RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSORS LAUNCH BOOKS

       
BRANDON, MB — Two new tomes have been added this fall to the Rural
Development Institute’s publishing arm. Dr. Doug Ramsey was one of the
editors of Geographical Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change, while
Dr. Kenneth Beesley edited The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict &
Controversy. 
        
"As publisher of these two publications, the Rural Development
Institute helps to illustrate the important role of research in
deepening our understanding of rural place and rural development.  By
examining examples, practices and challenges not just across Canada, but
also in North America, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia,
practitioners, decision-makers, politicians, policy analysts, along with
seasoned and new scholars, all gain new (insights) and confirmation of
existing initiatives,” said Dr. William Ashton, the director of RDI.
“These two volumes are examples of the Institute's on-going
commitment to transfer timely and essential knowledge in Manitoba,
across Canada, and around the world.”

Farms and farming, the remaking of rural communities and rural spaces,
and policy and action in rural development in North America, the United
Kingdom and Ireland, and Australia were examined in Geographical
Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change. Also on the editorial team
with Dr. Ramsey were Dr. Dick Winchell of Eastern Washington University,
Dr. Rhonda Koster of Lakehead University, and Dr. Guy Robinson of the
University of South Australia.  
       
“I was very pleased to be a part of this project. Since 1991, and based

upon invitation, rural geographers from Canada, the United States, and
the United Kingdom have met every four years. The purpose is to share
research on the latest theory and practice in the field of rural
studies. Brandon University was asked to take over the publication of
this volume due to cutbacks at Eastern Washington University that
included the closure of their press,” said Dr. Ramsey. “The book
includes preeminent rural geographers from each region as well as
emerging scholars and graduate students. Our sharing of ideas has been
central to the new paradigms adopted in our field.”
                                        
With a focus on Canada, The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict &
Controversy brings together the findings and ideas of established and
young scholars from across the country. There are contributions from
various disciplines — sociology, geography, planning, recreation,
tourism and rural development — each offering a different perspective on
the rural-urban fringe zones in Canada. 
        

“I am thrilled to see this collection of research papers in print. Over
many years I have had extraordinary opportunities to work with, and
become friends with, some of the finest scholars in Canada. Most of
these people have a special interest in rural spaces and places, and
many have contributed to this volume on the rural-urban fringe,” said
Dr. Beesley. “I am very grateful for the support I have received from
the Rural Development Institute, the Department of Rural Development and
Brandon University generally for helping me see this project through to
fruition.”
        
The two books will be officially launched at 7 p.m., on December 9, at
Pennywise Books, a shop owned and operated by a former student of both
professors. Admission is free and refreshments will be served following
the presentation. Pennywise Books is located at 1031 Rosser Avenue. 
        

Two Author Events for the end of November

The holiday season is closing in on us, and with it the need to buy gifts for all those hard-to-buy-for family members. Why not consider getting them a book? Even better, why not get them a book inscribed to them from the author? Why not get one for yourself?

Here's your chance! Over the next week, Pennywise is pleased to be hosting two fantastic Winnipeg authors.

On Wednesday, November 24 at 7 PM, David Annandale will be reading from and signing copies of his newest book "The Valedictorians."

Russian arms company Kornukopia is in flames, and the one-woman war machine, Jen Blaylock, is having second thoughts about letting CIA Deputy Director of Operations, Joe Chapel, live. From his hospital bed in northern Europe, Chapel, self-proclaimed saviour of the USA, plots to kill Blaylock and his former ally, Sam Reed, the President of the United States. To do his all-American duty, he enlists the help of South American dictator General Jorge Quintero. To stop him, Blaylock will have to raise her own army and wage war right to the steps of the Capitol building. The third episode in the Jen Blaylock series, this novel finds Blaylock torn between her need for retribution and her responsibility to Flanagan, her lover, and the men following her into the breach.

Will Blaylock drown in her unquenchable thirst for revenge, or find redemption with all debts paid? As the body count rises and the action explodes off the page, David Annandale’s epic action-thriller will have you glued to your seat until the dust finally settles.

A few days later, on Saturday, November 27 at 2 PM, local favorite Michael Van Rooy will be reading from the third book in his "Criminal" series.

Michael Van Rooy’s writing is fast-paced and highly entertaining with a mix of quirky humour and dry wit. Spine-tingling moments alternate with edge-of-your-seat action in his Monty Haaviko crime thriller series.

In this third instalment, Monty faces a new kind of criminal like nothing he has ever encountered – and he’s seen plenty already in An Ordinary Decent Criminal (ODC) and Your Friendly Neighbourhood Criminal(YFNC). Monty is tangled in political intrigue, blackmail, corruption, and a long-standing feud in which he becomes a pawn. At the same time, a serial killer threatens the love of Monty’s life – his wife Claire, and soon, escape seems impossible.

After a wealthy businessman encourages Monty to run for an elected position on the city’s new Police Commission, Monty learns his backer has another agenda. A rival businessman is backing his own patsy for the Commission, and stands to gain a fortune if his man wins – with Monty’s hired assistance.

But Monty almost calls calls it quits when Claire starts getting mysterious gifts and flowers, and they discover her admirer is a wanted serial killer, who will stop at nothing to reach his victims.


These books will make great gifts for those on your Christmas list, or a wonderful present to give yourself. If you have any questions about either of these events, don't hesitate to call us at 728-BOOK (2665) or email us at pennywise@wcgwave.ca.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!