Archive for November, 2008

Driving Tip – How to Hit a Good Driving Shot in Golf

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

While many new golfers are struggling with their driving shots, it goes without saying that knowing how to drive a long, straight shot off the tee will enhance your golf game. This in turn allows you to hit a better shot at the hole.

We all have heard the phrase “drive for show and putt for dough”. This shows how important driving is to your game of golf. If you don’t drive for show and put the ball right down the middle in the fairway you can forget about putting for dough.

The reason why many high handicap golfers can’t actually use a driver is the fact that they use too little loft. This results in their inability to get the ball in the air and they put too much side spin on it. If you are one of them, go for a club with more loft like three wood or use a 12 degree driver which would not only give the ball more “carry”, but also less side spin and you would hit better shots.

Many weaker and older people who can’t produce fast club head speed need to go for clubs with more loft. This is why the more lofted clubs can actually help them out.

The following are some other tips to that would help you in driving more consistently:

1) Choose a specific target like the flag to aim at in the distance. However the target could be something else when the sign of the flag is not obvious.

2) Address the ball with it positioned just to the inside of the heel of your front foot. As you use higher-lofted club heads, gradually move the ball position toward the middle of your stance but the ball should never be in the middle of your stance. If you are in a driving range, make sure you are aiming correctly by laying out your stance outline on the ground and aiming directly at a target mark.

3) Take a stance just a bit wider than shoulder width to provide a solid and stable base. As you begin your swing, take the club back at the exact pace as when you coil and rotate your hips. This means that your shoulders and arms should remain on the same plane and should work as one turning unit.

4) The club face should be closed when it hits the ball. Use a longer length driver and or jumbo head if it is comfortable and efficient for you. You have to strike the ball in the center of the wood driver.

5) Guide the wood driver with your non-dominant hand for a clean, powerful swing. Allow your dominant hand provide the support.

6) It is better to concentrate on hitting the ball straight even if you have to scarify a few yards.

7) There is nothing more exciting than hitting a long straight drive right down the middle of the fairway between the trees. Always visualize this before you hit each drive.

John Woon is a successful latex consultant, Internet marketer and a keen golfer.
To get your best golf instruction, please CLICK HERE: The Best Golf Instruction and The Incredible Simple Golf Swing

A Guide to Diecast Toy Collecting

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

Collecting diecast toys has been a favourite hobby for both children and adults for many years. These mini replicas of full size vehicles have fascinated many generations. Many diecast toys in perfect condition, complete with the original box, special markings and price tags have increased in value enormously. Some of these models were specially made for store openings, launches of new products or special events. They were offered for sale in stores, given as prizes in competitions or sold through catalogs where they could be purchased as sets.

Originally only a few models were produced but over the years they have been manufactured for major racing events, releases of new car lines and to promote cereals, popular drinks and cartoons. All the common vehicles can be found as diecast models including police cars, farm vehicles, ambulances and army tanks.Some popular models include John Deere toy tractors, diecast toy trucks and diecast toy cranes.

The box that the diecast model came with was usually made from thin cardboard or plastic and those models with their original case in good condition are particularly prized. As the boxes were made of flimsy material they can easily be damaged by moisture, sunlight or dirt. Keeping the box in perfect condition is often more of a challenge than preserving the diecast vehicle itself!

Diecast models are often displayed in plastic showcases but some collectors store their prized models in plastic bags or storage boxes. This will keep the cars and boxes dry and away from damaging sunlight. If displayed in showcases the models need to be dusted often with a dry cloth. A damp cloth should not be used on boxes as this can fade the ink or wrinkle the box.

Diecast toys kept over from childhood may be worth collecting if they are examples of rarer models. These include models made for a particular product that is obsolete, or a model made to represent a sports personality. Information on rarity values can be found from speciality magazines, collectors catalogs or your local library. Clubs and conventions are good places to find enthusiasts with the information you need, and to trade, sell or buy diecast toys.

The condition of diecast vehicles may be described as below. Mint generally means that there are no defects or wear marks.

Mint condition – There are no broken, missing or misaligned parts. The paint is perfect and there are no glue marks or other assembly marks.

Mint in Box – These are mint condition models in their original box and packaging.

Mint on Card – These are models still enclosed in the original blister packaging.

Some examples of Diecast Toys that are much sought after by collectors and therefore more valuable include the following.

Limited Editions – These diecast toys were produced in a restricted number and the cast was then destroyed. Limited editions are highly collectible and the number of models produced in the run should be included in the information supplied with the model.

Limited Production Cars – Examples include Matchbox Challenge cars, Treasure Hunt Hunt Wheels, Racing Champion’s Chase cars and Johnny Lightening White Lightening cars.

Retired Toy Cars – Toy vehicles that the manufacturer has stopped making. They may decide to reissue the vehicle later with color or detail changes.

Toy Vehicles with Certificates – Vehicles produced by Franklin Mint or Danbury Mint may include Certificates of Title or Certificates of Authenticity.

Diecast toys with their original paperwork and packaging will be more valuable than the same model without the packaging. If you plan to sell a toy vehicle keep the original packaging in as good condition as possible.

For more information on collecting diecast toy vehicles and some good deals visit John Deere Toy Tractors or Diecast Toy Cranes

Take the Time to Write a Food Dehydrator Review

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

Being completely satisfied with a product may make some people very happy. Writing a food dehydrator review will allow people to communicate their satisfaction with the product. Expressing what you liked about the product so much that you were completely happy with your purchase may help other shoppers find the right product for them. For some it would mean not only writing down what they like but also what they disliked about the product. When it comes to drying foods many shoppers may be surprised at the selection of products that are available. Not only that they will also be pleased with the features and high quality they will find.

Looking for the right products isn’t always an easy job. Having information from other consumers will help shoppers make their choice. When you are completely satisfied with the purchase you made or the gift you received communicating to others may help those in a dilemma. Choosing to write a food dehydrator review can tell shoppers what was the best feature on the dehydrator and why it worked for that customer. Those that chose a quieter version may also communicate what other features were helpful with the product so that shoppers can get all they need from their purchase.

These reviews are also important in communicating what customers didn’t like and why. Some may just want to say what didn’t work but without knowing why potential customers will not know if that product is really wrong for them. For example if someone didn’t like the feature of being able to make beef jerky just because they didn’t use it communicating that is important information for those shoppers. When that feature isn’t well liked because it did not work properly that too will make a difference for shoppers. So detailed information will help shoppers know what they need to choose the food dehydrator that will best work for their home.

For those shoppers who have never purchase a dehydrator before knowing what experienced food dryers prefer is a valuable resource. With so many different brands and sizes many times shoppers just pick one. Later finding they are disappointed with their choice because they wanted a quieter model but didn’t know which one it was. Reading through reviews on these items will tell shoppers exactly which ones are the quieter ones and what features they have. This is important because some shoppers want certain features for certain reasons that can help them save money and time. Reading a food dehydrator review will allow shoppers to see the satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, customers have regarding their purchase.

Not knowing the importance of taking time to write a review or read one, may stop someone from enjoying the benefits of these appliances. With so many varieties and styles shoppers will be amazed to find out they are all so different. Gaining as much information on the models that interest each shopper’s will help them make an informed choice on these appliances. Reading or writing a food dehydrator review will help shoppers know what they are purchasing.

Mike Brown Buy A Food Dehydrator Food Dehydrator

Acquiring Nobility Titles

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

Fairytale stories would often include characters of nobility we have grown to love such as a prince or a knight both of whom we have grown to love because of the special role that they possess, more often than not heroic deeds that lead to the final “and they live happily ever after”.

In real life, these characters either acquired the title of nobility by heredity, that is they were born of royal lineage, or acquired through public service, a king bestowing a knighthood title of nobility to a soldier who did exemplary achievements in war, or through promotion to senior position. Noble titles are earned through steadfast loyalty to the sitting monarch and extensive service that resulted in material and military power for the land were the monarch rules. Nobility in monarchial societies has always been regarded as a symbol of biological and racial superiority. In pre-modern societies, wealth and chivalry were the main determination of these noble titles. Persons who acquire nobility titles would pass on the privilege and rank to their descendants. Nobles, because of the pre-eminence and privileges command resources over areas that they were awarded and they have control over the land, money and labor aside from being entitled the land as property.

Some powerful noble ranks that earned distinguished nobility titles were the marquis, the prince, and the knight. The marquis earned his title of nobility through the extra powers they gain as protectors of kingdom borders. He is originally a count who had a higher rank over other counts. A prince on the other hand is the first in rank among the noble titles. He is a direct descendant and a member of the royal family and is delegated as the second in power to the highest monarchial ruler and exercised vast political and military powers. The knight on the other hand is a special title of nobility to s soldier who demonstrated superb military prowess and chivalry and who has shown extreme loyalty to the sitting monarch.

Most of the powerful nobility titles that existed in earlier times in the powerful monarchies in Europe still exist today but most of them no longer hold a strong clout, political and administrative in nature, as they were in the feudal era. They still exist as part of cultural tradition or more ceremonial in nature but these constitutional monarchies, such as the British throne, still have considerable influence on their subjects and still generate much respect and regard in the national identity. Other examples of constitutional monarchies who are descendants of the pre-modern feudalistic kingdoms in Europe are that of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, etc. In Asia several constitutional monarchies still exist such as that of the Imperial Family of Japan, and the monarchial families of Malaysia and Thailand.

In some other counties, especially outside Europe, the same political and absolute rule is still exercised by those holding noble titles by virtue of heredity. Examples of absolute monarchies are Arab royal families like the sheiks and that of the king of Saudi Arabia and the sultan of Brunei, who hold both the political and administrative powers and own much of the country’s wealth and resources.

Spencer Miller is a researcher, author and Nobility consultant. Recently he found that titles of Nobility are sometimes issued. These Noble titles are certified legal titles that can be added to your name. All nobility titles include full documentation support.

Why You Should Consider A Golf Break In Normandy

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

When tired of the same old courses in the UK, many golfers look to destinations like Spain and Portugal for their fix of greens and fairways to “attack”, but this isn’t practical for a short golf break. Normandy is the answer: It’s local for British golfers, has a wide selection of smart courses, some splendid hotels and enough attractions to keep you busy even when you’re off the courses.

The Location

Nowadays it’s easier than ever before to get across to France for a visit. Normandy is particularly easy, with a vast choice of traditional and super-fast ferries and the 35 minute Eurotunnel crossing. For golfers in the south, a golf break in Normandy is actually easier to get to than a trip up to Scotland.

Once you get there, Normandy is picturesque with a “very French” mix of ports and resorts, of villages and fields, of chateaux and bustling bars. It’s different enough to feel like a proper break, while comfortingly familiar to Anglophiles.

Hospitable Hotels

In terms of welcoming lodgings for a golf holiday, Normandy is very well served. There’s everything from the best in luxury and service (Hotel Normandy Barriere, Deauville), smaller charming hotels (Dormy House, Etretat) and city-based accommodation (Mercure Centre, Rouen) to choose from, and the service and atmosphere of them is very friendly. Many of these hotels have excellent restaurants but if you’re looking to explore further afield there are plenty of charming eateries offering very reasonable prices. Diners will of course be entranced with the famous seafood,

especially the shellfish. For non-fish eaters, Normans are hearty eaters and love cooking with cream and Calvados. And with a different cheese for every day of the year…Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Eveque are all local specialities.

Celebrated Courses

The best thing about a golf holiday in Normandy is its excellent courses. There are many good courses in the region but ones which deserve a special mention are Etretat (one of the best links in France and conveniently adjacent to the Dormy House hotel),

Chateau de la Chouette (a real hidden gem!), Golf Parc (some of the best target golf in the country) and, my personal favourite, Champ de Bataille which is quite stunning and very testing in parts. All told, we recommend 21 courses golf courses in Normandy – you’ll be very pleasantly impressed with our choice.

Plenty to Do

Of course the region is best known for the historic Normandy beach landings of June 1944 and there’s plenty to honour the memory with some fascinating museums. On top of this, the region is also home to the Bayeux tapestry and the breathtaking Mont St. Michel – one of the most visited sites in the whole of the country.

For a bit of a change from the UK’s courses, a Normandy golf break is a great idea. It’s local, reasonably priced, has plenty to see and do and of course has some truly memorable golf courses. Take a golf holiday in Normandy and rediscover your love of the game.

Morgan Clarke is the Managing Director of French Golf Holidays, a company that has been providing bespoke golf holidays for over 25 years. They are experts in the best places to play and stay, offering golf holidays in Normandy and throughout the rest of the country.

Virginia Tech Hokies – Resilient Late Bloomers

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is Virgina Tech’s college football program and is one of the most successful college football teams in the country. It competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the NCAA Division I-FBS. The Hokies play their home games at the Lane Stadium, one of the loudest stadiums and has one of the best home-field advantages in the nation. Following the 2006 season, the Hokies have a career record of 198-105-4. Their head coach, Frank Beamer, is considered to be the third coach with the most number of wins in the Division I-FBS. He ranks behind Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno. The Hokies also have a consistent record in the bowl games, participating in the postseason every year since the 1993 season. They also have the third longest streak of bowl game participation in the country, behind Michigan, Florida, and Florida State. In college football program history, the Hokies ranked in the Top 10 four times, won six conference championships, and played for the national championships. However, they lost in the 2000 Sugar Bowl to Florida State University by 46-29.

The first football game the Hokies ever played was in October 21, 1892 against the Radford, Virginia school St. Albans Lutheran Boys School. At that time, Virginia Tech was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. They won their game with a score of 14-10 but eight days later, when they returned to Ratford for another game, they were defeated 10-0. For decades, the Hokies was a mediocre independent program, winning and losing games here and there. But in 1987, when head coach Frank Beamers was hired, the Hokies worked its way up to the top 20. In the 1995 Sugar Bowl, the Hokies, ranking at 13th, defeated he Texas Longhorns, which ranked at 9th.

The best season for the Hokies was probably the 1999 season. Led by freshman quarterback Michael Vick, the Hokies went through the regular season with an 11-0 record. They defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers in a last minute drive and winning field goal ending in a 22-20 victory. That game came to be known as the “Miracle of Morgantown.”

In the following seasons, the Hokies had a fair share of success, making it to the 2000 Sugar Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles. The Seminoles defeated them however 46-29. The next season was better as the Hokies once again played for the national championship. While they lost in the Sugar Bowl to the Miami Hurricanes, they won the 2001 Gator Bowl, defeating the Clemson Tigers 41-20.

The 2007 season was a solemn season for the Hokies due to the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings which shocked the entire world. Still, the Hokies prevailed in an emotional game against the East Carolina Pirates with a 17-7 score. The team went on to play against the LSU Tigers but managed only 149 yards as opposed to the Tigers’ 598 yards. In their match up against Boston College, they had a 10-0 lead but later lost at the last minute 10-14. Still, Virginia Tech managed to win the rest of the regular season and claim a Coastal Division Crown.

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on sports memoribilia. Many articles are related to major league shop and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village

Wisconsin Badgers – Wisconsin’s Pride: The Wisconsin Badgers Football Team

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

The Wisconsin Badgers football team is the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s college football program. The Badgers compete at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, and is a member of the Big 10 Conference. Their home games are played at the Camp Randall Stadium. They have a win-loss-tie record of 575-451-53 and a winning percentage of 53%. The name of the team is a reference to Wisconsin state’s early history. Sometime in the early 19thcentury prospectors came to Wisconsin to look for minerals, particularly lead. During winter, the miners had to seek shelter inside tunnels that were burrowed in the hillsides, and thus lived like badgers. Their territory came to be known as the “Badger State.” Currently, as of 2008, the Badgers head coach is Breat Bielema, their offensive coordinator is Paul Chryst, and their defensive coordinator is Dave Doeren.

Member of the Big 10

The Big 10 is one of the major conferences in college football and is the oldest Division I college athletic conference in the country. It has a total of eleven members including the Badgers with teams that are primarily located in the Midwestern part of the U.S. It includes Pennsylvania in the East and stretches from Iowa and Minnesota in the west. Nine of the eleven conference schools in the Big 10 are considered to be Public Ivy Leagues, including the University of Wisconsin. It enjoys the prestige of both athletic and academic excellence. The conference competes in the NCAA Division I. The Big 10 member teams compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), formerly Division I-A—the highest level of the NCAA competition. The member schools also are members of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, an educational consortium. Despite the name Big 10, there are 11 members, with the Penn State joining in 1990. The Big 10 center is located in La Porte County, Indiana.

Badgers Various Incarnations

Throughout the years, various forms of badgers have represented the team as the school mascot. The current mascot is named Bucky, wearing the team’s colors of cardinal and white in a letter sweater. This mascot was first drawn by artist Art Evans in 1940. The badger mascot went by many names such as Buddy, Benny, Bobby, Bernie, and Bouncey. It was Art Lentz, then publicity director for the athletics department who brought the mascot to life. The badger mascot of yesteryears was known to be rowdy and out-of-control—since it was a real live badger! The badger was known to run amok and frighten fans and players alike. It was decided for everyone’s safety that the badger was better off in the Madison Zoo and did not belong in the school or in football games. The badger was then replaced by a tamer but still no-badger, small raccoon aptly named Regdab (which was badger spelled backwards) passed off as a badger in a raccoon coat. In 1949, Connie Conrad, an art student in the university, made a badger head molded from papier-m?ch?. Cheerleader and gymnast, Bill Sagal, wore the outfit during a homecoming game. A contest was held to name the mascot and the winning name was “Bucky,” which pushed the football team to “buck right through that line.”

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on sports memorbilia. Many articles are related to baseball team memorabilia and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village

The Greatest Teams in the History of College Football

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

College football attracts millions of fans nationwide, especially come football season. Rivalries between schools are fierce, with a lot of school spirit and thrashing and bashing between students broadcast live on national television. This is why watching the game and keeping updated about football matches excites a lot of viewers especially the alumni and those who associate themselves with a particular school, usually the one that represents their state. College football is almost as exciting as the National Football League (NFL). As with professional football, everyone has their own favorite team. Throughout history, however, there are undoubtedly better teams than others who have played their way to the top. After all, football can be measured objectively through scores and points just like most any other sport. When it comes to greatness, the stats say it all. Below are some of the greatest football teams in college football history.

1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers

The 1971 Cornhuskers are considered to be one of the best college football teams to ever exist. There is little disagreement on the greatness of this team, just looking at its offense which averages more than 39 points a game and surrenders only 8.2 points a game. Led by kick and punt returner Johnny Rodgers, who not surprisingly won the 1972 Heisman Trophy, the 1972 Cornhuskers won over Oklahoma who was ranked No.2 at that time with a record of 35-31 during Thanksgiving Day. The 1972 Cornhuskers-Oklahoma game has been dubbed as the “Game of the Century.” The Cornhuskers finished that season with a record of 13-0 and a 38-6 drubbing in the Orange Bowl against Alabama.

1972 USC Trojans

When the 1972 season ended, the USC Trojans finished with an incredible 12-0 record, which just shows how successful this team was. They defeated Ohio State in the Rose Bowl with a score of 42-17 under the guidance of head coach John McKay. That season, the Trojans were named No. 1 in all media polls and ballots.

1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers

The 1995 Nebraska had it all, a great offense and a great defense. It was no wonder that they were able to defeat four teams in the Top 10 by no fewer than 23 points. They also had an impeccable running attack in Lawrence Phillips and Ahman Green. The 1995 season was their second straight national championship, winning the Fiesta Bowl against Florida with a 62-24 score.

1945 Army Black Knights

That year, the Black Knights teamed up with the armed services and the Allies to win World War II and went on to a fall campaign with tailback Glenn Davis and fullback Felix “Doc” Blanchard. Both players won the much coveted Heisman Trophy, Blanchard in 1945 when he ran 718 yards and 19 TDs, and Davis in 1946. The Army finished the season with a 9-0 record. They defeated Notre Dame with a 48-0 score and trounced the Pennsylvania Quakers by 61-0.

2001 Miami Hurricanes

The 2001 Miami Hurricanes had unbelievably good players who were all first-draft selections in the 2002 NFL Draft: All-American quarterback Ken Dorsey, offensive tackle Bryant “Mount” Mckinnie, running back Clinton Portis, cornerbacks Mike Rumph and Phillip Buchanon, wide receiver Jeremy Shockey, and safety Edward Reed.

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on sports collectibles. Many articles are related to baseball memorabilia for sale and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village

Chinese Food – Chinese Dumplings – How to Make Them

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

The lowly dumpling. In Western-style cooking it is a simple staple, a source of carbohydrates and a great comfort food. However, made in the Chinese way, it is an artistic creation from the kitchen. Chinese Dumplings (Jiao Zi or Gow Gee, in the Mandarin dialect) are a mixture made of dough filled with meat, chicken and/or vegetables. It is frequently dished up as part of dim sum. The correct preparation calls for plenty of time, patience and effort but the end result, when done properly, are definitely worth it.

Ingredients

Dough:

360 g white flour

240 – 350 ml water

1 tsp salt

You will need to buy the right variety of Chinese flour, which can be either rice flour or wheat flour. Normal plain white flour has a completely different consistency when mixed with water and cooked.

Make sure that the water is extremely cold, in fact nearly freezing. Mix the salt and flour together and add 240ml of the water. Blend well into a smooth dough adding extra water if the consistency is too dry. Knead well and make sure that the end result is a smooth ball. If you inadvertently add too much water, just balance it with a little more flour. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least half an hour.

Filling:

1 lb lean minced meat (beef, pork or chicken)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp brandy

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp white pepper

Mix all the filling ingredients carefully to make sure that the meat doesn’t end up as a mush.

This recipe should make 60 Chinese dumplings, so divide the dough into 60 pieces and roll each piece until it is about 7.5 cm (3 inches) in diameter.

Put about a tablespoonful of the meat mixture onto one disc and fold in half, sealing with a little water and pinching the edges together until you have a half moon shape. If you have one of those gadgets which does this for you, wet the edges of the dough disc, place it on the dumpling maker, spoon in the filling and press the edges of the dumpling maker together.

Chinese dumplings can be boiled or fried

To boil, bring a large pan of water to the boil and add half the dumplings. When the water boils again add 120 ml cold water and bring back to the boil. At this point add the other half of the dumplings and another 120ml cold water. Stir the dumplings very carefully to stop them from sticking together. Bring to the boil for a third time and the dumplings should be ready.

At this point you can fry the dumplings in a wok with hot oil. You will need to keep them on the move to prevent them from sticking and to make sure that both sides take a little colour.

To Serve

Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce of equal amounts of soy sauce and dark vinegar, to which you can add a little chopped red chilli if you like a bit of spice.

Chinese dumplings are often served at New Year banquet as they are a symbol of wealth and good luck for the coming year but as part of a dim sum selection, you can eat them with pleasure whenever you want to.

Liz Canham As well as a love of Asian Food and Cookery, Liz seeks to help newcomers to the world of internet marketing with tools, tips and training from her Liz-e-Biz.com website.

David Morrell’s The Spy Who Came for Christmas

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

“A terrific holiday gift from David Morrell–the father of the modern action novel delivers a unique, edge-of-your seat thriller with amazing twists and riveting characters.”

- Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Protect and Defend

“Exciting, moving, and terrifically clever–once again, David Morrell proves that he is a titan among thriller writers.”

- Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of Power Play

THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS

by David Morrell

The Spy Who Came for Christmas is a genre-breaking holiday story unlike any other – a thriller with intense, edge-of-your seat action, set against a spy’s perspective on the traditional Nativity story. As bestselling author Joseph Finder has said about the novel: “…once again, David Morrell proves that he is a titan among thriller writers.”

It’s Christmas Eve in Santa Fe. But among the revelers on snow-blanketed Canyon Road, a decidedly unholy scene is taking place. A desperate undercover agent, Paul Kagan, feverishly seeks refuge for himself and the squirming bundle he holds tightly against his chest, a baby who has the power to change the course of global events.

His pursuers are his former colleagues—members of the Russian mafia who will stop at nothing to reclaim the child that Kagan has risked his life and blown his cover to steal from them. Now he is a spy on the run who must ensure the baby’s survival, even if it costs him his own life.

Just a short distance away, Kagan will find an unexpected pair of allies—a mother and her young son who huddle together after an incident of domestic violence leaves them alone, their phone lines cut, and with no means of transportation.

Kagan quickly realizes that he must enlist their help to survive. With the exquisitely honed skills of his profession and the good faith of a weary woman and a disillusioned boy, he takes on forces that will stop at nothing to get to them. In the course of a wild and violent night, the unlikely trio learns lessons of generosity, courage, and selflessness, discovering within themselves the luminous strength of the Christmas spirit.

Few thriller writers are as praised as David Morrell, who has been called “the father of the modern action novel.” Now this New York Times bestselling author delivers a masterwork of suspense that is sure to become a holiday classic, one of his most emotional and gripping stories to date.

*****

DAVID MORRELL is the award-winning author of thirty books, including the New York Times bestsellers Creepers and Scavenger. He holds a Ph. D. in American literature from Pennsylvania State University and was a professor in the English department at the University of Iowa until he gave up his tenure to devote himself to a full-time writing career. Co-founder of the International Thriller Writers Organization and creator of Rambo as well as the classic Brotherhood of the Rose spy trilogy, he is considered by many to be the father of the modern action novel. His The Successful Novelist: A Lifetime of Lessons about Writing and Publishing discusses what he has learned in his three-and-a-half decades as an author. His work has been translated into twenty-six languages.

*Author David Morrell will be touring nationally for The Spy Who Came for Christmas beginning November 2008.

“Writing The Spy Who Came for Christmas, I felt good revisiting my former espionage territory but with a decade’s perspective that allowed me to approach it in a new way.”

– David Morrell

Now available everywhere.

Visit the Website: http://www.spywhocameforchristmas.com Visit the author’s website: http://www.davidmorrell.net