In this article, I am going to tell you how the bruce lee philosophy completely changed my life for the best.
I was 7 years old and still, I didn’t know a word of English when I bought some Italian versions of his books!
I was fascinated by martial arts and I remember that day when I have invested the cinquemila lire of the pocket money my grandmother was giving me once in a while in a few Bruce Lee books.
Today I am 30 years old, 23 years passed and I have found those books on some shelves.
I have mentioned many times that my thoughts and ideas are changing all the time, I don’t know if I am bipolar or just a genius.
But something that struck me in the deep today was the fact that the thoughts and aphorisms that I have highlighted at the age of 7 on these books, still, they are what makes the foundation of my personality and way of thinking.
There is not even one single quote or thought on that book that I don’t agree and that doesn’t make me think and I get extremely fascinated about.
I think that you should give your kids these books to read at their young age, the Bruce Lee philosophy will make them awesome.
Who Is Bruce Lee?
Bruce Lee was very lucky to be born in San Francisco, CA while his father was traveling there from China.
He was born in the year 1940 which is according to the Chinese calendar the year of the dragon.
He moved back to China where he grew up with his Chinese name of Jun-fan which literally means “return again.
The Chinese culture and wisdom are still fascinating to me, and probably, his father had his destiny already clear in mind.
Having an American citizenship back in the days when the American dream was booming it was definitely an advantage.
But I don’t believe in luck and what happened to Bruce was a mix of circumstances and love for something that he dedicated his life for.
After having dedicated all of his youth to martial arts and spending time with the wisest teachers in China he decided to go back to the United States at the age of 18.
He then created the biggest martial arts empire in the world! And he became the most recognized figure in martial arts.
Something that not everyone knows is that he was one of the wisest men ever existed and the Bruce Lee philosophy is simple and direct like his kicks.
Why The Bruce Lee Philosophy Is So Awesome
There is nothing better to explain things than giving you practical examples. I will list some of his quotes that are absolutely mind-blowing for their directness and truth that they have inside.
You can read some here:
But honestly, there are many more and better ones in his book. This is the book that changed my life and this is an Italian translation of ‘Bruce Lee Striking Thoughts‘.
The book mentioned before starts like this:
“A book for free spirits“.
I had no idea that I was a free spirit when I was 7 years old, I didn’t even know what a free spirit was, I was just a kid.
This is something I have discovered lately and now, I realize that probably without that book I would not be what I am right now.
I would not value freedom more than money, and probably I would not be a simple person that always tries to be different and unique.
This book is made of quotes only, and these quotes are most of the time very short but they mean so much.
Bruce Lee Quotes I Love
The possession of anything begins in the mind.
A man is literally what he thinks.
The intelligent mind, is a curious mind that is not satisfied by the explanations nor by the conclusions and does not abandon itself to the faith, because faith is also another form of conclusion.
Only now I realize that I have the power to govern my mind and it is this power that creates the circumstances.
knowledge – the memory of previously learned concepts.
If you limit yourself to looking without judging the wonder is in observing.
People often ask me: “Bruce are you really so good?”. and I answer: “Well, if I tell you I’m good, you’ll probably think I’m boasting, if I tell you I’m not, you’ll think I’m lying.” I have the absolute certainty of not being a number two but I also have enough confidence to realize that there can not be a number one.
Logic consists solely of declarative propositions, that is to say, sentences used to make statements only relative to the world.
To be absolutely honest, in truth, I do not believe in God. if there is god it is within us. You must not ask God to give you material things, because he guides your inner life.
Happiness is good for the body, but pain strengthens the spirit.
I do not drink and I do not smoke because often such activities are nonsensical.
The poorer we are inwardly the more we try to enrich ourselves externally.
Anxiety is useless if we do not turn it into a defense.
There was a very good butcher who used the same knife year after year. When someone asked him how the knife could still be so affiliated he replied: “I follow the line of the hard bone, I do not try to cut it or split it, it would win”. Trying to face the obstacles in front of you would only destroy you, you have to follow the line of the bone that sharpens the knife instead of destroying it.
Reading interesting books constitutes the food of the mind.
It’s really difficult to communicate with simplicity.
How Bruce Lee Changed My Life
As a 7 years old kid highlighting his quotes and thinking about what he wanted to say at that age I can tell you that most of my thoughts come from the Bruce Lee philosophy that I had read many years ago.
I strongly suggest you buy the book ‘striking thoughts‘ by Bruce Lee. It is condensed of useful quotes that will make you a better person.
As a minimalist, you aim to become a simple person and to reduce the useless words to the ones that really mean something.
There is no one else I know apart from Bruce Lee that was able to say in a few words what other people would say in entire volumes.
Bruce Lee was a minimalist and a person that didn’t like to waste time. He knew the value of time and how important is to be a free man in life.
He knew that the material possessions are absolutely worthless if you don’t have wisdom. The value of time and working for something you love is what Bruce teaches you.
His life was a battle like the one of anyone else I know! He was fighting with bare hands and you might fight with your thoughts. Losing a battle doesn’t necessarily mean to lose in life.
You need to understand that loosing and imperfections are the things that are going to make you a better person.
The Best Bruce Lee Books
Bruce Lee Striking Thoughts
I really like this book because it is just a list of the best quotes and thoughts and aphorism of Bruce Lee. It is not written from him but these are all the thoughts and quotes that he wrote down in his notebooks.
I have OneNote to write down my thoughts but Bruce didn’t have OneNote back in the days.
He was a curious writer of his thoughts and he was analyzing the world the same way I do and you should do as well.
This book will teach you so much and you should give it to your kids so that they can build a strong and deep foundation in this world.
Bruce Lee Tao Of Jeet Kune Do
This book is not only a martial arts book, you will find drawings and sketches of his martial art called jeet kune do.
But you will also find serious thoughts and a very intense Bruce Lee philosophy of life.
It is interesting to see how a passion for something you love in life can attract people to you and can change the way you live your life.
He wrote this book all based on how the jeet kune do and life are so strictly related. Like Jesus Christ that created a religion that people believe in, his religion was the jeet kune do.
This is a way of living life and not only a martial art. Of course, you don’t have to follow any religion in life, because as he said before God is only you and you don’t have to believe in any religion.
So read this book if you want to see how you can transfer any of your passions into a sort of religion for you or someone else interested in the same thing.
Bruce Lee Dragon
In the movie, the actor is not Bruce Lee, but in 1 hour or so you will see something about the Bruce Lee life.
It is like a biography written by Linda Lee which was his wife. It is a good movie but actually, a lot of insights and good stuff is only written in the book.
But still, if you are interested in knowing more of the Bruce Lee life read this very cool biography named ‘Dragon‘.
The picture is from my Italian Book when I was a kid.
Bruce Lee Store
If you are more into material things or gadgets you should definitely check out the Bruce Lee store. You will find shoes, hoodies, t-shirts, pants, gadget all about Bruce Lee.
There will be stickers and any kind of Bruce Lee related thing that you might wanna own. You will be able to find also all the books mentioned above and other books and his movies like enter the dragon, fist of fury, personal library books, Linda Lee Cadwell notes and so much more.
I was privileged in life because I read some of the Bruce Lee books when I was a kid. I was fascinated by martial arts in the first place but then I have discovered something more.
I have discovered the Bruce Lee philosophy and how to be more mature than normal humans.
You might find the same thing I have found in him with religion or simply a good emotion that happened to you in your life.
What happened to me is that 23 years later reading the quotes I have highlighted in that book when I was 7 years old it was like the 23 years didn’t pass.
I still think the same about these quotes and I practice day after days the thoughts written in there. You can read down below one of the most famous Bruce Lee philosophy quotes.
Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot.
If you are looking forward to more content, Bookmark this blog. Share it with your friends and spread some rumors about it. Also, make a comment, I’m curious to know what you think about this.
You should start a blog or a website too. If you want to know why and how! Read my tutorial that will guide you on how to have a successful blog step by step:
If it happens that you need to have a bank, here is the best bank you can have as a minimalist:
If you want to follow Bruce Lee on the social media:


The Science Fiction and Fantasy Big Bang is a big bang challenge focusing on science fiction and fantasy genres included in books, on television, in movies, and even in original fiction! The stories are being written, and now we're looking for artists!
Some of the stories we are looking for artists for include the fandoms: Being Human UK, the Chronicles of Riddick, the Death Gate Cycle series by Weis and Hickman, Discworld, the Doctor Who Verses (Doctor Who and Torchwood), Dollhouse, Farscape, Infinity Space, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Marathon, the Marvel Cinematic Tie-In Universe (Agents of Shield and the Avengers), Mass Effect 3, NCIS, the Phantasy Star Series, Red Versus Blue, Saint Seiya, Sherlock, the Stargate Verses (SG-1 and Atlantis), the Star Trek Universes (Original Series, Alternate Original Series, and Voyager), Supernatural, Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles, and the X-Files.
To read the summaries for these stories, feel free to take a look here
on LJ and here
on DW. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!
] [Artist Sign Up: LJ


The article has been one of the greatest forms of writing for many decades. It can be argued, with no refute, that it is one of the very first kinds of writing that anyone can participate in. Whether or not this is true remains contentious, however. Some would argue that the rise of the”writer’s block” has something to do with the rising popularity of this essay.
For somebody who would like to understand how to write an article, the essay writing process starts by reading, either reading through an essay example or reading a printed essay. Once someone has read an article, they are familiar with the proper grammar of an essay and can start to develop their own writing style. The construction of this essay, as well as its organization of thoughts, are somewhat formal, unlike the more colloquial forms of academic writing.
Essays are typically, concerning content, split into paragraphs. Paragraphs compose the entire body of an article, and it is often where corrector ortografico de textos the writer starts to create their own style. Essays are normally long, as well. In some cases, essays may even go on for page after page, or perhaps page ! As somebody who has sat through numerous college level essays, I will attest that the essays which take a lot of time to write, often prove to be quite long, because the writer has to painstakingly create a plausible structure for the essay.
Concerning formal composition, the most widely used format for writing an essay, though it’s far from conventional, is the”ascent” form. Within this type, which is very similar to the APA format (and frequently considered the model for professional style guides), the author gives a basic outline of the corrector de ortografia y gramatica gratis principal points, using direct quotations, paraphrases, similes, or alternative forms of internal or external quotation. The essay then progresses in an”ascent” style, building upon the main points. The student will spend several segments, writing the essay, using the internal or external quotation to support the arguments that they present in each individual section. Because this format closely resembles the style of academic writing, many pupils find this a comfortable format to follow.
A more recent style of writing essays is called”embellishment”. This style requires the essay writing process a step farther. As opposed to using the quote as the primary source of advice, the essayist will utilize several different types of internal or outside composing resources. This includes illustrations, stories, or other literary devices. Students may also be allowed to include their own input, as is appropriate. Because of the nature of embellishment, it is often quite long (sometimes over forty-five pages) and might not be the best alternative for someone who’s new to writing documents.
Whether composing brief personal essays or an entire master’s level program, it is important to decide on a writing style that is suitable for the author. The most effective writers will compose in a distinctive and personal style, expressing their ideas in terms the audience can comprehend. For this reason, no one writing must use an impartial style. Rather, each writer should decide what voice and format best suits them.


Few days back I had attended the high school graduation ceremony of two cousins of same family. It was a historical day in the life of those two and also their families. It was a day of reflection and pride. There were many shining faces all in the High school cap and gown. All were looking alike with colored regalia for high school graduation and those diploma covers held in there diploma covers and bright faces with promises of tomorrow. The energy which this fresh bunch of students radiated is what made them different. There was so much enthusiasm and zeal in them that they looked different from the others who were present as guests.
The whole ambience reminded me of my own graduating ceremony and suddenly a whole ocean of emotions dashed against my memories. It was a romantic time where the moment is going to gift you a new life forever. The past is going to be wiped out forever and this feeling evokes an all together a new mixed feeling of great relief and sadness. There is yet another positive feeling for welcoming future. The future seemed uncertain and clueless, but there was an anxiety to face it.
The whole celebration is over. The band has played its famous beat, friends and families have taken pictures of day, and parents have recorded the whole view. Every one has done their part to make the most of the day. The final time comes now, when everyone will hug each other with a promise to stay connected forever. With heavy heart friends part with tears in eyes but with a promise that tomorrow is another day.
You are left alone surrounded only with your parents and siblings. The friends have all left and gone like yesterdays. Now is the time when you badly need someone’s wise maxims to guide you through the way of life.
If I were to give advice to these fresh graduation students, then my advice would have been:
Never in your entire life do anything primarily for money. Happiness will never come in your way if you are money minded. Do those things in which you have interest and passion for. Listen to your heart and follow your instinct then only happiness will chase you. The proverb holds true, never chase money, and let money chase you. Try sharing knowledge with others as it will increase your depth of knowledge. Share your feelings, intellect and time with someone who most desires it. This will earn you appreciation and reward. The shortest way for a successful life is earning spiritual wealth and not material wealth. Share your joys and sorrows with others. Never lose your cool no matter how angry you are with others. Try to be friendly and compassionate with one if front of you. Speak well and act good, this goodness towards others will come to you in leaps and bound. Make the best use of your knowledge and never take short cut to success. Thee short cuts in life will always land you in trouble. The old saying holds much truth, ‘slow and steady wins the race.’


Who Is, What Is Stay-At-Home Hollywood Dad?
For a long I have struggled with the idea of what to write for–or at least how to start–my first post. Too long a time. So long that when life grew busy, as it invariably does, I put Stay-At-Home Hollywood Dad aside and forgot about it. Then, finally, when my thoughts drifted in this direction and I returned to the blog, I once again had to delay my first post in order to revise and update, the structure, plugins, formatting, etc. with all the technical advances of the last couple years.
At least the time off gave me my starting point!
One might reasonably assume that the initial post should be an introduction to the blog, and to some degree that it what this post it. At the same time, I did not want it simply to be duplicative of the About Page, which you can find here. Indeed, let me quote that entirety of that text here:
Stay-At-Home Hollywood Dad details my parenting adventures as a Hollywood screenwriter/actor/filmmaker turned stay-at-home-dad. Pursuing a career in entertainment was challenging enough without my first job being the stay-at-home parent…that responsibility adds a whole new twist!
As a professional writer, a screenwriter, I have a tendency to want everything I write to be perfect. Too perfect, as the case may be, for a blog. A blog should permit me to feel free to write freely and thus publish frequently, instead of waiting until everything is “just right,” both from a writing standpoint and SEO.
So, Stay-At-Home Hollywood Dad is exactly what the above quote implies. I am a stay-at-home dad. I live in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, where, prior to familial circumstances and the collapse of the economy, I worked full-time in Hollywood, the entertainment industry (and sometimes Hollywood, the city, not one and the same as many outside of LA sometimes assume). Stay-At-Home Hollywood Dad entails my parenting adventures: stories, recipes, dad tips, career and more.
And, yes, I did just say career. I still do pursue my Hollywood endeavors, but now I do so within the constraints of being dad first. That redirection entails, for the time being, my focus being on those elements I can do from home, namely screenwriting and the occasional freelance new media work (my last steady job was as the VP of New Media for a production company). Someday I hope to return to directing, producing, even acting, too, but only time will tell.
And that’s Stay-At-Home Hollywood Dad. I hope you will continue to join me on this wild ride.


December 7, 2019 is the date for the annual GMP gathering at the Damariscotta River Grill in Damariscotta, Maine. The bar opens for a social hour at 11:30 followed by lunch from the menu. Following lunch our featured speaker, Rachel Slade, author of Into the Raging Sea - The Sinking of El Faro, will talk of the many stories behind the story.
Read this book ahead of time - as a CCA member and mariner it will make you angry. Yes, the story is that a ship sank in a hurricane with the loss of its entire 33-person crew mostly because the Captain misjudged, but there is much more to it. The stories behind the story include corporate mismanagement, chain of command traditions, personalities, morale and job insecurity, regulations that allow 'grand fathering' of existing equipment, and more.


A Little More About Me
It was November. I had no idea where I was, or what was going on, but I was warm and I was comfortable. I was not ready to leave just yet. The space I was in, once large enough, seemed to be getting tighter, squashing me and forcing me to downwards. It went from dark to bright-white light in a flash, I couldn’t focus, and my head was spinning…
13 days late. 22 hours of labour… Wednesday…. I already hated Wednesdays.
In hindsight, it feels like I was born with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Little did I know then of the struggles, I would face as a child. How they would follow me through my teenage years and into my young adult life. I certainly did not anticipate the relevance and impact it would all have on my journey as an artist.
Creativity came naturally, with a vivid imagination that I used in every possible way that I could.
The usual progression of School, College and University, a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art with honours. Although I always wanted to be an artist, my direction was… limited. I decided to teach for a few years before my life took one last dramatic turn for the worse…
After what had been up until this point a lifetime of confusion, pain and sadness, I was finally given the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. What seems like the end can often be the beginning of something beautiful. For the first time, I was able to gain an understanding of why my brain seemed to work the way it did.
Unable to work a ‘normal’ job whilst in recovery, I decided to go back to my creative roots and to find a new hobby for me to embark on. It was at this moment the butterfly came into my life in a very significant way.
The fragility of the butterfly resonated, and reflected my current mental state. The elegance of the patterns on the butterflies took shape in the form of the complexity of the mind. It was breathtakingly beautiful. After pinning my first few I felt a frenzy coming on. I was instantly addicted.
I studied videos and read blogs before I divulged. I made my own boards to pin specimens on, buying books to help me identify every species. I genuinely had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it kept me focused.
All of which leads me here.
Please see below a short documentary film put together by the wonderful Joseph Harrington,
please see his website for the rest of his works;
One for Sorrow, Two for Joy.


Books, Maps and DVDs for Planning Your Trip to the Cotswolds
Get good guidebooks and maps to plan your trip before you leave. Read books and watch movies set in England to get in the mood for your trip. These are my recommended books.
About the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds: A Cultural History (Landscapes of the Imagination) by Jane Bingham, 2009
The Most Beautiful Villages of England by James Bentley and Hugh Palmer, 2007
The Most Beautiful Country Towns of England by Hugh Palmer, 2005
The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds (Includes Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon), 2011
Rick Steves' Snapshot - The Cotswolds, 2014 (Kindle version only)
Food and Drink Guides
Vegetarian Visitor 2012 - Where to Stay and Eat in Britain, Annemarie Weitzel
See our Walks in the Cotswolds page for a list of walking guides.
Cicerone Guides - Cycling in the Cotswolds, Half- and full-day routes and a 200km tour of the Cotswolds, by Chiz Dakin, 2014
Buildings of the Cotswolds by Denis Moriarty, 2000
Pevsner Architectural Guides Bath by Michael Forsyth, 2004
Other Books about England
Americashire: A Field Guide to a Marriage by Jennifer Richardson, 2012. The memoir of an American woman and her British husband living in a cottage in the Cotswolds.
Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour by Kate Fox, 2005


The Error-corrected Universal Reconfigurable Ion-trap Quantum Archetype (EURIQA) project will create a quantum computer system at the logical qubit level. EURIQA is designed using individual trapped atomic ions in sufficient number to create a set of logical qubits to be used for reliable quantum computations based on a universal set of logic gates. Trapped ions are the only physical qubit that have been shown to have reached a minimum fidelity of at least 99.9% for state preparation and measurement [1-2], one- [3-5], and two-qubit gates .
A number of challenges still remain in creating a trapped ion quantum computer having sufficient fidelity when computing with many qubits. Namely, performing gates and ion state measurements with high fidelity while maintaining coherence on other adjacent qubits, applying a reliable error correction scheme, and effectively using classical controllers to implement complex and time-critical quantum operations.
With the EURIQA project, we address these issues from a system design perspective. To improve gate fidelities, the team will design a compact laser system and a compact ion trap system to shorten the optical distance. Shortening the laser propagation length will improve the quality of optical manipulations on the ions, improving the fidelity of those operations. The EURIQA team also endeavors to design and experimentally verify a method for optically addressing more than 30 qubits simultaneously. Access to larger numbers of physical qubits provides the possibility of an error correcting scheme to create logical qubits. Such a system will require new, expanded classical control capabilities.
 A. H. Myerson, D. J. Szwer, S. C. Webster, D. T. C. Allcock, M. J. Curtis, G. Imreh, J. A. Sherman, D. N. Stacey, A. M. Steane, and D. M. Lucas, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 200502 (2008).
 R. Noek, G. Vrijsen, D. Gaultney, E. Mount, T. Kim, P. Maunz, and J. Kim, Optics Letters 38, 4735 (2013).
 K. R. Brown, A. C. Wilson, Y. Colombe, C. Ospelkaus, A. M. Meier, E. Knill, D. Leibfried, and D. J. Wineland, Physical Review A 84 ,030303 (2011).
 T. P. Harty, D. T. C. Allcock, C. J. Ballance, L. Guidoni, H. A. Janacek, N. M. Linke, D. N. Stacey, and D. M. Lucas, Physical Review Letters 113, 220501 (2014).
 Emily Mount, Chingiz Kabytayev, Stephen Crain, Robin Harper, So-Young Baek, Geert Vrijsen, Steven Flammia, Kenneth R Brown, Peter Maunz, and Jungsang Kim, arXiv: 1504.01440 (2015).
 C. Ballance, T. Harty, N. Linke, and D. Lucas, arXiv preprint arXiv:1406.5473, (2014).


WORLD PREMIERE of ŁF4K and Nowy Theatre in Łódź
A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF POLAND
17 and 18 September, 19:15
Nowy Theatre, Mała Scena, Zachodnia 93
The history of Poland as we know it is not a history of everyone. The history of Poland as we know it is the history of elites, whereas everyone deserves their rightful place in the record of the past, just as everyone deserves their place in the future yet to come. In A People’s History of Poland, Adam Leszczyński is pondering about the methodology of historiography from the reverse point of view, namely from the perspective of the excluded. How can Poland’s history, as a history of exploitation, be discussed from the stage in the voice of the youth?
Following the writer’s idea, the authors of the play suggest a critical look at the history of the Republic of Poland as the history of a great manor, built on the oppression and exploitation for the one-sided benefit of the most privileged: from the slave trade in the state ruled by Mieszko I to the ruthless political transformation of 1989. What we think about the history of the land we happen to inhabit requires a radical, critical review: we cannot design the future without first facing the past – painful and full of contradictions.
The perspective presented in A People’s History of Poland is treated as the history of unfinished emancipation; a look into the past which allows us to notice the outline of the currently forming revolution. We are at a breakthrough moment: it is the first time since 1990 that so many young people have declared themselves on the left side of the political spectrum. As a historian, Leszczyński makes a major move; the next one is up to the artists. They, in turn, do more than just present a historical view – otherwise, it would be enough to read the book. Adam Leszczyński focuses on a wide, historical analysis. However, he doesn’t offer political or systemic solutions that could be used today. He is not sure whether the theatre has the tools to help design such solutions. But it certainly does have the tools to share a dream of a better tomorrow, the fantasy of a fair world – the dream of equality. That was, is and always will be the role of live, committed theatre: to give people hope that the dream will eventually come true.
Today, we need to think about creating alliances and a common front in the fight for real social change. Paraphrasing the words of Andrzej Leder, we cannot oversleep the next revolution. A People’s History of Poland can be an impulse for such a conversation. And, as Bernard Marie-Koltes said, there can be no conversation about art without a conversation about exclusion.
The performance is co-produced by the Łódź of Four Cultures Festival and the Nowy Theatre in Łódź, in cooperation with the Stanisław Wyspiański Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow.
Tickets: click here
Author: Adam Leszczyński
Directed / Music- Piotr Pacześniak AST KRAKÓW
Dramaturge/ Text – Wera Makowskx AST KRAKÓW
Video - Jagna Nawrocka ASP ŁÓDŹ
Stage design and costumes - Anna Rogóż
Hanna Molenda - Jaźwińska


At that I gripped my wife’s arm, and without ceremony ran her out into the road.
It may seem counterintuitive that a pandemic-fueled recession could lead to a bullish housing market. But a combination of trends has resulted in a buying frenzy.
The Hill, located in the West New York, stirs visitors to confront what they cannot comprehend.
By the light of the now brilliant moons I saw that he was but a shadow of his former self, and as he turned from my caress and commenced greedily.
The nearer moon, hurtling suddenly above the horizon and lighting up the Barsoomian scene, showed me that my preserver was Woola.
I and my wife stood amazed. Then I realised that the crest of Maybury Hill must be within range of the Martians


“Fitness is my life. Looking to be the best I can be, motivate others to do the same and have fun in the process.”
I was born in 1982 in San Bernardino, California. I served four successful years in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of non-commissioned officer, maintaining an attitude of dedication and perseverance. I recently published a book on my experiences in the military and the power of positive thinking titled The Way of the World the Will of the Mind.


English 9 CP
Below you will find a rough outline of work we will doing in class by the week.
MAY 29 -JUNE 1
Tues: quiz on Chapter 4 in OF MICE AND MEN. Discuss journal #6...who are the lonely people in the book? What causes their lonliness? What happens to people when they are lonely? What kind of world do these characters live in? Is it like your world at all?
Lesson on semicolons. No reading tonight...
Wed: Semicolon worksheet. Read pg 84 - 98. If you do not finish in class, read at home....
Thur: Finish the book together. Discuss the ending....
What would you have done in George's position.
Would the book end differently if it were to take place in today's world? WHY?
Fri: Final reading quiz on OF MICE AND MEN
English 12 AP
SUMMER READING >>
AP STUDY GUIDE GENERIC FORM
STUDY GUIDE per 1 C22
STUDY GUIDE per 4 C22
HAMLET REFORMING THE ROLE
CREATING A WORKS CITED PAGE - instructions
HEALTH UPDATE SAMPLE HOW TO..
**for instructions on how to do the works cited, look at pgs 21 - 22 in your MHS weekly planner
SYSTEMS OF THE BODY
SYSTEMS Of THE BODY STUDY GUIDE
BRAIN BASICS POWERPOINT
BRAIN BASICS PWRPT
MENTAL DISORDERS POWER POINT
PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH PWRPT
TEMPLATE of OUTLINE for RESEARCH PAPER
FILM COURSE OUTLINE
EARLY FILM HISTORY PWR POINT
THE GENERAL PowerPoint
HORROR PERMISSION SLIP
Film Review Sheet
THE SHINING PowerPoint
Young Frankenstein in class worksheet
THE WESTERN powerpoint


when someone becomes verbally or physically violent towards or in front of me, i imagine them this small —-> . <—-, and it becomes quite the humorous show for a moment. i find aggression, hate, and acts or anger in a human a complete loss of power… and instantly see them transform into a teeny tiny insignificant being, powerless, and weak. sometimes i laugh at first, not to be malicious, but because i don’t understand living any other way than with peace and freedom. you cannot fight life’s circumstances, or irrationality… you just have to be. when you release yourself of all bounds, ignorance, stress, anger, and insecurities… you become so free… that when you’re upset- it doesn’t consume you. you feel it, but it’s more of an occasional itch than a rash that constantly needs scratching for temporary liberation.
circumstances aside- beau raised his voice the loudest and most aggressive it has ever been (we have never yelled at one another for the year and a half we’ve been together) ” i’m fucking serious, i’m so fucking pissed off right now you better GIVE me that fucking word right now!” seeing indifference in my eyes, he began again with the same stride, with more aggression and slammed our glass door so hard it vibrated the room, my ear drums, and came close to a shatter. not only did i carry the look of indifference, but i truly felt it.. i felt as though nothing had happened, and continued about. he came in again after locking himself in… repeated his last act with a bit more vigor… and i remained as i was.
after trying to get into our room and finding it locked, the only place i could decently walk to barefoot was our front yard. i spent the better half of the evening and spent the evening with the stars, watching them flicker… finding the brightest one. singing some old tunes softly into the evening, and making up stories using the stars as my characters. beau came in and out of outside, more calm than before but still in his manic state. it was on and off like that the entire evening. eventually we spoke about it, but i didn’t want to be near him. we spent the night in the same bed, on opposite sides i cannot help but feel as though i slept with a stranger last night. in the morning i could feel his remorse… he’s been telling me how much he loves me all day. it means nothing when someone showers you with so much attention via the ride of guilt. i can feel he is afraid. maybe our planned trip to joshua tree this weekend will bring him at peace with himself and let go of whatever weights are wearing him.


Memories From the Uncanny Valley by Alexandra Koumantaki
A distance from the past, Will make a better future.
A quiet war destroyed everything.
We all had forgotten what violence was. The catastrophe was gratifying.
Kissed and embraced us goodnight.
When it woke up.
It wasn’t what it used to be.
No form. No body.
Only an idea of a memory. The last words were...
“Everything it’s going to be ok” It made it more angry.
It crawl into the dust of sweet end. And resurfaced.
Clay, silicone, wires, LED
Filmed in Naxos island, Greece in summer 2019
All materials composed and edited by Alexandra Koumantaki, Athens 2020 alexandrakoumantaki.com


Grief Counseling & Resources
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
There has been an ever-increasing desire to expand traditional roles beyond "at-need" and "pre-need" services into "after-need" or post funeral services for the bereaved. Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services would like to invite you to New Strength, a grief support group. New Strength is a support group for adults, ages 16 and older, who have experienced the death of a loved one. The loss does not have to be recent, as there is no time limit on grief. New Strength is free of charge and supported by Hoffman Funeral Homes. The support group is available to anyone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one.
Loss is a universal process, a part of life that we must painfully learn how to cope. New Strength is composed of people who have experienced profound loss and have begun the journey from grief to recovery and growth. This support group provides a safe environment for you to share your experience and discover you are not alone, your feelings are not weird or different. Please join us in expressing, sharing, and exploring your feelings with friends who will listen.
New Strength meets on the lower level of the Hoffman Funeral Home in Davidsville, usually on the fourth Monday of the month starting at 6:30pm and lasting until 7:30 or 8:00pm depending on the size of the group. Please call Hoffman Funeral Homes at 629-5550 or 479-4790 to register or to ask any questions. If you think group counseling isn’t for you, individual counseling is also available.
We also have other ways to help you deal with your grief. The following is a list of books available for your use along with some online bereavement information. We also have a list of other support groups located throughout the region. If you find any of this information is no longer current or accurate, please let us know. Thank you!
BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM THE FUNERAL HOME
1. Children are Not Paper Dolls, by Erin Linn Levy. An easily read book that will bring understanding and courage to any child who has lost a brother or sister. Adults, too, will gain insight from it.
2. Concerning Death: A Practical Guide for the Living, by Dr. Earl Grollman. This book answers practical and specific questions, treating such subjects as grief, how to talk to a dying person, finance and religion.
3. Explaining Death to Children, by Dr. Earl Grollman. Unquestionably the finest book ever written on the subject; a sensitive study, a superb bibliography.
4. How it Feels When a Parent Dies, by Jill Krementz. Children and teens speak openly of their experience and feelings when either a mother or father has died.
5. Living Through Personal Crisis, by Ann Kaiser Stearns. For those who are moving through a mourning process and who are struggling with depression and other symptoms of distress.
6. Living When a Loved One Has Died, by Dr. Earl Grollman. With simple compassion, this book leads those who are grieving through emotional turmoil to a new hopeful life.
7. Suicide: Prevention, Intervention, Postvension, by Dr. Earl Grollman. Provides information on suicide statistics and gives advice on how to recognize the warning signs of a potential suicide attempt, how to intervene when a suicide has been attempted, and how to comfort families who have lost a loved one to suicide.
8. Suicide: Survivors, A Guide For Those Left Behind, by Adina Wrobleski. A book that provides hope and reassurance, written by someone who has experienced the pain herself.
9. Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child, by Dr. Earl Grollman. A touchingly written and illustrated book that deals frankly with the subject on the child’s own level....Excellent, too, is the Parents Guide.
10. Thumpy’s Story, A Story of Love and Grief Shared, by Nancy C. Dodge. In a warm and sensitive way it will help children of all ages deal with the loss of a loved one.
11. What Helped Me When My Loved One Died, by Dr. Earl Grollman. A collection of personal stories of parents, wives, husbands, children, and friends who have mourned the death of a beloved.
12. When a Baby Dies: A Handbook for Healing and Helping, by Rana K. Limbo & Sara Rich Wheeler. This practical book offers support and advice to those families who have lost a pregnancy or a newly-born baby.
13. When Parents Die, A Guide for Adults, by Edward Myers. Can be recommended to any adult who is dealing with the death or serious illness of a parent and will be found enormously helpful by all who read it.
14. When Death Touches Your Life, by Mervin E. Thompson. Practical help in preparing for the death of a loved one.
OTHER LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS - (Please call ahead before attending any of these groups)
Compassionate Friends: 814-487-7207 Contact person: Cathy Faher. This group is for parents, grandparents and siblings who have lost a child. They meet the first Monday of the month at 7:00PM at the John Paul II Center at St. Benedict’s Church, 2310 Bedford St., Johnstown.
Conemaugh Regional Hospice: 814-534-6100. This group meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5-6PM at the Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute, 1450 Scalp Ave., Johnstown.
“In-Touch” Hospice: 814-443-5047. Contact person: Jessie Pringle. This group meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00p.m.at the Hospice Hous, 1474 N. Center Ave., Somerset, PA 15501.
Windber Hospice: 814-467-6419. This group meets at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at the Windber Hospice in the back of the Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber on Somerset Ave.
ONLINE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT RESOURCES
Compassionate Friends: www.compassionatefriends.org.
Information on supporting family after a child dies.
Grief Net: www.griefnet.org.
Offers discussion and support groups for all bereaved persons with a variety of resources related to death and loss.
Online support group for children dealing with any kind of loss. It includes artwork, stories and poems.
Survivors of Suicide: www.survivorsofsuicide.com.
Offers support for family and friends dealing with a loss through suicide.
Information and support group resource for people of all ages who have suffered the death of a spouse.
NATIONAL ONLINE SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS


From The Week of 1/28/19
I just finished a great book call Endure by Alex Hutchins. In it, he breaks down the different aspects of endurance including oxygen consumption, fuel, and water. Just as important is how the brain affects endurance. It seems to have protective circuitry making its well-meaning your fiercest opponent. But there is more in there if you are willing to believe it.


Warsan Shire, For Women Who Are Difficult To Love (via coyotegold)
And you tried to change, didn’t you? Closed your mouth more. Tried to be softer, prettier, less volatile, less awake… You can’t make homes out of human beings. Someone should have already told you that. And if he wants to leave, then let him leave. You are terrifying, and strange, and beautiful. Something not everyone knows how to love.
i am constantly torn between ‘i dont need anyone’ and ‘hey you please fall in love with me’
Get excited about the little things. About wearing a new outfit for the first time. About Sunday brunches with your best friends. About the new cute guy in your class. About finding an extra dollar in your pocket. About anything that even remotely makes you happy because as you grow up, passions fade and enthusiasm gets mistaken for foolishness. So don’t let the grey world stop you from shining.
note to self (via vanillapagesandink)
Let someone love you just the way you are – as flawed as you might be, as unattractive as you sometimes feel, and as unaccomplished as you think you are. To believe that you must hide all the parts of you that are broken, out of fear that someone else is incapable of loving what is less than perfect, is to believe that sunlight is incapable of entering a broken window and illuminating a dark room.
For years, mental health professionals taught people that they could be psychologically healthy without social support, that ‘unless you love yourself, no one else will love you…’ The truth is you cannot love yourself unless you have been loved and are loved. The capacity to love cannot be built in isolation.
Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., “The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog” (via petrichour)
Every Now and Then
“Every now and then I would feel a violent stab of loneliness. The very water I drank, the very air I breathed, would feel like long, sharp needles. The pages of a book in my hands would take on the threatening metallic gleam of razor blades. I could hear the roots of loneliness creeping through me when the world was hushed at four o’clock in the morning.”
—Haruki Murakami, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle
'In a society where all adventure has been destroyed, the only adventure left is to destroy that society.'
I think about this quote pretty often
Just quietly fade away like a ghost~
A girl’s favorite song will tell you more about her feelings than her lips ever will.
Unknown (via guy)
Black is always elegant. It is the most complete colour in the whole world, made of all the colours in the palette.
Ricardo Tisci (via enkelthed)


ReCONNECT E-Book Series
Our ReCONNECT Team has been working hard to provide an "activities at home" e-book for all ages to enjoy. On this page, we will be uploading e-books covering different topics and ways you can interact with us at home each week. Each E-Book will cost $15 with all proceeds going to support our ReCONNECT Kids program.
To access a particular e-book listed, please contact firstname.lastname@example.org for details and payment options.
1. Take a Hike!
A great resource for parents to take kids out for a hike and explain what they are seeing. Includes a 5 Senses Scavenger Hunt, Forests and Tree Identification, Wildlife Activity and more!
2. Children's Mindfulness
This Ebook touches on the 5 types of wellness, mediation and yoga practices that have been proven to help kids with focus, feeling grounded, and lowering overall stress levels. All proceeds go towards the ReCONNECT kids program.
3. Kids' Short Stories & Reading Comprehension
This Ebook encourages comprehensive learning and critical thinking through questions and guides before and after each short story. It talks about the basics of reading comprehension as well. All proceeds of this book go to the ReCONNECT kids program.
4. Body Week - The Body Explained
It's all about the body systems!
This Ebook offers a kid friendly and easy to follow guide to all the body systems. The book encourages engagement and has relatable information to make the lesson plan fun and inclusive. All proceeds of this book go to the ReCONNECT kids program!


The FOCUS study was the largest LDT (liver directed therapy) clinical trial undertaken in metastatic uveal melanoma.1-3
The phase 3 FOCUS trial evaluated the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of CHEMOSAT in patients with hepatic-dominant uveal melanoma in 102 patients. [Intention to Treat n=102] 4
Objective Response Rate
determined by IRC 4
IRC – Independent Central Review Committee; CI – Confidence Interval; ORR, DCR, OS - ITT n=102. DoR & PFS - mITT n=91 (treated patients only, per the protocol untreated patients were not followed).
[95% CI: 8.31 – 17.74]
[95% CI: 6.24 - 11.56]
[95% CI, 55.63 – 74.81]
[95% CI: 16.72 - 24.34]*
*Data continues to mature; patients will continue to be followed until May 2023.
Statistically significant advantage over BAC arm patients in ORR, DCR and PFS.
Supportive, pre-defined exploratory analysis were conducted, comparing patients in the CHEMOSAT vs. BAC* 4
BAC - Best Alternative Care.
*The BAC arm was comprised of a total of 42 patients, originally randomised in the FOCUS trial prior to its amendment, in consultation with FDA, to a single-arm pivotal study in 2018. The eligible BAC patients were randomised to receive: Dacarbazine (n=1), Ipilimumab (n=7), Pembrolizumab (n=8), Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE n=26).
** Data continues to mature; patients will continue to be followed until May 2023.
Manageable and transient side effects.
Prospective & Retrospective Studies
Treatment naïve as well as previously treated patients have shown efficacy across various endpoints.
|N||Treatment Line||Patient Tumor Characteristics||ORR||OS||PFS||Safety||Reference|
|No. of metastases ≥10 (57%)||72%||
1 year OS - 77%
2 year OS - 43%
mOS 19.1 months
|Majority developed grade 3/4 haematologic events
14 grade 3 non-haematologic events
|Meijer, T., et al 20205|
|>10 lesions/>50% volume replacement (51.9%)||60.5%||mOS 14.9 months||8.4
|Grade 3/4 events were observed in 27.7% of patients||Modi, S., et al 20226|
|Oligometastatic disease ≤ 3 deposits (23.5%)
>10 lesions/>50% volume replacement (31.4%)
|47%||mOS 15.3 months||8.1
|37.5% grade 3-4 non-haematologic events||Karydis, I., et al 20171|
|Not reported||53%||mOS 16.7 months||14.03
|2 cases grade 3a (coronary ischaemia)
1 case grade 3b (transfemoral bleeding with following surgery)
|Bruning, R., et al 20202|
|Hepatic lesions ranged from 3 to >20
Median tumour load of 22.5% (interquartile range 10 to 25%)
|60%||mOS 27.4 months||11.1
|Grade 3/4 events were observed in 43.8% of patients||Artzner, C., et al 20197|
ORR – overall response rate; PFS – progression free survival; mPFS – median progression free survival, OS – overall survival; mOS – median overall survival.


“Breathe!” said the cleric, “Just Breathe!”
Desperately the lady breathed the best she could, but it was so hard, and it hurt so much.
“You’re doing fine…during the next contraction I want you to push”
With a reluctant look on her face the soon-to-be mother nodded in agreement...and not a second later felt a contraction. With all she had in her she pushed the baby out, and felt it start to progress.
“Stop pushing!!!” yelled the cleric. “We have a problem!!!”
“What is it” asked the father, a note of panic in his voice.”
“With a wave of the cleric’s hands and a small incantation the woman was asleep.”
“Why did you do that?” Yelled the man…frantic at what was happening.
“I believe you have two sons…and they’re both coming out at the same time.”
“What?!!” asked the father, shocked at what he just heard. “Two sons? At the same time? What the hell are you talking about? We only consummated our marriage once! We can’t have two sons!”
“I have no time to argue, we’re going to have to cut her open.”
“Cut her open?!!...Are you crazy?”
“It’s the only way to get them out”
“Why can’t she just push them both out?”
“For lack of better words…they won’t fit. It would be too painful for her and she could die.”
“Too painful? Didn’t you just say you were going to cut her open? How could it be more painful than that?”
“That is why I put her to sleep…she won’t be awake for it.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing” said the man, “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“You might want to leave the room for this”
“No! I’m staying here with her. I want to see what you’re doing to her, and I want to be here if something happens.
“Very well,” said the cleric.
The cleric grabbed a very small, but very sharp knife, and began to cut into the woman, slowly downward from the bottom of the baby’s heads. The husband cringed as he watched... but it was soon over. The cleric then began to slowly pull the babies out of the womb. Once the shoulders were through the rest was easy. As soon as they were out he did first aid on the lady, then casted a couple of healing spells on her.
The man noticed that the cleric’s mood had changed and he had become very quiet, seemingly in serious thought, as the sound of two babies crying rang in his ears. It was not long before he realized what caused the cleric’s silence, for it seemed the two baby’s backs were somehow attached to each other. He stared in wonder at them…for he had never seen or even heard of anything this strange.
“What is wrong with them? Why are they attached like that? Do something!”
“I could separate them, but it would be risky. However, I do not know if they could survive if they remain attached.”
“Well how did they get stuck to each other like that?”
“I wish I could give you an answer, but I can’t. Only the god’s could understand such a phenomenon. All I can do is try my best to separate them.”
“Should I wake up my wife?”
“No, she is resting now, I would not disturb her with this”
“Ok then, do what you can. They can’t very well remain like they are now.”
“As you wish” said the cleric.
Soon the crying of the two babies ceased as the cleric casted sleep spells on both of them. Taking the knife he began to work at separating the two babies. It seemed as if there was some sort of curved bone beginning from the right shoulder of one baby, looping across the back, and ending near the lower right torso of the same baby. However the bone was still soft considering the fact they were newborn babies. Multiple times through the process the cleric stopped cutting and casted healing spells on both children…as the father sat and watched, a look of shock and concern on his face.
“Almost finished” said the cleric, as he completed the separation. Next he took a salve and wiped it along the cuts he had just created, and they instantly healed into scars. Then he woke up the two babies.
“There we go” he said, as he gently wrapped both baby’s in separate cloths.
“Can I hold them?” asked the father.
“Sure”, said the cleric, handing one of the babies over to the man.
“Wow, this is amazing. He is so tiny and so precious”
“Yes, so is this one. Life truly is amazing.”
“Can I hold him too?” asked the proud father. “I want to see both of my sons.”
The man noticed a strange look on the cleric’s face as he asked this question.
“Well, I don’t know if you really need to hold this one.”
“What? What do you mean? I’d really like to hold him.”
“It’s probably best if you just hold one baby at a time.”
“Huh?” said the man, a confused look on his face. “I think I could probably hold both of them.”
“But if you hold him then you might get attached to him.”
“So what? He’s my son! I’m supposed to get attached to him. That’s what father’s do.”
“Well I don’t want you to be upset.”
“Upset? What could I get upset about? Let me hold my son please!? I am his father after all!”
“Yes…you are the father…but if it wasn’t for my skill he would not be alive...” a devious look crossed the cleric’s face as he said this.
“Give me my son now!” said the man, not liking the manner in which the cleric had changed”
“Not today my poor friend, and not tomorrow either. In fact…I don’t think you’ll be seeing him ever again” and with that the cleric and the baby disappeared from the room.
“Come back here!” yelled the man “Come back here you bastard!!!” as he charged towards where the cleric was just sitting. But it was all in vain, for the he was gone.
Tears welled up in the man’s eyes and began to pour out as he knew there was nothing he could do, and he wept in anger and despair for his lost son….the baby in his arms whimpering. For an entire hour the man wept, not knowing what to do, as he clung to the baby he was holding in his arms, darkness beginning to fill the room.
A slight breeze blew through the window from outside and the fresh smell of wet grass on a summer evening filled the room. Looking out the window the man noticed the sun was below the horizon, but the dim light of dusk was still upon the land. He looked down at the babe in his arms with a peculiar look, the breeze hitting his face as he studied his son. Moonlight was coming through the window and shining on his baby’s back, illuminating the freshly created scar...a scar that was in the perfect shape of a crescent moon. The man looked out the window once again, and back to the scar….thinking.
“I will call you Twilight, to forever remind me of this evening, the evening I was betrayed and I lost my son. I will do whatever it takes to have vengeance, and you will be a constant reminder of what happened on this night. Let he who betrayed me know that this is not over.” As he said this he bent over and kissed his child on the forehead, forever sealing the vow he had just made.
“Honey….is our son ok?” asked the woman…drearily waking from her slumber.”
“Yes dear, he is fine…I’m holding him right now” said the man, still staring into Twilight’s eyes.
“Where is the cleric?”
“He’s gone…….but I’ll see him again some day?”
“What do you mean honey? Is everything ok?”
“Everything’s going to be just fine dear…….just fine. Go back to sleep…you’ve had a long night.”
“Can I hold my son?”
“Of course you can., here you go” said the man as he handed the newborn into his mother’s arms.”
“Oh, he’s so beautiful” said the mother as she cradled the baby in her arms. What should we call him?
“Twilight…” said the man.
The lady held up her baby and stared into his eyes. “Well hello Twilight, and welcome to the world.”
“You should get some sleep dear.”
“Ok…goodnight” she whispered, as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek.
And as the mother closed her eyes the man returned to the window…..a bright crescent moon now looming overhead. With a look of determination on his face he looked up into the night’s sky and whispered….
“This is not over…..”


101 POWER THOUGHTS by Louise L. Hay
Louise Hay reads her power thoughts to you in her own warm, nurturing voice. Listen to one power thought each day or a few at a time.
You'll find that you may begin to think more positively and create exciting changes in your life!
Self healing (powerful psychological tool for healing oneself) Louise L. Hay, audio book
Louise Hay provides a powerful psychological tool for healing oneself. Side One is her explanation of t
he power of memory and emotion in the healing process; she talks about her own life, how she was abused as a child and how she overcame this trauma through the application of understanding and forgiveness. It also discusses the principles of personal transformation. Side Two contains a beautiful healing meditation that includes sections on how to forgive oneself and others, how to let go of negative thoughts and how to become the optimistic, joyful and created person that we were all meant to be. Hay has a powerful reassuring voice and her words exude confidence, insight and optimism. I highly recommend this tape to all who need psychological support in physical or mental healing. In my experience it has been most effective. Also listen to her tape Meditations For Personal Healing, a series of meditations that covers all the important aspects of life and Self-Esteem: Motivational Affirmations For Building Confidence and Recognizing Self-Worth.
I Can Do It - Louise L. Hay - AUDIOBOOK [EXTREMELY INSPIRATIONAL]
|Louise Hay in London |
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
improve virtually every aspect of your life--by understanding and using affirmations correctly.
Louise explains that every thought you think and every word you speak is an affirmation. Even
your self-talk, your internal dialogue, is a stream of affirmations. You're affirming and creating your life experiences with every word and thought.
Your beliefs are merely habitual thinking patterns that you learned as a child, and many of them work very well for you. But other beliefs may be limiting your ability to create the very things you say you want. You need to pay attention to your thoughts
so that you can begin to eliminate the ones creating experiences that you "don't want. As Louise discusses topics such as health, forgiveness, prosperity, creativity, relationships, job success, and self-esteem, you'll see that affirmations are solutions that will replace whatever problem you might have in a particular area.
By the end of this audiobook, you'll be able to say ""I can do it" with confidence, knowing that you're on your way to the wonderful, joy-filled life you deserve.
Louise Hay - How To Love Yourself [10 steps to loving yourself]
Would you like to be more at ease with yourself?
Do you sometimes feel that you are your harshest judge?
Would you like to incorporate more positive energy into your life?
If so, then this CD is for you! Louise L. Hay guides you through each of her ten steps to loving yourself. She discusses the concept of criticism, the power of meditation, being willing to change, what you believe you deserve, and much more. These ten steps are perfect for you if you're looking for more realistic, practical ways to feel good about yourself. Louise closes the lecture with a beautiful and empowering meditation.
About the Author: Louise L.Hay
Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical lecturer and teacher, and the bestselling author of 27 books, including You Can Heal Your Life and Empowering Women. Her works have been translated into 25 different languages in 33 countries throughout the world. Since beginning her career as a Science of Mind minister in 1981, she has assisted thousands of people in discovering and using the full potential of their own creative powers for personal growth and self-healing. Louise is the owner and founder of Hay House, Inc.
Living Wisdom, Loving Life by Louise L. Hay | Part 1
Living Wisdom, Loving Life by Louise L. Hay | Part 2
|Cover of 101 Power Thoughts|
|Cover via Amazon|
|Cover of Meditations for Personal Healing|
|Cover of How to Love Yourself|


Ugh yes I know, it sounds like a really bad Tel Sell marketing slogan, like do this one thing and your whole problem is solved! Sure Karlien, sure…
No but really, there are a lot of people around the world where this one thing took care of getting rid immediatly of their years of chronic pain.
And that’s why I really want to share this super tip with you, because for all we know maybe you are one of those people who will be helped with this! I would love that, that’s what I do all of this for!
And besides, what do you have to lose to try this out, your situation is already shitty now, it can only get better!
How did those people become pain free so quickly I hear you think, what is it they did???
Well they read a book written by a well-known American doctor. His name is John. E. Sarno M.D. Or also called America’s Best Pain Doctor in the well-known Forbes Magazine. He has written several books, including the New York Times Best Seller “The MindBody Prescription”. He sold millions of books and for thousands of people who read his book(s), just reading was enough to get immediate pain relief or even become completely pain free!
I give you this tip completely for free, because I really hope it helps you.
Is reading this book enough for everyone? No, of course not, that’s why I offer complete Pain-Free Reset programs to lead you to your pain-free life. But maybe in your case just reading this book is enough and you don’t need a program at all, who knows, just try it!
It could really change your life!
Will you let me know then please?
Have a good day!
“The MindBody Prescription” by Dr. John E. Sarno


"Dear friends, close acquaintances and strangers, fellow countrymen, people of all countries of all contintents: In a few minutes a mighty spaceship will carry me into the distant regions of the universe. What can I tell you in these few minutes before launching?
"All of my life seems to me now like one wonderful moment, everything experienced and done earlier has been experienced and done for the sake of this moment. You should understand, it's hard to grasp how I feel as the hour for which we have worked so long and hard closely approaches. It's hardly worth talking about the feelings I experienced when I was chosen to make this historic flight. Joy? No, this wasn't only joy. Pride? No this wasn't only pride.
"I felt an immense happiness to be first to enter the cosmos. To enter an unprecedented, face-to-face challenge with nature. But after this I thought of the immense responsibility laid upon me - first to achieve that which generations have dreamed about, first to pave the road for humanity into the cosmos.
"I am aware of the greater difficulty of the tasks than that which I have fulfilled. This is a responsibility not before one, not before tens of people, not before a collective, it's a responsibility before all Soviet people, before all humanity, before its present and future. And if nonetheless I decide to make this flight, it's only because I'm a Communist, because I have behind me the immeasurable heroism of my fellow countrymen, the Soviet people.
"I know, I will gather all my will to best accomplish this task. Understanding the responsibility of the task, I'll do everything within my power to fulfill the tasks of the Communist Party and the Soviet people. The minutes are counting down to the launch now. I say to you dear friends, until we meet again!" - Yuri Gagarin, April 12, 1961
"The Motherland hears, the Motherland knows
Where her son flies in the sky..." - Yevgeniy Dolmatovsky, 1951


Over the past few weeks I have been struggling with my vision. As of right now there is no definitive reason for why it seems to be failing, but as it stands I lose my vision for roughly 10-15 minutes each day. During this time I can see a good deal but my field of vision is cracked and missing pieces. Sentences disintegrate into merely handfuls of words and the faces around me are missing large pieces. It has been hard not to wonder what it is like to be blind. After 23 years of being able to take in the world around me through sight and enjoy the colors and shadows, I can’t imagine waking up and losing those things.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 02, 2009
It's been an eventful last few days and I thought I'd blog about it before it was too late as my life is currently feeling like a 33 rpm record running on 45 or was it a 45 running on 33 (remember those? LPs? Record players? If not, then I'm pleased to meet you ... I'm rather keen on younger readers.)
I attended the launch of Devil's Kiss, the goth-lit teenage novel by my fellow SCBWIite Sarwat Chadda. I felt rather underdressed when he greeted us with his spear and shield.
The Dulwich Picture Gallery was a fab place to hold the launch, the weather held for most of the evening and the food was delicious! People queued to say nice things to Sarwat but I thought the greatest compliment was paid by this teenager sitting outside the crowd of wellwishers, totally glued to the Devil's Kiss.
There were several Undiscovered Voices authors there - Steve Hartley, whose Danny Baker Record Breaker, is due to be published by Macmillan, me, Margaret Carey, and Briony Pearce - who after winning UV, wrote another novel and had another baby (good news about this very soon ... ). Which reminds me, the deadline for the 2009 Undiscovered Voices competition is the 1st of June!
Here is Bryony and family (the baby came in chain mail and her little girl came in a princess gown ... all made by Briony with one hand while typing up her novel with the other.
Immediately after the launch, a small convoy (well, two cars) of SCBWI people drove up the motorway to Pendrell Hall in Wolverhampton to join SCBWI's weekend retreat. Our author in residence was Mary Hoffman, who I think has pretty much reached the status of national treasure. When she began to read from the latest Amazing Grace book Princess Grace, I wanted to climb onto her lap and suck my thumb.
There's lots to report of course - we learned so much from Mary and the editors, we ate a lot, laughed nonstop, and despite it being a retreat, I was so happy to be writing without any hindrance (and without having to stop to cook for the family!) that I barely slept, pounding away at the laptop into the wee hours! I hope to find the time to blog about the nuts and bolts but for now I just want to share these piccies!
Till next year!
It is my great pleasure to invite you to take part of a new illustration and storytelling project on my blog. It will consist of a series of illustrations and short stories of curious characters that I will be posting every week.
The project needs your collaboration and it will include monthly giveaways of special signed watercolor prints of some of your favorite illustrations and characters.
Please be my guest and take part in this project with me!
Read all about it here: http://www.koldobarroso.com/help-me-bring-creatures-to-life/
This is the final part of School Librarians Revealed, a report on the joint SCBWI-BI Central East Region/Ipswich Children’s Book Group meeting with two Suffolk school librarians: Jayne Gould and Alison Baker.
Authors are Real People: The Secrets of School Visits
Children really love to have authors come into school and often feel that they are meeting “a famous person”. So it’s not surprise publishers are very keen to have authors come into school or go on tour. Pupils find writing workshops very good and are always interested in hearing how writers go about writing, for example, Jeremy Strong talks about his writing shed.
When writers come into school they need to be able to “hold” a class and talk to them. Often the best authors have some sort of show, do something special and sparkle. But authors don’t need to be all singing all dancing. Douglas Hill, for example, had a very quiet presence and delivery, but still held the children with the story he told.
Writer should have a plan and know what they are going to talk about or do. If the children are misbehaving author shouldn’t be afraid to make them pay attention rather than waiting for teachers or librarians to intervene. Anne Cassidy told off three girls at the back of an audience of 100 for talking and the students were far more shocked at being picked out by the author than they would have been being told off by a teacher.
Authors also need to be flexible and adaptable. “Don’t panic when things go off plan, just go with the flow,” suggest Allison, “and the children will respond.” Keep an eye on the audience - if you’re losing their interest, wind things up quickly.
Best Books of Last Year
As part of our discussion we talked about what everyone in the audience and on the panel thought were the best books published last year or once there are most excited about when they read them.
- All three of the Charlie Fletcher books — about statues coming to life in London: Stoneheart, Ironhand and Silvertongue.
- Gideon the Cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer - the third instalment is hotly anticipated!
- The final book of the Noughts and Crosses Trilogy – Checkmate by Malorie Blackman
- Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy. It was considered a big book to get into, but it was a nice story and a good adventure that attracted a wide range of readers in the school libraries. Interestingly, it genuinely crossed the gender divide because girls like Valkyrie Cain and boys like Skulduggery.
The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibbotson is regarded as a modern classic. Many librarians felt they could constantly give it to any child who could read and that they know that there isn’t anything bad to take from it, but a good story.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsal (www.jeannebirdsall.com) is very highly thought of by Jayne, but had not had much success yet selling it to students.
The London Eye Mystery by the late Siobhan Dowd was very popular with year four onwards at Broke Hall School.
Alison felt he couldn’t go wrong Michael Morpurgo.
Mrs Marriage Project by Pauline Fisk — this book caught the imagination of one librarian, but she couldn’t sell it to most of the girls in her school.
Boy Books and Girl Books
Authors that bridge the gender divide
· Robert Muchamore
· Roald Dahl
· Michael Murporgo
· JK Rowling
Books that bridge the gender divide
· Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon and Tony Ross
· Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
· London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
· Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan (very popular with year six)
· Vampirates by Justin Somper
· The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett
· The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Laurence
· Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
There are obviously many books that would definitely are boy read or girl reads. One librarian had tried very hard to persuade boys to read “Not Quite a Mermaid”, but could not overcome the pink cover. During a session on choosing books, Not Quite a Mermaid was a definite no when judged by the cover, it became a probably not when the blurb was read out, but, after being read the beginning of the story the boys were interested in it, but would not borrowed because of the pink cover.
Jayne had a very interesting exercise with some of her year six pupils to help them break away for what they normally read and to read something different. She selected books for each of the pupils and put them in an envelope which they were not allowed to open until they were back in the classroom. They were told to have a go at the book and to come back and talk about it. The pupils were excited by the exercise and it worked very well.
To read an extended version of this entry, visit: http://benjaminscottauthor.wordpress.com/2009/04/25/school-librarians-revealed-part-4-%e2%80%93-best-books-and-writing-sheds/
I’d like to thank Jayne Gould and Alison Baker as well as everyone who attended the discussion at Broke Hall School. I’m also very grateful to the school for allowing us to have our meeting their with the Ipswich Children’s Book Group. You can find out more about British SCBWI by visiting http://britishscbwi.jimdo.com/
This is part three of School Librarians Revealed, a report on the joint SCBWI-BI Central East Region/Ipswich Children's Book Group meeting with two Suffolk school librarians: Jayne Gould and Alison Baker.
What Librarians Want: Gaps on the Shelves
We talked with our panel and audience about what they felt the gaps on their shelves were and the books they wished more writers and publishers were producing.
*Good but not lengthy fantasy - Spiderwick Chronicles (Holly Black and Tony DiTertizzi) were really popular (although helped by the film).
*Broke Hall School finds it hard to keep Horrid Henry (Francesca Simon and Tony Ross) and Beast Quest (Adam Blade) on the shelves, so more like these would go down well.
*Good, short books that would make good class readers for Year Five/Six would be welcomed. Anything ideal for teachers to read aloud to their class, but doesn't take up a term to read, would be good. Once by Morris Gleitzman was cited as a good example of a book very easy to get through in class but has a lot to build lessons and discussions around.
*Fiction about Sport, for example, a rugby series.
Laugh Out Loud Funny
*More humorous stories for older readers - somewhere between Horrid Henry/Jeremy Strong (too young) and Louise Rennison (too old).
High Interest, Lower Challenge
High interest level but easy reading books are in great demand. One in 10 students at Stoke High School is an EAL (English as an Additional Language) student, many from a Polish, Portuguese or Afghan background. It is difficult to source books in their own language to help them keep up their mother tongue as well as helping them to read English.
This is even more of a problem in special need schools, where teenage interest needs to be expressed at Biff and Kipper reading level. Students who use the Makaton symbol system to aid their reading find it hard to have any books suitable for them and staff often resort to remaking the books for their students. As an audience member said, it's like "learning to play the piano at 11 and having to play nursery rhymes. It's embarrassing."
Students are always asking for "really scary books" (from Year Three onwards). However, what staff find scary and what the students find scary is another matter.
From Scary to Censorship
Interestingly, Darren Shan is not stocked by many librarians. In the primary school library in particularly there was a fine line between stocking a wide range of books and keeping them suitable. Even Robert Muchamore’s CHERUB series is not stocked after the second book at some libraries because it was felt the violence and teenage content escalates through the series, although CHERUB is very popular with many students.
Manga is popular at the high school library, but titles are selected with great care as most of the publications are only suitable for 18+ (and often contain offensive (violent and sexual) material not suitable for a school library). The school does have a Manga club -- which also has a cultural focus on Japan. However, most manga’s violence and gore is mild compared with many of the computer games children play.
However, it could be argued that it is better to read about some of these areas than it is to see it on TV. At least with reading, there can be a difference between what is written and what is understood by the reader. Most people recognise the children see worst things at home -- many students have watched 16 and 18 rated movies with their parents. (Year One, Two and Three students have seen Lord Of the Rings, and at least one Year One student has seen The Dark Knight).
Age appropriate biographies are a real gap in the market. Marley and Me by John Grogan was cited as a prime example of a biography that worked very well. The author adapted to his biography for younger readers (Marley: A Dog like No Other) and it’s very popular. The students would not have tackled the adult version.
Many girls are into the so-called agony biographies -- often led by their mothers reading, for example, Child Called It (David Pelzer) or My Sister's Keeper (Jody Peacock). While the grown-up version isn't really suitable for Year Six, an age-appropriate version would be desirable.
Coming soon - Part 4: What are the Best Books and Who Writes in a Shed?
To read an extended version of this entry, visit: http://benjaminscottauthor.wordpress.com/2009/04/18/school-librarians-revealed-part-3-the-books-librarians-want-written/
This is part two of School Librarians Revealed, a report on the joint SCBWI-BI Central East Region/Ipswich Children's Book Group meeting with two Suffolk school librarians: Jayne Gould and Alison Baker.
The Book Keepers: The Role of Librarians
"The only way you can learn to make choices is by making choices," says Jayne Gould, “and part of that process is making the wrong choice”. Despite the temptation to interfere in children's reading choices, most librarians felt that only in exceptional circumstances do they step in. They support a pupil’s right to make choice and try a book.
Librarians are keen to encourage pupils to read and to keep them borrowing books. Part of the process is helping pupils find something appropriate, by both content and reading age, and, at the same time, challenging. They also have a role to play in helping developing readers.
Problems do occur, for example, in Broke Hall School, Year Four boys started going for the longest books they could find so they could be seen reading "great thick books". But many of these books came back the next day because they were too challenging a read. So Jayne Gould worked very closely with teachers to establish reading scheme: specially chosen books were placed in five colour types and the students had to read one book from each of the coloured tubs in order to get a gold certificate.
In the older school, the problem can be the opposite. Year Nine students still take out Horrid Henry when they should be challenging themselves, although with a mix of reading abilities, some students still need something more appropriate to their reading age, like quick reads.
Stoke High School has had a lot of success with a paired reading scheme. Pupils who read at below chronological age, but not low enough for corrective reading, are paired with stronger, older readers. They meet twice a week for 20 minutes to practice reading out loud. The scheme not only makes dramatic improvements to reading ability (and enjoyment) over six months but also creates some strong friendships. It is not unusual for pupils to improve their reading age by two years during the scheme. It also helps the students to learn to pick appropriate books and get satisfaction from being able to get into and to the end of the story.
The move by many UK publishers to start “age-banding” books is hot topic of the moment. Unsurprising to anyone listening to the debates, staff in schools are almost universal opposition to age banding because it would stop a lot of children picking up books.
Students are largely self censoring. They often don't want to read something that is not suitable for them and they will bring them back. An 11-year-old girl in one library borrowed a book that had been put into the library by a previous librarian and returned it for being too explicit. Most readers will stop if they are uncomfortable with the book.
Even in the high school library, most of the students do not look at the adult book section. Alison Baker jokes that they've trained them all well! However, Year 10 and 11 students do read Agatha Christie, Mills and Boon and "good adventure stories".
During her days as a bookseller, Jayne had a customer who wanted to buy the classic Black Beauty (by Anna Sewell) for a 5 year old without realising that might be inappropriate for the youngster.
The difficult comes with people who don’t work closely with children or know the children's books market. How do they make choices to buy books for children? It would be helpful to the “grandparents” buying books, but at the heavy price of stigmatising children and excluding many from the pleasures of reading.
For more information on the age banding debate visit:
Coming soon - Part 3: The Books Librarians Want Written - watch this blog!
To read an extended version of this entry, visit: http://benjaminscottauthor.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/school-librarians-revealed-part-2-%e2%80%93-keepers-of-books/
On 21 January 2009, SCBWI Central East Region and the Ipswich Children's Book Group held a joint meeting at Broke Hall School (Ipswich) to hear from two Suffolk schools librarians. Jayne Gould and Alison Baker were kind enough to come and talk about themselves and their libraries.
A Tale of Two Libraries: how different school libraries work
The Stoke High School Library operates from a single room, but is a school library and a public branch library. It has two sets of staff (one for each function) and two sets of stock, although the stamped school stock is interfiled. Alison Baker is the Stoke High School librarian and has worked there for over 10 years. She started as a branch librarian before moving to the school side when they needed a chartered librarian.
Broke Hall School Library is not shut away in a separate room, but part of a school thoroughfare so most children pass through it every day. It has grown alongside the expansion of the school (which now has over 600 children) and has had a librarian, Jayne Gould, since 2000 (she was previously a children's bookseller at the Ancient House, Ipswich). The library has over 15,000 books on its catalogue and is one of the largest school libraries in Suffolk. It is one of the few that has a dedicated librarian.
Book Fairies: How Books Appear on the Shelves
Both librarians listen to what students ask for - suggestion cards are also used for students to write down books, authors or topics they want stocked. Children need feel they have ownership of the library and are encouraged to talk about what they read.
Pupils talk to each other about the books they read, so that often filters through to requests for stock. Children are often influenced by the display in Waterstone’s, WH Smith and Tesco.
Authors’ visits have a very profound effect on borrowing which extends far beyond the few weeks after their visit, for example, even a year after her visit to Stoke High School, Anne Cassidy’s books continue to be in great demand (there is already a long waiting list for her new book).
Film and TV adaptations have a huge influence too. They often draw in new readers and encourage existing readers to challenge themselves with longer books.
The greatest challenge is keeping up-to-date with what is being published. A lot of decisions about stock are made on the basis of reviews and children's books magazines (like Carousel - http://www.carouselguide.co.uk/). Jayne's background as a bookseller and membership of the local Children's Book Group has proved invaluable.
Gaps in stocks are always highlighted when students undertake individual or group projects on "what interests them." Alison tries to suggest students pick their projects only after they've looked on the shelves. But students still challenge the libraries with eclectic or esoteric requests, for example, books on boxing, or slugs and snails. When projects are about exotic animals, reference works can be hard to source, for example, books on Golden Tamarins.
Ultimately, librarians seem to work on gut instinct and knowing the children in their school. Budgets are obviously an issue and some creativity is needed in building up stocks, for example, feeding in commission from book fairs and adding the occasional review copy to the library.
Coming soon - Part 2: Keepers of Books. Watch this blog!
To read an extended version of the entry visit: http://benjaminscottauthor.wordpress.com/2009/04/03/school-librarians-revealed-part-1-%e2%80%93-book-fairies-and-golden-tamarins/