Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Book Review-Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
by Cory Doctorow

Category: Fiction / Science Fiction
208 pages; ISBN: 0765304368

Who *wouldn't* want to live in walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, with no other responsibilities than to mind operations at the Haunted mansion (Best. Ride. Ever.)? As it happens, our hero Jules is afforded this opportunity in near (?) future as part of the Bitchun Society, where death has been rendered obsolete, replaced by a memory storage process which requires everybody to be "online." Live forever, download into a new body when necessary or whenever the mood strikes - imagine the Fountain of Youth as an FTP site.

Money is no object in the Bitchun Society, literally, as one's wealth is determined by one's ability to endear themselves to everybody else. By collecting points (known here as "Whuffie"), one is raised higher in the Bitchun Society's caste system. As Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom opens, Jules's Whuffie is modest enough to enjoy life tooling around Liberty Square. However, even in the land of the Mouse one has to watch out for rats.

Territorial wars are a-brewing, instigated when a faction of resident Mouseketeers decides to give the Hall of Presidents a cyber facelift. Jules, convinced that their leader was behind his most recent "death," recruits girlfriend Lil and buddy Dan into rejuvenating the mansion before control-freak Debra and her Hall "ad-hocracy" can get their hands on it. What begins as a proactive campaign to preserve the ride's original charm, however, soon becomes a matter of pride for Jules which quickly threatens to destroy his relationships and his life. Soon there just doesn't seem to be enough Whuffie to ease damage control.

With Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, author Doctorow creates a unique premise enhanced by a playful setting and witty dialogue. This is science fiction for the non sci-fi reader as well as for hardcore fans of the genre - think Carl Hiassen crossed with Phillip K. Dick...with just a dash of Disney magic.

Kathryn Lively is the publisher of Phaze, romance novels in eBook and paperback. She offers book promotion advice for authors.

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Americas Top Honeymoon Destinations

Have no ideas where to go on your honeymoon? Here are the top honeymoon destinations in America you can consider according to the result of users searches on the internet:

Hawaii Despite the fact that going and spending vacation in Hawaii or honeymoon for that matter, are expensive, it is still the primary choice destination of honeymooner. And who would not dream of spending their honeymoon here. The long white sand beaches, endless velvet waters, perfect weather, natural wonders, world-class hotels, top-notch accommodation, hidden coves, water sports, and inventive cuisine are enough reasons to spend time honeymoon in Hawaii.

New York and Niagara Falls The Big Apple has attracted newlyweds do spend their honeymoon. With plenty of things to do including visiting the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, dining at fancy restaurants, shopping, and witnessing other forms of entertainment, New York City is the place to be.

Located almost 500 miles from New York City is the Niagara Falls. The Falls have several sites to offer with affordable amenities. Both Canada and US residents can spend their honeymoon here together with nature.

Florida From the stretch of beaches to the city attractions, the State of Florida has something for everyone. As honeymoon destination, the State offers vibrant beaches of Miami. The Walt Disney world in Orlando is one of the primary places where honeymooners go. In fact, the Walt Disney world works to promote the place as and honeymoon destination with their honeymoon packages that include accommodation on their premier resort-hotels and visits to their 4 unique theme parks. If you want some actions, Florida has Daytona and Cape Kennedy.

Las Vegas The Sin City is another place to set your honeymoon. Hotels and resorts also offer wedding and honeymoon packages suitable for every budget. You can stay at one of the world-class hotels like Bellagio Hotel, Mirage Hotel, Ceasars Palace, MGM Grand Hotel, and Wynn Hotel. You can take a visit to Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street, Fountain show, and dine at some of the fancy restaurants and gamble your money at one of the casinos.

California California packages several attractions suitable for a honeymoon destination. You can either visit one of the top cities of the state like San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, and Los Angeles, or spend your days at towns that offer exciting alternative. California has several world-class hotels, fancy restaurants, hundreds of spas, mountain lodges, and long beaches, giving you enough reasons to consider it as your honeymoon destination.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on honeymoon & other useful information, please visit http://honeymoon.articlekeep.com.

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Pregnancy and Excercising - 6 Reasons to Excercise During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising during pregnancy can have additional benefits. Generally, exercise should be light, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes. Heavy exercise can divert blood flow from crucial areas and most women that exercise regularly should tone down their workouts during pregnancy.

Walking, swimming, and yoga are two popular exercise activities suitable for pregnant women. Other forms of exercise like weight lifting are okay too as long as it is not too strenuous. Most experts recommend exercising 3-4 times a week, unless a medical condition prevents it. If in doubt, always consult a physician first. Listed below are some of the top reasons for exercising during pregnancy.

  1. Exercise can reduce the length of labor and reduce recovery times. The right exercise routines will increase stamina needed for delivery.
  2. Improve emotional health - exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health and can make it easier for the new mother to get through the experience of pregnancy.
  3. Exercise can help with weight management after the child is born. A common concern with most mothers is losing weight after pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy can make postpartum weight loss easier.
  4. Exercise is good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also helping out your baby.
  5. Reduced pregnancy side effects - Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, swelling, and constipation are common in pregnant women. Exercising has been shown to reduce the occurence of these symptoms.
  6. Decrease risk of premature birth - exercise has been shown in studies to decrease the risk of premature birth by about 50%.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before exercising, have a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. Also, listen to your body - if you start feeling sick or nauseous, then you should stop and rest.

about the Author - Criss White

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors and Babies and Showers.

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

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