Criticised by some for a lack of originality in writing style, a failure to achieve consistent tone, and especially its inherent racism and refusal to take a firm stance against slavery, the novel was neverthless a smashing success. The story is one of struggle, growth and survival in harsh physical and emotional circumstances. Scarlett O’Hara especially is a fascinating character, beginning as a spoiled, entitled, wealthy girl unaware of her own privilege, and growing up quickly throughout the novel as she endures indescribable tests of faith and mettle in the form of war, death, loss, hunger, rejection, tragedy, and the general shock of the transition from untold wealth and servant slaves to going hungry and having to fend and work for herself and others.

Even in the midst of her darkest hours (of which there are many, throughout the novel’s dramatic 1000+ pages), Scarlett is fierce, brave, manipulative, dramatic and scheming. While she displays courage and resilience under fire, she never learns the lessons of humility, real kindness or authenticity, instead consistently plotting ways to better her own station and turn situations to her advantage. With her desperation and driven determination towards her own ends, Scarlett O’Hara remains, a full 75 years after her initial debut in the world of fiction, one of literature’s most lasting and notable drama queens.

With May 2011 marking the 75th anniversary of the book’s debut, there are numerous editions available for collectors and readers alike. True first edition, first printing copies in good condition or better can easily fetch four figures and up, with Mitchell’s signature, intact dustjacket, and fine or better condition sending prices into the five figures.

By Beth Carswell

Source: www.abebooks.co.uk

Falling in love in Italy, the official title of the 19th Lavazza Calendar, a statement that Lavazza has been proudly promoting for years, thanks to a succession of international photographers asked to give their personal, unique interpretations of the “Belpaese”.

Following on the great values of Italy depicted in Annie Leibovitz’ edition in 2009, and the theme of famous Italian songs interpreted by Miles Aldridge in 2010, it is Mark Seliger, the famous American celebrity photographer, who has been asked to immortalise the essence of Italianess.

Seliger’s work has been displayed in museums and galleries all over the world, and he is best known for his creative shots that transform real life into art.

The topic of “Amore” — more specifically, falling in love in Italy, is one of those original, unusual themes that are challenging for a photographer but can also bring out his personality and style.

Lavazza has once again chosen to talk about Italian style because, in Italy, as it says in the Calendar, “perhaps there’s something in the air that ignites passion. Or maybe it’s the beauty of the scenery and the architecture which naturally arouses that most noble of sentiments: love.”

In the shots taken for 2011, Seliger captures the romantic, sensual mood of a lovers’ meeting: the symbolic, aesthetic beauty of falling in love in a country where everything is art — especially through the eyes of a couple in love, or a talented photographer.

Seliger portrays love in an immediate, playful way, experimenting with classic Italian landscapes, making humour an atmosphere that can be felt in every shot, through an immediate photographic style that is universally comprehensible.

Through his lens, Seliger reveals the secrets of that timeless image of Italy as the country of love, where beauty, art, nature and history influence and invade our consciousness, leading us almost inevitably towards feelings of love. Six different
stories told in a humorous or surreal way, marked out by time: “six intimate moments involving him, her and coffee.”

A Tuscan landscape, the high waters of Venice, Romeo and Juliet’s balcony, the Faraglioni of Capri, a magical Florentine garden, a love story in Naples, the perfect backdrop, adding rhythm and harmony to Seliger’s pictorial tale where the artistic suggestions blend with that quality so typical of an American photographer: a talent for using photographs to capture the mood, and in this case the sensuality, of a particular situation.

“Being a photographer is also about being able to stretch yourself, to make a situation credible, so you can show the connection between people,” explains Mark Seliger. “It’s about making up a story and then telling it, you have to make it real. What made me fall in love with Italy was the ‘combination’ of people, there’s a certain quality of life that makes Italy truly unique.”

Among the models portrayed in the 2011 Calendar, one couple stood out: the American actress Olivia Wilde and her husband, film director Tao Ruspoli, stars of the Capri picture.

“How can you not fall in love with Italy? I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with Italy after visiting it — comments the actress — whether because of the architecture, the people, or even just the food, it’s impossible not to love this country,” she commented on set.

Olivia felt particularly at ease being photographed holding a cup of steaming coffee because, in her own words, “another reason why I love Italy is its coffee culture. Having married an Italian now I’m even more selective. On the set of Dr. House I asked for a little espresso machine. Initially, they made fun of me but I said to myself ‘they’ll thank me in the end!’. Now every member of the cast starts the day with one of my espressos.”

Get your Lavazza products from Amazon here:

People have been mixing savory ingredients with alcohol as long as we have been drinking alcohol. Writers from the 17th century, including John Locke and Samuel Pepys frequently imbibed and wrote about savory infused ales. It turns out that mixing sweet and savory in food and beverage is not a new idea.

Around the world today, high-end lounges are serving a variety of “carnivorous cocktails.” The best mixologists are like chefs behind the bar and they don’t want to be limited to standard fruit-flavored infusions. These bartenders have found that the savory aspect of bacon makes a great dominant profile in a cocktail like a Bakon martini with a blue cheese-stuffed olive. But it can also take the back seat, with bacon’s smoky flavor subtly enhancing the taste in a concoction like a Chocolate Martini.

The makers of Bakon Vodka started out testing various infusions in their kitchen in the fall of 2007. They wanted to do it right, to create a premium-quality vodka that you’d enjoy drinking. To match an infusion, they tested recipes for over two years, finally landing at the one true “Bakon Vodka”.

They start with a superior quality potato vodka. Distilled in Idaho from potatoes, it is smooth, slightly sweet with the well-rounded flavor that you only get from a quality potato distillation, with no strong burn or aftertaste. Their vodka is column-distilled using a single heating process that doesn’t “bruise” the alcohol like the multiple heating cycles needed to make a typical pot-still vodka. Getting the perfect savory bacon flavor took them a while to get right too. They wanted it to have the essence of a delicious crisp slice of peppered-bacon.

Try it for yourself and see if you agree. Here are a selection of recipes:

Bakon Mary
• 1½ oz. Bakon Vodka in a pint glass filled with ice.
• Fill glass with tomato juice
• 1 dash each of celery salt and ground black pepper
• 2-4 dashes each of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco
• 1/8 tsp. horseradish

Shake and pour into a salt rimmed pint glass. Garnish with a celery stalk and your
favorite pickled vegetables.

Bakon Chocolate Martini
• 1 part Bakon Vodka
• 1 part chocolate liqueur
• A splash of cream

Combine in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain and pour into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.

The Elvis Presley
• 1 part Bakon Vodka
• ½ part hazelnut liqueur
• ½ part banana liqueur
• splash of cream

Shake with ice and served like a Martini -or- strained into a shot glass.
Created by Scott Marx from Rock Bottom Brewery in Bellevue, WA.

And finally, you may want to eat something to soak up all this alcohol:

Bakon Vodka Marinated Steak (Serves 6)
• 1/3 cup Bakon Vodka
• 1 tablespoon sea salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, crushed
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• A slice of beef cut from the top of the rump, about an inch thick or 24 ounces
Combine marinade ingredients and put into a closed container with the beef, making sure to evenly coat with herbs. Marinate for 3 hours at room temperature. Or for superior results, marinate for 1 to 3 days in the refrigerator before cooking.

Cook to preferred temperature, and enjoy.

Madonna commented, “Lola’s influences, you know, watching films, watching music videos – she pays attention to what’s going on in the street and what people are wearing, and she’s much more fashion forward and savvy than I am at this point!”

A teaser ad campaign will break on June 29, 2010 and will offer a hint of the celebrity muse for the launch of “Material Girl.” Madonna and Lola picked the muse who will appear in the multi-platform marketing campaign launching the first week of August,

Material Girl mixes hard and soft elements, like a tutu dress and studded combat boots, or an oversized boyfriend sweatshirt with a floral print mini skirt. Inspired and designed by the duo, “Material Girl” will also launch in multiple categories including footwear, handbags and jewelry and will be available exclusively in approximately 200 Macy’s stores and online at www.macys.com.

“We mix and match textures and fabrics and elements that are both masculine and feminine. It’s not complicated. It’s dressing in layers. It’s not looking like you took too much time thinking about what you’re wearing,” says Madonna.

Visit http://www.macys.com/materialgirl or the “Material Girl” Facebook and Twitter pages to see more exciting imagery and behind the scenes videos featuring our Material Girl, along with Lola’s blog on what’s hot in fashion and a sweepstakes for a chance to meet Madonna at Macy’s Herald Square in September.

“My favorite new beauty product isn’t stored in the bathroom cabinet or toiletry case, but rather on my bed. It’s a Beauty Silkz silk pillowcase that contains natural proteins and amino acids so that it actually moisturizes my skin and hair while I sleep. Takes zero effort and I wake up feeling rested, smooth, and silky.“

So says actress Mischa Barton about Beauty Silkz – the only charmuse silk pillowcase that sells 2 cases for $19.99, created by Karen Barber who produces with Pulp Fiction’s Lawrence Bender’s company, and actress Ashley Jones from “True Blood.

“Beauty Silkz pillowcase is made from 100% silk charmeuse. The only beauty secret that helps you wake up without sleep lines and creases,” Ashley Jones, Inventor.

In a Participant Study:
71% had smoother skin & hair
72% felt cooler while sleeping
74% preferred Beauty Silkz vs woven fabric
88% would recommend to family & friends

Sounds incredible!

Watch the video here:

You can check out the site at www.beautysilkz.com.

Here are some facts for you from makers Mark One Foods:
Candwich sandwiches are the perfect food for people on the go.
Candwich sandwiches have unique packaging that offers protection and a long shelf life.
Candwich sandwiches are convenient with an easy open pop top.
Candwich sandwiches come in peanut butter and grape jelly, with other flavors to be introduced throughout the fall of 2010.

And for those of you wanting more specific info:
Size: 24 oz can
Weight: approx. 6 ozs
Shelf life/freshness: minimum of 1 year
Refrigeration: none
In package: white bread, 1 oz of jelly, 1oz of peanut butter, and a piece of laffy taffy
Calories: approximately 450 calories

Candwich sandwiches are sold in a single can for $2.99, four-pack for $9.99 or a case of 12 for $24.99.

For those of you thinking wedding or birthday catering, volume pricing can be supplied upon request. Just be sure none of your guests have a peanut allergy!









This video will explain further:

Stoli, the visionary brand responsible for many “firsts” that have shaped the industry — the first imported Russian vodka to the US, first vodka brand to launch a line of flavored vodkas, the first to introduce luxury vodka — is now connecting with other mavericks in a campaign that is sure to be both thought- and smile-provoking.

With this premise, the campaign’s print ads and commercials are humorous and irreverent yet thoughtful and inspirational, challenging the consumer to ponder how they measure up – Are you daring enough? Are you an original? Are you experiencing and living your life in an authentic, interesting way? Are you someone you’d want to share a Stoli with?

In other words (or these exact ones), Would You Have a Drink With You? Print ads and TV spots broke nationally on May 24 and will run into 2011 featuring multiple celebrities who represent a spirit of originality, people who, like the brand itself, are ground-breakers in their field, passionate and driven to excel.

“With the launch of this new campaign, Stoli recognizes originality, creativity and passion in a call to action to the consumer,” said Andrey Skurikhin, partner at SPI Group, brand owner. “Stoli has a history of venturing into unchartered territory and the new campaign will spotlight real originals, people who take chances without asking for permission. Hugh Hefner exemplifies these shared qualities with Stoli and is the perfect individual to kickoff our new campaign.”

In a fitting move, Stoli’s first ads highlight Hugh Hefner, a true original. Conceptualized by advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, commercials were directed by Bryan Buckley and include 30-second and 15-second spots. Set in the legendary Playboy Mansion, the commercials feature Hefner seated at a bar having a drink with himself via split screen, revealing a few things the average consumer may not necessarily be able to discover via a Wikipedia bio.

The tag line is: “The most original people deserve the most original vodka. Stoli. Lead On.”

Though Hefner’s story has become somewhat of a bunny tale, Would You Have a Drink with You? is sure to serve as a reminder of the trails he has blazed.

In addition to breaking sexual taboos with the launch of Playboy, Hefner also campaigned for civil rights and free speech and put blacklisted and black American performers on his “Playboy After Dark” and “Playboy’s Penthouse” TV shows at a time when such appearances were rare on national TV. Hefner not only broke the color line in his clubs and TV shows, he also campaigned against censorship.

“I’ve always tried to live my life on my own terms, with sophistication and style, and this Stoli campaign reflects those same beliefs,” said Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. “I was intrigued by the concept of having a drink with myself, and I’m very pleased with the final results. I think fans will get a kick out of the spots.”

Furthering the brand’s relationship with Hugh Hefner and Playboy, Stoli will release a limited edition bottle of Stoli Ohranj featuring the iconic Playboy bunny logo. This offering will be available beginning in October 2010.

In addition, Stoli recently sponsored the 2010 Playboy Playmate of The Year Awards that were held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Stoli, with its rich heritage as a pioneering brand, looks forward to bringing the Would You Have A Drink With You? campaign to life for our consumers and trade alike via events, sponsorships, and on- and off-premise programs,” said Lisa Pfenning, Category Director – Stolichnaya Vodka, William Grant & Sons USA.

“We are excited to see how Stoli fans across the country react and interact with this exciting program and the dynamic personalities we present, whose own pioneering spirits perfectly mirror that of the Stolichnaya brand,”
The “Lead On” spirit of originality, which connects all facets of the campaign, is also seen in the brand’s ongoing commitment to the film industry.

As a Signature Sponsor of the recent Tribeca Film Festival, Stoli sponsored four after-parties and also bestowed the first-ever Stoli Film Pioneer Award to filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, (The Wrestler, The Fountain and Requiem for a Dream) celebrating his visionary career at an event at The Tribeca Grand on April 26th.

Exclusively for the festival, Stoli premiered a witty “Silence Your Cellphone” trailer with Hefner that played prior to screenings.

In addition, Stoli continues to launch innovative and new flavors including the recently launched Stoli White Pomegranik, the first vodka naturally flavored with the rare white varietal of the fruit. Stoli print ads and online banners for their flavored vodka portfolio, which also launches in May, urge consumers to “Live a life of flavor. Stoli. Lead On.”

About Stolichnaya
Stolichnaya is a premium Russian vodka, known for its award winning flavor, impeccable clarity and sleek, sensual undertones. Long considered a trailblazer in the vodka industry, Stolichnaya is a brand constantly on the verge.

Stolichnaya was the first imported Russian vodka, the first to launch flavored line extensions and one of the first to debut a super-premium offering.

The Stolichnaya portfolio includes Stolichnaya Red, Stolichnaya Blue, the super-premium Stolichnaya Gold and the ultra-premium elit by Stolichnaya. Stolichnaya’s naturally flavored vodka portfolio currently includes White Pomegranik, Ohranj, Blueberi, Razberi, Vanil, Citros, Cranberi, Peachik, Strasberi, Blakberi and Gala Applik.

Watch the ad here:

Here’s another featuring actress Julia Stiles:

Source: PRNewswire

Nick knows how important good diabetes management is and one of the ways he spreads that message is through his partnership with Bayer Diabetes Care.

“One of the things we’ve been so impressed with is how much people with diabetes are doing for their communities,” said Nick. “Bayer and I hope that through this contest we can call attention to them and thank people with diabetes who support and inspire others, whether it be through volunteering or fundraising.”

Since Bayer Diabetes Care and Nick joined forces in 2008 they have worked together to encourage people with diabetes to achieve Simple Wins, or small, everyday victories.

One of Nick’s Simple Wins is being able to give back to people with diabetes, which he does through The Jonas Brothers Change for the Children Foundation.

A new contest, “Give Back. Simply Win.” sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care will shine a spotlight on people with diabetes who are making a difference in their local communities.

Three grand prize winners will meet international singing sensation Nick Jonas and Bayer will donate $5,000 to three not-for-profit charitable causes, one selected by each winner.

For more information on the official rules and regulations, grand prize information and contest submission guidelines, visit www.NicksSimpleWins.com.

Nick uses Bayer’s new CONTOUR® USB meter and is a paid spokesperson for Bayer Diabetes Care. Nick shares his personal experiences with diabetes on www.NicksSimpleWins.com where he writes blog posts of his latest activities.

Watch Nick’s ad for the Contour USB here:

“I have six sisters and two beautiful daughters—that’s eight women who mean the world to me,” says Huffman. “I support the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Lee National Denim Day because they fund programs that are making huge strides in breast cancer research and support. When everyone donates $5 each, we are able to raise millions in a single day. It’s about coming together to find a solution.”

Huffman, whose character Lynnette Scavo has battled cancer on the show, will appear in a new public service campaign that encourages people to wear their jeans on Friday, October 8, in exchange for a $5 donation to support crucial breast cancer research and support services.

Starting today, groups and individuals can sign up to participate by visiting denimday.com or by calling 1.800.521.5533.

The program provides a free participation kit to those who request it which includes educational materials about breast cancer and supplies to coordinate Denim Day amongst a group of friends, family, or co-workers.

Money raised through the campaign will help the Women’s Cancer Programs of EIF to fund:
o Lee Translational Laboratories, a collaboration of six of the nation’s leading research institutions to find less toxic, more effective treatments.

The EIF Breast Biomarker Discovery Project, a multi-year effort led by world-class scientists to develop a blood test for earlier detection of breast cancer when survival rates are the highest.

The Cancer Support Community, an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer in communities nationwide.

“We’re so happy to have Felicity on board this year,” said Liz Cahill, VP of Marketing and Communications for Lee Jeans. “She is such a passionate supporter for our work with the Women’s Cancer Programs of EIF and our new partnership with Cancer Support Community.

This year, Denim Day donations will not only help to fund valuable research initiatives; they’ll also help support cancer patients and their families, which is an incredibly important part of fighting this disease.”

Since its inception in 1996, the program has raised more than $80 million to fight breast cancer.

To learn more and hear a personal message from Felicity, visit Denimday.com.

A brand committed to the community, Lee Jeans founded Lee National Denim Day®, one of the largest single-day fundraisers for breast cancer.

About EIF and its Women’s Cancer Programs
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues.

Through its Women’s Cancer Programs, the Entertainment Industry Foundation is committed to saving lives by raising awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and reproductive cancers, providing funds to advance treatment research, early detection methods, and supporting community programs that assist the millions of women and their families at risk of or affected by cancer.

EIF has a remarkable track record in raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. EIF’s funding strategy is results-driven, bringing together some of the very best scientists and institutions in the country to collaborate in groundbreaking research projects to fast-track better prevention methods and improved therapies for treatment of breast and other women’s cancers.

EIF grants have helped accelerate research that has contributed to the development of a breakthrough gene treatment called Herceptin®, the first successful drug that seeks out a particular gene found in one of three cases of the most aggressive form of breast cancer. EIF grants have also supported other state-of-the-art therapies bringing new and innovative treatment approaches to breast cancer worldwide.

For questions about EIF’s Women’s Cancer Programs and information about breast cancer, visit eifoundation.org or call 800-426-0010.

About Cancer Support Community
Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community offers these services to all people affected by cancer.

Likely the largest professionally-led network of cancer support worldwide, the organization delivers a comprehensive menu of personalized and essential services. Because no cancer care plan is complete without emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community has a vibrant network of community-based centers and online services run by trained and licensed professionals. For more information, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org.

In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community. The combined organization provides high-quality psychological and social support through a network of nearly 50 local affiliates, more than 100 satellite locations and online.