Month: January 2025

The AJL Sidney Prize

Each year the AJL awards a prize to the book that is the best title in a particular category. This book is chosen by a panel of SHOT members, and the author receives both a cash award and a plaque. Winners are listed here and on the AJL website. In addition to the Sydney Taylor Book Awards, the AJL offers several other prizes for literary submissions. To find out more about these prizes and to submit your work, visit the AJL submissions page.

WINNER 2024: The Book of Affections: A Family Story in Two Voices by Elizabeth Eyre (Feminist Press)

A captivating narrative of two families’ experiences of Rosh Hashanah and the Lunar New Year—a Chinese Jewish family celebrates in fall, a Vietnamese family in spring—in this story filled with warmth and joy. With illustrative style reminiscent of paper cutting traditions, this book shows how the observance of these holidays can bring people together across cultures and faiths.

This annual prize, named for a 19th-century writer and historian of the South, is presented by Mercer University’s Spencer B. King Center for Southern Studies in partnership with the American Studies Association. The prize recognizes scholarly works that further the literary, cultural and intellectual legacy of Southern literature. The prize is accompanied by a $25,000 award to support research and writing on any aspect of Southern culture, society or history.

The Hillman Foundation presents monthly Sidney Prizes for journalism that serves the common good. The call for entries for the 2025 Hillman Prizes will open on November 12, 2024.

Each month we feature a different piece of journalism that addresses a nominated question. The winning article, which is chosen by the committee, will be published on our site along with the nominations.

In our age of short attention spans and information overload, the art of long form writing is more important than ever. Essays become op-eds. Op-eds become blog posts. Blog posts get shorter and shorter. And when it comes to fiction, it seems like we’ve all gotten into the habit of writing a thousand words in a tweet. The Sidneys stand athwart technology, yelling stop. Each year, the awards honor some of the most thoughtful examples of long-form thought and writing in our field.

How to Win Big at Online Slots

Online slots offer players the opportunity to play a wide range of themes and features. These games are quick and easy to learn, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy them. They also feature high-quality graphics and immersive sound effects, resulting in a more engaging gaming experience. Additionally, mobile technology has allowed players to access their favorite slot games from anywhere, at any time.

Choosing a reputable online slot game provider is one of the first steps to ensuring a quality gaming experience. Known providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech are known for creating games with fair RTPs, innovative gameplay features, and high-quality graphics. These companies have the resources to invest in research and development, allowing them to create games that appeal to a variety of demographics.

In order to maximize your chances of winning, you should choose a slot machine with a high payout percentage. To do this, you can test the machine by putting in a small amount of money and seeing how much it pays back over a few hours. This will give you a good idea of whether the machine is loose or not. You should also avoid machines with high jackpots, as these are likely to pay out less often.

Another way to increase your chances of winning is to play multiple machines at once. This will increase your odds of hitting a winning combination, which will ultimately lead to greater overall returns. However, you must be careful not to overstack your coins, as this can lead to a loss of valuable winnings.

While some people may think they can beat the slots, most of them are relying on chance and are not actually beating the machines at all. There are some theories that machines can be hot or cold, and that those closest to the walkways are looser, but this is not necessarily true. In any event, if you want to increase your chances of winning at the slots, it’s important to play with a budget and stick to it, regardless of how many wins or losses you incur.

Responsible gambling is essential for long-term enjoyment of the game. It is important to set a budget before you start playing and to stick to it, regardless of wins or losses. It is also a good idea to play in a regulated environment where you can rest assured that your funds are secure. This will allow you to focus on the game and minimize the risk of financial strain. It is recommended to check out the casino’s terms and conditions for further details on responsible gambling.

Top 5 Hong Kong Pools to Visit in Summer

The sweltering summer heat in Hong Kong can be pretty brutal, but the city isn’t lacking in amazing spots where you can cool off and soak up some sun. We’re talking pools with breathtaking views, and even some that are heated for winter! So whether you’re looking to do some laps, lounge by the water, or just sit back and watch a sunset, these are the best hongkong pools to visit.

The Pao Yue-Kong Swimming Pool Complex in Wong Chuk Hang is a massive pool complex with something for every swimmer. There’s a main pool, a diving pool, and even two kids pools that are filled with fun water features like slides and fountains. This pool also has a huge sun deck with plenty of seating, making it perfect for some relaxing time out by the water.

A visit to this pool is free for hotel guests, but non-hotel guests can also use the pool on weekdays for HKD 600 for four hours. It’s one of the most spacious rooftop pools in town, and it offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour. Plus, there’s a jacuzzi to relax in after your swim, and the pool bar is right nearby for those craving snacks and drinks.

There’s a reason why this is considered one of the most beautiful pools in Hong Kong — it’s definitely not to be missed. The pool has a glass wall that looks out over the ocean and is surrounded by lush greenery. And to top it all off, the water here is crystal clear!

This isn’t just a gorgeous pool, it’s also a popular spot for swimming races and other aquatic events. It’s also a great place to hang out and enjoy the scenery, as you can see Victoria Harbour and the South China Sea from the sand-floored pool.

As one of the world’s highest rooftop pools, this is a must-visit if you’re in Hong Kong. The Wet Pool is located on the 76th floor of the W Hotel, offering jaw-dropping views of the city skyline from this swanky spot. Plus, there’s a chic painted wall with butterflies and other designs to complete the trendy setting.

There’s nothing quite like spending some quality time at a pool in Hong Kong, especially when you can enjoy a delicious cocktail and some people watching! And with so many options, there’s no doubt that you’ll find a pool that you love. So go ahead and plan your next summer getaway to Hong Kong, where you’ll be able to kick back by these beautiful pools with a view!