Butterfly opens with an outstanding track, Honey, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

Mariah Carey possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with her talent alone. The kind of artist I frankly just flat out enjoy listening to.

Listen to Butterfly and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Mariah Carey is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Pop music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 5 – Fourth Of July, track 9 – Whenever You Call, and track 12 – Outside.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Honey. Great track!

Butterfly Release Notes:

Mariah Carey originally released Butterfly on September 16, 1997 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Honey 2. Butterfly 3. My All 4. Roof, The 5. Fourth Of July 6. Breakdown 7. Babydoll 8. Close My Eyes 9. Whenever You Call 10. Fly Away – (Butterfly Reprise) 11. Beautiful Ones, The 12. Outside

Personnel: Mariah Carey, Mase the Lox, Dru Hill (vocals); Michael Cirro (guitar); Donald Parker (piano, keyboards); Walter Afanasieff (keyboards, synthesizers, programming); Stevie J, Dan Shea, Cory Rooney (keyboards, programming); Peter Scwartz (keyboards); Gary Montoute (Hammond B-3 organ); Artie Reynolds (bass); Nathaniel Townsley (drums); Q-tip (programming); Krayzie Bone, Melonie Daniels, Wish Bone, Mary Ann Tatum, Kelly Price, Trey Lorenz, Clarence (background vocals). Producers include: Sean “Puffy” Combs, Stevie J, Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, David Morales. Engineers include: Dana Jon Chappelle, Rich Travali, Glen Marchese, Mike Scott, David Gleeson. Principally recorded at: The Hit Factory, New York, New York.

Author: Tom Milson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Gadget reviews

It may not be Paris or London, but Milwaukee is a fun place to spend a long weekend with your sisters or girlfriends, especially in the summer.

There are festivals almost every week, celebrating all of the cultures that make up this city (and the U.S.). The largest music festival in the world is held here every year, and every 5 years Harley Davidson celebrates an anniversary (and this is one of those years!).

Plus the the Bead and Button Show, art and craft fairs, museums – all the things women love to do!

Summerfest

With more than 10 stages presenting music acts 12 hours a day, Summerfest is the largest music festival in the world. There’s plenty of food, beer, comedy and kid’s activities, too.

This year’s festival runs from June 24 through July 4th, with mainstage acts as diverse as Tim McGraw to Tom Petty. There are literally hundreds of acts appearing during the fest – if you don’t like one, wander off to another stage! Admission is $15, but there are discounts available almost every day.

Ethnic Festivals

There are several festivals that celebrate the diverse ethnic roots of our population during the summer months.

The ethnic festivals include GermanFest (of course! – this is Milwaukee!), Festa Italiana, Bastille Days (French), Polish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, African World Festival, Irish Fest, Arab World Festival, and Indian Summer. Plus, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Festival is commonly known as “Greek Fest”.

All are 3 – 4 day weekend events, most are held at the Summerfest grounds (Bastille Days is at Cathedral Square, just north of downtown, and Greek Fest is at State Fair Park).

All are celebrations of food, music, dance, and crafts of the specific culture. The food is reason enough to go to one (or more!) of the festivals. There’s bound to be a festival that celebrates your ethnic background. Or explore one that’s more “exotic” to you!

Other Festivals

PrideFest celebrates the gay community. There’s plenty of entertainment, and a “Pride Idol” talent show.

South Shore Frolics has music, fireworks, a classic car show, and an art show in Bay View, just south of downtown.

The Bead and Button Show and other art & craft shows

Even if you’re not a beader, the Bead and Button Show is a fascinating experience.

There are beads in hundreds of sizes and shapes! Glass, wood, metal, plastic – almost every kind of material and workmanship imaginable.

There are displays of completed pieces (one year, they had a car completely covered in beads!), kits for beginners, supplies for experienced beaders – and even glass and torches for making your own glass beads! There is something for every level of experience or interest.

If nothing else, you can buy a great new bead to wear on a silk cord for a beautiful necklace.

The event is a week long, but the first few days are all classes and workshops. The Marketplace is Friday – Sunday, June 11-13, 2010

There are a number of other art and craft shows during the summer. One of the best, the Morning Glory Art Fair, is held in August at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, along the river. The Lakefront Festival of the Arts, in June, has original works by over 150 artists on the grounds of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Both are juried shows with very high quality work.

The Milwaukee Art Museum

The Milwaukee Art Museum may be best known for it’s recent addition, designed by Santiago Calatrava (his first commission in the United States).

The “Brise Soleil” looks like a whale’s tail when open, and closes like the wings of a bird. Inside, the light is incredible, and the hallways connecting the addition to the older building have curved ribs that make you feel like you’re Jonah inside the whale.

It’s a wonderful example of contemporary architecture, but there’s so much more to MAM.

The Milwaukee Art Museum has one of the largest collections of Haitian art in the country, plus impressive collections of folk art, contemporary American art, and Old Masters. You’ll find Picasso and Georgia O’Keefe, Monet and Warhol.

Plus, it’s right on the lakefront – both the Calatrava addition and the older, War Memorial building have great views of Lake Michigan.

Come to Milwaukee any weekend this summer – there will be something fun for everyone every week!

Author: Judy Christensen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Home Solar

Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Butterfly. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Maria Carey’s most impressive releases ever.

Overall Butterfly is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Maria Carey’s best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Pop music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 5 – Fourth Of July, track 9 – Whenever You Call, and track 12 – Outside

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Honey. Outstanding!

Butterfly Release Notes:

Maria Carey originally released Butterfly on September 16, 1997 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Honey

2. Butterfly

3. My All

4. Roof, The

5. Fourth Of July

6. Breakdown

7. Babydoll

8. Close My Eyes

9. Whenever You Call

10. Fly Away – (Butterfly Reprise)

11. Beautiful Ones, The

12. Outside

Personnel: Mariah Carey, Mase the Lox, Dru Hill (vocals); Michael Cirro (guitar); Donald Parker (piano, keyboards); Walter Afanasieff (keyboards, synthesizers, programming); Stevie J, Dan Shea, Cory Rooney (keyboards, programming); Peter Scwartz (keyboards); Gary Montoute (Hammond B-3 organ); Artie Reynolds (bass); Nathaniel Townsley (drums); Q-tip (programming); Krayzie Bone, Melonie Daniels, Wish Bone, Mary Ann Tatum, Kelly Price, Trey Lorenz, Clarence (background vocals). Producers include: Sean “Puffy” Combs, Stevie J, Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, David Morales. Engineers include: Dana Jon Chappelle, Rich Travali, Glen Marchese, Mike Scott, David Gleeson. Principally recorded at: The Hit Factory, New York, New York.

Author: Tom Milson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

As Americans today, we believe we are truly free.  We are free to choose how we live, what we say and how we believe. Some of us choose to live as husband and wife and others choose to live in same sex relationships. Others choose not to marry at all and live life alone. Some practice freedom of speech, through radio and TV broadcasts, books and pulpits. And others choose to keep their opinions to themselves. Some choose to worship the moon and stars, idols and Satan. And others choose to worship and follow God. Today we all have the right to vote for our leaders and exercise our political freedoms. Our parents taught us to do as we please, live the way we want (within the law) and be whoever we want to be. The sky is the limit! Right? But even though we have all of these earthly freedoms and have been declared independent, are we really free? Are we truly happy? What does the bible say about being free?

In the book of Exodus, God chose Moses to lead the Israel people out of Egypt as slaves of Pharaoh. They had been slaves for hundreds of years and wanted to be set free. God heard them and decided to answer their prayers. Exodus 6:6-7 says, “Therefore, say to the Israelites: “I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” This scripture resembles the similarities that the people from the American Colonies must have felt when they were held in bondage by Great Britain. They too were freed by God, when they were allowed to legally separate from them in order to practice their religious freedoms. We can also refer to this scripture when African Americans were freed as slaves. They were also held in bondage for over two hundred years by a race of people who wanted to feel superior over them as well. This scripture represents being physically enslaved and freed, but what about our spiritual freedom?

When God created us, he gave us freedom of choice. We can choose to believe in him or not. To sin or not. There is no gray area. To live in sin is to be a slave to sin. When we continue to make bad choices or do evil against others, we choose sin. But when we live for God, we become free from sin and our spirit is renewed. Romans 7:5-6 says, “For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” We can also be free of fear. God didn’t give us the spirit of fear, because we are to trust him with all of our problems, concerns and worries. If we put our faith and full trust in him, without doubt, then he will provide a way out of them. Romans 8:14-15 says, …”because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.” We as people were also created to be free. Those who belong to Jesus Christ, should have released themselves from their sinful passions and desires. If we truly live by the Spirit, we should do what the Spirit requires of us. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we allow the Spirit to control us, we will experience true spiritual freedom. For Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Treating others the way we want to be treated is a great way of showing others love and respect. And believing in God is the only way we can truly be free in this world. Not believing is a form of spiritual slavery and God is the only one who can release the chains. For Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

If we choose not to believe in God, we will remain in confusion, sadness and darkness. This world is a Satanic world. Satan’s job is to keep us enslaved, by not knowing the truth and the eternal life, we can receive through Jesus Christ. But if we only believe and become tired of living un-fulfilling lives, God will truly set us free. We can have a joyful life even in these trying times. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14) Freedom is only received through Jesus Christ. Inviting him into your life, will give you the true independence you are looking for today.

Do you know God? Free yourself today…

Author: Wanda Ball
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Our Congress has deserted us! Like the poor in New Orleans they claim there was nothing they could do they counted heads not enough for a filibuster they lamented,
dang were sorry.
Their comes a time when the table should be overthrown with the cry of no more!
The passengers of the hijacked flight 92 airliner could have formed a subcommittee with a list of recommendations to the hijackers. This was a crisis, they didn’t hold a vote or count heads for they knew unless direct action was taken they would die! Even though there was a very good possibility they would die either way they chose to stand and die to stake a purpose to their last moments of life instead of hiding under the bed like frightened children.

Our government has been hijacked, and our Congressman and Senators meekly explain we counted heads and we just didn’t have the votes. Talk about bringing a knife to a gunfight! This group brings a Jell-O mold to a gunfight! We not talking about the appropriations for national parks, we are talking about the founding principle of modern democracy on earth almost 800 years old, that the King is not above the law. A man has a right to face his accusers and cannot be held without charge. These rights were won at the point of a sword! Do you believe that they could be kept with kind words and platitudes?

This is not a failure of party but a failure of institution, a monumental failure with catastrophic consequences. God Damn you all! To those who voted with the President I say to you, it is not that you are bad Republicans or Democrats for it is not on a political level that you have failed. It is on a moral level you have failed, you are failed human beings and the shame should haunt you the rest of your mortal days and even your children for you have disgraced even your legacy. You are a Judas who sold out the suffering servant of democracy. Not since the Reichstag passed Hitler’s enabling act has their been such an outrageous and odious political performance, your in fine company now!

To those who voted against the President, God Damn you all! You didn’t fight hard enough, you stand there mugging for the cameras shuffling your feet kicking the carpet saying gee wiz we tried! In the dark days of 1940 Churchill concluded one of his speeches “Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar. As the Will of God is in Heaven, even so let it be.” What would it take? If this principle isn’t enough, what would it take to overturn the tables and cry no more! To throw their damn tea into the harbor!

When Moses walked down from Mount Sinai with the tablets of Ten Commandments do you think he checked to see if there was room on the back for corollaries? He was their leader wasn’t he allowed to interpret the law as he saw fit? No, because Moses was an honorable man, if we learn nothing else from Nazi Germany we must remember democracy requires honorable men. The Germans fell prey to the Fuehrer principal,
let the leader decide, he knows what is best for us.

When disreputable people enter government democracy is easy prey, the Nazis never gained a majority vote but through double-dealing and conniving they obtained key posts including Vice Chancellor and control of national elections. They made sure no one tampered with the vote by having a Nazi official in the booth with you! Little wonder they had such a low opinion of democracies, they brought knives to gun fights. The Reichstag passed the Enabling act to give the leader freedom of action from a supposed internal threat. Do you think the act was passed to provide security for what had already happened? Or what was it passed for what going to happen!

I have heard the crap the President is seeking to protect himself and his administration from war crimes charges. Bullshit I’ll ask again! Your looking through the wrong side of the binoculars, do you think the act was passed to provide security for what had already happened? Or was it passed for what going to happen? The Patriot act defines the term enemy combatants Patriot 2 redefined it. When the Presidents pen touches parchment it’s redefined again to mean any one he says. The Fuehrer principal is alive and well. Think about that for a moment and then ask yourself what is worth fighting for? The plans are already on the board for Halliburton supplied camps. The ship won’t right it’s self it’s passed the tipping point.

If we look to history tyranny is always overthrown, eventually. Either by war or the death of the tyrant that my friends is the good news. The bad news is it almost always follows complete collapse, Napoleons France Czarist Russia, Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia and the Eastern Block or Argentina. Maybe not in our lifetime or perhaps I should say our expected lifetime. History shows us only two roads back military defeat and or bloody revolution. Our own American Revolution is due in part to mental illness in England’s highest office why do we think we ourselves immune? History’s is like a song the verse may change but the chorus is always the same

We are not the first to have had our government hijacked but we may be the last. The madmen want their wars and won’t be dissuaded. Like children on the fourth of July the want to shoot off the big rockets, they wanted to put conventional warheads on ICBM’s
They’ve grown bored with the other toys and besides they’ve broken most of them.
To those monarchist who prononce “You just hate George Bush!” I proudly say Your God Damn right I do! Every American who loves and cherishes what this country is supposed to be will say the same thing. I’m tried of arguing with morons, if they were to put Charles Manson in a Santa suit they’d say you just hate Christmas don’t you! Charles Manson is the opposite of what Santa is supposed to be and Bush is the opposite of what the President of the United States is supposed to be.

What would George Washington say of this? His idol was Cincinatus, or Lincoln? His idol was Socrates, so he feared much about the death of democracy. Thomas Jefferson expected this and predicted it, in his genius of being a dreamer yet well grounded gave us the answer not at the end of the debate but at it’s inception, you cannot accept only parts of the ideals set forth in the document it must be accepted in total

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security.

They abuse you because they don’t respect you and they will continue to abuse you because they don’t fear you!

Author: David Cox
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Yes! That delightful fairy like dress consisting of yards and yards of colorful tulle that has numerous flounces, is the dream dress of every little princess on birthdays, Halloween and Christmas or any time in between. These sweet little dress and skirts are perfect to get that baby portrait done in or just to go for a picnic. There has been a recent spike in the demand for tutus and numerous web sites have come up that not only sell handmade tutus but some of them also teach how to make a delightful tutu for your diva or princess.

Though the history of tutus goes back to the 18th century when they were created to give an airy look to the ballet dancers, fleeting across the stage, there are tutus for every occasion. Though people generally associate tutus with babies, there is one for all ages. The toddlers look cute in the short ones while the older girls like having a longer tutu to twirl in. In the recent years, quite a few of the celebrity kids have been photographed in tutus making it even more popular. In the recent past, Huge Jackman’s daughter was seen wearing a tutu while at American Idol, Paula Abdul came dressed in a tutu.

Not only has the increasing celebrity interest in tutus led to a special demand but most of the tutus are loved by the girls as they can be modified into a special dress as per their requirement. Unlike party dresses that are priced high, tutus are available in a wide range of colors and prices to suit individual requirements and budget. Ranging from $20 to over $90, tutus lend a grace and charm to wedding flower girls, on birthdays, Christmas, religious services, Kwanzaa, graduations, weddings and holiday specials such as 4th of July tutu or Halloween tutu that are created keeping the theme colors in picture.

Most of the online sites and regular tutus stores that sell tutus also have in stock fairy wands, complementing head bands and other accessories to give that extra designer look to each tutu dress. With changing styles and demands of all ages, tutus are not only available in short and classic styles but are also available in tutu dress that has a satin ribbon halter neck and is longer than the usual tutu. So, suit your taste, your diva’s demands and get that sought after tutu designed in vibrant colors to make your little princess look special in the party or for that portrait photograph.

Author: Melissa A Jones
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Writer: Stephen Belber (adapted from his own stage play).

Starring: Ethan Hawke (Vince), Robert Sean Leonard (Jon Salter), Uma Thurman (Amy Randall)

What a tiny little gem! Just 3 characters and a single hotel room brewed into a fantastic moral thriller that keeps you riveted at the edge of your seat for an hour and twenty four minutes. That’s quite a feat.

Yes, it’s all talking heads, as is the case with all scripts adapted from stage plays. But Ethan Hawke (at the time married to Uma Thurman in real life) brings an electrifying suspense to the script with his no-holds-barred acting.

And what’s more, Robert Sean Leonard keeps up with Hawke at the same level of competence. In the traditional blow-by-blow boxing broadcasts they often use the phrase “pound for pound.” In this unexpected surprise of an adult drama, Leonard similarly matches Hawk “beat by beat” to produce a delicious dramatic feast.

Add to this solid brew Uma Thurman, in one her probably most dramatic appearances. When she joins the duo, the suspense is ratcheted up to an even higher level. Lovely Uma, whom I was sick and tired of watching in all those Tarantino-inflicted bimbo-with-a-sword roles, is unleashed in this film to prove all her artistic bona fides and boy, does she deliver!

“Tape” proves that, in this day and age of $50-to100 million dollar films, you do not really need bank-busting special effects and production values to turn out an engaging dramatic work. But then perhaps it’s also not easy to find a script with the kind of scathing high-voltage dialog that Stephen Belber came up with. Top notch writing blossoms into 4th of July fireworks in the hands of a good director and three solid gold actors.

Story in a nutshell: Vince-the-Loser proves that his high school friend Jon-the-Achiever has got nothing over him when it comes to moral rectitude, and their mutual high school girlfriend (turned Deputy DA) Amy couldn’t agree more.

Rent this perfect little movie and enjoy the exhilaration of an art work crafted just right. An enthusiastic 9 out of 10.

Author: Ugur Akinci
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Looked at from the vantage point of the year 2006, and having seen many other Vietnam movies like Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket since 1986, I now realize that this is still one of the tamer and straight-forward examples of the genre. This still stands comfortably on its legs as an ensemble piece with its moments and works well as an indictment of a massive letdown in which the grunts trying to do their assigned duties in the death-infested swamps of Vietnam were perhaps the last ones to blame.

The film, shot in the forbidding jungles of Philippines, boasts a high-powered cast including Tom Berenger (as SSgt. Bob Barnes), Willem Dafoe (Sgt. Elias Grodin), an 18 year old Charlie Sheen (Pvt. Chris Taylor), Johnny Depp (Pvt. Gator Lerner), Forest Whitaker (Big Harold), Francisco Quinn (son of the great Anthony Quinn, as Rhah), to name a few.

Writing by Oliver Stone (who won the screenwriting Oscar in 1978 for his Midnight Express as well as another Best Director Oscar in 1989 for Born on the Fourth of July) is well paced, preserving a good rhythm between scenes of carnage and reflection. The dialogs are crisp and realistic.

The voiceover provided by the main character Chris Taylor is without an equal because it addresses Taylor’s grandmother. I thought that was such a poignant touch for a young private lost in the world, who does not even have a girlfriend yet, to take refuge in the wisdom of his grandmother while all hell is breaking loose around him.

The plot, unfolding from the view-point of Pvt. Taylor, actually does not have too much meat in it. This movie shines on character and setting, on predicament and context, rather than on clever plot twists and turns. It can be summarized as one long story of a platoon either engaging the Viet Cong in the slug and snake infected jungle swamps, often under tropic rain, or getting stoned out of their minds to suspend the harrowing reality for an hour or two.

When the two top dogs of the platoon, the over-the-edge nihilistic Ssgt. Barnes and Sgt. Elias who can still rely on his conscience and basic moral values, clash heads, they divide the platoon into two bickering factions. The result of such infighting and accumulating resentment is not pretty.

The metaphysical horror of war has been exposed with more dramatic authority by one-of-a-kind movies like Apocalypse Now. Platoon does not go that deep but it is still a bona fide Vietnam War movie that should be on every movie fan’s must-see list.

An 8 out of 10.

—————————————-

Author: Ugur Akinci
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Asian Heritage Celebration

The second weekend in May is Asian Heritage Celebration at Cleveland Civic Hall. This is a two day celebration that is part of Asian Heritage Month that occurs every May in the city. This cultural event celebrates Asian contributions to Cleveland society as well as features dancing and entertainment. There is no admission fee for this event and it is great for the entire family.

American Golden Idol

You have heard of American Idol, well now meet American Golden Idol. This is a talent show that takes place at the Capitol Theater the third Saturday in May and features Seniors who want to entertain the crowds. Cleveland seniors ages 55 and older are welcome to enter this competition that is on its third year in the city.

American Day

This is a unique celebration that takes place in the Progressive Park that celebrates not only Flag Day, but the birthday of the US Army as well as is intended as a celebration for all of those who became nationalized citizens in that year. This holiday takes place the second weekend in June of every year and commemorates with Flag Day.

Independence Day

July 4th is a special day in Cleveland as it is throughout the United States. There is a large parade as well as fireworks displays, food vendors and carnivals to celebrate the independence of the United States. Anyone who lives in Cleveland or who wants to celebrate this special day can join in the fun.

Puerto Rican Parade

The third Saturday of July spells the Puerto Rican Parade. Cleveland is home to many of those of Puerto Rican descent and dance, music and entertainment is all part of the lavish Puerto Rican Day celebration that takes place in the form of this parade every year.

Labor Day Parade

The end of summer features another fun parade down the streets of downtown Cleveland. The Labor Day Parade is for both young and old alike – anyone can enter to be part of the fun. There is a kid’s parade as well as a more structured parade during the route. Say goodbye to summer at the Cleveland Labor Day Parade.

Patriot Day Remembrance Day

Every September 11th, a special ceremony takes place at City Hall to remember those fallen on September 11, 2001. This is a somber event but one of great significance and a historic lesson for all.

Christmas Story House Days

See the location of the actual house that was used to film the beloved Holiday classic, A Christmas Story. This is located in Downtown Cleveland and is now a museum dedicated to the film. It is open all year long, but has special hours during the months of November and December. This is one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

Author: Joe Deacon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rate

The narrative opens when the Technical Director of the CIA, Mike Benson, is informed by a doctoral candidate of a mysterious signal that has been detected from a listening scan of the night sky.

After some speculation, it is deduced that a Russian satellite, (given the name Ivan), is a remnant from the last century and seems to be calling somebody. However, it is not known who, how or why? In addition, it is believed that there is a timer set to go off once a year on the fourth of July, only over the continental USA, and in the hydrogen wavelength.

Due to the Soviet’s practice of secrecy and their total absence of confessing to any shortcomings, you never knew when their space ventures succeeded or failed. Could it be the unthinkable that Ivan was one of their failures? That a Russian cosmonaut was used as fodder for their space experimentations and is dead in orbit?

Meanwhile, as the plot unfolds, the United Nations is presented with a resolution pertaining to theOpen Lands Treaty, whereby all nations would vote to eliminate nuclear weapons. If passed, it would mean that each nation would consent to having inspectors on its own soil in order to confirm that the treaty is honored. The Russians are appalled at such a requirement and refuse to go along with the proposal stating that it would be placing spies in their midst.

This now sets the stage for the USA to try and prove that the Russians are in fact trying to hide something and that one of their cosmonauts has been lost in space. Once this is accomplished, the Russians will come back and sign the treaty.
One of America’s leading astronauts, Distinguished Service Award winner, Adam MacGregor along with his side kick Tim Carver are called upon to seize and retrieve Ivan and bring it back to earth. Perhaps, they will even succeed in showing evidence that it contains a dead cosmonaut?

The Russians are apprised as to what is transpiring through information they obtained from a mole they have placed within the American space agency. All hell breaks loose and they accuse the Americans of piracy and imperialistic interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

All of this leads to some some extremely dangerous shenanigans between the Russians and the Americans. There is also the possibility that Russian astronauts have been left in hibernation-like states, known as suspended animation, as is sometimes depicted in science fiction films.

This is a gripping novel narrated with great verve, as its sweeps its readers into the world of space research and adventure.

As the pieces slowly fall into place, readers realize that there is much more to this novel than just recovering a lost Russian spaceship. Working several threads within the principal plot, Boyle provokes a great deal of thought and speculation pertaining to space research and what if scenarios. However, from time to time the excessive use of technical jargon, as well as the questionable relevance of some of the scenes, particularly between McGregor and the Russian astronaut Ylena, somewhat hinders the pace of the narrative.

Notwithstanding this shortcoming, the novel still leaves us sated, yet desiring more. It is a thriller that delivers a great deal of action, but perhaps, to those of us who are not very knowledgeable about space, little plausibility-nonetheless we love the suspense!

Author: Norm Goldman
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