Dave Riggler's stories

Dave Riggler’s Stories

Author: Brian Hartman

Challenges come to each of us at different moments in our lives. Some are physical and others emotional and each one of us has to decide how we handle these obstacles and roadblocks placed in our paths. Handicaps do not always hold people back. Success comes in many varied and unique ways when determination and perseverance are part of the person’s makeup. Spinda bifida is a birth defect that “involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or coverings.” Dave Riggler was born with this condition and when detected at birth they do not have problems from it. However, in some cases if it is more severe it can and will make walking and daily activities difficult to do without help. Dave RIggler was born with this illness and from an early age you can tell he was determined to live his life to the fullest no matter what. As author Brian Hartman introduces us to Dave at an early age we learn from the start that he gets around from place to place by crawling. Big brother, Richard, is determined to help him learn to walk before he goes to Kindergarten and the conversation between them is warmhearted, funny and definitely lets the reader know the love they have for each other. With grandmother there explaining to Richard that some things will never happen, like Dave walking, he tells him not to give up on it there is always tomorrow. Next, we meet Dave when he’s meeting with his analyst. He is now in the seventh grade and has developed upper body strength in order to wheel himself around in his chair. He is smart, intelligent, sassy and definitely not a kid to be trifled with, as he explains to the doctor in no uncertain terms the reasons why walking makes him feel more handicapped and why some although some think that getting up to walk is a victory and closer to their definition of normal, to him it is like “suffering a defeat.” The pain and agony required to move his legs and walk is too great a price to pay each time he tries to be like everyone else. Looking less handicapped because he can walk does not really make him feel normal. He says and I quote,” I feel more handicapped and helpless.” Dave Riggler knew himself and understood his limitations and how to deal with them even at this age.

Next, we meet him at the age of 25 in a story titled Last Call where he is having an evening out with a close friend. But, not everyone you are going to meet in this book of 6 stories is physically handicapped. Some are handicapped in other ways like Carole a woman who comes into the bar where he and his friend Lue are having a drink and some great conversation while celebrating his birthday. Dave is definitely a caring person who tries to help others even when they don’t want to help or hear what he is trying to say. Carole is upset. She vents to him about her life, her kids and her feeling of homelessness. Expressing her feelings you get the feeling that she has given up on life and does not see anyway out that would make her feel worthy of being in this world. The startling end you will have to read for yourself and decide just what happens to Carole and why. Surgery is next as Dave goes into the hospital to have a shunt put in and his determination, stamina and great courage shine through as his mother is there with him and he seems to be able to give her the support she needs to know he is going to be okay.

Friendships are rare and hard to cultivate but next we meet Dave and his friend Jeff who discuss work, his friend’s son and how hard he worked at making a great CD for his band and Dave’s feelings towards his job for searching for information for people in an area called Dialog searching which the author explains for the reader in detail. But, this story, titled Tuesday will remind us of what happened on September 11, 2001 as the author relates through Dave the events that took down the Twin Towers and the effect it had on so many. But, what really endears you to Dave is when he meets Ed a homeless man that lost so much because of a simple mistake he was late for work and was fired. Imagine being fired for being 15 minutes late. That 15 minutes cost Ed more than just his job. Dave and Ed seemed to bond and understand each other but when Dave wanted to buy something for him to eat, he was told they would not allow Ed to stay there and had to give him the good outside of Penn Station. Trying to once again help someone overcome his handicap or find a place in this world he gives him a number to call to get help. But, will he read the rest of the story and you decide for yourself what happens to Ed. This is the first part of the last story titled Penned. There is much more. Love at first click on the net! Emails back and forth to determine if someone is right for you before meeting them. Warning signs are often overlooked and many fall into the trap set by online predators or just women looking for love for all the wrong reasons as we meet Pam. Pam is Dave’s online love at least for this story. Meeting her to go to dinner would definitely be enlightening. Warned by Ed to be careful just might be a great piece of advice. As the reader listens to the conversation between Dave and Pam you realize that she is a complainer, nagger and user. Pam complains about her ex, her job and life in general and has only one agenda in mind for a relationship. She is also after Dave or any many for one reason. Just what happens to enlighten Dave and what Pam is really about you have to read in the story Penned. Penned does not only mean Penn Station in this case you just might feel Penned or caged in if you were to meet Pam and stay with her. Just how this plays out and how penned in Dave felt talking to her you have to read for yourself. Will he fall into her trap or will Dave decide to set himself free?

Handicaps do not have to get you down or limit your mobility or successes in life. This is a story of friendship, loyalty, determination and one man named Dave Riggler who had enough faith in himself and determination not to let one handicap get in his way. Life: is too precious and Dave intends to life it! Author Brian Hartman reminds the reader and everyone that people that are handicapped are human and need to be treated like everyone else. People that are homeless need our help and support to find them a place to live and not shun them when we see them on the street. People that use others are truly handicapped and need to find help to release their grip on others. These stories are truly inspiring and a great read.

I dedicate this story to anyone that has ever overcome an obstacle and did not let him or her get it down. I dedicate this to my cousin, Mark Swerdloff, who lost his legs over 40 years ago when a drunk driver sideswiped him on the highway because he was drunk. Mark is a well-known oral surgeon.

The Tangled Web : My review

 The Tangled Web: J.P. Lane

One decision would change the course of more than just the lives of those on this boat. When followed by vessel known as a Cigarette the passengers being followed allowed one man to board on the pretence of wanting some ice. Just what happens in a flash would change the course of events and five lives would be taken but why? One man Logan Armstrong knows the answer but has not revealed why so many had to die at his hand. Back on shore he meets with another man who has information that would further clarify more situations.

The niece of the Minister of France is summoned to her home for a special reason. Asked to deliver a package to London to an unknown recipient Lauren Armstrong has to decide whether to assist her aunt in this mission. Thinking about it she reflects that it has to do with the government but a quick and rash decision cannot be made.

Mike Graham and Logan Armstrong are friends and Mike has some information that is secret and can only be revealed to Logan. Just how all of these webs and threads fit together will only be learned when I continue my review of The Tangled Web which captures the reader’s interest and snares you right into tightly woven web that the author has creatively weaved from the first page. As we get to know Logan and reporter Lauren Anderson the web gets more tangled as each one hopes that the other will reveal information needed to find out what happened to the passengers on the McGuire boat and who is behind the drugs and corruption in the government. One detective would pay the ultimate price as his cover is blown when he realized that cocaine was being transshipped through the port and where and who was involved would revert back to someone close to Logan. Could someone have infiltrated the Criminal Investigation Department and just how far up does it go? How can we link this to the package that Lauren is supposed to deliver for her aunt? When all is said and done will the web get longer or remain so tangled is will never unravel? Lauren invited to meet Logan’s sister and brother-in-law in order to cover their party just might find out more than she bargained for. Next, we meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Frank Sterling the Minister of National Security and Defense. As Lauren relates all of the players are present at this party but just what part do they all play in this web of deceit and lies has yet to be unraveled or revealed.  Mike Graham and Virginia Matthews have a definite history one that she cannot seem to forget. A master at manipulating situations as she managed to get both Lauren and Logan to remain overnight after her huge gala and more of the pieces would start fitting together we hope but just how wait and see as Gordon was sort of blindsided by her when finding out he had house guests.

As Lauren questioned the portrait in the guest room where she spent the night, Logan flashes back to his time at Bishop’s College and the reasons for his expulsion. One parent floored and upset, and the other hoping he will change his ways. Success is what Logan is all about so just maybe he might have learned something. Next, an important player is introduced as we meet the Prime Minister himself Erick Freeman whose morning is destroyed when made aware of a serious situation and decisions involving his three ministers would have to be made. Just what part does he play in all of this and why is his government unable to control all of the crime and murders taking place in his country. Threats were being issued all over to many top officials including the Prime Minister and the head of Criminal Investigations. Slaughters, murders, cover-ups and many lives lost because procedures were not followed, greed got in the way and one Caribbean country became riddled with crime you could barely see through the dense fog and fires that often lit up the sky. C.I.D Chief Inspector Robert Palmer knew that it was by a stroke of luck he had come upon the evidence needed that someone in the government was corrupt and cost his detective his life and he needed to watch more than just his back. Author J.P. Lane has set the stage with her expert craftsmanship and intricate where many players who think they are strong will learn at the hand of others they are not. Some fall prey to the wiles of women while others fall prey to the brilliance of this author who weaves a dangerous plot for each one of them hoping that the maze will allow them a solid path of escape. But, just who comes out alive and who won’t remains to be seen. Who will bring down some powerful government officials and how will they do it? Who is the man that is working with those involved and how will they pull it off in order to bring some respectability back into the country and hopefully rid them of all the drug trafficking. Just who can be trusted? What about the Prime Minister and just what was Lauren’s aunt really into?

The plot really gets more intricate as many other players are brought into it and the reader begins to wonder just who can really be trusted and who was behind the murders of five innocent people that let to more than just their deaths. A seaplane, cigarette boats, Fisherman’s Key and a powerful drug cartel able to buy off some really powerful people added to the suspense is a conversation Lauren over heard that sent her reeling from her aunt’s house. Yet, an invitation from Logan would change it all for both him and Lauren. Would the police end the search for the killers by finding out who is really behind the murders? Would they be able to stop what both sides have planned? Detective Doran is on the case and is trying to sort out what really happened that day that caused five innocent people to be killed at the marina.

The Prime Minister is assassinated and chaos breaks out. Just who decided to take him out you won’t believe. Erick Freeman was not exactly the epitome of what a minister should be nor did he have the ethics one needed for the job. The murder being investigated and two ministers resigned. Logan concerned about Lauren and end game about to be played when a definite twist the plot occurs as the web just might entangle a bit but the ending will leave room for much more. What happens between Logan and Lauren when certain realities come to light? Just who is behind the murders and what will happen to those involved? Where will the killer strike next and just when will the drug cartel be taken down? The answers to these questions will only be answered when you read this fast paced definitely well written book with more surprises than you will expect and an ending that leads the reader to hope that Logan, Lauren and the entire cast of characters might be back for more. Loyalties are tested and friendships are frayed as the truths come out and the police try to close in on a killer. But, will they? Author J.P. Lane keeps the reader on edge from page one until you read the last page and find out the dramatic ending. But, is this over? Only the author knows the answer to that. The Tangled Web: One book that deserves FIVE MORE TANGLES TO KEEP THE PLOT GOING!

Fran Lewis: reviewer

Cry Into the Wind: A True Story

Cry Into the Wind: A True Story

Management Culture

It is great to be able to finish each other’s sentences or even ignore the ten pounds your spouse might have gained but when your sex life becomes lifeless then you need to ref if up and really find out what you can do as the author’s say to get the MIND BLOWING SEX. Imagine the answers and the help are right here in this great book. Keep turning the pages but make sure you read every word. When you’re done you just might turn down the lights, send the kids to a friend’s house or your parents and get under those silk sheets and use this special guide to ignite more than just your sex drive you inner you too. Beginning with what happens outside the bedroom and the factors that hinder your relationship. Anger, emotions, fear, money problems and daily life in general can all play a part on what happens in that room that should be use for more than just snoring and sleeping. Couples that have sex after an argument sometimes have great sex. But couples that stay together in a bad relationship for the great sex should realize that sex is not a permanent fix for staying in an abusive or bad relationship at least not forever. 

Conduct in Question: My review

Conduct in Question: My review

Annie Mouse: Meets a New Friend

Annie Mouse: Meets a New Friend

Annie Mouse Meets a New Friend

The Adventures of Annie Mouse: Annie Mouse Meets a New Friend

Author: Anne M. Slanina

Since this is a special book that teaches friendship I decided to create a unique and special review just for young readers and Annie:

Dear Annie:

Being a true friend requires work. Understanding that not everyone is the same and embracing our differences is a special gift that I noticed you definitely have. School is out and I know that you are looking forward to summer vacation. None of your school friends live close by so you must have been excited when a new family moved in down the path near your home. Molly the Mole seems nice. She loves to play with you and you have accepted the fact that she is blind. But, when school starts Molly is afraid to attend Mouse Field Elementary School. She even tells you that she is afraid that the other kids won’t accept her. Not only is she blind but also she would be the only Mole in the school. Just how would the other mice act when they meet her?

Friendships are tested in many ways. Just what will you do if your friends are mean to her? How do you choose between Molly’s friendship or will you stick with Gina and Mindy? Let’s find out a little more about what happens when they all meet before you decide.

The first day of school will be a definite test for you and your true character. Meeting Mindy and Gina on the playground and at lunch you learn just how mean they can be. They do not want to eat lunch with your new friend and they won’t let her sit at the same table with them. They do not want to include her in any games on the playground. What are you going to do? The next day you do something that really disappointed me too. Poor Annie: How would you solve this problem? That is why I am so glad you turned to me for guidance and help. Listen to your heart and decide how you would feel if you were Molly. “Would real friends make you choose?” Think long and hard before making up your mind. What are you going to do when Gina and Mindy are mean to Molly again? What are you going to do at lunch? What can you learn from Molly? What will happen at the end is up to you!

You have to decide for yourself, Annie. What is the true mark of a real friend? Would a real friend hurt your feelings just to be popular and accepted by the in crowd? Would a real friend stand aside while others hurt you? Find out what Annie does and if she digs deep in her heart and listens to my advice and answers the questions put forth before making her final choice and deciding whether she wants Mindy and Gina as friends or Molly.

I am here if you need me. Close your eyes and pray and ask for me to come;

Your own Guardian Angel

Author and educator Anne M. Slanina asks the reader to define meaning of a true friend. Questions such are where do you place are loyalties is a great discussion question. She brings out the fact that some kids do not accept others that are different and can be really mean. Many lesson area learned in this book. This is a great book to teach kindness, understanding, friendship and love to students. It is great that the author shows the reader how Molly can use her other senses to see the world. The illustrations help tell the story and young readers can look at the pictures and create the story in their minds. They are colorful, cure and bring Annie and her friends to life for everyone. Character Education is important and so many lessons can be taught using this book. Adults just might learn something too. Annie: It is all up to you to decide what is right.

You friend: Fran Lewis: reviewer, educator and fan of Annie the Mouse.

FIVE GOLDEN GUARDIAN ANGELS