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Book
A Poignant Amusing story
There is a little something for everyone in "The Kids on the Block." An enjoyable and funny new novel by author Mario Chavez. Tracing the lives of the "Kids" Chavez recaptures youth in a way few can as seen through the eyes of memorable characters he created. No matter which character you identify with most, don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in your own childhood memories. It's difficult not to laugh and cry as well, while reading about life on the block, as author Mario Chavez illuminates how those early relationships and experiences bind us regardless of the years that pass by all too quickly, and the various paths we inevitably take in life. Return to the past and enjoy what it meant to be a "Kid" in this poignant novel by author Mario Chavez. You'll be glad you did.
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----Ray
Le Cara, author of the "Forgotten Prophecy"
"The Kids on the Block" is a humorous gaze into the 'Rites-of-Passage as the main character, Soapsuds, and his unique friends make their way from adolescents to adults. Though the banter is mostly light-hearted, and funny, author Mario Chavez is not afraid to delve on serious issues such as, death, abuse, hunger, suicide and other life struggles.
I found "The Kids on the Block" to be a delightful, charming and entertaining read!
--Chrissy
K. McVay, author of "Souls of the North Wind."
Author Mario Chavez is a new and talented writer. He has made his debut into the literary world with one of the most excellent, stimulating, and exciting novel I have read in a long, long time!
This great piece of literature is "The Kids on the Block." The delightful story covers a multitude of happenings in these 'on the block' (a section of a neighborhood called "the block") Kids' lives from early childhood to adulthood. As you might guess from the title and the author's name, the novel deals with the Hispanic culture and reveals much that all of us should know about, laugh about, and even shed a few tears about as well.
We are privy to customs, traditions, and much, much laughter enjoyed by this interesting culture. However, the escapades, adventures, the happiness, and sadness; the tragedies and hardships occurring in the lives of these young kids are the same as those happening in many other ethnic groups throughout the world.
"The Kids on the Block" story is told and illustrated poignantly by the author. While reading the story, you will find yourself wishing you could have grown up and participated in that atmosphere, side by side, with the kids on the block.
"The Kids on the Block" is a good read, well worth your time, I recommend it with a score of 10 plus, that being the highest on my rating scale!
---Ruth
N. Terrazas (Texas) School Teacher
Choreographed by The Mambo Maniacs
Description:
48 count, 4 wall
line
danceMusic: Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega—
This song has a 32 count intro.
Start 16 counts after "Ladies & Gentleman,
this is Mambo No. 5". The dance will start
before he starts singing the lyrics of the song.
This dance was inspired by some of the
song's lyrics.
JAZZ JUMPS FORWARD & BACK (WITH OPTIONAL CLAPS), HITCH TURN 1/4 LEFT
&1-2 Step right foot forward, step left foot beside right, hold (optional clap)
&3-4 Step right foot back, step left foot beside right, hold (optional clap)
&5-6 Hitch right knee up and turn 1/4 left on ball of left foot, touch right toes to right side, hold
&7-8 Hitch right knee up and turn 1/2 left on ball of left foot, touch right toes to right side, hold
PUNCH HIGH (RIGHT THEN LEFT), PUNCH LOW (RIGHT THEN LEFT)
Hand placement: make a fist with right hand, cup left hand over right
1 Punch hands high towards 2:00 & push hips left as you slide right foot beside left
2 Bring hands back to chest level & hips to center
3 Punch hands high towards 10:00 & push hips to right
4 Bring hands back to chest level & hips to center
5 Punch hands low towards 4:00 & push hips to left
6 Bring hands back to chest level & hips to center
7 Punch hands low 8:00 & push hips to right
8 Bring hands back to chest level & push hips to center (end with weight on right foot)
MAMBO LEFT, HOLD, MAMBO RIGHT, HOLD
1-4 Step left foot to left side, step right foot in place, step left foot beside right, hold
5-8 Step right foot to right side, step left foot in place, step right foot beside left, hold
MAMBO FRONT, HOLD, 1/2 RIGHT MONTEREY TOUCH, HOLD
1-4 Step left foot forward, step right foot in place, step left foot beside right, hold 5-6 Touch right toes to right side, pivot 1/2 right on left foot bringing right foot beside left 7-8 Touch left toes to left side, hold
FORWARD STEP, LOCK STEP, HOLD & CLAP, STEP, CLAP TWICE, HOLD
1-4 Step left foot forward, lock step right foot behind left, step left foot forward, hold & clap 5-8 Step right foot forward turning shoulders 45 degrees left, clap, clap hold (weight remains on right foot)
MAMBO WITH 1/2 TURN RIGHT, WALK, HOLD, WALK, HOLD
1-2 Step left foot forward, step right foot in place 3-4 Pivot 1/2 turn left on right foot and step left foot forward, hold 5-8 Step right foot forward, hold, step left foot forward, hold
REPEAT
This dance was choreographed by the Mambo Maniacs at the Canadian Country Classic, July '99. The Mambo Maniacs are Tammy Wyatt, Burlington ON Canada, 905-632-7539 bootsnspurs@globalserve.net, Susanne Schalewa & Gert Wollschlager, Berlin. Germany, 011-49-30-485-6476 incahoot@blinx.de, Peter Metelnick. London ON Canada 519-439-5990, peter.metelnick@sympatico.ca, Dave Ingram, Stittsville ON Canada. 613-836-2483 dingram@ridgeway.ca.
