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JAMES PATTERSON'S PRIVATE
From the world's Best selling Thriller writer

Jack Morgan is a war hero. Returning home from Afghanistan after being wounded, Jack is called into California State Prison to visit his father, Tom, who is serving a life sentence for extortion and murder. Before being incarcerated, Tom ran a private investigation firm called 'Private'. Tom wants Jack to re-start the company, to make it great again, and gives him access to a $15 million dollar account in the Cayman Islands to do it with. Five years later and Jack has set up offices spanning the globe. Private's services are much sought-after and Jack has clients ranging from movie stars to politicians. Jack is keen to keep the business legal and not fall into the same traps as his father. But when the mob come calling, they are not easy to refuse. On a rare night off accompanying a client to the Golden Globe awards, Jack receives a phone call from school friend Abbie Cushman. Abbie's wife has been murdered and he desperately needs Jack's help. The murder is brutal and with no apparent motive; fingers begin pointing towards Abbie. Jack is certain that Abbie didn't kill his wife, but he will have to work night and day to prove it. Meanwhile, Jack's second-in-command at Private, Justine Smith, is helping the L.A.P.D. in a serial killer investigation. Over the past two years, twelve school girls from the same area in L.A. have been murdered. The killings are highly professional and so far the Police have no leads whatsoever. Justine has been called in to make use of her experience and Private's resources. A breakthrough is desperately needed, because these killings show no signs of stopping.

About the Author
JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past decade: the Women's Murder Club, the Alex Cross novels and Maximum Ride, and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers. He lives in Florida with his wife and son. James is passionate about encouraging both adults and children alike to read. This has led him to forming a partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an independent, UK-based charity that changes lives through literacy.

Why Women Fair Better Than Men in Recession Economy
By Roxanne Riviera

New York, NY (February 2010)—The recession has made 2009 a difficult year for many Americans. But has it affected men more negatively than women? Recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics might indicate as much. The BLS recently released statistics showing that 78 percent of jobs lost during the recession were held by men, and that women's wages have risen by 1.2 percent more than men's over the past two years.

These numbers have some calling the recent recession a "he-cession," while others point out that these numbers could be interpreted in a variety of ways. For example, more jobs may have been lost by men because many of the jobs that have been cut were in the manufacturing and construction industries. And women's wages may have risen at a faster rate, but most women are still making less than the men doing the same jobs as them.

Why might that be? Rivera points to a number of inherent qualities that may make women better suited to handle the challenges of the recession:
Women are used to stress. The reason women might be better at handling the stress that comes with the recession better than men is two-fold. First, many women, regardless of industry, work in "boys' club"-type environments. They are used to dealing with the added stress that comes with feeling like they have to constantly be working at a higher level than the men at their organizations. Secondly, women are used to multi-tasking. They know that their success is measured by others based on how well they juggle their work and home lives.

"Most women have learned how to deal with the stress that these scenarios create," says Rivera. "For example, women aren't afraid to express their emotions, either through a one-on-one pep talk with a friend or through a private cry. They are able to get their emotions out, find solutions, and move on. And while men might not necessarily be less emotional than women, there is a stigma that exists with men who show their emotions. Because of that stigma, many men keep their emotions hidden and as a result can't handle the recession stress quite as well as their female counterparts."

Women are not defined solely by their jobs. Men are ego-driven. They tend to measure their self-worth by how much money they are making, their ability to provide for their families, and their position at work. Women, however, define themselves by their relationships inside and outside work. They take into account the kind of work they are doing and how they are helping others. Because of this, women aren't taking as big of a hit to the ego as men, which is helping them keep their heads up during the recession.

"Though the dynamic is balancing out, for the most part, women are running America's households," says Rivera. "At the end of their work day, they also have to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be, that dinner is on the table, that the bills are paid, and on and on. It is easier for them to assume a 'life goes on' mentality, because they have all of these other factors to deal with. Men, on the other hand, because they generally aren't worrying about all of these other factors at home, can get bogged down in the negatives they have to deal with at work."

Women build strong support networks. Throughout history, women have had to unite in order to gain equal footing with men both inside and outside the workplace. Because of this history, there are many networks and women's associations already in existence, places women know they can go for support and advice.

"Women have well-organized associations and other groups because we have to," says Rivera. "It provides the strength in numbers we need to ensure we keep making progress toward complete equality. These groups have been very beneficial in the recession because women know exactly where to go for advice and information. Outside of these groups and associations, women are also great at developing what I call a 'band of sisters.' We are very effective at providing one another with emotional, informational, and psychological support. Having other women we can call on for information, advice, or heart-to-heart conversations can be a huge benefit, not only to our careers but also to our emotional health, especially in stress-enhanced times like the recession."

Women are wired to do business by "relationship." Relationships are of increasing importance to just about every company. The ability to forge strong relationships with external stakeholders—suppliers and customers—while also helping those within the company learn and grow are much-desired skills. Because women tend to be more empathetic than men, building these strong relationships often comes easier to them. They can tap into a caring nature more easily than men, which helps them relate to clients and employees who are struggling during this recession.

"Women often are better than men at all these tasks," says Rivera. "In fact, I would argue that a woman's ability to empathize and use her instincts provides her with significant advantages during the recession. They can use these qualities to forge alliances with and strengthen their customer base. They can strengthen their relationships with their banker, their CPA, etc. Relationships are key right now. And women have adjusted to using their innate qualities to build and nurture these working relationships when it matters most."

Women have always been the underdog. In 2008, according to the BLS, women earned a median weekly salary that was 80 percent of what men earned. And while this pay inequality may be one reason that women have lost their jobs at a slower rate than men during the recession, it also gives them a kind of underdog status. Women are used to having to fight for what they deserve—inside and outside the workplace.

"Our position as the underdog helps us in other ways," says Rivera. "We tend to be able to improvise and change plans on a dime when we see that something isn't working. Women are very resourceful. If one path doesn't work out, we correct and take another. These qualities are essential when trying to adjust work and home lives to the recession."

Women are not afraid to tighten their belts. For companies the recession means reduced spending, and that can sometimes translate to pay cuts and benefit cuts for employees. Practices that tend to affect men more negatively (at least in an emotional sense) than women.

"I don't know if this is built into our DNA, but to me it seems that women, in general, are not afraid to cut back and tighten our belts," says Rivera. "Maybe it's because we are used to managing the household budget or shopping on a shoestring, but we can stretch a dime if we have to. Women do what needs to be done to get the job done—whether that means taking a pay cut or reducing how much is spent on groceries each week."

Women lead by consensus. Women are very good at delegating and managing teams. They use their emotional intelligence to motivate their employees and encourage teamwork when it matters most.

"Where men might take on an 'every man for himself' mentality during the recession, women will use their ability to lead by consensus to provide value to their organizations," says Rivera. "They involve their people in finding ways to cut costs, constantly remind them that they are important—a necessity when companies cannot offer raises or other rewards—and, in general, just try to be part of the solution.

"Because they are used to taking on many different tasks in order to prove themselves, women—even those in leadership roles—are not afraid to help with the grunt work. They stay late when their people have to stay late, and so on. By assuming these responsibilities, women can better manage the morale of their teams, a factor that helps keep their employees motivated and working hard to get their companies through the recession."

Women are not afraid to seek out advice. It might be a stereotype, but the idea that men won't stop and ask for directions when they are lost holds true during a recession. Women simply seem more willing to seek out advice during these economic hard times.

"Maybe it's because women are so used to turning to one another for support or maybe it's because they simply know that they will need the advice of others to get ahead in a 'man's' world, but by and large, women are not reluctant to seek out advice," says Rivera. "Women are collaborative. They are more willing to take a let's-get-through-this-together mentality than men might be. They don't look at needing help as a sign of weakness, as many men might. They look at it as an opportunity to improve."

Women know how to build the bench.Women make great mentors. They know how important it is to invest in others, especially during a down economy. "Women know that investing in their employees or direct reports does not mean paying them more or promising big bonuses in the future," says Rivera. "It means giving them the support they need, helping them find pride in their work, and giving them positive feedback and encouragement. All of these elements come together to help women build a strong bench—a team that is motivated to get the job done even when it takes more work for less reward. Bottom line: Women make great leaders. And that is really shining through during the recession."

"At the end of the day, I think the most important thing to take away from this recession is not whether men or women have fared better, but the fact that women have become an integral part of our economy," says Rivera. "Women now make up almost half of the workforce and earn nearly half of the household income. And according to the Center for Women's Business Research, women-owned businesses pump $3 trillion annually into the economy and employ 23 million people. I can't wait to see how women in all industries continue to grow and flourish as the economy improves."

# # #

About the Author:

Roxanne is the president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Mexico. She also serves as New Mexico's liaison to the National Associated Builders and Contractors in Washington, DC.

Roxanne has been working in the construction industry for decades. In 1981, using a personal savings of $1,200, Rivera co-founded a sole proprietorship construction service business and grew it to a $13 million company that incorporated in 1989. She oversaw all operations and up to 100 employees plus subcontractors in three offices throughout New Mexico. She wrote, marketed, and secured multi-million-dollar contracts in both the government and private sectors.

Seven Ways To Make Meaningful Business Connections
Interact And Make The Links That Connects

If we simply pay closer attention to the emails, phone calls, and online interactions that make up our days, we can in turn create solid relationships with colleagues and clients alike.

Read on for her tips on how you can make more meaningful connections in the coming months:

Improve your social networking skills.

In today's business world, social networking can't be ignored. We promote products on Facebook, network through LinkedIn, and get our news updates via tweets on Twitter. And while social networking is a great way to connect, it can be easy to forget that what you are aiming for are meaningful connections. And making meaningful connections via social media can sometimes take a little extra work and a different approach. Kuzmeski says that using a few simple rules of thumb can help make your social networking more efficient.

"Just like your real-life relationships, you should be picky about who you make connections with online," she asserts. "Choose to connect with people who have similar interests or who are working in your particular field. And when someone you know, want to know, or need to know connects with you online, you should always reciprocate.

Remember: It's quality, not quantity.

While the connections you make through social media are important—especially when you can transform those connections into relationships—you have to be careful not to get caught up in a more, more, more mentality, where you are constantly striving to get more friends on Facebook or to tweet more often during your day.

Given today's technology, it's certainly possible for us to connect with hundreds and even thousands of people at a time.

"And while it certainly is fun to see how many friends you can get on Facebook or followers on Twitter, it shouldn't be your main focus. Instead, concentrate your efforts on turning your connections into more personal relationships:Your goal should be to make connections that you actually see outside of your computer screen.And since sales conversionsare more likely face-to-face, consider hosting an event for your followers.

Be a voicemail non-conformist.

If you've worked in business for any amount of time, then you've probably played a game of phone tag or two (or twenty!). When we attempt to connect with people over the phone, we're usually faced with having to leave a voicemail. But just because you're connecting with a voice mailbox doesn't mean your connection can't also be meaningful. Kuzmeski says that learning how to make the most of those voicemail messages can also help boost your connections.

Build your own "Harvard Network."

People who have gone to Ivy League schools like Harvard typically look out for one another. They connect with each other, hire each other, and refer potential clients to one another. The same can be said for many of the most high-status schools in the nation. It may even be true that these alumni networks are more valuable and important to the success of graduates than the education they received. So what do you do if you didn't go to a prestigious school? The principles are the same for any network of people.

Leverage your connections.

Effectively leverage your business network by creating a large enough network, regularly staying in touch with them, and helping them get to know you, what you do in your business, and the kinds of people you work with. But most of all, concentrate on getting to know them and developing a relationship focused on them. True connections happen eye to eye. Just because there are a lot of new and improved ways to connect with people, it doesn't mean we should rule out good old-fashioned face-to-face contact.
Sit down and have a one-on-one conversation with someone you would like to strengthen your relationship with.

Make amends when you mis-connect.

It's bound to happen at some point: You send an email about a client (intended for one of your employees!) to the client. Or you tweet something that at the time seemed funny and edgy, but instead offended a few of your followers. Or you forget to follow up on a referral you've received because they got lost in your email inbox for three months. What do you do? Mark these connections down as technology casualties and move on?

Maribeth Kuzmeski is the founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, which consults to Fortune 500 firms on strategic marketing planning and business growth. Maribeth has personally consulted with some of the world's most successful CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals. An internationally recognized speaker, she shares the tactics that businesspeople use today to create more sustainable business relationships, sales, and marketing successes

7 Ways To Make A More Successful Business Connection
By Maribeth Kuzmeski

Pollen And The Ring Of Harmony
By Perry Williams

Pollen and the Ring of Harmony
Promotes Environmental Cause

'Pollen" is a unique combination of science fiction and science truth.
You know you’re in trouble when you get a wake-up call from outer space.
That’s the premise of Francis T. Perry Williams’ new novel Pollen and the Ring of Harmony, from Greenleaf Book Group Press (www.PollenGreenArmy.com). Taking his cue from the green movement, Williams has created what he calls “the first eco-super-hero.”

“Pollen is a unique combination of science fiction and science fact,” Williams said. “Pollen is a visitor from the far reaches of space, and he is coming to Earth on a mission of peace and harmony, but his reception is far from uneventful. He is here to warn us, as a race, that we are destroying our planet. He is a being uniquely attuned to nature in all its forms, and he brings with him a group of friends to help him deliver his message.” In the story, they cross the United States with the intent of delivering a message to the president, but it’s far from a greeting card sentiment. Even though he is from another star, Pollen knows enough about the human condition to know that talking to leaders is an empty experience without the support of the people. So, in his journey, he makes friends with others who share his view and his cause.

“Pollen’s alert is that the Earth is about to be destroyed, unless humans learn to live in harmony with nature,” Williams said. “It’s a message that is received with some dismay and disbelief, but the power of the message is muted by the apparent power of a talisman that accompanies Pollen – a ring of immeasurable power.” The ring becomes the focus of the ambitious vice president, who feels the alien’s primary value is not in the message he delivers but in the power he wields with the ring. “The vice president is seduced by the ring’s power, and he begins a secret campaign to obtain it, at all costs,” Williams said. The novel, written with the science-fiction audience in mind, also encourages environmental awareness by addressing the harmful effects people have on the planet.

About Francis T. Perry Williams
Francis T. Perry Williams graduated with a degree in drama and a minor in art and music from San Diego State University, where he wrote, directed and acted in several plays. He appeared in a several sitcoms in the 1980s including “Happy Days,” “Bosom Buddies,” “Mash” and “Laverne and Shirley.” In addition to his acting career, Williams has experience behind the scenes as a contributing writer for “Laverne and Shirley” and a production assistant for Paramount Studios.

Bill Clinton Foundation Release 2009 Donors List
Small Donor of $250 or Less Make Up 90% Of Donors

WASHINGTON-Former President Clinton's global foundation released a list of donors through 2009 on Friday, New Years Day and posted the names on its website. The biggest donor is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, contributing more than $25 million. Major Chicago givers includes media magnate Fred Eychaner gave between $10 million and $25 million and the family foundation funded by businessman J.B. Pritzker and his wife, M.K. gave somewhere between $1 million and $5 million.

Most of the 2009 contributors small gifts which accounted for about 90% of all gifts. Mr. Clinton expressed his gratitude to all and especially the small contributors which continue to sustain the work of the Foundation and its charitable initiatives. "I am deeply grateful to the many generous contributors who made it possible for my Foundation to accomplish so much in 2009, including increasing the number of people on lifesaving HIV/AIDS treatment, helping cities reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and inspiring millions of children to lead healthier lives," President Clinton said. "I am especially touched that even in the midst of a global financial crisis, more than 17,000 individuals made contributions of less than $250 each, proving that small gifts can make a huge difference to improve the lives of others around the world. I look forward to doing even more together in 2010 and in the years to come."

Architecture of Natural Light
A Book of Adequately lighted Homes That You Must Read

Shelter and natural light are fundamental elements of architecture. The first is concerned with protection from natural elements; the second with the creative and sometimes spiritual interaction between the man-made and the natural worlds. One is solid and static, the other illuminates and animates. Architects through the ages have preoccupied themselves with how to marry these two opposing aspects of architecture, a marriage that at its finest transforms natural light itself into a building material. Seen through the eyes of an architect and photographer, The Architecture of Natural Light is the first publication to consider the many effects of natural illumination in contemporary buildings.

This comprehensive and thoughtful survey begins with a brief introduction exploring the advances and experimentation of architects throughout the centuries. Each of the following seven chapters is devoted to a specific quality of natural light, including evanescence, atomization, and luminescence, and examines the particular uses of light through many disciplines—from art history to film and literature. With more than fifty case studies of buildings from around the world, this volume considers works by some of the world’s most influential architects, including Tadao Ando, Steven Holl, Herzog & de Meuron, Peter Zumthor, Frank Gehry, Álvaro Siza, Alberto Campo Baeza, Rafael Moneo, Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel, Fumihiko Maki, and Toyo Ito, among others. For all those seeking to create space that transcends the physical, The Architecture of Natural Light is a powerful and poetic yet practical survey that provides an original and timeless approach to contemporary architecture.

Borders Stores in UK Close Down Websites Orders
Struggling Book Retailers May Be Heading Out

There were further fears for the future of Border tonight after the struggling book and music retailer closed its website to new orders and cancelled at least one upcoming author signing in Bristol. So far, three book distributors have stopped supplying the high street retailer amid concerns that it might be on the brink. Borders, acquired in a management buyout backed by private equity group Valco as recently as July, about $30 million last year and has been trying to attract investors. At least two of the big four book firms – Dan Brown publisher Random House, and Hachette UK, publisher of the Twilight saga – have stopped trading with Borders, as well as the Independent Alliance, which represents publishers including Faber & Faber. Random House stopped supplying after an issue with a payment.

Borders, though, could still get hold of their titles through wholesalers. Visitors to the Borders website today found themselves unable to place orders. The company also owns the Books Etc chain, which it is in the process of closing. Borders would not comment on any ongoing discussions. In a statement, the company said the website "is currently unable to process new orders for books while the business is in discussion with potential buyers. Existing customer orders are also being delayed but will be fulfilled".

Sara Williams Hawaiian Punch
TTimes Book Review By Lisa McEntyre

A Real Hawaiian Punch Is Behind This Itch

San Juan Islands, WA, September 27, 2009 - One Big Itch (ArcheBooks), a suspense-filled tale of obsessive love, is like a tour of Honolulu between its covers. Sara Williams arrived in Hawaii in the mid-seventies during the 200th anniversary of the Cook Expedition, and was hooked by the history of the Polynesians and how the voyages of the Hokulaea (their outrigger canoes) brought them to the Pacific Islands. She decided to study the Hawaiian culture and particularly how these voyages inspired a cultural renaissance among Hawaiians who understood that unless they took an interest in their own culture, would possibly end up just another McParadise.

One Big Itch is a timely read. This ancient Polynesian crossroads hosts a sophisticated academia that spawned one native son who now occupies the White House, and another, Dr. Randolph Haverhill, the brilliant economist who lies dead on his doorstep. Playful city it may be, but every Hawaiian knows that the city of Honolulu is haunted  and so is Hawaiian P.I. John Spyer! Hes a conflicted hapa haole (half-white), too much of a haole to heed Madam Peles visionary warning to stay off the case, since John can never say no to old friends. Even though Haverhills current and ex-wives insist Randy was murdered by one of his crazed lovers, the police target Haverhills own ill-fated, teenage son. Forced to intervene in order to save Toby Haverhill, Spyer soon finds that every move he makes in this case jeopardizes his own client, opening up his own psychic wounds in the process.

Read sample chapters, view the zine format, and download cover art and author photo at: http://www.archebooks.com/; Saras blog and more reviews and endorsements are available at: http://www.sarawilliamsnovelist.com/ and http://www.onebigitch.com/. Williams splits her time between Fort Myers, FL and the San Juan Islands of Washington, and has ties to Hawaii that go back some thirty years, lending realism and authenticity to her page-turning novel.

Oprah Winfrey Book Show Taps Nigerian Author Uwem Akpan
By Lisa Vives

NIGERIAN SHORT STORY WRITER IS OPRAH BOOK CLUB PICK

Sep. 24 (GIN) For the first time, a collection of short stories has been selected by talk show host Oprah Winfrey for her book club. She said the stories, by Nigerian author Uwem Akpan, left me stunned and profoundly moved.

The collection, Say You are One of Them, published in 2008, includes five separate stories that capture the resilience of children caught in the tragedies that have lately befallen the continent, from AIDS to genocide to the comparatively banal business of grinding poverty.

Akpan, who runs a parish in Lagos, was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 2003 and received his master's degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan in 2006.

'Fiction that gives the children of Africa a voice' is the heart and soul of this book, wrote Juliana Davidson in her online review. These are voices that are difficult to listen to from our sheltered lives. This book is for anyone who ever said, "Why didn't I ever hear about this?" upon discovering an injustice in this world.