Sarcopenia: A Covert Threat to Your Life, Liberty, & Pursuit of Happiness
Marlene Harris, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CES
Author’s Note: Resistance training is a very important element of your fitness and weight management goals. It shouldn’t be ignored, but all too often, it is. The following article was adapted from a longer, more technical research paper I wrote for a graduate level class in Exercise Epidemiology. For those who’ve not been exposed to this type of writing, I’ve toned down the “science-speak”. The little numbers in parentheses after various sentences refer to the exact studies that support my statements. The list of these references was omitted from this rendering, but if interested, I can make it available to you. I hope this article brings you greater insight as to why I speak about resistance training with such enthusiasm and conviction! M.H.
The Privilege of Longevity
An old adage advises: “never fret about growing older, as the privilege is denied to many”. However, as we journey through life, moving ever closer towards this privilege, a menace lurks deep within our physiology. Without clamor, fanfare, pain, or other overt physiological drama, it gradually and silently steals our quality of life if we allow it. This thief goes by the name of sarcopenia, a little-discussed process that effects one single population as we move beyond our third decade of life: all of us.
Sacrcopenia is the natural loss of lean body mass, specifically, Type II (fast twitch, or strength) muscle, that accompanies aging due to a combination of physiological, nutritional, hormonal, and lifestyle factors (22, 4). The development of muscle mass and strength capacity are reported to peak in the mid-twenties to early thirties, and if left to natural processes begin a gradual decline thereafter (22, 4). According to Wikipedia, the term sarcopenia has Greek origins, and means "poverty of flesh” (22). This natural decline becomes more precipitous after 65 to 70 years of age, with about a third of your total (original) muscle mass being lost in your elder years(4). Most research literature reports that the rates of strength losses for men and women are fairly similar, with losses appearing first and more significantly in the larger, lower body muscles than those of the smaller, upper body muscles (4, 6, 11). Because the larger muscle groups are more affected, this has significant implications for the loss functional strength, metabolic capacity (ability to burn calories), and as a result, for general wellness and weight management. Among the myriad factors associated with this process, inactivity (specifically, a lack of resistance, or heavier weight-bearing exercise), and nutritional status (specifically, protein intake) are reported as being most prominent and readily controllable (2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 14, 19, 20). This is the bright spot in this otherwise bleak outlook-we can have a great deal of control over this process if we take a hands-on approach.
At Higher Risk, by Nature…
While sarcopenia affects both men and women at relatively equal rates of decline, women are particularly predisposed to the debilitating effects of this process for several reasons. However, stay with me here, gentleman readers, because you’re not out of the woods here by any means, and remember that these considerations will affect the women in your life.
Women have a naturally, and significantly lower starting complement of lean body mass (aka: muscle) as compared to men, meaning that gals have less muscle to lose out of the gate. In addition, various studies on physical activity trends indicate that women tend to be less physically active than men, and this tendency increases as age increases. The combination of less lean body mass and inadequate amounts of physical activity can set women up for significant impairment.
…but There’s Plenty of Misery for Everyone!
For both genders, the loss of lean body mass directly relates to both calorie burning capacity and functional strength for life activities. This sets the stage for increased rate of weight gain as we age. Increasing weight gain can decrease our efforts at engaging in physical activity. Here you have it: reduced metabolic rate, subsequent weight gain, and decreasing activity levels. Result: increased risks for a spectrum of lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and other inflammatory processes, along with a general decrease in your quality of life, and satisfaction with it. Specifically, here’s what you have to lose:
1). Functional strength for daily activities, such as the ability to tend to your home, carry out general daily activities (such as carrying groceries, picking up a grandchild or pet, going up or down stairs, or getting up out of a chair).
2). The ability to participate in favored activities and/or hobbies.
3). Money, through the increased financial burden imposed by the need for more, and more frequent health care.
5). Your sense of self-worth: you lose self-efficacy (your sense of confidence in your ability to carry out activities) and self-esteem (your general opinion of yourself).
In sum, the effects can be broad and the impact far-reaching in terms of your health and quality of life. As such, the process of sarcopenia should be viewed as a significant threat to your personal health.
Your Muscle: A Forgotten Element of Fitness
Many prominent researchers on the impact of physical activity on illness and mortality have devoted entire careers to examining the impact of general physical activity at work and at play on health and lifespan, with an emphasis on middle-aged men. This is hardly surprising, as men are particularly vulnerable to heart disease and related conditions at mid-life (although women are fast gaining “equality” in this dubious race). Consistent with the theme of concerns regarding coronary disease, much of the research and media attention has focused on aerobically-based, heart stimulating activities in the form of structured cardiovascular conditioning or simply increasing everyday and/or leisure-time physical activities. However, the research on muscle loss, strength, and resistance training is sadly under-reported.
While heart health and cardiovascular work are undeniably important to health and should be included as a part of any regular physical activity program, equal consideration should be given to preserving and improving our muscle mass, strength, thus our functional capacity as we age.
Key Consderations: What the Research Says
The research on sarcopenia provides a wealth of valuable insight into the process of muscle degradation and what we can do to prevent it.
Many processes, simple path to success: Beginning with a detailed report on the complexity of the processes involved in sarcopenia, in 2006, Solomon and Bouloux (17) presented a beefy review which offered an outline of the many factors involved in the process of muscle growth and decline. They highlighted the importance of supporting cells and cell chemistry, mechanical stimulation (aka, resistance training), calcium and vitamin D status, and growth hormone, among others. In their conclusion, the authors noted that the “interaction between growth factors (created by supportive nutrition) and mechanical stimulation (resistance training) is of significant importance”. Simplified translation: eat healthy, lift weights, keep your muscle.
Forget hormone replacement, lift weight (and eat your protein!): In a 2005 review of various studies investigating the use of testosterone replacement, growth hormone replacement, or resistance training as remedies for sarcopenia, Borst (2) concluded that resistance training was the most effective strategy. He reported that:
1). Testosterone replacement yielded only modest increases in muscle strength and mass and came with significant concerns regarding destructive side effects at higher doses.
2). Growth hormone replacement yielded no increases in strength, did nothing to improve the effects of resistance exercise, and also carried with it a high incidence of destructive side effects.
He also commented that in older people, inadequate nutrition (protein intake and supporting nutrients) was the primary factor that kept people from the optimal benefits of resistance exercise.
More nutrition, nutrition, nutrition: Supporting the importance of nutrition in sarcopenia, various studies have focused on the relationship between dietary protein and lean body (muscle) mass. In a study done in 2007, Campbell and Leidy (3) reported that adequate protein intake, in connection with resistance training, are important considerations in slowing sarcopenia. Further, they suggested that the current recommendation of .08 g of protein per kg of body weight (which has been reported by some registered dieticians and nutritional references to be generous), may not be sufficient to support the desired results of resistance training.
In a similar study, also in 2007, Lord et al. (8) focused on the association between the intake of dietary animal protein and muscle mass in older women. They compared intake of animal and vegetable sources of protein with the muscle mass index (a measure of lean body mass) of each woman, and found that animal protein intake was the independent predictor of a higher muscle mass index. In their conclusion they suggested that, in particular, animal sources of protein were superior for the preservation of lean body mass. Other studies have reported this result as well.
You’re never “too old”, and it’s never “too late”: In terms of the effects of resistance training on the loss of lean body mass, many studies have examined this relationship among various age groups. While utilizing a variety of approaches, these studies all end up in agreement on one central point: in terms of curtailing, or even reversing the loss of muscle mass and related strength declines, regular resistance exercise does a body good at any age. In 2006, Reeves, Narici, and Maganaris (15) reported that resistance training offered a protective effect against various cellular and molecular markers of muscle degradation and consistently resulted in improvements in muscle mass and strength. They further noted that “older muscle…maintains a high degree of plasticity (responsiveness) in response to increased loading…”, meaning that age alone does not necessarily restrict the ability to generate new muscle growth. In 2006, Taaffe (20) also echoed these observations in his examination of resistance exercise as a treatment strategy for sarcopenia. In his conclusion, he likewise commented on the responsiveness of the aging neuromuscular system, and suggested that resistance exercise via a variety of forms, at a sufficiently taxing level of intensity, done regularly, on a weekly basis, was a prescription for improvements.
In still another report of favorable response to resistance training despite aging, in 2007, Melov, et al.(10) took skeletal muscle biopsies from both and younger older adults, and used gene expression profiling to examine and compare the features of the samples of both groups. Further, he exposed a sub-group of the older participants to a six month resistance exercise program. When he examined both pre and post exercise gene expression, he discovered that, in the older group exposed to the resistance training program, many of the genes known to be affected by both age and exercise showed a reversal of their gene expression(s) to profiles that more resembled those of the younger group.
While science reveals that everyone will need to reckon with the process of sarcopenia, this brief glimpse into the research on this process offers considerable hope. The remedy can be found in the form of appropriate amounts and intensities of resistance exercise and proper nutritional support (specifically, adequate protein intake). Functional strength, ability, and metabolic capacity are as vital to health as sound cardiovascular functioning. What good is a healthy heart if you don’t have the strength to get up out of a chair, walk up and down stairs, or carry or pick up objects without injuring yourself? With respect to protecting your muscle mass, and considering the studies featured in this commentary, the opening advisory regarding to “never fret about getting older…” should be augmented with the gym rat’s time-honored advisory to “use it, or lose it”.
References: A 24 item reference section exists for this paper, but was omitted here for the sake of space and bevity. The reference section can be made available upon request, just e-mail us!


In the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, God's Word pierces mankind's darkness and reveals a light that will always shine for those who walk in it.
In the first reading, God chooses one of Jesse's sons to be king. While Jesse presents seven sons, God doesn't choose any of them. God tells Samuel, "Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart."
When Samuel asks Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" Jesse replied, "There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep." Samuel said to Jesse, "Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here."
Since seven is the perfect number, it's easy to imagine that Jesse was very proud to present these seven sons to Samuel. Yet the Lord chose the eighth son, who wasn't even invited to the banquet. God works outside of human wisdom. Christ arose from the dead, not on the first day of the week, nor the seventh, which was also the Sabbath, but on the eight day. He introduced a new dimension into history. God always seems to be working in another dimension of time. God gave the prophet Samuel the light to choose a man after the heart of God.
In the second reading, Paul recalls that the Ephesians at one time walked in the darkness of sin but now walk in the light of the Lord. "Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth."
The Gospel presents the remarkable story of the man born blind. When the disciples ask why this man was born blind, Jesus responded, "It is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. ... I have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Already Jesus is opening the eyes of His disciples to the spiritual world. Once night comes, the time of choosing light or darkness will be over.
All of this is a prelude to the healing of the blind man. The physical healing isn't nearly as miraculous as the spiritual healing he is about to experience. As soon as the man born blind returns from the pool of Siloam and is able to see, his witnessing begins. The neighbors who knew him are confused and ask, "Isn't this the one who used to sit and beg?" For people walking in darkness, the light of Christ is always confusing.
The blind man tells them that he is the one they saw blind and begging. They take this man and present him to the Pharisees who are confused. On the one hand, they insisted that it is unlawful to heal on the Sabbath, but on the other hand they admit, "How can a sinful man do such signs?"
The more the blind man comes into the light, the more the Pharisees are plunged into darkness. In their confusion, the Pharisees seek help from the parents, but the parents are afraid of being excluded from the synagogue, so they defer the question back to their son.
Now the man born blind becomes an evangelist for Jesus. The Pharisees say to him, "Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner." More light comes forth from the man healed of blindness: "If He is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see."
When they continue to harass him, the man born blind tells them, "I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples, too?" Eventually, they can't take the light coming from this man, now born into spiritual light, so they throw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus seeks out the man thrown out of the synagogue, and says, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man replies"Who is He, sir, that I may believe in Him?" When Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of Man, the man responds, "I do believe, Lord."
When the Pharisees hear Jesus say this, they ask, "Surely we are not also blind, are we?" Jesus says, "If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains."
We're all born blind.
"Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart." We all walk in the appearances we create.
When we judge others for sinning differently than we do, we choose blindness. When we hold on to negative thinking, unforgiveness, lust, self-indulgence, anger and resentment, we're choosing blindness. We choose blindness every time we don't love others as God loves them. We choose blindness every time we deny our sins. Like the Pharisees, we create appearances in which we choose to walk.
Simply trying harder or condemning ourselves won't help; these choices only make us blinder. Jesus is the only one who can give us sight, and so we must humble ourselves and ask Him. Our cry to Jesus should be, "Lord, I want to see. Show me my sins. I want to come into the light. Lord, I give you permission to convict me of my sins." RELATED ARTICLE(S):I thought you should know | The forgiveness of sins is more than a private matter


Dinosaurs have always fascinated kids of all ages, and there are countless books out there that can help fuel that fascination. From colorful picture books that introduce little ones to the world of dinosaurs, to more in-depth non-fiction books that older kids can use for research, there’s a dinosaur book for every age and interest level.
One of the best things about dinosaur books for kids is that they can help spark a love of learning and a curiosity about the natural world. By reading about these fascinating creatures, kids can learn about different species of dinosaurs, how they lived, and what the world was like during the time of the dinosaurs. This can help them develop a deeper understanding of science and natural history, and can even inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.
In addition to being educational, dinosaur books for kids can also be a lot of fun. Many of these books are filled with colorful illustrations and engaging stories that can captivate kids’ imaginations. They can also be a great way for parents and kids to bond, as they can read the books together and talk about what they’ve learned.
If you’re looking for some great dinosaur books for kids, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
by Roger Priddy: This colorful and engaging picture book is perfect for little ones who are just starting to learn about dinosaurs. It introduces kids to 26 different dinosaurs, from the familiar Tyrannosaurus Rex to the lesser-known Stegosaurus.
by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague: This sweet and funny book is a favorite among kids and parents alike. It follows a group of dinosaurs as they go through their bedtime routine, and shows how even dinosaurs have to brush their teeth and say their prayers.
by Thomas R. Holtz Jr.: For older kids who are looking for a more in-depth look at dinosaurs, this comprehensive encyclopedia is a great resource. It covers more than 700 different species of dinosaurs, and includes detailed illustrations and information on each one.
Related Article: Epic List of FREE dinosaur coloring pages for kids and toddlers
by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott: This fun and imaginative book combines two of kids’ favorite things: dinosaurs and sports. It follows a group of dinosaurs as they form a football team and compete against each other in a big game.
by Byron Barton: This classic board picture book is perfect for kids who are just starting to learn to read. It uses simple text and colorful illustrations to introduce kids to different types of dinosaurs, and shows how they lived and interacted with each other.
by William Joyce: This delightful book follows the adventures of a boy named Bob who has a special talent for talking to dinosaurs. He and his family travel back in time to visit the dinosaurs and learn all about their fascinating lives.
by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort: This silly and imaginative book is perfect for kids who love a good laugh. It follows a group of dinosaurs who discover the joys of wearing underpants, and shows how they use them in all sorts of hilarious ways.
by Mary Pope Osborne: This is the first book in the popular “Magic Tree House” series, which follows a pair of siblings who are whisked back in time to visit different historical periods. In this book, they travel back to the time of the dinosaurs and have all sorts of exciting adventures.
by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott: In this fun and imaginative sequel to “Dino-Football,” the dinosaurs take to the ice for some prehistoric hockey action. With exciting games and hilarious antics, this book is sure to be a hit with sports-loving kids.
by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott: In the third book in the “Dino” series, the dinosaurs hit the baseball diamond for some prehistoric sports action. With fun games and exciting plays, this book is a must-read for kids who love baseball.
Summary – Top 10 dinosaur books for kids
In conclusion, dinosaur books for kids are a wonderful way to fuel a love of learning and a curiosity about the natural world. These books can help kids learn about different species of dinosaurs, how they lived, and what the world was like during the time of the dinosaurs.
They can also be a lot of fun, with engaging stories and colorful illustrations that can captivate kids’ imaginations.
Whether you’re looking for a picture book for little ones or a more in-depth resource for older kids, there’s a dinosaur book out there that’s perfect for every age and interest level. So why not grab a few books and start reading together today?


The story of Psyche and Eros is the archetype of all romance literature. The characters symbolize the soul (feminine) and body (masculine) wed in a divine love affair.
Psyche is the most beautiful being in all creation, the epitome of womanhood. She even outshines the Goddess of love. Eros is smitten by her beauty and falls in love with her. They are married, but Psyche isn't allowed to see Eros because, she is told, he is a hideous monster. But she falls in love with him anyway because he is so kind and loving. (Beauty and the Beast? Bad boys in modern literature?)
Her sisters convince Psyche that the monster which has seduced her will eventually kill her if she doesn't kill him first. She goes with a weapon and a lamp to sneak up on him and slay the beast, but in the light she sees his true beauty. Eros is angry and flies away. He is imprisoned by his jealous mother. Psyche seeks him and must complete impossible tasks. The last task poisons her (sleep) and Eros must come to her rescue. (Sleeping Beauty? Alpha Males and Billionaires?)
They of course live Happily Ever After or it wouldn't be a romance, right?
From a psychological perspective it is easy to see why these archetypal characters dominate romance literature. They are hardwired in our psyche. It is why women fall in love with heroes and men fall in love with heroines. If our characters don't conform to these archetypes they seem strange and stilted. The hero must, in some way, be Eros and the heroine must be Psyche.
We could just as easily say David and Bathsheba or Romeo and Juliet or Clair Randall and Jamie Fraser. Though Romeo and Juliet is technically a tragedy. But you can name a hundred romances and they would all conform to the Eros and Psyche archetypes, even real life romances. It's who we are, how our heart and soul live as one. We recognize it in literary characters and it touches us, drawing us in, and making us part of the story.
I could write volumes on the emotional and psychological triggers at play, but that isn't important for this post. Look at your characters. Can you see Eros in your male lead? Is your female lead Psyche incarnate? Do they suffer for their love? Do they fight insurmountable obstacles? Do they stand together when the whole world is against them? Do they pull apart, but long to be together?
These are all classic threads in Romance. If your story doesn't have them it is lacking the Heart (Eros) and Soul (Psyche) of romance and readers will feel that.


Feb 2, 2024
There is perhaps no experience more visceral and soul-consuming than shame. And shame is opportunistic—it can enter our lives and bodies not only through things we’ve done, but by things done to us. Further, we can often feel absolutely powerless in the face of shame. But we do not have to resign ourselves to hopelessness. A life of flourishing of freedom is available. It requires courage and practices for engaging shame discharge. In this episode, we cover some simple—but not simplistic—practices for discharging shame and living in freedom, authenticity, and resilience.


Joys of Storytelling and Knowledge Sharing with Seniors
The Joys of Storytelling and Knowledge Sharing with Seniors as a Companion
The timeless art of storytelling and the sharing of wisdom form the heart of human connection and heritage. As a companion to seniors, these interactions are more than mere pastimes—they're threads that weave the tapestry of personal history and a shared human experience. There's an undeniable joy in the exchange, so let's explore what makes it so rewarding.
Embarking on a Journey Through Time
Each senior is a living library, a vessel of firsthand experiences from different times. As a companion, you're afforded a front-row seat to the stories of the past—tales of love, resilience, joy, and challenges. These narratives are more than simple recountings; they're lessons in history, unexpected friendships, and pivotal moments that shaped society.
Unearthing Treasures of Wisdom
Seniors offer a wealth of knowledge that often goes untapped. From life lessons to practical skills, their insights are invaluable. Sharing knowledge about traditions, crafts, and strategies for overcoming life's hurdles enriches your understanding and appreciation of the journey that is life.
Storytelling with elders can be a vivid adventure. As they describe the worlds they've inhabited, they ignite the imagination, transporting both of you to different realms. This exchange is not only enjoyable but also stimulates the mind and creativity.
Preserving Heritage and Legacy
In listening to and sharing seniors' stories, you play a role in preserving a personal and cultural legacy. Each story is an opportunity to recognize and document the history that may otherwise be forgotten, bridging the gap between generations.
Building Mutual Respect
This storytelling interaction fosters a deep sense of respect. Seniors feel valued and heard, while companions gain a newfound understanding of past eras and life paths. This mutual respect is foundational to a meaningful and enriching companionship.
The knowledge shared by seniors can dramatically shape your worldview and personal growth. Life advice, overcoming adversity, and the evolution of societal norms provide space for personal reflection and development.
Enhancing Emotional Well-being
The act of sharing stories and knowledge nurtures emotional health for both seniors and companions. It forges meaningful connections, combats loneliness, and provides a shared joy that can brighten daily life.
As a companion, your role is pivotal in providing a meaningful social outlet where seniors can reminisce, teach, and feel valued. The joys of storytelling and knowledge-sharing with seniors are profound, offering a unique experience that enriches lives on both sides of the conversation. So, engage fully, listen deeply, and share that life-affirming joy of connection that storytelling brings.


Season 41 Is Here!
Puppets & Poe
Directed by Shannon R. Davis
October 3 - November 2, 2019
Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8 PM
Recipe for the Macabre:
Start with Edgar Allan Poe - the renowned master of poetry, short stories, and tales of mystery and the macabre. Dissect and remix. Mix with Theatre of Yugen's signature physicality, voices, words, ideas, bodies, a dash of Noh and Kyogen and PUPPETS. Stir in a splash of contemporary relevance, with good old-fashioned irreverence. Bake at a macabre 666 degree heat for an hour and a half. Devised Defiance is a dish best served cold.
Featuring: Ella Cooley, Alan Coyne, Shannon R. Davis, Steven Flores, Jamin Jollo, and Nick Ishimaru
Yugen no Kai: Fall
November 16 & 17, 2019
Directed by Lluis Valls
Theatre of Yugen will be presenting its signature classical Japanese comedy in English works. The long-standing hallmark of the company’s work, Theatre of Yugen is proud to present the only regular Kyogen in English performances in the world!
This fall's offerings include:
The Snail (Kagyu)
The Thundergod (Kaminari)
Featuring: Sheila Devitt, Fenner, Nick Ishimaru, Meryn MacDougall, and Kate Patrick
A Noh Christmas Carol
December 6 - 29, 2019
Directed by Nick Ishimaru
The perennial favorite is back!
The reimagined story in Meiji era Japan is told using a combination of noh, kyogen, kabuki, and butoh, bringing this classic story to life in a fashion like no other production does.
Ebezo Sukurooji [Ebenezer Scrooge] receives a visit from his deceased business partner Jakube Mashima [Jacob Marley] warning him to change his miserly ways or be doomed to linger forever as a hungry ghost. The miraculous intervention of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-To-Come take Sukurooji on a wondrous journey through life and time in a profound attempt to remind him of the value of life beyond business and profit.
Featuring: Roy Eikleberry, Nick Ishimaru, Meryn MacDougall, Ryan Marchand, Mika Oskarson-Kindstrand, and Kate Patrick
Join Our Mailing List
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Subscribe to the "NohNews" newsletter!
Theatre of Yugen is a non-profit 501c3 that depends on support from individuals and the community. Show your support today by giving a tax-deductible donation. We appreciate your giving, celebrating the arts of Japanese and Western culture!


This is a book about Canada’s endangered critters; it’s a book no one has wanted to write.
We hope that by documenting the plight of so many beautiful creatures we will contribute to a renewed effort to protect them.
It’s an incomplete book -- only half of Canada's endangered species are included, but we will eventually include all 300 species and provide the final version to you upon completion (consider this a Beta version!).
Upon your minimum donation of $15.00 you'll be given access to download the e-Book (in both EPUB and PDF formats).
Thanks for your consideration.
-- The Sierra Club Canada Team


Ephesians 6:12 says:
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places'
This is God's word, so I know it to be true.
But sometimes, it feels so personal that it's hard to remember.
Sometimes, you can see the work of Satan and wonder why others can't.
Sometimes, you wonder who your enemy is?
So everyday, I will choose to put on the full armor of protection.
Lord, I choose to put on the helmet of salvation today in order to protect my mind. I want to think only Your thoughts, Lord. I want to thank you that when Satan sends one of his thoughts my way, this helmet of salvation will protect my thinking.
Lord, I choose to put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard my emotions. I was to feel only what you feel. Don't let me react out of my emotions. Rather, let me respond based on the truth I know in my mind.
Lord, I choose to fasten on truth so I can stay centered on your Word. I want to live in the truth, walk in the truth, and testify to the truth.
Lord, I choose to put on the sandals of peace. Wherever I go today, I want to be a peacemaker. I want my footprints to be evidence of the tranquility I carry in the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I choose to take up the shield of faith. I want to thank You that, no matter how many fiery arrows the Enemy hurls at me today, no matter how many trials or temptations may come, I can stand safely behind the massive protection of faith.
Lord, I choose to lift high the sword of the Spirit, Your hold Word. Father, thank you for this spiritual weapon that cuts so deeply to bring about conviction and repentance.
In God's love, sheila


I received a thrilling email last night. The editors of Glimmer Train read and enjoyed my submission to their most recent Very Short Fiction award, and decided to include it on the list of honorable mentions for the contest. This journal is an institution in the writing world, and I’m so happy to have Linda and Susan take notice of my work.
Issue 7 of the online literary magazine (b)OINK went live yesterday, and includes my surreal micro “Grab the Sharpest Blade” about fruit and cutting and getting shit done. This piece originated in one of Kathy Fish’s workshops. I can’t fully remember the exercise, but for me writing this piece was about word play and expressing emotion rather than an idea.
I was a finalist for (b)OINK magazine’s very first flash fiction contest, judged by Kathy Fish! Being named as a finalist is a strange feeling. You’re so close, yet so far away. At the same time, however, the winning stories are truly lovely. I’m happy to have been introduced to these three new writers, and to have been considered their peers in some way. I’ll have a different story published in (b)OINK later on this month. It’s one of the strangest things I’ve written so I’m glad it found a great home.
A few months ago, author Jac Jemc was nice enough to sit down and talk with me about her new novel, The Grip of It, which will be released on Tuesday by FSG Originals. Jac is a unique, talented, and innovative writer. I loved the book, a creepy literary story about a haunted house and the couple who buy it. Our talk is up now at Fiction Southeast!
My story “Volcano” has been published in Jellyfish Review. This story, about bad boyfriends and miracle pills, is one of my favorite things that I’ve written, so I’m so glad it had such a great home. You can read it here.
I have a very short story in the new issue of The Nottingham Review, an online journal based in the U.K. My publication resume has gone International! Please check out “Ramen for Breakfast” in Issue 8.
My publication resume has crossed the pond! I have a micro-fiction in the brand new issue of The Nottingham Review, in the company of some wonderful writers like Christina Dalcher and Meg Pokrass. You can read all the stories and poems for free online or download a PDF copy of the whole issue. Here’s a direct link to my story!
I got a very nice email from River Styx on Thursday saying that I had made it into the final round of judging for the Schlafly Micro-Brew Micro-Fiction Contest. It’s always nice to know when you are close as a writer even if you don’t win, so I’ll take finalist any day over all-out rejection. That said, I do think rejection is an important part of the submission process, and something we all have to face. On Facebook, I made a post celebrating my 210th rejection, and I really meant it.
Anyway, I wanted to say congratulations to the winner and runners-up for this contest. I’m looking forward to reading their work in River Styx!
Good news! I found out last night that I am the Runner-Up for Split Lip Press’s Turnbuckle Chapbook Contest. Split Lip has published a lot of impressive work lately, so I feel really honored. You can read the announcement here.
I wrote some nonfiction! Gay Degani was nice enough to ask me to do a post for her blog, Words in Place. My short essay is part of a series called Journey to Planet Write, and is about Sylvia Plath, James Baldwin, my other early favorite authors, and their role in my own path as a writer. Check it out, and stay awhile to read all the great work over at Degani’s site.


SATURDAY 6TH APRIL 2019 MORNING
1 Kings 19:1-10 New International Version (NIV)
Elijah Flees to Horeb
1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”
3 Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.
The Lord Appears to Elijah
And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
- 1 Kings 19:3 Or Elijah saw
The Prophet Elijah was tired and depressed because of the opposition from his enemies. But God came to encourage him and gave him food and enabled him to rest. God gave Elijah a word to encourage him.
You might have been going through a tough time. Perhaps a friend or relative of yours has been experiencing various hardships. Do your best to encourage them. Let us help and support one another and let us commit our way into God’s hands so that He will lift us up in our time of need.
JUMAMOSI TAREHE 6 APRILI 2019
1 WAFALME 19:1-10
1 Basi, Ahabu akamwambia Yezebeli habari ya mambo yote aliyoyafanya Eliya, na jinsi alivyowaua manabii wote kwa upanga.
2 Ndipo Yezebeli akampelekea Eliya mjumbe, kusema, Miungu wanifanyie hivyo na kuzidi, nisipokufanya roho yako kesho, panapo wakati huu, kama roho ya mmojawapo wa hao.
3 Naye alipoona hayo, aliondoka, akaenda aihifadhi roho yake, akafika Beer-sheba, mji wa Yuda, akamwacha mtumishi wake huko.
4 Lakini yeye mwenyewe akaendelea katika jangwa mwendo wa siku moja, akaenda akaketi chini ya mretemu. Akajiombea roho yake afe, akasema, Yatosha; sasa, Ee Bwana, uiondoe roho yangu; kwa kuwa mimi si mwema kuliko baba zangu.
5 Naye akajinyosha akalala chini ya mretemu; na tazama, malaika akamgusa, akamwambia, Inuka, ule.
6 Akatazama, kumbe! Pana mkate umeokwa juu ya makaa, na gudulia la maji, kichwani pake. Akala, akanywa, akajinyosha tena.
7 Malaika wa Bwana akamwendea mara ya pili, akamgusa, akasema, Inuka, ule; maana safari hii ni kubwa mno kwako.
8 Akainuka, akala, akanywa, akaenda katika nguvu za chakula hicho siku arobaini mchana na usiku hata akafika Horebu, mlima wa Mungu.
9 Akafika kunako pango, akalala ndani yake. Na tazama, neno la Bwana likamjia, naye akamwambia, Unafanya nini hapa, Eliya?
10 Akasema, Nimeona wivu mwingi kwa ajili ya Bwana Mungu wa majeshi; kwa kuwa wana wa Israeli wameyaacha maagano yako, na kuzivunja madhabahu zako, na kuwaua manabii wako kwa upanga; nami nimesalia, mimi peke yangu; nao wanitafuta roho yangu, waiondoe.
Nabii Eliya alichoka sana na alitaka kukataa tama kwa sababu ya ugumu wa maisha na adui zake wengi. Mungu alisikia kilio chake. Mungu alimpa chakula na maji na alimpa usingizi. Baadaye alimtia moyo.
Inawezekana unapita mapito magumu au inawezakana rafika au ndugu yako ana msongo wa mawazo. Ni muhimu kusaidiana na kutiana moyo. Pia tulete mizigo yetu kwa Mungu ili atufariji.


This book was written to encourage lovers, friends, and partners to maintain, retain and fortify the love that brought you together in the first place. Whether you seek to improve your healthy relationship or wish to transform or end an unhealthy relationship, I provide tips and strategies to help you find the path you most desire. My book is geared to teach you how to build the confidence you need to move your relationship from an unhealthy zone to a zone of desirability. The Book on Boundless Courage takes you through the process of making your life more fulfilling and positioning your relationship in the best state possible.
In my book, you will learn:
- How to overcome challenges and struggles in your relationship
- How to muster the courage to improve your own relationship
- How to strengthen your bond and rekindle your love and your life together
tremendously in understanding how to have a more fluid love life with my spouse. After 3 months of her
coaching principles my hubby and I have settled into beginning to enjoy the bliss that relationship
brings. We could not ask for more! Thank you, Jacinth. Ann Marie Clarke-Smith


BOOK SHELF LAPEER
Welcome to Book Shelf Lapeer! We are a family owned and operated bookstore located in downtown Lapeer, just minutes from I-69. We strive to offer the very best in customer service. We carry a little bit of everything - from fiction to nonfiction, adult titles to children's titles, puzzles, games, gift items and much more! If we don't have exactly what you're looking for, we have the option to order it for you. Most orders will be fulfilled in a week or less, and almost all orders are free of a shipping charge.


The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks Hardcover Book, 900 g
Perfect for the traveller or epicurean wishing to learn all about the drinks of Japan.
This book reveals the secrets of Japan's varied alcoholic beverages, from sake, to shochu, wine and beer. Enlightening readers about the drinking traditions of Japan, this book serves as the foremost guide to help beginners and seasoned connoisseurs learn all the intimate and tasty facts about beverages in Japan. Hardbound with 159 pages.
Réf de l'article: #15812


The lists come out every year. Sometimes more than once. “100 books to read before you die.” “100 novels everyone should read.” They’re filled with classic books, or just good books—according to the list compilers. Sometimes they come out as memes, and you can check off which books you’ve read (and see how you score compared to your Facebook friends). On February 4, 2014, Amazon released its own list of top books, hotly debated for months by a team of Amazon staffers. Since for Amazon, books are the gateway to purchases on its site for many customers, it makes sense for the online behemoth to choose a number of titles to read—but you might be surprised by some of its choices. Which of these would you include in your “to be read” (TBR) pile?
Not for homework
According to Editorial Director of Print and Kindle Books Sara Nelson, the goal of the team developing the list was to keep the selections from feeling like a homework assignment. In comments made to Dana Sand of CNNLiving, in “Amazon 100 books to read in a lifetime,” Nelson said the team wanted to avoid “’eat your vegetable’ books. There was nothing in there except ‘I loved this book when I was 12 for this reason.’ We lobbied each other.”
She also explained, “In terms of the demographic of the writers, we never sat down and said ‘we need more women’ or ‘we need more books from different cultural groups or countries.’ But overall, when I eyeball that list, it seems to have a lot of variation.”
The resulting list includes fiction and nonfiction, children’s literature and fan favorites, classics and modern novels. Most of the books are from the 20th and 21st century, but Jane Austen’s 1813 “Pride and Prejudice” is also included.
Among the selections on the Amazon list (arranged in alphabetical order to avoid internal rankings) are:
- “1984” by George Orwell
- “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
- “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
- “Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1,” by Jeff Kinney
- “Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies,” by Jared M. Diamond
- “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
- “Jimmy Corrigan: Smartest Kid on Earth” by Chris Ware
- “Moneyball” by Michael Lewis
- “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao,” by Junot Diaz
- “The Diary of Anne Frank,” by Anne Frank
- “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
- “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
- “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
- “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein
If you disagree with some of Amazon’s choices and want to recommend your own, a reader-selected poll is available on Goodreads.
Before you die
Dustin Kurtz, writing for the Melville House blog in “Amazon chooses ‘100 books to read in your lifetime, better hurry, why? Oh, no reason, forget I said anything” had a bleak (or, at least, satiric) outlook on Amazon’s list. He noted that Amazon “is working to develop a computing substrate for artificial intelligence. ‘100 books to read before the singularity turns you into a grey slurry’ doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as their list’s name, perhaps, but might be more accurate.” He also reminded readers of Amazon’s plans for a drone service, covered in Cengage Brain in December, and noted that the online superstore has changed its focus from books to other items, including grocery deliveries, saying that they might have called their list, “100 books to read before you forget what a book was.”
With these lists being released so frequently from so many sources, how can you pick through them? For one blogger, who is also a CPA and quality control auditor, the task became a huge project of analyzing and compiling. She took lists from “Time, NY Times, The Guardian, thebest100lists.com, The Novel 100, Harvard, BBC and two blogs” and included books that made at least three of the ten lists, she explained in her post, “The Challenge,” on her site 100 Books to Read Before You Die. While her list doesn’t include Amazon’s recent choices, her tabulation shows how many of the lists a book appeared on. “The Great Gatsby,” for example, appeared on 9 of the 10 lists (and, incidentally, is featured on Amazon’s list).
What books do you think everyone should read? Tell us in the comments.


Since 2019, scientists and experienced proofreaders have utilized FlyWire to proofread AI segmentation of a full fly brain (Dorkenwald et al., Zheng et al.). As of July 2023, the FlyWire flagship preprint Neuronal wiring diagram of an adult brain is available on bioRxiv, which includes 127,978 proofread neurons (Dorkenwald et al.). The companion annotation paper includes over 700,000 labels (Schlegel et al.).
Automatically extracted presynaptic and postsynaptic tags have been applied to all putative connections in the brain (Buhmann et al.), and the dominant neurotransmitter assigned for most neurons (Eckstein et al.).
Explore the connectome and its annotations in Codex.
Community of neurobiologists, computer scientists, and proofreaders who build and curate the first whole brain connectome for Drosophila in FlyWire. Join FlyWire and contribute community data for your lab to appear.
FlyWire is created by the labs of Mala Murthy and Sebastian Seung at Princeton University. It is funded by the US Brain Initiative. Proofreading and annotation has been carried out in collaboration with the Cambridge Drosophila Connectomics Group (funded by the Wellcome trust) and many other labs around the world.


Accurate properties of living biological tissues are critically important to the advancement of medical simulation science. There are 2 key gaps in the currently available literature impeding the development of accurate simulators. First, there is minimal data collected for certain human tissues which are needed for surgical simulators. Second, the wealth of tissue characterization data collected on a broad range of tissues is largely unusable for the development of high-fidelity simulators because these tissues have been tested ex-vivo. It is well known that many tissues exhibit drastically different properties from ex-vivo to in-vivo. There are many reasons for these differences, including perfusion, temperature variations, and altered boundary conditions when tested ex-vivo.
Our research aims to address these two challenges. Partnering with local tissue donor services, we are building a database of human tissue properties, with specific attention to the tissues requisite for surgical simulators. In addition, we are building the robotic tools necessary to measure in-vivo tissue properties. Using these tools, we aim to quantify and model the decay of tissue properties from in-vivo to ex-vivo for various porcine tissues. With such a model the current wealth of ex-vivo data could be rendered more useful for developing accurate simulators.
|||Luis E Morales Tenorio, Kelsey J Devine, Jayme Lee, Timothy M Kowalewski, and Victor H Barocas. Biomechanics of Human Parietal Pleura in Uniaxial Extension. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 75:330--335, 2017. [ .pdf ]|
|||Trevor K Stephens, Kelsey A Harper, Mark J Brown, and Timothy M Kowalewski. Decay of tissue mechanical properties over a 24-hr period. ASME Journal of Medical Devices, 10(3):030950, 2016. [ .pdf ]|


‘When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take, choose the bolder’
Field Marshall Bill Slim, British Army
In 2011 the UK National Army Museum conducted a poll to identify Britain’s greatest general. Bill Slim was nominated –along with the Duke of Wellington – as Britain’s greatest general. If he were alive, Bill Slim would have been surprised, as he was a modest man. His soldiers in the 14th Army (known as the Forgotten Army) fought one of the most difficult campaigns in World War II in Burma, South East Asia; a campaign fought in one of most challenging geographical terrains, against an implacable enemy, with few resources and one of the most ethnically diverse armies in British History. He led the army through one of the longest retreats in British history, transformed it and then led it to victory.
I’m not going to go into the military tactical and strategic abilities of Bill Slim – there are already some excellent biographies. I’m interested in concentrating on the person – his contribution to my understanding of leadership and how relevant he is outside the military to leadership in businesses and organisations.
Nor am I going to apologise for highlighting military leadership – this article is not about promoting war, but the view that in the cauldron of human conflict and its inherent waste, there is a place where you can learn. The leadership skills and attributes exemplified by Bill Slim are relevant to any organisation, large or small.
Slim’s 1956’s Defeat into Victory is a personal account of the Burma campaign. The initial print run of 20,000 copies sold out in a few weeks – unprecedented feat for a new author. What stands the book apart from other military memoirs is that, apart from lucid robust prose and occasional flashes of dry humour, was its disarming humility. Here was an unusual (almost unknown) species of military commander – a general ready to admit his mistakes, often assailed by self-doubt and more than willing to attribute success to others. How many recent management books produced by captains of industry reflect that approach?
Bill Slim asserted that ‘leadership was of the spirit, compounded of personality and vision; its practice an art.’ In his 1960 article in the Australian Army Quarterly (based on a lecture given to the Adelaide Division of the Australian Institute of Management in 1957, which was republished in 2003 in the Australian Army Quarterly), he defined leadership:
‘What is leadership? I would define it as the projection of personality. It is that combination of persuasion, compulsion, and example that makes people do what you want them to do. If leadership is this projection of personality, then the first requirement is a personality to project. The personality of a successful leader is a blend of many qualities: courage, willpower, knowledge, judgement and flexibility of mind.’
Slim also states that whilst the qualities outlined above are essential for good leadership, integrity is a central part:
‘Integrity should not be so much a quality of itself as the element in which all of the others live and are active, as fish exist and move in the water. Integrity is a combination of the virtues of being honest with all men and of unselfishness, thinking of others, the people we lead, before ourselves.’
In On the psychology of military incompetence, Norman Dixon writes that great generalship depends on an absence of authoritarianism:
‘Firstly he was non-ethnocentric and therefore able to achieve the almost impossible, but vitally necessary, goal of maintaining a good relationship with Chinese allies, however frustrating they may on occasion have been. By the same token, his brilliantly successful leadership of Ghurkas, Africans and Indians, as well as Europeans (the14th Army was probably the most multi-ethnic army in British military history), would have been impossible had there existed a trace of ethnocentrism in his make up.’
Slim had the capacity to maintain good relationships with ‘difficult’ people – and, in particular, fostered inter-service partnerships, promoting a culture where collaboration was the operational norm.
In my professional career I’ve dipped in to and studied many of the management publications on leadership, considering areas like authentic leadership, servant leadership, democratic leadership etc. Often, I have found there is a tendency to encourage a scientific and structured approach with models to follow, including training programmes to develop the skills – which has always struck me as mechanistic. Slim believed that the best training for leadership was leadership. He, also through his actions, maximised the use of ‘soft skills’. The only model for me near to the approach exemplified by his leadership is Appreciative Leadership, created by Diana Whitney, Amanda Trosten- Bloom and Kae Rader. Appreciative Leadership linked with the organisation development philosophy Appreciative Inquiry is defined as:
‘A relational capacity to mobilise creative potential and turn it into positive power – to set in motion the positive ripples of confidence, energy, enthusiasm and performance – to make a difference in the world.’
The authors, writing in the AI Practitioner, Volume 13: Number 1 (Positive and Appreciative Leadership 4) explain that leaders who use the OD philosophy Appreciative Inquiry as their vehicle for positive change have four things in common:
- They’re willing to engage with other members of their organisation or community to create a better way of doing business or living
- They are willing to learn and to change
- They truly believe in the power of the positive
- They care about people, often describing the work of the organisation or business of helping people, grow and develop
If you study Bill Slim’s leadership, you’ll see connection and resonance with these four elements. Studying Bill Slim has served me well – better than attending any leadership course and much of the leadership theory practise I have read. Here are my key learnings:
- – The importance of clarity of intention: delegation fosters quality work, commitment, learning and innovation
- – The value of creating a learning culture: providing the maximum potential for training and fostering a professional operational framework
- – Be accessible: foster a simple and understandable message; be out and about and communicate clearly
- – The importance and value of sharing stories as a way to learn and communicate
- – The value of developing quality relationships and fostering collaboration in creating well-led and effective organisations
- – The importance of supporting a non-blame culture that encourages learning from errors, to take calculated risks and be bold
- – Adaptability, innovation and flexibility are created from fostering energy, and supporting a culture founded on trust and confidence
- – The recognition that leadership is an art and not a science, and that it’s about the combination of spirit, personality and vision. Successful organisations need leadership at all levels
- – The value and importance in caring for staff, encouraging their wellbeing and the way this can support organisational effectiveness
- – The value of time for reflection: accept all success includes other people and learn to be more resilient
So, what is Slim’s relevance today?
I first came across Slim’s Australian Army Quarterly article in Russell Miller’s Uncle Bill. Miller says:
‘It would foreshadow the advice of legions of management ‘experts’ in the years to come. Indeed, nearly 50 years later, in 2003, a transcript of the lecture was published in 2003 in the Australian Army Journal with a note ‘It is amazing to consider how many ideas in this article have been sold in recent books as novel new approaches”‘
One quote from Slim particularly resonates:
‘Some invention, some new process, some political change may have come along overnight and the leader must speedily adjust himself and his organisation to it. The only living organisms that survive are those that adapt themselves to change.’
Yet we still have not responded well to the ideas expressed over 50 years ago!!
Studying Bill Slim – and my more recent use of the OD philosophy Appreciative Inquiry – have shown me the importance of working from strengths, fostering adaptability, flexibility and wellbeing. He was an exponent of the appreciative and conversational leadership model and has and will continue to provide encouragement and sustenance in my leadership journey.
The lessons learned, actions taken and leadership skills provided by Bill Slim and his 14th Army in Burma over 70 years ago have much to teach us in these challenging times, countering the prevailing views of control, risk averse and zero mistakes and errors.
For more information about our leadership training and board development work, please contact Tim Slack by email.


Best Selling Book – Fast Food for Sustained Energy
Fast Food for Sustained Energy is a realistic and practical guide for people who need to eat on the run. This book is aimed at active, on-the-go people, executives, entrepreneurs and professionals who want to be healthy, full of energy and keep their weight under control. It contains countless tips about eating on the run and easy recipes for quick breakfast, lunch, snack and supper ideas. The Portion Distortion chapter highlights how to practically eat out of home and manage portion sizes. Also includes checklists for label reading, shopping lists and work week meal plans.
“Hi Celynn, your book is awesome! I have lost 1.5 kgs in the first week and have been loving the recipes and ideas in the book! I have experienced increased energy levels and a more positive frame of mind! Thank you so much – your book has changed my life!”
Visit www.eatingontherun.co.za for more information and some recipe ideas!


The snow began in the early morning. I was surprised how sturdy my house was against the wind and gusts. At my old apartment these snow storms would bring bangs, whistles and weazes through the windows. This was my first snow storm in my new apartment and it seemed a sturdy ship.
Throughout the morning it snowed in varying degrees of intensity. I thought to myself - it doesn't seem so bad. Yet by three o'clock the winds picked up and the snow increased. The subways and buses were to be shut down by four. Chris and I had to gear up to make a cross town journey before the city hunkered down to wait out the worst.
By evening the snow seemed to have lessened, and outside I could hear the joyful cries and shouts of people sledding down a small hill that bordered the Hudson River. Icicles hung from the lamp posts, and I wondered if they might break away on to the unsuspecting man who had been shoveling snow for the past three hours. We were warm and cozy that evening, but by the dawn the room had turned cold as the protective clouds were swept away and the new day greeted by a clear crisp blue sky. In the end, the storm was the third worst in New York City's history. We received close to 28 inches of snow that day.


As autumn approaches, nature undergoes a spectacular transformation. The leaves turn golden, the air becomes crisp, and the world is painted in a warm palette of oranges, reds, and browns. Just as we swap out our summer wardrobes for cozier garments, it's also the perfect time to transition our olfactory preferences to match the enchanting essence of fall.
"Golden Leaves and Alluring Scents" dives deep into the heart of autumn to unearth the most captivating fragrances that embody the spirit of the season. Whether you're drawn to the warm spices reminiscent of a pumpkin latte or the woodsy undertones that evoke a walk through a fallen leaf-strewn forest, this guide will help you discover the perfect scent to accompany your fall adventures.
Whispering Sugar Leather: The Tale of Golden Leaves
As the amber hues of autumn leaves fall gently to the ground, the world is enveloped in a comforting blanket of earthy tones and cozy feelings. Amidst this serene backdrop, a fragrance whispers tales of adventurous wanderings – it's Sugar Leather Une Nuit Nomade. Imagine a leather journal, its pages filled with tales of distant lands, caressed by the sun's last warmth and sprinkled with sugar crystals carried by the autumn wind.
This scent encapsulates a delicate balance between the rugged allure of leather and the sweet whispers of caramelized memories. Like a comforting fall embrace, Sugar Leather lingers, softly telling tales of nomadic journeys and the sweet moments they hold. Just as autumn brings stories of changing seasons, this fragrance gently unfolds its narrative, a poetic journey for the senses.
Heralding Autumn with Nishane Ani's Enchanting Aromas
When the cool embrace of fall draws near, Nishane Ani beckons us with tales of ancient cities and memories held in time's embrace. Picture the once-majestic city of Ani, standing tall near Armenia's borders, now remembered only through echoing ruins and tales whispered through the winds. Nishane Ani isn't just a fragrance—it's the essence of a city's memory, a heartfelt tribute to bygone eras and their lingering spirits.
Let the tale unravel as the initial burst of pink pepper and ginger dances in the air, reminiscent of the city's bustling markets and lively streets. As you delve deeper, the mellow embrace of green notes pairs with calming bergamot, setting the stage for the heart's treasured inhabitants: a rare coupling of rose and black currant, their allure heightened with wisps of cardamom. The base, rich in woody notes, is like the sturdy walls of Ani—time-worn, yet standing tall, guarding stories and legends for those who'd listen. In every Nishane Ani sample, find an oriental caravan's allure, a fragrant journey that lets you craft tales of ancient wonders and autumn's nostalgic embrace.
An Enchanted Parisian Night: Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian stands as an ode to those special evenings when Paris transforms into a city of ethereal allure. The captivating blend of warm vanilla of benzoin from Siam, rich honey from Bulgaria and Iran, and deep resins transports one to a magical Parisian night, lit by a thousand lights and awash with romantic mystery.
Its luxuriously vanillic amber heart dances with nuances of rose, ylang-ylang, and seductive cumin, making it an impeccable choice for autumn's meaningful soirees. While its potency might be too commanding for a casual daytime affair, Grand Soir shines brightest during those cherished nights out, when its exquisite sillage leaves an indelible mark of elegance and allure. It's not merely a fragrance, but an experience – a Parisian dream captured in a bottle, perfect for the fall's most enchanting moments.
A Symphony of Winter Whimsy: Velvet Tonka by BDK Parfums
Velvet Tonka by BDK Parfums emerges as a symphony of warmth and sensuality. This masterful concoction seamlessly weaves the complexity of tonka bean – sometimes evoking vanilla leather, at times the warmth of almonds, and occasionally revealing chocolatey nuances. Paired with the intoxicating allure of orange blossom and almond, it paints a vivid picture of a Moroccan dreamscape, reminiscent of the founder David Benedek's roots.
With each spritz, one can envision marzipan castles and snowfalls of tonka sugar set to Tchaikovsky's ethereal melodies. The perfume's heart beats with rose petals and a hint of honeyed tobacco, while its base radiates with the addictive touch of amyris wood and a sultry veil of vanilla. Velvet Tonka is not just a fragrance but a tribute to the Atlas Mountains' enchanting beauty, making it the quintessential scent for those seeking warmth and depth during the crisp fall evenings.
In Conclusion: Embracing Autumn's Fragrant Tapestry
As the seasons shift, it's an unparalleled joy to delve into the aromatic treasures that autumn has to offer. From the poetic allure of a Parisian evening evoked by Grand Soir to the Moroccan dreamscape of Velvet Tonka, and the intriguing essence of Sugar Leather perfume, each fragrance tells a story of seasonal transformation. These scents are not merely bottled aromas but are experiences, memories, and reflections of fall's splendor.
Whether you're enveloped in the warmth of a soft scarf or preparing for a cozy evening indoors, these perfumes are your ultimate olfactory companions. As the days become shorter and the air cooler, allow these fragrances, especially the captivating allure of Sugar Leather perfume, to envelop and warm you. Dive into the heart of autumn and let it be an aromatic adventure, painted with golden leaves, alluring scents, and the unmistakable charm of leather sweetened with a hint of sugar.


Safe medication practice is a multidisciplinary process involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists and the patients themselves. Over recent years, particularly in health system settings, pharmacists have developed specialist roles in medication safety, working with colleagues in pharmacy and other professions to identify problems with medication use and prevention of errors. In November 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory titled “Methadone use for pain control may result in death and life-threatening changes in breathing and heart beat”. The report emphasized the importance of clinicians to be mindful of the drug’s ability to cause QTc interval prolongation and is a marker for the risk of developing torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Factors associated with QT prolongation include higher methadone total daily dose, hypokalemia, low prothrombin level (suggestive of reduced liver function) and co-administration of a medication that inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme system which may increase methadone serum levels. Methadone’s lipophilicity contributes to unpredictable pharmacokinetics with high rates of interpatient variability and unfortunately there is little data to support the development of an accurate risk assessment in patients receiving treatment. Despite there being a valid and reliable risk assessment tool, there are known risk factors for QTc prolongation to be aware of with methadone therapy. Greater awareness of the potential for clinically important interactions when methadone is taken concomitantly with other drugs is substantial.
Fluconazole; Methadone; Pharmacokinetic interactions; QTc prolongation; Torsades de pointes
Methadone is widely used and FDA approved for the detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. It is a substrate of Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), a metabolizing enzyme in the liver. Co-administration of this medication with other drugs that affect the function of CYP3A4 can change final outcomes [1-7]. Due to fluconazole’s ability to inhibit drug metabolism via this pathway, patients treated simultaneously with fluconazole and methadone may have clinically relevant increases in systemic methadone concentrations [1-7]. Fortunately, most of these Pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions are not life threatening; however they can have important consequences .
Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist frequently used in the treatment of opioid dependence. However, secondary to the drug’s long duration of action, efficacy and low cost, its use in the treatment of chronic pain is increasing. Methadone is a racemic mixture of R- and S- methadone; R -methadone is 8-50 times more potent than S-methadone and is responsible for most of it’s action. Methadone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist and it also binds to kappa and delta opioid receptors. Additional mechanisms of action include inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and as an antagonist at the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor, thought to prevent central sensitization and reduce opioid tolerance.Methadone is extensively metabolized, primarily by N-demethylation to pharmacologically inactive metabolites which are eliminated in the urine and feces. Metabolism takes place primarily in the liver, with some also occurring in the intestines [1-2]. Methadone has large inter-individual variability in its PK, so maintenance doses must be individualized; however, usual doses range from 80 to 120mg/day when there is no drug-drug interaction involved . The Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes responsible for the metabolism in the liver include CYP3A4, 2B6, and 2C19 (primarily) as well as 2C8, 2C9 and 2D6. The metabolism of methadone is significantly influenced by medications that alter the activity of these enzyme systems resulting in either increased or decreased methadone metabolism in many cases.Even without the influence of interacting medications, the level of activity of the 3A4 enzyme varies significantly among individuals with up to a 30-fold difference in the liver 3A4 enzymes and an 11-fold difference in the intestinal enzymes .Fluconazole inhibits the metabolism of methadone in the liver. Therefore, it increases the methadone blood concentration and risk for methadone-related side effects and toxicity, including CNS depression . In general, the concomitant use of methadone and fluconazole should be avoided. However, if concomitant use is required, the dose of methadone should generally be decreased and signs of methadone side effects should be monitored [5-6]. Due to methadone’s long and unpredictable elimination half-life, ranging from 5 to 130 hours with a mean of about 20-35 hours, fluconazole mediated enzyme inhibition may continue for 4 to 10 days on average after discontinuation [2-6]. As with any other drug, increased knowledge of methadone's metabolism and potential interactions with other agents enables the clinician to use it more safely and effectively and underscores the need to be vigilant for such possible interactions [1-7].Safe medication practice is a multidisciplinary process involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists and the patients themselves. Of all the health professionals involved in medication usage, pharmacists have the most knowledge about the drugs administered to patients both in the hospital as well as ambulatory care clinics. Over recent years, particularly in health system settings, pharmacists have developed specialist roles in medication safety, working with colleagues in pharmacy and other professions to identify problems with medication use and prevention of errors .In November 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory titled “Methadone use for pain control may result in death and life-threatening changes in breathing and heart beat”. The report emphasized the importance of clinicians to be mindful of the drug’s ability to cause QTc interval prolongation and is a marker for the risk of developing torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia . Factors associated with QT prolongation include higher methadone total daily dose, hypokalemia, low prothrombin level (suggestive of reduced liver function) and co-administration of a medication that inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme system which may increase methadone serum levels .A normal QTc interval is ≤430 msec for men and ≤450 msec for women . Borderline QTc prolongation for men is classified as 431-450 msec and 451-470 msec for women, while QTc prolongation is defined as >450 msec for men and >470 msec for women. As the QTc interval increases, so does the risk for life-threatening arrhythmias such as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or Torsades de Pointes (TdP). The risk of sudden cardiac death increases 4-fold when QTc is ≥500 msec .
This case involves a 58-year-old male who presented to the Moses Division Emergency Department (ED) with a 3 week history of difficulty swallowing. Past medical history includes HIV (CD4 23cells/mm3, VL 867, 878copies/mL), noncompliance to antiretroviral therapy secondary to depression, active poly-substance abuse issues including cocaine and on methadone maintenance treatment for heroin and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The patient reported “feeling food getting stuck in his throat” and “had to drink something to get it down”. Vitals on admission were otherwise unremarkable (Table 1).Upon admission, according to the Gastrointestinal (GI) team’s recommendation, the patient was treated for presumed esophageal candidiasis with fluconazole 100mg PO daily for 14 days and was considered for an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) if symptoms persisted. The maintenance dose of methadone, 100mg PO daily, according to the patient’s treatment program was continued and baseline QTc interval reported was 420 msec. The Infectious Disease (ID) team was also consulted and suggested 100mg IV fluconazole daily, which began on hospital day 2.The dysphagia continued to improve, and the patient was mistakenly switched back after 3 days of IV to fluconazole 400mg oral suspension daily as he felt less retrosternal pain. On hospital day 5, the patient reported feeling Shortness of Breath (SOB) and had decreased O2 saturation at rest (93-94%). Walking O2 saturation decreased to 87-88% and he was placed on 2L O2. Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) revealed respiratory acidosis (pH 7.353/PaCO2 47.1/PaO2 55/HCO325.5).On hospital day 6, the patient developed an acutely altered mental status, with alternating agitation and somnolence as well as confusion, on a non-focal neurological exam. The patient was disoriented and restless throughout the day. A stat head computerized tomography revealed no acute intracranial pathology. Later that day, it was reported by the clinical pharmacist on medical rounds that the fluconazole order was deescalated incorrectly from IV to PO antifungal therapy (100mg orally daily should have been prescribed) and that the antifungal agent suppressed the hepatic metabolism of methadone potentiating its effect. The patient was referred to addiction psychiatry who subsequently recommended decreasing the methadone dose to 30mg daily and fluconazole was later discontinued.Despite furthering respiratory depression and hypotension risks in the setting of methadone co-administration, a total dose of 4mg lorazepam was administered on hospital day 7 as the patient presented with seizures. Subsequent improvement in Electroencephalography (EEG) was noted and a lumbar puncture revealed no evidence of acute infection. Levetiracetam 500mg twice daily was later initiated for short term seizure prophylaxis again recognizing the potential of a pharmacodynamic interaction with methadone. Vital signs were monitored closely.A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain later revealed pre-existing patchy white matter hypo densities and periventricular matter confirming the altered mentation was likely secondary to methadone toxicity in the setting of a drug-drug interaction and not worsening HIV encephalitis. The patient became asymptomatic after discontinuation of fluconazole on hospital day 10. His mental status slowly improved as the drug concentrations of fluconazole were gradually eliminated and he returned to his baseline of 100% O2 on room air with clear lungs on day 11. Interestingly, no Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes from baseline were noted throughout the admission. He was eventually discharged on hospital day 12 to a nursing home.
Methadone is commonly associated as a culprit for QTc prolongation due to its black box warning and known risk for TdP. The concern for this risk arose in 2002 when Krantz and colleagues reported TdP in patients receiving doses of methadone ranging between 65 and 1000mg per day in a retrospective case series of 17 patients. The QTc intervals varied from 522 to 785 msec. Numerous studies (case-control, cross-sectional and prospective cohort) have reported QTc prolongation since then, however, the rate of TdP remains unknown . According to Abramson, Quinn and Stern there are many cases of QTc prolongation associated with higher doses of methadone with concomitant risk factors including lower prothrombin levels, electrolyte abnormalities and comorbid use of CYP3A4 inhibitors . Methadone doses below 40mg per day were associated with less common risk for QTc prolongation. The prevalence of methadone prolonging the QT interval at doses within a normal therapeutic range is between 16-33% . Currently, there is controversial evidence to support that this effect is dose dependent.Methadone’s lipophilicity contributes to unpredictable pharmacokinetics with high rates of interpatient variability and unfortunately there is little data to support the development of an accurate risk assessment in patients receiving treatment. Despite there being a valid and reliable risk assessment tool, there are known risk factors for QTc prolongation to be aware of with methadone therapy (Table 2) [12-14].As reported in the case description above, there are several patient scenarios where no QT change had occurred with methadone toxicity. Contradictory to this patient case, a large majority of cases do not report QTc prolongation prior to methadone overdose. The risk assessment is commonly made from a single ECG reading reported at the time the patient presents to the emergency department for evaluation. Our patient’s QTc interval was considered normal, <430 msec, prior to methadone toxicity. In 75% of reported patient cases associated with methadone-induced QTc prolongation, the more common risk factors present were Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs), electrolyte abnormalities, structural heart disease, and female gender. The average methadone dose in these cases was listed within a range of 60 to100mg per day . The only identifiable risk factors associated with a greater chance of QTc prolongation for our patient were increased age (>50), HIV infection and a DDI between methadone and fluconazole.Most studies that did display a positive correlation between dose and QTc prolongation reported patients on methadone doses greater than 100mg. Vieweg et al., performed a literature review and found 31 adult cases and one newborn case of methadone-associated QTc interval prolongation and/or TdP. Out of the 32 cases, 21 had a correlation between QTc interval prolongation and methadone dose. Out of the 21 cases the following similarities were noted: six (28.6%) had methadone doses ≥ 200mg, eight (38.1%) had heart disease, seven (33.33%) had electrolyte abnormalities, 12 (57.14%) were on either a CYP inhibitor or QTc prolonging agent, six (28.6%) had hepatic impairment (all six of these patients experienced QTc prolongation) and six (28.6%) had other risk factors (i.e., sinus bradycardia or cocaine use). There was an average of 3.19 risk factors per patient case for a positive correlation between QT interval prolongation and methadone dose . Out of these 32 cases, 11 did not have a correlation between QTc interval prolongation and methadone dose. Out of the 11 cases the following similarities were noted: seven (63.64%) had doses ≥ 200mg, three (27.27%) had heart disease, one (9.09%) had electrolyte abnormalities, four (36.36%) were on either a CYP inhibitor or QTc prolonging agent, zero had hepatic impairment and five (45.45%) had other risk factors. There was an average of 1.82 risk factors per patient case that did not have a positive correction between QT interval prolongation and methadone dose. Multiple risk factors, most likely three or more, may be associated with a higher likelihood of QT prolongation .There have also been multiple cases (21) of methadone-induced TdP without any correlation between QT prolongation and dose. Roy et al., also concluded after studying 180 patients (69.1% men) with an average QTc of 420.9 ± 21.1 msec and average methadone dose of 80.4 ± 27.7mg that there was no significant correlation between dose and QT interval. Presently, there is not enough evidence to fully state whether there is an apparent relationship between methadone dose and QT interval prolongation [11,12,14].Combination drug therapy is common in patients with human or Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) and opioid dependence . Drug-drug interactions can result in clinical response variations following the co-administration of two or more therapeutic agents especially in this population . The patient discussed in the case description did not experience QTc prolongation with his methadone treatment despite having two defined risk factors. He was prescribed fluconazole, a known CYP inhibitor and had a past medical history of uncontrolled HIV infection. Our patient’s methadone dose never exceeded 100mg throughout the hospital stay. However, he did experience several toxic methadone manifestations most notably on day 5 including altered mental status, hypotension, bradycardia and poor respirations (Figures 1-4). This patient case strengthens the notion that the risk of QTc prolongation may be increased when methadone doses are greater than 100mg when multiple risk factors are present but not in all instances . Two risk factors to potentially monitor with greater importance in many hospitalized patients include hepatic impairment, concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) and the addition QTc prolongating agents throughout admission.In the literature review conducted by Vieweg et al., those patients that experienced QTc prolongation with methadone doses had no direct correlation explaining this prolongation . Despite their possibly being a positive association between methadone dose and QTc prolongation, the clinical significance of this remains uncertain and warrants further study. Regardless, methadone can be safely administered as long as appropriate monitoring precautions are taken.
Greater awareness of the potential for clinically important interactions when methadone is taken concomitantly with other drugs is substantial. Fortunately, most of these pharmacokinetic interactions are not life-threatening if identified and managed appropriately. Per the consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring it is recommended to obtain methadone levels for safety reasons, however, optimal drug levels may vary markedly due to variable levels of pharmacokinetics and tolerance. Serum methadone levels typically do not offer clinical significance but can be beneficial in determining a need for a dosage increase or patients needing split daily dosing. There is no established toxic level of methadone, however, in general a target through level of 400-600ng/mL is desired. A serum level was not drawn for our patient due to the reasons above [16,17].Clinical pharmacists who attend medical rounds have a better sense of the patients’ current medical problems and are able to make recommendations at the point of prescribing, rather than retrospectively. This has potential patient safety benefits since there are no delays in correcting any erroneous errors in medication orders. It was acknowledged based on the time-event relationship that a highly probable adverse drug event did occur in our patient according to the Naranjo algorithm with a score of 9 (Table 3). The clinical stability and improvement of objective findings and the temporal association between the resolutions of symptomatology following the discontinuation of fluconazole further supports our assumption that a drug interaction between the antifungal agent and methadone was more likely the cause of the relative overdose.Despite the fact that our patient did not experience ECG changes throughout the admission and the variable pharmacokinetic clinical course of methadone in any given individual, inpatients on methadone should obtain a baseline ECG and repeat after either dose escalation to an oral methadone dose of 60mg/day, if started on IV methadone or when drugs that can increase the risk for QTc prolongation are added to a regimen. Stable outpatients should receive a baseline ECG before treatment, 30 days after treatment initiation and annually . More frequent ECG monitoring should be considered for patients using ≥60mg/day of oral methadone. In addition an ECG should be obtained immediately in patients with unexplained syncope or seizures especially in the suspicion of methadone toxicity .
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors whose names are listed immediately above certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements) or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
Figure 1: Average blood pressure throughout hospitalization.
Figure 2: Average body temperature throughout hospitalization.
Figure 3: Average respiration rate throughout hospitalization.
Figure 4: Average pulse rate throughout hospitalization.


“Jesus Calling”, by Sarah Young
Don’t be so hard on yourself. I can bring good even out of your mistakes. Your finite mind tends to look backward, longing to undo decisions you have come to regret. This is a waste of time and energy, leading only to frustration. Instead of floundering in the past, release your mistakes to Me. Look to Me in trust, anticipating that My infinite creativity can weave both good choices and bad into a lovely design.
Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes. Thinking that you should live an error-free life is symptomatic of pride. Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for other people in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on Me. I am able to bring beauty out of the morass of your mistakes. Trust Me, and watch to see what I will do.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.


Contamination by microorganisms is a critical problem in many sectors of the food industry. Pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherischia coli (e.g. EHEC), salmonella, listeria, and mold and the spread of multi-resistant strains pose a substantial health risk to the consumer. One example of this is the massive EHEC epidemic in the year 2001 with 3800 cases and 53 deaths nationwide in Germany, caused by contaminated fenugreek seeds [BfR 2011].
The application of innovative plasma technology may facilitate the efficient disinfection of surfaces and thus an increase in microbiological safety.
Plasmas are ionized gases which are used in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries for the quick disinfection of materials and packaging. Plasma-based processes, by means of nonthermal inactivation of microorganisms, also have the potential to make foodstuffs safer and thus to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
Since plasma's microbicidal effects are caused by a multitude of components, it is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and, as opposed to chemical and thermal processes, products are treated gently and no residue is left behind.
Through the application of plasma sources in production processes, economic losses can be reduced or even avoided altogether. Thus, product safety and consumer confidence are increased. The corresponding lengthening of the minimum shelf-life brings economic benefits for production and handling.


Company of Fools invites you to join in the new play development process! Playwright Tasha Gordon-Solmon will visit Wood River Valley to begin development of her new play, PAL. Two best friends share their favorite movies, their deepest wishes, their greatest fears, and grow up together – all through written letters – in a world in which reality and imagination aren’t so simply delineated.
Tasha Gordon-Solmon’s plays have been developed and produced at Actors Theater of Louisville and The Humana Festival, Clubbed Thumb, Ars Nova, Northern Stage, The Perry Mansfield New Works Festival, Dixon Place, New Georges, INTAR, and the Flea. She is a recipient of the Dramatist Guild Fellowship, a lyricist in the BMI Workshop, a member of the Project Y Playwrights Group, a New Georges Affiliated Artist, and an alumna of the Clubbed Thumb Early Career Writers Group and the Ars Nova Playgroup. As a director, Tasha has worked at Ensemble Studio Theater, The Tank, The Brick, The Cell, The Claque, Crashbox Theater Company, Brooklyn Generator, Pipeline Theatre Company, New York Madness, Columbia University, Studio Tisch, the New York Fringe Festival and the Fire This Time Festival. She received her MFA in Dramatic Writing at NYU and is a proud 52nd Street Project volunteer.
Followed by a post-show conversation.
*Part of The Center’s BIG IDEA project The Unreliable Narrator.


One of the greatest parts of being a writer is the ability to communicate thoughts and ideas to readers. The problem is the writer and reader have differing outlooks on life; they often don’t have shared experiences upon which to draw that will help the reader make the connection the writer hopes. Most times, the reader has never met the writer in person and only knows them through their online and/or professional persona. What the writer intends to convey isn’t always what the reader interprets since they have little to no shared background.
This never occurred to me when I started my writing journey oh-so-many years ago now. At that time, my focus was on getting my stories onto the page in such a way as to tempt a publisher to take a chance on me. The stories I found the most success with were ones based upon my favorite television show at the time because the characters, situations, and back-story were all well-established. Whoever read the stories already knew and loved the characters so they would be interested in picking up the tie-in novelizations in order to explore new adventures with their beloved friends.
I’m no longer writing what I now realize was a form of subsidized fan-fiction (not that there’s anything wrong with that – I still enjoy reading fan fiction and tie-in novels, but now I’m trying to embark on my own path as a writer). Many people enjoy exploring all the ‘what ifs’ of the worlds they know and love and others enjoying reading the thought processes of people who share some background, but different overall life experiences. The differences in background become a means of exploring a shared love through new eyes.
In the case of original fiction, the well-known and well-loved characters don’t yet exist. There are no established backstories or situations for the reader to draw upon. Everything is new territory and potential readers look for stories in their favored genre that look as though they may be appealing. The writer then has to successfully draw characters and build a world for the reader to love. Creating the relationship between the reader and the characters can take time and patience and the reader has so many options from which to choose these days that they can and will give up if the story takes too long to catch their interest.
The writer must know and love their characters very well and be able to express that so the potential reader’s interest is captured right away. The writer must know the back-story in such detail that they can indicate what has happened while putting the current story into play. Choosing the right words, phrases, and overall tone is vital to catching reader interest. These facts are all either well-known or instinctive to the successful writer. Some writers, like myself, may need a little more time to wrap their mind around the concept of successful world- and character-building.
These are thoughts I’m keeping in mind as I work to create enjoyable characters and stories in the future. I’ve got to make sure my intention is clear enough for the reader to be able to interpret what I’m trying to say in such a way that they enjoy my stories and characters as much as I do.
And now…back to work!


"Just Like Manitoba": Didacticism, Universalism, Eurocentrism
A review of Naomi: The Strawberry Blonde of Pippu Town, by Karmel Schreyer.
Benjamin Lefebvre, an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Winnipeg and Research Associate at the Centre for Young People's Texts and Cultures , has published extensively on adolescent literature and culture. In August 2007, he will take up a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Alberta, where he will trace L. M. Montgomery's cultural capital and its relationship to the transnational circulation of dominant images of Canada. He is currently preparing Montgomery’s unpublished final novel, The Blythes Are Quoted, for publication.


Once upon a time, in the serene village of Otanwa, there lived a young girl named Brenda. She possessed a captivating beauty that seemed to enchant everyone who laid eyes on her. Brenda had sparkling eyes that mirrored the azure sky, flowing locks of ebony cascading down her shoulders, and a smile that radiated warmth and kindness.
As the most beautiful girl in Otanwa, Brenda became a beacon of inspiration for the village. People would often gather near the village square just to catch a glimpse of her, awestruck by her ethereal charm. However, Brenda’s beauty was more than just skin deep. She possessed a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart, and a remarkable talent for storytelling.
Word of Brenda’s beauty and storytelling prowess soon spread beyond the boundaries of Otanwa. Visitors from neighboring villages would travel great distances, eager to listen to her enchanting tales. Every evening, Brenda would gather the villagers around a cozy bonfire, and as the flames danced in the night, she would transport her audience to distant lands and magical realms through her captivating narratives.
One particular evening, a young traveler named Kofi arrived in Otanwa. Kofi had heard tales of Brenda’s unparalleled beauty and sought to see if they matched the reality. Intrigued by his arrival, Brenda welcomed Kofi with open arms and invited him to partake in the evening storytelling ritual.
As the night deepened, Brenda weaved a tale of love, courage, and adventure that captivated everyone, including Kofi. Her words painted vivid landscapes in their minds, and her voice carried them away on a journey of imagination. Kofi was not only mesmerized by Brenda’s outer beauty but also by the depth of her character and the magic she possessed within.
As days turned into weeks, Kofi and Brenda grew closer. They shared countless stories, dreams, and laughter, forging a bond that transcended physical appearances. Kofi soon realized that Brenda’s true beauty lay not just in her external features but in her compassionate soul and the way she touched the lives of those around her.
Their love blossomed, and Otanwa village witnessed a union that celebrated beauty both inside and out. Brenda and Kofi taught the villagers a valuable lesson—that true beauty is not solely found in physical attributes but is a reflection of one’s kindness, empathy, and the ability to inspire others.
From that day forward, Brenda and Kofi continued to share stories, love, and laughter, becoming symbols of true beauty in Otanwa and beyond. Their tale remains etched in the village’s history, reminding everyone that while physical beauty may fade, the radiance of a beautiful heart shines forever.
And so, in the village of Otanwa, the legend of Brenda, the most beautiful girl, lives on—a testament to the transformative power of inner beauty and the magic that lies within each and every one of us.


Tuesday 7 September, 7pm-9pm
Grateful and excited to be invited as one of the 20 local authors to speak at the Waterstones local author party, part of the Chiswick Book festival 2021.
More details can be found here:
Waterstones Local Authors Party 2021 (at the George IV) – Chiswick Book Festival (https://www.chiswickbookfestival.net/speakers-2021/pre-festival-events/waterstones-local-authors-party-2021-george-iv/)
Hope to see you there.
© Copyrights 2021


Just wanted to get the word out that the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Ione!
Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It's a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair and be involved in shaping children's reading habits. Rumors heard around town are that Clifford is coming to the Book Fair this year!
Dates: November 7-8, 2018 in the elementary school gym.
Hours: The Book Fair is open from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm both days.
For folks unable to attend the Book Fair in person, we invite them to visit our online Book Fair at www.scholastic.com/bf/ione Our Online Fair is available from November 2 to November 15.
The Scholastic Book Fair is sponsored by the Ione Topic Club. All purchases benefit the children in the Ione schools.