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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22 April 2022

HAPPY EARTH DAY! What is Organic Farming and Why is It Important?

Organic farmers are on mission to create a sustainable global environment. 

They grow crops without using chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.



Instead of the conventional agricultural method which has been proven to damage our eco-system, these nurturing environmentalists have developed and effectively utilize processes known as biodynamic agriculture and ethical wildcrafting. 


"Every Day is Earth Day When You Support Organic Agriculture" - Find out more about  Sustainable Agriculture




02 March 2022

Review : K-Drama TV Series : Dong Yi (2010)

HA! That stands for hooked again!! My new addiction is watching Korean historical drama TV series. There are way too many of them for me to keep up. They are so exciting and interesting, even though the basic plot in most of the series is pretty much the same.

What's the basic plot, you ask?

Eh! Some palace intrigue on the inside, rivalry among the nobles and scholars on the outside, honorable slaves, and commoners who prove time again that being poor and uneducated does not equal stupid! ... and of course, the love triangle.  No Korean drama is complete without the love triangle. 

For each series, the script writers take this plot, create different and intricate twists and turns, and develop characters that make the viewers immediately choose sides and start rooting for them! I like this lady or this man! But that person has got to go! When the ruthless evil characters finally go down, you're pumping your fist in the air and going Yeah! A flood of relief washes over you and then you have to remind yourself that it's just a TV show. :)

 
Image credit: Official poster found at viki.com

While seeking and finding more and more historical series to satisfy my K-drama addiction, found “Dong Yi” (2010). This television program is directed by Lee Byung Hoon, who also directed "Jewel in the Palace" (2003).

Reviews indicate that Hoon's 2003 series was extremely successful, so it went on my watch list. But because the 2010 series includes in its cast an admirable child actress, Kim Yoo Jung, who also starred in “Tamra the Island” (2009) and “The Moon Embracing the Sun” (2012) ~ her cute little face drew me in. The series is based on the life of a real historical person: Royal Noble Consort Suk of the Haeju Choi clan.

{Side Note – According to recent reports in South Korean entertainment news publications, Ms. Jung's latest project, “Moonlight Drawn By Clouds” aired its first episode during the 4th week of this month, August 2016. It is being well received.  Series at viki.com.}

Back on point. The child character played by little Ms. Jung, is a “commoner”, i.e. not born into a noble family, who grows up into a beautiful and intelligent, caring and compassionate young woman, played by Han Hyo Joo. The character's name is … what else? Dong Yi!

She went from the child who had everything taken away from her to the woman who had the world laid at her feet. According to all the fortune tellers, “her light” was going to shine brightly in the land of Joseon.

Nothing annoys me more than reviews with spoilers, so extra precaution is taken to constrain myself and not to reveal too much. Here are my impressions so far.

Good start! Series starts off with a very peaceful idyllic scene of a man fishing and enjoying a quiet leisure moment. The silence is immediately shattered when the man is brutally murdered. But before he breathes his last breath, guess who finds him? A young child named Dong Yi!

Good fortune? I'll say! This lady was born under the Lisa Bonet lucky star. She got two hot guys wrapped around her finger! If you know who Lisa Bonet is and you watch this show, then you'll understand my meaning. :)

60 episodes and I've only reached the halfway mark. What's the hook the writers used to keep you interested all the way to the very end? A butterfly! Don't know about everybody else, but I love butterflies! 

23 February 2022

Consumer Electronics: Do You Have a Cool Gadgets Wish List?

“The name’s Bond.  James Bond.”  Who doesn’t love James Bond?  He’s a secret agent.  Everybody likes secrets.  Plus he’s handsome.  Definitely not hard to look at.  But what or rather WHO do people really love about Mr. Bond?  They love Q!  The guy who invented all of those cool gadgets that James Bond uses when he goes on a mission for Her Majesty’ Secret Service. Admit it.  Some of the most memorable scenes in the James Bond films is when he visits the Q Branch and he’s given a demonstration of the various types of gadgets he will be needing in order to successfully complete his assignment.

People love gadgets, don’t they?  After all, most people never grow up.  The child is always in their heart.  And what does a child love?  TOYS!!!  Kids love cool toys to play with and GADGETS ARE REALLY COOL TOYS!!

Most popular gadgets these days are not just toys though.  They’re used for serious purposes.  Not to accomplish a secret government operation.  But many gadgets either address home security and safety or they address one’s health, such as fitness trackers or other wearable technology.  Me?  I rather fancy entertainment-related gadgets with bluetooth technology.

Most gadgets these days are described as “SMART”.

SMART is a mnemonic acronym … The letters S and M generally mean specific and measurable. Possibly the most common version has the remaining letters referring to achievablerelevant and time-bound.”   (Quote Source:  Wikipedia)

One of the most popular gadgets selling right now is a small wireless smart camera that has night vision and a 2-way audio.  Another popular item is a smartwatch that tracks heart rates and other health indicators, and it has a lot of other apps.  You can even use it to call a cab!

Do you like to buy gadgets?

What kind of gadgets do you buy OR what kind of gadgets are on your wish list?





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17 February 2022

Asian Cinema : Movie Review : The King of Masks (1999)

The theatrical masks of Chinese opera were promoted by emperors and high court officials. As a result, they became a traditional art form and along with this tradition, came other traditions. 



Many films are gems that get lost or buried. Even award-winning films like The King of Masks. It's a foreign movie: Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles.

Time period is the 1930s. A master of an ancient Chinese art is growing old. He must pass on his skills to an heir. A male heir.
It's tradition!

Unfortunately, he's childless. In a desperate effort to honor the custom and maintain the trade and the tradition, he buys a young child. In China, poor children are often sold via a black market. He and the child develop a close relationship, however, a “complication” also develops.


"The King of Masks

is a wonderful and touching story. 









16 February 2022

What is a Universal Language of Light?

Sharing a link to an article written by a fellow freelance writer

What is a Universal Language of Light?



  • Quote extracted from the article: “Modern research confirms the most ancient form of Hebrew to be a natural language; the alphabetic forms emerging from the phosphate flare patterns of the brain.”

(NOTE:  Link to an archived copy.  The article was unpublished.) 
This is my first time learning, hearing or reading about a “Universal Language of Light”. The research results do make you wonder. However, I am convinced that God invented all human languages because I believe the biblical account of the tower of Babel. If Genesis 11 is true, then any human language is a “language of The Light”.

  • The article also contains an interesting question: “Is DNA the next Internet?”
It seems that Russian scientists have made some claims. Next? I’m not trying to split hairs or “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel”, but DNA was here first! Just sayin’. This article is fascinating!!


Love in 44 Languages

What is a Universal Language of Light?

Some call it the Language of Consciousness or the living language of light. Many people worldwide are now re-discovering this ancient Language that lies at the heart of so many spiritual traditions. Modern research confirms the most ancient form of Hebrew to be a natural language; the alphabetic forms emerging from the phosphate flare patterns of the brain.

*** Related Posts:





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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:


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28 January 2022

IF you had 50 trillion dollars to start your own country ...

Responded to an Interesting Question Posed on Quora.

Quora is considered as an intelligence community, where minds from around the world gather together to ask questions and get answers. Some of the questions asked are very specific and some are hypothetical presented as a “What If” scenario. This is my response to a “What If” question that was asked.

Question:
If you had 50 trillion dollars to start your own country, how would you start doing it?

My Answer:
$50 trillion is NOT enough to start my own country. My country would be the whole world. I need money enough to bribe everybody to live peacefully in a world without borders. ❤☺

(This response was also shared via MyLot.com.  This is a social site where you can make friends and earn money sharing your opinions, observations, etc.  Same thing you do on Facebook or other social media only they pay you "a penny for your thoughts".  Joined the site two years ago.  It's loads of fun!  #EarnExtraIncome)


If you had 50 trillion dollars to start your own country, how would you start doing it? - Quora




Read Treathyl Fox's answer to If you had 50 trillion dollars to start your own country, how would you start doing it? on Quora

05 January 2022

General Healthcare Info: Health Tip: Salt is not the Enemy

Are you afraid of salt? I was until I did some research and discovered salt wasn’t so bad after all.


For informational purposes.  Consult medical professionals for health advice.
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If you liked this type of content you might also like these articles.


04 January 2022

Ancient History: Kingdoms: Lydia and Persia

A quick history lesson sharing a few facts about two ancient kingdoms: Lydia, an ancient kingdom of Central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and Persia (modern-day Iran).



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24 November 2021

American History : Presidential Thanksgiving Facts (Guest Post)

Presidential Thanksgiving Facts


Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.


Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

George Washington made the first proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789. The proclamation was not to give thanks to the pilgrims but to give public thanks and prayers for the ability to peacefully establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. George Washington then again made the proclamation in 1795. Then New York officially made Thanksgiving Day as an annual holiday in 1817.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to become the national bird but Thomas Jefferson had opposed it. And it is believed that Benjamin Franklin then decided to name the male turkey 'tom' to spite Thomas Jefferson's rejection of his idea. Thomas Jefferson did offer proclamations of Thanksgiving as governor but was hesitant to do so as president as he believed in the separation of church and state.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November as the day to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving his proclamation to the nation where by he asked for his fellow citizens to give prayer and public thanks. His proclamation was about giving thanks for the bounties which the United States enjoyed as well as population growth but to also give prayer that the civil war will come to an end and bring unity back to the nations in peace and prosperity.

When the United States fell into the great depression, it was upon President Roosevelt's shoulder to lead a nation through difficult times. In 1939 President Roosevelt restored Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November in an effort to extend the Christmas shopping season to stimulate the economy. In 1941 Congress passed legislation to declare Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday and is to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November every year.

2008 has proven to be an historic year in politics with so many firsts. So as you sit around the dinner table celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, just like the Pilgrims before us. Don't forget to also give thanks to the Presidents and Congress in history for make Thanksgiving Day and national Holiday.



Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Family Articles | March 18, 2009

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lillian G. W. is a marketing executive for global consumer brands, media, and high tech businesses. She loves writing about shopping, product reviews, fashion, travel, green innovation, arts & entertainment. She spots consumer trends, explores and assembles ideas, and provides creative solutions to business challenges. She writes for IMshopping.com.


glitter-graphics.com

22 November 2021

Happy Holidays! Celebrating Thanksgiving Around the World

“The world celebrates Thanksgiving for very different reasons and in very different ways; what unites the occasions are a communal feeling of gratitude.”

Do you know how other countries celebrate Thanksgiving?


glitter-graphics.com





11 November 2021

Happy Veterans Day!

It’s November 11th. Happy Veterans Day!

Never served in the military but was hired by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and given the honor of working side by side with many who did serve in this country's armed forces. A deeply heartfelt shout out to my former co-workers at DVA and a salute to all U.S. Veterans everywhere - those who have served, those currently serving, and a special dedication to the memory of the men and women of valor who sacrificed their lives.



  • November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars".
  • 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day
  • With the approval of P.. 380 on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
  • October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation".

History of Veterans Day -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 





01 November 2021

History Lesson: Slavery: The Practice of Human Bondage

When did slavery begin? Its practice was commonplace during biblical times; the Bible weaves intricate details of slavery into the accounts of daily lives. 

Continue reading: 

The Practice of Human Bondage: When Did Slavery Begin?



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Black Canada: A Brief History | Abagond (Reblog)

Very much enjoy a good history lesson and this was a good one! Thanks Abagond!

Black Canada: A brief history | Abagond


Unlike the Caribbean and America, slavery was never big in Canada. Instead:

Blacks came to Canada in four main waves:

1. Black Loyalists (1780s, 1810s)

2. Underground Railroad (mostly 1840s-1850s)

3. The Lily White Canada Policy (c. 1896-1962)

4. Caribbean immigration (1960s to present)


Blog Publisher's Disclaimer: This post presents an overview of what I know in 500 words or less. I do not pretend to be an expert! I mostly use present-day place names. Corrections welcomed.
Flag of Canada with a black border (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


08 October 2021

Buy Cryptocurrency at an ATM Machine? Where??

I moved to Austin, Texas in 1998. It's the state's capital. So if you want to live in Texas, this is the best city. I always tell people that. But today I discovered a really good reason to tell people how great this city is. I just found out that there are ATM machines in Austin that handle cryptocurrency transactions. YES!!! This city is moving on up!! 


Buy Bitcoin Instantly With Cash. Also, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin. (There may be other crypto coins, but I mentioned the crypto coins that I'm interest in.) ~ “Introducing the Bitcoin Depot® App! Download your one-stop solution for all things crypto.” ~ Google Play Apps: bit.ly/3mswLpL ~ Use the map to find ATM location nearest to you.




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05 October 2021

A Fun Look at the History and Traditions of Halloween

It’s October and it’s time for Halloween. For this article I wanted to present a quick discussion highlighting some interesting and fun facts about the Halloween holiday; mainly, its history and the superstitious beliefs associated with it.


The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

* * *


Fun Links of Interest:

Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss


Original Source


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!


American English: Everyday Words Not Used Every Day Until the 20th Century

There are many words we now use every day, that were not everyday words until the 20th century. I always enjoyed the cartoon called Road Runner. There were no spoken words in the animated episodes. Or so I thought. Come to think of it, there was one word and the Road Runner always said it twice. “Beep Beep!”


Mark Nichol published a list of “25 Words Coined by Twentieth-Century Authors”.

Did you know that the word “beep” was invented by a 20th-century scientist and novelist named Arthur C. Clarke? Since some of the words on Nichol’s list are related to technology, it’s no surprise they were unheard of until the 20 century. But the other nontech words are surprising to me and may surprise you too.

Curious to know the other 24 words?

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Source:  Virily.com



26 September 2021

The Four Thieves are Natural Remedies ~ Fact or Folklore?

The Four Thieves. Doesn't that sound like the title for a medieval mystery book or something like the Cadfael MysteriesIt's not. It's a blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary (with lemon) used to fight infections. (NOTE:  This recipe varies.)  

Several years back I accepted an invitation to add links to a Pinterest Group Board which shares information about Natural Remedies and Healthy Lifestyle.  As of today, the board has over 30,000 followers. No surprise really. It seems every other day there is a short advertisement or infomercial on television advising people who had taken a particular prescription medication that they may be entitled to damages and to contact some law firm about it. It's very disheartening. People don't go to a physician so they can sue later for the drugs prescribed to cure their ailments. DUH!

More and more people are turning … or should I say returning … to natural remedies. Not sure if there is a fine line of distinction between holistic healthcare, or alternative medicine, or natural remedies. To me they are all the same in that, i.e. from my point of view, they recommend a cure or possible cure for an ailment that does not result in 20+ other symptoms or health problems that you didn't have before you started taking the treatment and medication.

Vinaigre des quatre voleurs (Vinegar of the Four Thieves)


What People Say About "The Four Thieves"  

Some say there was a medication invented by 4 thieves and it helped as a treatment for those suffering from bubonic plague or "The Black Death".  Supposedly the thieves stole from graves of people who had died from the plague but for some reason they never got infected.  (O.o)

The true story or maybe it's just legend … nobody knows for sure … the tale is that four thieves were stealing the corpses of people who had died from the bubonic plague or the Black Death. The authorities finally caught them and wanted to know why they weren't dying. They agreed to tell their “healing secret” but only in exchange for clemency. The tale may be a total fiction but it's a FACT that many people have been using the 4 Thieves essential oil (some call it "vinegar") for centuries.

There is a lot circulating on the Internet about this.  
Below are a few information links for you to glean additional details.  


Have you ever tried the 4 Thieves Remedy?

Or do you think it's just folklore and the herbs have no use against infection or any practical health application?





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Original Content Source

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