean Plaidy.
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Comment by DragonCub on November 24, 2009 at 6:24am
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Hi,
If you get some time then do visit my brand new online bookstore at http://www.DragonCub.com
It’s a place for book sellers and buyers.
I will appreciate your visit.
Thanks.
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Comment by enyl on November 24, 2009 at 12:18am -
Moments of Mine
Jerry M. White
Moments of Mine is a compilation of personal, spiritual, political and social commentary in poetic form. The poetic forms include blank verse, free verse, and the ballad.
The section entitled Moments with Family consists of elegies and panegyric poems. These poems are very personal in nature, dedicated to family, friends, and acquaintances of the poets. While these poems undoubtedly have special meaning for the loved ones and friends of the White family, these poems can not be fully appreciated by the general reader. We would not expect the average student or reader to grasp the complexities of the work of poets like Sylvia Plath or Amiri Baraka without having been introduced to biographical information about the poet’s life. While the reader will definitely have a sense of how much the subjects were loved by the poet; the reader will not fully appreciate the depth of the poets love and grief, without knowing more about the poet and his relationships with the subjects of his poems. The poems found in Moments with Family would be more fully appreciated by the general public if they were contained in a personal memoir, where the personal relationships between the poet and his subjects could be more fully developed
Since this volume consists of a great number of poems, this review will focus on the poems with the most universal appeal. The poem titled “In the Company of Poets” sets the tone for this volume of poetry. It reveals the poet as a contemporary historical reporter of current events, who at times influences the perspective of his peers and at other times provides a public voice for the communal perspective on specific subjects, events, and periods. “In the Company of Poets” is a great introduction for students new to poetry, it illustrates that poetry is not restricted to the themes of love, nature, and beauty.
The selection of poems compiled under the subheading Moments from Faith offer examples of how to follow in the footsteps of Christ. “The Work of Us All” encourages the reader to engage in frequent acts of kindness, emphasizing that no act of kindness is too small to go unnoticed by God. In “Matthew 20:26-28” the reader is called upon to invest in people not things. The poet depicts the wealthy and fulfilled man as the man who has dedicated his life to serving his fellow man. In “Through God’s Grand Glory” the reader is instructed to curb his desires and passions and submit to God’s will and guidance. The reader is reminded to refrain from boasting and taking credit for what God has provided. “First Found Faith” asks parishioners to examine their church attendance and religious practices to determine whether or not they are adhering to custom and tradition, or if they truly desire a relationship with God based on their own understanding and desire to obtain salvation. Both new and mature Christians will find words of inspiration, encouragement and conviction in poems from this category.
Under the subtitle Moments as a Teacher there are poems for teachers and students, some offering praise, some bestowing criticism, and others offering “food for thought”.
“Jacob’s Revenge” trumpets the success of a student suffering from autism, who managed to overcome his condition and matriculate from the special education program to the traditional academic classroom setting. “Language Barrier” conveys with empathy the daily frustration experienced by one who suffers from Asperger’s Disease. “The Teacher’s Broom” employs the masterful use of metaphor to illustrate the purpose and function of a master educator. “Dichotomy of Geometry” cautions educators to refrain from prejudging a student’s abilities based dress, socio-economic class, race, or culture---there is often more to the student than meets the eye. Every teacher will understand and appreciate the vivid picture painted in “Class Chaos”---even the most seasoned teacher will have similar stories to tell. “Alphabet Soup” exposes the tendency of administrators and medical professionals to excuse the student’s failure to perform in the classroom, behave appropriately, and respect and acknowledge adult authority on conditions beyond the student’s control. “People to Please” provides food for thought for the class clown and other unmotivated students. This poem should definitely be shared with students of all ages. Both teachers and students are treated with respect and empathy here.
The final subheading Moments from Life is dedicated to social issues, current events, and war. “Marching Madness” asks the American public to critically examine and question the motivation for the US presence in the Middle East. “Abu Ghraib” divulges the irony of the scandal surrounding the Iraqi prisoners of war in the custody of US soldiers; in light of the fact that the US presents itself as the global human rights police. In “Warless World” the poet posits that war is inevitable if corruption and abuse of power is to be thwarted. “Turbulent Times” provides a great summary of the politico-social events of the late 50s through the late 60s. The “Road from Montgomery” questions the progress that the African-American community has made socially and economically since the 1960s.
Moments of Mine offers something for everyone. The reader will find spiritual inspiration. Those suffering from grief will find words of solace. Those committed to the education of children will find words of encouragement. Students will also find words of encouragement. Those who follow current events will find controversial subjects to debate. As a teacher, I found a great deal of poetry worthy of introducing into the classroom. Moments of Mine is a great example that poetry can discuss themes other than love, nature, and beauty.
Reviewed by Cheryl Stillwell
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Comment by Christine Zegelis on November 23, 2009 at 3:57pm
- Giveaway and review of Nibble & Kuhn - not your typical law firm!
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- Click on the title to visit my review of Sue Grafton's new mystery, U is for Undertow
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Comment by Greg Zimmerman on November 16, 2009 at 4:30pm - Do critics judge Stephen King unfairly because of his reputation as a genre fiction writer? Maybe that's changing. Come on over to The New Dork Review of Books to weigh in on the age-old debate of genre fiction vs. literary fiction.
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Comment by Stormi Johnson on November 15, 2009 at 9:59am - My review of Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
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Comment by Kathryn Liu on November 14, 2009 at 6:18am
- I've just reviewed From Darkness to Light on my blog. If you'd like something inspirational and interesting, check it out!
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Comment by Sue Fitzpatrick on November 14, 2009 at 4:21am
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I'm hosting a Rainbow Connection Reading Challenge from January 1 to June 30, 2010
Hope you will check it out.
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MORGAN'S OWN BLOGSPOT
Did you eat any of these foods at Thanksgiving dinner?
Since it's a busy time and an eating time, here's an easy poll to take in the left column. It's okay to pick multiple answers as long as they don't conflict. You can also leave a comment about a particularly favorite dish, if you wish.Morgan
Still Time Plus Giving Thanks
Still time to let us know below when you read.Today, at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ I'm giving thanks for the gift of writing. What about you?
When Do You Read?
When I stopped to catch my breath after publishing Killer Career, it dawned on me I'd neglected the enjoyment of reading for too long. During my ten minute breakfast, I'd read the newspaper or a writing magazine, but couldn't get into fiction because I'd have to tear myself away too soon to leave for work.I'd spent most of my commuting time on the train either writing or promoting my books, and at lunch the same.
On vacation, I'd had time to read and wanted to spend more time on the other side of the book, so to speak.
To remedy the situation, I tuck a paperback into my tote bag each morning. I read it sometimes on the commuter train, most of the time during lunch or my breaks.
At home in the evening, I very rarely read. There's too much noise and too many interruptions from the TV, the dog and the DH. Right now for example, Rascal is whining for no reason except to get my attention, while a commercial is playing in the living room.
Anyway, I'm glad to have found a way to fit reading back into my schedule and look forward to my time away from the real world each day, even though it's for a short while.
What about you? When do you read?
Harlequin at War with RWA and MWA
With the announcement of the new Horizons line by Harlequin, the battle has begun. RWA's denounced Harlequin for opening this vanity line, going so far as to take away recommended publisher status and free attendance privileges at the RWA National Conference. MWA has issued a warning and is awaiting Harlequin's response.
On the surface, it seems that Harlequin is trying to take advantage of writers who, unable to get traditional publishing contracts, will gladly pay to get their books published. It doesn't appear they'll make much of a profit by doing so.
Although Harlequin says that the HH line, as it will be dubbed, will be kept separate from the traditional Harlequin books as far as distribution and advertising goes, many traditional Harlequin authors are still uneasy, wondering if Harlequin's strength and reputation could be diluted by this latest move.
As with other industries, the book industry is struggling to keep afloat in these troubling financial times. Maybe this is just one more way for Harlequin to ensure a cash flow by offering an avenue for authors who may have fallen through the cracks or who would just like a book published as a keepsake. Whether or not the books are up to par in quality may or may not be relevant to such individuals seeking such a service. The trickle down effect still has serious authors worried.
What's your take on Harlequin's move? Is Harlequin cheapening its brand, or hedging its bets to cover all bases in a competitive market? Will this be good or bad for Harlequin, and/or for authors in general?
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When RASCAL wakes up, you'll hear from her and/or her Mom - that would be me, Morgan Mandel.
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