Thursday, December 14, 2006

Christmas opening times & holidays

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Magna Carta Bookshop will be open as normal until Saturday 23rd December. After that date we will be closed until 3rd January 2007.
During this time we'll still be accepting your book orders, either via our web site or e-mail.
Merry Christmas
Thank you all so much for another great year and for all the support.

Monday, December 11, 2006

APAA Support

We strongly support the animal cause in the Algarve, therefore we have posted the message below hoping there will be someone out there who may contribute to the solution to the problems the "Associação Protecção Animal do Algarve" is currently facing.

Any other charities needing any kind of help are also welcome to use this space. Please contact our bookshop for the effect.

Thank you,
Susana

APAA FACES DIFFICULT CHALLENGE – URGENT NEW PREMISES APPEAL



OVER 800 PEOPLE CELEBRATED AT THE APAA’S (ASSOCIAÇÃO DE PROTECÇÃO ANIMAL DO ALGARGE) RECENT WORLD ANIMAL DAY EVENTS. IN PARTICULAR, THE ANNUAL SCRUFFTS ‘DOG OF THE YEAR’ SHOW. THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH IS ASSOCIATED TO THE UK’S RSPCA (ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS), RAISED AN ESTIMATED 3,000 EUROS ON THE DAY WHICH WILL GO TOWARDS THE SNIP (SPAYING AND NEUTERING IN PORTUGAL) CAMPAIGN, TREATMENT AND FOOD FOR THE ABANDONED DOGS AND CATS AT THE KENNELS.

HOWEVER, THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME THE ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES WORLD ANIMAL DAY IN ITS CURRENT LOCATION. ALTHOUGH THE APAA HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN FOR RESCUING ABANDONED ANIMALS IN THE ALGARVE, IT IS BEING FORCED TO LEAVE ITS CURRENT PREMISES BY MARCH 2007. THE ASSOCIATION’S ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE IS ON LEASED LAND AND THE LANDLORD HAS INFORMED US THAT HE IS UNABLE TO EXTEND THE LEASE BEYOND MARCH 2007.

AT PRESENT THE ASSOCIATION IS ACTIVE IN VARIOUS AREAS OF ANIMAL PROTECTION, INCLUDING RESCUE, REHOMING, SPAYING AND NEUTERING. ARE THESE ACTIVITIES TO CONTINUE?

CLEARLY THE ASSOCIATION CAN ONLY CONTINUE AS AT PRESENT IF IT IS ABLE TO ACQUIRE LAND ON WHICH TO ESTABLISH A NEW RESCUE CENTRE. THIS WILL TAKE TIME, TO FIND SUITABLE LAND, AND TO RAISE THE NECESSARY FINANCE TO BUILD SHELTER FOR THE ANIMALS.

APAA HAS VAST EXPERIENCE AT REHOMING AND WE WORK HARD TO FIND NEW HOMES FOR THE MANY RESCUED ANIMALS IN OUR KENNELS.


WE WERE GRATEFUL WHEN SOS STRAYS ORGANISATION OFFERED TO HELP BY FOSTERING SOME OF THE APAA ANIMALS. THE AIM OF SOS STRAYS IS TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF STRAY ANIMALS IN COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD. THE DOGS AND CATS ARE FIRST PLACED IN A NETWORK OF FOSTER HOMES AND SOS STRAYS FOLLOW A STRICT ADOPTION PROCEDURE FOR REHOMING. APAA HAS A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DOGS AND CATS THAT HAVE BEEN REHOMED IN EUROPE.

WORKING CLOSELY WITH SOS STRAYS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN EUROPE AND THE UK PET PASSPORT SCHEME TO FIND HOMES HAS HELPED TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS FACING THE ABANDONED DOGS AND CATS IN PORTUGAL.

SEVERAL DOGS HAVE ALREADY FOUND LOVING HOMES IN GERMANY VIA OUR VETERINARY CLINIC FERREL IN ESPICHE. THE GERMAN VET, HEIKE RAUTERBERG, WHO OWNS THE CLINIC HAS HELPED THE APAA TO FIND NEW HOMES FOR ITS DOGS, GIVING THE ASSOCIATION SEVERAL CONTACTS FOR KENNELS IN GERMANY.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE APAA IS DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME FOR ITS KENNELS. IT CURRENTLY HAS 82 DOGS AND 24 CATS.

I HOPE THAT I HAVE EXPLAINED AS CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE THE SITUATION FACING THE ASSOCIATION. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY OTHER IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE THEY WILL BE VERY WELCOME.

IDEALLY, WE REQUIRE AN AREA OF LAND IN THE ALGARVE REGION WITH WATER AND ELECTRICITY, SOME OUTBUILDINGS WOULD BE USEFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR THE 82 DOGS AND 24 CATS IN OUR CARE.


PLEASE CONTACT THE APAA BY TEL/FAX 00 351 282 471347 (PLEASE BE PREPARED TO LEAVE A MESSAGE AS WE DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO ‘MAN’ THE TELEPHONE) OR YOU CAN CALL/TEXT MOBILE 91 9368726 OR E MAIL SAFEHANDSBOARDINGKENNELS@CLIX.PT OR WRITE TO APAA, APARTADO 101, 8501 903 MEXILHOEIRA GRANDE, PORTUGAL.
Thank you,
Linda Pixley
(APAA's President)

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Friday, December 08, 2006

Blue Christmas, Jon Bon Jovi

A nice christmas ballad for you....

I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas
by Bon Jovi


Sunday, December 03, 2006

More Christmas gift ideas...








This is a stunning Angel collection that'll add extra Christmassy atmosphere to your room. Prices start at only 3.50€. All angels can be used as candleholders. When you buy two or more Angel figurines you get ONE free (please quote BLOG promotion).

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Fiendish Fashion


"The Devil Wears Prada" by Lauren Weisberger
Book Review by Hayley Jones


I gave in to the hype. Being a fan of fiction, film and fashion (in that order), there was no way that The Devil Wears Prada could have passed me by. I wasn't sure what to expect: the last two books I've read that were classified as 'chick lit' (I hate that term) were drastically different, so I was dubious of whether this would be a true hit or a fashion faux pas.


Luckily for my faith in modern fiction, The Devil Wears Prada was far better than I expected.The most hyped-up thing about this novel is the rumour that the fashion editor, Miranda Priestly, is based on the notorious US Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Lauren Weisberger has denied this (well you would, if only to avoid getting sued) and Wintour took it all in good humour by turning up at a screening of the film wearing (yup, you've guessed it!) Prada.


There is something deliciously seductive about the idea of this novel being a woman's way of getting her own back on an evil boss though - anybody who's ever had a nightmare boss (which is pretty much everybody I know) will sympathize with the main character, Andy Sachs. Andy is hired as an assistant to Runway editor Miranda Priestly, despite knowing nothing about fashion, and is frequently reminded that it's a job "a million girls would die for" - despite it becoming obvious from Day One that it's a living hell.


Miranda makes all kinds of ludicrous demands (including ordering Andy to collect her car and chauffeur her cat) and has a nasty habit of saying very little, expecting her assistants to guess precisely what she means. She's an evil cow, but everyone kowtows to her because she's the editor and good at her job, so she calls the shots - and not just within the confines of Runway's HQ. This provides a perfect set-up for much comedy and, although it could've been funnier, it's extremely amusing and there are several laugh-out-loud moments. Thankfully though, unlike in other books I've read, Weisberger doesn't strive too hard to be funny and the humour comes off naturally rather than forced.


Andy herself is very endearing and, like me, has a penchant for sarcasm. She's fresh out of college and determined to forge a successful career for herself, hoping to become a writer. Trouble is, her work is so absorbing that she starts to neglect her family, her friends and her ever-understanding boyfriend. But what can she do? Surviving a year as Miranda's assistant without being fired virtually guarantees her any magazine job she wants. Surely everyone understands that?


Things spiral out of control and her roommate, Lily, seems to be heading towards a serious drinking problem, but Andy simply doesn't have the time - she has to be at work at 7am and is often expected to work until after 11pm. She barely has time for sleep, let alone relationships.Whilst The Devil Wears Prada is delightfully sharp and funny, it is also rather sweet.


I thought the end was a little too saccharine but, if I'm honest, I loved it and wouldn't have it any other way. The characters are excellent and the relationships intricate and realistic - I certainly get the impression that they're crafted from observation - from the horror of Miranda to the tense relationship between Andy and Emily, the head assistant. It certainly gives the flavour of working for a fashion magazine, even if I do suspect that a lot of it is exaggerated - at least, I hope it's exaggerated….Don't be put off if you're not into fashion - Andy isn't either.


Whilst the fashion industry provides the perfect cut-throat setting, it's still perfectly enjoyable if you don't know your French Connection from your Fendi. You probably won't learn a lot about fashion from this either, except perhaps never to reply "mine" when someone asks you whose shoes you're wearing.


The plot becomes a little predictable in places, but that's forgivable and the characters more than make up for it - it certainly doesn't suffer for its few slips into sentimental 'made for TV movie' territory. Over all, The Devil Wears Prada is smart, sassy and surprisingly sweet.
Buy it here for 12,00 euros


Friday, December 01, 2006

Last Minute Orders!


FOR SPECIAL BOOK ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS PLEASE CONTACT US BY WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER. We cannot guarantee that the books will be delivered on time for Christmas after this date!
Thank you!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

a Pinch of Posh


I've had great sympathy for Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen for a while and was greatly surprised and amused with his (and his wife's) book: A Pinch of Posh. I confess I was expecting a "very serious" book on good manners but as it turns out this a well written, witty book, that will make a great Christmas gift... for the Posh Ones and well... for the not so Posh.


Thursday, November 02, 2006

Christmas Catalogue


Our Christmas catalogue is now available. Don't forget to request your FREE copy.
The best choice of over 200 fabulous books for all the family....

Monday, October 02, 2006

IMPORTANT NOTICE


We'd like to inform our clients that Magna Carta will be closed from the 13th to the 16th October, as we'll be participating in BLIP (Better Living in Portugal) Exhibition.
You may visit us on the 14th & 15th October at stand A72 at ExpoArade in Portimão. Please call us if you need directions or check the Algarve Resident newspaper for more information on the exhibition.
In the meantime you may continue to browse and buy your books at our online shop.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006


Rhythm of the Dance at Fábrica do Inglês in Silves
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MAGNA CARTA BOOKSHOP
Cost 24 euros per person (50% discount for children 5 to 11 years old)
More information click here

Friday, July 21, 2006



INDULGENCE

29th July in Carvoeiro
4pm - 9pm

Beauty Therapy
Jewellry
Virgin Vie
Integrated Energy Therapy (Angel therapy)
Crystals
Books
Food
APAA stalls

Network, try new therapies, make friends.

For more information and bookings ring Séverine or Susana on: 962032311 & 961678870

All proceedings will be donated to APAA
Entry fee €2, children up to 12 years free

Friday, June 16, 2006

Alentejo Blue by Monica Ali

Presents the story of the Portuguese village of Mamarrosa told through the lives of those who live there and those who are passing through - men and women, children and old people, locals, tourists and expatriates. For some, it is a place from which to escape; for others it is a way of running from trouble (but not eluding it).

Read an excerpt of "Alentejo Blue" in the Guardian newspaper.

ORDER THIS BOOK NOW:
PAPERBACK: 16,00€
HARDBACK: 18,00€ (normal price £14,99 or 22,50€)

Monday, June 12, 2006

Art at Magna Carta!


Artist William David John Haines has been in the Algarve just over eighteen months, but already his feel and interpretation of the region has inspired him to create some of the most striking works of Algarvean trademark-feature art, ever seen. An accomplished artist and sculptor, William has been involved in the world of art from a very young age, having produced his first wooden sculpture at the age of nine, and his first painting at thirteen.

During the 1970's, Haines ran his own studio in the Welsh town of Newport, his paintings even then reaching high demand and being featured around numerous Welsh galleries. His self-taught techniques have been honed into an unmistakable and captivating talent, his biggest inspiration and influence being the unique artist Van Goth, which he has studied intensely for over three decades.

Fluent in Algarvean commercial art, abstract, traditional, modern and fun art, colour plays a large part in Haines's art, using bold, captivating colours freely and on density, giving the pieces texture and life. Painting by means of acrylic and oils, his works are produced on both canvas and wood, following main techniques also favoured by Van Goth.

His work is now creating quite a stir in the Algarve, becoming highly acclaimed and widely sought after.Pieces may also be ordered on commission.

You may now admire and purchase the work of David Haines at Magna Carta Bookshop. Tel: 282 496 001.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006


Thanks to Judith Fulcher for sending us this.

Magna Carta tops British day poll (BBC News Online 30/05/06)

King John signed the Magna Carta on 15 June 1215The anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta has been chosen as the best date to celebrate Britishness.
The charter imposed on King John on 15 June 1215 by rebel barons limited the power of the monarch and gave ordinary people rights under common law.
Its anniversary was picked by 27% of the 5,002 people polled by BBC History magazine, with VE Day, 8 May, taking 21%, and D-Day, 6 June, attracting 14%.
Chancellor Gordon Brown recently called for a new day for national identity.
In an address to the Fabian Society in January, he suggested the UK needed a day to celebrate "who we are and what we stand for".
'Surprising choice'
BBC History magazine editor Dave Musgrove said the choice of the Magna Carta anniversary may indicate the UK is moving on from a "dependence on World War II as the critical point in our island story".
"It's fascinating, and surprising, that an event from medieval history has come out above VE Day, all the more so when you consider that it's a constitutional rather than a militaristic moment that's been chosen," he said.
Dan Snow, the presenter of BBC history programmes, described the Magna Carta as a worthy winner.

"The idea that the will of the king can be bound by law is as important today as it was 800 years ago," he added.

HOW PEOPLE VOTED

Magna Carta: 27%
VE Day: 21%
D-Day: 14%
Armistice Day: 11%
Trafalgar victory: 10%
Slave trade abolished: 6%
Napoleon's defeat: 4%
Churchill's birth: 3%
Cromwellian republic: 2%
Reform Act: 2%


SOURCE: BBC History magazine

"It didn't work in practice but it set a precedent. It advanced the cause of liberty, constitutionalism and parliamentarianism, which Britain in turn has passed on to the world."
But some historians pointed out that the Magna Carta took place before the union of Great Britain.
"The problem with a Magna Carta day is that this was originally very much an English, not a British significant event," said Linda Colley, Professor of history at Princeton University.
"Though to be sure, it acquired in the 18th and 19th centuries a resonance for radicals and constitutionalists across the islands."
Other dates considered in the poll were Armistice Day, 11 November; the abolition of the slave trade, 25 March; Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, 18 June, and Churchill's birth, 30 November.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

1st Language and Culture Fair
Centro Cultural de Línguas, Cultura e Comunicação
Saturday - 27th May
From 3pm to 9pm
7TH INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY FAYRE
27th & 28th May
FATACIL - LAGOA
Books for all the family!
VISIT US: STAND 67



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Sunday, April 09, 2006

BookTime Magazine


The new consumer magazine is out and is free to all our clients. It contains book reviews, interviews, crosswords and much more. We have a limited number of copies so collect yours from our shop as soon as possible or e-mail us to reserve or post* one for you.

If you'd like it posted please send us 1.50€ for post & packaging costs. You may wish to send us payment for more than one month and guarantee that you always get your copy.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006


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BARLAVENTO ENGLISH SCHOOL
ESPICHE
EASTER FAYRE
Saturday 1st April
2pm - 5pm
Lots of fun for the whole family
Also: Bouncy Castle, Quad Bikes, Pony Rides, Tombola, Raffle, Games, Craft Stalls
BAR
B-B-Q
Easter Bonnet
Parade 4pm
FREE ENTRANCE

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Books in Luz


Choose from a selection of books for all the family.

Hugo Beaty Bar (Estrela da Luz Resort)

Next Fair: Saturday 15th April
10am - 1pm

For book orders ring Susana on 282 496 001

Everyone welcome

Friday, January 20, 2006

Children of The Tsunami



On 26th December 2004 a massive tsunami struck Khao Lak in Thailand as well as Indonesia, Sri-Lanka, the Maldives, Malaysia, India and many other coastal and island countries around the Indian Ocean. The Tsunami washed away people’s lives, their hopes and dreams.
This book is about how the children (many of whom were orphaned by the Tsunami) coped with their loss. It is a beautiful and sometimes heart wrenching collection of stories, poems, and pictures by the children of Khao Lak, illustrating how they are dealing with their loss and grief. It is also a story of hope, humanity and triumph over despair.The material for the book was compiled by the students of Bangkok Patana School, the British International School in Thailand.All profits from this book go directly to the education of the children of Khao Lak – the "Children of the Tsunami".

Price: 22,50€

Valentine's Cards


Beautiful Valentine's Cards now in stock!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

And the winner is...

The Whitbread book awards caused the first stir of the literary year today with their announcement of the five winners of their category awards for best novel, best first novel, poetry collection, biography and children's book. More information here...

Whitbread Novel Award

The Accidental by Ali Smith (0241141907, 22.50€, Hamish Hamilton)
The Accidental pans in on the Norfolk holiday home of the Smart family one hot summer. There, a beguiling stranger called Amber appears at the door bearing all sorts of unexpected gifts, trampling over family boundaries and sending each of the Smarts scurrying from the dark into the light.

Whitbread First Novel Award

Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw (0007204515, 12.00€, Harper Perennial)
A brilliant new novel from a genuinely exciting new voice in British fiction. Set in
Malaysia in the 1930s and 40s, with the rumbling of the Second World War in the
background and the Japanese about the invade.

Whitbread Biography Award

Matisse The Master by Hilary Spurling (0241133394, 35.00€, Hamish Hamilton)
This is the second and final volume of the first true biography of Henri Matisse. Hilary
Spurling's biography investigates the secret life of Matisse, whose painting shocked and infuriated his contemporaries while paving the way for modern art. Here she looks at his glory years between 1909 and 1954.

Whitbread Children’s Book Award

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson (037032823X, 16.50€, Random House Children’)

A wonderfully intriguing story going right to the heart of Irish magic, folklore and
music. Readership level: 12+.

Whitbread Poetry Award
Logue’s Homer Cold Calls by Christopher Logue (0571202772, 13.50€, Faber)

The fifth, and penultimate, instalment of Logue's Homeric masterpiece.
Order these books from Magna Carta Bookshop until the 20th January and get 20% off.