Esoteric comes from the Greek ‘esôterikos’, and was a qualification in the schools of ancient philosophers to describe followers of secret doctrines. This post is about the Center for Spirituality and Healing and the Esoteric Journey.
The Disciple, a novel by Daniel Maleville, leads us to Toulouse and invites us to discover Esoteric, Mysticism, and Spirituality, the major subjects that always have applied to passionate men in search of the truth.
For nothing can remain hidden to the seeker. And there are many who, through the ages, have taken the path of knowledge to unravel the mysteries of life. You will also be invited to travel in modern-day Toulouse and when you flip through the pages you’ll be taken through the city during the 21st century, around 1900 and in 1533. Interesting is, in this respect, Dr. Edward Bach’s Biography.
What is ‘Spirituality’ and how does affect our life?
‘Spirituality’ means ‘that which is hidden’, but nothing can remain in the shadows for the seeker.
Acquiring the ‘science’ of esoteric goes through several learning paths. It’s your personal decision on how you will use this information. Because, contrary to faiths that ask a person to believe without using his free will and evidence, esotericism leads us to ask spiritual and existential questions. From these responses, a new faith will be born from understanding and lived experience or knowledge.
What I know is that everyone’s future is paved with various joys and trials matching their karma. It is part of the imposed destiny. The other part consists of free will and the will that we have to undertake and achieve. This part is up to you. In terms of karma, it is essential to fully and consciously experience the joys and trials.
If you only have the intuition of them, in the karmic connection, contact an indicator that will lighten your way. A good indicator must first be able to expose your past, and subsequently your present and your future. Stay clear of finding addresses through the internet, via mail or phone or through advertisements. Rely rather on a friend who would know which one would be satisfying.
One could say this novel by Daniel Maleville is a book about love but also about research. Love of his city, Toulouse, to which the author is particularly attached, his quest for God, which can be found in the good people, but also his search for the ideal woman.
Although presented as a novel, The Disciple can be considered a true initiation manual for the researcher or one who starts to walk on the paths of esoteric knowledge. Core topics of esotericism are discussed. The relationship Religion-Science-Mysticism is defined and responses are suggested to questions that may arise students’ mystique.
The first part of the book consists of three chapters:
- Bible: an explanation of the symbolism of the Bible
- Christic: an explanation of hidden messages of the New Testament
- Mystics: explanation and mystical conduct
The book first part includes passages regarding life and inner thoughts of the narrator and the expression of his love for his hometown.
If the analysis of Christian thought and mysticism is very present in the novel, it is only to better understand that there is no religion or dominant philosophies but a cultural and geographical adaptation of much older tradition from which the religions of East and West. What dominates is the explanation of the esoteric, and the search for future in an ecumenical spirit, with no particular religious connotation.
The second part is an adventurous follow-up of the first. It is told in the form of a novel set over three days in 16th century Toulouse (The Renaissance).
The central figure describes famous people living at that time that will have to face the reality of reincarnation through a meeting with, in his view, the ideal woman.
The third part follows the other two, and it is the conclusion in which the characters will learn from their experiences.
On this site, and for consulting convenience, Part I match the keyword ‘esoteric’. Part II includes the keywords section ‘contemporary novel’, and Part III falls into the category ‘history’ that takes place in 1533.


Alexander McCall Smith and His ‘Tuneless Wonders’
from New York Times / 3 April 2009 / By DEBORAH HOFMANN
Most Americans know Alexander McCall Smith as the venerable and droll author of the best-selling “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” novels (which have just been adapted into a new HBO series). But on Wednesday night, New Yorkers saw another side of the author at a Town Hall event, “An April Fools’ Evening With the Really Terrible Orchestra & Alexander McCall Smith.”
Smith was there in his capacity (rather, incapacity) as the euphonium-playing mainstay of the R.T.O.’s brass section. Perhaps best described as a combination of Monty Python, Tom Lehrer and “Prairie Home Companion,” the concert featured bagpipes, a march, a polka, a Gilbert and Sullivan sendup, new commissions and even a Musical Saw Concerto.
Half in jest, Smith and some Edinburgh friends founded the R.T.O. in 1995. The notion caught hold, while rehearsals and practice never would. With misguided confidence, the loosely knit ensemble grew to 65 “tuneless wonders.” They gained the collaboration of an encouraging conductor, Sir Richard Neville-Towne, K.D.O. (Knighthood of Dubious Origin), who is actually an accomplished organist and director of music at Edinburgh’s Canongate Kirk. Understanding and therapeutic, his batonless and gentle exhortation is, “Do your best!” An excerpt from Smith’s program notes captures the spirit of the endeavor: “At each rehearsal, the members of the R.T.O. arrive deliberately fresh and free from practice.”
On Wednesday, no doubt to provide acoustic cover, clapping along was encouraged. An audience sing-along included excerpts from “The Sound of Music,” with yodeling recruited during “The Lonely Goatherd.” During a deliberately maudlin rendering of “Edelweiss,” the men in the audience were directed to kindly break off in tears before the chorus and let the women and children carry on.
Near the middle of the 90-minute program, Smith called a timeout to discuss the challenges of playing a C sharp — and about his beloved Botswana-based books — with Malcolm Wood, who played the French horn. Smith explained the interview format: “It happens at the middle to give the audience a break.” And, he added, “the musicians, after all, are understandably ready to stop. If we have not taken a little nap or something, in our section, well, then we’ve already played hundreds of notes, and maybe more, if we were able to play them all! ”
As part of the finale to the Tchaikovsky “1812 Overture,” instruments, of a sort — brown paper bags — were provided to each ticket-holder. Two “very naughty boys” were summoned to the stage, to lead the audience in the technique of inflating and then smashing the bags to best effect, to fill the hall with the ear-busting explosion of cannons.
This single date on the R.T.O.’s American “tour” was a huge success, if the number of curtain calls and ovations are an accurate measure. Instead of roses, crumpled brown bags were flung gleefully into the air, many landing on the stage.
If the orchestra continues to do this well, Smith may have to give up his day job. Or perhaps we may look forward to a literary chronicle of the orchestra’s adventures.
CHECK THIS OUT!
The orchestra hits the Town Hall (New York) by storm


Since I was a kid, I wandered down every stack in the library, my favorite past-time was dragging my parents to the bookstore for more books. I devoured every page I could get my hands on, romances, tragedies, classics, and comedies; flipping furiously to get to the end and being completely engulfed by the stories.… Continue reading How Literature Saved My Life After Sexual Assault
The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace The Inexplicable Logic of my Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz Sugar by Kimberly Stuart Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson Mrs. Sherlock Holmes by Brad Ricca
In America's retail industry, we constantly run into issues that truly bring out the worst in people. It used to be that when working in retail, the customers would chat and ask questions, and honestly, be genuinely excited to be shopping with you. Sure, sometimes there are bumps in the road, and returns are needed… Continue reading Why the Customer isn’t Always Right: A Memoir.
Last year around this time, I decided that I was going to read 100 books for 2016. (Almost there! It’s 11/19 and I have only 15 more to go!) This year, I think I’m going to do something different as well as more productive. First off, I’m going to cut my reading down a little… Continue reading Book Resolutions 2017


Kids cant get enough of unicorns! Associated with all things sweet and pretty, theyre everyones favorite imaginary creature. Packed with gorgeous illustrations, puzzles, games, and fun things to do, The Unicorn Creativity Book will inspire every unicorn-loving kid. Figure out your unicorn name and draw a self-portrait. Decorate a magical scene of unicorns at twilight. Use the themed pullout paper for colorful projects. More than 150 stickers, plus cut-outs and rainbow-print craft paper, make this activity book a must-have!


I have been a professing Christian for some 50 years now. I have found through reading this book that in some area of my thinking, I too was more lost than found. This is an excellent read for all believers to help us see the trap we fall into. How even though we are living in the 21 century, we are much like the "church" that Jesus came to "save." We need to set back and hear the voices of those who left the church and look at how we really are rather than how we see ourself. If someone outside the church is struggling with their faith then he challenges them to go back to where they started from and encourages them to enter into the Christian faith, to become a part of God's kingdom.
Yes, this is an easy read. No, he does not follow every truth with a scripture footnote but if you know the Bible you will find that the truths in this book are from a man whose thoughts are founded in Word of God. This is one or the best books I have ever read to encourage a person in their faith. Herd is not so specific in his hurts that kept him from fellowship with the church yet is open and transparent with his issues. He is real. Through his story I have been challenged to seek more diligently the Kingdom of God.
If I had not already known Jesus, I would have been motivated to get to know Him. If you have drifted from God for whatever reason, get a copy today, and do not lay it down until you finish it. By the way, let me know what you think after you finish.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255


1. Which book has been on your shelves the longest?
Honestly, I have no idea. Every Christmas everyone in my family buy about 3 pocket books for each member of the family and then the books circulate and end up on *someone's* shelf and no one really knows who bought it originally or to whom. (I will never forget one Christmas when my Dad had bought the same book for my sister that she
gave him. He had already read it and loved it.)
2. What is your current read, your last read and the book you'll read next?
Umm.... Here comes the embarassment AGAIN of never reading anything new- I'm probably just going to re-read stuff this summer. As usual. BUT I was by the pocket book shop the other day and seriously considered buying The Hunger Games and American Gods. Probably American Gods. I did like the THG movie but was kind of underwhelmed by the execution... Are the books better? Last read was probably Bunny Munro by Nick Cave. It was good.
I have to admit that despite the fact that I fancy myself as being pretty good at English (that's a lie, honestly I consider myself to be very good but, hey, I make mistakes on here all the time) I sometimes find it exhausting to read "difficult" English. I mean I have no problem with HP or most books really but for example thick Fantasy books with tons of very specific words (like for example "chaplets" or army terms) can be... annoying to read. And even though you know that the specific words probably doesn't matter it can ruin the experience. Like, the first book I read in English was OotP and I didn't really get how Sirius died. because I wasn't sure what "veil" meant. Then I read it in Swedish and I realised that it didn't matter anyway and then I was annoyed because I thought I hadn't understood.
3. Which book does everyone like and you hated?
The Pearl by John Steinbeck. I read it during the first year of secondary school (for Swedish class) when I was 16 I felt stupid for not liking it, because he was a Nobel Prize winner and my teacher completely gushed over him. I thought the metaphor was annoyingly obvious and I didn't like the message ether. I honestly don't think money corrupts (it might, but not as a rule) because then all rich people would be evil and they're not. I don't know, I guess I just don't like it when a book tries to hit me over the head with a high anf mighty message, because most of all, I read to be entertained and get swept away. Not to be taught moral lessons - that is what life is for. Because of this experience I haven't read anything else by Steinbeck. Should I?
4. Which book do you keep telling yourself you'll read, but you probably won't?
Umm, Dostoyevsky? (Is that how you spell it English). No, will probably read his works at some point. Jane Austen! And which Brontë wrote Jane Eyre? There was a series based on it that I watched a few years ago and since then I've never bothered because I know how it ends. Umm... I'm bad. I've been meaning to read what's it called!!! Argh. I'm thinking Back to cold Mountain for some reason but I know it's not that :P By Emily Waugh/Vaugh? Anyone knows what I'm talking about? Anyway, I probably will save these for retirement so... The one's I'll probably never read are the endless amounts of Christmas pocket books that I mentioned before.
5. Which book are you saving for "retirement?"
Probably everything by Austen, the Brontë sisters, Dostoyevsky. And you know, all the overlong fantasy series. Anna Karenina. My first love read it for Swedish class when we were seventeen and called it "reality TV of the 19th century".
6. Last page
: read it first or wait till the end?
Ha, not since I was... several years younger.
7. Acknowledgments: waste of ink and paper or interesting aside?
I like them. Unless they're too self-indulgent (which mine would probably be, if I ever had anything published.)
8. Which book character would you switch places with?
No idea, honestly. I tend to like stories that put their characters through a lot of pain so none, I guess.
9. Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time)?
God, yes. All the HP books. I remember waiting for the next one to be released and arrive in the mail. I remember each and every one of them... My dad read me PS when I was 8 and DH was released a few days before I turned 16 so I really did grow up with Harry.
Seriously, if I answered this question properly I'd never finish.
11. Have you ever given away a book for a special reason to a special person?
I wanted to give Kallocain to my Dad for Christmas. I couldn't find it, so I gave him a dystopian book by Maragret Atwood that I had just read for English class, instead. Can't remember what it's called.
I'm planning to give The Neverending Story to my boyfriend when he turns 25 in August. He's mentioned that he loved the movie as a child but has never read the book. I've never watched the movie but the book was one of my absolute favourite stories for years.. It probably still is, I just haven't read it in a while.
12. Which book has been with you to the most places?
13. Any "required reading" you hated in high school that wasn’t so bad ten years later?
Haha, no! Possibly Lord of the Flies which I, at 14, thought was too obvious with the symbolism. I found it much better when we read it for English class in secondary school (I was 18, then.)
14. What is the strangest item you’ve ever found in a book?
Bread crumbs in my Swedish copy of PoA. I couldn't stop reading it, so I brought the book to the table, reading while eating. I was 9.
'15. Used or brand new?
Brand new. Like Soraya, I love making them old myself.
16. Stephen King: Literary genius or opiate of the masses?
Haha! Probably somewhere in-between. I find his style charming (don't know what else to call it, really) but he's no genius.
17. Have you ever seen a movie you liked better than the book?
Lord of the Rings. My dad read me Bilbo, which I loved, so I was really looking forward reading the trilogy. Barely made it through. The movies work better, I think, because of the different structure. There's just so much of Frodo and Sam walking around I can take at a time, and unlike the books the movie's structure gave us that. Breaks.
18. Conversely, which book should NEVER have been introduced to celluloid?
HP! Okay, okay, I don't hate the movies, but they're not the real thing to me. And I loved Harry's whining! It made him so much more real to me. Which 15-year-old with his, at times rather shitty, life wouldn't be angsty?


Our creativity. Our scholarship. Our world.About the Digital Library
The UNT Digital Library is constantly growing and adding highly sought-after materials.
We showcase materials to promote scholarship, provide information, and spark the imagination. See the latest.
We receive diverse submissions from UNT community members, colleges, schools, and libraries. 安卓翻软件墙下载百度云.
From our own backyard to the other side of the globe, our users come from more than 240 countries. 安卓翻软件墙下载百度云.


The C2D was founded in 1993 at the Department of Constitutional Law of the University of Geneva. It consists of researchers and professors in law and political science who have devoted their research interests to direct democracy as a form of contemporary democracy. This small team is directed by Prof. Andreas Glaser and entertains relations with universities, research institutes, public administrations and individuals on a national and international level.
The heart of the C2D is an electronic database on direct democracy in Switzerland, Europe and the world. This database contains information on the institutions (referendum and popular initiative) of direct democracy as well as on their use in popular votes.
At an international level, the data covers the results of nearly 3500 votes in more than 200 countries, protectorates, provinces and other geographical entities from 1791 onwards.
In Europe, the C2D disposes of a large documentation on the institutions of direct democracy in all European countries. Central and Eastern European countries, as well as the European Integration process are especially taken into consideration.
Concerning the USA information on the institutions of direct democracy is available for the 50 States and their application for 3 typical States (California, Massachusetts, Oregon).
Regarding Switzerland the data are complete at the national level from 1848 up to today, thanks to a close collaboration with the Swiss Federal Chancellery. As for the Cantons, the C2D has the exclusive data - since 1970 - on the evolution of the institutions of direct democracy in 21 Swiss Cantons and the results of all the corresponding vote results.
In the news section, researchers will find an exhaustive overview on recent developments on direct democracy in Switzerland and the world.
Finally, the bibliography allows researchers to find references of publications concerning democracy and direct democracy in particular.
A research centre
One of the major goals of the C2D is to promote research on direct democracy in a pluridisciplinary perspective. The collaborators of the C2D contribute to this task with their Masters and PhDs., by participating in national research programs and with the organisation of conferences.
An information centre
The C2D provides information, advice and counselling on different aspects of direct democracy to public authorities, universities and individuals in Switzerland and abroad.


Movie showing of "As A Man Thinketh" by Jon Miller
About the Movie:
"With his professional and personal life in turmoil, Jimmy's life takes an unexpected turn as the transformative teachings of an antique book help him realize how his thoughts are, in fact, shaping his world. Insightful documentary interviews with renowned authors, speakers, and ministers are used throughout the film to highlight the powerful message of the book -- that our thoughts are the creative force in our lives."
Read more about the movie here.


(Please tell me someone else has heard of that song. I remember seeing it in a video in our weekly library class in middle school. There were other songs in this series, many of which were raps. This one was passing along the merits of the reference section. This post isn’t about the reference section, but whenever I think of the library – which is often – I sing this song in my head. I know. Moving on.)
I love books. Love them! The more the merrier is my motto. But I’m also “thrifty” (read: cheap), so of course I’m a HUGE fan of the library. I cannot leave the library without a stack for me in addition to a stack for the kids.
Unfortunately, most of the time, that stack remains just that, a messy stack – on my bedside table, on the table by the couch, on the shelf in the hall – you get the idea. See, I’m a visual person. And if I can’t see the book, I will forget about having it. I need it right there, out in front of me, so I can think, Oh yeah, I have a great book (or seven) from the library that I want to read! For a while, I was keeping them in a library tote bag on our coat rack (more on that later this week), but then the bag would get lost under all the coats, and I would forget about them until I got the reminder email from the library that they were due, so I resigned myself to leaving a big ol’ stack of books out for me to see and remember.
I might add 2 or 3 of my own books to the stack that I’m reading as well (yes, I love books), and as you can see, it gets a little out of control. (Note: this is why this little “tweak” came in to being – it was mostly Husband’s idea, because my teetering stack of books were added to a few of his books – you didn’t think I was reading Dynamics of Structures did you? – and it was just too much.)
Thus, the library shelf was born. (This may not be anything new for you, but it’s been revolutionary for me!) The top of this shelf had a mix of books, mostly ones we’ve read and that we were just storing there.
We cleared that off and designated that top shelf as prime real estate for library books and books were are currently reading. (There are also 2 library DVDs there right now – a perfect place to keep them in sight and remember their location when it’s time to make our next library run.)
Really, it’s so simple, but it’s great. I even neatened up the magazine stack up on top of the bookshelf, too. And it’s PURPOSEFUL because being able to see the books I want to read helps me to use the extra minutes I have here or there to work toward something I want to do – READ!
Here’s the rest of the bookshelf – I know, not as lovely. But just you wait – I’ve got a project coming soon to help out that jumble of toys on the bottom shelves. I’m super excited about this one.
This post is part of a 31 Day series about improving my days by being more PURPOSEFUL. You can read more about it here.
4 thoughts on “There’s a Library in Your Library”
love it. i am a library addict. i also have a library shelf holding five to twenty books at any given time and when my kids were little they would have 20 or 30 of their own… the other end of the shelf holds the books i have purchased at thrift stores to read. i need those for days i am floating in the pool… not so important this time of year. :) i really don’t know how i would survive without the library.
This is brilliant! I always leave the library books in a pile and it makes me crazy! Time to find a shelf for me, thanks for the great idea
I remember that song from elementary school! Circa 2002. Actually I found this post by searching the phrase. Can’t find a video anywhere though.
That song has been stuck in my head since 1995. Please find it, internet!


The HARK Journal recognizes student talent from elementary-to-university level.
Enjoy the student contributions below.
High School Division
Washish awoke during the night to see a vast expanse of rolling hills. He could not sleep because of flashbacks.
He was not alone in his troubles. His mother wept in the corner of the grass dome hut; his sister rolled from side to side in her makeshift bed. Life was spinning before his eyes. His perfect childhood was no more.
Washish asked his mother where they were.
In tears, she replied, “We are in Texas.”
“Mama, where is Papa?” asked Washish.
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “He is with God,” replied his mother.
Washish was born in what is known today as Caddo Parish. He, his mother and father, and sister lived in a grass hut on the banks of the Red River. Every morning, the tribe woke to the sounds of birds chirping in the nearby trees, children laughing and playing in the distance. Washish was one of these children.
Every afternoon, he and his father hunted for deer or bison with a bow and arrow. His sister and mother harvested the beans and corn in their garden. Their family and the Caddo tribe worked together like one well-oiled machine. Everything in Washish’s life was normal until word arrived of nearby tribes encountering Europeans. The chief of the Caddo tribe ordered men to establish an army to fight the newcomers.
Three months later, the Europeans arrived. Washish’s father was forced to join in the efforts to eradicate the invaders, but they seemed to come in peace.
Soon enough, French settlers and the Caddo tribe established trading. However, the French settlers also brought diseases that the Caddo people were not immune to. The Caddo tribe was greatly affected by diseases such as smallpox and malaria. Washish’s family was not affected by the diseases, but many of his closest friends and relatives were.
Life changed for Washish once the Europeans arrived. His tribe slowly converted to Christianity, and the culture and traditions he once adored were fading away.
In the two years since the arrival of French settlers in Caddo lands, Washish had almost adapted to their presence. But, the French settlers took a bold step. They forced the Caddo tribe out of the region and took over their land.
Washish was furious. “How can someone tell us to leave the lands we have lived on for hundreds of years?” The thoughts that raced through his mind collided into each other. The lands he and his ancestors lived on were declared French in a matter of three days. His childhood and memories were lost, and he was forced to pack his belongings for the path of fate ahead of him. Long months of travail and exhaustion tore Washish’s body apart. The Caddo tribe had to walk about three hundred miles until they reached their safe haven in Texas.
After five months of walking, the Caddo tribe finally made it to Texas lands. Washish and his family were devastated at the loss of their homelands. Texas was a new region with a different climate and unfamiliar neighboring tribes. Life was hard for Washish’s family and the Caddos. Many loved ones and sentimental belongings were lost on the long journey. Then, Washish’s father was killed in a skirmish with a neighboring tribe. The emotional pain Washish, his mother, and sister endured was beyond terrible. Washish’s old life seemed a dream, but he eventually adapted to his new land. However, always in the back of Washish’s mind was, “I wish I was back home.”
From the Author: The short story I wrote is important in regional history and heritage because the Caddo Indians were a tribe that was forced to leave their lands due to European settlement. I wrote about the life of a young boy experiencing this change in his life once the settlers came. Many people are unaware that Native Americans inhabited regions for hundreds of years before white settlers came. Indian Reserves in Texas are there today due to many tribes who relocated there after being forced out of their own lands.


In School - To take care of Child when they are In School.
RFID Based Students Attendance System
Introduction - RFID Attendance System is a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) based
Automatic & Comprehensive attendance management system. It provides robust, secure and automatic
attendance management for both, Students and Staff. The system has an in built facility of sending
automatic SMS and Email alerts to the Parents/Guardians of the students.
Introduction - School Bus Tracker is the flavor of vehicle tracking system specialized
for parents of kids using school bus transport. The application sends the SMS alerts to the parents
just few minutes before arrival of bus to its designated stop, thus saving the precious time by
avoiding long wait for bus. Parents get a sense of security by knowing the current location of bus
in case of emergencies like riots, abnormal weather conditions, traffic jams etc.
Introduction - State of art RFID hardware products for libraries. RFID plays vital role in redefining the library process to make everyone’s job easier right from patron to library staff. We work with software vendors of integrated library management system to provide turnkey solutions to
the library. We currently follow ISO 28560 (upcoming ISO standard for use of RFID in Libraries) for
deploying RFID based library management solution.


Fun fact: "Welsh legend says the fairies and elves of Wales used the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to pull fairy coaches, work fairy cattle, and serve as the steed for fairy warriors."
With the summer reading program officially underway, we are dedicating this week to all things royal! From kings and queens, to knights, castles and even corgis! (Check out this fun coloring page!)
If you haven't done so yet, don't forget to sign up for this year's summer reading program. We will be offering virtual activities and programs throughout the summer to keep the entire family engaged, entertained and motivated to reach their reading goals.
Royally Good Activities


Iranian Red Crescent to release 21 book titles for Kids
TEHRAN (IRCS) – The Iranian Red Crescent Society has prepared 21 book titles for kids and teenagers to be released soon.
Prepared by the IRCS Youth Organization, these books included four fields of relief and first aid, voluntary services, working group and the Red Crescent activities.
These books have been written in the form of game design, story and narrative for a specific age group, addressing three levels of audiences including kids and teenagers, instructors and parents, said Dr Mohammd Golfeshan, Head of the IRCS Youth Organization.
He said the titles would be released soon and distributed in the Red Crescent’s student clubs.


An Art Practice Perfect for a Mama
Mama’s don’t have heaps of time to draw and paint. We have to work hard to carve out our creative time. Since Isabelle was born, I’ve been inspired by the colours and shapes of her toys and clothes [not to mention my joyful baby!]. They have brought a vibrancy to our living room. In recent weeks I’d been thinking about drawing them but hadn’t made time for it.
This weekend I picked up Carla Sonheim’s book, Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists, from the library. I took an online printmaking class with Carla last month and it was fabulous, so I was excited to find inspiration in this book. When I flipped through and saw Lesson 25, “Contouring Toys”, I was reminded to start sketching those stuffies!
I used a Staedtler Mars Graphic 3000 Pen in a taupe colour as well as my favourite Pigma Micron pen.


True to his previous virtuosic-level piano solo releases, Jarrod Radnich's new release of eight fresh piano solo holiday arrangements, "Virtuosic Christmas: Piano Solo Arrangements Like Never Before" is sure to delight all those who have looked for beautiful, lush, and uplifting concert-worthy piano solo arrangements of Christmas holiday favorites.
For those who wish to learn to play these pieces, the sheet music is available separately in the Musicnotes.com online store.
(Hear full length samples by clicking the link to the right of each song title)
- Czech Drumming Carol ("Little Drummer Boy") Czech Drumming Carol (Little Drummer Boy)
- God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
- Ukrainian Bell Carol ("Carol of the Bells") Ukrainian Bell Carol
- The First Noel/ The First Nowell The First Noel
- O Come, All Ye Faithful O Come, All Ye Faithful
- What Child Is This? What Child Is This?
- We Three Kings We Three Kings
- Away In A Manger Away In A Manger


A few years ago, we started working on the Avaus component library, and it has proven to be extremely useful in many aspects. In order to increase efficiency and share knowledge with all of our consultants, we began writing reusable pieces of code. This has proven to be a winning concept, with positive results not only internally, but also in the work we do for clients.
Technical assets for automating marketing and sales use cases are included in the library, and with its assistance, your time spent achieving your data-driven vision is reduced. It not only saves time, but it also improves the quality of the work. Not bad, right?
The library is divided into three different components:
- Data components: Helps you combine data from different sources, for example online and offline data into one profile in just a few weeks.
- Algo components: Helps you create artificial intelligence at scale, by helping you create reusable features, target labels and pipelines.
- Action components: Makes sure that something happens, that your data and algos are activated, across your marketing and sales channels.
Watch the following video, where our colleague Eric explains the Avaus component library in more detail.


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Cloudsmith is the only cloud-native package management platform for software engineers looking to set up a secure, cloud-native artifact repository in 60 seconds.
We offer support for 26+ formats, have 225 points of presence, and integrate with all of the tools you already use and love, from CI/CD to observability.
In this on-demand demo, you'll see first-hand how to spin up a private repository, upload our first package, explore some of our key features and functions as well as a look at the Cloudsmith CLI and API.


Welcome to Esperion Medical Information
EsperionMedical.com was designed to provide US healthcare professionals easy access to search our library of Medical Information Scientific Response Documents and other resources. You can search our library by clicking on Search Medical Content or you can also submit your specific unsolicited request for medical information by clicking on the Medical Inquiry function. You also can call our Medical Information contact center and speak to one of our Medical Information Specialists. Additionally, you can find the Full Prescribing Information for our products under the Our Medicines tab.
We hope you found the Esperion Medical Information web portal beneficial. We would greatly appreciate your feedback, for use in continuously improve our services. Please take a moment to complete a brief customer satisfaction survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EsperionMedicalSurvey


Everything you ever wanted to know about lucie manette in a tale of two cities, written by masters of this stuff just for you. If they explore at all, the women in a tale of two cities in this paper, therefore, i intend to present a detailed analysis of the women in this historical novel, particularly the two main female characters, lucie manette and madame defarge , as well as the most prominent secondary female character, miss pross specifically. Thesis: while both novels have a central theme of love, jane eyre focuses on the search for love while a tale of two cities interprets the love for family, as well as, the search for new relationships compare: contrast 1: throughout the novel, a tale of two cities, many men have fallen for the beautiful lucie manette. A tale of two cities, by charles dickens, deals with the major themes of duality, revolution, and resurrection it was the best of times, it was the worst of times in london and paris, as economic and political unrest lead to the american and french revolutions the main characters in dickens' a tale of two cities — doctor. Book 2, chapter 19 of 'a tale of two cities' is all about helping friends in this lesson, we will specifically focus in on the interaction between. A tale of two cities summary key points: a tale of two cities takes before and during the french revolution jarvis lorry is traveling to paris to reunite dr manette with his long-lost daughter lucie dr manette has been living in hiding in paris, awaiting his rescuers who will return him to england five years later, lucie.
Curiously, one of the aspects readers most commonly overlook when studying a tale of two cities is the centrality of women in the story the characters around whom the action revolves in both london and paris are women: lucie manette and madame defarge additionally, dickens uses women throughout the book to.
Narrator the narrator is anonymous and can be thought of as dickens himself the narrator maintains a clear sympathy for the story's morally good characters, including sydney carton, charles darnay, doctor manette, and lucie manette though he criti-cizes ruthless and hateful figures such as madame defarge, who. A tale of two cities great expectations, and our mutual friend by bård ålovsrud a dissertation presented to the department of literature area studies and european languages the university grotesque to figure more prominently focuses on the relationship between the three main characters, dr manette, his.
“a tale of two cities” written in 1859 by charles dickens is a historical novel the story is started before the french revolution and continues during the revolution the main the online oxford dictionary defines ethics as “moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. A tale of two cities was published just 67 years after the events it describes while the horrors of the french revolution have been eclipsed for modern readers by the world wars and genocides of the twentieth century, the terrors of the french revolution were the horror story of dickens's time his indirect.
A tale of two cities book the first: recalled to life chapters 1–4 summary: chapter 1: the period as its title promises, this brief chapter establishes the from the mist-obscured route of the dover mail coach to the darkly paneled room in which lorry meets lucie manette, the opening chapters brim with. A tale of two cities mashup nearly does for dickens dickens's story could speak for itself it is an unexpected failure since he dr manette, father of the heroine, now looks like a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder, retreating from pain and memory into repetitive routines as a cobbler but most of the.
The daughter of dr manette, and charles's wife with her qualities of innocence, devotion, and abiding love, lucie has the power to resurrect, or recall her father back to life, after his long imprisonment lucie is the novel's central figure of goodness and, against the forces of history and politics, she weaves a golden thread. He described the work in a letter to his friend john forster, cited in ruth glancy's a tale of two cities: dickens's revolutionary novel, as a picturesque story rising in some critics suggest that dickens' s depiction of lucie manette in a tale of two cities and the behavior of the two principal characters, sydney carton and.


Seven years ago, I literally knew nothing about the basics of designing an office let alone the different names of rooms in an office. And though I've still yet to design an office on my own, I've been able to help many people design theirs and offered up thousands of inspiring offices to help get the creative juices flowing.
But while creativity is great, it can't always get you from Point A to Point B and then to Point Z in a complicated office design project. What can help however, is an increased knowledge of the world surrounding office design.
And with the new year having just started, it seemed like a good idea to get the word out about a few of my favorite office design resources to take your creative inspiration to a whole new – and often practical – level.
"Planning Office Spaces is a clear, accessible book written to help designers and their clients understand the challenges to be faced when planning a new office. It explains what questions should be asked and shows the alternative solutions and their advantages and disadvantages. Written by an expert team of authors, the book is aimed at anyone involved in planning an office."
"This exploration of the innovative interior design of coworking spaces offers a unique look at a workplace revolution that's sweeping the globe. Coworking is redefining the way we work. Around the world, people are collaborating to create a new kind of economy that supports community and innovation while preserving valuable resources. This illustrated survey of spaces dedicated to coworking features 30 of the most impressive office spaces around the world. "
"Revealing some of the world's most inspiring workplaces, I Wish I Worked There! investigates the way 20 famous brands have put innovation at the heart of their culture. Photographs and illustrations detail the way in which companies accommodate creative activity through spaces that stimulate, enable reflection, promote collaboration and encourage play. Easy-to-adopt principles assist the design, creation or selection of spaces that support creative endeavor."
"Based on the work at the Stanford University d.school and its Environments Collaborative Initiative, Make Space is a tool that shows how space can be intentionally manipulated to ignite creativity. Appropriate for designers charged with creating new spaces or anyone interested in revamping an existing space, this guide offers novel and non-obvious strategies for changing surroundings, specifically to enhance the ways in which teams and individuals communicate, work, play–and innovate."
"For over 50 years, Contract has been the hub of commercial design knowledge, connecting professionals, processes, products, and projects. Contract elevates the relevance and value of commercial design by focusing on its power to transform business environments. Contract is the most valuable resource for the A&D community. And it is the only publication that regularly presents the value of these concepts, practices, and trends, demonstrating the business return of design."
"onoffice is the UKs leading publication for the commercial Architect and Design community. Informative, original, provocative and stylish, onoffice has been hugely popular in the UK since its launch in 2006. From cutting-edge interior projects through technology and products to real human issues. onoffice takes designers, architects, facilities managers, specifiers and end users on a journey through the cosmos of commercial space, delivering piercing insight, fearless criticism and the gamut of essential knowledge that makes perfect sense of the world of work."
Trade Publications / Research
The items listed below are great places to browse trends in office design from a researched perspective:
What has helped you learn more about office design?


I encourage people to get their libraries to order this. It will get the word out about prepping. I'll lose some book sales, but I'd rather get the message out than sell a few more books.
I'm not so sure about that. Perhaps short term, but I think it would have a positive sort of rebound. People who would never buy the book will read it for free...they may buy it then or not, but for sure, they'll talk about it. They may buy it for others as gifts. Certainly, they'll tell others who will be curious (even if they won't admit it) and will buy it either because Amazon is easier than the library or because they don't want to be seen checking it out.
I volunteer at our local (all-volunteer) library. People are funny. And, incidentally, in one year, we've bought multiple sets of a particular post-apocalyptic series because, when a title's hot, books disappear. Whether it's stealing or forgetfulness....people still want to read the book.
And there's always the fact that people will want to read the next book NOW...but since they already have to wait three months for the next two, they may not want to hop on the waiting list after that. (Doncha love Amazon's at-you-house-in-two-days shipping? And Kindle's even better for feeding the immediate gratification monster.)
Anyway, lots of maybes in there...but the main thing is that I believe exposure through libraries would get your books seen by people who might otherwise not hear about them.


Chief Justice Robert W. Calvert was an influential lawyer, politician, jurist, and scholar.
Born in 1905 in Tennessee, Calvert had a Dickensian childhood. After his father died in 1912, his destitute mother moved to Texas and, in 1913, placed her children in the State Orphans Home in Corsicana. Calvert remained in the Orphans Home for ten years, fighting hunger and barely surviving an influenza epidemic in 1918.
After graduating from the University of Texas Law School in 1931, Calvert began his law practice in Hillsboro, Texas. Calvert also was a successful politician. He served three terms in the Texas House of Representative, and became Speaker of the House in 1937. In the 1940s, he served as Hillsboro City Attorney, Hill County Attorney, and as president of the Hillsboro Independent School District.
Calvert practiced both as a trial lawyer and as an appellate lawyer. In 1950 he successfully ran for a position as an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court. He served on the court for 22 years, including the last eleven as chief justice. He wrote 378 opinions.
Calvert was a strong believer in the rule of law, advocating that the law should remain stable and predictable. For many appellate attorneys today, he is best remembered as one of the architects of the standards of review in Texas. His 1960 article, "No Evidence" and "Insufficient Evidence" Points of Error, published in the Texas Law Review, remains one of the seminal articles regarding Texas standards of review.


Now available in ebook and coming soon to print!
Fifteen years after her deadly encounter, Anne Gillan’s remains are finally found. Her husband, who has maintained his innocence, has spent those fifteen years in prison–and the case’s investigating officer has been found guilty of corruption. Could Anne’s murderer still be free? DI Sally Parker has just been chosen to lead a cold-case squad–and Anne Gillan’s murder is their first case. The case brings Sally face to face with a criminal from her own past, who has set out to destroy Sally’s relationship with her soon-to-be husband. Will Sally and her team solve the case before Sally has a deadly encounter of her own?


Toot Toot Beep Beep by Emma Garcia is the number one requested book around here. Our 18 month old grabs this book and runs to his favorite storyteller of the moment yelling book all the while climbing up into the lap of choice. He likes this book so much we are planning on trying out the other sound books by Emma Garcia – Tap Tap Bang Bang (All About Sounds) and Tip Tip Dig Dig (All About Sounds).
Jonny Lambert’s Construction Site (Jonny Lambert Illustrated) is a lift flap book with plenty of construction noises and colorful images. Books with repetitive sounds are great for practicing early speech. Our 18 month old seems to enjoy the big images of construction equipment. Other books to consider Jonny Lambert’s Animal ABC (Jonny Lambert Illustrated) and Jonny Lambert’s Animal 123 (Jonny Lambert Illustrated).
I am listing these books in just about the exact order they end up being brought to our laps for reading. Jane Foster’s Brown Bear Color Book (Jane Foster Books) is a fun way to learn colors and identify some common items and critters. I enjoy reading this one, but my husband does not like it so much. I am looking into Jane Foster’s Animal Sounds (Jane Foster Books) and Jane Foster’s First Words (Jane Foster Books).
So far we have covered the top 3 books. Of course, the top 3 get read the most before the one year old’s attention focuses on something else. However, there are times when reading is the only thing we want to do and we get to read Stanley’s Toolbox (Stanley Board Books). I have to admit this is an adorable book about building a treehouse and would consider reading other books about Stanley. These two might make it into the book basket soon – Stanley’s Fire Engine (Stanley Picture Books, 9) and Stanley the Builder (Stanley Picture Books, 1).
If you haven’t guessed, The Wheels on the Dump Truck, is a construction site take on the classic Wheels on the Bus song. Here again, we enjoy the repetition and the construction vehicles. There does seem to be a theme building here to help us pick future favorite books. Other similar Wheels on the Bus books are – The Wheels on the Fire Truck and The Wheels on the Garbage Truck
A Little Book About Opposites (Leo Lionni’s Friends) follow these adorable mice through some common opposites to learn about near and far and quiet and loud. This book doesn’t read like a story, it simply makes opposite comparisons and has cute little mouse imagery. Also try, A Little Book About 123s (Leo Lionni’s Friends) and A Little Book About Colors (Leo Lionni’s Friends)
I probably have added this one as an honorable mention. As one of the adults who does the reading out loud, I enjoy reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book). Our little one will bring the book over for a read, but again it is not his ultimate favorite (It’s mine!)
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George Caleb Bingham - The Artist
His childhood was spent on the American frontier along the Missouri River. A self-taught painter, his natural talent, relentless ambition, and strategic friendships propelled him into the world of politics and popular opinion. He was a successful artist, public figure, and family man, but his home, family, career, and life’s work were all but lost as war split his world in two.
A century after his death, George Caleb Bingham’s canon of works was not only rediscovered, but celebrated as a national treasure. His paintings, his politics and his life are a testament to his perseverance, ingenuity, and unwavering determination. Through his eyes, he captured an America long since forgotten.
Capturing an Era - Bingham's World
America - Before the Civil War
America as depicted in Bingham's paintings was idyllic and serene, though life was far from that world captured under his brush. He captured a population thrilled with new possibilities for greater prosperity and empowerment.
But beneath that hope and optimism for a future of limitless potential was the growing schism over slavery, equality and the meaning of what it was to be American. The mad dash for new territory in the 1840s would swiftly yield to disunion in the 1850s - first on the border of Kansas and MIssouri, and then, by 1861, nationwide.
A Changing Landscape
When George Caleb Bingham arrived in Missouri as a boy, it was the frontier of a nation, still so new that there were many alive who could recall a time before the United States even existed.
As the country heaved and expanded, the rivers were its lifeblood, a conduit for people and goods moving ever westward. The Missouri River carried upon its waters the hopes and dreams of some, the worst nightmares of others. It brought life and it took it. It claimed many of those Bingham loved most, yet became his most reliable muse. In his paintings, the river was a symbol for the change that was coming to the frontier, an exemplar of what was possible.
George Caleb Bingham's paintings captured the optimism of a people energized by the realization that they could shape their own destinies, forge their own paths, and find their own fortunes.
Bingham Rediscovered - A Lasting Legacy
In his time, Bingham was a respected portrait painter, but lasting fame proved elusive. His reputation was forever damaged by his choice to make a courageous stand following the Civil War. Upon his death, his legacy was scattered, his work written off as quaint, and nearly forgotten entirely.
But then a new generation of artists championed his work. To regionalists like Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry, Bingham was one of them, existing even before their movement had a name.
Now Bingham is recognized as one of the key American painters of the 19th century, a model for American artists and movements to come, and one of the first to capture the quintessential American experience.


Award Winning International Best Seller
Achieve Beyond Expectations will inspire and inform you. This easy-to-read book shows you “how to” overcome barriers to make what appears to be impossible, POSSIBLE!
You will discover how the achievers highlighted in this book conquered crushing obstacles and ignited their power within. You will find specific strategies to overcome your self-imposed barriers created by lack of confidence, negative emotions, low expectations, harmful habits. As a result, you will achieve beyond expectations.
This book goes into depth on the 5 intangibles that separate the extraordinary from the ordinary: self-awareness, emotional control, habits, expectations and self-efficacy. They ignite your power within to take control of your life.
Achieve Beyond Expectations is a no-nonsense, get real, wake-up call for those who want real change in their lives. You will learn there’s no quick fix for success. The achievers in this book overcame oppressive conditions by transforming their emotional, intellectual and physical performance. The transformation was difficult and time consuming, but they did it. You can too! Master the 5 intangibles in this “how to” book to make the impossible, possible!
Bill Blokker, Ed.D. has decades of experience as a highly successful leadership and human performance consultant. Blokker provides practical, research-based and proven effective strategies to ignite you power within. Blokker challenges you with assessment and awareness activities so you better understand how you are paralyzing your performance. Bill’s inspirational book will provide the blueprint to transform your life.
“When you look in a mirror, what do you see?
All that you are or all you can be?”
Bill Blokker, Ed.D.


SINDH READING PROGRAM
Premier DLC provides material development services to the Sindh Reading Programme. This programme is a part of USAID’s Sindh Basic Education Programme in partnership with the Government of Sindh.
The Beaconhouse Group has developed over 200 English language readers and storybooks in-house for its flagship schools and The Educators brand. Of these, 59 titles were selected by Sindh Reading Programme and translated into Urdu and Sindhi by our team. These books are currently in use in approximately 13,000 school libraries across Sindh.


CineCenter is a Movie Collection Database for the Windows Media Player HTPC. CineCenter has an attractive, familiar, and easy to use interface. In very Little time, and with very little effort you can have a movie collection that is ready for viewing. Movie Info and Cover Images are acquired Automatically for an entire list of videos selected with the Add Videos Wizard. Database Search features make finding just the right movie a breeze. You can create Favorites Lists of your preferred movies and recall them later. ...and more. With a hi-contrast color scheme, CineCenter is at home in the home theater - give it a try!
1.Attractive, familiar, and easy to use interface 2.Very little effort to create a movie collection 3.Built-in Web Browser 4.Search and get movie info and images from the web 5.AUTOMATICALLY adds movie info from the web 6.Wizards GET Flash and Video files from web and HD 7.Strong search capabilities to search collection 8.Create Favorites Lists of your preferred movies 9.Table View with Export to CSV and HTML Wizard 10.Built-in ScreenSaver feature option 11.Hi-Contrast screens look great on TV or Projector


Today is the day! Two brand-new editions of the popular and well-liked COBUILD dictionaries are published.
To find out more about these dictionaries and what COBUILD stands for, why not browse our new COBUILD catalogue?
Authentic, accurate and up-to-date English
All of the explanations, examples and special features in COBUILD dictionaries are
based on the 4.5-billion-word database of the English language, the Collins Corpus.
This means that learners and teachers around the world can trust COBUILD to help
them speak and write accurate and up-to-date English. The corpus is updated every
month and has been at the heart of Collins COBUILD for over 25 years.
All COBUILD Dictionaries include:
- Full sentence definitions: All words and phrases are covered in depth and explained in full sentences to show words in context.
- Authentic examples: Real-life examples of English from the Collins Corpus show how words are used in everyday language.
- Up-to-date coverage of today’s English: COBUILD dictionaries are based on the constantly updated 4.5-billion-word database of today’s English language, the Collins Corpus.
- Frequency: The most important words are clearly labelled to indicate which words to learn first.
- Vocabulary-building features: All COBUILD dictionaries include a wide range of features to help learners use English with accuracy and confidence.


The changing face of Liverpool down the centuries has been well highlighted by both Channel 4 & the BBC Digital Archive recently. Channel 4 sent its Time Team archaeology experts to the city's waterfront in an attempt to locate its first dock (http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/T/timeteam/2008/liverpool/index.html ).
The result was a stunning exhumation of a port's past. Not only was the "lost" dock located (under was was until recently Chavasse Park), but evidence of the first dockside communities was also unearthed; the cramped & condensed Nova Scotia area was located not far from the present waterfront.
To its credit, the programme did not overlook the slave trade & its transformative impact on the port. Local historian Ray Costello was on hand to point out the legacy of the trade in the buildings around the Fenwick Street & Chapel Street areas.
The BBC's archives, meanwhile, has thrown up a fascinating curio from the late 1950s (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2008/04/09/history_morning_on_the_streets_feature.shtml ).
The Beeb's blurb for the documentary trills, "Shot by the BBC's Northern Film Unit, Merseysiders Frank Shaw and Stan Kelly worked on the programme which shows a city on the cusp of Merseybeat era."
Er, no, actually, it doesn't. This is very much a pre-Merseybeat Liverpool, & only the brief shots of older teenagers hanging around a street corner give a vague nod to rock n' roll. The film does, however, capture a lost world, the bombed areas of the city from World War II providing a playground for local children (the film mainly features the Everton district). The sight of the rag & bone man is another evocative image.


Michael Salinger: Author/Poet, Educator, Metal Artist
Michael Salinger is an educator, author/poet, playwright and metal artist. He has been writing and performing poetry and fiction for over 35 years. He has written books for elementary through adult readers as well as having co-authored professional books for teachers with his partner in rhyme, Sara Holbrook. His book, Well Defined, Vocabulary in Rhyme, won a VOYA top shelf award. As a literacy consultant, he has visited over 200 cities spread across more than 50 countries, developing an expertise in working with preschool thru university aged students, native speakers as well as English language learners.
Sara Holbrook and he were named the 2021 Outstanding English Educators of the year by the Ohio Council of Teachers of English and are the authors of five professional books, including their most recent publication, From Striving to Thriving Writers, Strategies to Jump-Start Writing (Scholastic), a collaboration with Stephanie Harvey and the digital curriculum supplement Read Write Speak it! Empowering Student Voices.
Michael’s metal art reimagines found objects into whimsical and thought provoking pieces.


Greetings travelers. When we escape into the worlds of storytellers that we’ve grown accustomed to, it’s like greeting an old friend once more. We’ve worked with author CB Samet quite a few times now, and we’re about to embark on an epic journey with her once more. She’s recently finished a tremendous urban fantasy trilogy, The Shadow Guardians, and we’re going to start things off by looking at the first in the series, Raine Down. Read on to discover your new favorite contemporary fantasy.
Author CB Samet has an impressive back catalog, and while the books that we’ve explored early on are fantastic, it is the talespinner’s newest works that continue to excite and electrify readers and fans. Such is the case with Raine Down: An Urban Fantasy Adventure (The Shadow Guardians Book 1). Samet takes all of the skills and practice that she’s acquired over the course of writing dozens and dozens of books, and wraps it into a captivating tale that covers Norse fantasy in ways that folks haven’t seen, and making them shine even amidst the darkness of a mischievous and brooding urban fantasy. There are mysteries abound, jaw-dropping revelations, and a budding romance that readers will love to cheer on. All in all, Samet has learned how to make her balancing act work for her stories.
Ragnarok happened. Survivors converged on earth many millennia ago, breeding and blending with humans. Now, a secret battle of bloodlines is being waged in the shadows of the real world.
Raine Thoren became a Shadow Guardian to protect non-magical humans from threats they aren’t even aware of. But the latest killer on the loose has stealth and power unlike any adversary she’s faced. She won’t be able to bring this one down alone.
FBI Special Agent Will Decker prefers to work by himself. When a mysterious woman saves his life, she’s suddenly assigned to work with him in his quest to track an elusive killer. The more he learns about his new partner, Raine, and what demons lurk in shadows, the more fantasy becomes reality.
If they’re going to stop the demon and unravel prophecies of the future, they’ll need to work as a team and unlock each others’ hearts and untapped powers.
***Raine Down is the captivating first book in The Shadow Guardians urban fantasy romantic suspense series. If you like engaging characters, sizzling tension, and magic, then you’ll love this series.***
Raine Down shines throughout, thanks to well-developed characters, exciting passages and prose, and a careful balance of existing mythology and interesting new worldbuilding. Samet has honed her craft over years, and found ways to captivate her readers from cover to cover. Even though they’re likely to race through the book, they’ll no doubt be eager for more, and the author delivers. With the trilogy done, and three wonderful supplemental stories also available, now is a terrific time to jump into some of CB Samet’s best work. Check out Raine Down: An Urban Fantasy Adventure (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) on Amazon today!
And don’t forget to give the rest of the Shadow Guardians Trilogy a look as well!
Images provided courtesy of CB Samet.
- Sci-Fi Promo – Yob’s Odyssey: A Journey of Searching the Powers of Nature (Yob’s Worldz Trilogy) - April 10, 2024
- Sci-Fi Promo – The Way to Baen: A Coalition Series Book – 5 - April 4, 2024
- Fantasy Promo – L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 34: The Best New Sci Fi and Fantasy Short Stories of the Year - March 21, 2024


Journal of International Oral Health, a publication of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, is a peer-reviewed online journal with Bimonthly print on demand compilation of issues published. The journalís full text is available online at http://www.jioh.org. The journal allows free access (Open Access) to its contents and permits authors to self-archive final accepted version of the articles on any OAI-compliant institutional / subject-based repository.
Scope of the Journal
The journal will cover technical and clinical studies related to health, ethical and social issues in field of All specialities of dentistry, Oral epidemiology, oral health services research, oral health education and promotion, behavioral sciences and health service research. Articles with clinical interest and implications will be given preference.
Acknowledgement to our peer reviewers for 2018
With the keen support of each peer reviewer, the Journal of International Oral Health accomplished the publishing work successfully in the past year. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the experts for their excellent assistance. Please click here to download the names of recent peer reviewers who reviewed manuscripts.
September-October 2018| Vol 10| Issue 5
Angiogenesis in head and neck cancer: An overview
Angiogenesis is a critical player in many pathologic processes, especially in neoplasms. Unregulated angiogenesis is thought to be indispensable in tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis is the gro...
Dental service marketing
The purpose of this paper was to review the dental service marketing and the use of social media marketing within the field of dentistry. The literature was searched using appropriate keywords related...
Hormonal fingerprints: A potential screening tool
The ratio between second and fourth digit lengths (2D:4D ratio) is termed as hormonal fingerprint. This ratio is sexually dimorphic and can be measured by various methods using digital vernier caliper...
View All Articles
Nickel, copper, and chromium release by CuNi-titanium orthodontic archwires is dependent on the pH media
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) ions released by Ni archwires with the addition of Cu to their composition CuNi-tita...


BES (Planned), MSW, PhD
School of Social Work | Ryerson University
Ken Moffatt is the editor of Troubled Masculinities; Reimaging Urban Men published by University of Toronto Press in 2012. Troubled Masculinities explores the gender construction of marginalized men through text and art. He is also the author of University of Toronto Press imprint, A Poetics of Social Work that explores the roots of social work epistemology during the development of the profession in 1920s-1930s with particular emphasis on the limiting influence of technological and scientific thought.
Dr. Moffatt is the principal investigator for the current SSHRC-funded project, Unsettling the Classroom: Social Work Education in the Context of New Managerialism. He is currently working on a manuscript about reflective practice and postmodern thought in the social work classroom. He is interested in cultural studies, postmodern theory, reflective practice community practice, gender studies as well as symbol creation and meaning making in the context of global neo-liberalism.
Unsettling the Classroom: Social Work Education in the Context of New Managerialism
Principal Investigator: Ken Moffatt (Ryerson University)
Co-Investigators: S. Todd (Carleton University), L. Barnoff (Ryerson University), H. Parada (Ryerson University), M. Panitch (Ryerson University)
Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Standard Research Grant
Canadian Social Work Education: Negotiating a Dramatically Changing Professional Terrain
Co-Investigators: S. Todd, K. Asakura, L. Barnoff, K. Moffatt, S. Savard,
Collaborators: B. Eagle, C. Lahaie, S. Rempel
Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant
- S Wehbi, S Preston and K. Moffatt. Introducing art into the social work classroom: tensions and possibilities In J. Gingras, P Robinson, J, Waddell & J. Cooper ( Eds.)Teaching as Scholarship: Preparing Students for Professional Practice in Community Services. Waterloo: Wilfrid LaurierUniversity Press (In Press).
- McGrath, B Lee, K Moffatt, M Carranza, A Lagios. Collective Trauma as a Personal /SocialConcern for LGBTTSQ persons. In by B. O’Neill, T. Swan and N Mule (eds.) LGBTQ People and Social Work: Intersectional Perspectives. Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press. 213-232
- K Moffatt (first author) M Panitch, H Parada, S Todd, L Barnoff, J Aslett, The discourse of innovation in educational reform: The case of the Strategic Mandate Agreements in Ontario Canada Review of Education, Pedagogy and Cultural Studies. 38(4) (accepted)
- Performativity Culture in Universities: Social Work Fabrications S. Todd; L. Barnoff; K. Moffatt; M. Panitch; H. Parada; M. Mucina; D. Williams . British Journal of Social Work, 45(2), 511-526.
>> VIEW ALL of Ken Moffatt’s publications.


Read the Douay-Rheims Latin Vulgate Bible everyday from Genesis to Apocalypse, the reading is currently at: Genesis 41:41-57
41 And again Pharao said to Joseph: Behold, I have appointed thee over the whole land of Egypt. 42 And he took his ring from his own hand, and gave it into his hand: and he put upon him a robe of silk, and put a chain of gold about his neck. 43 And he made him go up into his second chariot, the crier proclaiming that all should bow their knee before him, and that they should know he was made governor over the whole land of Egypt. 44 And the king said to Joseph: I am Pharao; without thy commandment no man shall move hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 And he turned his name, and called him in the Egyptian tongue, The saviour of the world. And he gave him to wife Aseneth the daughter of Putiphare priest of Heliopolis. Then Joseph went out to the land of Egypt:
45 "The saviour of the world"... Zaphnah paaneah.
46 (Now he was thirty years old when he stood before king Pharao) and he went round all the countries of Egypt. 47 And the fruitfulness of the seven years came: and the corn being bound up into sheaves was gathered together into the barns of Egypt. 48 And all the abundance of grain was laid up in every city. 49 And there was so great abundance of wheat, that it was equal to the sand of the sea, and the plenty exceeded measure. 50 And before the famine came, Joseph had two sons born: whom Aseneth the daughter of Putiphare priest of Heliopolis bore unto him.
51 And he called the name of the firstborn Manasses, saying: God hath made me to forget all my labours, and my father's house. 52 And he named the second Ephraim, saying: God hath made me to grow in the land of my poverty. 53 Now when the seven years of the plenty that had been in Egypt were past: 54 The seven years of scarcity, which Joseph had foretold, began to come: and the famine prevailed in the whole world, but there was bread in all the land of Egypt. 55 And when there also they began to be famished, the people cried to Pharao for food. And he said to them: Go to Joseph: and do all that he shall say to you.
51 "Manasses"... That is, oblivion, or forgetting.
52 "Ephraim"... That is, fruitful, or growing.
56 And the famine increased daily in all the land: and Joseph opened all the barns, and sold to the Egyptians: for the famine had oppressed them also. 57 And all provinces came into Egypt, to buy food, and to seek some relief of their want.


Am currently working my way through Foucault's Security, Territory, and Population, a collection of transcribed thoughts from the early 1970s and lecture notes from a series of lectures Foucault gave at the Collége de France in the late 1970s (1977-1978).
Also see Security, Territory, Population on Wikipedia.
Here's a quote from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy talking about an aspect of Foucault's study of institutions of authority:
The results of exams are recorded in documents that provide detailed information about the individuals examined and allow power systems to control them (e.g., absentee records for schools, patients’ charts in hospitals). On the basis of these records, those in control can formulate categories, averages, and norms that are in turn a basis for knowledge. The examination turns the individual into a “case”—in both senses of the term: a scientific example and an object of care. Caring is always also an opportunity for control.


THE WORLD OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - THE DEFINITIVE INSPECTION TEXTBOOK BY RICK SCHULTZ
Product Code: BOOK1
Rick's book is the first dedicated education, training and m… Read more
Rick's book is the first dedicated education, training and maintenance publication that is focused on our industry. We were so impressed by the imagery and explanations, that our team actively promotes the 'World of Surgical Instruments' and also trains our team as an introduction into the industry. There are some differences between US and UK, terminology, but the basic knowledge and background is a universal language. Rick introduces stainless steels, origins of surgical instruments and specialised instruments such as the Bookwalter Retractor. Helpfully there is also maintanance advice for containers. Ultimately, we believe reading this book will provide education to anyone who has been involved in the industry for a number of years, or just starting out. Our sales team would be happy to drop in with a copy, do run through the contents.


There is an interview of me published in the Mokihana Club December newsletter. The Mokihana Club is the oldest women's club in Hawaii, founded in 1905. The club has a broad range of female talent from astronauts to winners of the Pillsbury cook-off. We raise money for scholarships for nurses and music students. They are some of the best women I've ever met, and would do anything for each other and the community. I'm Treasurer and have been for the past four years as well as serving on several committees. I love the women and every minute we spend together. As a historical note, it was founded by a woman by the name of Wilcox, not a relative though.
MOKIHANA MEMBER/AUTHOR -Donna Dunham Wilcox
Mokihana sister, Donna Dunham Wilcox, has published her first book, Beth Rising. Below is an interview with Donna about how she arrived at this exciting moment in her writing career. Beth Rising is a great read full of interesting characters and intrigue. It is available from AMazon in paperback and on Kindle.
What inspired you to become a writer?
I come from a family of truly great storytellers. My father was especially good at it. He was one of those people who could tell the same story time after time and each time is was great. I always admired that and wished I could do it, too. I have no trouble coming up with ideas for stories. Sometimes I dream them. Putting them on paper is also fun for me, In high school and college, I found composition enjoyable and did well.
Also, I’m an ravenous reader, three to five books a week. Most of the time I find reading as relaxing as sleeping.
Where did you get your information or ideas for your book?
Beth Rising is very loosely based on my daughter-in-law. She is a very private person and has never talked about her upbringing. But sometimes when I made a trip to California. I would stay with them. Several times, both of us had the exact same nightmare. Some of those were in the book. After reading the book she told me the scenes were very similar to what she remembered. She even had a neighbor named Mrs. Jensen.
She is a beautiful person and I wrote an ending for her that I wished she could have experienced. Unfortunately, there was no rescue for her until she left on her own at the age of eighteen. Her early life certainly left its scars, but she did emerge as a heroine. She came from a large family with several brothers and sisters. Most of them were given college educations, but she was pulled out of school to care for her mentally ill mother (as Beth was in the book). The siblings went off, leaving her, the youngest daughter, to handle the house and parents. She has every reason to resent her family, yet she rushed to the side of a sister when she had a stroke and took care of her family for over a year. She gave one of her brothers a kidney, which allowed him to live a normal life. She hurries to those that she loves any time they need it. She an my son are deeply in love. We are so lucky to have her.
Regarding the research, thank goodness for the web. It’s easy to do research and check facts.
What do you think makes a good story?
Interesting characters and a good plot.
How long did it take you to write this book?
I wrote the first version several years ago. Then rewrote it four more times. The first time it took three months. The last time it took ten months. I have been told by other authors that it’s not unusual to have several re-writes of a book. I don’t mind the time it takes to write because I find the process itself enjoyable.
What is your writing schedule like?
I wish I had a schedule. I want to write at least a thousand words a day when I’m involved in a book. I also prefer to immerse myself in the process and not do anything until I get the story right. Then I don’t mind interruptions for a game of golf or gardening or some other hobby. As I do the re-writes, I usually try to give myself a time limit. But as we all find out when we have visitors, life gets in the way.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this book?
I found out that I can’t write a book without a happy ending. I guess I like to fix things. I’ve written about four books and each is about achieving that happy ending. Two of the books are about disasters (my secret vice is disaster movies) and how my group of survivors manages to make it and improve things along the way.It’s possible I’m a do-gooder in spirit, because the bad guys always lose and the good guys are almost too good to be true. I haven’t published the disaster books because my husband told me they are in need of more research. But I’ll get back to them sometime.
How did you publish your book?
My good friend, Mike Grumley, author of the Breakthrough series, was my coach. He introduced me to editors, formatters, cover designers, and walked me through the whole publishing process, It was quite complicated, and I know I must have driven him nuts with all my phone calls, but he was wonderful. I couldn’t have done it without him. I’m nearly finished with the sequel to Beth Rising and I’m actually looking forward to the process of publishing that one. I used KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and once you learn the jargon it’s fairly easy to follow. I hope to have the sequel to Beth Rising (yet untitled) ready to go to an editor in a few weeks. But we have two groups of visitors heading our way and might not make it. It’s another thriller that involves a very bad guy and Beth and her team battling them.


We Are the Land, We Are the Sea: Stories of Subsistence from Chenega
Working with an Alaska Native Corporation, a non-profit 501(c)3, and an independent author, I interviewed several members of a community based in Prince William Sound to produce a collection of oral histories. The stories reflected the subsistence practices and traditions of the community. These stories demonstrated the traditions passed down from generation to generation, as well as the negative effects of the 1964 earthquake and tsunami and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill on their subsistence traditions. Recipes utilizing locally sourced ingredients were included in the final book.


Mazisi Kunene – freedom fighter, literary icon, Africa’s poet laureate, and South Africa’s first poet laureate – was born in Durban, in the modern-day province of KwaZulu-Natal on May 12th, 1930. Kunene championed African oral traditions, conveying their inherent value in his writings which were originally in Zulu before being translated into other languages. Best known for his poem Emperor Shaka the Great and Anthem of the Decades: A Zulu Epic Dedicated to the Women of Africa, Kunene was greatly inspired by the culture, religion and history of his people, particularly in relationship to black liberation struggles against brutal systems of colonialism, apartheid, and slavery. He wrote from the belief that, as with African art-for-life’s-sake oral traditions, literature should function to teach social values and cultural philosophical concepts rather than become art-for-art’s sake after Western traditions.
By age eleven, Mazisi Kunene’s Zulu short stories and poetry were being published in papers and magazines. In later years as a student at the University of Natal, he critiqued Zulu literature’s increasing trend towards Western emulation in his Master’s thesis entitled An Analytical Survey of Zulu Poetry, Both Traditional and Modern. Kunene continued to be recognized for his creative endeavors in South Africa, including winning the Bantu Literary Competition Award in 1956. His intention to pursue a doctorate at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies in 1959 got overtaken by liberation politics. Kunene headed the anti-apartheid African United Front and became the chief representative of the African National Congress (ANC) in the UK and Western Europe in 1964. South Africa’s apartheid government subsequently banned Kunene’s works in 1966. While in exile he was able to raise funds and support for the ANC from renowned figures of the western art world such as Picasso and Chagall.
Kunene also served as a Cultural Advisor to UNESCO, the organization which awarded him the title of Africa’s poet laureate in 1993. In 2005 he became South Africa’s first poet laureate.
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting this African giant before his return to South Africa in 1992. We met in his office at the UCLA campus where he’d been Professor of African Languages and Literature since 1973 and, coincidentally, where I’d struggled with prevailing Eurocentric approaches to studies of African phenomena including the formalized separation of African and African-American [then ‘Afro-American’…] Studies; and Egyptology as a “Near Eastern” subset, despite Egypt’s foundational Mystery as the gift of the Nile. Before I left, Professor Kunene autographed a poem entitled Creative Powers that he’d previously written and had printed on an oversize, decorated sheet of paper. He gifted me with it [pictured below]. I remember this precious ancestral soul and cultural giant on his B’Earth’Day today with much gratitude and praise ❤
- Zulu Poems. New York, Africana Publishing Corporation, 1970
- Emperor Shaka the Great: A Zulu Epic. London, Heinemann, 1979 (transcription and translation of traditional epic)
- Anthem of the Decades: A Zulu Epic Dedicated to the Women of Africa. London, Heinemann, 1981
- The Ancestors and the Sacred Mountain: Poems. London, Heinemann, 1982
- Isibusiso Sikamhawu, Via Afrika, 1994
- Indida Yamancasakazi, 1995
- Amalokotho Kanomkhubulwane, 1996
- Umzwilili wama-Afrika, Kagiso, 1996
- Igudu lika Somcabeko, Van Schaik, 1997
- Echoes from the Mountain. New and Selected Poems by Mazisi Kunene, Malthouse Press, 2007
- Unodumehlezi Kamenzi, 2017
Thank you for those links. I need to go look up his work.
You’re most welcome, bro KP. I’m happy and honored I had the opportunity to meet with Mazisi Kunene during his time in LA 🙂
That must’ve been a real honor! I’m sure you cherished that time.
I truly did 🙂
For more interest, take a listen to Professor Kunene’s “Emperor Shaka The Great”! An audio book of the epic as read by Zosukuma Kunene, his eldest son! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRhxNzYS4VE&t=60s
Wonderful audio reading and soundtrack to a classic book! Are you the reader, @Kunene? Thank you for sharing the link to this version which feels organic to Prof’s standing on African oral traditions. Welcome aboard, and blessings to you and yours 🙏🏾
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Intellectual Property-Copyright: The Challenges and Changes
In the modern digital age, the concept of intellectual property (IP) copyright has become increasingly significant, not only for creators and artists but also for the general public and legal entities. This article looks at the essence of IP copyright, a legal mechanism designed to protect the original work of creators from unauthorised use, ensuring that their creative contributions are recognised and rewarded. It explores the evolution of laws crafted to safeguard these intellectual rights. Historically, legislation such as the Berne Convention and various national laws have been established, offering a legal framework for the protection of artistic and intellectual creations.
Understanding how these laws are enforced is crucial in comprehending the full scope of IP copyright. Enforcement mechanisms vary globally, involving judicial systems, custom authorities, and digital monitoring tools, balancing the rights of creators with public access. The concept of ‘Fair Use’ is a further critical aspect of copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission under certain conditions. Determining what constitutes fair use involves assessing factors such as the purpose of use, nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used in relation to the whole work, and the effect of use on the market value of the original work. It adds significantly to the complexity of decision making in this already complicated environment.
A Changing World
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and globalisation, intellectual property (IP) copyright now faces at least four new, unprecedented challenges. The onset of digital technology has significantly altered the landscape of copyright enforcement and compliance, raising complex questions about the control and distribution of digital works. Additionally, the global differences in copyright law create a patchwork of varying standards that affect the dissemination and protection of international works, challenging creators and businesses alike. Furthermore, the interaction of copyright laws with other forms of intellectual property protection, such as patents and trademarks, adds layers of complexity to legal rights and enforcement. Finally, recent legal and legislative developments continue to reshape the boundaries and application of copyright law, responding to evolving technological realities and cultural shifts. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the realm of IP copyright, making it a subject of keen interest and critical importance.
1. Going Digital
Digital technology has revolutionised the landscape of copyright enforcement and compliance. The ease of copying and distributing digital content has led to a surge in copyright infringement cases, making it increasingly difficult for copyright owners to monitor and protect their works. This proliferation of digital content has also necessitated the development of sophisticated tools and technologies for monitoring and enforcement, such as digital watermarking and online tracking systems. Simultaneously, digital technology has facilitated new methods for creators to disseminate and monetise their works, such as digital rights management (DRM) systems. These technologies allow creators to control the distribution and usage of their content, providing a mechanism to enforce their rights in the digital realm.
However, the application of these technologies is not without controversy. DRM, for instance, has raised concerns regarding user rights and fair access to digital content. Moreover, the vast and decentralised nature of the internet poses significant challenges to effective enforcement, often requiring international cooperation and cross-border legal frameworks. The impact of digital technology on copyright enforcement and compliance is a rapidly evolving area, with continuous developments in legal, technological and societal domains. It underscores the need for adaptive and balanced approaches to protect copyright while fostering innovation and access to digital content.
2. Global Scope
The international nature of copyright adds multifaceted challenges to its enforcement and compliance. One primary issue is the variance in copyright laws across different countries. While international agreements like the Berne Convention aim to provide a basic standard, the extent and manner of copyright protection can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. This disparity creates a complex legal landscape for creators and distributors, especially for those whose works cross international borders.
Another challenge is the enforcement of rights in a global digital environment. The internet’s borderless nature means that copyrighted content can be easily accessed and distributed worldwide, often in jurisdictions with differing legal frameworks and enforcement capabilities. This makes it difficult to pursue legal remedies against infringement occurring outside an author’s home country.
Moreover, the cultural and economic differences influencing copyright perceptions and practices add another layer of complexity. For instance, what is considered fair use or a common practice in one region may be viewed as infringement in another.
These challenges necessitate international cooperation and harmonisation of laws to effectively protect copyright in the global context. However, achieving this is an intricate process, given the diverse interests and legal systems involved.
3. Adding Complexity
Copyright laws interact with other forms of intellectual property (IP) protection, such as patents and trademarks, in multifaceted ways, each covering different aspects of creativity and innovation. Patents protect inventions and functional aspects of products, offering a monopoly over the manufacture, use and sale of the invention for a limited period. Copyrights, conversely, protect original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, but do not cover the functional aspects.
Trademarks protect symbols, names and slogans used to identify goods or services. While trademarks safeguard brand identity, copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. There’s a potential overlap when a copyrighted work becomes distinctive enough to function as a brand identifier, thus warranting trademark protection.
Design rights, another IP form, protect the appearance of a product, including shape, colour and texture. They often intersect with copyright when the design element is also an artistic work. In such cases, the same object might be protected simultaneously by both rights, albeit for different aspects.
Understanding these interactions is crucial for effectively navigating the IP landscape, as they can complement each other to provide broader protection. However, it also requires careful navigation to avoid conflicts and ensure the appropriate application of each right.
4. Keeping pace
Recent legal and legislative developments in copyright law reflect the ongoing effort to adapt to the digital era’s challenges and the globalised nature of content creation and distribution. One significant advancement has been the implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy by the European Union, aiming to modernise copyright laws for the digital age. This includes directives that address the use of copyrighted material on online platforms and ensure fair remuneration for creators.
In the United States, the Music Modernization Act, passed in 2018, represents a major overhaul in music licensing laws. It simplifies the process of licensing music rights, establishes a public database for music copyright information, and ensures that songwriters and artists receive royalties from digital streaming services.
Globally, there’s a trend towards strengthening the protection of digital rights. Countries are revising their copyright laws to better address issues like digital piracy and the use of copyrighted materials in user-generated content on social media platforms. These legislative changes underscore the need for copyright laws to keep pace with technological advancements and changing consumption patterns, balancing the interests of creators, consumers and distributors in the digital age.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of intellectual property copyright, the challenges ahead are marked by rapid technological advancements and globalisation. Balancing the protection of creators’ rights with public access and adapting to diverse legal frameworks remain critical. Continuous dialogue and collaborative international efforts will be pivotal in shaping effective and equitable copyright policies.


12 June 2009
Review of Spiritual Economics- An Economic Eyeopener, A Spiritual Masterpiece
A review of HG Dhanesvara Das’s “Lessons in Spiritual Economics from the Bhagavad-gita – Part 1 – Understanding and Solving the Economic Problem” by Chaitanya Charan Das.
Srila Prabhupada once told Satsvarupa Maharaja to write a book showing how all the problems of the world can be solved only by Krishna consciousness. Satsvarupa Maharaj eventually wrote an illuminating small book, The Daily News: All Things Fail Without Krishna, in which he analyzed various news stories to show how the problems therein arise from a lack of Krishna consciousness. In the foreword of that book, Maharaj stated how this instruction of Srila Prabhupada is a huge mandate, which will require enormous research and effort to fulfill.
Dhanesvara’s Spiritual Economics book fulfills Srila Prabhupada's instruction in the somewhat unlikely (from the perspective of what is ordinarily thought of as spiritual) field of economics through its comprehensive research, penetrating analysis, scriptural and unambiguously devotional call to action.
Spiritual Economics marks a historic leap forward in the scholarly preaching of Krishna consciousness. In what is probably the first time in modern world history, the concept of the three modes is applied to analyze various economic systems throughout human history as being either in goodness, passion or ignorance. This analysis, presented in chapters three, four and five, of the book, constitutes the heart of the book - and gives us an endearing glimpse into the dedicated heart of Dhanesvara.
Spiritual Economics is simultaneously enlivening and disturbing. It is immensely enlivening to see the principles of Krishna consciousness, which we are all dedicated to practicing and preaching, presented so expertly, comprehensively and cogently in a field that has not been done, or even attempted (to my knowledge), by any devotee till date. For the intellectual rigor and spiritual vigor that Dhanesvara Prabhu brings to work in this book, he deserves a place among the likes of Sadaputa Prabhu, Drutakarma Prabhu, Satyaraja Prabhu, Garuda Prabhu and Devamrita Swami, who have all brought laurels for Srila Prabhupada by their scholarly writings.
At the same time, Spiritual Economics is profoundly disturbing; it documents in scary and gory detail the extent to which the exploitative and destructive mentality, characteristic of the mode of ignorance, has gripped the whole world - especially including the economic big shots. This contemporary research powerfully demonstrates Srila Prabhupada's statement that the world is being ruled by the demonic and drives home the crying necessity to vigorously preach Krishna consciousness. Spiritual Economics concludes that the solution to the prevailing global economic (and social) mess is to raise our consciousness individually and collectively through chanting the mahamantra and building a God-centered economy.
To fully solve the economic problem we must understand Krishna’s instructions for a spiritual culture. This focuses on the unfinished second-half of Srila Prabhupada's mission -- establishing working models of varnashrama dharma, with economics in the mode of goodness. This will be elaborately explained in Part II of the work.
Being myself an author of several books, I am impressed, even astounded, by the exhaustiveness of the research that has gone into making this book. Dhanesvara has toiled for more than two decades, pouring over hundreds of books, to gift all of us - and the whole world at large – this ripe fruit of his devotional intellect. In the true spirit of the gifting economy that he advocates, he has made his book freely available to all in electronic form from here. The book should soon be available in print from www.lulu.com.
Dhanesvara deserves great credit for painstaking scrupulousness in study and unflinching faithfulness in preaching. By applying the principles of Krishna consciousness that Srila Prabhupada brought to the world and that Dhanesvara powerfully presents in this book, we can all do our respective parts, small or great, in assisting Srila Prabhupada's mission to save the world from its present suicidal course.