Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

23 February 2024

A Doctor's Notes about Ancient Philosophers: The Eleatic School, Xenophanes

A doctor's notes about Ancient Philosophy: The Eleatic School, Xenophanes:
 - "To represent the gods as men is to alter their nature in order to make them similar to us. These errors are due to the imaginations of men. ... it seems that Xenophanes confused God with space and with the universe taken it its totality."  

Per the late Dr. Jonathan Dolhenty was the Founder and President of The Center for Applied Philosophy and the Radical Academy, and is Honorary Philosophy Editor at The Moral Liberal.

  • Read full article at Self-Educated American: Ancient Philosophers: The Eleatic School, Xenophanes (Apologies,  Article was unpublished.)





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Oh if only the writings of one of the philosophers could tell me where to find the philosopher’s stone.

What??!!  Is it so wrong to desire gold without having to pan or dig for it; and to wish to remain forever young?   :)









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22 December 2023

Introduction to Classical Music ~ Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and Tchaikovsky

Many of the famous classical music composers that we know of – Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky - are no longer with us.

Portrait Ludwig van Beethoven when composing t...
Portrait Ludwig van Beethoven when composing the Missa Solemnis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Popular singers, songwriters and musicians like the late Nina Simone, the late Michael Jackson, Sir Paul McCartney, and Alicia Keys have all said they draw inspiration from or have been greatly influenced by these composers. 

The above is regarded by historians as the mos...
The above is regarded by historians as the most accurate surviving likeness of Mozart, painted when the composer was 26 years old. It is a section of an unfinished 1782 portrait by Joseph Lange. The splotchy texture of the composer's cheeks, visible in the original painting on display at the Mozart Museum in Salzburg, was verified by Mozart's contemporaries. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You heard that most music store owners are tempted to put their classical music selections in a small room at the back of the store; however, it was just a bit of humor. The least we can do is display their masterful works – whether on the store shelves or in your home music library - in plain view so that the memory of these gifted musicians will live on.

Johann Sebastian Bach (aged 61) in a portrait ...
Johann Sebastian Bach (aged 61) in a portrait by Elias Gottlob Haussmann, Copy or second Version of his 1746 Canvas, private ownership of William H. Scheide, Princeton, New Jersey, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thinking about experimenting and expanding your musical taste?


You want to listen to classical music, but you don't know where to begin?



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Fascinating Facts about Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky.








The Health Benefits of Classical Music

There is no doubt that there are benefits to be found in many different genres of music. It can often seem to help when nothing else is able to change our mood or motivate us. For thousands of years, humans have been intrinsically linked to music in all its forms. It is part of our mourning, our celebrations, and our rituals.








Original source

20 April 2023

Who is Peter Ackroyd? Biographer, Historian, Poet, Novelist, Etc. Eccentric

Who is Peter Ackroyd?

Hmmm ... let me think.  Is he the guy in the photograph below?

Nope!  But you're close!  

The guy in the photo below is Charles Dickens.  Peter Ackroyd wrote a biography about Dickens.  He also wrote a bio about William Shakespeare, in case the mention about the Charles Dickens bio is not impressive enough.  :)  If that's not impressive enough, then if you like biographies or biographical notes about celebrated, it might interest you to know that he wrote a bunch of books about famous people like Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Edgar Allan Poe, Sir Isaac Newton, and more.  

His series is called Ackroyd's Brief Lives.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) 
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Peter Ackroyd is an author. A word to describe him? Eccentric. There was another word used to describe him but it wasn’t very complimentary (my opinion), and as such, won’t be mentioned by me.  A few synonyms for eccentric are: odd, bizarre, outlandish, peculiar, weird and strange. Sounds like he lives in Austin, Texas. But he currently resides in England.  Eccentric? I’ll say. He writes using a pen and paper in longhand. That’s insane! Nobody does that anymore!

“It’s just the way I work”, he says.


Well fine then, Mr. Ackroyd. You certainly can’t be accused of not working.  Peter Ackroyd’s body of writings include: poetry, bibliographies of notable persons like T.S. Eliot, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare, a series of history books for children, a collection of English ghost stories, and several novels. He even retold Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and wrote a libretta for an opera.  His current projects include:  the completion of  six volumes of the History of England, a few more novels, and a biography of Alfred Hitchock.




Where does he find the time?  Uh … that’s all he does, all day and all night.  He says he isn’t much interested in socializing and reserves two Sundays in the month for some interaction with people.  Most of the time, it’s just him and his books.
Who is Peter Ackroyd? Biographer, Historian, Poet, Novelist, Etc.
Has Mr. Ackroyd written so many books you don’t know where to begin?  Start here: The Trial of Elizabeth CreeWho is Peter Ackroyd? Biographer, Historian, Poet, Novelist, Etc.; a murder mystery, the setting is 1880 Victorian London; a woman is accused of poisoning her husband.

* * * Who is Peter Ackroyd? Biographer, Historian, Poet, Novelist, Etc.

Reference:
Rosen, Jody. “Man of Many Words: Up Close and Personal with Peter Ackroyd …” T: New York Times Style Magazine 15 Sept. 2013: 110-14. Print. Men’s Fashion Issue, Arts and Letters












Peter Ackroyd books are available ~ Save up to 90% at BiggerBooks.com

BiggerBooks.com  

30 March 2023

Book Lovers – An Assortment of Books for Your Reading List or Personal Library

Once stayed in a temporary residence when my family was being relocated from one state to another.  We stayed in this house for a few months until we found our permanent home.  What a memory!

This house was right out a dream home magazine.  My favorite room in this house was the office/library.  Public libraries have always been one of my favorite places.  But I had never lived in a house that was big enough to have my own personal library where I could retreat to and shut off the rest of the world.  



If you had your personal library, what kinds of books would be on your bookshelves?  Here are some of the books you might find in my library.


♦ Picture Books for Children (or for grown-ups who never grow up)
  • "The Eagles Are Back" : Jean Craighead George tells the story of how the American bald eagle was saved from extinction.
  • "Annie and the Old One" : Written by Miska Miles.  It is an introduction to the customs and traditions of  the Navajo people and touches upon a very sensitive subject for children: explaining the death of a loved one.
  • "The Emperor and the Kite":  Jane Yolen tells the tale of a young child who saved a kingdom all because she knew how to fly a kite.  So the next time someone says to you "Go fly a kite!", just imagine yourself on a secret mission saving an empire.

♦ Hot and exciting reads. Suspense Thrillers or Romance.
  • FC Etier Writes Political Thrillers : "The Tourist Killer" was FC Etier's first novel; followed up by "The Presidents Club". Two novels written for those who enjoy a web of conspiracy and intrigue with lots of political overtones.
  • Two Thrillers and One Romance : Just the titles of these books should tempt you. "Power Of Persuasion"; "Trusting Evil"; and "All the Beautiful Sinners".  Which one do you think is the romance?  :)
  • Irresistible Historical Romance Novels : “A Rose in Winter” and “Shanna”  ~ Both books authored by the late Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, the lady who pioneered the historical romance genre and should be credited with it being one of the most popular book genres, based on book sales in the USA.

♦ History or Mystery.

♦ Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Inspiring Biographies.




♥ ♥ ♥ 
Now that you've picked your book (or books), 
settle down for some good reading!  :)

09 June 2022

You Think You Know All About Witches | earthpages.ca (Reblog)

A very informative post:  Witch. Two ideas (or facts, if you prefer) presented that were news to me!


(1) Witches are born witches. Sorcerers get to apply for the job later on in life.

(2) Witch doctors were called witch doctors because people called on them to cure an illness believed to have been caused by a witch.



Original content source link:  ForumCoin.com


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Additional Links of Interest:
 


Image credit: By Immanuel Giel - Own work, Public Domain, Link





07 May 2022

Like eBooks? Enjoy Thrillers? Want to Hear Free Book Excerpts?

Find a huge selection of contemporary ebooks from the world's leading publishers. This popular digital bookstore supplies instantly downloadable books at prices well below hard copy books.  Fiction and non-fiction reading material is available, multiple electronic formats.

Get Free Excerpts at ebooks.com!!!





Thriller/Horror Book Suggestions




Classic Horror Collection
By: Various
Published by: MobileReference.com


Classic Horror Collection. Incl. Dracula, Present at a Hanging, Tales of Terror and Mystery, The Phantom of the Opera, The Cask of Amontillado, Varney the Vampire, Frankenstein, The Raven & MORE... more...

Horowitz Horror
By: Horowitz, Anthony
Published by: Philomel


From the creator of the Alex Rider Adventures comes this wicked collection of macabre tales sure to send shivers up the spine. more...


Kitty's House of Horrors
By: Vaughn, Carrie
Published by: Grand Central Publishing


REALITY BITES Talk radio host and werewolf Kitty Norville has agreed to appear on TV's first all-supernatural reality show. She's expecting cheesy competitions and manufactured drama starring shapeshifters, vampires, and psychics. But what begins as a... more...

Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror
By: Writers Association, International Thriller
Published by: Dutton Children's


Don't turn out the lights. Don't go out alone. And whatever you do, don't let down your guard. Because your neighbors might seem normal, but why do they collect knives and eat their steaks so bloody? more...


Our Haunted Lives
By: Belanger, Jeff
Published by: ReadHowYouWant


Our Haunted Lives features the stories of dozens of people who have witnessed the supernatural firsthand--in their homes, at work, in cities large and small, in the United States and abroad. more...

Ghost Hunt
By: Hawes, Jason; Wilson, Grant; Dokey, Cameron (other)
Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers


An exciting new middle grade collection of spooky paranormal investigations based on REAL ghost hunts from stars of the TV show Ghost Hunters , the number one reality show on cable television! In a lush, thick volume, Ghost Hunt will feature multiple... more...


Living With Ghosts
By: Sperring, Kari
Published by: DAW


The dazzling debut from a brilliant new fantasy talent. This highly original, darkly atmospheric fantasy novel immerses readers in a world where ghosts and other malevolent spirits seek entry into mortal realms—invisible to all but those who are not... more...

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Paranormal
By: Brown, Nathan Robert
Published by: Alpha Books


An otherworldly examination of the unknown that will keep fright fans reading all night From any strange experience that can't be defined by science to psychic phenomena to monsters and weird creatures, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to the Paranormal... more...


Shadow Tales
By: Grover, John
Published by: Double Dragon Publishing


There is a world that exists within our world. It is the world of shadow. A realm where anything is possible, a world where nothing is as it seems, a world that few have ever seen and returned to tell the tale. In this world new kinds of monsters are... more...

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft
By: Gleason, Katherine
Published by: Alpha Books


This guide offers a beginner's look at the history of paganism, Wicca, and witchcraft, from the Druids and Celts to the witches of today who practice an earth-based religion, cast spells, and perform natural magic. The book, written by a practicing witch,... more...


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09 February 2022

Famous Poets: Spotlight on Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (1917 - 2000)

"I am a writer perhaps because I am not a talker."  

- -  Gwendolyn Brooks (1917 - 2000) 


A biography snapshot of African-American poet, Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (Jun 7, 1917 - Dec 3, 2000). 

Continue reading:


* * * *






04 October 2021

Do You Dare Go Dowsing for Graves?

Gravestones are fascinating historical markers.  But not all graves are marked.  The history of those buried is lost.  Or not!

“Some people use the term “dowsing” while others use “divining” or “witching”. All three terms mean the same thing.”  Some say dowsing is pseudoscience and does not work.  Nevertheless people earnestly dowse for graves in certain areas where bodies are believed to be, but the burial spot or final resting place has become lost because they are unmarked. Volunteers for history societies often dowse for graves; and there are others who have their reasons.  Very interesting.

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If you like reading articles like the one referenced above you will love this book!


23 November 2020

Character Study: Bible Women | Mary: Full of Grace

MARY
The mother of Jesus. No one disputes this.

Almost everyone in a predominantly Christian society knows the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. When Mary is introduced in the Christian scriptures, she is living in Nazareth in Galilee and she is betrothed to be married to a man named Joseph, who discovers that she is pregnant. Knowing that child could not possibly be his child, Joseph agonizes over what to do about Mary. Under Jewish law, he has two options. Option 1: Shame Mary publicly and have her stoned for infidelity. Option 2: Put Mary away quietly. The scriptures state that an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him not to fear taking Mary as his wife. She had committed no sin and the child that she was carrying was the result of a miracle and the fulfillment of a prophecy that “a virgin would conceive and bring forth a son who would be named Emmanuel, meaning ‘God with us’.” 

Some non-Christian sources say that Jesus was a bastard, an illegitimate child, the result of an unlawful union between Mary and someone other than her lawful husband. There is an ongoing debate as to whether the Qu’ran (Koran) states that Mary was a virgin who conceived and gave birth to Jesus, having never had sexual contact in any way with any man OR whether she was a virgin at the time the angel visited her and told her she would have a child.

Whether or not Christian and non-Christian sources agree Mary is the 5th woman mentioned by Matthew in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
  • Bible References: MARY – MATT 1: 16, 18, 20; 2: 11; 13: 55; MK 6: 3; LK 1: 27, 30, 41, 56; 2: 5, 16, 19


Amazon product image
A Lineage of Grace:Five Stories of Unlikely Women Who Changed Eternity



Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter






24 August 2020

Books For Children Written By Children

Did you know that there are several authors of children’s books who were children themselves when they published their works? In 1641, Francis Hawkins wrote a book about manners and etiquette for kids entitled “Youth Behavior”. He was eight years old. This is a part of literary history which is very inspiring.

After all, if you’re encouraging kids to read, why not tell them it’s OK to get started on pursuing a writing career? These days with self-publishing and eBooks, etc. there’s no stopping anybody who wants to try to be a writer; not even a child! Don't you agree?


There are many celebrated authors of children's literature. But most of those writers are or were adults when they published their works. Below is a list of recommended links to articles that not only discuss the topic of content written for children but rather content written by children for children (along with other related or relevant information links). 

“Many children have written books that have been published. One of the first we know about is Francis Hawkins. In 1641, when he was 8 years old, he wrote a book of manners for children called Youth Behavior.”
"As Hollywood scours the literary world for the next big screen adaptation with franchise potential, studios may want to start paying attention to another pool of authors to borrow from.”
“Dorothy Straight was an adorable 4-year-old when she decided to write How the World Began as a present for her grandmother back in 1962. However, her parents loved it and smelled success, deciding to seek out a publisher for the book.”
“You may have heard of Christopher Paolini, who started his bestselling fantasy series, Inheritance, when he was 15. But when we went looking for the youngest authors ever, we found some astonishing younger examples.”
“This is a list of notable books by young authors and of books written by notable writers in their early years. These books were written, or substantially completed, before the author's twentieth birthday.”




♦  Related Links:

23 July 2020

Book Review: The Signature of God (and Other Book Reviews)

Wrote some book reviews a few years back. 

Sharing the links.  The first is actually my favorite; published 2013.  

How do we know that God wrote the Bible? Simple! He signed it!

Book Review: The Signature of God by Grant R. Jeffrey


The Handwriting on the Wall - St Benedicts Catholic Church | Source: Wikimedia Commons


● ● ● ● Other Book Reviews:

  • A wonderful book for children written by Miska Miles, which was published in 1971: Annie and the Old One.




  • If you like true stories, mysteries that are finally solved, and ever wondered about ships that set sale and then disappeared - here are four books about Ships Lost at Sea that tell the tales.





The Seven Kings of Rome

The Seven Kings of Rome

There was once a group of villages on seven hills which grew into an empire. But how did it happen?
If your curiosity is peaked by this brief presentation of the history of ancient Rome and wants to learn more, you will find two book recommendations at the end of the article.




06 July 2020

Entertainment: Books: Biographies of J.R.R. Tolkien

Anyone who has done even scant research on John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892 – 1973) knows that even though he was a very private man, there is no shortage of biographical information about this famous British writer and medievalist. Hardcover, paperback, digital and audiobooks, letters, and other materials abound. His son, Christopher Tolkien (1924 - 2020) was is extremely protective of the legacy of his father and has only ever authorized one official biography. His father is highly respected as a literary hero and a mythmaker, and he wanted to keep it that way!


Image credit:  Hobbit House, Movie Set, New Zealand: Photo by Jeff Finley on Unsplash

Understandable, however, that did not stop others from publishing their unauthorized unofficial versions. (Even moi! I tried my hand at publishing an unauthorized biographical sketch.) These unapproved life stories (see listing below.) are just as appreciated by Tolkien fans, as the approved biography written by Humphrey Carpenter. Furthermore, the commercialization of  “all things Tolkien” may have started with the success of the “Lord of the Rings” books, but when these works were adapted to film, Tolkien fever infected the masses around the world. A loyal Tolkien-ite can not only build their own personal library, but can purchase puzzles, games, collectibles, and more!!

Tolkien: The Authorized Biography


Unauthorized Tolkien Biographies  ( Name of Author )





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Source:  Webnuggetz.com

06 June 2020

Culture: Book Lovers: First Impressions Can Be WRONG!

Have you ever put your prejudices and fears aside and found out that you would have missed out on something awesome?

It’s embarrassing to say, but I confess that this has happened to me more times than I count.

My first impression was WRONG!

Here is one indisputable example.


I am American and have lived in the USA all my life. If you live in America and particularly if you are a black American (African-American, Negro, colored … I don’t know which box to check anymore! LOL.) or rather a person of color (O.o), when you hear or see the word CONFEDERATE, you already have an expectation or an impression.


While browsing Instagram, I came across an account called confederatebooksquito.

My first reaction was to immediately turn off or turn away from it because .. well … it said CONFEDERATE. In plain English, ‘Dem iz fightin’ words!

But I turned off MY reject button in my head and went to have a look.


Turns out it’s a bookstore in Ecuador that specializes in used books in English in South America.


WHAT????  I love used books!!

Look what I would have missed if I had followed my first WRONG impression!!


Bet this never happens to you, huh?


Source: Virily.com




05 June 2020

30 May 2020

Wisdom Quotes: John Bunyan Versus King Solomon

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ~ John Bunyan

Although I understand the sentiment behind this quote I don’t wholly agree neither do I think it provides the best guidance or advice for life.

I prefer this proverb from King Solomon:

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it—when you have it with you.” ~ Proverbs 3: 27-28




Good is DUE to everyone and everyone is your NEIGHBOR.



This way you do good and are always charitable without even considering repayment or nonpayment.



What are your thoughts?





RELATED INFO:
Sharrock, Roger. “John Bunyan.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 23 Aug. 2017, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Bunyan. “John Bunyan, (born November 1628, Elstow, Bedfordshire,England—died August 31, 1688, London), celebrated English minister and preacher, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678), the book that was the most characteristic expression of the Puritan religious outlook. His other works include doctrinal and controversial writings; a spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding (1666); and the allegory The Holy War (1682).”

Source:  Virily.com


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