Welcome to the World of Make Believe and Books!

We enter the "Make Believe World" when we open a book and begin to read. In that little corner is a world that can fill us with wonder, where dreams can come true, where we can go on an adventure, learn about history, or we can fall in love all over again...reminding us of the first time we fell in love.A historical/fiction novel is on the market for ages 16 through adult. Melinda and the Wild West, (ISBN: 1-58982-367-2) was a Semi-finalist for the Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Award 2007." Debra Gaynor, from Reader Views, wrote: "From the first page I was captivated by this book. I had to continue reading, rushing to turn the page, I had to see what next adventure would catch up with Melinda. The plot is interesting: mixing history with fiction, adventure with romance. This is good Christian fiction. Ms Clarke, this is a piece to be proud of, well done!"In 1896 Melinda Gamble-a very elegant, naïve young woman from Boston-decides to give up her life of monotonous comfort for the turbulent uncertainty of the still untamed Wild West. Driven by her intense desire to make a difference in the world, Melinda takes a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho, where she comes face-to-face with Butch Cassidy, a vicious grizzly bear, and a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it's a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared-love."Melinda and the Wild West is a tender love story. Clarke's characters are well developed and her setting is compelling. But what separates this book from others is Clarke's historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail." -- Betsy Brannon Green, Best-Selling Mystery AuthorWhen a rugged rancher and a determined schoolteacher meet, they tend to butt heads and clash with each encounter, but at the same time there seems to be an underlying interest in one another. In this story, Melinda is trying to help a rebellious student through acceptance and love, and at the same time, she is trying to understand her own heart.Melynda Gascoyne, The Amherst Bee Newspaper: Buffalo, New York, wrote: "For anyone who likes to read classic-styled romance novels that also have a drop of history, this is the book for you. From one of her students coming to class with skunk oil that explodes, to her encounter with a black bear, there's always something for the imagination in the book. It is very easy to picture the scene you are reading. Clarke was able to write about love in a soft fashion, not full of the same type of sexual writing of most romance novels. I was impressed with the eloquence in which Clarke spun her story. It was dramatic in some spots and yet contained simply placed bits of humor. I would recommend this to anyone."Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is the first in a series. The remaining books will be released in the following order: Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, Jenny's Dream, David and the Bear Lake Monster, and Elena, Woman of Courage.Page One Literary Book Review wrote: "Linda Weaver Clarke displays an easy and excellent style of writing, blending adventure/romance/history/humor and courage. A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is an instant classic and should put this author on the literary map all over the world." dr seuss cat in hat quotes

It Can't Happen Here - Sinclair Lewis's Prophetic Warning

"It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis is a political novel focusing around a folksy, self-conscious plain spoken Southern politician named Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip rises to power during a period of profound unrest in America, appealing to the "common man" of the American voters. At this time (in a very pre-World War II setting) the United States is facing a slew of its worst existential crises to date, and the American people, once sunny, confident, and striving, are now scared, angry, and disillusioned.Buzz Windrip appears to be a regular guy, personable, easy to get along with, and reasonable. He claimed to want America to be whatever one wanted, the land of the free and the brave, better than all others. Guided by his secretary Lee Sarason, he cozies up to the electorate by stoking their disdain for fancy ideas and encouraging them to follow their hearts, not their minds.When Windrip is elected, all hell breaks loose. The dissent is crushed, the Bill of Rights is gutted as he stacks the Supreme Court, blame is placed on foreigners and war is declared (on Mexico), and "rehabilitation" (labor) camps are established to help shore up Windrip's vaunted "New Freedom," which toted the beauty of American freedom and branded anyone who disagreed or even questioned the President, as anti-freedom and anti-America while quietly killing freedom.All that's really left of the old America are the flags and patriotic songs, which for many is more than enough because they have others to blame. The blame falls on the "it can't happen here" crowd, those who have yet to realize that being American doesn't change your human nature. Americans are not inherently better than others. Whatever it is in human nature that attracts people to tyranny is in Americans like it's in anyone else. The problem is that Americans are arrogant and oblivious, and so saying they have freedom is enough that they don't believe tyranny can happen in their country, even as it is going on right in front of their eyes.Windrip's most formidable task, convincing Americans to renounce bedrock democratic principles, was already accomplished well before he took power. The United States was ripe for a Fascist takeover, it was just waiting for its moment. Through a combination of influences-his easy bearing chief among them (along with massive cash donations from Big Business, spineless disorganization in the liberal opposition, a stuffy aloof opponent, and support from religious fanatics who felt like they've been unfairly marginalized)-he wins the presidential election (sound familiar?).Once in, he appoints his close personal friends and political advisers to high-level positions, stocks the Supreme Court with 'surprisingly unknown lawyers' who called him by his first name, takes away most of the power of Congress under the guise of national security, allows Big Business to dictate economic policy, consolidates the media to a few rich corrupt owners, and fills newspapers with syndicated gossip from Hollywood to keep everyone distracted.Newspapermen worry that America is moving backward to a time when anti-German politicians renamed sauerkraut "Liberty Cabbage" and "hick legislators"...set up shop as scientific experts and made the world laugh itself sick by forbidding the teaching of true silence while silencing real scientists,'' but newspaper readers, wary of excessive negativity, stop paying attention, even when journalists who don't tow the line start disappearing.Given the nature of "powerful and secret enemies" of America, who are always hiding infiltrated in your neighborhood, and always on the verge of "planning their last charge" to take away our freedom-an indefinite state of crisis is declared, with freedom tossed aside "until the threat passes." The President assures this is for America's own safety, and as soon as the threat is over, the freedoms will come back.Sure, some say these methods are extreme, but enemies are around everywhere, and since everyone is permanently in danger, and plain folks are tired of wishy-washy leaders, and feel the president's decisiveness is good leadership in a time of emergency-not a Fascist takeover. Besides, as one man says, a Fascist dictatorship "couldn't happen here in America...we're a country of freemen!" dr seuss cat in hat history

The Path of Daggers Audio Book - Fantasy at Its Finest

The Path of Daggers book, penned by the acclaimed author Robert Jordan, is a brilliant piece of work and is a great example of the fantasy category of book. As many of you know, not so long ago the fantasy genre had been the classification that many readers looked towards for new and unique subject matters presented in a most creative manner. This is partially what made the fantasy genre a very popular style that grew its dedicated reader base to many millions of people. To the non-initiated this was quite surprising, particularly because most newspaper book reviews ignored the massive growth in popularity of this type of book.Unfortunately the fantasy genre's popularity was also accompanied by a flood of low quality, poorly written works. This in turn hurt the appeal of the genre with many undecided buyers electing to steer clear of the fantasy style novels.The standard of fantasy novels has been somewhat lifted with the release of The Path of Daggers. This is Jordan's eighth book in The Wheel of Time series and is a wonderful example of the fantasy genre at its finest. This amazing tale of all that is magical, interwoven with examples of finest swordsmanship, will prove to be truly enjoyable to all those readers who love this style of fictional writing.For those readers who enjoy reading it, there is another way to enjoy the novel and that is through listening to the audio version. The Path of Daggers audio book is available both online and in bookstores at very affordable price. The high quality recording and audio production is definitely a bonus and makes The Path of Daggers audio book a most enjoyable and entertaining product.What is particularly appealing about The Path of Daggers audio book is that it is not in anyway a boorish reading of the material. Like many good example audio books, this is a captivating production that will engage the imagination of the listener and transport them to a far away place. Without doubt The Path of Daggers audio book is a must have for all fans of Jordan's work, as well as those who enjoy fantasy genre books in general.If there is one negative aspect to it, it would be that generally the audio book version of the novel is an abridged one. That is, it is not a complete and uncut reading of the novel, but an edited version, We would however assure potential buyers that none of the major plot points are excluded so the story can still be easily followed. If you do want to read the entire story, you need to get your hands on a hard or soft back of the novel. Actually, the best deal would be to go to the book-sore or online and buy both a copy of the novel as well as The Path of Daggers audio book and you will be able to enjoy both versions of this excellent book. dr seuss cat in hat book

Shadow of an Indian Star

Shadow of an Indian Star is a 500-page historical fiction set in the early 1800's. It accurately brings life to a fascinating era of gun slinging, saloon drinking, hard work, rough living and bittersweet romance. The exploits of heroes, villains and those just trying to survive during this tumultuous era are certain to keep readers aching to turn the next page.A rich family lore, with momentary appearances of well-known historical characters such as Billy the Kid and General Custer, was remembered and passed on to each new generation until Bill Paul and his wife Cindy became curious enough to determine the accuracy of the tales. As it turned out, the stories were true!Map-lovers will enjoy the insert within the first few pages, which depicts the area that this story takes place in. Three generations of the Paul family history and their bitter feuds are divided into segments, one for each generation. A simple family tree is provided on the last page.Little known facts of the Native Indian tribe known as the Chickasaw Nation along with the life of early settlers in Oklahoma could be excellent reading for history classes. Readers will witness the Trail of Tears and learn about callous and greedy settlers and a corrupt government. Readers will also see the grace and pride between both peoples in their uninhibited generosity, genuine grief for each other and intense inter-racial romances.Authors Bill and Cindy Paul are both well educated individuals. Bill holds a degree in animal science, while Cindy has degrees in biology and environmental science. The couple resides in the very same valley and maintains the family graveyard that is written about in their first novel, Shadow of an Indian Star.I am completely in awe of the authors' talent and superb story-telling capabilities.This tale was amazing and I enjoyed the ride immensely. There is no doubt in my mind that this book needs to be seen by movie or TV series producers.ISBN#: 097559222X
Author: Bill and Cindy Paul
Publisher: Synergy Books dr seuss book collection

Four Great Books On The Theme Of Creative Living

If you think the creative life is the one for you and you'd like some practical advice as well as inspiration on the topic, just take a look at these four superb books...1. Creating A Life Worth Living by Carol Lloyd.Billed as 'A practical course in career design for artists, innovators, and others aspiring to a creative life', there's a clear message right from the start that creativity can take a vast number of different forms. Simply assigning someone the label of 'creative' is a serious generalisation. Your version of creativity might be making art, teaching, generating ideas, inventing objects, interpreting music... and Carol Lloyd is most helpful in encouraging you to understand your own unique brand of creativity.The book begins with a section somewhat similar to Julia Cameron's Artist's Way programme - a process of search and research through your childhood desires, your timeless inclinations and present needs. From there it goes considerably further into the dreaming, planning and design stages for a new way of living. And on into the development of a down-to-earth action plan for your day-to-day life.There's a chapter on the various kinds of day jobs which can support or undermine your long-term creative goals. Another on how to deal with indecision and competing interests. And one that asks you to analyze your current lifestyle and build a new model for your everyday creative process.This book is an excellent tool if you want to undertake some self coaching. I have learned much from it to enhance the life/creativity coaching that I do. So if you want to redesign your life in a way that will support and inspire your creativity, this is the one for you.2. Your Life As Art by Robert FritzWhat a great concept! To take the nuts and bolts of the creative process and apply them to creating your life. Your Life As Art takes that idea and explores just how you can make it real.The interesting thing about this book is that it concentrates on the structural processes that make up the creation of works of art, be they paintings, musical compositions, films, novels, poetry. It's not about ways to find inspiration - in fact it advises strongly against relying on inspiration. The theme is more about conscious creation through the application of appropriate structure, and how to achieve it in your life.The first half of the book looks at the concept of structural tension as it applies to both creating works of art and achieving life goals. This involves having a clear and realistic sense of where you are now, combined with a vision of what you want to achieve. The structural tension is the gap between the two and it's what pulls you towards your vision.The second half of the book looks at the structural patterns in our lives. Some people have structural life patterns which lead them through one successful project and onwards to the next, and the next. Others have repeating life patterns which take them round in less successful circles. Robert Fritz explains how the self concepts you hold can get in the way of your success and lead you into the frustration of a repeating pattern. He also explains (hurrah!) how to stop going round in circles and to change the structural patterns in your life.If you want your thoughts provoked on the nature of creativity as a structural form, both in relation to art and to life itself, this will really get you thinking. It may sound complex, but it's well written, easy to follow and well worth the read.3. Coaching The Artist Within by Eric MaiselEric Maisel is described as 'America's foremost creativity coach' and in this book he offers well-structured advice, illustrated with anecdotes and personal reflections on his many years of creativity coaching experience.The book is divided into twelve sections - each one covering a skill that will help you along the path to becoming your own creativity coach. To give some examples, three of the skills he covers are: 'Passionately making meaning', 'Becoming an anxiety expert' and 'Creating in the middle of things'.As is the rule with all self development books, there is no quick fix here, but the advice offered is shot through with the occasional artistic twist and steeped in common sense. All the books I've read on the topic of the creative process are unanimous in stating that, ultimately, it's a case of simply getting down to and getting on with the work. This book is no exception, but it includes an interesting extension to the theme by advocating positive forms of obsession. Maisel explores the fine line that divides emotional stability from instability when you're in the midst of a creative obsession. In those moments when you produce your most inspired work, how sane are you?I found this book to be both practical and inspiring. So if you want to try a spot of creative self-coaching why not take a look?4. The Creative Habit by Twyla TharpThe full title of this book is 'The Creative Habit. Learn it and use it for life. A practical guide'. And that's genuinely what it is... a practical guide, setting out and exploring the habits and attitudes that sustain a fully creative life.Twyla Tharp, the world famous choreographer, now in her sixties, details with clarity, style and authority how to keep yourself productive and motivated even when you think you've run completely out of enthusiasm.She writes about the structure and organizational aspects of creative projects - 'Before you can think out of the box, you have to start with a box'; scratching for inspiration in potentailly productive areas, like scratching a lottery ticket to see if you strike lucky; mastering the underlying skills of your creative domain and building your creativity on the solid foundations of those skills; getting out of ruts (stuckness) and creating grooves (productive flow).The habits she describes are woven together with stories from her long career and anecdotes from her wide-ranging creative friendships. Unlike other books I've read on the topic of active creativity, she includes a chapter on what a creative life means in 'the long run'. How the great masters continue to grow and develop their skill over many decades.The Creative Habit is a personal account of what works by someone who's lived a vibrantly successful creative life. Tharp's style is crisply clever and captures a strong sense of authority and vitality. seuss book collection sets cat hat

Review - Going Home by Doris Lessing

It is fifty years since Doris Lessing published Going Home, an account of her return to Rhodesia, the country where she grew up. By then in her thirties, she had already achieved the status of restricted person because of her political allegiances and her declared opposition to illiberal white rule. These days Zimbabwe makes the news because of internal strife and oppression. It is worth remembering, however, that fifty years ago the very structures of Southern Rhodesian society were built upon oppression, an oppression based purely on race.Fifty years on Doris Lessing's Going Home an historical record of this noxious system, a record that is more effective, indeed more powerful because of its reflective and observational, rather than analytical style. Doris Lessing, a one-time card-carrying Communist, laid a large slice of the blame for the perpetuation of discrimination firmly at the door of the white working class. Though not all white workers were rich - indeed she records that many were abjectly poor - what they had and sought to preserve was an elevated status relative to the black population. She describes white artisans as white first and artisans second. Though trade unions actively sought equal pay for equal work, they never campaigned for any kind of parity for black workers. On the contrary, they demanded the maintenance of racially differentiated pay rates. How's that for the spirit of socialist internationalism and brotherhood! (I accept there is a misplaced word there...). In fact Doris Lessing records that it was the relatively liberal capitalist enterprises that demanded more black labour, their motive of course arising from cost savings, not philanthropy. So trade unions spent much of their time making sure that companies hired their quota of higher paid, white labour.Even in the 1950s, she remarks on the likelihood that many Africans were already better educated than their white counterparts. White youth shunned education as unnecessary, while Africans saw it as a possible salvation. She notes that the people who treated the African population the worst were recent immigrants from Europe, particularly those from Britain, who tended to be less educated themselves and drawn from the ranks of the politically reactionary. Such people, apparently, were equally critical of immigrants from southern Europe, and expected Spaniards and Greeks to work for African wages, not the white wages that they themselves demanded.The situation in Rhodesia, clearly, had to change. Not only was such crass discrimination unsustainable, it was also comic, as are all racially posited class systems. While the South Africans over the border created honorary whites of the Japanese they increasingly had to do business with, the Rhodesians went through their own equally idiotic contortions. An example of such nonsense is quoted by Doris Lessing when she remarks that there was a privileged group of Africans who were granted the right not to carry passes with them at all times, as long as they carried a pass to record their exemption.But it is also worth remembering that Doris Lessing, herself, was a banned person, unable to travel to certain places and very much under the watchful eyes of the authorities. In Going Home she observes a society that had to collapse under the weight of its unsustainable contradictions. The fact that this took more than twenty years after the book was written was nothing less than a crime, and probably contributed to the subsequent and equally lamentable reaction.Doris Lessing records seeing a British film towards the end of her travels. She describes it as a "cosy little drama of provincial snobberies and homespun moralities played out in front of African farmers in their big cars". Fifty years on, Britain is probably cosy and provincial, and the snobberies are still rife. But now it is not Rhodesia where these reactionaries look down on people of other races overpay and under-educated themselves. It is not in Africa where corporations would dearly love to employ cheaper labour, imported if need be. Rhodesia's white privilege of the 1950s was obviously absurd. But there are some parallels with economic and class relations in the Britain of today and, like all good books, Doris Lessing's Going Home may even add prescience to its qualities. dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Karaoke DJ or Karaoke KJ

In my book "Karaoke Krazy," I give advice on the many ways to be successful as a Karaoke DJ or "KJ." Here is an excerpt:"Style"If you are a KJ, your style is every bit as important as your reputation because it is PART of your reputation. It is what defines you.There is a lot you can do to create a style of your own and it does not always involve how you speak on a microphone.
This section includes things about me, and things I have done to enhance my style.You may get some ideas, or perhaps you have a style all of your own that you are happy with. Either way you might learn something."The Art of Illusion"There is an art to creating an illusion in the room, one that will draw in and sustain a crowd. It is your job to provide an environment that did not exist prior to your arrival.
The way you dress, the music you play, and how well you work a room and motivate people, are integral parts of the whole. If you miss doing one of these things well, you may survive. However, if you miss more than one of these things, you may not.What you wear sets the tone in the room. If you are in jeans and a T-shirt, your crowd will wear jeans and T-shirts too.
If you wear trendy clothes, tails, or pink gym shoes and a bow tie, you will set a better tone and people will respond to that. You will also inform people that you are an entertainer and they will prepare to be entertained.My former manager, J.R., insisted that I always dress like a star. If I was getting off of a tour bus at a gas station, I was required to be picture perfect. His motto was, "If you look like a star and act like a star, you are a star." He was right about this. People treat you like a star if you dress like one.
Obviously, if you are doing a private function you need to ask what the theme will be or what dress is required. You will look very out of place at a formal function if you are wearing a cowboy hat and jeans. Likewise, you will feel out of place if you are wearing tails and the guests are wearing cut-offs.Another detail you might pay attention to is the lighting. I do not advise a lot of bright lights. The room needs ambiance and 'mood.' Bright lights make people want to hide.
Dimmed or diluted (ambient) lighting helps people to relax. It also makes people feel like they look younger (wrinkles are obscured) and this makes them feel better.
People who feel good about themselves are more likely to stick around all night.Make sure all of the tables and chairs are neatly arranged. You may think this is not your job, and perhaps it isn't. But you want to do everything in your power to make the room as presentable and inviting as possible.You will often see me pushing in bar stools. This is something J.R. taught me to do years ago. I detested doing it at first, but later I realized that an untidy room is a reflection on me.
Periodically during the evening, you should also help pick up empty beverage bottles and glasses. Not only does it look bad when these are sitting around, it slows the drinking process.
People are more likely to order another beverage if they are unaware of how many they have already consumed.Remember that your job is to fill the cash drawer. This is why your club owner is having the promotion.
Do not worry if you are a KJ who goes solo and you are too busy to handle all of these extraneous jobs at once. You will gradually become comfortable and skilled enough to multi-task.Regarding "in-between" music, keep the beats per minute above 120. Keeping the BPM's high will cause a subconscious assault on the central nervous system of your patrons, causing them to become more exited, more thirsty, and less bored.
To determine what the BPM's are in a particular song, use a stopwatch. Play the song and count the beats for one minute. If you count 112 BPMs, the song is no doubt a slow one.If you can, flash the stage lights off and on during dance sets. This will produce another assault on the central nervous system.If you happen to sustain a high level of BPMs with both in-between music and Karaoke songs, you may have to "dump the dance floor."Although it is rare (because there is almost always a barrage of slow Karaoke songs), there are times when you have an overly excited crowd. Good for you, you are doing your job!
However, it may become necessary to slow down, and calm down your patrons. Take the time to drop in a slow song and dump the fast dancers off of the dance floor. Fights can be avoided through use of this technique. People will also take this opportunity to order a drink.Let me express that I am not advocating getting every individual in the bar as drunk as possible. However, there are reasons that your club owner owns this business, and you should know how to enhance it.For more information, or to order my book, go to: karaokekrazy.org dr seuss cat in hat history