Christmas Edition 2019

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF EC PUBLISHING, LLC

32 WHAT’S INSIDE? Christmas Rush Decoding Christmas Rush Shoppers’ Techniques Away from Scammers 45 Christmas Potluck Give that Potluck a try with your friends and family 62 ...andmore! Books for Christmas Nourish your mind with books to wonder this season

Christmas EDITION DECEMBER2019

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019 GRANDMA KRAZY As a teacher, foster parent, Cub Scout leader, and mother of nine, Kathy Blomquist/Grandma Krazy has always loved storytime, especially those written in rhyme.

ed R iamond D

978197016376

$ 4.99

42 pages

Weapon unleashed, humans and all creatures turned into red eyes. is is a tale of a queen named Moon. She becomes a warrior and protector of Red Diamond. Her destiny is to follow her father's footsteps and defeat evil using her unlikely supernatural power. Red Diamond is also a story about friendship and using the power of your consciousness tomanifest your desires.

IFC CAROLA JOTHI

Carola Jothi My name is Carola Jothi. Born in India. I lived in the beautiful home of Pinacho family. Since the day I walked into their lives, it changedmy life to a better andHappy life. I told my family about this little voice inside me that tells me to write a story and they have been supporting me and inspiring me to write a book. When I ënished my ërst book, and I read it, I was surprised, and I can’t believe that I just wrote a book! I never thought I could write a book. I want to thank Jana, Gonzalo, and Maria for letting me into their lives and become a part of the family. For being there for me and for supporting me in my life, my writings and listening tomy story. I love you Jana, Gonzalo, andMaria.

2 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

The volume is one of themost recent in Balestier Press's innovative 'Hearing Others' Voices' series for general readers, and especially for our idealistic youngadults. OUR AMAZING WORLD seen by A scientist A THINKER AN ASTRONOMER ROYAL

Its striking logowas speciallydesigned for the series in2018by Rob Janoff, the celebrateddesigner of the famous Apple logo.

More informationabout the series at https://www.balestier.com/category/ hearing-others-voices/

Martin Rees, previously President of the renowned Royal Society and currently Astronomer Royal of Great Br itain, is an internationally recognised cosmologist andastrophysicist. M A R T I N R E E S

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

DAVID CAMPBELL CALLENDER

David Campbell Callender, a name inspired by and in memory of the British gifted anthropologist RuthFinnegan’s Irishgrandfather, withassistance fromDrMTAgozzino.

GRASS MIRACLE FROM THE EARTH

206 pages $ 25.70 9781911221586

We see grasses everyday, tread on it, maybe touch, smell, or even plant it. But howmany of us noticed its beauty - let alone appreciate its amazingpresence and resilience and theway it somehowholds our planet together?Grasses is everywhere.

This beautifully illustrated book, engaging and readable, gives us the full picture. It tells us of the marvelously complex evolution of grass, the incredible number of species (did you know that bamboo and sugar-cane are forms of grass, and that three kinds of grass makeup themajor foodof humans and thegrazing ('grass'-eating) of innumerable animals?), leadingus into some appreciationof the abiding necessity of grass for humanity, for nature and for the arts. It has a place in folklore too, and in poetry. This book is a perfect gift and treasureone canever have.

P R E F A C E

I haveno ideahow I startedwriting this bookbut I'mglad I didandhope youwill be too.

It's true that I'd been walking on grass and seeing it and touching it just about every day of my life. But I had just never thought about writing a book about it— and appreciating its presence, about how it is everywhere, grows back whatever you do, delights us—even in a way holds our beautiful planet together, a foundation for nature andart andhumanity. 3Once I started writing about the Grass, I couldn't stop. Grass, that humble weed, is amazing. Its evolution is fascinating—not 'simple' at all as I'd thought—and covers hundreds of different species, including (could you have guessed?) bamboo and sugarcane, andwe couldn't live or feed ourselves without it. And then there is all the art and symbolismand poetry around grass in the imagination of our thoughts. Where could it have come from, this miraculous part of earthly life? We may never learn the answer to thatmystery, but at leastwe can track someof its adventures.

I hope youenjoy reading this story asmuchaswehavebothenjoyeddiscovering it.

4 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

F O R E W O R D

When I think of grass, I think of parks, pasture and football pitches. I don't think of rice �elds, bambooor sugarcane. I don't think of clothing, furnitureor beer.This bookhas openedmy eyes toanewwayof lookingat grass.

Anextraordinary family ofmore than10,000grass species, it canbe tracedback some 50million years. It is a family found in rain forests, deserts andmountains, fromtheAntarctic to the Sahara. It is a family onwhichmost of theworld's populationdepends for amajor portionof its diet: some 70%of agricultural crops aregrasses. In an easy-to-read, well-informed style, DavidCampbell Callender introduces the reader to theworld of grass, and its uses from agriculture tomedicine, cooking to construction; its associationwithmythology, symbolismand the arts; its importance toour wellbeingandwell just somuchmore. After reading this book, I amquite sure that next time you eat a bucket of popcorn, or chop up a piece of lemon grass for aThai curry, youwill stop just for amoment and contemplate on one of themost extraordinary plant families on the planet—and the signi�canceof the colour green. I know I will. Hilary Macmillan Consultant Head of Communications Vincent Wildlife Trust

H E A R I N G OT H E R S ' V O I C E S

Taking a bite out of the apple: a graphic designers tale, Rob Janoff, Apple logo creator (also available in Chinese) Time for the world to learn from Africa, Ruth Finnegan FBA, anthropologist, Emeritus Professor, The Open University, UK High days and holy days: voices of the Christian west, Arthur Hawes, theologian, Emeritus Archdeacon, Lincoln Cathedral From blank canvas to garment: a creative journey of discovery, Marella Campagna, fashion designer Listen world! Evelyn Glennie, the world's premier solo percussionist (Japanese translation forthcoming) Native American knowledge systems, Clara-Sue Kidsell, historian of science, University of North Carolina Façonner la parole en Afrique de l'Ouest / Voices of West Africa (bilingual edition), Cécile Leguy, linguistic anthropologist, New Sorbonne University, Paris Hunter gatherers, Alan Barnard FBA, Professor of the Anthropology of Southern Africa, University of Edinburgh Grass: miracle from the earth, David Campbell Callender, Irish naturalist For peace: voices of protest and aspiration, edited by Ruth Finnegan FBA, anthropologist Decisions, decisions, decisions, with compassion and love: voice from the headteacher's study, Neil James, head teacher Being a poet, being an Archbishop, being human, Rowan Williams FBA, writer, poet, theologian, former Archbishop of Canterbury Einstein's theory of relativity, a concise account for general readers, H.A.Lorentz, close colleague of Einstein's Our amazing world, seen by a scientist, a thinker, an Astronomer Royal, Martin Rees, FRS, astrophysicist Mind how you go: mental health, mind, body or spirit? Arthur Hawes, theologian and mental health worker, EmeritusArchdeacon, Lincoln Cathedral Becoming an artist-priest: impossible? Rev Ernesto Lozada Uzuriaga, Peruvian painter and British church minster. A Vietnamese boat refugee, a doctor, a singer - and a Lieutenant Colonel, Dr Thao Nguyen, General Practitioner Being a pastry cook, a restaurant owner, an immigrant, and more, Stefan Rinke, Austrian chef, Carinthia Konditerei, Auckland. Your amazing body - what you didn't know, Ani Vardanian. physiotherapist The story of the horse, Basil Tozer

‘Many further titles will follow in 2020 and subsequent years, some with translations into Chinese and other world languages’

If we had a keen vision of all that is ordinary in human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow or the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of that roar which is the other side of silence.

To us also, through every star, through every blade of grass, is not God made visible if we will open our minds and our eyes.

Thomas Carlyle

George Eliot

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

Christmas EDITION DECEMBER2019

EC MAGAZINE The Official Magazine of EC Publishing, LLC

ETHEL LEACH Managing Director GENER ZAFRA Project Manager

ALEX ROSS Marketing Fulfillment Manager

ZOEY COLLINS Marketing Fulfillment Manager

GLADYS STARR Content Writer

MATT Graphic Designer/Artist

DINO Graphic Designer/Artist

BERT Graphic Artist/Illustrator

BOB EPub Designer

6 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

Angus Kennedy

Angus Kennedy, debuted in 2012 with Two Tickets to Dubrovnik, a novel centered on an Australian wine writer. Without resting on his laurels, Kennedy immediately returned with the second installment of his Out of Solitude tetralogy with AView from the Languedoc. �e following year, the author draws the reader further into his web with ToĻe East. Finally unveiling the last book of the gripping Out of Solitude tetralogy, Kennedy throws the biggest hurdle to his protagonist in the pages of Ļe Final Programme. Set in different unforgettable countries and scenic locations around three continents,Kennedy’s intriguing novels will draw readers into a memorable saga that follows the evolution of themain character’s professional and personal life. www.anguskennedybooks.com

DUBROVNIK TWO TICKETS TO

A VIEW from the LANGUEDOC

127 pages $ 12.99 9781469176864

193 pages $ 19.35 9781483671451

To The East

The Final Programme

188 pages $ 24.19 9781499017106

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019 160 pages $ 16.12 9781514494981

CONTENTS

12 editor’s note Spark Joy 10 contributors Meet the people behind this issue 14 trends What’s In and Latest 22 christmas wishlist All We Want for the Yuletide Season 28 feature That Time When True Love is Little 31 christmas stories Christmas Rush, Let the Story Sleigh, Christmas Potluck, Party Games, Books for Christmas, and Gift Giving 40 coverstory Grandma Krazy 72 events Happenings in the past months and what’s to come 78 last page About EC Publishing

Christmas EDITION DECEMBER2019

8 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

A N N C O V E L L

OTHER THE ANGEL

300 pages $ 16.95 9781641829144

AD ABOUT THE BOOK

A dramatic, startling tale of how four young people from diverse backgrounds, each with their aspirations and values, become unlikely though örm friends. Their disparate lives intertwined before the U.S. Civil War splits them up. The Gettysburg aftermath brings them back together. It is an exciting story, ölled with breath-taking scenarios of plots, war, and espionage, as well as romance and pathos. The story will resonate with readers as it unfolds toanemotion-charged conclusion thatwill invoke their empathy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Covell has an extensive career in the British Health Service management, but she still önds time to write articles of public interest for local newspapers and magazines, as well as publishing articles in health journals. She was also appointed as a Justice of Peace in the U.K. and served in that capacity for over 20 years. Ann and her husband John, a dental surgeon, retired to the Costa de Sol in Southern Spain, where she became the editor of a magazine for the Marbella Decorative and Fine Arts Society. While living in Spain, she also became a Chairman of the local Conservatives Abroad, and it was there that she wrote her örst book “Remembering the Ladies,” - a collection of short commentaries on the lives of the 19th Century U.S. First Ladies. This was followed by a short biography of the beautiful but ill-fated 14th First Lady, Jane Pierce. It was Ann’s husband, John, who persuaded her to write her örst novel - “The Other Angel.” Sadly, he passed away before she had completed it. Ann has dedicated the book to his memory.While she has no children of her own, Ann is happy tobe a step-mumtoher husband’s daughters.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

CONTRIBUTORS

“I spend my holidays with my family & close friends. I always find this opportunity worth celebrating because I get to spend it with the most important people in my life.” ( Kimberly Villamora , Let the Stories Sleigh on Christmas Day )

“I am spending my holidays with family plus doing sideworks. Also, I take time filling our house with Christmas decors for full holiday vibe.” ( Tochie I. Cotejo , Decoding Christmas Rush )

“I spend my holidays with my family because among all the places I’ve been to, there is no place like home.” ( Kaye Febreil Mansueto , Gift Giving during Christmas Day: An Endless Culture )

HOWDO YOUWANT TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS?

“My holidays are complete with my family, our days filled with laughter and our nights spent comfortably watching movies together.” ( Frances Angeline Lu , The Books for Christmas )

“I usually spend the holidays at home. I think it’s the best time to rest and unwind from all the schoolworks.” ( Recka Olasiman , That Time When True Love is Little )

10 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

CHARLES BULLARD

157 pages $ 15.95 9781478796794

ABOUTTHEBOOK

BraceYourself toTake a Journey of a Lifetime

If you are looking for an inspirational story toencourage you through trials and tribulations, then this book is for you.The author takes youonaunique journey hepersonally endured such as extreme trials and tribulations.

From being a proud soldier who served his country to being a believer who had to rely upon his faith to get through some verydifficult times, his life storywill grasp the attentionof the readers frombeginning toend.

CHARLES BUL LARD

Charles J. Bullard is aMinister of the Gospel and born again believer fromMobile, AL. He is the youngest of three children and a proud veteran of the United States Army. He is a Christian author who wants to share the most difficult time of his life to inspire others to trust God and relyuponHimthrough the storms lifemaybring.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE

Spark Joy IS THE SEASON FOR OVERFLOW–THE overflow of food, of company, and of stories. But while it’s time to indulge in all the things that spark joy, it doesn’t mean we have to let ourselves go. While the months of 2019 disappeared faster than the last mince pie of the Christmas spread as December rolls around, it brings a change of weather. This issue is as much a preview of EC’s new direction as it is a reminder to stay mindful as we revel in our celebrations. Evident in “Decoding Christmas Rush” on page 32. On the other note, these issues come with a new T ‘ editor and I am very excited to take on this new role and to continue bringing our community the latest and trends. We can have our cake or enjoy private feasts you can plan on (page 46) or party games (page 56) you can play, we can also give back to those who have given us love this year through carefully chosen gift thru our article on gift-giving (page 49). At the helm of the Yuletide season, we share some Christmas stories (page 31). Likewise, on the cover, this month is Kathy Blomquist, also known as Grandma Krazy. As a teacher, foster parent, Cub Scout leader, and mother of nine, she has always loved storytime, especially those written in rhyme (page 40). But what do you love best about Christmas? The delicious smells of my stubborn Christmas tree, and the frustration of sitting on my living room floor surrounded by awkwardly-cut wrapping paper, a light dusting of glitter on every conceivable surface as I attempt to ‘neatly’ wrap a present for the hundredth time. But ultimately, it’s less about buying presents and more about being present. What we do best comes together as a community, punch in hand, to wave goodbye to yet another year and ring in the new. We hope you find within these pages the inspiration you need this season and here’s to wishing everyone to spark joy.

12 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

Fear, drama, suspense... and hope.

Amid the ruins and chaos left by the SecondWorldWar, a family sets out froma small town inRussia toescape theuncertainty of living under the iron street of Stalin. Their arduous journey takes them through Poland and then Germany, where they hear �rst-hand accounts of the holocaust where millions of Jews and others were exterminated only a few years earlier... and thenon toFrance andEngland. A few years later, the son Simon, and his wife Rose visited Israel after discovered their Jewish roots and heritage. They arrived just in time to experience the dramatic Six Day War when the surroundingArabnations attempted todestroy Israel. You will be left wondering how this family can possibly survive as they �ee to the only home they've ever known. This powerful story is based on the true accounts of friends and strangers that the author haswoven into fascinating�ction. Small Beginnings shows how a life can be turned around and ful�lled... ifwe stopand listen towhat Godhas planned for us. Howdid a young childwho suffered verbal abuse and rejection become a soldier in the army, a top teacher at technical trade school, amissionary to Israel andAfrica and then the director of Christian Friends of Israel inNewZealand? The author knows how it feels to be rejected and forgotten, but he didn't let his tough start in life dictate his future. This hard- to-put-down true story shows how God called a young man anddirectedhis paths. With his belovedwife Penny alongside him, Dennis undertakes adventure after adventure... including delivering a young Arab boy home through the dangerous West Bank, returning in the dead of night! He travelled to many countries including Africa and America to do God's bidding, was called to oversee a vital ministry andpastor a local church. Small Beginnings takes you on an exciting journey of discovery that you will never be truly rejected when you know God and have faith inHis love.

266 pages $ 13.99 9780473477899

Small Beginnings

252 pages $ 13.99 978047340820

Raised on a farm in New Zealand, Dennis could have used his loveless, disadvantaged childhood as an excuse for an unful�lled life. Still, instead, he overcame his feelings of rejection to become a soldier, mechanic, athlete, teacher, familyman, pastor, andmissionary to several countries, including Israel. As a child, he sufferedmuch verbal abuse. As he grew, he started to achieve things that on the surface looked good, but inside he had no self-esteem. At age �fteen, he joined the Army Regular Force Cadets. Before he had graduated to the Regular Force, Dennis became the Head Cadet. His life changed when he met his wife Penny, who was the �rst person in his life that saw something in him and encouraged him in his achievements. Dennis is a former director of Christian Friends of Israel NZ and wrote the award-winningbooks, SMALL BEGINNINGS and JOURNEYTOTHEPROMISEDLAND. Dennis R. Mcleod

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

TRENDS

1. MOLESKINE JOURNAL. Of course, planning is important. Plan your 2020 with Moleskine’s blue journal. With its grand texture of its paper, writing your thoughts is surely satisfying. 2. KLEAN KANTEEN INSULATED. The insulated water bottles are made to eliminate single use plastic with high performance in mind. 3. GUESS JACKET. For an effortlessly cool and casual look, finish your day to day outfit with this Bryaden jacket from Guess—featuring an updated, motorcycle-inspired design. 4. SUPREME SHOULDER BAG. Traditional one of Supreme’s most popular items every season, this Supreme bag doesn’t disappoint. Perfect for any season and any outfit, pick up this bag today and make it a staple for your closet. 5. JIMMY CHOO MAN. This dynamic new wave of Jimmy Choo perfumes is a take on a woody aromatic leathery fragrance fit for the start of the year. Effortless in every way, exude a relaxed confidence and a magnetic attraction evident in the scent.

2020 VISION Pantone just announced Classic Blue as 2020 Color of the Year! How will you bring up your feeling “blue” moments? We mean feeling blue is the new happy.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019 14

DIANE ELLIOTT Diane Elliott's short stories, poetry, and articles have appeared in a variety of publications, including Negative Capability, Grasslands Review, Korone, Late Knocking Yokoi, Writer’s Bar-B-Q, Montana Arts, and Distinctly Montana. The short stories and poems have won awards from the NationalWriters Club and theMontana Institute of Arts, and received the Mary Brennen Clapp Poetry Award. In 1993 the Montana Ballet Company commissioned her to adapt her verse novel, Songs of Bernie Bjorn, for a multimedia production, Impersonating Bernie, which was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Her novel, Strength of Stone, garnered theWilla �nalist award in historical �ction and was short-listed for the 2003William Saroyan Prize for Literature. In 2014 Shattering Porcelain Images, poetry, came out. When Volcanoes wake, poetry, 2016, was an Eric Hoffer Book Award Honoree. Songs of Bernie Bjorn, a novel in verse form, was listed by Kirkus in their Best IndieBooks of 2016. Songs of Bernie Bjorn 134 pages $ 19.95 9780985909451

BLOOD FICTION

299 pages $ 24.95 9781681024974

BUTTERMILK SKIES

178 pages $ 15.95 9780985909475

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

TRENDS

HAVEN SCENT With the demands of our work going tougher, it is needed for us to have a haven where we can loosen our stress and breath easily.

1. HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP. Himalayan Salt Lamps are decorative lights you can buy for your home. They are carved out of pink Himalayan salt and believed to have various health benefits. In fact, advocates of salt lamps believes it can clean the air in your room, soothe allergies, boost your mood, and help you sleep. 2. DIFFUSER. Unlike candles or electric diffusers don’t require any flames, plugs, or batteries. Instead, they use wooden stick to pull the fragrance oil from the bottom. It’s the best way to freshen up your home. 3. YOUNG LIVING HUMDIFIER. Discover pure sensory joy and power of all-natural essential oils and blends. Bring bliss and botanical aromatherapy and pure wellness right in your home. 4.ESSENTIAL OILS. Put the power of complete wellness into your hands through a different line of essential oils, all-natural vitamins, and product solutions designed to help you live a balanced, healthy life.

16 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

An inspirational book that is great for children who loves Unicorn and ballet! The book focuses on never giving up despite of the challenges in life.

9781970160178

$ 4.95

20 pages

Elise is 7 years old from Ocala, Florida. She loves Unicorn and ballet! Like her Facebook page @StorybyElise

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

TRENDS OH! CORAL We bid adieu to the Pantone Color of

the Year 2019, Living Coral, but that doesn’t mean this warm and vibrant hue will be out of style...

1. CORAL + GOLD MINIMALIST BUD VASES Tired of seeing the monotonous four walls of your room? Work piling up and feeling unmotivated in your workspace? Spice up your room or even your workspace with these Coral + Gold Minimalist Bud Vases to splash some color in your room or workspace, keeping your spirits lifted throughout the day and your motivation at its peak. 2. WOVEN WALL HANGING Add color and texture to the bare wall of your house with this stylish and vibrant woven wall hanging. 3. OVERSIZE METAL CAT EYE SUNGLASSES Whether you’re spending the day at the beach in your bikini or shopping at the mall in your white shirt and tattered boyfriend jeans combo, this pair of oversized metal cat eye sunglasses will definitely complete your look. 4. LAURA MERCIER CREME CHEEK COLOUR Get the natural looking blush people dream about with this long lasting cheek color from Laura Mercier. 5. BUTTER LONDON CORAL PATENT Shine Polish In line with the release of 2019’s Pantone Color of the Year, Butter collaborated with Pantone to create this special shade. Make your nails stand out and be the center of attention! 6. VANS OLD SKOOL CORAL SNEAKERS Even if the brand is mostly associated with skaters, this pair of Vans Old Skool in Deep Sea Coral will definitely add some blush to your Insta-worthy street wear OOTD.

18 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

SKILLS OF THE WARRAMUNGA

314 pages $ 21.25 9780648278085

Kindle version also available

ABOUT THE BOOK

Early in 1946, former army officer, Jamie Munro, and his half-Aboriginal friend and colleague, Jack 'Jacko' O'Brien, who head the Commonwealth Investigation Service in Darwin, are called on to assist in the rescue of Colonel John Cook, a senior operativeofMI6, whohas beenkidnappedbybandits and taken into the jungles ofMalaya.

Jamie and Jacko had worked in intelligence operations with Colonel Cook during the desert campaign in North Africa in the SecondWorldWar, as theAfrikaCorps threatenedEgypt.

With Jacko's half-sister, Sarah, a full-bloodAborigine fromTennant Creek, they arrive in Kuala Lumpur to �nd that they not only have to contend with the impenetrable jungle of the Malay peninsula, but also with a murderous and subversive organisation of Fascist criminals whose aim is to disrupt the creation of the Malayan Union by the British Military Authority, set to takeplaceon1st of April 1946, foment anuprising and takeover control of the country.

All the inherent bushcraft skills of the Warramunga are needed to rescue Colonel Cook as well as prevent catastrophic mayhemon theMalayanpeninsula.

This is the thirdbook in theWarramunga trilogy.

Greg Kater

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019 Theprincipal �ctional characters interactwith actual historical �gures andeventswhichhavebeen rigorously researched. The subject of each novel is partly inspiredby the experiences of the author's father during thewar in theMiddle East, and partly by his own experiences in South East Asia and in northern Australia where he worked extensively throughout the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. The principal themes are adventure, friendship, mystery, criminal investigation, romance and skill. Greg Kater is an Australian-based author. He lives in Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, Queensland and has recently retired froma 55-year international career in the resources industry. TheWarramunga'sWar is his �rst work of �ction. He has since written and published twomore books, TheWarramunga's Aftermath of War andSkills of theWarramunga, altogether comprising a trilogy.

D o n G u t t e r i d g e

Lily Fairchild

414 pages $ 19.99 9781970160697

Dr. Shirley Durham

Marriage Better With Time

9781970160635

$ 5.99

72 pages

9781970160178

$ 4.95

20 pages

Ihor Pavlyuk A Flight Ov e r t h e Black Sea

184 pages $ 10.99 9781970160611

20 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

Kalavati Somvanshi, FAIA

GRANDMA KRAZY | KATHY BLOMQUIST

PPaP Practicable Professional Architecture Practice

9781970160550

9781970160567

$ 17.99

96 pages

$ 10.99

30 pages

My Spiritual Journey N A R E S H G U P TA

LAMONT BERSHAWN

EYE’VE STOOD INSIDE THE EYE OF HELL AND REMAINED FEARLESS!

9781970160192

9781970160000

$ 6.99

$ 19.95

56 pages

234 pages

ZerachȜs Awakening N O E L M O R R I S O N

ADVANCE CHESS INFERENTIAL ANALYSIS OF DISTRIBUTIVE COGNITIVE LOGISTICS Siafa B. Neal

336 pages $ 12.21 9781797759579

198 pages $ 58.99 9781970160512

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

FEATURE

CHRISTMAS WISHLIST We’re making a list and checking it twice! Just in time for the holiday season, the EC team shares what’s on top of their wish list this year.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019 22

T h e DNR T r i l o g y

DON W. HILL, M.D.

Volume I: Backing the Wrong Primate

D. Brewster was the youngest member of his medical school class and one of the few accepted into the dual-training MD/PhD program. Sadly, his promising career went permanently off the rails when he became a lightning rod for a series of tragic anddehumanizingeventswhich causedBrewster to spiral downward into an ever-deepeningquagmireofmoral decay that also enveloped everyone around him. Years later when Brewster �nally becomes the last man standing in a previously orchestrated act of vigilante justice, he re�ects on whether or not what he had done was truly a righteous and justi�able act. That judgment would have to be surrendered for others to decide as Brewster is compelled to take up pen andpaper to record in shockingdetail the evil darkness that overwhelmedhimandhis colleagues somany years ago. 400 pages $ 24.99 9781480858251

Volume II: NO GOOD DEED

J. D. Brewster is a bright medical student whose promising career is teetering on the edge of disaster. After the head nurse on the medical/surgical unit dies from complications of injuries sustained in a vicious botched carjacking attempt, Brewster becomes demoralized. Sadly, the one person who tried to protect him from the dangerous pitfalls of the arduous clinical clerkship rotationswas nowgone. Forced to abandon his scienti�c research projects through no fault of his own, Brewster �nds himself in a no-win situation as the pervasive culture of the Gulf Coast College of Medicine and University Hospital is brutal and unforgiving toward medical students. As a consequence to unrelenting and dehumanizing emotional abuse, Brewster and his colleagues become not only callous and largely indifferent to human suffering, but also cruel and fully capable of dispensing retribution when perceived appropriate. The occult "clinical justice" system hidden within the bowels of the university turned out to be much more than just an unsubstantiated rumor whispered amongst the naïve medical students and members of the medical staff. The system of vigilante lawandorder has become fullymanifest, and it is indeed a frighteningentity tobehold. Brewster is nowevolving into an avenger whowillingly participates inwhat he believes to be righteously sanctioned punishment dispensed to thosewho violate the laws that constitute the very fabric of social order.

In this continuing tale, a young student at the Texas Medical Center in Houston is confronted with the intertwining world of healthcare and thedark andevil forces lurkingwithin the encroaching shadows ofmoral decay.

9781480867406

$ 28.99

468 pages

Volume III: CLINICAL JUSTICE Adeeply �awed individual, J. D. Brewster was afflictedwith chronic, intrusive, dark and violent thoughts that alienated the medical student from not only his colleagues, but also from everyone he had ever known. His life was already disintegrating when he somehow miraculously survived a murder attempt that sadly left him with not only serious permanent physical injuries, but alsowitha seethinghatredandanall-consuming compulsion to seek revenge. Engrossed in the brutal and dehumanizing clinical clerkship rotations, Brewster spirals downward into an ever- deepening quagmire of moral despair. Upon the death of his �ancé, worsening spiritual isolation propels Brewster to embrace the secret clinical justice systemthatwas hidingamongst the shadows at theGulf Coast CollegeofMedicine. After successfully recruiting several other grievously traumatized victims of violent crimes, Brewster successfully orchestrates a shocking act of vigilante retribution within the very halls of an institution that was auspiciously dedicated to the art ofmedical care.

In this �nal installment of amedical thriller trilogy, a dispiritedmedical student is willing to sacri�ce a promising career to become a vigilante, but in the end, hemust eventually face the truthas his life comes full circle.

9781480867307

$ 33.99

510 pages

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

WISHLIST

SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLD “I love big screens and this one comes with it flawlessly. And I really think it functions well

APPLE AIRPODS 2 “It would definitely be an apple airpods 2 because I am a music lover and it would allow me to listen to all my favorite tracks on the go.” -Bobby John Terce

for business.” -Ethel Leach

CLIFFSIDE HOUSE “I would always dream this perfect view where I could see the city or the sea right from my own suspended balcony.” -Gener Zafra

POLAROID CAMERA “What I want for Christmas is a polaroid camera since I love taking photos and I’m planning to travel a lot in 2020! It’s perfect for digital nomads’ lifestyle.” -Gladys Starr

24 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

9781970160567

$ 10.99

30 pages

Big Bear Fair is a book that has fun with words and homophones. It increases young vocabulary and reading comprehension. The book comes with a vocabulary page so you can go over the definitions of the new words, then have the kids watch for the words in the story as it is read.

Big Bear Fair is about a boy looking out the window while mom is very busy on the computer. He tries to tell momwhat he sees. He sees bears in pairs and bears that should share their pears. Abare bear and a debonair bear. He wonders why all those bears are out there. Is momhearing him? The story will bring smiles to both child and adult reader.

The plot of Big Bear Fair is so adorable. The book teaches through child-like imagination. The characters are believable…The theme of this book is children's education through the use of rhyming vocabulary and is perfect for home and school libraries. Reviewed By Leiann Lynn Rose Spontaneo for Readers' Favorite The illustrations are bright, colorful and full of life as they show exactly what each page of the story describes. The BigBear Fair is theperfect book for early readers. Reviewed By Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite This is the type of story that children will not only love to read but likely memorize as well. . I can imagine children wanting to go off and develop rhyming games and stories of their own, using their imaginations to create fun- �lledadventures like this one. By Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite RECOMMENDED

GRANDMA KRAZY | KATHY BLOMQUIST

Kathy Barnett Blomquist was given the name Grandma Krazy by one of her 14 grandchildren. Shewas born in Salt Lake City Utah, but has lived in several states across the Country. She is currently living in Southern California. Grandma Krazy works with children in many different capacities. Foster parent, teacher and Cub Scout leader to name a few. She has nine children. Two of whom were adopted from foster care. Her philosophy is to teach children in ways where they are having so much fun they don’t realize they are actually learning something.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

WISHLIST

LS2 HELMET “A new LS2 motorcycle helmet. I hope to replace my 5-year old LS2 helmet although this has saved my life for so many times already.” -Dino Almocera

CLUTCH PENCIL “I want a new clutch pencil since mine is already broken.” -Hilbert Bermejo

NIKE WHITE MID SOCKS “I’d like a pair of nike white mid socks with a simple logo on it! I haven’t had

any socks from nike ever.” -Matt Archieval Alasagas

HONDA CLICK 150 MATTE RED “I want my own motorcycle so I won’t have to borrow my dad’s anymore. And if it comes with a chick, then I’ll consider it a christmas bonus.” -Kharl Holganza

MALTESE PUP “I would love to have a maltese pup! It’s super cute.” -Zoey Collins

26 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

Grandma Krazy | Kathy Blomquist

When one of my grandkids calledme Grandma Krazy everyone decided it was a good �t and it became my new name. As Kathy Barnett Blomquist, I look at my family andmy life and I have toagree. GrandmaKrazy �tsme. I have 9 children, 14 grandchildren and over 100 children I have fostered. Two of my childrenwere adopted from foster care. I havewillingly lived in the chaos of kids in trauma, kids with addictions and mental illnesses, kids who lie and steal and have food issues. I have dealt with police, principals, caseworkers, therapists, child services, juvenile justice centers and courts. Hardest of all was thedeathof two children.

I did thisonpurpose. Somaybe I amKrazy……orAmI?

Muchbigger than the chaos is the joy the kids have broughtme. I am so blessed to have them inmy life. The childrenwho havemoved on to adulthood, bio and foster, are amazing parents, successful citizens and successful in their careers. Some are still in college and some are still at homebut they are all doinggood things. I get to be part of this. I get to watch them grow and blossom, succeed and fail and try again. I watch them being great parents. I get to hear their own sweet children call me Grandma Krazy! Those sweet little voices saying I love you, grandma. Then there are the bigger voices who call me mom. Some are biologically mine. Some are legally mine. Some have become mine by choice. There is nothing more rewarding or wonderful than hearing them call me mom. I love and am very proud of all of my kids and grandkids no matter howtheybecamemine.

Krazy?Krazy likea fox, perhaps!

I have fond memories of when I was a young child �lled with the wonder and merriment of the Christmas season. My father was a popular DJ. From the news room he would get insights of where Santa was and when he would be in our area. My siblings and I bubbled over in excitement that kept us awake all night. Around 5amwe couldwait no longer.Wewere sure our parents had enough sleep by then. After opening our gifts we would gather with friends and go from home to home to see what Santa had brought. Then it was off to my grandma's for Christmas breakfast. Santa usually left something there for us as well. We were never sure of this because each year my grandfather would wait up for Santa so he could tackle him to the ground and shave off his beard. Every year the �rst thingwe sawwas Santa's beard hangingon the door. Thatmay have something todowithbeingabit on theKrazy side .Whoknows?

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

WHEN TRUE LOVE That Time is Little by RECKA OLASIMAN FEATURE

28 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

not be a race but rather an experience to savor. But on that day, he finishes eating the spaghetti in no more than 10 minutes. He stands up and offers his seat to his mother. Mother says that it’s okay. But her legs want to give up for walking from the mall to their house. She has spent more than what she planned and ended up walking home. But on that day, she is not tired. She gives the chair to father. Father smiles and gently settles mother down. He says that he isn’t hungry yet. But his stomach is rumbling. He forgot to eat lunch because of the excitement that his eldest child is coming home and eating dinner with the whole family. But on that day, he eats after mother. It’s that time of year again when the biggest emotion – love – is revealed in small ways. Like how the king is born as a little child on the first Christmas. Families show love in ways that are too small that they are sometimes not known. EC

has once heard her mother and father talking about how her older sister hasn’t eaten properly abroad. The eldest says that she does not like spaghetti. But she looks forward to birthdays because of the It’s that time of year again when the biggest emotion – love – is revealed in small ways. Like how the king is born as a little child on the first Christmas. spaghetti. It is her younger brother’s favorite too. But on that day, spaghetti is not her favorite. She moves the bowl nearer her brother. The teenage boy eats fast. But he usually takes an hour to finish his meal. He believes that eating should

E WISH YOU A MERRY Christmas.” It’s that time of year again when

all the seats in the dining room are taken. The people whom mother and father are waiting have finally arrived. The hardworking eldest and the busy younger ones eat together. Saying that they are not hungry, mother and father eat later. But they have not eaten anything for the past five hours. Mother is buying the ingredients and cooking. Father is preparing the dining room. But on that day, they do not take any of the three chairs. Watching their children eating on the same table, they lean on the sink. The youngest eats little. But she loves food very much. She loves big occasions because big occasions mean many foods. But on that day, she claims to be on a diet without knowing what it really means. She eats only one cup of rice and one piece of fried chicken. She

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

ALEX GALL

Shoeshine and newspaper boy, Cub and Boy Scout, Mechanical Engineer and Army soldier, Test Director of Army non-ordnance equipment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Section chief, 28 years of test technicians and engineers, Pilot program, ArmyManagement Staff Collegewith over 3200 class hours onmany topics. Presently retiredandvegetating. AlexGall is the jackof all trades.

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30 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

CHRISTMAS STORIES As the Yuletide season in full swing, EC tackles on different Christmas stories that we can reflect on.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

DECODING CHRISTMAS RUSH Shoppers’ Techniques Away from Scammers FEATURE

E ARE NOW ON THE last Ber-month of the year where all the holiday talks are focused on how your savings is graciously spent for your special loved ones. Admit it, since October, you have been striking malls and wholesale shops in hopes of low prices on items worth wrapping. Getting overwhelmed with W the waving Christmas Holiday Sales is an understatement as most of the businesses posted their sales across multiple digital channels for the Christmas shopping season. As these are ‘fun’ holidays for those who are gift lovers for a deal, there are plenty of scams that would unfortunately get the best of you if you

by TOCHIE I. COTEJO

theft scam. Without triple check, your leniency in providing your signature or contact information, whether it’s online or in-person, could take your-oh-so- thought discount away. 2. Collect pricing information to get a grasp of the ideal market price. Sometimes, there are some malls that would increase the amount of some items and even double up the actual worth during Christmas season. You’ll never know it but you could be victimized while your eyes are wide open! It always pays to be meticulous with the pricing details even before the rush sales crash our ways.

are a reckless, trigger-happy shopper. Here are the hacks a Christmas Rush Shopper needed to be wary about while conquering the sales rush. 1. Check legitimate sources for Christmas deals. You often see how emails and texts with catchy deals are rampant these days. Be extra cautious as it is the high time for the culprits of phishing scams to get people’s private information. Be reminded that there are websites which would try their best to look legitimate just to earn and get the best out of you. Make sure to verify details before purchasing. You might think that you can save if you avail discounts and free things; however, these are the vulnerable moments where you can be a victim of identity

3) Watch for suspended price- matching system and return policy.

32 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

5. Scrutinize products for missing parts. With people rushing back and forth for the holiday sale, make sure to check thoroughly the products for these might have missing parts. Missing legs and eyes for toys; missing handles and buttons for bags and many more missing parts that cannot be seen in one glance. You might think that you took an item for a bargain but, you just actually paid for the worth of its low quality as they might not last until the year round. Low quality products could be chosen by shoppers who quickly scan items then buy. Many businesses would try their best to make a substantial financial commitment in additional resources to handle the festive activity.

The shopping light is now on green and you might come rushing to the fastest speed that you can to get the best deal - however, the vast array of goods hoarded in malls would turn into pile of useless items at home when it is not well thought of. No matter how rush we could get for the sales rush this Christmas, it is the thought of gift- giving that counts. Let us not forget that in selecting items, the price could have its true worth when you take that extra E - effort. So, the next time you click or manually select, think about your purchase not only twice but many times. No matter how rush you could get, becoming extra cautious still saves your day for better, great deals. What are some of the hacks you practice? EC

Before making any purchases, make sure to check thoroughly the items for there are some stores that would intentionally change their matching system and return policy due to the long queue hours during Christmas Rush Sale. Being on your boots and running the alley of the malls could get you the item the lowest price but quality might be sacrificed. 4. Read the fine exclusions before heading to the counter. Review the labels of the products and verify their inclusions on the promos for the rush sale. There are times that the numbers in your price tags were not deducted in the system’s price. You might end up regretting for you have not read between the lines.

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

FEATURE

CHRISTMAS DAY Let the stories sleigh on by KIMBERLY VILLAMORA

296 pages $ 15.95 9781626525511 Chronicles of intrigue, folly, and laughter in the global workplace Jas

Travel, humor, romance, diverse cultures, and a fascinating career - Jas is amemoir unlike anyother.

Jas Singh is a globetrotting health and safety expert whose implausible journey from a dusty village in Northern India to the pinnacle of the consulting profession is a story of inspiration, sadness, intrigue, joy, romance, and a fair bit of wonder. These stories are remarkable reøections on his life andexperiences.

34 EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

into lovely clothes and dance around the hallway. She kissed the tip of nose and said that if I were a thing in this world, she would call me a fir tree. She said the fir tree wanted to grow so tall that it forgot to savor its time beneath the earth. She took me in her arms and gently kissed my temple saying that my growth might be inevitable, but the way I lived it I could control. Sulking one cold evening, I did not play with my cousins under the newly-lit Christmas tree. My presents were messy on the floor. Father came and sweetly me. He carried me and told me about one evening when St. Nicholas wrote a naughty and nice list of all the children. He said every Christmas Eve,he would come down from our fire place and give his gifts as we were all in slumber. My father said, “St. Nicholas must have seen you were nice this year that is why he secretly crept on our furnace and gave you these gifts.” My eyes sparkled. I must have been good; clearly I must have been to receive such presents on Christmas Eve. And then, I sulked no more. My father made me feel better. Now that I am old enough, Christmas carols and gifts still excite me. I can jump for receiving such gifts I have wished for the season and cheer with my family as we celebrate Christmas in a cold night. But what I look forward every Christmas is not the snowing glow of the streets or the sumptuous food that I eat, or St. Nicholas to drop by and greet. It is always heart-warming to ride to an adventurous night as we all sit near our chimney, read, and hear stories for Christmas day. Let it snow, let it sleigh! EC

HEY SAY SPACESHIPS TAKE you outside the universe

his rose was red or why he looks so different from the other reindeers. He said he was made special so Santa could recognize him on his sleigh and his red nose would make him extra funnier. I giggled when he said that and bid him farewell when it was time for him to climb back the chimney. My eyes sparked with glitters as my grand mama sat on her chair. When grandmama spoke of the Grinch, I shrieked and hid on my sheets. I jumped so fast when I heard its name to hide my presents. She lovingly smiled at me and made me sit on her lap. She said, “the Grinch was not

where everything was vast and clear. It feels boundless with all the stars that gleam beyond the emptiness of the dark blue sky. I heard ships set people on voyages towards the endless oceans of blue. I was told there were planes which could take me to far places which names no one was sure of neither knowing nor pronouncing. I was taught that a foot or two could step on the porch of our house and leave trails to directions which brought people to a journey of fun and

It is always heart-warming to ride to an adventurous night as we all sit near our chimney, read, and hear stories for Christmas day.

excitement. That was how I was taught. To me, an adventure was never beyond the walls outside my doors nor within fare tickets and passports. There was too much to explore when my grandparents set this imagination all. There was so much fantasy and magic which was unraveled from parchments of bundled papers my grandpapa held. I remembered how my grandpapa told us about Rudolph. We met the funny-looking reindeer on the furnace when I was 5 years old. He said ‘hi’ in his most unusual way and twitched his red nose when I waved hello. Rudolph was funny, but he whispered to me how he likes being funny. I childishly asked him why

so bad, it only wanted Christmas. “ I realized how much the Grinch hated Christmas but loved it ironically. I did not meet the Grinch, but I sure would have wanted to. It might not have a present now, so I thought of giving mine away. It would have liked it anyway, wouldn’t it? My mother, while combing my hair, flew with me on a carpet ride above the ordinary. She wrapped me on her lap and she babied no matter how big I was. She showered me kisses and warmth on cold winter days when we waited for father to arrive home from work. I told her that I am no longer a baby; that one day, that I would be taller than her and dressed

EC Magazine | Christmas Edition 2019

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