Category Archives: history

Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard -Review

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The Mid-grade YA thrilling adventure series starts with action, twists, turns and ultimate danger

Eleven-year-old Aime Snave and her little brother, eight-year-old Oro, prepare for summer camp at the School of Fruit Learning. Accompanied by Aime’s best friend Gramon and Oro’s friend shy, little Violer, the foursome enters a mysterious world full of mystery and hidden magic. While at the school run by strict headmistress Mrs. Blackfruit, the children meet a new friend: inquisitive Semia, who is certain that all is not as it seems. Navigating the many teachers of the school, all of whom seem to harbor deep secrets, the five soon discover that they are part of something much larger than they ever could have imagined. History soon begins to repeat itself, with five young children caught in the middle of its deadly wake.

Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secrets of the Orchard by J.W. Nelson is an engaging read which focuses on a tightly knit group of five friends (the Pentagon) as they struggle to uncover the truth about the Hogwarts-style school and its mysterious past. The story is well-written, with substantial world-building and deep characters. There are no easy answers for brave Aime, her perceptive brother Oro, athletic Gramon, intrepid Semia, or sweet little Violer, who all find themselves in the midst of a mystery with far-reaching consequences. Instead, the Pentagon Pirates must work together to discover the truth in a world where uncertainty reigns supreme.

There is so much good to say about this book. Even minor characters and villains have depth, especially the malefic Mrs. Blackfruit and her paramour, Mr. Thornby. However, there are so many characters that it can be difficult at times to keep everyone straight. A bit slow getting started, the book truly finds its stride as the school sporting events begin, and the pace gets more intense as the plot thickens. The complex mystery ends on a serious cliffhanger, leaving the reader dying to know what will happen to the Pentagon Pirates next.

A rich world with a myriad of mysteries at our fingertips, Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secret of the Orchard is suitable for readers 12 and up who love a complex setting. The book contains minor language, and children regularly find themselves in harm’s way. A deep setting with memorable characters, an engaging plotline, and unsolved mysteries that challenge the reader to think outside the box, of the Pentagon Pirate Gang.

Thank you,

Karen Almeida

Assistant Editor

Literary Titan

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The laziest rested lie backwards….

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Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Lazy days, relaxing times

Sun is out, sitting back drinking wine

Your work done, the day is all yours

‘Over-chilling’ can leave you on all fours…

Your mind clear, no room for stress

Your house upside down? What a mess…

No need to worry, your unproductive mind;

Fades like that sunlight, into a corner you find

Remove the tasks, leave them today

Can’t decide what to do; either way

Uncluttered now as I plug in to recharge

In a state floating smooth like a canal barge

Down the river of comfort and serenity

Buzzing calmly like the alien entity

Strange sounds you emit, as you ‘chill’

Your wind subsides, slowing your ‘mill’

The relaxation time starts to close

Enjoying your own song, your prose

What is lazy? When you need your ‘own time’

Take the leap of faith, lie back, you’ll be fine ..

In truth I’m torn between feeling relaxed/lazy and being unproductive . It is a matter (I’m opinion) where you are work wise/health wise/job/relationship etc).

I go on holiday fell relaxed.and chill..worries scrubbed from memory for a few days at least . I suppose I’m being productive in a holiday sense , planning where to go, what to see that will ‘aid’ my relaxation. So maybe I’ve answered the question in a strange and cryptic sort way. You decide …

Inter-planetary & Star Struck

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You may have noticed in the new this week, that one of those rare occasions occurred in the deep, dark night skies above us.

For about 3 or 4 days this well (Feb 25th -28th) we would have the chance to view all our ‘sister’ planets in an arc in the night sky.

My family drive few minutes from our house (we live near a new Observatory but that was fully booked!) but still managed to see at least 6 of the planets (apparently Neptune was hiding behind the moon..I may have wrong it could be Saturn!)

Anyway it was a rare unique this to see these planets all in alignment with the next viewing of this type not happening until 2040!

This trip inspired this short view response, as it does …

Planets of the Arc

 

The night sky offered the chance,

In February twenty twenty-five,

Reaching out with a quite voice

Come and see us; you will feel alive

 

You can take a peek with your naked eye,

We’re celestial, cosmic and bright,

We’re so lonely, so far without you

Yet we shine and sparkle amid the ‘dark night’

 

What rare and spectacular pleasure

To marvel at the arc of planets and stars

A unique and special occasion

To be linked into our solar system; so far

 

Away into the future distance

A site that will not fall for another 15 years

Take in that special wonder,

And quietly rejoice with a cheer

 

If you missed the opportunity

The repeat show will be on time,

I hope that we all look ‘upward’ with joy

 Where the pleasure will be yours and mine..

 

JW Nelson

Night of Feb 28, 2025

 

The Fireworks of your Life

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It’s starts slowly, builds momentum, showers the sky with its aura, as the power fades, so do you (but we still remember the ‘sparkle’)

Having been to a firework display earlier today, it got me thinking as I watched in absolute spectacular wonder, as this unbridled free spirited fireworks joyfully peppered the black night sky, with its myriad of colours, attracting thousands of eyes, glued looking upward, transfixed at this annual spectacle.

Here’s my two pennies worth..

A quiet rumble that cannot be heard,

Begins without us knowing,

Friction generates movement all around

We watch in awe and wonder, where is this going?

A sudden expected spark

Explodes in front of your startled eyes

Unbridled power exudes forth

What we witness, shouldn’t be a surprise

Now the embryo births into life

Momentum propels growth ahead

We await the true sparkle

When we now see the ‘head’

Crying and tears hit our ears

Into the night, life crashes into the open, vibrant air

The firework makes its dramatic, memorable appearance

Staring in awe, we are consumed by care

As the pops, bangs and whistles perform

Enigmatic, joyous smiles are displayed

Illuminous greens, reds and silver shine bright

The fireworks, like all things, then begin to fade

Colours and energy shoot into time

For some, this is your journey, for now

Your aura transcends; emboldens others

That sparkle flickers; before it takes a bow

Memories of the sounds that you heard

Picture the shapes, the splendid wonder you recall

Imagine the plaintive beauty that existed

See for yourself, the magic of it all

No tricks to play here

Reality with a slice stunning, awesomeness

Cracking sounds, booms of active life abound

Enjoyment, contentment, is what we seek, I must confess

To witness a display of such freedom, liberty

Makes the eyes dance to life’s rhythmic beats

To the sounds of crackling, streaming, cheering

Knowing all too well; this is a Fireworks life; on repeat…

Walking on the Moon…

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What is your favorite form of physical exercise?

With so many forms of exercise that is available my personal favourite is walking my (JRT= Jack Russell Terrier) on a daily basis finishing with a few stretches on my return. A dog walk gets you out (for me twice a day ) meaning I hit my 10k steps most days . It’s fresh air – a change of scenery (helps your mental health ) especially as I work from home.

A Walk in the Park

Get the harness ready

Hook up the dog lead

With a stance that’s steady

Let’s use energy as a feed

Exercise your body

Loosen up your mind

Bypass the lazy and the shoddy

Getting fit is the goal to find

No barking from you

Dogs love to trot and run

Running off the lead is nothing new

You chase your pet; exercise = fun

Satisfy your need

Give yourself a pat on your back

Keep going: where will lead?

Just remember : there’s never anytime to slack…

Keeping things in MIND…(how do you cope in todays frantic, often brutal & unforgiving world)

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For protection many will seek only the people or the process close to home. The ones you can trust. In effect you have to put yourself in a ‘bubble’ to keep out the ‘rays of destruction’ firing at you from all angles.

Well being is touted often and maybe in some people’s eyes far too often. Yet everyone has the propensity to ‘suffer’ from any type of instability. As it’s such a personal journey what affects one person is water if a ducks back to someone else. Still you treat each case as necessary. Maybe little little ditty reminds us all that it could be ‘me’ next or at some point in the future.

The Bubble

 

Something isn’t quite right

I cannot tell you what;

Tormenting me all day and night

Like that buzzing fly, I need to swat

 

I rack my torrid, fragile brain

Hoping to find some respite

No umbrella nearby and here comes the rain

A creeping darkness now envelopes the light

 

How do I get break free?

What help can I seek?

Is the answer; a glass of vodka martini?

Or will someone listen, as my words leak

 

Being in a bubble keeps you sane

Locked inside a delirium of fantasy and awe

The next addiction is sweet like sugar cane

A damaged mind plays tricks and is never a bore

 

As I sit here and ponder the winding route

Of where to plunder next;

Where is the map of support I can salute?

You can send that to me by text

 

I can read it, and will probably weep

My eyes, heart, filled with trepidation

Out of my skin my words begin to seep

Please defibrillate me into resuscitation

 

With a heavy, laden load I submit

Over to you to pick me up

I hope you’ll never ever quit

Lead me to once again, to drink from the ‘happy’ cup

 

 

Football maybe on its way home?

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A thrilling match, an even thrilling finale – the final is in the future as we patiently await the outcome. The only question that remains is; What will be the result When the Final Whistle Blows…

When The Final Whistle Blows…

 

When the final whistle blows,

How will you feel?

Has Kane and Watkins boosted our mood

Will Pickford protect our goal like a shield? 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Can Gallagher and Rice protect us?

Or will Stones and Dunk safeguard our back

Or should we ‘Jose’ and park the bus…

 

When the final whistle blows,

We can rely on the speed of Bellingham and Eze

We may see Joe Gomez move down the wing 

As we celebrate a goal with a ‘Yay’!

 

When the final whistle blows, 

The young Mainoo and Wharton will arrive;

Speed and skill intertwine 

Our ‘young bloods’ are starting to thrive

 

When the final whistle blows,

Saka and Gordon move at pace;

Let’s trouble every defensive guard

And give them something else to face 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Bowen and Foden add more to the mix;

Left or right makes no odds

A problem we hope any team can’t fix

 

When the final whistle blows 

Walker and Konsa sit tight;

Calmness plus speed suits us fine

In any match, any day or any night 

 

 

 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Sublime feet sends Guehi and Arnold out

A pass of brilliance will be delivered

The receiver latches on; and has no need to shout

 

When the final whistle blows,

We hope to be ‘tripping’ the light fantastic;

At any moment you may not be Shaw

Fingers crossed we won’t need anything too drastic 

 

When the final whistle blows,

Palmer and Toney add even more threat

A chilling celebration we hope

On a final date in the future, that is now set

 

When the final whistle blows,

Where will you all be?

It could be heaven or in some hell of a place

We’ll all have to wait and see…

 

When the final whistle blows,

58 years is a long time to ‘roam’

I just hope and pray; with a nod and a wink Gareth; please bring our football home…

Another Christmas Bonus? (Counting down the days..)

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Here is another little bit of that Christmas sprinkle or sparkle whatever you prefer is your call – As always i wish you the very best, yes indeed to one and all.

My 12 Days of Christmas…

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The Partridge is stuck in a tree

What should we do?        

Sing a song, get down one knee?

I could swear I did see two

—-

Oops, sorry that was the Turtle Doves

Yes, there are two of those

Christmas is something everyone loves

Some Turkey and garlic of cloves?

—-

Non! Say the French.

It has to be the trois hens

Don’t agree, be left on the bench

Watch them eat; only through your lens

—-

No fear though,

The four birds outside are calling

Joined by a man, saying, ho, ho, ho

On a sleigh, in the sky, now falling

—-

You throw him five golden rings

Santa needs presents too

Bet you didn’t know he can really sing

There’s so much more he can do

—-

Work his magic on the geese

All six of them lay eggs

The golden ovals represent signs of peace

At this time; no one should ever need to beg

—-

But the water is cold

And the seven swans keep swimming

Wrap up warm, don’t be bold

And your cupboards will be brimming

—-

The eight maids will provide the milk

There’s plenty to go around

Frankincense is replaced by silk

Your footing is now solid, sound

—-

As you celebrate this time of year

And watch nine ladies dance

The ones you love for and care

Surround us and join in the prance

—-

On tiptoes so you can join in

In the circle with the ten lords leaping

Did they have a few shots of Gin?

No, its okay, its all part of the meeting

—-

Moving and swaying to the piper’s tune

The eleven pipe as best they can

Sometime, later that afternoon

They heard the beat of the drumming man

—-

Twelve to be exact

Drumming, drum, drum

Twelve days is a long time to keep up this act

So I say to you all; just go out and have some

Snow – Santa-Freezing-time for : The Christmas MEAT(ing)…

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As we begin the run in to Christmas Day and the festivities that compliment this annual occasion – here is a little something to consider for that ‘big day’…

CHRISTMAS MEAT (ing)

Stuff the Turkey

Roast the Chicken

Goose fat ‘tatoes are murky

Tasty though, they’re finger lickin’

Luscious leg of Lamb

Gorgeous side of Gammon

Sausages wrapped in ham

Oh, and don’t forget the freshly caught Salmon

Pluck the Pheasant, Goose or Duck

Tantalise taste buds with some wine based jus

Order now, or be out of luck

Supplant the potatoes with Cous Cous?

Not just meat, we all need greens

Broccoli and Brussels light up our plate

The earth will be a better place to be seen

In the global food climate debate

Add some carrots, roast parsnips too

Compliment the diet with a variety in types of sauce

A tender cut of beautiful Beef won’t make you moo

Just make sure that you’re not eating horse…

Complete your prep, with a sweet tooth in mind

Cream, pastry, chocolates are on the festive menu

Look hard enough and I’m sure you’ll find

Some of us searching for the loo!

Christmas is now around the bend

Prepare well, include plenty of seating

Seek out the tablets to put you on the mend

As you partake in your chosen Christmas MEAT (ing)!

Jamaica – WHERE MOVIE MAGIC IS WRITTEN…

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For the sake of remembrance and just returning from my mother’s homeland in Jamaica, it reminded me of Ian Fleming, his books on Jame Bond (007) and the fact he has a Hotel called Goldeneye near Ocho Rios means I couldn’t resist re-telling the first Bond movie shot mostly in Jamaica some 61 years (released October 1962).

So here is my poetic repost of that first encounter with the ‘Man with the Golden Gun, who ‘Died/lived Twice’ and faced his first real enemy in the shaped of the ham-fisted Dr No.

I wonder who will fill next fill the 007 shoes and what dangers lie in wait for them …

THE FIRST IN THE SERIES (COVERING THE BOND MOVIES) – this is my own title v- enjoy…feedback..respond..

NO WAY…

It was an EON ago when it began

Nineteen sixty-two I believe

Broccoli and Saltzman had a plan

And there he was Mr. Sean Connery

From the pen of Mr. Fleming

Films that set the spy world alight

Cinema goers followed the sparkle like lemmings

Off the cliff of entertainment, into the night

In Jamaica an inspired Fleming wrote

They filmed Dr. No there

The exotic location was worthy of note

The choice, like Bond, was a dare

Bond fought ‘the hand’ of crime

Used the tricks of the trade

Ursula shone like a coin, a dime

Beauty met beauty; in Jamaica it was made

With action, pace and the one liner

Delivered to the enemy and the viewer

Followed by the baddie with a shiner

As Bond sat in a bow tie, eating from a skewer

With a nod and a wink

Good triumphs over evil

Facing the barrel of a Walther also makes one think

About not reneging on paying your bill

The bill for SPECTRE is a high one

Only 007 can guarantee payment

Supported by Ryder their work is done 

Now it’s time to send the statement

With Dr No. dead in the pool

Bond can get his hand on;

Cuddling Honey Rider as calm and as cool

Then sail away to safety; to the Bond theme song…