The following YouTube Playlist is the next installment in our new Featured Guest Vlog series. This episode showcases YouTuber 13Heathens, who's educational guru channel is currently dissecting a series of the core L. Ron Hubbard indoctrination books and principles.
This is 13H's second series pertaining to the "scriptures" of Scientology. In this. This time around the target of scorn is L Ron Hubbard's "Scientology: A History of Man" From the Piltdown Man to their Master Race, as well as the Superpowers scientologists claim to aspire to. This work is perhaps the strangest diatribe published in book form from the addled mind of LRH. The last 3 chapters are not discussed in the series due to the fact the utter insanity is so far gone it needs no further dissection nor can it be analyzed by any rational human being in any polite form other than saying one thing: "WTF?!?!?!"
Perhaps what makes this book such an affront to basic intelligence and common sense, is not that it's Hubbard's diluted account of human evolution. But rather, that is supposedly stems from several drug-induced auditing session as attested to by LRH's medical officer and his own son who made the following statement in court and several interviews:
"LRH gave his son Nibs some amphetamines, and Nibs started talking, he said, started really going talking fast, from the speed. And he kept talking, he kept talking, and his dad kept giving him speed and all of a sudden he was talking about his history, when he was a clam and all these different situations in early Earth. And out of that came History of Man."
- Secret Lives: L. Ron Hubbard". Channel 4 Television, November 19, 1997
The wikipedia entry on this book gives a comprehensive overview for those who are unfamiliar with this vile work. This material is also accompanied by a recently leaked series of audio files known as the "Technique 88" or "The Time Track of Theta". The book starts out with Hubbard writing, "This is a cold-blooded and factual account of your last sixty trillion years" and is intended to serve as an advanced auditing guideline. The real truth is this book is the epitome of delusional farce and the undeniable proof of the LRH's mental illnesses running wild.
This revered scripture is practically a living testimonial to the extensive amount of successful brainwashing that must inherently be in-place inside the depths of the cult for seemingly rational people to seriously study this material and still remain oblivious to just how stark raving mad Hubbard's higher level teachings seemingly is to the rest of the world.
Here's a few choice quotes from this manifesto of the manic moron at his best.
"This is useful knowledge. With it the blind again see, the lame walk, the ill recover, the insane become sane and the sane become saner. By its use the thousand abilities man has sought to recover become his once more."
- L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology: A History of Man. Foreword.
Many scientologist's resent the Anonymous protests because they truly believe these teachings constitute a religion and claim with the utmost passion "The Tech Works". If that's the really the case, well then more power to you. But many of the activists taking a stand can't help but point out the above quote and ask "Well why didn't it work for LRH himself?" In his case, the insane only became worse, not better.
Rather than recognize this and try to evolve their "tech" into something better... they perpetuate the founder's failure to stay sane even further by vehemently advocating the mentally ill not seek professional help and proper treatment. But then again why should they care, their beliefs are all about "making the able more able" rather than a humanitarian approach that one would expect of a "church" where the less abled are looked upon with charity and compassion.
"The universe is a rough universe. It is a terrible and deadly universe. Only the strong survive it, only the ruthless can own it."
- L.Ron Hubbard, Scientology: A History of Man, p.38)
I've said it before and I'll say it again.... organized scientology = Nazism 2.0.
In one of LRH's lectures he fancies himself as the anti-christ. The way I see it, at best he was the spiritual forefather of an anti-christ cult because he didn't live long enough (nor return soon enough) to see out the end of the evil he created. But if there is truly an anti-christ walking the earth in this day and age, then I'd say the most likely candidate is the man who took over this utter lunacy and made it into the crusade it is today - a crusade intent on "clearing the planet" so that everyone either believes this whack job drivel or is eliminated. That man is commonly known as David Miscavige, and his time of reckoning is coming.
KINDRED BACK MATTER


This festival shines a light on the South Burnett, showcasing the best of the beautiful region. Not only will the Festival feature the agriculture, creative and country community of the region, but will highlight the South Burnett as the Mecca for horse riders, mountain bikers, hikers and outdoor adventurers.
This year sees the return of The Eagels Band to the Blackbutt showgrounds as the official opening event. The Blackbutt Showgrounds will host the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Outdoor Expo, showcasing what everyone can do outdoors in the South Burnett.
For the kids, Les Muller Park and the Blackbutt Library will be transformed into a Stanwell Creative Kids Corner with workshops, face painting, street performers, and art and craft activities. The Blackbutt Memorial Hall and Community Common will showcase the best of the South Burnett with food and wine tastings all weekend.Visit Website
Entertainment, Food and Wine, Market


TRUE BLUE AUTHOR
NEED DIRECTION? ASK GOD
Spiritual and practical Wisdom from a broad life deeply lived
Denny Blue has lived experiences that most of us couldn't hope to pack into three lifetimes. His first thirty years were rising through the ranks of Ford's international and aerospace divisions, while working in many glamorous and often challenging countries. The next thirty years were running his own business as owner and captain of charter fishing boats in Michigan and Florida. Now, after 88 years, he is working through those issues that arise during the last years of life when we prepare to meet Eternity
None of Denny's successes were guaranteed. He grew up on a struggling farm during the Great Depression. He experienced the inexplicable early deaths of close relatives. He faced physical threats from militant labor unions in South America. Now he is the caregiver to his beloved and formerly dynamic wife Dottie, who is fading into life's twilight of Alzheimer's.
Thus, when Denny talks about his spiritual principles of prayer, purpose, perspective, passion, and patience, he is speaking with the authority of one who has put these principles into practice to smooth his way forward in extremely provoking circumstances. This book is written in the humble words of wisdom than Denny speaks in person. Powerful by example, but not preachy.
I also enjoyed learning about the practical ways that Denny solved problems in corporate and personal business. The two principles of most value to me were "perspective" and "patience," because those are the ones, I am weakest on. By learning from Denny's real-life examples of putting these principles into practice, I am doing better with my life's challenges.
Denny has lived the lives that many of us dream about --- rising through the ranks of one of the world's great corporations, then running his own business, and finally retiring after 60 years of business to assist his family with their needs. I think he probably wrote this book because he has accumulated a lifetime of wisdom --- really equivalent to three well-lived lifetimes --- and feels compelled to pass it on. He does that in a gentle and interesting way, that made me want to take the lessons of his experiences to heart. His experiences living in many glamorous and difficult countries made me excited to keep turning the pages.
A fascinating story of spiritual and practical wisdom from a broad life deeply lived.
Alan, July 2021
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Need Direction? Ask God: Five Biblical Principles for Turbulent Times is a work of non-fiction in the religious and motivational sub-genres and was penned by author Dennis Blue. The work is intended for the Christian reading audience. It contains the real-life story of the author’s own tragic experiences in life, as well as an account of how he utilized core principles from the Bible to overcome obstacles and improve his sense of inner fulfillment. What results is a highly fascinating memoir and guidance work that is sure to keep readers turning pages as they too become inspired to ask for God’s wisdom in turbulent times.
Author Dennis Blue has crafted a heartfelt and emotional work of non-fiction with plenty of sage advice and spiritual guidance to offer readers. One of the features I found particularly impressive about this piece was the author himself and his attitude to the twists and turns that led him from the busy life of an executive to the quiet idylls of fishing. This is a metaphor for the tranquility Dennis Blue purports and achieves within his writing, and it is a sense of peace that many readers will undoubtedly want to learn how to achieve. The advice and guidance given alongside Blue’s anecdotes provide practical and straightforward help, intending that you start small and stick to the plan until positive progress slowly tips the scale. Overall, I would highly recommend Need Direction? Ask God to fans of confident and honest narrators, books about healing and coping through faith, and Christian readers everywhere. August 4, 2021
This is a story filled with amazing descriptions of time and place, interesting characters and wonderful stories of triumph. Not to mention a few fishing experiences that piqued m interest. "Running the Good Race" is an impressive account of one couple's journey together; guided by strong Christian faith and unbridled energy."---Jonathan Herbert, award-winning writer, Gasparilla Gazette, July 2018
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was really intrigued by Dennis' career and travels with Ford. I loved how he followed God's path for him and incorporated a lifetime of giving back into his career. The ministry as well as the story of his family and path at Ford were really entertaining and thought provoking. I enjoyed this book and was glad I had an opportunity to read it. ---Jennifer Hall
Dennis presents a story of adventure and purpose in his book, a purpose much deeper than I ever expected. After learning how much flying meant to Dennis and how he used his personal aircraft in his missionary work ---LT COL Rick Hagelthorn, Michigan Air National Guard, Retired.
This sportsman’s memoir is directed by an uplifting, positive tone.
Dennis Blue’s religious memoir Through the Eyes of a Fisherman follows his second career as a charter boat captain after working at Ford Motor Company. This sportsman's memoir is directed by an uplifting, positive tone--- Foreword Clarion Review.
Running the Good Race is a captivating memoir about traipsing the globe and a life of faith.
Dennis Blue’s memoir Running the Good Race concerns his rich life spent in corporate America, traveling abroad, following his faith, and establishing his own fishing business after retirement---
Foreword Clarion Reviews
If you’ve ever experienced those times in your life when you’ve suffered insurmountable troubles and confrontations, that if you become more like the author, you too can put these things aside and out of your mind from reading about the lessons he’s learned. For wanting to increase the faith of his readers, by using himself as the prime example, I’m delighted to give Mr. Blue the 5 STARS he deserves. Robin leigh Morgan--Top Contributor--True Crimes Books.
This is a story of a faithful friend and his experiences in life. He is a charter fisherman who will find you good fish along with good company on the voyage. He and his family share their experiences in travel, fishing and work. An easy page turner that will stay in your heart for ever.---Susan Carlson
I found this book to be one of the best books I have ever read. Being a chaplain for the past 35 years that puts it in line with many books that I have enjoyed over my life-time.I found the book to be very honest, filled with adventure, integrity, love, carrying for others, personal tragedy, success, a deep love for God and His ministry, the list could go on and on. At times I wondered if I was reading a book or watching a movie with so many interesting scenes and stages of life.I believe one of the most important illustrations in the book is how Dennis lived his faith in all the areas of his life, including family, work and pleasure. The people who will enjoy this book the most are those who need encouragement in living their faith everyday and everywhere.---Chaplin Billy Watson
Denny Blue has led an interesting life, and he tells some of the highlights here in an open, engaging style.---Steve Szilvagyi
Janice rated it 4 STAR---really liked it. How fun to read Dennis Blue's recollections about learning to be a charter captain and fishing in the waters of Florida, the Great Lakes, Bahamas, etc. He is detailed in his descriptions and I believe he could probably recall each fish he has ever caught if you ask him. His fishing stories are believable and enjoyable. This memoir will be a treasure for all his family and friends.---Goodreads Review November 1, 2018
Mary rated it 5 STAR---it was amazing, Great read.---Goodreads Review November 1, 2018
It's amazing! Dennis seems to remember the exact date for every single occurrence in his life, from relocating between countries, to meeting new friends, to unexpected fishing/flying mishaps. And the details are incredible. Surprisingly the book does not drag. It's all interesting to read. If you have the time. :) And there are many pictures of friends and acquaintances throughout the years, as well as aerials from flying in Venezuela, the many boats they owned from place to place, fishing prizes, and more. The book is written in such a way as to seem almost like a journal, if in a freehand font. It doesn't have the polish some books have, but it doesn't need it. This book tells of Dennis' life working for Ford, fishing every possible chance, and having the faith to follow God's leading. The Blond Book Worm, Christian Small Business, Book Crash Review, April, 2018
Curt rated it 4 STAR, I really liked it. In Through the Eyes of a Fisherman, Dennis Blue gives insights into his natural, spiritual, and fishing lives, and how they are integrated. Blue writes well, though sometimes with too much detail, about his actions and thoughts from his “retirement” to following his passion of fishing for a living (to which many people may relate). It is a good book to read at home, or on a boat. Through the Eyes of a Fisherman is one of those books where one is glad the author took the time to write their experiences. Good Reads Review, November 2018
Through the Eyes of a Fisherman is an exceptional memoir about fishing faith and guidance for finding your purpose. Author Dennis Blue writes with undeniable passion on every page of this all-inspiring book. His contagious spirit and unwavering faith bring the reader inside his world of successes and failures all the while entrusting his natural instincts when encountering friends and clients around the world. "If you wish to know a person's true character, take them fishing."---Jonathan Herbert, award-winning writer, Gasparilla Gazette, January 2019.
Ruthie Mast rated it 4 STAR and really liked it. This book is an autobiography by Dennis Blue, of his "retirement years". He left the Ford Motor Company at the age of 65 and started a charter fishing business in Michigan, and a second one in Florida, that kept him constantly on the go. This book covers from then til present day. His years of childhood and with Ford are recounted in his first book, Running the Good Race. I enjoyed reading this book. Not a fisher myself, I was entertained and enlightened by his tales. For instance, salmon are abundant in Lake Michigan which surprised me as I thought them to be river fish; some people are so dedicated to fishing that they will fly to another country to do what they do every day at home; and you should NEVER stand up when your companion is in the midst of casting a fly! I found the book to be written well, not dragging, and not overwhelming with all the information. Dennis lived a full life, running his businesses fairly and incorporating the many life lessons he learned along the way. A challenge that struck me while reading this book is how Dennis considered every stage in his life as his ministry. Even this book is written with that in mind. He and his wife would make decisions such as moving or changing/tweaking careers in a step-by-step manner, looking for opened or closed doors to tell them whether it was God's plan for them. I received a copy of this book from BOOKCRASH, and was not required to write a positive review. March 15, 2019.
Congratulations to author Dennis Blue! He has received the 2019 Christian Indie Award in the business category for Through the eyes of a Fisherman. Dennis is truly one of those authors who is a pleasure to work with. He brought much thoughtfulness to bear on his task and we are so proud to see his efforts rewarded. Denis Ledoux, The Memoir Network, April 30, 2019.
Jane Doe - Another Company, LLC


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so when, during the week, i found it necessary to utter a moan or two (again) about jocasta nu, my least favorite film librarian of all time (more on her in a minute), my roommate, anna, semi-dared me to come up with a list of the top 10 best to worst film librarians.
so here we go.
1. evelyn carnahan (rachel weisz), more commonly known as "evy" from the mummy and the mummy returns. (i haven't seen the third movie because i don't really care if weisz isn't involved and i'm not a big fan of maria bello.) anyway, how can you not give pride of place to someone who declares with great pride, although also great drunkenness, "i am proud of what i am. i -- am a librarian!" plus she rescues people with great elan, doesn't panic when kidnapped by resurrected mummies, and translates very quickly.
2. bunny watson (katherine hepburn), from desk set. i even went so far as to check on imdb.com to make sure that "bunny" really was the only name for this character. it is. the research library in this movie is so far out of date as to be funny now -- the computer is the big bad villain of the piece and it's about as big as a large walk-in closet. but ms. watson is great -- a wonderful, funny, helpful reference librarian. and it's a really sweet, little-known hepburn/tracy romantic comedy with a great supporting cast. my dvd version even has this awesome little documentary on it about how hepburn's wardrobe for the film was promoted to catch on as 'librarian chic'!
3. flynn carsen (noah wyle), from the librarian: quest for the spear. "what is this -- slap the librarian day!" his version of library science is definitely more action-oriented than the ordinary run-of-the-mill variety -- much more kidnapping and running and nearly getting abducted and/or murdered than i see going on at the bpl. but, in the end, books are important, and what you know in your heart is important, too. oh, and don't listen to the books if they tell you to hurt small animals. that's important, too.
4. dean corso (johnny depp), from the ninth gate. this is a little unfair since dean corso isn't technically a librarian; he's a rare books dealer. but i'm putting him in the list 'cause...well, it's my list. also, because his knowledge of books borders on the encyclopedic and i love the libraries he gets to use in the movie even if he isn't working there. and both the film the ninth gate and the club dumas on which it is based are very worth while.
5. CAL (eve newton), from doctor who: silence in the library and doctor who: forest of the dead. this is also a tad bit unfair since CAL isn't a librarian so much as a library system, but i still think she's fairly cool. the ailing daughter of a very clever (and rich) family immortalized as the controlling intelligence behind the main cataloging and data computer for a library the size of a planet. she's got a few problems -- like alien intelligences are oozing out of her books, taking over the planet, and eating people -- but other than that, she's doing quite well and she does save everybody.
6. tanis (steven mackintosh), from underworld: evolution. a vampire librarian/historian/archivist. what's not to love? okay, he's in exile 'cause he pissed off the leader of his clan by remembering a few things he shouldn't have but he's still in pretty classy exile. people do keep breaking into his house and demanding he tell them things, but he mostly seems to have a pretty sweet deal going.
7. marian the librarian (shirley jones), from the music man. just has to be on the list. love or hate 'marian the librarian,' we've all heard the jokes.
8. any of the librarians from the name of the rose: the abbot, malachi, berengar, and, if i'm remembering right, jorge of burgos into the bargain (as well as numerous other monks whose names i don't even come close to recalling). their cataloging scheme defies description for complexity, their stacks are a maze (literally) -- freedom of information and accessibility are really just words to these guys. words with which they are not familiar.
9. sloan (morgan freeman), from wanted. again, i'm getting by on a technicality here. if sloan is really anything, he's probably more of a sibylline interpreter, creating "truth" out of the patterns woven in cloth. but, since he not only interprets, but also keeps and stores the cloth pieces and the records of the assassin fraternity of which he is the head, i'm calling him an archivist. (just think of the number of textile storage boxes he must buy!) but he is definitely not the guy to take as your role model -- not only is he restricting certain privileged information to his own use, he is perverting the use of that information for his own ends. not good, people, not good!
10. jocasta nu (alethea mcgrath), from star wars: attack of the clones. possibly the worst librarian i have ever seen on film. ever. not only does she give her patron cursory, verging on the outright rude, treatment, she also tells him his question is ridiculous because the information in the archives "can't be wrong." argh! someone promote her into retirement. (but, hopefully, before revenge of the sith because i don't dislike her that much.)
honorary mention: ianto jones (gareth david-lloyd), from torchwood. he insists he knows everything and, often, he seems to. i'm not sure which is more worrying.
an additional honorary mention i should be ashamed of forgetting the first time around (he really should be on the main list, but i don't feel like renumbering the whole thing and thank you, diana, for pointing out the gap!)
rupert giles (anthony stewart-head), from buffy the vampire slayer. i have to blame his omission the first time around on cold medication because there really is no other excuse. i mean, he watched "passions" with spike. this isn't strictly a librarian's job, true, but it just goes to prove that giles was just damn cool.


In the GRT Training Level 1 Manual you will be guided through the basic building blocks of learning how to bounce safely and effectively on the trampoline, including how to properly do the basic landing positions such as seat drop, back drop & stomach drop.
This training guide is perfect for the Beginner who wants to learn safely step-by-step. With over 25 videos, you will learn the basic building blocks to prepare for flipping; including skills like Cruise, Needles & Cat Twist.
GRT Training Program Level 1
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DescriptionAlbrook is known for its greenery. It has many great forests and grasslands.
HistoryAlbrook has had more than it’s fair share of disasters. Most of it revolves around the conflicts during the First Dwarven War and the Great Union. The gates of Thorvarin are in Albrook, which caused Albrook to become the first target of the Dwarves. The battles were fierce but Albrook has always stood up to the challenges and come out stronger than ever, mostly due to their monarchs of the time.
King Jorian was one of the first of note, he managed to unite with the Elves and, with their assistance, drove the Dwarves back through the gates of Thorvarin and sealed them, putting an end to the first Dwarven War. He then ushered in a new age of enlightenment for Albrook, bringing forth the Magical Revolution.The child Queen Tiah took the throne at age 14 only a few years before the gates of Thorvarin reopened and the second Dwarven War began. Tiah was born under the sign of the Gods, which is why she was ushered into becoming the queen so soon. The ruler before her was King Kell, Kell was not known for his ability to make great decisions and was a selfish, cruel and, some would say, mad man. When he had learned of Tiah and her destiny to become a great ruler, he moved to have her imprisoned. She still spoke out against him and thousands of people sent pleas for her release. The Albrook senate fought on her behalf, which was the only thing that prevented her from being executed. Still the king managed to keep her imprisoned, calling her the Queen of Chains. Despite his attempts to discredit her, she became a legend and King Kell was quickly losing his position on Albrook. Albrook was falling into a deep depression and people were demanding change. Many made a pilgrimage to the Albrook Dungeons to see the Queen of Chains, and those who spoke to her found she never complained about her position and the suffering she was forced to endure. She would smile at those who visited her and her touch would warm their hearts and give them hope.
GovernmentAlbrook is ruled by King Jonas-El VII and the Albrook Senate. The Albrook senate at this thime holds very little power as most of it’s important members are either paid off or simply fear the king.


Growing up, my parents put a significant emphasis on reading any topic any time. As my professional career moved through its various stages, I have collected reference books that I was unwilling to let go. Over the last 15 years, we (our team, family and I) have acquired quite a library. The topics are varied. I read everything from professional publications, non-fiction, fiction and sometimes a genre that my mother calls ‘mind candy’. And! I have read all the books in said library at some point. Do I read them now? No.
Over the last two days, I have sent around 300 reference books to the physical recycle bin. One of my colleagues asked if I had paid for all those books. Yes, I had. What was the average price of a book? As I removed the covers for audit purposes, I realized the average price of the 300 books was around $100.00 Canadian. When I did the math, $30,000.00 worth of books were gone. To put this in perspective, the books would have filled an 8 foot by 4 foot bookcase. We have 6 such bookcases.
I held on to many of the books for far too long. Just as in project management, we hang on to the original idea for far too long. Somewhere in the world, business changes once every six minutes. In essence, our lives change about 10 times an hour. If we don’t allow for change, we will be without room to grow. In project management, lack of a process for managing change can be the ‘kiss of death’ for a project.
The golden nugget for today is “as hard as it is to let things go, let them go. Move on and make the needed changes. “


Well the day has arrived. Our book has finally been submitted to print and it should be in stores on September 7th. I’m very happy to be finished with the book. I think there are a lot of great books on ASP.NET MVC, yet ours still stands out as it targets a different audience than the other books.
In the book you’ll find our (sometimes opinionated) views on application development, architecture, separation of concerns, emphasis on testing, MvcContrib, NHibernate, StructureMap, and more. You’ll also learn plenty about the extension points of the framework, as we take you through many examples to illustrate the topic.
I’m especially proud of the Routing and Ajax chapters, which have received warm reviews during the early PDF drops.
Here’s what some folks are saying about the book:
I really enjoyed ASP.NET MVC in Action and highly recommend it for a fresh look at the ASP.NET MVC Framework.
– David Hayden
I’m very happy with this book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in ASP.NET MVC.
- Chris Stewart
All in all ASP.NET MVC in Action should be on the top of the stack when picking up ASP.NET MVC book.
- Mohammad Azam


RAY & TWINKLE
Written by Rona Exterman, Illustrated by Inbal Leitner
Ray & Twinkle are two friendly little gnomes who live inside our bodies. When night comes, they travel from the tips of our toes through the body to the top of our heads, spreading golden night sprinkles from their big fluffy bag.
Ray & Twinkle takes the well-known Body Scan method of mindfulness meditation and turns it into a picture book for children, bringing them gently into sleep, and introducing them to the wonderful world of mindfulness in a natural, engaging way.
HOW I CAME TO BE
Written by Shoham Smith, Illustrated by Noam Weiner
HOW I CAME TO BE is a totally different type of "where do babies come from?" book. The book is not designed to be read in one sitting, but rather lets parents choose the sections that are most relevant for their child's stage of development. Filled with humor and empathy, it even tackles subjects like IVF and sperm donations.
Written by one of Israel's premiere children's books authors, Shoham Smith, with the consultation of child psychologist Ruti Ben-Porat, and with engaging illustrations by Noam Weiner, the book is told from the perspective of a baby at a press conference.
Written and illustrated by Ilana Zeffren
Being short can be a real pain - it's hard to see the stage at shows, the teacher makes you sit up front and other kids sometimes laugh at you. But as the heroine of SHORTY discovers, there can be advantages too. Along the way, she discovers her own imagination and creative powers.
DIARY OF A SHARK CATCHER
Written and illustrated by Orit Bergman
Diary of a Shark Catcher tells of one pivotal and eventful summer in the life of Gal, who sets out to solve the riddle of her father's disappearance. She runs away from her home in Jerusalem and joins the scuba crew at the Underwater Observatory in Eilat. As the only girl on the team, Gal struggles to be accepted as an equal. She learns about the strange and wondrous secrets of the underwater world, befriends an injured stingray and dives into the deeps to capture sharks for the Observatory. Little by little, she uncovers details of her father's story.
Written and illustrated by Ora Eyal
When Kingeroo wakes from his royal sleep, he finds that all his books, his toys, even his breakfast, is tainted by black stains! How COULD the servants have let this happen? Or perhaps he just needs his glasses cleaned? Kids will delight in the story of this haughty little king.
MOMMY WHAT DOES THIS DO?
Written by Maya Meitav, Illutrated by Aviel Basil
64,000 copies sold in Israel alone!
A little boy wants to know "What does this do?" about everything and keeps asking his mother.
Kids and parents will identify with this familiar question-answer interaction and the sweet relationship between a creative little boy and his mom.
Written by Ora Eyal
Over 100,000 copies sold in Israel alone!
Oogbo is a classic story in which a little girl pretends that her chair is a dog. The story is brilliant in its simplicity and the way it connects to the imaginary games played by children.
*It is possible to license only the text of this title sna create new illustrations.
RONI MACARONI SERIES
Written by Miri Rosovsky, illustrated by Merav Salomon and Shahar Kober
A series of four first reader books in comics style.
An innovative series for beginner readers designed for reading together – adults and children. The simple text in the comics bubbles is read by beginner readers and the rest of the story by adults. The stories are based on the spirited character of Roni Macaroni, a girl full of pizzaz and humor, and on adventures from her daily life.
Written and illustrated by Orit Bergman
Who of us hasn't wondered what our pet does when we're not home?
When the family in this book leaves for work and school each morning, Seymour the dog stays home alone. But what his owners don't know is he's actually having quite a blast with his friends.
TOTO AND FRIENDS
WHERE IS MISS PINKY?
Written by Shula Modan and illustrated by Alona Frankel
300,000 copies sold in Israel alone!
Click to view a reading
A story that turns every finger into an actor, with the troupe of finger puppets happily staging a show about the search for the missing Miss Pinky, while learning all about fingers.
*A set of finger puppets is included in each book
WHITEBOARD MARKER GONE WILD
Whiteboard Marker Gone Wilde makes learning to draw fun and easy. Humorous figures and clear directions give kids a first taste of drawing and open up their creativity for more.
Written and illustrated by Dudi Shamai
Written by Iris Argaman, Illustrated by Aya Gordon Noy
Gili is a collector. He keeps his treasures in his pockets, where you can find coils, screws, rocks, pine cones and wheels. With Gili, a coil is never just a coil and the things he hides in his pockets often open the door to new adventures.
GRANDPA, MORRIS AND ME
Written by Miri Chanoch, Illustrated by Bernat Muntes
Granda, Morris and Me is a heartwarming story about a loving relationship between a boy and his grandfather. When the time comes to say goodbye, the ever expanding sea of love is already so vast that we have no doubt that grandpa will always live on in the boy's memory and heart.


Greg Chronopoulos was born in 1926 in Vartholomio, Illias, in the west Peloponesse in a district near ancient Olympia. His earliest memories are of a wonderful and happy childhood but World War II and the Civil War brought immense hardship and struggle to his family. When he was 21 years of age, he joined the army and served as a Reserve Officer Lieutenant in Korea from 1951. While in Korea, he developed two relationships that would later inspire great change in his life. He wrote to thank an Australian Greek woman who had sent parcels of magazines and socks to the Greek troops in Korea and they became friends. He also started corresponding with a Greek woman with whom he made a contact through Readers Digest and this evolved into a twenty year “special relationship”.
Upon his return to Greece, Greg realised that his family and Greece in general were still suffering from the impact of war. Being the only boy in the family, he felt responsible to support his relatives. Greg made the decision to migrate and send money back home. He wrote to his Australian pen pal asking to be sponsored by her and her husband, and in 1955 Greg boarded a ship to Australia to start a new life. He was heartbroken to be leaving Greece, but his sense of duty to help his parents and sisters financially was a priority.
Greg’s early years in Australia were difficult and quite unsettling. At first, he got a job as a factory worker at General Motors Holden and took up employment with Dunlop Pillows, but in his spare time, he sought a challenge by writing for a Greek newspaper. The writing became his escape from the monotony of the job he was doing and a way of preserving his Greek heritage and culture. It was not until the mid-1970s that he was able to secure work that was more fulfilling such as at the Greek Consulate, as a travel agent and as a Community Liaison Officer for the Health Insurance Commission (HIC) for 14 years.
While working at HIC, Greg became very involved with his own community by teaching Greek at Macquarie University, writing a column for a Greek newspaper and producing and presenting three SBS Radio programs. After retiring, he worked part-time at the Greek Welfare Centre for 18 months. He felt he had finally found his true vocation, which gave him not only an immense personal satisfaction, but earned him great respect and many devoted friends in the Greek community in Sydney!
Extract from Migrant Heritage Centre NSW | For full biography please refer to Greek tab
Gregory Chronopoulos with his mother, Ioanna, and siter Zoi, in 1985. In 1956 Gregory sponsored his sister and her fiance to Australia. [Ο Γρηγόρης Χρονόπουλος με την μητέρα του Ιωάννα και την αδελφή του Ζωή, το 1985]


I just heard from the folks at Oxford University Press this week and they indicated that the volume edited by Chuck Hill and myself, The Early Text of the New Testament, is now available in the UK. Unfortunately, like many Oxford volumes, it is a bit pricey at 90 pounds ($175). Ouch. But, hopefully some major research libraries will pick it up (and some scholars with a generous book budget!). The book is available in the US in August.
Here is a blurb from the back cover and the table of contents:
The Early Text of the New Testament aims to examine and assess from our earliest extant sources


Wear your jammies, bring a favorite stuffed friend, and join us for bedtime stories and activities about light at night.
Puppets” is the trifecta that could help form your baby’s first sentence
Early literacy storytime program for children ready to be on their own without caregivers or siblings.
Stories, songs and movement for children of all ages with caregiver.
We’ll read Bone by Bone: Comparing Animal Skeletons by Sara Levine, and investigate what skeletons can tell us about how different animals (including humans!) live and move. Grades Pre-K – 3.
Everyone is welcome to join us for a special monthly storytime to celebrate March birthdays!
Check out our audio collection when you stop by the children’s room and listen to a popular audio book every Sunday with family and friends.
Wear your pajamas and join children at the library for stories and an opportunity to read to a real live dog.
These 20-to-30-minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and finger plays for children birth to 2 years old.
Meet Oakton Staff at the Providence Community Center for a storytime and playgroup in a sensory-friendly environment.
Early Literacy storytime with stories, songs and fingerplays.


Strategist For Hire
STRATEGIC NAVIGATION - A Systems Approach to Business Strategy
Ever heard the expression, "You don't know what you don't know"? For some twenty years, a relatively unknown physicist by the name of Eliyahu M. Goldratt has been changing the world of business, due in no small part to the efforts of author and business expert H.
William Dettmer. Dettmer's previous two books on the subject of the "Logical Thinking Processes," as they relate to Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (TOC), have set a new standard for explaining the true power of TOC.
Now Dettmer has done it again, only bigger! Strategic Navigation applies the thinking processes to business strategy and its implementation. Although he uses a history of military planning as a tool of explanation, let me be perfectly clear, this book in no way promotes a military philosophy of "win-lose" or decimating one's competition. Dettmer is simply a master of thoroughly decoding a complex concept and his history of military planning in this book is not only appropriate, it is truly enlightening.
Strategic Navigation is destined to force TOC to the tipping point. Actually, it completes the evolution of TOC and brings it to a more robust model known as the Constraints Management Model (CMM). Detter documents the application of CMM in the world of strategy by using the thinking process tools of TOC in combination with the learning theories advanced by the late Colonel John R. Boyd, (USAF retired). This synergy is profound. "40-Second Boyd," as he was known, and his "energy-maneuverability theory" were responsible for the success of the F-15 and F-16 fighter designs.
Combining Boyd's OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act) loop with logical thinking process tools gives Constraints Management Method its edge. Also, by clearly separating the tools of MM from the philosophy, Dettmer, reaching well beyond those who have gone before him, has delivered his greatest gift to business leadership yet. In fact, Strategic Navigation is so insightful, it could easily be mistaken for Dettmer's dissertation for a Ph.D. in Holistic Systems Thinking. It is that exceptional.


The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, tells the story of God’s migrants. Beginning with the Migration Mandate of Genesis 1:28 (“fill the earth”) and ending with the congregation of the redeemed of all nations, peoples, tongues and tribes in the City of God, we find in the pages of the Bible the chronicle of a new life foretold.
In fact, new life constitutes the very message of the Bible, and no one understands the concept better than those who seek a new home. The mission of God for humanity, which foreknew the fall into sin and provided God’s son for human redemption—always implied the movement of humanity into all the world. In Genesis, we see the explusion from Eden, the exile of Cain, Noah’s flight to safety, the pilgrimage of Abraham, the human trafficking that dragged Joseph off to Egypt, the Exodus, the Conquest, and the establisment of Israel as a nation. The Babylonian Captivity, the restoration to Judea and Galilee, and the diaspora of Israel to all nations will follow—and all of that only finishes out the Old Testament!
The New Testament presents The Greatest Immigrant, who crossed over from the right hand of God in Heaven to Earth in order to fulfill God’s Holy Mission on the Cross. In His final instructions to his followers, Jesus sent them into all the nations through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). The Book of Acts continues with his stories of the Christian movement that was first called “The Way” (Acts 9:2) in honor of its leader, “The Way, the Truth, and the Life. The rest of the New Testament presents reports from the road to orient those who travel it with God to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Moving and migration do not represent an unexpected consequence of the plan of God. Rather, the constitute the very plan of God for humanity. Although the story of all people groups include periods of settlement, sooner or later, every family on earth will have episodes of displacement and uprooting. We cannot avoid it and we shouldn’t resent it. Moving helps families advance step by step toward the new life they have hoped for.
Immigrants ought to know that they have a special place in the heart of God. Reading the Bible through the lens of migration reveals that God has a loving plan for immigrants. This blog offers a journey of discovery for the immigrant—reflections that present a biblical lens to expose their privileged position in the plan of God.
Yes, a privileged position. God does not intend to give us a perfect, easy, and comfortable life on this side of Heaven. Our true citizenships awaits us in the world to come, and living as foreigners and pilgrims of God, no earthly home can ever satisfy us. Like Abraham, we await with confidence a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and constructed by God.
The following essays will conduct us through the Bible, shining light on biblical passages. They will focus on migration in all its categories, passage by passage, book by book, pointing out the place of migrants in the mission of God and in human history. Exiles, refugees, nomads, investors and international business people, victims of human trafficking, slaves, displaced farmers, explorers, adventureres, conquerors, diplomats, missionaries, tourists, travelers, sailors, soldiers—no category of migration that we see in the modern world stands outside of the vision of the Word of God.
For today’s immigrant, multiple millons of them in the world, this blog is offered as a source of encouragement and dignity. God goes with them. For those who love the immigrant, the message remains clear: to love immigrants exemplifies and models the love of God for them.
Read this blog as bread for the journey. You will find daily reflections on the Biblical text that will stimulate you to go deeper into the special love God has for the immigrant. In the end you will be able to say that you have seen the purposes of God for immigrants. Nourished by the Word of God, you will recognize that you also share the label of “immigrant” and you will celebrate it. With that food, you will return to the road with a brand new perspective on your life’s journey.


VRA Core Support Pages
The VRA Core is a data standard for the description of works of visual culture as well as the images that document them. The standard is hosted by the Network Development and MARC Standards Office of the Library of Congress (LC) in partnership with the Visual Resources Association. Questions about the standards schemas and documentation should be directed to email@example.com. Questions about the official Core website or list should be directed to firstname.lastname@example.org.
This site will host all VRA Core user support materials including FAQs, Cataloging Examples, and Presentations. If you have Core-related tools or examples that you have developed and would like to share with the user community please contact the VRA Core Oversight Committee for posting to this site.
VRA Core Schemas and Documentation
VRA Core's schemas and documentation are accessible at http://www.loc.gov/standards/vracore/


A simple wayland client library briding the gap from cairo to wayland
Nkk was initially named 9kk for the distance of roughly 9 thousand kilometers between the cities of Cairo and Wayland. Yes it could have been 9mm for 9 mega meters, but that just didn't feel right (and who wants library named after a bullet).
In C, however, identifier names (functions and variables) cannot start with a number. So 9kk was the name of the library and the header files, but in-code identifiers used "nkk" as their prefix. Eventually I gave in and just called the whole thing nkk.
But whatever you call it, it spans the distance between the wayland protocol and the cairo graphics library. Nkk makes it easy to create wayland client windows ready to receive cairo drawing commands, receive keyboard and mouse events, etc. Nkk supports the xdg-shell and layer-shell protocols (the latter covers the role of "override-redirect" windows in X11 and can provide wallpaper/backgrounds, status bars, docks, etc)
There aren't any yet. But there are several simple examples that demonstrate several different uses of nkk. Proper documentation will come - but nkk is still experimental and changing rapidly.
The .so API
While maintaining backwards compatibility is always important, there are no guarantees of a stable API prior to version 1 (with a soname ending in .so.1). All .so.0 builds should be considered experimental or for educational purposes. If you distribute any software that uses an .so.0 version, be sure to keep a close eye on nkk development for potential breaking changes.
The examples directory contains various 'toy' programs exemplifying many of nkk's abilities. More realistic applications can be found in the utilities packaged with the tabby wayland compositor.


Village Movie Group
Sausalito Village unveiled a new monthly program in August 2020
called Village Movie Group hosted by Paul Mowry and Joe Silverman.
Like a Book Group, attendees will have all watched the same film and
come prepared to the event to discuss it.
August Selection: 2018 Oscar nominated documentary called "Abacus: Small Enough to Jail"
that can be found on both PBS online and Kanopy through the Sausalito Library.
The film is an excellent documentary that centers on the Abacus Federal Savings Bank, a family-owned community bank in Manhattan's Chinatown which became the only bank to actually face criminal charges following the 2007 mortgage crisis - and only because it was deemed not 'too big to fail', an incredible injustice by the U.S. Justice Department merely looking for a scapegoat.
The member connection to this film is Stella Shao, SV founding Board Member, whose step-brother and family own Abacus Federal Savings Bank. Here is the trailer: Click Here
PBS link to the film: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/abacus/
September Selection: “Infinitely Polar Bear" The connection is with SV Member and volunteer Rosalie Wallace. This film was written and directed by her daughter in law, produced by her son and features her granddaughter!! Critics gave it an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. Rent on Amazon for $3.99:
More about the film: Maya Forbes autobiographically inflected Infinitely Polar Bear stars Mark Ruffalo as Cameron, a man who suffers from bipolar disorder. After a breakdown forces him to leave his family and move into a halfway house, he attempts to rebuild a relationship with his two daughters, and win back the trust of his wife Maggie (Zoe Saldana). When Maggie decides to go to business school in New York, they decide that he will move back in and take care of the day-to-day care for the kids. Due to his mercurial nature, this leads to a series of quirky, funny, and sometimes frightening episodes. Infinitely Polar Bear screened at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi Link to Trailer
October Selection: "Olompali" A Hippie Odyssey narrated by Peter Coyote. A film that, as Marinites, we all have a connection to. This one is free and easy on Kanopy through the Sausalito Library. Just need your library card to sign up for Kanopy and click on this link to get started: https://sausalito.kanopy.com/
Embracing the spirit of the counterculture revolution during the Summer of Love, wealthy Marin County businessman Don McCoy transforms his life from conservative entrepreneur to beneficent hippie dropout, using his family inheritance to lease Rancho Olompali, a 700-acre estate north of San Francisco, to start a commune. He invites a couple dozen like-minded friends and families to join him in his dream of creating a community where they can live without monetary concerns in an atmosphere of love, peace and freedom. The group becomes known throughout the Bay Area as the Chosen Family - Marin's archetypal entry into the legend and lore of the Sixties hippie commune movement.
"Coco" is the sprightly story of a young boy who wants to be a musician and somehow finds himself communing with talking skeletons in the land of the dead. Directed by Lee Unkrich ("Toy Story 3") and veteran Pixar animator Adrian Molina, and drawing heavily on Mexican folklore and traditional designs, it has catchy music, a complex but comprehensible plot, and bits of domestic comedy and media satire. Most of the time the movie is a knockabout slapstick comedy with a "Back to the Future" feeling, staging grand action sequences and feeding audiences new plot information every few minutes, but of course, being a Pixar film, "Coco" is also building toward emotionally overwhelming moments, so stealthily that you may be surprised to find yourself wiping away a tear even though the studio has been using the sneak-attack playbook for decades. Livestream on Disney+ or $2.99 on Amazon Prime.
December Selection: "THE THIN BLUE LINE", a wonderful documentary that marked Erroll Morris's rise from cult favorite to mainstream, and probably the most successful documentarian for the masses, or at least tied with Michael Moore. THE THIN BLUE LINE is a real life crime drama about a drifter who murdered a Dallas police officer. Or did he? ;-) Here's the Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Blue_Line_(1988_film)
Paul and Joey became very involved in this guy's story and formed a grass-roots organization, The Free Randall Adams Campaign. They have a lot of background and relationships with Erroll and Randall...


The Road to Reality
The Dutch translation of Sir Roger Penrose's monumental book "The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe" will be published. On this occasion we will organise a science dialogue with the author, followed by the book presentation.
The main topic of the day is how the physical, mental and mathematical worlds are connected, as postulated in the "Three Worlds Model" by Sir Roger Penrose. This topic will be discussed in the light of the new and unique viewpoint of complexity science.
Keynote speaker: Sir Roger Penrose
More details will follow soon.


The Storybook collection is inspired by the beautiful illustrations of Children's book author Shirley Barber. My Daughter Amanda collected these books and even had me decorate her bedroom in fairy stencils inspired by them. Each colourway in this collection is inspired by a page in a book.
Sorry, there are no products in this collection
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.


The mission of the Hanson Memorial High School library is to provide resources that will enable students to become effective users of information, developing a pattern of lifelong learning and fostering a love of reading.
Among the many resources available for our students is the Accelerated Reader program, a computerized reading and management program.
World Book Online allows access to various research tools, including, but not limited to citation builder, how to do research, and my research (where the student can save the research he has done). Includes access to the encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas, current periodicals, videos and much more. Web site is kept current and up-to-date.
Reading is perhaps the strongest correlate to academic success from pre-K through
post-secondary education. Accelerated Reader (AR) is incorporated at Hanson to hone reading acuity. A computer assessment tool on reading comprehension is incorporated, where students select a book from an extensive list, read it, and then take a quiz on the computer. Immediate feedback is given through a TOPS report showing the student’s progress; this instrument allows for immediate intervention where needed.
Gale Group allows students to access many databases with millions of articles from journals and various reference sources. This web site covers all curricular areas.


Todays paper gave the story of a lady who wanted to help a man who had lost his house in the recent wildfires. Here in San Diego many, many people lost their homes in late October. Now if you ask a knitter what she can do to help, what do you think she'll do? This lady decided to knit blankets in the form of 8-inch-by-8-inch knitted or crocheted squares. One blanket needs 24 squares.
She received over 250 squares the first week, and I had never heard about it. The idea spread and now her goal is to make 1,588 blankets one for each family in the county who lost a home to the wildfires.
A group of 35 women met at the library the other day to knit, crochet and stitch blankets. Now that sounds like a good time to me.
If you would like to help go to sandiegowildfireblankets.blogspot.com


“Magento Search Engine Optimization” by Robert Kent attempts to help readers optimize their Magento store and improve exposure in destined search results. Let’s take a look at whether the book succeeds at that premise.
With the rapid raise and fall of shady search engine optimization affairs, credibility is a must. With a Magento Developer Certificate and four years of experience down his belt, Robert Kent (@kent_robert) is currently employed as development manager at Creare. Creare is one of the UK’s leading SEO agencies and that they are semi-actively promoting the book, is a sign that we might be onto a valuable resource here.
“Magento Search Engine Optimization” has a total of 8 chapters divided over 132 pages and is available as paperback (~ 40$) or eBook (~ 20$) in numerous digital formats. The publisher, Packt, currently runs a discount for the book with prices at respectively 35$ and 18$. Prices at retailers might differ.
The book starts with a quick overview of what it is that SEO entails in this day and age. It then continues to assist the reader into configuring their Magento store so that SEO-best-practices are complied with. As soon as proper configuration is set-up, the book picks up speed and delves into the several components a Magento-store consists of and how they can be tweaked to improve search engine rankings and conversion. Including but not limited to proper usage of category pages and content localization.
It is not only fiddling with the Magento back-end that “Magento Search Engine Optimization” covers. Starting at chapter 4, it gets more technical with improving the template structure. There is even a toe dip of server optimization with a glossary of caching techniques used for speeding up Magento-powered websites. Last but not least, the book glosses over a few popular Magento extensions (both free and paid) which can aid with search engine optimization.
What we really like about the book is that it properly explains the search engine optimization techniques used. If we would remove all the references to Magento, the book would be a lot thinner but still contain very valuable concepts. It are exactly those concepts which will give readers the “Oh, that’s why!“-snap and the book seamlessly follows them up with a translation of concept to Magento implementation.
In this way, instead of being a manual for Magento backend input fields, it is actually clear why some settings are preferred over others. By knowing the fundamentals, the reader should have no problem adapting the concepts to their own situation. Case studies in the book really contribute to this.
Even though we think this book is really appropriate for those willing to dive into Magento search engine optimization, it can also function as a bookshelf gem you can revert to for looking up specific points. The book is by no means a cohesive soup you have to read from start to end to obtain gain from.
Yes, the contents overlap but each chapter can easily be taken on its own due to clear outlined learning points and a brief summary at the end. This is one of those books which its paper back can get wrinkly real fast by all the scrolling for that one image outlining the URL structure hierarchy or the quick tip on how long the [cci][/cci] of a product-page should ideally be.
What we missed
The author states that Google Shopping is still under heavy change and the default Magento implementation is barely keeping up. However, we hoped that it would be approached with a concept-point-of-view at least. The same applies to mobile SEO: Magento doesn’t really incorporate anything of it yet, but we wouldn’t have mind if Robert covered a bit of it in the book anyway. We understand why the author choose not to – it’s a Magento oriented book after all!
Other than that; the book contains a chapter with tips on improving the frontend code. We thought of it as a bit pale and that it could be more detailed by, for example, covering more semantic HTML in templates. We would have also loved to see more detail in chapter 6 (Analyzing and Tracking Your Visitors) regarding A/B-testing for better conversion.
Whether you are a SEO-specialist or a Magento developer looking to level up your SEO-skill, “Magento Search Engine Optimization” by Robert Kent can be of aid to both of you: a reference for the former, a guide to the latter. It is exceptionally well at explaining the fundamentals of SEO and translating it to a situation applicable to Magento.
Though we think some subjects could have been covered with more detail, we understand that this is a Magento-oriented SEO book. And at that, it succeeds extremely well.


Enraptured by Terror
This is my first read of a Dan Simmons work. And at first, I was skeptical. In the beginning, The Terror seemed ponderous—potentially another too-detailed account of historical tragedy. Even the prose seemed cumbersome. Oh, how wrong could I be! This is a truly masterful work—one most authors can only aspire to. It wasn't long before I realized that the prose's period style was an integral part of the story—a stroke of sheer genius. Simmons immersed me in an unimaginable hell with such dexterity, that it became all too real. Talk about Hell freezing over . . . Add an elusive and monstrous beast that preys on the stranded sailors and you have intertwining metaphors of epic proportions. And in spite of all the misery, Simmons artfully manages to glorify the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. Then in a soaring redemption he snatches you from the jaws of hell in a mystical triumph. A truly magnificent accomplishment, not for the casual reader or faint of heart. I highly recommend it!


The Menagerie, a new book of poetry by A. W. Nutter. Containing 74 hand selected poems by the author. The Menagerie, I settled on this titile because I realized I had a curious collection of poems on a variety of subjects. This unique book of poetry is set into three chapters. The first chapter is titled "On The Dark Side", containing writes of many different subjects, time periods and events. The second chapter "Jeckle & Hyde Childhood" centers around child abuse, thoughts of the abused, and a few whimsical poems thrown in to lighten the mood. Chapter three "Of God and Demons", inside you will find poems of armegeddon, spiritual dreams, the Grim Reaper only to mention a few. These poems were written to entertain and hopefully touch the readers emotions. Each and every poem is pure fiction, written from this authors vivid imagination. I truly hope you enjoy each and every read.


I have so terribly neglected my little ole' blog. Fall is here- that means walks to the library, nature scavenger hunts, and lots of baking.
We took a walk to the library the other day and Mr. Ian was the main photographer. Ahem. 217 pictures later and I think I may have a few to post.
Can you see how cute that adorable little man is? Man, he just melts my heart in incredible ways. That beautiful little girl in the bottom corner? She is helping a friend fix her shoe. That is what she does best, help. She is a helper at heart and is such a blessing to me.
If I didn't know any better, I would think that he was trying to point out that his sister got paint on her dress.
Of course, what walk would be complete without a picture of heavy equipment?


Monkey - This is a story about a monkey. A talking, wish granting, chain smoking monkey. He's been doing this for a long time, but doesn't quite remember where he came from, why he's a wish granting monkey, or even why is name is Monkey. There are lots of wish granting rules he has to follow. This can be a challenge sometimes, but he doesn't let it bother him as he goes about his life at a zoo near Poughkeepsie, New York. One day, though, his home and master are attacked and life is never the same again. He has to find a new master and sets off on an insane adventure of murder, love, revenge and publishing.
Amazon Kindle | Paperback from Amazon
The Tumbleweed Dossier - It’s time for full disclosure! Due to the highly publicized nature of the events that took place in Tumbleweed, Texas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has commissioned this report. The author has been granted full access to the Tumbleweed dossier, interviewed all surviving key individuals, and written this objective novelization of what happened. Within these pages you will discover the truth about vampires, aliens, and unidentified flying objects.
Audiobook Coming Soon!
Son of Santa - Santa Claus is Real. Sure, the story has changed a lot over the years, but all the hard facts point to the undeniable truth of his existence. People don't want to accept it, so they stop believing. But Santa still visits those who keep believing, despite what they tell their friends at school and fancy parties. Not everybody knows the deeper secrets of the Santa Claus tale. You see, "Santa Claus" isn't really a single person, it is more of a title that is passed from father to son. It has been a Kringle family tradition for generations. Jack Kringle didn't want to be the next Santa Claus, so he left the North Pole for New York City. There he found success and wealth as a scheming businessman, often times trampling on the "little guy" to get what he wanted. Suddenly, his twin brother, Dale, appears in New York on a secret mission that may just teach Jack the true meaning of Christmas.
Audiobook Coming Soon!
Happy Valley - Hal Harper is an independent filmmaker and Penny Garland is his beautiful, yet overbearing, über-Mormon fiancé. Max is her fat, dimwitted brother and Josey is her loyal minion. Penny's Mom, who has a few screws loose, is convinced Hal isn't good enough for her and will do anything to get between them. Simon Manners is a meddling returned missionary and Allison Lombardi is a redheaded distraction. Buddy Kennedy is an amoral businessman, MRV is a corrupt, jack-Mormon politician, and Scruffy is a deranged talking teddy bear with a passion for murder and cannibalism. Only in Happy Valley can these characters take you on a hilariously dark, yet touching journey that will teach you more about life in Utah than you ever thought possible.


….the purpose of the child’s attachment to a family system and the necessity of detachment to become an adult.
From the first moment I got acquainted with Bert Hellinger’s work through a videotape of Karl Auer Verlag, I was struck by his view of the relationship between parents and children. I was intrigued by the apparent beneficial effect of the child’s bow before the parents. I was fascinated and annoyed by it, in particular, of course, because of my relationship with my own parents, with whom I still had a bone to pick. Verder lezen “Hellinger’s blind spot”
In these days of rampant neuroses, neurotic beliefs and identities, and neurotic organisations and governments, this wonderful autobiographical story by C.G. Jung has lost none of its topicality. He sketches in colourful, crystal-clear and highly reflective images an important event of his own childhood, in 1887. A beautifully authentic story from Jung’s 1961 autobiography, ‘Memories, Dreams, Reflections’. Verder lezen “Jung’s Neurosis”
Sometimes unexpected cross-links lead to remarkable insights.
The phrase “personal leadership” resonates almost daily in my practice as a leadership consultant. It is somewhat fashionable and superficial jargon, but it apparently fills a need in the sometimes-unbearable frenzy of modern organisations. It’s about leadership; that’s always worthy. And it is personal, so there’s something in it for everyone. Verder lezen “Personal leadership, and sexuality”


Today I received in the post a book that I had tracked down via a second-hand bookshop in Queensland which advertises "gently used books". http://www.carlasbigbookshed.com.au
It felt like opening an early Christmas present! The book pages are yellow with age and it has the additional surprise of being signed by the author. I love the feel of it. I love the smell of it. I love the fact that I will be able to nod off to sleep at night with my face buried in it.
My e-book reader allows me to take a portable library wherever I go but give me a used book where I can meet the ghosts of other readers.


1781 - 1862 (~ 81 years)
||William Lee DAVIDSON |
||Davidson County, Tennessee
- But in 1880 Census, daughter Vianna gives her father’s birthplace as “Virginia”
||Scotch Presbyterian |
||St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
||Greenwood Cemetery, Pascagoula, Mississippi
- He could read. He died from a hit on the head by a boat windlass and lived nearly a year after being hit.He had a large family 9 or 10. He went to the battle of New Orleans with Andrew Jacskon. Battle was in 1814.
Source: Ladner Odessey
"The year that Victor (Frances Bosarge) was born, in the Autum of 1814, the British in the War of 1812 were working their way up the Mississippi River in an effort to take the City of New Orleans. President Madison ordered General Andrew Jackson to New Orleans with his Tennesse Riflemen, a highly respected and specialized group from the Nashville area. Among these young men was William Davidson (probabley William Calvin Davidson), Elizabeth Davidson's father to be. Their route brought them through eastern Mississippi and down the Tombigbee River to Mobile and then by land to Pascagoula Beach (Mississippi).
General Jakson marched his men through what is now Tillman's Corner (Alabama) and Franklin Creek (Mississippi), near Presley's Outing, to Kreole (Mississippi) and straight to the intersection of Parsley and Markets, building the military road as they went. This same road was used in the Civil War. For many years after the Civl War, there were attached to large pines, insulator brackets which held the wires of the Confederate telegraph system.
From Pascagoula, the men were transported in sail boats on the Mississippi Sound to Pearl River (Hancock County, Missisippi) and up the river about seven miles to Pearlington, a busy little port on the east bank, in Mississippi, where they were encamped for weeks until they could be taken to the New Orleans area by way of many bayous and lakes.
During the layover, William (Davidson), himself a Scotch Presbyterian, became acquainted with a family of Scotch Presbyterians by the name of Mac Peters, later called Peters. In the family there was a very attractive young lady of sixteen or seventeen, Elizabeth Mac Peters. Before he left for the city, there was a very lively romance in the wind.
The Battle of New Orleans was fought on the Field of Chalmette about three miles down river from the City. On January 8, 1815 the treaty ending the War had been signed in Europe on December 15, 1814. within weeks William made his way back to Pearlington. They planned to marry in the next year or two, allowing time for him to return home to work and save for the venture. In those days there were no means of communication; so it was sure to be a long period of waiting. Finally, on one happy day, William showed up in the busy little settlement and in a short time they were married, on Wednesday, July 22, 1815, and they settled down to make their home among the peoople. The Mac Peters family lived on the west side of the river in St. Tammany Parish, La., while the men folks worked in shipyard, sawmills and other industries in Pearlington.
||7 Sep 2009 |
||William DAVIDSON, b. Abt 1755, Virginia , d. Bef 1830, Tennessee (Age ~ 74 years) |
||Elizabeth CHARLTON, b. Abt 1768, Virginia , d. Aft 1832, Nashville, Tennessee (Age ~ 65 years) |
||17 Apr 1785
||Montgomery County, Virginia
||Group Sheet | Family Chart
||Elizabeth D. PETERS, b. 1797, Tennessee , d. 1880, Pascagoula, Mississippi (Age 83 years) |
||22 Jul 1815
||Pearlington, Hancock County, Mississippi
| ||1. William DAVIDSON, b. St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana |
| ||2. Polly DAVIDSON|
|+||3. Elizabeth DAVIDSON, b. Abt 1817|
| ||4. Mary Jane DAVIDSON, b. Feb 1820|
|+||5. Vienna DAVIDSON, b. 20 Oct 1824, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana , d. 5 May 1918, City Hospital, Mobile, Alabama (Age 93 years)|
| ||6. Preston DAVIDSON, b. 1828, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana |
| ||7. Calvin DAVIDSON, b. 1830, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana |
||18 Feb 2016 |
||Group Sheet | Family Chart


If there was ever a reason to have a kid, it's so I can finally get to Disney World (she says, being sarcastic and exaggerating, yet somewhat serious). The idea is even better now that the new Harry Potter Theme Park at Universal Studios will be open. This place looks awesome. Sure, it'll be several years before we get there; the boy has to be old enough to appreciate Disney and Harry. But I'm no less excited. Seriously, look at this place. You can walk by Hogwarts? Have a butter beer in Hogsmeade? Are you kidding? Truly magical.
Seriously can't wait. Sue Sylvester, I love you.
The book started out a touch slow. The language was a bit cumbersome at first, and the story didn’t hook me instantly. Instead it had to fill the reader in on some background information, and the author decided to do that first, even though it was a bit boring and confusing as to where it was leading. But, once I got about 20 pages in to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I was hooked. The story weaves together a wronged journalist, a disturbed 20-something private investigator/researcher and a powerful Swedish family. Together they try to solve a 40-year-old mystery of a missing girl. You wouldn’t think a cold case like this would be that interesting to read about, especially when things take place in the frozen tundra of northern Sweden, but it was, in fact, very engaging.
I enjoyed all the characters. The powerful family, the Vanger’s, have a weave of interesting members and the reader, along with the journalist Blomkvist, get to learn all about their dark little secrets. The mystery is a good one, and while I did suspect the true ending right away, there were still plenty of surprises in store. There are also a few other minor mysteries that weave throughout the main story, and though they’re not quite as interesting, they don’t take away from the enjoyment of the story by any means.
The detailed writing and family mystery reminds me of other authors I enjoy, like Tana French and Stephen Carter. And while the book was pretty graphic in violence, especially violence against women, it wasn’t too harsh that it made me want to put the book down. I have the second book, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and the third comes out in May. Both continue to follow Lisbeth, the researcher, and Blomkvist, so I’m very excited to read those, too.
Coming June 2010!
In honor of National Reading Day, which is celebrated on or near March 2, the birthday of the popular Dr. Seuss, I ask the following question (a hard one for many, I'm sure): What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?
Mine would have to be And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street. I loved this book when I was little, and I still love the craziness of it. The things he sees! I also love The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, which I remember seeing a play of at the Children's Theatre when I was small. With a baby on the way, I fully expect the classics like Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham to take up permanent residence at bedtime.