International Business Times

Apple Lawsuit: iPad Maker Responds To eBook Price Fixing, Collusion, Antitrust Allegations From Justice Department

d.smith — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:59:11 GMT

One year and one month after the United States Department of Justice issued a civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple Inc.

Granta Magazine's China Edition Launches With First Issue On Britain: An Interview With Editor John Freeman On The State of Chinese Literature

s.song — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:23:11 GMT

After more than a year of preparation, the renowned London-based literary magazine Granta has finally launched in China. Unlike its English edition, with four regular issues each year, the Chinese edition will have two or three themed issues each year.

Iain Banks, Acclaimed Scottish Novelist and Science Fiction Author, Says He Has Terminal Cancer

r.palmer — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:05:20 GMT

Scottish author Iain Banks quietly delivered the sad news on Wednesday that he likely has only a few months to live.

Banks laid out his health problems in his characteristically straightforward prose, with a statement posted on his website on Wednesday.

Dr. Seuss' Birthday 2013: IBTimes' Favorite Books By The Late Theodor 'Seuss' Geisel

n.deninno — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:34:43 GMT

Saturday marks the 109th birthday of the late Dr. Seuss, the revered children’s book author, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with memories of his heartwarming work.

Stephen King Pulls 'Rage' From Bookshelves Citing 'Possible Accelerant' For School Shooters

jeffstone — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 21:50:33 GMT

Stephen King has injected himself into the American debate over gun control with a new essay titled “Guns.” The 25-page essay, published as part of Amazon’s Kindle Singles collection, includes possible solutions to the mass-shooting epidemic that has plagued the nation but also announces King’s decision to remove his first novel, "Rage," from bookshelves.

Bryce Courtenay Dies: Bestselling Australian Author Of 'The Power Of One' Dead At 79

hkoplowitz — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:58:48 GMT

Australian author Bryce Courtenay, who took up writing relatively late in his life and had his first book acquired for $1 million, died Thursday of stomach cancer. He was 79.

Courtenay, a native of South Africa whose first novel, “The Power of One,” drew on his experiences growing up in that country, had a successful career in advertising before turning to writing novels.

Boris Strugatsky, Russian Sci-Fi Writer, Dies At 79

j.heller — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:38:13 GMT

Boris Strugatsky, the Russian science-fiction writer who co-authored many Soviet-era novels including “Roadside Picnic” with his late brother Arkady, passed away on Monday, according to his foundation. He was 79.

The cause of Strugatsky’s death was not immediately made public: one friend of his told the Russian International News Agency that he had died from heart problems, while fellow Russian author Nina Katerli claimed the culprit had been blood cancer.

Housewife Raised By Monkeys: Marina Chapman Claims She Was Kidnapped And Reared By Capuchins

n.deninno — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:06:55 GMT

Marina Chapman, a British housewife, said she was kidnapped and raised by monkeys for five years in a Colombian jungle before being sold to a brothel in exchange for a parrot in her new book.

‘Downton Abbey’ Star Dan Stevens Helps Select 2012 Man Booker Prize Winner Hilary Mantel

justine ashley — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:08:29 GMT

British actor Dan Stevens is known for his portrayal of Matthew Crawley on the phenomenally successful series “Downton Abbey.” Yet on Tuesday, the heartthrob took on the role of literary critic when he partook in the ceremony that announced the winner of the 2012 Man Booker Prize. Each year, one novel by a UK author is selected to receive the honor.

Literature Nobel Goes To Chinese Author Mo Yan

Gayathri — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:54:39 GMT

The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2012 was awarded to Chinese author Mo Yan, who in his dozens of stories and novels uses magic realism to merge folk tales, China’s history and the contemporary, the Swedish Academy announced Thursday.

One of the most famous and oft-banned of all Chinese writers, Mo Yan has published many essays on various topics, in addition to his novels and short stories.

Sarah Palin Weight Loss And New Hairstyle, Promotion For Her New Fitness Book?

n.deninno — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:31:37 GMT

The new and improved Sarah Palin has a new hairstyle and is sporting some major weight loss, but that’s not all that’s under her much smaller belt. The former controversial VP candidate is penning a fitness book.

According to People magazine, the former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate is working with her family on a fitness book.

Norway Massacre Can Happen Again, Says Author Who Published The Private Emails Of Mass Killer Breivik

Gayathri — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:16:55 GMT

Can a country as famously tolerant, integrated and prosperous as Norway feel safe again, now that Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator of the misfortune that hit Norway July 22 last year in the form of two sequential lone wolf terrorist attacks, is behind bars serving his 21-year sentence? Maybe not.

“There is a real chance that 7/22 can happen again,” Kjetil Stormark the Norwegian author of the recently released book, “The Oslo Killer Files: Private emails of a mass murderer,” told the International Business Times in an email interview.

‘Narcopolis’ Is Not A Reflection Of My Life: Jeet Thayil

Bhaskar — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:07:35 GMT

“Narcopolis,” the debut novel by Jeet Thayil which has been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, is perceived to be a reflection of the life of the author since the experience of the protagonist, who is drawn to Mumbai’s underworld, is said to have some similarity with that of the novelist. But in an exclusive interview with the International Business Times, Thayil categorically denies that the novel is a reflection of his life.

Banned Books Week Begins: The Most Challenged Books Of 2011

ebrown — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 03:17:16 GMT

Banned Books Week -- an annual observance sponsored by the American Library Association and other groups to fight censorship -- begins Sunday and ends Oct. 6.

Banned Books Week events will be held across the U.S. and online in a celebration of literature.

Banning books likely strikes most people as an archaic practice. But many associated with libraries and schools across the country have gone to great lengths to keep certain so-called objectionable works of literature out of patrons’ hands.

'Harry Potter' Author JK Rowling Expresses Doubts About Reception Of Her New Book 'The Casual Vacancy'

ebrown — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:44:28 GMT

J.K. Rowling, the author of the massively popular “Harry Potter” books, is finally ready to release her first novel set outside the walls of Hogwarts, but the author is worried some fans may not appreciate her adult-oriented work “The Casual Vacancy.”

In a rare interview, Rowling spoke to the Guardian about her latest book, telling it she is prepared should readers find the soon-to-be-released novel “shockingly bad.”

Stephen King Reveals 'Shining' Sequel Publication Date; 'Doctor Sleep' To Be On Shelves In Fall Of 2013

jeffstone — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:56:29 GMT

Stephen King announced the release date this week for his “Doctor Sleep,” the long-awaited sequel to “The Shining.” “Doctor Sleep” will be published Sept. 24, 2013, almost 40 years after horror fans first read about Jack Torrance and his family going crazy while stuck at the Overlook Hotel. King made the announcement on his website, sending the Internet into a flurry.

'Fifty Shades Of Chicken' Cookbook Spoofs 'Fifty Shades Of Grey'

hkoplowitz — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:25:32 GMT

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” phenomenon has made its way to cookbooks with “Fifty Shades of Chicken,” a spoof filled with recipes for “dripping thighs,” “mustard-spanked chicken” and “bacon-bound wings.”

Monica Lewinsky Tell-All Tale And Other Scandalous Books And Memoirs

n.deninno — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:43:57 GMT

For Monica Lewinsky, it’s better late than never. Almost 15 years after a sex scandal that not only jilted the White House but international policy during the Clinton administration, Lewinsky is reportedly planning to release a tell-all book documenting her alleged affair with former President Bill Clinton in a revenge attempt.

According to The New York Post, Lewinsky is shopping the memoir around to “big-name” publishers.

How Will Monica Lewinsky's Tell-All Affect Clinton's Reputation?

mvulta — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:13:29 GMT

Monica Lewinsky is expected to rake in nearly $12 million for a "tell-all" book about her life that will no doubt discuss her affair with then-President Bill Clinton, the National Enquirer reported Wednesday.

Lewinsky's sole claim to fame, of course, is her sexual relationship with the president, which was revealed in 1998. She was a 24-year-old White House intern at the time.

President Obama Is Glad Readers Are 'Entertained' By 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

justine ashley — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:29:01 GMT

Not even President Barack Obama can escape the fervor surrounding "Fifty Shades of Grey." Forget foreign policy or women's reproductive rights - what some journalists really want to know is what the President thinks of the kinky bestseller.

In an interview Wednesday with Entertainment Tonight's Nancy O'Dell the President and first lady Michelle Obama talked about keeping their 20 year marriage spicy.

When Obama remarked that his wife often falls asleep early, O'Dell advised her to read "Fifty Shades."

"I have not had a chance to read anything lately," Michele said before adding that she's familiar with the book's premise.

"I think everybody has heard what 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is about."

So what did the president have to say about the E.L. James' raunchy submission tale?

"I'm glad folks are entertained," he said.

This isn't the first time President Obama has been asked about "Fifty Shades." During a May interview with The View, Joy Behar asked the President: "What's the controversial sex book that's on millions of women's bedside tables?"

"I don't know that," a stumped Obama replied. "I'll ask Michelle when I get home."

But the President's connection to "Fifty Shades" doesn't end there. In a recent poll published by the Daily News, it was determined that Americans are more embarrassed to read Obama's memoir "Dreams of My Father" in public than "Fifty Shades." According to the study, which was conducted by "60 Minutes" and Vanity Fair, 16% of Americans are ashamed to be seen reading "Dreams" while a mere 5% are ashamed to read "Fifty Shades" out in the open.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" follows a naïve 21-year-old, Anastasia Steele, who agrees to become a gorgeous 27-year-old billionaire's submissive. The book's sequels, "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed," round out the trilogy.

The books have sold over 30 million copies and have spent months a top the bestseller list. On Tuesday, the books slipped to the second, third, and forth spot on USA Today's bestseller list after 20 straight weeks in the number one spot. "No Easy Day," which chronicles the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden, now occupies the number one spot.

That doesn't mean the "Fifty Shades" phenomenon is going to settle down anytime soon. In March, Focus Features/Universal (GE) snapped up the book's film rights for $5 million after beating Warner Brothers (TWX) and Sony Pictures (SNE) in an all-out bidding war.

According

Jimmer Fredette News: Details of the Former BYU Star's Book About his Journey to the NBA

gregprice — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:15:55 GMT

Very few athletes can trace their careers back to a single, momentous day, but Sacramento Kings guard Jimmer Fredette is not a typical athlete.

On Jan. 27, 2007, Fredette was still in high school when he signed a contract with his older brother T.J., stipulating he would do anything and everything to achieve his goal of making it to the NBA.

The journey began with this agreement, and culminated in Fredette living his dream when he was drafted No. 10 overall in 2011 after starring at BYU for four seasons.

A new book called "The Contract: The Journey of Jimmer Fredette from the Playground to the Pros" will take readers into Fredette's world, and find out how he made his dream a reality, growing from a teenager in Glen Falls, NY, to a Kings' shooting guard in a matter of years.

The book also magnifies how T.J. struggled with brain damage inexplicably sustained during a routine surgery, and how it brought him and his brother closer together.

Penned by former ESPN writer and now columnist for Yahoo! Sports Pat Forde, "The Contract" also touches on Fredette's Mormon beliefs and the role they played throughout his young life.

The title will be released Sept. 17 by publisher Shadow Mountain.

The 6-foot-2 guard became a national sensation while playing for BYU, putting on electric shooting displays with three-pointers well beyond the arc, and leading the country in scoring his senior year. In his four seasons, he took BYU to two NCAA tournament appearances, and guided them to a Sweet Sixteen berth in 2011.

In the 2010-11 season Fredette was named the National Player of the Year by every major news outlet. He was even named Best Male College Athlete at the ESPYs, ESPN's annual award show that honors achievement in sports.

Yet despite all the accolades and adoring fans, Fredette struggled during his rookie year in the NBA, averaging 7.6 points per game and shooting 36 percent from beyond the three-point line, while the Kings finished the season 22-44.

To build and improve on last year's disappoint, Fredette worked out one-on-one with Kings head coach Keith Smart in the offseason. Many thought Smart kept Fredette in his doghouse after he took over for the fired Paul Westphal seven games into the season, as Fredette's playing time didn't grow as the season progressed.

"Our relationship has definitely evolved," Fredette said to the Salt Lake Tribune. "He came in a tough situation and just had to

‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Comics Adds Gay Male Vampire Slayer To Season 9

ARemling — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:23:51 GMT

When "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" ended its television run in 2003 after seven seasons, creator Joss Whedon moved the spunky blonde and her Scooby gang in a different direction...comic books! Now onto its ninth season in the graphic novel world, the "Buffy" comic series is breaking grounds by adding a gay male vampire slayer -- Billy!

Fans of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" are well aware that the "Chosen One" has always been a woman called on to fight the creatures of the night. So, how does a gay male vampire slayer tie into the series?

The television series and comics, published by Dark Horse, have always focused on female empowerment, but for writer Jane Espenson who has been with the series for years, it was time for a change.

"It suddenly struck me," Espenson told Out. "If being feminine doesn't mean that you're lesser, then liking guys also doesn't mean you're lesser. For a very good reason, we've focused on the female empowerment part of Buffy, but I wondered, 'Did we leave something out?' What if someone in high school is looking up to Buffy as a role model, and we're saying: You can't be a Slayer."

But as mentioned before, only women can be chosen as slayers, and the comic books won't deviate from that. Instead, Billy will have to work for his super powers.

"Batman doesn't have super powers. He wasn't gifted with an exotic foreign birth," she explained. "So we take the Batman route; Billy is earning the Slayer mantle."

Out got the chance to learn a little more about the new slayer in Sunnydale. The website explains that Billy is a "young man who finds strength by standing up to vampires and defining who he is going to be rather than letting other tell him who he should be."

While "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" was still on the air, the series had one of their main characters, Alyson Hannigan's Willow, struggle with her sexuality. While in college, an experiment in a Wiccan group lead Willow to explore her sexuality and come out as a lesbian to her friends.

The latest addition of Billy lets the series explore a young man's journey to become a hero while empowering young gay men, something that the character of Buffy Summers did for young women.

Billy the vampire slayer will be introduced in season nine #14 of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."

Check out some images of Billy and the

African Elephant, White Rhino Conservation Efforts Continue, More Help Needed

Christine — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:01:59 GMT

The late South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who earned the reputation of calming distressed, wild elephants near his home in Zululand, South Africa, has inspired others including companies to pursue the uneasy path towards life preservation and ecological balance.

Before his death, Mr. Anthony, who wrote books about his arduous passion of saving animals, was about to launch a conservation gala and another book highlighting the crisis on white rhino poaching.

In March 2012 before the planned launch of his book, The Last Rhinos: My Battle to Save One of the World's Greatest Creatures, Mr. Anthony died of a heart attack that ended his life.

For some reason, the elephant herd that Mr. Anthony helped save and kept within the safety of the African game reserve, knew about his death and even made the journey towards his home and paid their last respect similar to what long-time friends will do to honour someone they have developed a bond with.

Two elephant herds led by the strong matriarch, whom Mr. Anthony has called "Nana", visited the home of Mr. Anthony, according to an account by his son, Dylan.

"The first herd arrived on Sunday and the second herd, a day later. They all hung around for about two days before making their way back into the bush."

Mr. Anthony's wife, Ms. Francois Mallaby, believes that his life and works would not be forgotten because of people who also adhere to his principles.

She agreed that the fund management company, Coronation Fund Managers, to continue their advertisement that doubles as a tribute to the precious life and work of Mr. Lawrence Anthony.

"We want to bring the message of Mr. Anthony's life, not just to Africa, but to the world," says Coronation Fund Managers chief investment officer, Karl Leinberger.

The management and staff of Coronation Fund Managers, a long-term, valuation-driven investment house also adheres and believes in Mr. Anthony's principle of working hard to earning the trust of clients.

According the Coronation Fund's Mr. Leinberger, Lawrence Anthony is an extraordinary conservationist, his fortitude and perseverance won the trust of traumatised animals over time.

"Trust is not something asked for. It is earned. This is how we work with clients," notes Mr. Leinberger.

Coronation Fund Managers Limited is one of southern Africa's most successful third-party fund management companies. As a pure fund management business it provides individual and institutional investors with expertise across Developed Markets, Emerging Markets and Africa.

Clients include some of the largest retirement funds,