Oaths Are Forever - Or Are They?

Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo ISBN 978-0-9850302-0-9

Giammatteo brings new life to the typical detective murder story. He takes the time to develop a complex plot into an attention-capturing tale of intrigue and friends betrayed, remade and destroyed.

It's not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath - Aeschylus.

This quote begins the tale of a group of friends, perhaps unique in the way all of Americans. Nicky "The Rat" Fusco, Frankie "Bugs" Donovan, Tony "The Brain" Sannullo, Tommy "Mick" McDermott form the core of this group and Chinski, Suit and Paulie finish out the gang. It seems that there is a destiny for them as "friends forever" until years later.

"... Friendship means we look out for each other. Nobody ever rats or betrays anyone else... "

"... Honor means nobody f***s with one of us and not the others. We stick up for each other. And it means we don't run, unless we all run... "

These fateful words and the consequences of making and trying to keep childhood promises give all the tension for the plot. 20 years after these oaths, Frankie is a detective for the Brooklyn Police department. Tony is in heavy with the organized crime family in the same area. Nicky is the ex-con that precipitates the action. Frankie gets called into investigate a series of murders of some apparently unrelated men in the Brooklyn area. He begins to suspect soon that there is much more going on here then just someone being murdered.

Giammatteo writes each chapter from either a third person perspective or from Nicky's personal accounting of his life with these friends. Due to the neighborhood they grow up in they live under the scrutiny of the local organized crime family, headed up by Mikey "The Face" Fagullo. Tony's mother, Mama Rosa, and Sister Mary Thomas form the character building parts for the boys as they grow up. These two major influences keep the group active and bouncing around through their teenage years. Girls become something they have to consider but deal with as only kids and teens from this era and society can: clumsily, jerkily and very self-consciously.

As is the case with many such friends, they grow up and choose different paths. They see each other, but become more distant from each other. Girls, family problems and the lure of money impact the group, splitting them until a crisis arises. The gang maintains the oath for most of this time, until one fateful day when a rival gang comes looking for trouble. There are teen passions, pool cues and guns involved. Ultimately gun fire erupts and lives are changed forever.

In this tale, there is a lot of right, wrong and terribly, frighteningly gray. When the time comes and oaths should be remembered, they are forgotten and life is never the same. The murders draw them inexorably together yet again. The common thread shows how badly a betrayal of friends can mess up the men that were oath-bound brothers at heart.

The characters are smoothly real. Giammatteo takes the time to develop them naturally. Each takes their fated place and struggles with the people they become. Of course with this much time to cover there are important details becoming more important with each progressive revelation. The tragedy of the way these lives move brought tears to the eyes of this reviewer. The climax, a betrayal, is broken-hearted, almost too realistic.

Although the switching of character and traveling back and forth in time might confuse the reader at first, the progression is for the right reasons and falls into place with a gripping conclusion.

The book is for adults because of the violence and language. As stated at the beginning of the book this is the first in a series "Friendship and Honor." This reviewer is eagerly waiting for the next one.

Published by Inferno Publishing Company ($12.98 USD SRP/Amazon $12.98 USD) Reviewer received book from author.

Foreclosure Lawyers

If you are unable to make your mortgage payments and are worried that the bank or other lender will foreclose on your home, there are certain things you can do now to prevent that from happening. Even if the bank or lender has taken steps to proceed with the foreclosure, you can still negotiate to try to keep your home. It is strongly recommended that you speak with an experienced foreclosure attorney no matter what stage you are at in the process.

The most common way to avoid foreclosure is to negotiate with your lender for a loan modification. Loan modification is where the length of the loan or the interest rate or other factors are revised resulting in a monthly payment that is more manageable for you. So, if the length of your loan is extended from 15 years to 30 years, your monthly payment will go down.

Negotiating a loan modification is probably not something you want to do on your own. It can be difficult to get in touch with the right people at the lender and negotiate with them when you have little or know experience with the mortgage industry. A good foreclosure attorney will have experience working with banks and lenders and coming up with a reasonable plan to avoid foreclosure. Oftentimes, a lender wants you to keep your home and resume making payments. Foreclosures can be expensive for them, but an experienced foreclosure attorney will know who to talk to and what to ask for in terms of modification.

If it is too late and your attorney cannot negotiate a loan modification in time, you may consider filing for bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy stops the foreclosure process and gives you and your attorney more time to work something out. However, bankruptcy is serious and should only be done after thoughtful consideration and under the careful guidance of a good bankruptcy attorney.

A foreclosure attorney can also represent your interests throughout the foreclosure process and at any hearings that may take place. It may even be crucial at this difficult time to have someone on your side who will explain what is going on, help you understand the law and protect your interests.

You may be thinking that you don't need a lawyer to assist you with the loan modification process as you've probably seen ads for loan modification companies. However, there have been a number of lawsuits against loan modification companies under the Illinois Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act because these companies basically rip off vulnerable homeowners. If a company charges you thousands of dollars up front for their services, know that such a thing is illegal in the state of Illinois. Walk away and get a good foreclosure attorney.

Typically, an attorney assisting with a loan modification will charge around $1,500 with a $500 processing fee upfront, and $1,000 at the end. The attorney collects the $1,000 only if they are successful. So, if your lawyer is unable to help you keep your home, you do not have to pay the $1,000 fee. For representation during the entire foreclosure process, attorneys generally charge an hourly fee.

The possible threat of losing your home can be scary and overwhelming. Oftentimes, people may assume it is solely their burden to bear and don't think of turning to an attorney for help. However, an attorney can help you in a number of ways during this time from loan modification to explaining the process and the law to helping you weigh your options. To learn more visit, http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/Illinois-Foreclosure-Defense-Lawyers.htm

Lories and Lorikeets

I had always wanted a Lory but it seemed to not be in the cards. I visited the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama and went to the Lory exhibit which was very exciting. As I left one hid in my bag and tried to escape with me; little did I know I would have one join my flock. My friend had a Lory that needed to be adopted and we made the decision to have Zara join our home with our other three feathered friends.

Zara is a Blue-Streaked Lory and she is now 11 years old. She is quite the pistol and very animated. When we adopted her we didn't know what we were in for. Though I should have known when I left the zoo and the little escapologist hid in my bag. She has the most beautiful colorings I have seen. She is primarily red with black dispersed in her feathers. She has two dark blue streaks from the corner of her eyes and red with sky blue tips on her neck. She doesn't have belly feathers as she plucks which is now out of habit even though, she is still very beautiful.

There are two species. Lories which have short blunt tails and Lorikeets which have long tapering tails; though this usage can be subjective like parrot and parakeet. They are widely distributed within the Australian region, south-eastern Asia, Polynesian Islands, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.

Their plumage is very eye-catching and colorful. Because they are small and extremely beautiful many people want them. Like any parrot the owner needs to be educated to the Lory's special needs, particularly their specialized diet of a nectar replacement. Their droppings are very messy as it is mostly liquid.

We now have Zara a Blue-Streak Lory living amongst the flock and she is different from our other three as they are hook bills and eat a very different diet than Zara. Hook bills have the ability to open nuts and they eat seed. It is dangerous for a Lory to eat seed as their esophagus lining is very thin and it could literally rip the esophagus lining and kill a Lory.

As to the diet a Lory eats, it sounds complex but it is actually very easy as they eat nectar, juice, fruit and vegetables. When I feed Zara I mix her nectar powder with water and the temperature should be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and made into syrup. She also has dry nectar that is near her water.

Lories have a specialized brush tipped-tongue (tufts of papillae, extremely fine hairs) which she uses to pick up her dry nectar and mix with water. Consequently, her droppings are very messy as her diet consists mostly of liquid.

Zara also eats fresh fruit like cantaloupe, apples, oranges, and berries on her fruit kabob. At night I give her a bowl of mixed veggies. Get the frozen veggie bag with peas, carrots, carrots and green beans. Just take out the green beans and lima beans as they are high in iron and Lories cannot break down iron in their liver. Lories are very iron sensitive. To help break down iron in a Lory's liver I give Zara milk thistle (alcohol free!!). As a treat I give her a one grape and she loves it. When feeding a Lory, always check the iron ratio. Lories are a little time-consuming but the reward is immeasurable!

Lories and Lorikeets are very playful, animated and the class clown. They are very mischievous so they do have to be in a cage when they are left alone. When I leave the house I put Zara in her cage and while we sleep. When Zara sleeps I cover her cage; it gives a sense of security like a child with a blanket.

The Ultramarine Lorikeet is endangered as it is one of the 50 rarest parrots in the wild. The Blue Lorikeet is classified as vulnerable because of the introduction of European rats to the small island habitats in which they live. There have been conservation efforts in relocating these colorful clowns to locations free of predation and destruction.

As I have said Lories and Lorikeets are a very special breed of parrots and require a lot of attention. Keep in mind they are like a domesticated hummingbird only in parrot form.

Lories and Lorikeets are very high-strung and have a lot of energy because the nectar is mainly made up of sugars, their fruit has a lot of sugar and the juice they drink is made up of sugars. They are always on the go. Keeping this in mind they are very enticing as they are small and extremely colorful.

I can leave my other three feathered friends out of their cages when I leave and they will still be sitting where I left them when I get home. Zara on the other hand will have roamed the house and needless to say I have to search the house for her.

Zara may seem like a lot of work but she well worth it. I am very pleased she has joined our flock.

Ski Boots For Women

Ski boots for women function in a similar way as men's ski boots do. But their composition and designing methods are quite different. Women's ski boots are slightly leaner in cuff heights, contouring and have thick cushion for better foothold. The liner padding and forward flex also varies vaguely. Cuffs are sited bit lower, because the calf muscle of woman is lower positioned than that of man. Also, Ski boots for women have tapered heels and these boots fit narrowly around ankles. Such configuration helps to take turns efficiently and comfortably.

Initially, it was difficult and costly to manufacture specialized ski boots for women. But with increasing number of women participating in skiing activities, numerous brands have come up with ski boots for women. Brands such as Rossignol, Technica, Lange and Salomon, manufacture high quality ski boots for women. Now, there are wide varieties of women's ski boots readily available in the stores and at affordable prices.

Salomon Idol Ski boots for women have shell which reduces the weight, but supports and transfers all the exertion on skis edges. Technica women's boots have Velcro straps and tough velvety lining around the ankle. This lining prevents the skier's ankles from twisting while taking turns. Lange has introduced new CRL line for women which are elegant, have warm footbed and are meant for intermediate to advanced skilled skiers.

Rossignol's Electra ski boots for women deliver high performance. It has polyether cuffs, elastic foot bed with four micro buckles. Other major brands which manufacture ski boots for women include Head, Atomic and Nordica.

Custom Made Ski Boots:

Few women prefer custom made ski boots. While placing order for such boots, study in detail as what features need to be included in boots. Direct the mender to keep lifted heels. Such heel helps to transmit the energy at tip and concentrates the center point of gravity over the skier. But, do not go for higher heels, otherwise skier may stumble more often.

Alter the cuff height as per the comfort and requirements. The ankle flex has to be softer. The shell material used in ski boots for women can be either made from leather, polyester or some artificial leather. Direct the boot maker to include small hole in each boot for ventilation. Go for aluminum buckles in ski boots which are more durable.

Comfort of the foot is entirely dependent on footbed. So footbed has to be made from soft materials. Moreover, it has to be properly aligned. Lastly, it is important to consider these points, because skiers are the one who have to feel comfortable while skiing.

The Christian Olympics, Going For the Gold Crowns by S E Gregg

The Christian - Running the Race

S. E. Gregg captures the contagious excitement and the competitive spirit of the Olympic games in the book "The Christian Olympics: Going for the Gold Crowns." Gregg draws the reader into the thrill of participation in the competition and training of Olympic competition vicariously while applying spiritual application for athletes in the Christian race.

The Christian life parallels Olympic competition in many ways. Training and discipline are as imperative to the life of the Christian as they are to the Olympic competitor. The Christian keeps fit through spiritual exercises, walking by faith, stretching by faith, and practicing the discipline of obedience to God's will.

Gregg incorporates planning strategies for running well with specific instructions for all stages of life. Using the scriptures as the source the author gives instructions for becoming equipped for the competition beginning with what to wear. The Bible describes the whole armor of God this way. Prayer is our breathing exercise and the first step to becoming equipped with spiritual gifts. Workouts, trials, tests, aches, pains, and reproach are all a part of the preparation for endurance to finish the race well.

Olympic winner are present trophies made of bronze, silver, and gold at the awards ceremony. These are only temporal crowns. In the Christian Olympics the awards include: The Incorruptible Crown, The Crown of Rejoicing, The Crown of Righteousness, The Crown of Life, and the Crown of Glory. These Crowns are eternal. Gregg's writing is entertaining, inspirational, and motivating. "The Christian Olympics" is expressive, Biblically sound, and challenging. Let the Games Began!

Xulon Press

9781597815307

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review.

How To Spike A Volleyball

One of the most basic, yet important skills to learn in volleyball is how to spike a volleyball. A spike, sometimes called the attack, is the art of hitting the ball over the net, often at a downward angle, in such a way that it is virtually impossible to return. This can be a devastating move when performed correctly, since it usually ends with the ball hitting the court in between players of the opposing team. It can also have blinding speed and power behind it, meaning that even if hit or blocked by the opposing team, the ball flies off course.

Spiking is usually done by the front row players, those closest to the net. In fact, if the ball is within the 10 foot line, that is the line set 10 feet behind the net, the front row players are the only players allowed to spike it. While the ball can be spiked behind the 10 foot line by the back row, this is a difficult move to make, and can lack some of the speed and precision of those closer to the net. Knowing how to spike a volleyball involves knowing the 2 steps involved, the approach and the attack.

The idea of the approach is to position the body in the best position to gain speed and momentum for the hit. A spiker usually hits the ball by jumping off of both feet after a couple of steps to the ball. The main part of the approach is the last two steps leading to the jump. These two steps are the most important steps to focus on when practicing the spike, though the spiker can take as many as four. The first step of the approach is performed with the hand the spiker uses. For example, the first of the two steps is started with the right foot if the hitter is right-handed. When using either the 3 or 4 step techniques, the second to last step should always be on that foot. Using the same right-handed player, a 3 steps approach would begin on the left foot, the next step would be on the right foot, and the final step on the left again. Of course, the final part of the approach is the jump. This is where the coiled energy of the approach is transferred from forward motion to upward motion.

The key part of the attack is the point of contact with the ball. The hit should be performed with the arms straight, keeping the elbows extended. The trick is to contact the ball above and possibly slightly in front of the body, while reaching high. Hitting the ball with a snapping motion of the wrists will force the ball into a downward direction. If hit in the proper manner, the upward energy of the approach is transferred to a downward force on the ball. This should force the ball over the net at a downward angle at a high speed. Returning a ball hit in this manner can be very hard to accomplish.

How to spike a volleyball is one of the fundamental skills needed to play volleyball. An understanding of the forces involved, and how to apply them can make the difference between a killer spike and bump over the net. Putting the ball away in this manner will go a long way to ensure victory for the spiking team.