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Title: Traffick (sequel to TRICKS) Author: Ellen Hopkins Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, November, 2015 Themes: sex trafficking of minors, tricks, homosexuality, homophobia, transphobia, family relationships, romantic relationships, abuse, Las Vegas Genre: Contemporary YA Ages: 14+ Opening: A Poem By Cody Bennet Can’t Find The courage to leap the brink, free-fall beyond the … Continue reading →

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As Comic-Con International approached, the comics media wonders: “Might CCI move from San Diego?” This year it became a more intriguing discussion for Bar-Con, as CCI’s contract with the convention center expired next year, in 2016. My prognostication was: CCI has a great relationship with the City of San Diego. They got a 63% discount […]

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Via Mark Evanier’s blog, I discovered two tidbits of interesting news:

• The Riviera Hotel and Casino, one of the oldest on the Vegas Strip, was sold to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for $182.5 Million.
• The  San Diego Convention Center Corporation decided to default on a final payment due of nearly $13.8 million on a 6-acre parcel of land behind the convention center.

Let’s start with San Diego.  Here are the basic facts:

1. The convention center wants to expand, and has developed plans.
2. It would cost $520 Million, increase the size of the Center by a third, and be completed by early 2016.
3. Funding would have come from a special taxation district.  Judicial review approved the funding plan, and the California Coastline Commission approved the design.
4. In August of last year, a California appeals court ruled the taxation scheme unconstitutional.  The City did not appeal, and now must either put the plan on the ballot (unlikely to pass given previous votes, two-thirds majority required) or find a different way to fund the expansion.  (This is a frequent problem with convention centers. Locals refuse to vote for expansion, as they see it as a further tax burden.)
5. Part of the expansion includes land behind the convention center. Fifth Avenue Landing currently leases the land from the Port of San Diego, and has an option to build a 400-room hotel on the property.  The lease expires in nine years.
6. With funding unlikely, the Convention Center defaulted on a final payment to Fifth Avenue Landing, to the surprise of the city council.  Without that 6-acre parcel, a contiguous design is in doubt.
7. The Convention Center has spent $10 Million so far on the plans for expansion.

So… the Convention Center has a budget problem, due to all the paperwork, with some maintenance being deferred. The Center must redesign the original plans if they wish to go forward with the expansion. The City needs to find a source of funding which is legal and attractive to the local populace. Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers are campaigning for a new stadium downtown, and might skedaddle to Los Angeles if their demands are not met.  There has even been a proposal of a joint stadium-convention center.  Of course, one would ask how the financing would work… perhaps the city fathers appeal to both the pop culture geeks and the sports geeks by building a subterranean convention center beneath a new football stadium to the east of Petco Park.

Otherwise, the San Diego Chargers and/or Comic-Con International could leave the city, dealing a blow to the city’s pride.

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Okay…  this next one is for you armchair architects.  It doesn’t have much to do with comic cons, but it could…

Currently the Las Vegas Convention Center, located in beautiful Winchester, Nevada, offers over 1.9 Million square feet of exhibition space, placing it third behind Chicago and Orlando.  As with other convention centers (see above), Las Vegas has stated that they have had to turn away roughly 20 shows due to a lack of space.  Other shows are growing and could use more space in Las Vegas.  (It should be noted that Mandalay Bay and Venetian/Sands also have large convention centers nearby.)

The answer?  Buy a casino.  For $182.5 Million. (At $7 Million an acre, that’s a pretty good deal for a property on the Strip.) The Riviera Hotel and Casino, to be precise, one of the original casinos on the Strip, and one with a marginal history. (If you want to grab some memorabilia, or a cheap mattress, the hotel clearance sale starts Thursday!) Located in the superblock west of the current North Hall, the 26-acre lot will be used to expand the convention center further, as well as create the Las Vegas Global Business District.

This is not the first casino the LVCVA has purchased.  The Landmark Hotel and Casino (seen being destroyed in Mars Attacks) was purchased for $16.7 Million in 1993, and turned into a parking lot.

The highlights:

• Cost: $2.3 Billion.  (Immediate funds come from the bank credit facility with JPMorgan, long-term bonds to be issued within the next two years.)
• How will they pay off the debt?  Via convention center revenue, and a hotel tax on Vegas’ (Clark County’s) 140,000 hotel rooms. (Current estimate, about $150 Million annually from hotel taxes, at a rate of 12% on the Strip.)
• 480,000 new attendees expected.  (Take this with a bit of skepticism.  Many convention centers inflate attendance when announcing expansions.)  The LVCVA states that current annual attendance is approximately 1.2 Million.
• 750,000 square feet of new exhibit space and 187,500 square feet of supporting meeting space will be added as part of the new 1.8-million-square-foot expansion.
• The current convention center will be renovated afterwards, adding 200,000 square feet to the current site, and bringing the total square footage to… 5.7 Million square feet!  (Currently, 3.2 Million)

Here’s a little map I created, via the Clark County GIS. Bright yellow are the lots the LVCVA owns. Muted yellow are the structures on the property. The Riviera site is highlighted, and I’ve tagged each parcel in that block with the prices (if known, in Millions) from the last sale recorded.

The parcels below that block, between Convention Center Drive and Desert Inn Road are mostly hotels, condominiums, and… the Guardian Angel Cathedral, the parish seat of the diocese of Las Vegas.  Which, surprisingly for Catholic cathedrals and Vegas, is rather nondescript and low key.  The big white spaces in the upper right and lower left are golf courses.

Here’s the Google Map of the area:

As you can see, most of that land is underutilized.  I stayed at the Roadway Inn when I attended the American Library Association conference last year, and much of the surrounding real estate is post-apocalyptic.  It doesn’t help that the North Strip has usually been low-rent, smaller and less-competitive than the mega-resorts to the south.

Two big developments, the Fontainebleau Resort Las Vegas (1018 rooms) to the north of the Riviera, and Resorts World Las Vegas (3000 rooms, eventually 6583) to the east, are either in stasis or just getting back to construction, after being halted by the Great Recession and bankruptcy proceedings.  With the Convention Center being on the Strip, it should boost the neighborhood.  I don’t anticipate other hotels being developed nearby, as these two projects will cover most of the demand.  (A third casino at The New Frontier site has yet to be officially announced.)

Looking at the conceptual artwork, it seems that the LVCVA plans to develop the lower half of the block as well, although that could be limited to the parking lot that currently exists.

Having walked from the Strip to the Center, as well as from the shuttle buses and monorail, I do hope they fill in the parking lots in the front of the convention center.  It’s prime real estate, the parking can be sited underground, and the broiling heat can be avoided as one walks from the shuttle buses or monorail.

The big deal?  Like McCormick, all of the buildings will be connected, and offer millions of square feet of both exhibition and meeting space. San Diego currently offers 525,701 square feet of exhibition space (Halls A-H). Hall S could easily accommodate that acreage (908,496 square feet), and still have space left over, along with Halls C and N! Or Sands Expo could host the show, with fans never having to leave the building the entire weekend! (Seriously… 7,000 rooms in the Venetian and Palazzo.)

But we’ve discussed this all before, and will again, as CCI’s contract with San Diego expires in 2016.

Meanwhile, if you’re curious about how Las Vegas could host a media carnival such as Comic-Con, take a look at the Rock in Rio musical festival happening this weekend and last.  It’s taking place on a lot that’s 25 acres in size. (Halls A-H? Half that space.)

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Another year, another fantastic ALA Annual, this time in Las Vegas! While “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” we thought it would be OK to break that code, just this one time, in order to share our experiences with you.

Even though the weather was hot (hello triple digits!), attendance was high and spirits were up! We teamed up with the folks of the #weneeddiversebooks campaign to hand out buttons, which were a huge hit! In fact, School Library Journal reported that, “If you ran into a youth services librarian at the American Library Association (ALA) Conference in Las Vegas, odds were good that they were sporting a colorful ‘We Need Diverse Books’ button.”

We kept a white board in our booth, and got some great answers from librarians on why we need diverse books:

Quite a few of our authors and illustrators made it out to Las Vegas and our schedule was packed with signings! Don Tate, Glenda Armand, Frank Morrison, René Colato Lainez, Karen Sandler, Mira Reisberg, John Parra, Susan L. Roth, Cindy Trumbore, and Emily Jiang all stopped by the booth to sign books. In true Vegas style, we kept the party going at the LEE & LOW table!

We were also pleased to host our second Book Buzz panel, “Moving the Needle: Diversity in Children’s Books and How to Make a Difference.” It’s been one year since our successful Book Buzz with Cinco Puntos Press last year, so we wanted to check in again with librarians about what has changed, what hasn’t, and how to keep moving forward.

During the panel, publisher Jason Low talked about some highlights from the diversity movement over the past year. He emphasized that Lee & Low has stuck to its original mission by continuing to make an effort to publish debut authors/illustrators as well as authors/illustrators of color. “Of our 2014 titles, three out of seven are by debut authors and five out of seven are by authors or illustrators of color,” Jason said.

He pointed out some some great milestones from the past year, including the success of the #weneeddiversebooks movement, Lee & Low’s infographics on diversity going viral, the First Book Stories for All project, and more diversity in the Marvel Universe.

Jason also announced that Kirkus Reviews will be seeking to diversify their reviewer pool, and said that several other major review publications have expressed an interest in doing the same. Diverse reviewer pools mean that books can be evaluated for cultural accuracy and that reviewers bring a wide range of perspectives to the table.

In the end, Jason said, we need to get from Diversity 101 stories—stories focused simply on the lack of diversity in children’s books, in very basic terms—to Diversity 102 stories, which address both the complexity of the problem and the range of possible solutions. He encouraged librarians to keep moving the conversation forward within their own communities, and to help parents and teachers build inclusive book collections by creating inclusive, diverse summer reading lists and other recommendations.

Two more big highlights this ALA were award ceremonies for a couple of our books! Cindy Trumbore and Susan L. Roth, the dynamic author/illustrator team of Parrots Over Puerto Rico, were honored at the Sibert Award Ceremony and we couldn’t have been prouder!

Additionally, Killer of Enemies was honored at the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Awards (AIYLA) ceremony. Tu Books publisher Stacy Whitman attended and shared these photos of children and teens from a local tribe who came to dance at the ceremony:

While we won’t miss the 110-degree heat, we had a great time meeting so many wonderful people and we can’t wait for next year.

If you were at ALA, what were your highlights?

Filed under: Activities and Events, Dear Readers, Fairs/Conventions Tagged: ALA, ALA annual conference, american library association, diversity, las vegas, librarians, weneeddiversebooks

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I can't wait to get back to Florida and relax with the family on the beach. Yes. I'm a beach bum! I don't fix my hair or put on any make-up, it's just plain Jane me. Flip flops and all that. (Plus a few extra pounds, but whatever.) 

So far since the kiddo's school's out (Well, she's out for good. Now heading off to college. Boo hoo!), I really hadn't had time to kick back and chill out. I did, however, go to my publishers conference in Las Vegas, where I mixed business with pleasure. Mostly pleasure I'll admit.  (I tried posting pictures but they were all sideways. Sorry.)

I had a great time putting names to faces finally. I know many EP authors and staff but only from Twitter and FB. Oh, and I had the best roomie, Tonya Kuper, she's a YA author, and her book *Anomaly* comes out November 4th, 2014 with Entangled Teen. Can't wait to get my hands on this book. (Wish it were out now so I could read it on the beach. Darn. Maybe I could ask to beta-read it for her. Hint hint. or I'll have to take another beach trip in November. Plot Beach party!!!)

What else is going on? Let's see. If you hadn't heard me screaming from the Louisiana bayou, then you may not know about my Witch novel being acquired. Yep. My Vieux Carre' Witch sister series set in New Orleans got an offer last week. Not just 1 book, but also for book #2 and #3... I'm soooooo thrilled, and it still hasn't totally sunk in yet. I can't wait to see the cover. Love paranormal romance covers. I think this book will be out end of this year or early next. My first deadline is nine days away. (Let the fun begin.)

BUT, before BEWITCHING THE ENEMY (Book 1) comes out, I have another book (novella) that is releasing maybe August or September. It will be part of the new Entangled Publishing *Lovestruck* line.  (Y'all this line is going to be killer!)

This novella is fun and sexy, and part of the Vegas continuity series which includes, Gina Maxwell, Jade Lee w/a Kathy Lyons and me so far. Woot! (Can't believe I'm even mentioned in the same sentence with these two talented authors. My author idols!)  My slice of the series is titled, MASQUERADING WITH THE CEO, (though the title could change) it will be third to release.

And I'm just as excited about this book as I am with my Vieux Carre' Witch series. Probably because I can't wait to read all of these books and read about the surprise ending that none of the authors will know about until the very last author writes it. I think there will be about 20-30 Vegas books? Maybe. That's lots of fun! And sex! LOL 

Then while attending the publishing conference I find out more good news. I can't announce yet, but it's all good. (Those who attended the conference heard, if they were paying attention that is.)  2014 has been one of the best years for me writing wise and personal wise. Keep positive people. Whatever your dreams are - don't ever give up. Reach for what you want. Such as going on vacation to read on the beach. Can't wait! (Sharks stay away please!)

So what do you look forward to reading this summer?

Hugs,
Dawn
MASQUERADING WITH THE CEO, Entangled, Lovestruck (coming soon)
BEWITHING THE ENEMY, Entangled, Covet (coming soon)
DIAMONDS, Siren, B&N, Amazon Kindle (Out!)
NOT AN ANGEL, Kindle only (Out!)

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After a whirlwind tour of the southwest, I am finally home and ready to take a nap. Yet there is no rest for the wicked, new art to do, a book to illustrate, shows to prepare for, and generally going crazy… in a good way. So where to begin? Let’s start with a short recap of the shows I attended.

First up was there was the Long Beach Comic Expo which this year expanded to two days this year. This turned out to be a great move as attendance was great this year and everyone had a great time. We had an odd placement for our table that had me a bit worried, but it all worked out quite well. Lots of great costumes, fun panels for all ages, plus perfect Long Beach weather, what more could one ask for? Next year they are holding it earlier in the year on February 28th and March 1st, plus they are moving into the larger halls, roughly about five times of the space they had this year. So they are going bigger and better, hopefully they are not expanding too big, too fast as I love this convention and want to see it continue for years to come.

Then it was off to the surface of the sun… I mean Arizona for the Phoenix Comicon, which was a fantastic show. There were over 77,000 fans in attendance that kept me and Shawn busy through the weekend. I was amazed at the cosplayers that braved the heat in full costume, brave dedicated fans they are. On a note about Phoenix, I love this show so much that next year is a big thing is happening. Drum roll please… I am moving out of the artist alley into a booth for the show next year. It is amazing and nerve wracking at the same time, but the correct move as my business moves forward and grows.

Shawn and I stayed in Phoenix for the week (thank you Keith), as we had a show the following weekend, Mad Monster Party. This was a small horror convention that took place in downtown Phoenix. It was a fun little show (lots of fun because we were next to our friends from The Mystical Apothecary) that has promise if they bring it back next year, lots of cool fans of horror showed up and there were some great celebrity guests to meet. One of the problems was that since it was the week after the comic con and there might have been some fans that were too worn out to come to this event. There were also some people that seem to find out about the event by happenstance and were unaware of the Mad Monster Party before hand. Their main show is in Charlotte, NC and that one has a great turnout; so maybe with some patience and love, the Phoenix show will grow to attract more attendees.

Finally we headed north to the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con, a show I vended at last year on their inaugural show. Taking place at the South Point Casino (which is quickly becoming one of my favorite casinos), this year it was bigger and better organized in the placement of tables and booths. Attendance was up this year, but sales were down slightly, but overall a successful show. Thanks to our booth neighbors of Abe Lopez and Stuart Smithee; also thanks to the photo bombers supreme of Justin and Hilary Orr from across the aisle.

I have a few weeks off before San Diego Comic Con (sadly still no booth, but I will have art up in the Sails Pavilion gallery there), so I must go work on some new art pieces for the upcoming shows.

Have fun and keep creating…

–Diana

The post Home once again, at least for a moment… appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

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Every Winter, the American Library Association holds a conference in an arctic clime (Philadelphia, Boston) where awards are announced and some networking and training is held.   In the Summer, it’s usually someplace sweltering (although DC in June is not that bad).  Last year, it was held in Chicago.  This year, Vegas. [1]

Yes, that is correct.  30,000 librarians and other attendees will be spending June 26 – July 1 in the city that never sleeps alone.  Yes, I had the same images floating through my head, but the truth is, librarians are about as normal as any other occupation, albeit better educated, more interesting, and able to discover all sorts of arcane miscellanea unknown to the general populace.  What could go wrong?!?

Of course, graphic novels are a big subject to librarians:

• Comics appeal to reluctant readers who don’t like to read, but can’t ignore the four-color excitement!
• Comics circulate like crazy.  Circulation = patron Use.  Patron Use = hard data which can be presented to justify an increase in the operating budget.  (This is why public libraries also have large cookbook sections.)
• Many librarians were once young voracious readers because of comics and other fantastic fiction.  Ardent bibliophiles, they perpetually proselytize the discovery of “cool stuff”, especially to young readers.

So, once again, the American Library Association is offering a wide variety of programming and events at their annual conference.  Here’s most of what’s happening in the next few days.

[NOTE:  Most of this is happening on the Exhibits Floor, where the vendors sell their wares.  If you ask nicely, you can purchase an "exhibits only" pass for $35.  Two years ago, teens attending a volleyball tournament in the same convention center in Anaheim wandered the show floor looking young adult titles.  This pass will not get you into other events, but reading the list below, you won't need to.

The show floor opens at 5 PM on Friday with snacks and drinks (!) until 7:30, then remains open 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday, and closes at 2PM on Monday.]

[Everything that follows was cut-and-pasted from the ALA website.  My comments are in brackets.]

Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage

[The "Hall H" of comics programming!]

Here’s your chance to hear from authors, illustrators, and creators of the hottest games and graphic novels. Learn more about the art of graphic novels and illustration, how games and gaming inspire creativity and social engagement, and how comics in the library and in the classroom can help you inspire and reach reluctant readers. Supplement your Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage experiences with visits to the Graphic Novel & Gaming Pavilion, the Zine Pavilion, and Artist Alley, also on the Exhibit Floor.

Time	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
9:00-10:00am		Mayfair Games	T-Publications
10:00-11:00am		Teachng With Comics	Nathan Hale	Author/Illustrator Panel
11:00-12:00pm		Zine Presentation	Eric Wight
12:00-1:00pm		Will Eisner Awards	Reading With Pictures	Comics Bakery
1:00-2:00pm		Alf Seegert	Anya Ulinich
2:00-3:00pm		Stacey King & Erik Ko- Manga	Jesse Moynihan
3:00-4:00pm		Frank Cammuso	Panel: Brian Buccellato, Fancis Manapul, Peter Tomasi, and Patrick Gleason
4:00-5:00pm	5:30-7:00pm Comics Quickfire!	Nick Dragotta	Cosmo Eisele & Pierce Watters

 Comics Quickfire!

A fast-paced game show where volunteers are paired off with (or against) professional cartoonists in a series of fun-filled drawing challenges!

Audience members will provide suggestions and add to the creation of totally improvised epic drawings! Featuring Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy), Raina Telgemeier (Smile)

Mayfair Games

Mayfair Games, award winning publisher of the Settlers of Catan series of games, will speak about the importance of after school programs and game leagues, using board games to promote social gaming among adolescents and teens. We look forward to meeting you at the show and discussing the ways in which games can assist libraries around the nation in their important work developing and molding the minds of America’s youth.

Teaching with Comics — Featuring Matt Dembicki, Jason Rodriguez, Joel Gill, and Moderated by John Shableski

A panel discussion with three graphic illustrators and writers exploring the benefits of teaching with comics. The panelists have published books about history, culture and nature, all of which have been successful teaching and learning tools in the classroom and in libraries.

Zine Presentation

Lights! Cameras! Zines! Join zinesters from the Zine Pavilion as they read from their amazing and personal works. Hear stories from the heart that entertain, make you laugh or cry, or inspire you to create your own zine! Zinesters will also be available for further discussion at the Zine Pavilion.

Kelsey Smith, librarian and sporadic zine author from Olympia, Washington, will serve as emcee for the following superstars…

Alex Wrekk – has been creating the zine Brainscan since 1997 and is the author of the DIY zine resource book Stolen Sharpie Revolution. Alex lives in Portland, Oregon and is a founder and continued organizer of the Portland Zine Symposium. She hosts Nobody Cares About Your Stupid Zine Podcast, maintains zine resource listings at StolenSharpieRevolution.org, organizes July Is International Zine Month, an runs the online and brick and mortar shop of Portland Button Works and zine distro. Alex also sings for the international zine themed band, the Copy Scams.

Jonas Cannon – is a zinester from Chicago. He made the six-issue zine Cheer the Eff Up, and contributed to several other compilations. He has also written a novel: The Greatest Most Traveling Circus.

Celia C. Pérez – is the author of I Dreamed I was Assertive, Ofrenda and Sherman Sez (a Sherman Alexie fanzine). She’s also a mama, writer, librarian, zine-maker, thing-finder, book-sniffer, coffee-drinker, pie-eater, and kid lit reader.

Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries Announcement

Join authors Gene Leun Yang and Phil Yeh, and graphic novel librarians who will discuss the history and importance of graphic novels in education and libraries. This will be followed by the presentation of the 2014 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants to the two winning libraries. PLUS: Learn how your library can apply for the 2015 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants.

Alf Seegert

Alf is a life-longlover of board games, video games, and role-playinggames. He grew up on gameslike Dark Tower, Dungeons & Dragons, Tunnels & Trolls,Talisman, and the Ultima series. Alf went on to code a version of Dark Tower into the high school mainframe computer and has since designed half a dozen-or-so board games themed on everything from trolls to the Canterbury Tales: Bridge Troll, Trollhalla, and three games so far with Gryphon Games  The Road to Canterbury, Fantastiqa, and most recently, a co-design with Steven Poelzing, CUBIST.

Stacy King and Erik Ko – Manga

What makes a great graphic novel adaptation of a literary classic? In this panel, author Stacy King and editorial producer Erik Ko will discuss the process of adapting classic literature for the manga generation, with a focus on the first two titles in UDON Entertainment’s upcoming “Manga Classics” line. Topics will include working with the artist to develop a period-appropriate art style with contemporary appeal, maintaining faithfulness to the original work, and finding the right adaptation to suit your core curriculum needs.

Frank Cammuso

Someone stole Otto’s birthday! When Otto and his robot sidekick, Toot, follow the crook, they discover a topsy-turvy world where rats chase cats and people wear underpants over their clothes. To get his presents back, Otto needs to solve a slew of backwards puzzles — but his greatest challenge comes at the journey’s very end. On this special day, will Otto discover something even better than cake or gifts?

Frank Cammuso, who wrote and drew Otto’s adventure, is the author of the graphic novel series Knights of the Lunch Table, a middle-school version of King Arthur and his knights. His forthcoming series is The Misadventures of Salem Hyde. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, the New York Times, The Village Voice and Slate.

Nick Dragotta

What happens when you take a comic book artist, an inventor, and a toy designer? You get Howtoons. A Howtoon is an educational, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated adventure comic strip for kids that integrates instructions seamlessly into the story telling, teaching kids how to make toys and projects with everyday household objects. Introducing the science and engineering behind the projects, Howtoons encourage creative problem-solving skills, pushing kids to think beyond the information that is given and inspiring them to learn through experimentation.

Nick Dragotta is the acclaimed artist of East of West as well as Howtoons and will be presenting the Howtoons comics and one of the projects from its pages.

T-Publications – How Comics Can Increase Library Readership

Over the last ten years, more and more serious works of literature have been released as graphic novels.  Come and listen to UK comic book publisher Ryan O’Sullivan (T Pub) talk about how stocking “literary comics” gets more people of all ages reading in your library.  He will cover a range of topics, including:

• What genres / titles to stock to really bring in new readers.
• How comics can operate as a gateway into prose fiction and other traditional mediums.
• The difference between comics, manga and graphic novels.
• How book clubs are taking advantage of increased readership in comics.
• And how comics are more cost-effective than prose, in terms of circulation, when it comes to library lending.

Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale is the author/illustrator of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series, a YALSA Great Graphic Novel pick. He is also the illustrator of the graphic novel Rapunzel’s Revenge, as an Al Roker Book Club for Kids selection, an ALA Notable Book, and a YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, as well as the recipient of three starred reviews. He is also illustrator of the picture book The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas.

For his new book in the series, Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (A World War 1 Tale), Nathan has gathered some of the most fascinating true-life tales from the war and given them his inimitable Hazardous Tales twist. Easy to understand, funny, informative, and lively, this series is the best way to be introduced to some of the most well-known battles (and little known secrets) of the infamous war.

Eric Wight

Award-winning author/illustrator Eric Wight will be debuting his newest creation, Beastie Bash!, a wacky, mix-and-match card game for children. He will also be demonstrating how you can use this game in your classroom or library to inspire creative writing.

Comics That Make Kids Smarter- Gene Yang, Jim McClain, Tracy Edmunds, Josh Elder

With comics becoming more common in classrooms across the nation, how do we make sure those comics are actually good? Reading With Pictures presents an all-star lineup of creators and educators to share their insights in a roundtable moderated by Josh Elder (president, Reading With Pictures).

Anya Ulinich

Lena Finkle’s Magic Barrel evokes Louis C.K.’s sensibilities and Amy Winehouse’s longing and anguish—often in the same frame—as Ulinich turns her sharp eye toward the strange, sometimes unmooring world of “grown-up” dating. After 15 years of marriage, 37-year-old Lena embarks on a string of online dates and receives a brutally eye-opening education in love, sex, and loss while raising her two teenage daughters. With references to Bernard Malamud and Chekhov along the way, this is a smart, funny story told beautifully through Ulinich’s text and drawings.

Jesse Moynihan

Jesse Moynihan is an American artist, composer and director best known for being a writer and storyboard artist on the animated television series Adventure Time as well as creator of the graphic novel Forming, serialized online and published by Nobrow. The second collection of Forming will be published in late May, 2014. He is working with his brother Justin on an animated series, Manly, that will be available exclusively through Cartoon Hangover.

Panel: Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul, Patrick Gleason, and Peter Tomasi

What does it take to create a new comic book? Find out at this amazing panel, where DC has assembled the entire creative team of a comic book, including the writer, penciller, and colorist! Learn how a new project is developed before the script is even written, and the many steps that happen after the artwork is complete, with the creative team behind Flash, Batman and Robin and Detective Comics – Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul, Patrick Gleason, and Peter Tomasi.

Brian Buccellato has worked on several high-profile books, including Uncanny X-Men, Generation X, and Astro City, before striking out on his own as a freelance colorist. His most recent work includes writing and coloring The Flash as a part of DC Comics–The New 52. Brian has worked as a freelance colorist since 1996, working for Marvel, DC, Vertigo, Top Cow, Image and Dynamite Entertainment. His recent coloring credits include Adventure Comics, Hellblazer, Superman, and The Flash.

Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of The Flash, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as Adventure Comics, Superman/Batman, and The Legion of Super Heroes. His work has been published in various publications including Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due.

Formerly an editor at DC Comics, Peter Tomasi proudly helped usher in new eras for Green Lantern, Batman, and JSA along with special projects like Kingdom Come and JSA All-Stars, Peter J. Tomasi now devotes his time to writing comics and screenplays. Having worked on many DC titles,  along with critically acclaimed creator-owned projects Light Brigade and The Mighty, Peter’s current projects include Batman and Robin and Green Lantern Corps.

Patrick Gleason loves to create fantastic characters and worlds. His focus on character development and powerful storytelling can be seen in DC’s Batman and Robin, Green Lantern Corps, Aquaman, JLA, Hawkman and JSA. His ground-laying work alongside Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons on the miniseries Green Lantern Corps: Recharge made way for the acclaimed ongoing series. The Sinestro Corps War followed, and then the explosive Blackest Night with Peter J Tomasi. And now, as part of DC Comics New 52, Patrick continues to lend his artistic vision to the dynamic duo of Batman and Robin.

Pathfinder Roleplaying – Cosmo Eisele and Pierce Watters

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game is the number one fantasy roleplaying game in the world, and this presentation focuses on how to run the game in your library, concentrating on the Pathfinder Beginner Box. It is a tabletop fantasy game which teaches cooperative play, where players must work together to solve problems and achieve goals.

Comic Book Legal Defense Team Panel

– Presents Get Ready for Banned Books Week!

Author Illustrator Panel-Raina Telgemeier, Tom Angleberger, Cece Bell

Tom Angleberger is a master chronicler and doodler of middle school antics. His New York Times bestselling series Origami Yoda has over  five million copies in print and will be coming to an end in the fall of 2014 with the sixth and final book. He is launching a new series in May titled The Qwikpick Papers.

Cece Bell has written and illustrated several books for children, including the Geisel Honor book Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover. Her new book out in the fall, El Deafo, is a funny, deeply honest graphic novel memoir for middle graders about growing up deaf.

Raina Telgemeier is the creator of the graphic memoir Smile, a #1 New York Times bestseller, winner of the Will Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens, and a Boston Globe-Hornbook Honor Book. She also created  Drama,  a #1 New York Times bestseller that received a Stonewall Book Award Honor and adapted and illustrated The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels. Raina will be talking about the companion volume to Smile.

Comics Bakery – Dave Roman, Raina Telgemeier, Jerzy Drozd

A live performance graphic novel theater involving lots of audience participation and silliness. Raina Telgemeier (Drama), Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy), and Jerzy Drozd (Cap’n Cat) will perform chapters from some of their latest comics.

— — — — — — —

[What follows is a concise (?) choronological list of most of the comics programming I could find on the ALA website.  Aside from the events listed above, most are restricted to librarians.  Everything is located in the convention center, unless noted otherwise.]

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – Comics Quickfire!

When: Friday, June 27, 2014 – 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Location:Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

Meet the Authors: Gene Luen Yang (Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group)

When: Friday, June 27, 2014 – 6:30pm to 7:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Booth 523

Description:

The Shadow Hero
In the comics boom of the 1940s, a legend was born: the Green Turtle. He solved crimes and fought injustice just like the other comics characters. But this mysterious masked crusader was hiding something more than your run-of-the-mill secret identity… The Green Turtle was the first Asian American super hero.

Book Buzz Theater: Diaries, Patchworks, Pushcarts and more…

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 9:30am to 10:00am

Location: Exhibit Hall – Book Buzz Theater

Description:

Come hear about all the best children’s titles from the publishing partners of Random House, Inc. (i.e. Quirk Books, Nat Geo Kids, Archie Comics, Charlesbridge, NYRB, and MORE!)

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – Teaching with Comics — Matt Dembicki, Jason Rodriguez, Joel Gill

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 10:00am to 11:00am

Location: Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

Batman: A Celebration of 75 Years

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 10:30am to 11:30am

Location: S224

Presenters:

Speaker: Brian Buccellato
Speaker: Francis Manapul
Speaker: Patrick Gleason
Speaker: Peter Tomasi

Description:

Throughout his 75 year history, the Dark Knight has become one of the most popular and widely recognized super heroes in the world. From comics to TV to movies to video games, the World’s Greatest Detective has permeated all entertainment mediums and beyond. Come by for a look at Batman’s rich history and what the future holds this pop culture icon!

Panelist(s): Pete Thomasi, Pat Gleason from Batman & Robin, Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul from The Flash and Detective Comic, Batman Group Editor – Mark Doyle; Moderator: Mike Pawuk

Presented by the Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries MIG with thanks to DC Comics

ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Member Interest Group Business Meeting

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 10:30am to 11:30am

Location: N238

Description:

Business meeting of ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries MIG. The group will report on recent projects and discuss plans for future programming and projects

Auditorium Speaker Series featuring Stan Lee

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: N249

Description:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund – Intellectual Freedom and the Defense of Graphic Novels and Comic Books

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Location: N240

Presenters:

Speaker: Charles Brownstein

Description:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization that protects the freedom to read comics. At this presentation, learn how they have been a leader in opposing censorship for nearly 30 years by performing legal aid, education, and advocacy activities in the service of the community that reads, creates, and circulates comics. CBLDF’s Executive Director Charles Brownstein tells the organization’s story, introducing you to the readers, retailers and artists that the organization has stood up for in court. He’ll also profile their extensive education activities that range from sharing the history of comics censorship to providing letters and resources that help keep books on shelves.
In the past year, CBLDF has helped protect dozens of books, from Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis to Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl. CBLDF’s publications Raising A Reader and Using Graphic Novels in Education are vital tools in helping the next generation of teachers, librarians, and parents use comics to promote literacy. CBLDF Presents Manga and CBLDF’s daily news blog are just two of the numerous resources the CBLDF offers in the spirit of preventing censorship by expanding education and understanding about comics. The Fund’s efforts to fight censorship in courtrooms and classrooms are essential to protecting the future of comics. Learn what this small, but vital organization does, and how you can be a part of their ongoing mission!

Meet the Authors: Josh Elder (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Booth 309

Description:

Reading With Pictures: Comics That Make Kids Smarter
Comics have gone from “scourge of the classroom” to legitimate teaching tools, and the Common Core State Standards for scholastic achievement now explicitly recommend their use in the classroom.

Reading With Pictures: Comics That Make Kids Smarter unites the finest creative talents in the comics industry with the nation’s leading experts in visual literacy to create a game-changing tool for the classroom and beyond. This full-color volume features more than a dozen short stories (fiction and nonfiction) that address topics in Social Studies, Math, Language Arts, and Science, while offering an immersive textual and visual experience kids will enjoy.

Bringing the Comic Festival to YOUR Library!

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 3:00pm to 5:30pm

Location: N263

Description:

A unique blend of comics, artists, writers, fans, teachers, and librarians, the Toronto Comics Arts Festival has become one of the premier comics events in North America. In the first hour, learn how a public library and a comic book store work together to create a successful community-wide program that attracts guests and attendees from around the world. Then, in the second hour, walk through a series of plans for building comics events in YOUR library, in an interactive session! Featured speakers include Christopher Butcher (The Beguiling); Andrew Woodrow Butcher (Little Island Comics); Gina Gagliano (First Second); Phyllis Jacklin (Toronto Public Library). Moderated by Eva Volin.

Presented by the ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries MIG

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – Nick Dragotta

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

Makerspace and Digital Badging: New Avenues To Help Students Show What They Know

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 10:30am to 11:30am

Location: N252

Presenters:

Speaker: Kristin Fontichiaro

Description:

There are many pathways to learning and learning is happening everywhere: schools, libraries, clubs, community centers, homes, and religious organizations. A makerspace culture, one that emphasizes creation over memorization, open-source sharing over siloed knowledge, and process over product, gives new ways for students to explore concepts and show what they know. Coupled with makerspace culture is a movement to flexibly acknowledge growth: digital or open badges. In this session, we’ll talk about budget-friendly school library makerspaces, strategies for promoting healthy makerspace culture, and validating growth via digital badges that go far beyond the sticker charts of the past.

Sponsors: AASL (The American Association of School Librarians)

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grant Celebration

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014 – 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Location: Caesars Palace Milano II

Description:

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – How comics can increase library readership

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 9:00am to 10:00am

Location: Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

Best and Worst Manga

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 10:30am to 11:30am

Location: N116

Description:

Join us as an opinionated group of manga and comics bloggers, retailers, and librarians rant and rave about the best new manga that debuted in the past year, the continuing manga series most worth reading, the most anticipated upcoming releases, and of course, the worst manga that you’d best avoid. Panelists include Christopher Butcher (The Beguiling, Comics212.net), Eva Volin (Alameda Free Library, Good Comics for Kids), Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library, In the Library With a Comic Book), Deb Aoki (MangaComicsManga)

Presented by the ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries MIG

Meet the Authors: Jason Rodriguez (Consortium Book Sales & Distribution)

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 11:00am to 11:30am

Location: Exhibit Hall – Booth 343

Description:

Colonial Comics
Colonial Comics is a graphic novel collection of twenty stories focusing on the colonial period from 1620 through 1750 in New England. Created in partnership with the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Concord Museum, these illustrated stories focus on tales you cannot find in history books. Includes stories about free thinkers, Pequots, Jewish settlers, female business owners and dedicated school teachers, whales and livestock, slavery and frontiers, and many other aspects of colonial life.

Meet the Authors: Matt Dembicki (Consortium Book Sales & Distribution)

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 11:30am to 12:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Booth 343

Description:

Wild Ocean
The world’s oceans represent the last wild frontier on Earth. While our understanding of life in the ocean is relatively basic, our actions are putting hundreds of species in danger. In this graphic anthology, Matt Dembicki, editor and artist of the award-winning Trickster and District Comics, explores the adventures of twelve iconic endangered sea animals: hawksbill turtle, bluefin tuna, hammerhead shark, giant clam, manatee, blue whale, coral, albatross, whale shark, monk seal, manta ray, and seahorse. Produced in cooperation with the non-profit PangeaSeed, these gripping stories instill a passion to conserve our magnificent sea creatures.

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – Comics That Make Kids Smarter- Gene Yang, Jim McClain, Tracy Edmunds, Josh Elder

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

Description:

With comics becoming more common in classrooms across the nation, how do we make sure those comics are actually good? Reading With Pictures presents an all-star lineup of creators and educators to share their insights in a roundtable moderated by Josh Elder (president, Reading With Pictures).

PopTop Stage: Congressman John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – PopTop Stage

Description:

Congressman John Lewis’ graphic novel memoir March: Book One, co-written by Andrew Aydin and drawn by Nate Powell, is a #1 New York Times bestseller, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, one of YALSA’s Outstanding Books for the College Bound, and the first graphic novel winner of a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award.

Together, co-authors Lewis and Aydin will discuss the phenomenal success of March: Book One, show how it fits into the long history of comics in the civil rights movement, and preview the much-anticipated Book Two.

Book Buzz Theater: Manga Highlights from the Davids

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 2:30pm to 3:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Book Buzz Theater

Description:

David Eicke from VIZ Media (Naruto, Ouran High School) and David “Wonderful” Yoo from Kodansha (Sailor Moon, Attack of Titan) will discuss the year’s most exciting upcoming manga titles.

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – Panel: Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul, Patrick Gleason, and Peter Tomasi

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

Graphic Novel Petting Zoo

When: Sunday, June 29, 2014 – 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Location: N116

Presenters:

Speaker: Amanda Jacobs Foust
Speaker: Jack Baur

Description:

Do you have a graphic novel collection and need ideas for how to bump up the selection? Are you worried that your limited budget is preventing you from purchasing the best of the best? Do you have no idea what the best books are? Graphic Novel enthusiasts and longtime collection developers Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library) and Amanda Jacobs Foust (Marin County Free Library) will introduce you to many of the best comics released this year and allow you to flip through the books and judge for yourself.

Let’s talk comics: A roundtable discussion

When: Monday, June 30, 2014 – 10:30am to 11:30am

Location: N263

Description:

It’s a wild free for all with comics creators, librarians, and everyone keen to understand how to create engaging graphic novels and comics in today’s diverse industry. Join comics professionals and your fellow librarians for a roundtable discussion on everything from growing up with comics, writing for different age audiences, everyone’s toughest jobs, ideal workspaces, most tempting work distractions, valued critics, and favorite go-to sources ofinspiration. Creators will quiz each other, and with the guidance of moderator librarian Mike Pawuk members of the audience will get their chance to talk comics with this stellar line up.

Presented by the ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries MIG

Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage – Comics Bakery – Dave Roman, Raina Telgemeier, Jerzy Drozd

When: Monday, June 30, 2014 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: Exhibit Hall – Graphic Novel / Gaming Stage

— — — — — —

[1] “Las Vegas” refers to the actual city.  “Vegas” is what I use to refer to the tourist area, officially known as “Paradise, NV”.  The convention center, the Strip, the airport, even the University of Nevada-Las Vegas are all located outside the city limits.

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Even though Las Vegas hosts thousands of conventions and exhibits every year, it might surprise you to know that it’s a rare incident that we have a good comic convention. That’s why when the Amazing Las Vegas Convention came to town a year ago, it’s truly a big deal. And to see it come back again this year is an even bigger deal.

So if you’re within driving distance, I encourage you to check out the event, support the creative artists, publishers, and comic booths. There’s tons of things to do and look at… and afterwards, you can always hang out down at the strip.

https://www.facebook.com/AmazingLasVegasComicCon
www.amazinglasvegascomiccon.com

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. . . (and sometimes the little screen too)

With Las Vegas’ colorful history of mobsters, swanky hotels, and famous entertainers, it’s no surprise that the big screen (and sometimes the little one too) are attracted to Sin City. There is a lengthy list of films and television shows that have graced our 24-hour town. Some feature actual locations in Las Vegas while others are happy to simply use our city to set the story.

During your conference downtime, check out some of the locations that appear or inspire your favorite films and television shows. Don’t take your directions straight from the silver screen though; be sure to consult a map, GPS, or even a friendly local for the best way to visit these movie hot spots.

How many of these movie and television locations do you know?

Films:

• Ocean’s Eleven (1960) – The closing shot shows the main cast walking away with the Sands Hotel marquee behind them.  The Sands Hotel is no longer around, but if you go to the Venetian Hotel & Casino you’ll be standing in part of the stomping ground of the infamous Rat Pack.
• Rain Man (1988) – Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman play blackjack at Caesar’s Palace.
• Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) – Filming took place at well-known places around Las Vegas including the Hard Rock Café, Mirage Hotel, and even the original Wet ’n Wild water park (which closed in 2004).
• Casino (1995) – Filming took place at the Riviera Casino (which served as the fictional Tangiers) but used the entrance of the nearby defunct Landmark Hotel as the entrance.
• Mars Attacks! (1996) The demolition of the Landmark and the Luxor make a cameo in this comical science fiction film!
• Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997) -This one was filmed at the Riviera Hotel and Casino on the Strip.
• Con Air (1997) John Malkovich and Nicholas Cage land at McCarran Airport and later take out the Sands (and a few other landmarks along the Las Vegas Strip).
• Vegas Vacation (1997) – This film is also known as “National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation”. The Mirage Resort was a major location for this film, but Wayne Newton’s Shenandoah also made an appearance.
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) – Circus Circus Hotel & Casino and Flamingo Hotel both make a cameo in this cult classic.
• Rush Hour 2 (2001)- This film took place in the Desert Inn, which no longer exists, but if you stand in front of the Wynn Hotel, you will be standing over the ashy remains of the Desert Inn.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – Danny Ocean plots to rob the Bellagio Hotel & Casino and the MGM Grand Resort & Casino.
• The Hangover (2009) The Hangover was mostly filmed on location at Caesars Palace, including the front desk, lobby, entrance drive, pools, corridors, elevators, and roof, but the suite damaged in the film was built on a soundstage
• Get Him to the Greek (2010) – Planet Hollywood, Red Rock, PURE, and the Ultra Sports Lounge in the Plaza all make appearances in this box office film.
• Last Vegas (2013) Last Vegas takes place at the Aria Resort and Casino and at Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel.

Television:

• American Restoration (2010; History Channel) – I was surprised to find out that this History Channel favorite is a based in Las Vegas AND is a spinoff of Pawn Stars.
• Bad Ink (2013; A&E) – Bad Ink has been filmed in various locations in Las Vegas, but the show is based out of the Pussykat Tattoo Parlor off the Las Vegas Strip.
• Criss Angel Mindfreak (2005; A&E)
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000; CBS) – CSI often visit “The Rampart” Hotel and Casino, but viewers may not know that it’s far from the bustling Strip.
• Heroes (2006; NBC)
• Las Vegas (2003-2008; NBC) – Set in fiction, but the show is said to be inspired by the Mandalay Bay.
• Lucky (2003; FX)
• Pawn Stars (2009; History Channel) – This show is filmed on location at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Downtown Las Vegas, only minutes away from the Fremont Experience.
• The Real World: Las Vegas (2002, 2011; MTV) – Las Vegas was so awesome that The Real World filmed here twice. They filmed at the Palms Casino & Resort for the 2002 season, but returned to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for the 2011 season.
• Vegas (2012; CBS)

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_set_in_Las_Vegas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_shows_set_in_Las_Vegas

Submitted by Natalia Tabisaura, YALSA Local Arrangements

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If you’ve never been to a convention before, the Exhibit Hall can be a bit overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve done ComicCon’s enough to know how to get the most out of the time you have and, really, the strategy can be applied to any convention or conference you go to. Here are some of my tips on being as efficient as possible when navigating the exhibits at Annual this year:

What Is the Exhibit Hall?

At any conference or convention there are hundreds of companies renting out booths to try and pitch their products to you, and with thousands of people rushing by, many will try almost anything to get you to stop at their specific booth. Some will offer freebies, some have raffles for awesome items like iPads and free airfare to next year’s conference and others will have author signings with some big-name people. In between all the speakers, panels, division meetings and professional development trainings you’re interested in going to, how do you manage to make the most of your time in the Exhibit Hall?

Make a Schedule

Check back on the official webpage for Annual about a month prior to the conference to see the Scheduler. You can browse, search, and select the specific programs you’d like to see and make a nice list of everything you’re interested in. The Scheduler can be a little hard to sort through but if you use the limiters such as Meeting Type, Sponsoring Divisions, and Subject you can find what you’d like to see. Once you know what your days will look like, take the time in between to visit the Exhibit Hall. And don’t feel like you have to see everything all at once. Stagger your time in the Hall throughout the conference so you have time to visit all the booths you’re interested in.

All the Free Swag

You won’t understand just how much free stuff there is until you see the Exhibit Hall when it opens. It can make librarians go mad, so use your head. At the 2013 conference, there were people with book trucks literally running inside to be the first to grab all the awesome freebies. I got caught up in it too, blindly grabbing things from each booth as I passed by, though I learned from my experience that it’s a good idea to take an extra moment to determine if you really want or need what you’re picking up or you might end up with more stuff than you’re able to get home. Be sensible, and you’ll be fine.

There are limited quantities of the best swag and those tend to disappear quickly. The booths limit how much product they put out each day though, so if it’s “sold out” when you go, ask the representative at the booth what time they’ll put out the next batch of items. It’s usually at opening the next day, so if you’ve got some time before your panel, I suggest stopping by early.  Also, if you can make it to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on opening night, you’ll see exactly what the booths have to offer.

Author Events

Every publisher you can think of will be at the conference hoping to sell you their books and to pull you in. The best way of doing this is to bring the authors for book signings, a great ploy because it gets you to buy their book and you get to meet some of your author celebrities. For example, last year I met Laurie Halse Anderson, Marie Lu, Patrick Ness, Veronica Roth, Tamora Pierce, Francesca Lia Block, and David Levithan, and my mind was blown! I mean these are rock stars in my opinion! You can use the Scheduler to see who’s coming this year and plan ahead by buying your own books, though usually the publishers will have their books discounted for the signing. Be sure to carry cash on you though, just in case they don’t accept cards.

Some of the big, big name authors have limited spots, so you have to pick up a wristband or a ticket to attend their signing.  It’s at the publisher’s discretion and is not always listed on the Scheduler so if there is someone big you want to see, find out which publisher they’re going to be with and on opening night for the Hall, visit their booth ASAP to see if you need a ticket to attend.

Raffles and Giveaways

A lot of the booths will have other incentives to get you to stop by, including raffles and giveaways.  This usually requires your filling out an entry form or leaving a business card so they can contact you, but this also means they have your contact info and will be sending you emails throughout the year. Do keep in mind, if you don’t want a million spam emails, that you can unsubscribe from their mailing list when you get back home. One of the easiest ways to find out what booths are raffling off is to look at the ALA Conference Guide handed out at registration. There is a coupon book with most of the Exhibit Hall promos that you can complete before you go so you can quickly submit your entries for all of the drawings you’re interested in.

Networking Opportunities

If you are in a position high enough where you have the purchasing power to actually invest in publishers, new technologies, or furniture then do take advantage of talking with the reps at each booth to see what they have to offer. You might get some deals if you chat them up and make a new associate.

Getting Everything Home

So you went crazy and picked up way too much swag to actually take back home. What do you do? Brilliantly, there is a USPS Post Office in the Exhibit Hall for all your shipping needs. And the best part about shipping books is that you can use Media Mail which is infinitely cheaper than regular postage. Just make sure you only have books in those boxes and pack your posters, stuffed animals and other trinkets separately because the mail carriers do open up Media Mail to check that only books are inside and will charge you the difference if you have any other items in it.  Also, to avoid long lines don’t wait until the last day to ship your loot.

One Hidden Small-but Fun-Activity

While walking around last year’s conference, I noticed that many attendees had these cool ribbons on their badges saying what division or round table they were in, if they were a first-timer, or even cute funny ones like “Library Superhero,” and I wanted to know where these ribbons were coming from! The division and round table ones are almost all located in the ALA Membership Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall, or sometimes near registration, and you can pick and choose which ones you’d like.  Then there are the fun ones put out by different booths and it’s like a random scavenger hunt to find them. If you see someone with one you like, the best way to find it is to ask them where they got it. Otherwise while you’re exploring, take a second to see if the booths have any quirky ones that you’d like. My friend and I made it a goal to see who could get the most and the coolest ones and ended up with five-foot long ribbons.  (photo from facebook.com/farm4.static.flickr.com)

Having Fun and Relaxing

To be honest, I was exhausted by the end of the conference last year.  Between running around to all the panels, joining up with colleagues and meeting new ones, and finding time to eat and rest, hanging out in the Exhibit Hall was actually quite relaxing and fun after the free-swag madness was over. Sometimes just taking some down time to stroll around and browse or wait in line for author signings was a nice little break from everything. I definitely advise taking time visit the Hall and enjoy what’s going on. Overall, don’t stress, have a good time, and try to pick up some good freebies or meet some authors if you can!

Submitted by Soraya Silverman, YALSA Local Arrangements

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luck

noun \ˈlək\

1. : success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions

St. Patrick’s Day is drawing nigh, and talk of luck, leprechauns, and pots of gold abound. Luck (both good and bad) is also commonly associated with Las Vegas, and of the millions of people who visited Las Vegas last year, those who spent time in the casinos were most likely hoping that luck would be on their side so that they could leave town with their own pot of gold. Many bring their own lucky charms with them when they visit, but if you don’t have your own or happen to forget it at home there are a few places in town you can visit that will reportedly bring good luck your way.

Photo courtesy of blog.vegas.com

The Blarney Stone in Ireland is reported to bestow the gift of gab to those who kiss it, but Las Vegas has its own version. At the D in downtown Las Vegas (formerly known as Fitzgerald’s) you will find a piece of the Blarney Castle, which has reportedly brought good luck to those who give it a kiss, or if you’re more germ-conscious, a rub.

The Crazy Girls show at the Riviera is a topless revue, but it’s best known for a racy ad campaign with the slogan, “No ifs, ands, or …,” accompanied by a picture of a row of showgirls showing their bare derrieres. The ads were so popular that the Riviera erected a bronze statue of the lovely ladies at the front entrance to the casino, and for years hence those shapely buttocks have been polished to a glowing shine by the large numbers of tourists that rub them for good luck. Many other statues around town are also believed to bestow good luck when given a rub, but the highest concentration of them are found at Caesars Palace, including the Caesar Augustus statue at the entrance (hand), the Joe Louis statue outside of chef Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill (boxing glove), the Cleopatra statue at Cleopatra’s Barge (bosom) and the replica of Michelangelo’s David located within the Appian Way (big toe).

Photo courtesy of vegas.com

If your lucky charms don’t seem to be working, you can always make a wish for good luck, and what better place to do so than the famous Fountains of Bellagio? So many people make wishes into this man-made lake with its famous “dancing fountains” that the Bellagio collects thousands of dollars in coins each month, which are then donated to charity. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to take in one of the amazing water shows. Other popular fountains/water shows include the volcano at the Mirage, the indoor rainstorm at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the animatronic fountains of the Forum Shops as well as the famous main fountain at Caesars Palace, and various water features at CityCenter (namely at Aria and Crystals).

Whether you stick to the Convention Center or take your chances in the casinos, may your trip to Las Vegas for ALA Annual 2014 bring you nothing but good luck!

For more information:

Fight Friday the 13^th with these lucky charms in Las Vegas- http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/sep/13/friday-13th-thirteenth-las-vegas-lucky-places-char/

Kiss the Blarney Stone and get lucky at the D- http://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-hotels/kiss-the-blarney-stone-and-get-lucky-at-the-d-29154/

Crazy Girls at the Riviera- http://www.rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/crazy-girls.aspx

Caesars Palace- http://www.caesarspalace.com/

Fountains of Bellagio- https://www.bellagio.com/attractions/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx

Volcano at the Mirage- http://www.mirage.com/attractions/volcano.aspx

Indoor Rainstorm (Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood) – http://www.miraclemileshopslv.com/entertain.php?id=19&row=4

CityCenter Las Vegas- http://www.citycenter.com/

That’s Aquatainment! -http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/mar/17/how-wets-water-features-give-gravitas-vegas-strip/

Submitted by Jennifer Jost, YALSA Local Arrangements Committee

 

 

 

 

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What a trip – the love, engagement, enthusiasm of thousands of US kids for I AM JACK has been extraordinary.

Tim McGarry who plays 11 characters from JACK to wobbly Nanna to 11 year old Anna …. and more makes you believe he’s all of them.

Sam Johnston, stage manager puts the stage together and all those tech parts – fantastic.

It’s a love fest across the USA and a huge anti bullying campaign with heaps of media.

I have been privileged to do the post show Q & A and media with Tim in Las Vegas at the fabulous Smith Center for performing Arts.

 

 

The post Monkey Baa Theatre’s I AM JACK Wows USA appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.

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What’s your best Las Vegas story?

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It's been a crazy-fun couple of weeks, starting with a trip with just my husband and I to Las Vegas. The first two days, we stayed at the Luxor (the big black pyramid casino on the strip) and I shopped while he was in meetings. Each night, we got to join his colleagues for fancy dinners like steak and seafood. Then we headed over to one of my favorite areas, Lake Las Vegas, where we stayed at a peaceful, luxurious hotel and went on long strolls in the sunny, 65 degree afternoons. Since I've never been to Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon, we took the short roadtrip and experienced both. Then we came home and played catch-up for a couple of days, until Sundance Film Festival came to town.

As you might have guessed, the Sundance Film Festival is one of my favorite events of the year. Last night, I got to go to a reception with some delicious munchies and then a big group of us "Valley Locals" rode down to Ogden (Utah) in a trolley. (Well, this year it was a Powder Mountain bus, but in the past it's been an actual trolley.) So, after having grabbing some chocolate to go, we rode the bus (it felt a lot like elementary school, with singing and carrying on-- good times) and went to the screening of "Like Crazy." It was about a cute, barely out of college couple, a girl from England and boy from the U.S., who struggle to stay faithful and question whether they're in love when an entire ocean separates them. A looooooong distance relationship story with lots of good conversation-sparkers. Did I love it? No. But I liked it. It was well done and not too cheesy.

Then my husband and I drove about an hour to Park City, where the awesome house deejay Kaskade was getting the entire club of Harry-O's dancing. Seriously, if Kaskade is ever in your neck of the woods, check him out. Fab-u-lous! (Marley would agree. We got to see him in New York.)

On Saturday night, we went to the late night showing of "Life in a Day," which was my number one choice of all the films to see this year. It's the result of an earthwide invitation for people to submit footage (via YouTube) of what was going on on a certain date, July 24, 2010. (Get it? 24-7) And then some really talented film people made a montage of these slices of life. I cried, laughed (loudly), got queasy, got a tickly feeling, felt warm--my emotions ran the whole gamut. I talked about it the whole drive home, and then thought about it all night and talked about it some more (to my husband's delight) this morning. Did I love this one? Heck yeah!

And to keep this perfect weekend going strong, I'm about to go snowboarding with my family!
So ... what ha

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By Sharon Zukin

Taking a position on Las Vegas is like taking an option on a company’s stock: if you like the place, you’re betting that free markets, human power over nature and boundless shopping opportunities will continue to rule the world.  If you don’t like it, you’re a killjoy…or a sociologist.

I made my first trip to Las Vegas in early November when the mood in America was sour.  Political candidates’ billboards shouted “Not the Incumbent!” and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was locked in a nasty battle for re-election against a Tea Party candidate, Sharron Angle.  I was prepared to show East Coast tolerance toward libertarians and to be agnostic about the casinos’ glitz and raunch, but I wasn’t prepared for the gigantic scale of the hotels, the almost total absence of a place to stroll along the Strip and the sense that there was no city—no urban “there”–there.

I had expected to find dark romance.  What I found was mega-hotels with 3,000 to 4,000 rooms dominating the skyline, multi-story parking garages for hotel guests and staff taking up a large portion of the “backstage” land and a growing reliance on shopping and dining to compensate for declining gaming revenues.

It was all tawdrier than I had imagined.  I came looking for James Bond but found suburbia.

Locals told me that when the Forum Shops at the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino opened in 1992, it was the first high-end shopping center on the Strip and attracted residents as well as tourists.  It offers the same luxury brands as any upscale shopping mall, from Gucci and Tumi to 7 for All Mankind and my own New York favorite Scoop (eek!).  Until now it hasn’t had much competition, but since the opening of City Center down the Strip in 2009 the Forum looks even less exclusive.

In contrast to the weird appropriations from imagined landscapes that other newish hotels feature—the imagined Venice of the Bellagio, underscaled Eiffel Tower of the Paris Las Vegas and cockeyed iconic structures of New York New York—City Center offers cutting-edge design by some of the best contemporary architects, from Daniel Libeskind and Rafael Viῆoly to Kohn Pedersen Fox.  Libeskind’s jagged edges are the “point man” for the project as a whole, fronting the Strip and startling anyone who approaches City Center from the kitsch on either side.

More than a work of public art, though, City Center is a private-sector New Deal for Nevadans.  Promoted as a “center of gravity” for a city that has none, this giant construction project contains two luxury hotels (one without a casino, how exclusive is that?), office towers and shopping mall; it cost about $12 billion to build.  When it ran over budget and risked being shut down, Senator Reid stepped in to defend it, saving, it is said, 22,000 jobs.  Typical for all such projects, City Center benefits from large tax abatements from the state.

Though the critic Paul Goldberger has praised the quality of most of City Center’s buildings and its grand interior spaces, domesticating Libeskind’s wild imagination in a shopping center emphasizes how Las Vegas tends to make everything into an accessory of capital accumulation.  More than New York or London or Paris, Vegas is a city shaped by and for economic speculation.  Gambling

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NOTE TO SELF: MAKE VACATION PLANS - WORLD IS SAFE


After reading doomsday scenarios - I'm big on these - it's a relief to read that the 2012 Mayan cataclysmic end-of-the-world scenario has been cancelled. At least according to a new textbook "Calendars and Years II: Astronomy and Time in the Ancient and Medieval World" (Oxbow Books, 2010). As much as this news is a relief, there is no correction or re-prediction of when the end will come.

According to the critique which I haven't read, the accepted conversions of dates from Mayan to the modern calendar could be off as much as 50 to 100 years. Good. Still time to place my bets in Vegas. Since the Mayan calendar ended in 2012, earthlings interpreted this as an omen or indication that our time was up on planet earth.

In an article published on the Live Science site: ( http://www.livescience.com/culture/mayan-apocalypse-miscalculated-calendar-101018.html) "the Mayan calendar was converted to today's Gregorian calendar using a calculation called the GMT constant, named for the last initials of three early Mayanist researchers. Much of the work emphasized dates recovered from colonial documents that were written in the Mayan language in the Latin alphabet, according to the chapter's author, Gerardo Aldana, University of California, Santa Barbara professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies."

Later, the GMT constant was bolstered by American linguist and anthropologist Floyd Lounsbury, who used data in the Dresden Codex Venus Table, a Mayan calendar and almanac that charts dates relative to the movements of Venus. There is a further explanation focusing on the rationale for reaching this conclusion in the Live Science piece.

Over the years and centuries, there have been numerous end-of-world predictions, obviously all of which have not panned out. The James Randi Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization, "aims to promote critical thinking by reaching out to the public and media with reliable information about paranormal and supernatural ideas so widespread in our society today." The Foundation offers a $1,000,000 prize to any person or persons who can demonstrate any psychic, supernatural or paranormal ability of any kind under mutually agreed upon scientific conditions. This prize money is held in a special account which cannot be accessed for any purpose other than the awarding of the prize.

The site features an impressive list of end-of-world prophecies that have failed over the centuries. For example:

- October 3, 1533, at Eight A.M. Mathematician and Bible student Michael Stifel (known as Stifelius) had calculated an exact date and time for Doomsday from scholarly perusal of the Book of Revelation. When they did not vaporize, the curiously ungrateful citizens of the German town of Lochau, where Stifel had announced the dreaded day, rewarded him with a thorough flogging. He also lost his ecclesiastical living as a result of his prophetic failure.

- 1665 With the Black Plague in full force, Quaker Solomon Eccles terrorized the citizens of London yet further with his declaration that the resident pestilence was merely the beginning of The End. He was arrested and jailed when the plague began to abate rather than increasing. Eccles fled to the West Indies upon his release from prison, whereupon he once again exercised his zeal for agitation by inciting the slaves there to revolt. The Crown fetched him back home as a troublemaker, and he died shortly thereafter.

- October 13, 1736 London was once again targeted for the "beginning of the end," this time by William Whiston. The Thames filled with waiting boatloads of citizens, but it didn't even rain. Another setback.

There is a whole list of failed appocolyptic prognostications listed on the

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Top notch casinos, over the top hotels, world class restaurants, mesmerizing sights and vibrant nightlife awaits you in Nevada. Home to the gambling capital of the world, Nevada is an experience of a lifetime. Besides all these sights, attractions and activities, Nevada is also the home to some of the wackiest laws in the world. Sit back and enjoy these dumb laws that were supposed to protect its citizens but unfortunately turned hilarious.

1. In no matter how rich you are, please don’t ride you camel on the high way, unless you want to be jailed.
2. Did someone shot you do on your property! In Nevada you can hang that person because it is 100% legal! All dog shooters beware!
3. In Nevada do go out without you mask as it its illegal to walk the streets without wearing a mask.
4. In Nevada you can be jailed for buying drinks for more than three people.

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So I survived the trip to Vegas. It was a feast for the imagination.
In Las Vegas, you can...

...see a pretend Eiffel Tower:



















Imagine that all the pretty buildings are NOT surrounded by miles and miles of empty desert:




You can walk into the casinos and pretend smoking is not bad for you.

You can also pretend those little chips are not real money (unless you win, of course).

But the best part? On a Wednesday afternoon you can sit poolside and pretend there's nothing more urgent
than reading a good book.

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Hold on to your lobster roll, honey -- this Connecticut Yankee is going to Vegas!

It's my first time.

That's right.  I'm a Vegas virgin.

It'll be a whirlwind tour... a toss of the dice--literally (uh, how do you play that little dicey game again??)...a world premier movie...a luscious novel to read poolside...

What's that, you say? World movie premier? Moi?

Oh yes, baby. I'll be all red carpet on Wednesday night. Say a prayer for my tootsies, 'cause I'm gettin' dressed up.

Saint John of Las Vegas is the coincidentally-titled flick.

I'll have my paparazzina camera at the ready.

Even I have no idea what will happen, but I'm pretty sure it'll be something I've never done before.

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After a last-minute investigation fueled by incredulous disbelief, it does appear that 2008 is the one year in a five-year span where there is no credit provided for energy-efficient home improvements. Of course, that was the year we installed our expensive energy-efficient air handling system. My general bad timing streak continues. Wahoo!

But if I won’t be richer, at least I’ve had a few laughs. (Actually, that could be the motto for my life.) As I skimmed IRS publications to find some answers, I found instead some great categories in the areas of “Other Income”:

Bribes. If you receive a bribe, include it in your income.

Gambling winnings. You must include your gambling winnings in your income on Form 1040, line 21. If you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), you can deduct gambling losses you had during the year, but only up to the amount of your winnings.

Stolen property. If you steal property, you must report its fair market value in your income in the year you steal it unless in the same year, you return it to its rightful owner.

So don’t forget to declare your bribes and stolen property. I’m going to investigate the deduction for gambling losses for next time. I believe that records are involved, and that’s not a strong area in Vegas.

On my Las Vegas story, the votes came in for 3, 8, and 9. However, I’ve found the few people who’ve asked me about my trip want to know where we stayed, if we won any money, and if we saw any shows. My new short version is based on that assumption:

“We had a fantastic time. We stayed at the five-star Bellagio hotel for $109 a night, showing that even Vegas is feeling the recession. We saw and lost money in pretty much every fancy casino on the Strip. (But not a lot of money.) We went to a comedy club, a magic show, and Blue Man Group, all with discount tickets. It was a great trip.”

But for you, my blogging friends:

“We learned that the places look much closer together on the map, and I have the blisters to prove it. I found that if you argue long enough with the timeshare people, they will call security. But if you try sometimes, you just might find that you get what you need — and a comped lunch.”

Some here have expressed an interest in the timeshare story that involved security. It is a good story, but as the business in question resolved the issue — eventually — I won’t use their name.

On the first day of our trip, we successfully skirted several timeshare salesmen. But I couldn’t resist the call of two Blue Man Group tickets for $35. We booked an appointment for the next morning. That day we walked to the office — farther than we remembered — and waited for an additional thirty minutes in the office before the manager told us that they had overbooked. He could reschedule us for later that day or return our deposit for the tickets. We objected, saying that we had met our obligation by being there, and waiting half an hour while other customers who came in later were taken before us. (We don’t know why.) We wanted our tickets. The manager didn’t want to give us the tickets unless we took the tour. We asked to call his manager, and he gave us a number in Florida. We continued to state our case and requested a copy of the contract for our lawyer. As a new couple came in, we suggested that they might better spend their time elsewhere, which is when the assistant manager offered to have Security escort us out of the building. The manager returned to the room with no better offer, we left a message at the Florida number, and Security — in the form of a short, middle-aged man — came to escort us out of the building.

We immediately went to the timeshare sellers’ booth and told the family there that we just got cheated out of our tickets — which promptly caused them to leave. The security guard told us we couldn’t do that. We quoted the First Amendment. He talked about property rights. We had now involved all of the salespeople in our discussion — and they didn’t like the idea that they were sending people to the appointments if there weren’t enough agents. One of them called to the office as we monopolized the rest of them — in essence, shutting down the sales booth. After the call to the manager got no results, one salesperson referred us to the partner casino to talk to the manager there.

At the casino, I calmly explained the situation. The manager there was very understanding, even if at first look he seemed like the kind of guy who could have roughed us up in a back room. He agreed that things were handled badly and wanted to make it right. He gave us an upgrade on our tickets and a comp lunch at the casino. While Bill filled out the official complaint form, I talked to the manager about his kids and yes, books. (I’m sending him some of my review copies this week in thanks.) In the end, we didn’t spend any more time fighting for what was due to us than we would have spent on the tour and fighting the high-pressure sales tactics. However, I think we’ll stay clear the next time someone asks us, “Seeing any shows while you’re in town?”

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Why aren’t there picture books set in Las Vegas? I mean, New York toddlers have tons to choose from about their city. I think it’s time for a Vegas Baby or Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes. (Hey, that is actually is a book.) With those huge, fanciful buildings, Vegas makes a great book setting. The porn cards on the sidewalks don’t need to be featured.

Yeah, I have Vegas on the mind after coming back from my trip. We had a fantastic time. But I’m having trouble with my short-version recap. I’ve done the full story — with photos — that you tell to people who care or who have to pretend to care. I’ve got that down. The mini-response, of course, is any near synonym of great. But then there is the difficult short version, for people who ask you when they have two minutes to spare, and you say, “It was great/fantastic/wild/surreal. We went/saw/did/stayed/learned/found ______, _____, and _______.”

I don’t know what to use for the blanks. So here are some highlights of our trip, and perhaps you can vote in the comments for your favorite three.

1. We stayed at the five-star Bellagio hotel for $109 a night, so this recession thing may be real.
   
2. We went to and lost money in pretty much every fancy casino on the Strip. (But not a lot of money.)
   
3. We learned that the places look much closer together on the map, and I have the blisters to prove it.
   
4. We saw the dolphin and lion habitat at the Mirage, but the exhibit was greatly enhanced by being able to sit down.
   
5. I did play blackjack at three casinos, and ended $15 down at the really scuzzy one, which kinda figures.
   
6. We found that the Strip is to Downtown as Whitney Houston is to Britney Spears (before Whitney got druggie).
   
7. We went to a comedy club, a magic show, and Blue Man Group with discount tickets — not that it was easy.
   
8. I found that if you argue long enough with the timeshare people, they will call security.
   
9. We learned that if you try sometimes, you just might find that you get what you need — and a comped lunch.
   
10. We did take the red-eye back, were delayed in NYC, and I went to work two hours after we landed.

Vote for your favorite three and that will be my new short-version Vegas story. It’s all in your hands now.

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This week both our vacation plans and our DVR imploded. I’ve spent a lot of time online trying to reconcile the fact that airline fares are going down to lure in travelers in a tanking economy with the reality that I can’t find a reasonable flight from DC to Las Vegas. It’s maddening. At the same time our satellite digital recorder died, taking with it hours of unwatched movies and TV shows, along with the ability to tape new shows. I can look at this as a mixed blessing. While it is annoying to have lost all those things we were going to watch, now we have less on our list of things to do.

I was worried about missing President Obama with Jay Leno last night, but fortunately the whole thing is available on the Tonight Show website. It’s a great interview, where Obama covers the AIG and banking issues, but also talks about how cool it is to ride on Air Force One. It’s no secret that I am a big Obama fan, but I loved watching him talk in this setting. He’s so genuine.

I’m too distracted to come up with a poem for Poetry Friday, but will direct you to the host, Wild Rose Reader. Besides, I have to save my energy to host Nonfiction Monday in three days. I’m looking at a woman in history book for my review... you know, for Women’s History Month. How about you?

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