“I believe that if you set out on a venture, and you’re absolutely convinced that you’ll be successful, why bother starting?” – Sir Edmund Hillary
As we join New Zealand in mourning the loss of their national hero Sir Edmund Hillary, it’s a good time to point out that he did not make it to the summit of Mount Everest alone. But I’m not talking about his Sherpa partner Tenzing Norgay. Sir Hillary made it to the top of Everest in no small part because the whole expedition of which he was a part was sponsored by the British government. Personally, he was “just a beekeeper of modest abilities.”
Likewise, when my trusty “Sherpa” guide Richard and I set out to launch AltSearchEngines, we were by no means convinced of its success, so we just got started. And just like Sir Hillary, our little expedition was sponsored – by several alternative search engines. Now, as we set out to climb even higher in 2008, with many more features for our readers and the “Alts,” we continue to rely on those who support us.
Now this is not as easy as it might seem. Alternative Search Engines, by their very nature, are often out looking for funding just as much as we are! So, right or wrong, the burden falls on those Alts who are able to write a check to help us “keep the lights on” so that all alternative search engines can benefit from the exposure that we try to provide.
What a selfless act! AltSearchEngine sponsors are not necessarily inundated with new users, although we obviously urge you to check out each and every one of them, but just as a rising tide lifts all boats, their dollars help divert the spotlight away from the Major search engines and onto the Alternatives as much as possible.
Well, that’s enough. You can see the empty box ad on the right, “Your Ad Here,” and we also are looking for a sponsor for Natalya’s excellent weekly CEO profiles, our best new feature. Any enquiries to me at Charles@ReadWriteWeb.com go directly to my Sherpa.
Caronte Web
Federated Search
Highlight Health
MSearchGroove
Ramenos Blog
Reel SEO
Software Abstractions
The Genius Files
The Next Web
January 18th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I had the privilege of meeting Sir Edmund Hillary twice, once in Colorado and once in Namche in the Everest region where I used to lead treks to the base camp. He dedicated his life to helping the Sherpas who were such a critical part of his first ascent. Beyond the Summit is the first work to dramatize their lives in fiction. Hillary’s work in the area is mentioned frequently as well as his climbing partner, Tenzing Norgay.
Details of Sherpa culture and religion are interwoven in a tale of romance and high adventure. The story has something for everyone: a love affair between an American journalist and Sherpa guide, conflict between generations as the modern world challenges centuries of tradition, an expedition from the porter’s point of view.
Below are selections from reviews. To read the complete ones and excerpts go to http://www.beyondthesummit-novel.com
Beyond the Summit, is the rare gem that shows us the triumphs and challenges of a major climb from the porter’s point of view. The love of two people from diverse cultures is the fiery centerpiece of a novel that leads its readers through harshly beautiful and highly dangerous territory to the roof of the world. Malcolm Campbell, book reviewer
Conflict and dialog keep this gripping story of destiny, romance and adventure moving from the first page to the last paragraph. LeBlanc has a genius for bonding her readers and her characters. I found I was empathizing in turn with each character as they faced their own personal crisis or trauma.
Richard Blake for Readers Views.
A gripping, gut-twisting expedition through the eyes of a porter reveals the heart and soul of Sherpas living in the shadows of Everest. EverestNews.com
A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection. Midwest Book Review
LeBlanc is equally adept at describing complex, elusive emotions and the beautiful, terrifying aspect of the Himalayan Mountains. Boulder Daily Camera
LeBlanc’s vivid description of the Himalayas and the climbing culture makes this a powerful read. Rocky Mt News Pick of the Week
A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic story-telling from one who has been there. USABookNews.com
This is the book to read before you embark on your pilgrimage to Nepal. The author knows and loves the people and the country, and makes you feel the cold thin air, the hard rocks of the mountains, the tough life of the Sherpa guides, and you learn to love them too. This is a higly literate, but also very readable book. Highly recommended.”
– John (college professor)
Memorable characters and harrowing encounters with the mountains keep the action moving with a vibrant balance of vivid description and dialogue. Literary Cafe Host, Healdsburg, CA
This superbly-crafted novel will land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure, and romance. The love story will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and deep rich longing. Wick Downing, author of nine novels
Such vividly depicted images of the Everest region and the Sherpa people are the perfect scenario for the romance and adventure feats narrated. It’s a page-turner, so engrossing you end up wanting to visit Nepal! Not just novel, but perfect for those seeking to get acquainted with the culture of this country.
By Claudia Fournier (América, Bs. As., Argentina)
Available through Barnes and Noble, Borders, amazon.com, Chesslerbooks.com, and the web site