Friday, December 31, 2010
Borders "Make Books" Music Video (Mad World)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozb1eXYA9k&hl=en
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Suspense Novels Made Easy
Suspense novels are probably the easiest novels to write. Suspense novels require a simple formula, which will make your work truly suspenseful. Follow this basic recipe, and you're well on your way to building a whole library of successful suspense novels.
Suspense novels formula step 1: Decide your topic. Many people who wish to craft best-selling suspense novels struggle with this first step. The biggest problem is they get too wound up in trying to come up with something that's never been done, assuming that they'll land a number one best seller. Forget trying so hard to do something that hasn't been done, and just settle on something you know, even if the subject has been done. Then work on an interesting twist.
Suspense novels formula step 2: Start your suspense novels at the end, rather than at the beginning. As is the case with any good project, successful suspense novels are crafted with the ending in mind first. Then the artist can return to the beginning and begin building to that end. This is how quality suspense novels are created.
Suspense novels formula step 3: If your suspense novels have killers or conspirators, wait as long as possible to reveal the perpetrators. In my first suspense novel, The League, my editor noticed that I revealed the perpetrator about six chapters and ninety pages before the end. He loved the story but said that it would be vastly improved, if I could keep the readers in suspense a bit longer.
So, if you hope to make a fortune with suspense novels, use this basic formula, and you're well on your way.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Nook.mov
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpep5R1syK8&hl=en
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
2009 Intergenerational Reading: Yvette Pollack, "Post Op Party Chit Chat"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90TMU36uGIw&hl=en
Monday, December 27, 2010
Patio Sealer Tips
Do you have an outdoor space which requires some floor maintenance that you may have been neglecting? That fact is, protecting any outdoor floor is not very difficult but it can provide great results down the road. Instead of cracks and a washed out look you can have a patio or walkway which stays looking great. The best way to provide protection is with a sealer to keep the moisture from rain and snow, along with staining from dirt and organic material, on top of the surface so it can be washed off.
If you have a patio or walkway constructed of pavers then there are two types of sealers you can contemplate using. For decades, people just laid out the pavers and once they were tamped in, the home owner thought they were done with their project. Recently, sealer technology has advanced to the point that providing protection for the surface of these pavers has become more popular. The two types of sealers now available are the topical sealer and the penetrating sealer.
Topical Sealers
Topical sealers are generally applied to paver stones and bricks in order to keep moisture from penetrating the top layer. These sealing products can keep rain and snow melt from entering any small fissures in the surface. This is very important if you live in an area where it freezes as even small amounts of water can crack or break these floors when it expands from being frozen. Secondly, they help to keep stains from entering the surface which means the pavers can look new for years to come with no washing out of the colors.
Penetrating Sealers
Penetrating sealers do just what the name implies. They don't just sit on the surface of the floor but they penetrate inside to offer a better lay of protection against water and staining. Generally, this product will penetrate the surface about 4 mm. These sealers will also help with efflorescence which is the depositing of salts on the surface. The salts, if not stopped, will cause the surface to become dull and listless looking. This type of protection is also added to the grout lines if you have set the stones or tiles instead of just laying them on a bed of sand.
Many people choose to apply both types of patio sealer if they live in a harsh environment where it rains, or snows a lot in the winter. If you live in a sunnier climate then just the use of one will probably suffice for a long time. The fact is, you spend a lot of time and effort installing your outdoors floor surface so you should do this little bit of maintenance in order to keep it looking appealing to your friends, your visitors, and yourself.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Joe Riggs Hypnotized by Hon Wong in Barnes & Noble.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0UpVf5wFxA&hl=en
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Schindler 330A Hydraulic Elevator at Barnes and Noble Bookstore Gilbert AZ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3dENK0SqYQ&hl=en
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tufts Senior Career Orientation 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE5R37zdjnU&hl=en
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Credit Reporting: How Does It Work?
In order to determine a consumer's credit worthiness, creditors and lending institutions have come to depend on credit reporting agencies. Credit reporting agencies supply individual reports that provide consumer specific information for lending purposes. With the advent of technology, most creditors now have automated systems that provide them direct access to credit reporting agencies. In most cases, credit agencies or credit bureaus provide personal, legal, and account history related information. In recent years it has become more common for lending institutions to use multiple credit reports to meet lending requirements. Besides meeting lending requirements, multiple reports also provide additional security measures. Using multiple sources for reporting purposes provides a more comprehensive and complete background check on a consumer's credit and spending history.
Traditionally, when a consumer submits a credit application, creditors forward that information to the credit reporting agencies. This is how credit reporting agencies are able to accumulate personal information on people. This information often includes items such as the consumer's name, address, social security number, employment information, marital status, telephone number, and possibly income. By utilizing credit reports, lending institutions are able to cross-reference the information that a consumer provides on a credit application with the information that the credit reporting agencies have on file. Some credit reporting agencies even hire companies and or contractors to research and verify that the information entered on a consumer's credit application is accurate and verifiable.
Most credit accounts, on a monthly basis, are reported to credit reporting agencies; these reports will reflect a payment and account history for all credit related accounts. The information that a credit reporting agency provides is known to as a tradeline. On a credit report, there is traditionally a tradeline for every creditor that reports account information to the bureaus.
As I mentioned earlier, not all lending institutions report to the credit bureaus; however, most do. The major credit bureaus provide reports which include a consumer's payment history in 30-day intervals. This is due to the fact that most consumer billing cycles follow a similar payment pattern. Most lending institutions have a proprietary set of rules and guidelines that govern the thresholds at which they report consumers as being delinquent in their payments. It has been my experience that some lenders have gone as far as not report delinquency until the consumer's account reaches 60 days past due. Other lenders are much stricter in their guidelines and will report delinquency at 30 days past due. Traditionally, a credit report will provide a detailed summary of any delinquency you have had with your creditors. This is measured by the number of times that you fallen more than 30, 60, 90, and 120 days past due. Many of these credit reports use a rating system that assigns a specific status code to each 30-day period of missed payments.
In the consumer lending industry, this method is often referred to as the simple method. For example, an R-1 rating represents a consumer account that is current or an account that was paid properly and that is in good standing; an R-2 rating indicates that payments were paid 30 days or more after the due date but less than 60 days after the original due date; an R-3 rating represents that the bill was paid 60 or more days after the original due date but is less than 90 days past due; an R-4 rating shows that a consumer has fallen 90 or more days past due but is less than 120 days delinquent; an R-5 rating indicates that a consumer has fallen 120 or more days past their original due date; an R-7 rating shows that a creditor was forced to repossess collateral on the account and an R-8 rating means that the account was referred to collections in an attempt to recoup payment. The rating of R-9 is traditionally used to show that a debt or debts have been discharged through bankruptcy, have been repossessed or foreclosed upon, or are currently in collections.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Advantages of Working in the Public Sector
More and more people are looking to the public sector as a place where they can have a greater degree of job security and insurance, but it is important to remember that jobs in this area, no matter the field, all have a significant factor where service of the greater good is important. Are you someone who might be happy working in the public sector? Do you love the idea of moving forward and getting the results that you need?
First, you should consider how you are going to get a job in the public sector. There are many different requirements that you will have to meet, but although they are going to be more stringent and more unbending than what you might experience when you are looking at the private sector, you will find that it is not all that different when it comes to getting a job. There are a number of different areas that you have to report if you are looking at working in the public sector. For instance, your employment and criminal records needs to be unblemished. Especially as you climb higher into the upper areas of federal government, you are also going to need to have a clean credit record. Remember that a record that is less than spotless can be overcome, but it will take a lot of work.
It also helps to know that when you are thinking about getting a position in the public sector, you should pull in any favors you might have. Do you know anyone who works in the public sector that you are applying for? If so, you might want to look into asking them to help you. Also, you will need to think about the kind of testing you need to undergo. In many cases, you are going to need to deal with things like civil service exams, drug exams, and basic competency levels. There is going to be a lot of competition for these jobs and at the end of the day, you will find that there are a number of ways to prepare for them. The more time you put into preparing, the better off you are going to be.
If you are interested in getting into the public center, remember that you should always apply for the job that you are interested in, even if you might not think that you will get it. Remember that being patient is a real virtue because public sector jobs can take an embarrassingly long time to get going. This is something that you need to take into account, especially if you need to consider how long it will take you to get working.
Take out some time to make sure you get the kind of work you need in the public sector; this will not only help your job search, it will also help you build a successful public sector career.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Elevator at the Market Commons Shopping Center - Barnes and Noble - Arlington, VA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP3NBTtu4ns&hl=en
Monday, December 20, 2010
1 - "When the Radio's On" by Sonic Age
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugosgvc82J0&hl=en
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Myrtle Beach on the Cheap
Many Americans are worrying about the possibility of a looming recession. One of the ways we are thinking of cutting back on expenses is by eliminating our vacations. After all, airfares, gas prices, and hotels rates are all rising. But what if there was a way to vacation at a fraction of the cost? We all need time off from the daily grind. Oftentimes vacations are when we soak up quality time with family and are as important to our mental and physical health as those yearly checkups with the family doc. So before you decide to eliminate that getaway all together, read on for a few tips that will show you how with a little creativity and flexibility, you can create a vacation in beautiful Myrtle Beach that will be just as rewarding and enjoyable and will have less of an impact on your wallet.
An excellent way to save on hotels rates is by not paying them at all. I don't mean by skipping out on the bill, but rather by engaging in a home exchange. Also known as house swapping, home exchange is where you stay in someone else's home while they, during the same time frame, lodge in yours. In recent years, this method of vacationing has gained popularity and there are many reputable companies that function as the intermediaries by allowing clients to list their homes.
There are numerous advantages to staying in someone else's house. Many people enjoy having their accommodations away from the tourist zones. By having a fully functional kitchen, meals can be eaten at home and therefore a huge chunk of your budget can go to other activities.
Oftentimes, your exchange partner will give you information about the local Myrtle Beach community, introduce you to neighbors, and give you an inside track into places to see and things to do. Then, of course, there is the fact that a house will afford you much more space than a hotel room and you and your family will be able to spread out and relax without feeling like you are boxed into a few square feet.
When you do decide to go out to eat, try the local mom and pop restaurants. Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding areas, are chock full of unique dining experiences that are sure to satisfy your every craving. Talk to the locals who will be more than happy to steer you towards their favorite restaurants. If you like seafood, Murrells Inlet is the place to go. Try it during lunchtime when the portions are reasonable and the prices even better. With all the money you have saved, you will be able to afford to do a little shopping. Stay off of the beaten track. Tourist zones are typically overpriced. The locals like Tanger Outlets or the Coastal Grand Mall where great bargains can be found year round.
While you may be on a budget, by thinking outside of the box you will find that you do not need to sacrifice quality to enjoy a lovely and rejuvenating vacation in Myrtle Beach.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Schindler Hydraulic Elevator at Barnes and Noble Bookstore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N_wRbbhmqg&hl=en
Friday, December 17, 2010
Shrink Your Waistline Fast With These 3 Foods
In order to shrink your waistline, what you eat is incredibly important. In this article, I would like to talk about 5 powerful foods you should definitely have in your diet to help you shrink your waistline fast.
First things first. You will find it incredibly difficult to shrink your waistline, lose weight, and burn off fat without following the basic core principles of a healthy lifestyle. What are those basic principles? Proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water daily (1/2 to 1 gallon), getting plenty of sleep every night (7-8 hours), cardio exercise and weight training exercise.
Here are 3 power foods you should make sure you consume on a daily basis to help shrink your waistline fast.
Almonds - Almonds are an incredible food. Why? The health benefits of almonds is enormous. Almonds contain important healthy fats which are vital for your heart health, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. All of this will help you with your efforts to shrink your waistline fast. Get this: it only takes a handful of almonds a day to accomplish this task!!
Fish - Fish contains a considerable amount of protein and healthy fats. It's lean, easy to cook, versatile, and very healthy for you. I recommend salmon and tuna.
Egg Whites - Egg whites also contain a considerable amount of protein. They also contain a ton of important vitamins and minerals. Adding this into your diet will help you with your goals to shrink your waistline and lose weight fast. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, or even a mid day snack.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Prank Call - Barnes & Noble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CZaYGhI25o&hl=en
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Brentwood Square Condos, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrETIuNlCEU&hl=en
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
PLAYING TRAINS AT BARNES & NOBLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0HVONhm33o&hl=en
Monday, December 13, 2010
Lose the Pooch - The Fastest Way to Abdominal Fat Loss!
Okay, in this article here, I would like to talk about the fastest way to abdominal fat loss. Read on...
Now, first things first. You must understand that you can not spot target fat loss. When you lose fat, you lose TOTAL BODY FAT. Last time I checked....that's not actually a bad thing!
So, if you want to have abdominal fat loss and get a sexy flat tummy or six pack abs, you have to focus on total body fat. Also, please do not think that you'll get abdominal fat loss by doing ab exercises. Ab exercises tone the muscles UNDER your abdominal fat. In order to have those muscles revealed you have to lose the fat on top of them.
So, with that said, what is the fastest way to abdominal fat loss?
1. Proper nutrition - Proper nutrition consists of eating the correct foods every day (protein, complex carbs, fiber, healthy fats, and foods rich in vitamins), eating the correct amount of calories your body needs based off of your current weight (eating less than what your body needs will slow down your metabolism), and eating 6 small healthy meals daily instead of the usual 3 (this will help boost your metabolism, maintain hunger, and keep your blood sugar level stable).
2. High intensity exercise - Doing a few exercises and then going for a walk around the corner is NOT going to give you fat loss....especially abdominal fat loss (the most difficult area on your body to lose fat from). If you want lose fat, you are going to have to get intense with your workout to see results. High intensity exercising will boost your metabolism, and will burn off calories well after your workout is finished....especially when you incorporate weight training in the mix!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
How to Lose a Pants Size Fast - See What Works Wonders to Fit Your Skinny Jeans in 2 Weeks Or Less!
If you want to lose a pants size fast, then I have good news for you. It's not going to require that you starve, restrict foods, or pop pills! Take just a couple of minutes out of your day today to read on and see exactly what you are going to need to do in order to fit your skinny jeans in 2 weeks or less!
You see, being able to lose a lot of weight as quickly as possible is not as difficult as most make it out to be... and I'm going to tell you the secret on how to make sure dieting is as easy as possible. Are you ready to have your socks blown off with this MEGA secret? The secret is plan, journal, and consistency! That's right, those are the 3 first things you must do in order to make losing weight as effective and easy as possible!
Planning - By firstly planning out your weight loss goals, you are making sure that you have a clear goal set in mind while you are making your transformation. This will keep you focused.
Journal - By keeping a journal of everything it is that you are doing as far as dieting and exercising you will be able to hold yourself accountable to what it is you are doing each and every day. Once I started keeping a journal of my journey, I actually found it a whole lot more fun to diet! What I recommend you do with a journal is simply take account of what you are eating each day, how many calories you are getting, and the type of nutrients you are consuming.
Consistency - My friend, trying lose weight fast will never work if you are not 100% consistent with everything you do. Consistency is the ultimate rule to ensuring that you'll lose inches and pounds as fast as possible. You can't diet and exercise for a week, then not see the results you wanted, then you quit for one month, then you start up again... and then complain all over again. If you want consistent results, you have to stay consistent with your dieting and exercising efforts.
Now, with all that said, the one thing I strongly recommend that you do if you want to lose a pants size fast is to make sure that you are getting 100% proper nutrition and also that you get your metabolism as high as possible.
By ensuring that you get the proper nutrients (proteins, complex carbs such as fiber, healthy fats such as monounsaturated, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits and veggies), and by making sure that you boost your metabolism with a 100% all natural method, you will most certainly find pounds of fat melting away quicker, easier, and permanently.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Preparing For Interview Questions
If you are contemplating a career change, it does not take a Career Counselor to tell you that the market out there is tough! A career change is a rough thing to pull off in the best of times, and currently, the competition is quite high. While career counselor can give you a lot of good career advice, you will find that there are many things that you can learn on your own. If you want to make sure that you are going to be able to answer questions from your interviewers smoothly and intelligently, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. When looking for Career Advice, remember that the first step is always going to be getting through the interview.
When you are sitting in an interview, particularly if you are dealing with a Behavior Based Interview, you will find that you are in a place where you are going to need to make sure that you are able to answer questions on your strengths and your weaknesses. For instance, you will likely be asked what you feel your biggest weakness is. It is important in this case not to list a character flaw, which many people will jump to. Telling them that you are a procrastinator is not going to get you very far at all, and telling them that you are a workaholic will have a similar reaction.
Instead, why not keep it to something like not being as up on Computer Programming as you would like or something that was similarly technical. Do remember that if you state a weakness that you should take a moment to tell them how you are going to fix it!
When you are looking to ace an interview, remember to adhere to the basics. Be polite, be courteous and definitely be on time. This is something that can make a huge impression; you might not win any points for being on time, but you are sure going to lose some if you show up late! The more that you think about it, the more you will see that simply being polite can get you a long way. On your way out, you might like the idea of dropping a thank you note off with the office; any bit of time that they spend thinking about you positively when you are not in the interview with them is a good thing! Take some time to learn more about the company and make sure that you are up to date on any successes or issues that they have been having lately.
When you are ready to go out to an interview, make sure that you are putting your best foot forward. What do you feel your strengths are? They don't just mean the personal accomplishments that you are most proud of; they mean what you think you can do for their company! How can you put your strength to work for them, and what can they do to make sure that you are going to be giving them the results that they need? Getting hired is all about making sure that they know that you are the best person for the job and that means letting them know that you are going to fit in.
Interviewing for a new job is pretty tough, but the truth of the matter is that you are looking at something that can really turn your life around. Take a moment to find a way to put your best foot forward when you interview.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Barnes and Noble Nook Review
The Nook represents Barnes and Noble's initial venture into the world of eBook readers. It is unique in that it has sought to bridge the gap between standard E Ink readers, and more advanced LCD touchscreen devices. It uses a sharp contrasting, 6 inch, E Ink screen to display text; and below that, uses a 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen to navigate. It also utilizes the power of Google's Android operating system, and frequent firmware updates mean that the system can be upgraded as new developments become available.
The nook is roughly the same size as other 6 - 7 inch readers offered by Sony and Amazon.com. It is almost 4 ounces heavier than the Kindle 3, which users may end up feeling more the longer they use the Nook. It is available in both Wifi and 3G + WiFi models for $149 and $199, respectively.
Many find that the LCD navigation does have a bit of a learning curve. The mind does have some trouble in separating the two screens, and many find themselves trying to tap the E Ink screen as if it were touchscreen as well. Once a user gets over the hump, they find that the experience is more simple than the directional pad navigation of the Kindle and Sony models. For this simplicity, there is a price to be paid, the drain on the battery that is required to run the LCD means that battery life is less than half that of the Kindle 3.
That being said, there are two strong features that present a serious challenge to the segment leading Kindle. First, the Nook supports the ePub format. Many libraries now offer the ability of users to download entire books for free in the ePub format. The users in turn can then transfer them to their Nook via USB and read them like any other title. Second, Barnes and Noble have chosen to integrate the Nook into their retail experience. Users can bring their Nook with them to any Barnes and Noble store and, for one hour per day, read any eBook available via in-store WiFi. Users can also share their purchases with other Nook owning friends by "lending" them their titles for up to 14 days.
The Nook does have its own limitations. There is no ability to purchase new titles outside the United States, even via WiFi. It does not support the viewing of Word or text files. Finally, the dual screen experience does suffer from annoying lag, as the E Ink display does not respond as quickly as the LCD screen.
In all, the Nook is a very capable reader. However, for purely reading's sake, it really does not present any major advantages outside of ePub support. Users that will get the most advantage out of the Nook are people who live within close enough proximity to a Barnes and Noble store, so as to take advantage of the Nook's in-store capabilities.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
News Update: Barnes & Noble Introduces Wi-Fi Only Version of Nook e-Reader, Drops Price
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB7y2Y6ovS0&hl=en
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
UH Offers Textbook Rentals in UH Bookstore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4gzf_LTvgA&hl=en
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Forgotten Source
It is a source leading the way to health, and happiness. It is under us, over us, and all around us. Yet in spite of this, it is might be the last source you turn to. The reasons are quite simple. There are not enough hours in the day, you do not have the right equipment, you do not want to get dirty, you do not feel your body is in the right shape, you do not have enough money, or you find it a bit scary.
With all any of those excuses, it is easier to put that source out of mind. While that is out of mind, things this source can help with are placed on the back burner. Placing things on the back burner until you have the time is fine. Fine until they boil over and create a mess. Once you tap into that forgotten source, you can find a way to clean up almost any mess. The challenge is that it is extremely difficult to tap into anything that has been put out of mind.
The solution to that is simple. Learn how to connect with the forgotten source and you have the freedom to tap into it whenever you choose. Connecting with this source also helps to raise your awareness. Raising your awareness helps you to take care of those things on the back burner before they boil over.
Unlike such practices such as styles of Usui Reiki Ryoho that honor the teachings of Mikao Usui, dedication to study and practice with a qualified Shihan (teacher) is not always required. Teachers are good, but the forgotten source is both teaching and forgiving once you have the introduction.
Finding that forgotten source can be easy and when you look, you will find more than you seek. You can take pleasure in its beauty, discover its range from soft to invigorating heat, bask in its pleasant smells or tastes, listen to sounds ranging from hypnotizing to scary, and much more.
As you no doubt have figured out, the forgotten source is Nature.
Connecting with Nature can help you step into that stream of well-being. Standing near one of the breathtaking waterfalls at various locations on this earth it is impossible to ignore the energy of nature. As energizing as these locations are, you do not have to go any further then your back yard, or window in your home to benefit for Nature's energy. Once you have learned to connect with nature, regardless of where you are the life giving energy nature has to offer, is yours.
When was the last time you looked up at the clouds and simply let go your worries and thoughts to be mesmerized by their form? When was the last time you could forecast rain by looking at the sky or the trees' leaves? When life seems overwhelming have you ever found your mind in that peaceful state as the stars in the night sky dissolved your worries, allowing you to see the solutions? Walking on the moon requires technology and money. You can absorb the mystery and romance of the moon's wondrous energy by simply viewing it from a window.
The next time you step out your door look carefully at what is under your feet. In many parts of the world that plant some people tag an annoying weed, as written in Romeo and Juliet, can heal your skin and more. While that creature sunning itself on a nearby rock might make you run away, is it an actual danger or a danger created by fiction? To connect with nature is not to put yourself in danger, but rather to connect and embrace the positive that you otherwise might never see, feel, hear, taste, or smell. In some areas such as hiking, swimming and viewing wildlife common sense comes into play. On the other hand, common sense is required every time you cross a street or step into any vehicle.
An older man in a neighboring town had the perfect alternative to alcohol or drugs for a stressful day. His bird feeder and a little creative thinking gave him the solution. On the days when he needed some relief, he would go outside and stand by the feeder. He would put some of the seeds in his hand, hold his hand over his head and at least one little bird would then land on his hand. He had learned to connect with one type of bird that never let him down. Landing in the palm of his hand always brought him a smile. Then as the birds left his palm, their wings carried the stresses of his day away.
One day walking in my yard I noticed a butterfly thrashing about in the grass. Common sense says not to touch a butterfly's wings, but I lower my hand into the grass nearby the butterfly. The butterfly crawled over and onto my palm. As I watched the butterfly moving its wings up and down as it sat in my open hand my mind became peaceful. I sat down watching the butterfly in my hand and after a while it flew off leaving me with a smile. When connecting with nature, often all you have to do is sit back and watch.
In all of nature, is that sometimes illusive stream of well-being. Take a moment and do this little exercise. Completely relax all your muscles and your mind. Allow yourself to see, hear, feel, and smell in any way that is comfortable for you. Do not rely on your eyes, ears, or nose, but simply allow your whole self to receive. Focus on the air. Is it moving fast or slow? Is it hot or cold? Is there a color or scent in the air? As the air moves into your lungs how does it feel? Now as you have that awareness of the air bringing oxygen to you, which is absorbed into your cells requiring it for life, you have received a taste of the energy nature has to offer.
The location in which I teach Gendai Reiki-ho, Komyo Reiki, Meditation and Connecting with nature is nestled in the trees. The moment a person steps out of his or her vehicle balance and harmony are offered by nature. What is in balance and surrounded by harmony heals, and so even the Japanese Reiki healing sessions I offer begin before the person I physically greet the person.
Now turn your attention to those uneventful backyards. Did you notice those bold flowers appearing in the most unlikely of places? Did you spot either a toad or snake on patrol for unwelcome insects in the garden or under the bushes? Did you see the dandelion whose roots have been appointed as the soil's doctor? Did you see the chipmunk dashing across the street with his tail straight up so motorists could see him? Did you feel the welcome softness of leaf or take in the enjoyable smell of a flower? Did you see those busy little lives who take their task of pollination so seriously? In the winter, did you see the turkeys and deer breaking up the ice on the driveway? Yes, even those backyards offer smiles that can cancel out most of the negative in life, and allow you to change your thinking to positive.
Nature is both forgiving and teaching. Everything you put into your body and surround yourself with traveled some path to you from the earth. Being omnivores by birth, people obtain energy to maintain the physical body directly from plants, the produces, or other animals. Each person's life depends upon nature. Does not your awakening, production hours, winding down, and then sleep resemble the four seasons? We do not trap sunlight the way plants do, but have you ever felt "a bit off" during that time of the year when the hours of daylight are fewer then night or on some cloudy days? The next time you feel a little off on a cloudy day close your eyes and visualize the life giving sun shining.
So why not simply recognize your birthright connection to nature and embrace that forgotten source of energy and wonderment. Take time to enjoy the beauty of some form of wildlife, to laugh at the antics of other wildlife, or at a safe distance be in awe at the power of still other wildlife. All of wildlife has something to offer to you, and all you have to do is take the time to accept.
The next time you crumble about the holes dug in your backyard, remember who made those holes could be the same wildlife that gave up its home for you to build your home. That same wildlife might also give you wonderful smiles that brighten your day, if you simply take a few minutes to sit quietly and look.
The next time you feel a bit deprived because you have no backyard, go or the local park or simply look out a window. Regardless of what we build, it is surrounded by nature in some form
If you would like to know more about connecting with nature visit my website at http://www.naturalhealinglearning.com and click on the 'Meditation and Beyond' stone.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Good Things at Barnes & Noble in Dublin, CA!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro2FxGrscpA&hl=en
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Kevin Smith @ Barnes and Noble Oct 1 2009 Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85w7usdO43g&hl=en
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
How to Improve Conversation Skills Quickly and Confidently Talk With Anyone
Having good conversation skills can mean more friends, more chances at success in work and also more fun at parties.
But is there a way to improve conversation skills fast? Sure! The following three tips can be very helpful if you are looking for a fast turnaround on improving your conversation skills.
The first thing you want to do is to practice. Yes, follow the old rule of thumb "practice makes perfect." But, practicing conversation skills can be very easy, so don't worry.
There are people constantly around us no matter where our day takes us. For instance, when you're buying your groceries or paying for a meal you can greet the clerk.
In an elevator say hello to the fellow riders rather than ignoring them. You can even practice with your family, friends and co-workers.
But, in order to practice you need to apply the second tip and that is to smile. Smiling makes you seem more warm and welcoming to other people and people naturally gravitate towards others who are smiling.
People naturally want to talk to someone who is smiling. Besides, scientific studies have shown that smiling makes you feel happier.
Just by smiling, you have improved your conversation skills and are on your way to talking with other people more easily.
Finally, you can always read up on ways to have superb conversation skills. Being good at conversation is a learned art, one that has to be taught, much in the same way that it was in years gone by.
There are many great books and internet sites available that can show you ways on improving your skills. By doing some research and following through, you will find that your conversation skills will improve and improve in short order.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Trapping Hands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4J4gxbZWiY&hl=en