The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest nationwide organization of blind Americans and the leading advocate for access to digital information by the blind, commented today on the renewal of a ruling from the Librarian of Congress that allows the circumvention of digital rights management (DRM) technology by blind people seeking equal access to e-books.  The ruling states that one of the circumstances in which circumvention of technology that limits access to copyrighted works is not a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is: "literary works distributed in e-book format when all existing e-book editions of the work (including digital text editions made available by authorized entities) contain access controls that prevent the enabling either of the book's read-aloud function or of screen readers that render the text into a specialized format."

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind commends the Librarian of Congress for recognizing the right of blind Americans to obtain equal access to the information contained in digital books.  It is the position of the National Federation of the Blind that blind people have the right to access content for which they have paid or which they have otherwise legally obtained, just like all other readers.  We are pleased that the Librarian of Congress sees matters in the same way.  The e-book industry, however, has largely failed to recognize our rights.  The Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook, Sony Reader, and other e-book reading devices and applications still remain inaccessible to us, and we have yet to see accessible e-book readers and content from those who have promised them.  At this time, Apple products that can access the company's iBooks are the only mainstream e-book devices accessible to blind readers.  The National Federation of the Blind will continue to use every means at our disposal to secure the right of blind Americans to access the same books at the same time and at the same price as all other consumers.  We will stand for nothing less."

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. 

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind

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One of the most anticipated books of the year has just been released: the new novel from Arturo Perez-Reverte, "El asedio" (The Siege) ―an ambitious, literary work that, in the words of the author "includes the best of my previous novels." In one of the most intriguing aspects of the story, the city of Cadiz, has been converted into an actual chess board, and the novel's many characters move in a dangerous game of chess.

The novel's story line is set in Cadiz, from 1811 to 1812, during the French siege in the War for Independence. And although the book is historical, it also presents multiple characters and dramatic narratives that converge in an adventure story, a romance, a detective novel, and espionage. It's also a story that's extraordinarily contemporary. "The historical aspect is only the hook, or basis, for the riddles, intellectual puzzles, and action--with characters that are thrilling, life-like, and adventurous. All this is compiled in a solid and well-told story," affirms the author.

"When I read the last line on the final page, all I could think was, 'What a novel Perez-Reverte has written!' I'm in awe of his ability to entertain and challenge readers with every new novel," explains Pilar Reyes, editorial director for Alfaguara in Spain. "When we began working on the campaign to launch "El asedio" I told Arturo that we have to call this the novel that 'has it all.' He wouldn't let me. But I still think that he has succeeded in creating the ultimate novel and that's what we have to talk about. Now all of you can read it, and I'm certain that you'll agree that Arturo has really out done himself this time.

Arturo Perez-Reverte (Cartagena, Spain, 1951) with over 15 million copies sold worldwide is considered Spain's most read author. His works have been translated to 34 languages, and four of his novels have been adapted to cinema. He was a war reporter for 21 years, and in February 2003, he was inducted into the prestigious Real Academia Espanola. He is the author, among others, of: "El husar," "El maestro de esgrima," "La tabla de Flandes," "El club Dumas," "Territorio Comanche," "La piel del tambor," "La carta esferica," "La Reina del Sur," "El pintor de batallas," "Cabo Trafalgar," "Un dia de colera" and also of the historic series "Las aventuras del capitan Alatriste," which was made into a major motion picture starting Viggo Mortensen.

You may find Arturo Perez-Reverte on the web:

New web page: http://www.perezreverte.com

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/perezreverte

Twitter: http://twitter.com/perezreverte

"El asedio" is now available at your nearest bookstore in the US and Puerto Rico.

SANTILLANA AUTHORIZES THE REPRINT OF THIS TEXT FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE BOOK.

SOURCE Santillana Publishing Co.

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http://www.perezreverte.com

TheBookPatch.com uses state of the art technology to build a unique and free platform for writers to create, edit, publish and sell their books in one seamless process.

The new website offers members (membership is free) a complete set of tools letting writers log on to their book from any computer in the world with an internet connection and write. The built in word processor complements writing alone, collaboration or co-authoring regardless of geographical boundaries. The program supports multiple story lines and exclusive applications for creating a cast of characters, storing author's notes and chapter outlines and more.

The website has a built in social network, forums and, professional assistance.

Once a book is ready for print, TheBookPatch.com provides a built in cover design wizard and printing at a push of a button directly from the site. There are no set up fees or royalty sharing. The author retains 100% copyright and can order as little as a single copy. TheBookPatch printing price is unparalleled and declines with every additional copy even if ordered one at a time. Authors can update and make changes to their books with no additional charges and retain the previous editions discounts. An average book price for a 200 page book with a full color cover will run between $5.50 and $16 on the average.  \TheBookPatch also offers an online book store where authors can sell their books and collect the profit while TheBookPatch retains only the printing cost.

"By making the website free to use I want to encourage educators to take advantage of this great tool for their students in this time of economic crunch."

Victor Ostrovsky CEO TheBookPatch.com

TheBookPatch.com went off the Beta version July 2010 and already boasts more than 500 book projects in writing mostly from the U.S. but others from as far away as Australia, Saudi Arabia and more. TheBookPatch.com is about to release a Business version and one for screen writers both will also be free to use.

SOURCE TheBookPatch.com

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DQE, the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company, is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive broadcast agreement with Thailand based Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS) for the animated 52X11' 3D TV series titled "The Jungle Book".

TPBS is a public broadcasting service in Thailand and is the country's first public TV station. It commenced broadcasting in 2008, and focuses mainly on children's programmes, news and documentaries during prime time hours.

Under the terms of this agreement , TBPS has exclusive free television rights to broadcast the 52 episodes of this animated series of The Jungle Book in both Thai and in English in Thailand for a period of three years. The Jungle Book has already been sold in160 countries around the world for broadcasting as well as licensing and distribution and several other strategic deals are currently under negotiation worldwide and are expected to be signed soon.

Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman and CEO of DQE said:

"It's fantastic to have Thai Public Broadcasting Service on board for an iconic property such as The Jungle Book. We are sure that Jungle Book will be hugely popular globally and especially in Thailand once the series starts broadcasting in early 2011. Thailand's love for elephants and animals is legendary and Jungle Book is very close to this philosophy. 3D high definition Jungle Book in its new high quality visuals and story telling avatar will win the hearts of kids and parents alike in Thailand, "The Land Of Smiles".

Our partnership with TPBS with The Jungle Book has started brilliantly and we hope to continue it on other properties in times to come"

Jaranya Kengtawikarn (Joy), Manager of Foreign Programme Acquisition Department, Thai Public Broadcasting Service said:

"The legendary tale of Mowgli is an all time hit with all Thais and now The Jungle Book is coming back with a new touch, magical tale and new excitement in 3D animation. Kids will learn and be enlightened through the story that is full of knowledge and adventure.

However, this isn't just an ordinary entertained animation, but is an exchanging of thoughts, experiences, and new ideas in a field of children's animation. It's a privilege to gather this valuable source as a public broadcaster that plays a major role in society as media which promotes goodness to our audiences. All in all, The Jungle Book is the master piece of high international quality animation from India, our neighbour from south Asia."

Description of The Jungle Book:

The series tell stories of the man-cub 'Mowgli' raised in the Indian jungles by a pack of wolves. Drama, excitement and adventure mixed with a high element of comedy tell tales of how Mowgli lives and survives in the jungle, where his only companions are animals. His adventures reflect his daredevil, fearless, high-spirited and fun-loving escapades. He is helped by Baloo the wise bear, his best friend Bagheera the black panther and (sometimes!) mighty Kaa, the rock python. Mowgli learns to overcome adversity and make progress in his life by using his quick wit and natural curiosity, with his constantly optimistic outlook on life. This is very challenging for the little man-cub with an evil enemy like Shere Khan, the royal Bengal tiger on the prowl.

Mowgli's adventures open out in the lush magnificent tropical forest of Seeonee amidst splendid Indian royal forts, temples, waterfalls and the Waingunga river. Throughout the series many species of animal characters from the Kipling stories add flavour to the drama, comedy and action, bringing out excellent animation and quality storytelling.

Trailer available for viewing: http://www.youtube.com/user/DQEnt

Company Web Site : http://www.dqentertainment.com

About DQE:

DQE is one of the leading producers of animation, visual effects, game art and live action entertainment content for the global media and entertainment industry. DQE has produced/co-produced and distributed iconic brands such as Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, second season of Large Family, third season of Mickey Mouse Club House, First and Second Season of Madagascar TV Series and Fanboy & Chum-chum for Nickelodeon, USA and is now co-producing properties like The Little Prince and Little Nick with major international broadcasters and producers. DQE has a library of over 400 hours of international programs for distribution and licensing globally for TV, home entertainment, merchandising and publishing.

DQE's home grown production in Hi-end 3D, 'The Jungle Book' is in production as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature in co-production with international majors including TF1 and Moonscoop , France, ZDF Group, Germany and is to be released world-wide in 2010. Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series is in development in co-operation with international broadcasters, while several Indian IPs like Mysteries & Feluda, Omkar, Balkand I, II and III with International Broadcasters have had a successful run.

DQE is also developing a series of animated short films for television in collaboration with French production companies Method Animation and MK2. DQE, Method Animation and MK2 announced the production and worldwide distribution and exploitation of an animated version of 104 six-minute episodes inspired by the legendary film icon Charlie Chaplin's Hollywood films.

DQE has received several international awards including an EMMY for Tutenstein TV series, 11 Emmy nominations, The UK Broadcast Awards 2010, Sichuan TV Festival International "Gold Panda" Awards, Cartoons on the Bay awards, The E & Y Entrepreneur of the Year - 2009 India Award and many others.

DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo. With a workforce of approx 3500 permanent employees DQE has a global client - partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Group, Universal Pictures, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, , BBC Group, M6/ France TV Group / TF-1 - leading broadcasting and Distribution groups from France, ZDF TV and ZDF Enterprises - leading Distributors/ broadcaster and global distributor from Germany, ABC Australia, Al Jazeera - Arabic nations, Disney Channels - Asia, Cartoon Network Group and many more world-wide.

    Contact

    DQ Entertainment International
    Sumedha Saraogi
    sumedha@dqentertainment.com
    Tel: +91-40-2355-3726-27

    DQ Entertainment International
    P.R.Vishnu
    vishnu@dqentertainment.com
    Tel: +91-40-2355-3726-27

SOURCE DQ Entertainment

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New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak returns with WHITE HEAT (MIRA Books, August 2010, $7.99 U.S./$9.99 CAN.), the first book in a new back-to-back trilogy.  WHITE HEAT will be followed by BODY HEAT (September 2010) and KILLER HEAT (October 2010).

Nate Ferrentino and Rachel Jessop are operatives for Department 6, a private security company, and they're going undercover to expose a new and dangerous cult. This group has taken up residence in the Arizona desert, in a ghost town called Paradise. Members worship at the feet -- and in the bed -- of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff. On his orders, they tried to stone a woman to death. And they're implicated in the disappearance of a teenage girl.

To expose the Church of the Covenant, with its arcane rituals and debauched practices, Nate and Rachel must pretend to be married. That's the only way they can get in -- but being Nate's "wife" is the last thing Rachel wants. She and Nate have a one-night history that's just an embarrassment to her now.

But they don't have a choice. Wycliff has to be stopped.

WHITE HEAT is available wherever books are sold, and at www.MIRABooks.com.

Praise for Brenda Novak:

Brenda Novak writes with a "skillful blend of poignantly real characters and gut-gripping suspense..." -New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose

BRENDA NOVAK

It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak's bestselling author career.

"I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away," Brenda says.  "It was then that I decided I needed to do something from home."

However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake.  In fact, Brenda swears she didn't have a creative bone in her body.  In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.  Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.  

"When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book," Brenda admits.  "I learned how to write by reading what others have written.  The best advice for any would-be author:  read, read, read..."

Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history.  She's hit various national bestseller lists, including Borders/Waldenbooks and The New York Times, and many of her novels have won or placed in contests such as the National Reader's Choice and the Bookseller's Best.  

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children -- three girls and two boys. She juggles her writing career with her children's basketball and soccer games, field trips, carpool runs and homework sessions.

When she's not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually working on her annual fundraiser for diabetes research -- an online auction held at her Web site (www.brendanovak.com) May 1 - May 31. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him.  She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking -- she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!  

Related Links

Brenda Novak's official web site

MIRA Books - Publisher of WHITE HEAT

WHITE HEAT page at BrendaNovak.com

SOURCE MIRA Books

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http://www.MIRABooks.com