About the Book
While suffering is universal, anorexia nervosa is a particularly devastating variant. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health issue and is the leading cause of disability among young women. This book provides a detailed description of how to leverage ACT to help clients with anorexia nervosa (or related problems in living, such as orthorexia, perfectionism or obsessionality) live inside their own skin. Clients move from using rigid rules to maintain emotional and behavioral control to tuning in and taking risks to meet their needs. The book provides a detailed analysis of the problem, case examples and reproducible forms, among other resources. It is useful for clinicians, researchers and students.
"A treasure trove of clinically useful material aimed at helping individuals change restrictive eating patterns. The principles of ACT, including the use of patients' own values and beliefs to inform their behavioral choices, are well matched to the needs of individuals with AN. With clarity and compassion, the authors offer the clinician practical strategies to help patients move toward health."
-- Evelyn Attia, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center; Director, Center for Eating Disorders, New York Presbyterian Hospital
"This book gives us the rarest of combinations—authors with a strong command of assessment and treatment of AN, and a stunning array of clinician support tools that allow even the novice therapist to execute the ACT approach with a high degree of fidelity. The writing style is intensely practical; many highly informative case examples and clinical dialogues demonstrate the core features of ACT. The authors do a wonderful job of constructing a biopsychosocial treatment framework that flawlessly balances the role of psychological and medical interventions.
—Kirk Strosahl, PhD, co-developer of ACT
“The authors have provided an invaluable volume for those interested in understanding or treating this vexing, challenging illness. ACT is particularly well suited to address the cognitive rigidity, avoidance of emotion, and narrowing of experience that characterize AN, and to promote the clarification of personal values needed to build a meaningful life. The book is rich with clinical examples and transcripts, as well as therapist resources and reproducible tools."
—Marsha D. Marcus, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
"This book sits atop a growing body of evidence that psychological flexibility is of direct relevance to patients struggling with AN. It is one thing to know that a set of change processes are relevant, and another to learn how best to target them. This book is the first comprehensive attempt to teach providers how to treat AN using a rich variety of techniques drawn from ACT and the third wave of cognitive-behavioral therapy. ACT is early in its journey as an evidence-based approach in this area, but this well-written book opens up new pathways to explore when existing gold-standard approaches are not enough. Highly recommended."
--Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno; co-developer of ACT
"This book is a gift--it is an accessible read that offers a wealth of new ways to respond to the unrelenting rigidity that can characterize restrictive eating behaviors. Extensive client–therapist dialogues and clinical metaphors help clinicians decode the atypical thinking that supports excessive restriction and illustrate a fresh approach to treatment. The authors are highly experienced, and their personal responses throughout the manual provide much-needed validation for therapists working to manage their own reactions to these challenging clients."
--Linda W. Craighead, PhD, Department of Psychology, Emory University


The following additional discussions of topics from the “Theoretical Background” chapter are available (with the page number of the related material in the current book indicated in parentheses).
- The Schrödinger Equation (p. 467)
- The Born-Oppenheimer Approximation (p. 468)
- Full vs. Limited Configuration Interaction (p. 483)
- Møller-Plesset Perturbation Theory (p. 485)
- The Forms of DFT Functionals (p. 487)
Note: This material is drawn from Appendix A of the second edition of Exploring Chemistry.


J. Emily Somma, BA
Author and Realtor
“Well written…a welcome twist on a familiar tale,” says Gary Curtis and Lee Prokaska, Children’s Book Review Column, Hamilton Spectator.
"J. Emily Somma has written a story filled with wonder, adventure and a great cast of characters," Beverly Rowe, Children's Book Reviewer, Babes to Teens Column, myshelf.com.
"A really good teacher read aloud novel. It was read to my students over the course of two to three weeks. They always looked forward to that part of the day. The plot intrigued them. It was a pleasure to read [After the Rain] to my class." Lori Lippart, 4th Grade Teacher, Algonquin Ridge Elementary School, Barrie ON.
Daisy Books website is being redesigned. Check back soon.
© Daisy Books 2013


write a children’s story about a bat that is bullied out of his family but finds a new family with birds
The Story of Ben the Bat
There once was a little bat named Ben. Ben lived in a cave with his family of bats. But unfortunately, Ben was different from the other bats. While they all had shiny black fur, Ben’s fur was a pale grey color.
The other bats didn’t like that Ben was different, and they often bullied him. They would call him names like “Ghost Bat” and “Ugly Bat”. Ben didn’t understand why they didn’t like him just because he looked a little different.
One day, Ben had had enough. He decided to leave his family and fly out into the world to find a place where he belonged. He flew and flew until he came to a beautiful meadow.
As Ben flew through the meadow, he noticed a group of birds singing and playing together. They were all different colors and sizes, but they seemed to get along just fine. Ben watched from a distance, feeling a little bit jealous.
Just as Ben was about to fly away, one of the birds noticed him. It was a little sparrow named Sally. Sally flew over to Ben and asked him what he was doing all alone. Ben told Sally about how he had been bullied by his family and how he was looking for a new place to belong.
Sally felt sorry for Ben and invited him to join her and the other birds. Ben was hesitant at first, but he eventually agreed. And it was the best decision he ever made.
The birds welcomed Ben with open wings, and he quickly made many new friends. He learned that it didn’t matter what he looked like, what mattered was who he was on the inside.
Ben lived happily with his new bird family for the rest of his days, never feeling bullied or left out again. And he learned that sometimes, the best family is the one that accepts you for who you are.


Christmas Message from Bishop Michael Curry
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Christmas Message 2017
In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul says,
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new is come.
At a point in that passage, St. Paul says, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself,” and he also says at another point in the same passage, “and we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.”
Have you ever gone to the movies or read a story or a novel, and the novel starts with the end, so you know where the story ends, but then the rest of the story or the novel is actually the story behind the story. We know about Christmas. We know about Mary. We know about Joseph. We know about the angels singing Gloria in excelsis deo. We know from our childhood the animals in the stable. We know of the magi who come from afar, arriving around Epiphany, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We know of the angels singing in the heavens, and the star that shown above them. Therein is the story.
But the story behind the story is what St. Paul was talking about. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Jesus has now given us that same ministry of reconciliation. God was reconciling the world to himself by becoming one of us. The divine became human. God entered history. Eternity became part of time. God was reconciling the world to himself by actually living it himself. In Jesus, God came among us to show us the way, to be reconciled with the God who has created us all and everything that is. And God has likewise come in the person of Jesus, to show us how to be reconciled with each other, as children of the one God who is the Creator of us all. That’s the story behind Christmas.
God is showing us the Way to become God’s children, and as God’s children, brothers and sisters of each other. God is showing us in Jesus how to become God’s family and how to change, and build, and make a world where everybody is a part of that family. Where children don’t go to bed hungry. Where no one has to be lonely. Where justice is real for all and where love is the ultimate law.
Know there is a story behind the story, and it’s a story worth singing about, and giving thanks for, and then living.
One of my favorite writers, the late Howard Thurman, composed a poem many years ago about Christmas, and he says it probably better than I:
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, Then the work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace to others, And alas, to make music in the heart.
The story behind the story is that God so loved the world, and so loves you, and so loves me.
Have a blessed Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and go out and make music in the heart of the world.
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church


STALIN & THE BOMB
464 pages, 49 photographs
For forty years the Soviet-American nuclear arms race dominated world politics, yet the Soviet nuclear establishment was shrouded in secrecy. Now that the Cold War is over and the Soviet Union has collapsed, it is possible to answer questions that have intrigued policymakers and the public for years. This book traces the history of the Soviet nuclear policy from the development of physics in the 1920's to the testing of the hydrogen bomb and the emergence of nuclear deterrence in the mid- 1950's.


Typically, I choose several appropriate books at the library & bring them home and then the boys get to choose their next reading book from the selection I have provided. A few weeks ago I brought home the first book in the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Matthew chose it as his next book and he. loved. it!
He has since finished the first book & another book in the series. Both times he has chosen to read 2 or 3 chapters in one day just so he can finish the book faster and move on to the next book in the series. I cannot express how huge this is for him - and me! He has been enjoying, even looking forward to, reading time each day and choosing to push himself for the first time and I am thrilled!
Any book that helps him to love reading deserves a spot in my 'favorites' list, for sure!


Windows 10 1803 fails to boot correctly restoring images using ZENworks imaging (img).
The Tuxera High Performance NTFS driver is required in order to successfully restore a Windows 10 1803 image.
Steps to validate the Tuxera driver:
- Review the NTFSDriver.conf file:
Review the NTFSDriver.conf file from the latest imaging update that has been applied. The NTFSDriver.conf file content in the preboot folder should be the same.
If they are not then this implies that the imaging update may not have applied correctly. The driver_url entry provides the URL used by ZCC to let you download the tntfs.zip file.
- Download the tntfs.zip file.
Open the zip file and make a note of the file sizes and time stamps. Review the files in the TFTP root folder structure:
Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Novell\ZENworks\share\tftp\<ZENversion>
The files in this folder should match the files in the tntfs.zip file. If not, the Tuxera driver has not uploaded or distributed correctly.
To review which files are stored in the content repository check the ntfsdriver-<number>.zip file in the content-repo/tmp/imaging folder.
Path to the content-repo folder on the server:
This file can be deleted if required and then upload a new tntfs.zip via ZCC.
Alternatively call Micro Focus support and request assistance upgrading the Tuxera driver to the latest available version.


This post was originally published today on Dana Hall School’s blog, The Roar.
On April 12, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, for marching for civil rights without a permit; he remained in jail for 11 days, during which he wrote his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” That is, 56 years ago this very week, King was in jail and writing the Letter that continues to inspire thousands of people.
My students and I read King’s Letter fairly early in the year whenever I teach AP English Language and Composition, both because it is brilliant in its own right and because it lays the groundwork for my pedagogy of asking students to begin building what I call “an internal library.”
One of the many things that astonishes me about King’s Letter is that he wrote it under such adverse circumstances. An ally smuggled into his jail cell the newspaper that contained a statement by eight white Alabama clergymen denouncing King’s activities, and he immediately began writing a response. As he later explained, “Begun on the margins of the newspaper in which the statement appeared while I was in jail, the letter was continued on scraps of writing paper supplied by a friendly black trusty, and concluded on a pad my attorneys were eventually permitted to leave me.”
And yet, sitting there in his jail cell, writing on scraps of paper and with nary a book in sight, King draws powerfully on 2,000 years of resources. He discusses ancient and modern history as well as current events. He quotes from the bible, from legal statements, from Abraham Lincoln and from Martin Luther. And he can do all of this because he essentially carries those writings within himself. In my imagination, I see him going into his own mind and browsing the bookshelves of the extensive library that resides there.
An internal library helped King write an extraordinary manifesto of civil rights, and that Letter has in turn become part of my own internal library. I turn to it often when I’m trying to work through the right and wrong of a situation … and by “turn to it,” I mean that I call up the relevant passages in my mind. Yes, I could easily look it up on the internet, but I know it well and can simply flip to the passages I want in my own mind. My internal library comes nowhere close to rivaling King’s, but in just this past week, I have pulled King, Henry David Thoreau, and Emily Dickinson off the bookshelves of my mind so that I can consult and quote from them.
And so I have my students begin to build their own internal libraries. My AP English Language and Composition students select and memorize five lines from King’s Letter that they can imagine wanting to consult in the future. My US History students this winter memorized and recited Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” so that “of the people, by the people, for the people” now lives within them. I asked my seniors this month to choose five books from their high school reading that they want to be able to carry around with them mentally. And later this spring, my ninth graders will memorize the speech of their choice from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and I will tell them the story of a wonderful spring day several years ago, when my class was performing the final act from the play for some visiting grandparents. As one student began speaking Macbeth’s “out, out, brief candle!” speech, a grandmother began delightedly reciting it with her, having learned it in her own high school days. There could have been no better lesson in the joy that comes from a well-built and well-maintained internal library.
What’s on your own library shelves?


The Justice in Mexico project at the Trans-Border Institute of the University of San Diego has just published a new study that compiles the various public-source data on drug and gang related killings in Mexico over the past decade. According to the report:
Mexico closed the decade with an unprecedented level of violence, and a record num-
ber of drug-related killings in 2009. In light of the spectacular nature of this violence
and the challenge it represents for the Mexican state, it raises serious concerns for the
Mexican public, for policy makers, and for Mexico’s neighboring countries. This report
provides an overview of the trends found in available data on drug-related killings in
Mexico, and offers some brief observations about the causes of violence and the effec-
tiveness of recent efforts to combat organized crime.


Drawing on our experience in career consultation and psychology, we can assert the remarkable importance of honing critical thinking skills in personal and professional lives. One of the effective ways of nurturing these skills is through reading well-curated books. As a result, understanding how to select and utilize a critical thinking skills book is a valuable asset in your development journey.
Critical Thinking: An Essential Skill for the 21st Century
Before delving into the core matter of critical thinking skills books, it’s essential to comprehend what critical thinking means. Critical thinking refers to the ability to think clearly, logically, and objectively. It involves questioning ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face value. It’s about finding solutions to problems and making decisions, underpinning the roots of our actions and beliefs (Dwyer, Hogan, & Stewart, 2014).
The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U, 2020) classified critical thinking as one of the top skills sought by employers. It’s an important competency that drives innovation and decision making in the corporate world, especially in the information age. Therefore, sharpening this skill is not an option but a necessity in the current competitive world.
The Role of Books in Cultivating Critical Thinking Skills
A well-written critical thinking skills book can serve as an instrumental guide in honing these skills. Studies suggest that reading plays a vital role in promoting critical thinking. It allows you to step into a different perspective, analyze complex situations, evaluate different viewpoints, and synthesize information (Durkin, 1978-79).
For instance, a 2016 study conducted by Kidd and Castano concluded that reading literary fiction enhances the ability to understand other’s mental states—a key aspect of empathy, which is an important component of critical thinking. While these results are intriguing, it’s worth noting that not all books will cultivate these skills. The book’s content, structure, and style play a significant role in determining its effectiveness in fostering critical thinking.
Attributes of an Effective Critical Thinking Skills Book
When you’re on the quest for a critical thinking skills book, here are a few attributes to look for:
1. Relevance and Practicality: The book should be relevant to your needs and provide practical strategies to apply critical thinking in your day-to-day life. It should contain real-life examples and case studies to give you a deeper understanding of how to apply these skills. It’s not just about theories and concepts, but about their practical applications as well.
2. Clarity and Accessibility: An effective book should articulate ideas in a clear and accessible manner. Complex concepts should be broken down into understandable chunks without sacrificing depth and insight.
3. Engagement and Interaction: The book should engage readers and stimulate their thinking. It should include interactive elements like thought experiments, exercises, or quizzes that provide an opportunity to practice critical thinking.
4. Evidence-Based Content: Look for books that base their strategies and recommendations on solid research. They should cite studies, references, and include a comprehensive bibliography.
Top 15 Critical Thinking Skills Books
Due to our practical knowledge in the field, we have curated a list of top 5 critical thinking skills books that offer rich content and practical strategies. These books are backed by solid research and have received positive reviews from readers worldwide.
1. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
A Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, Daniel Kahneman explores two systems that drive the way we think—System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and deliberate. Kahneman’s exploration of these two systems dives deep into the complexities of decision making and judgement—both crucial aspects of critical thinking.
2. “The Art of Thinking Clearly” by Rolf Dobelli
Dobelli provides a global tour of cognitive biases that affect our thinking. The book explains how to avoid common errors in thinking, helping to develop clearer and more critical thinking patterns.
3. “Critical Thinking: The Nature and Development of Professional Judgement” by Robert H. Ennis
Ennis offers a thorough overview of the concept of critical thinking and its application in professional contexts. His academic approach to critical thinking presents well-structured arguments and uses examples relevant to various professional fields.
4. “Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills” by Michael Kallet
Kallet, with his 30 years of experience in business, provides a step-by-step framework for critical thinking that is easily applicable in real-world situations. The book is laden with practical tools and techniques that make it a handy guide for anyone looking to enhance their critical thinking skills.
5. “Mindware: Tools for Smart Thinking” by Richard E. Nisbett
Nisbett’s book sheds light on various psychological and philosophical tools that one can use to develop more effective critical thinking skills. It offers readers a suite of scientific insights into how the mind works and how to improve its performance.
6. “The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking” by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird
This book presents five fundamental principles that you can use to improve your critical thinking skills. These are understanding deeply, avoiding mistakes, raising questions, following the flow of ideas, and seeing the world in a new way.
7. “Critical Thinking: Your Guide to Effective Argument, Successful Analysis and Independent Study” by Tom Chatfield
Chatfield’s book is a systematic guide to critical thinking. It equips readers with essential tools to effectively analyze, argue, and reflect on the evidence. This book is also a great resource for students who want to improve their study skills.
8. “The Power of Critical Thinking” by Lewis Vaughn
Vaughn’s book offers an introduction to the dynamic subject of critical thinking. The book emphasizes the practicality of decision-making skills and the importance of developing well-reasoned arguments.
9. “The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark” by Carl Sagan
Sagan’s masterpiece encourages readers to develop skepticism and critical thinking. It aims to debunk pseudoscience and superstitions by promoting logical thinking and scientific skepticism.
10. “How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds” by Alan Jacobs
This book presents a compelling case for improving the way we think. Jacobs provides readers with strategies for thinking more clearly and offers insights into the benefits of thinking differently.
11. “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking” by M. Neil Browne and Stuart M. Keeley
This book offers a methodology for critical thinking that involves asking a series of questions. It’s a step-by-step guide that trains readers to methodically analyze and evaluate various arguments and perspectives.
12. “Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking” by D.Q. McInerny
McInerny’s work provides a roadmap to logical thinking and effective communication. It is a concise yet comprehensive guide to using logic to decipher the complexities of daily life.
13. “The Decision Book: Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking” by Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschäppeler
A handy guide, this book presents fifty models of strategic thinking to improve decision-making and critical thinking skills.
14. “The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning” by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn
The book offers an engaging approach to recognizing faulty reasoning and propaganda, with lessons on how to distinguish good logic from bad.
15. “Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think” by Hans Rosling
Rosling’s book teaches readers to remove biases from their thinking and to look at the world based on facts. This is a perfect read for honing the ability to think critically about the information we receive.
Choosing a book from this list, or reading several, will undoubtedly offer you powerful tools for improving your critical thinking skills. The journey of refining these abilities is a continuous process, and it’s essential to take the initiative and make the most of the valuable resources at your disposal.
Remember, developing robust critical thinking skills doesn’t happen overnight, but every step you take in reading, understanding, and applying the knowledge you gain from these books will go a long way in your personal and professional life.
Cultivating Critical Thinking Through Reading
After choosing a suitable book, it’s essential to cultivate effective reading habits that promote critical thinking.
1. Active Reading: Avoid passive reading. Ask questions, make connections, infer meanings, and synthesize information. As Elder and Paul (2006) suggested, thinking is driven by questions. Be curious, and let your curiosity guide your reading.
2. Analytical Approach: Try to identify the author’s main argument, evaluate the evidence provided, and look for any potential biases.
3. Reflection: After finishing a chapter or a book, take some time to reflect on what you have read. Can you apply the ideas or principles in your life? What did you agree or disagree with, and why?
4. Discussion: Discuss what you’ve read with others. This helps in understanding different perspectives, clarifying your thoughts, and deepening your understanding.
5. Note-Taking: Taking notes can help you to remember and process the information. Use techniques like summarizing, diagramming, or mind mapping to make your notes more effective.
Wrapping Up about Critical Thinking Skills Through Books
The journey of developing critical thinking skills is a continuous process, and books can serve as potent tools in this expedition. The true power of a critical thinking skills book lies not just in reading it but in implementing the gained knowledge and wisdom into our daily lives. Hence, start today. Pick up a book, question your assumptions, broaden your horizons, and keep learning and growing. Remember, as the Greek philosopher Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
- Dwyer, C. P., Hogan, M. J., & Stewart, I. (2014). An integrated critical thinking framework for the 21st century. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 12, 43-52.
- Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). (2020). Critical thinking VALUE rubric.
- Durkin, D. (1978-79). What classroom observations reveal about reading comprehension instruction. Reading Research Quarterly, 14, 481-533.
- Kidd, D. C., & Castano, E. (2013). Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind. Science, 342(6156), 377-380.
- Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2006). Critical thinking: The nature of critical and creative thought. Journal of Developmental Education, 30(2), 34.
- World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020.
- Van Gelder, T. (2005). Teaching Critical Thinking: Some Lessons from Cognitive Science. College Teaching, 53(1), 41-48.


I don’t know about you, but I feel like this year has gone by so quickly. The holidays are only about a month away, and that means figuring out what to buy people. Buying gifts for loved ones who love books is about to get a whole lot easier.
With the help of my fellow bookworms, I’ve compiled a list of some of the items that would be most appreciated as holiday gifts that aren’t books. Here are some of the things we came up with, but I’d love to hear if you’ve got more ideas!
A true book lover needs something to hold their place in a book, and there are some really beautiful bookmarks available. When asked for feedback, my people overwhelmingly responded that they wanted bookmarks, so that is why this holds the number one spot. Some specific types were wooden bookmarks, custom wire bookmarks, anchor bookmarks, and even book darts. There are so many beautiful choices, and I’m always partial to checking out etsy.com first in order to support small businesses.
Scented candles are always nice to light while reading a book. There are a lot of companies that actually make candles with scents inspired by various books. While I haven’t tried any of these, a simple Google search for bookish candles will bring up a ton of sites.
3. Gift box subscriptions
This is something I’ve seen a lot of recently, and people absolutely love these boxes. You can order one box or an ongoing subscription. Depending on which box you order, it contains either books or books and various book-related goodies. Some of the more popular ones include OwlCrate, Illumicrate, and Fae Crate (which all include books and other stuff), and if you’re just looking for books, you may want to consider Book of the Month Club.
4. Library card coasters
These are super cute coasters are based on the due date cards that used to be in the back of library books, and are the perfect coffee table addition for a book lover. A word of advice – you will want to make sure that the one you choose is waterproof.
5. Book page wreaths
This is a super cool item that is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than a traditional wreath, this one is made out of pages! You can find a ton of these by looking up the term on Google, but there are a lot of gorgeous choices on etsy.com too.
6. Personalized bookends
Having shelves of books always comes with a problem – the books don’t stay where we put them. This is where bookends come into the picture. Personalized bookends are a great gift for any book lover, and there are endless ways to customize them. Letters, engraved crystal, quotes, scenery, and anything else you can think of can be put on a bookend.
As bookish people, we are often lovers of quotes and may struggle to stay organized. Calendars are often invaluable for us. I personally cannot function without my calendar to keep track of when things need to be posted, along with tracking my appointments. There are some really awesome bookish calendars out there.
8. Book themed mugs with some coffee or tea
For people who drink coffee or tea, a mug with a bookish theme and some of their favorite coffee/tea is the perfect gift. Plus the caffeine helps us stay up and read more!
9. Kindle or Nook e-readers
Although many of us still enjoy reading actual books, it’s hard to beat the convenience of e-readers. They can hold thousands of books in a tiny little handheld device, read in the dark (especially helpful if you share a bed with someone who is sleeping while you’re trying to read), and download books from your library/Amazon/Barnes & Noble without ever having to leave your house.
This post uses affiliate links and I will receive a small commission for purchases made through my links at no additional cost to you.
10. Shelves or other cool storage for books
Another problem of book hoarding is where to put them all. Book shelves or cool storage spaces will always be appreciated by the book lover in your life.
11. A cozy blanket to cuddle under
Especially in the colder months, the only thing better than having a great book is having a cuddly blanket to curl up in while reading. This is another gift that you can’t go wrong with.
12. A tub caddy for people who like to read in the bath
Some people absolutely love to read in the bath and find it more relaxing than anything else. There are tub caddy reading racks that fit over the sides of the bathtub, and have a spot to prop up the book (so the pages don’t get wet), along with a place to put a wine glass or other beverage of your choice.
13. A book light
For people who are purists and adore actual books over e-readers, a book light can make it a lot easier to read in conditions with low light. This also helps not to disturb a partner who wants the lights off.
14. Headphones for people who love audiobooks
Audiobooks are another hot trend. For people who don’t or can’t read traditional books, whether it’s due to a disability, lack of time, or just because they don’t like to read, audiobooks are a lifesaver. They allow people to read books while doing other things, like chores or other boring tasks. A pair of headphones, especially wireless/Bluetooth headphones can be the best possible gift, since they allow the user to have both hands free to do other things without being tethered to a phone.
Bookish pendants or other jewelry can be a lovely gift for the bookworm in your life. There are so many different options out there, and once again, etsy.com is always my first choice for jewelry. Many sellers can customize their offerings to your needs, and are usually really affordable.
16. Fairy lights
Fairy lights is probably one of my very favorite trends right now. It’s such a beautiful way to showcase bookshelves (or anything else) without being overwhelming. If your loved one is a bookstagrammer (takes photos of their books and posts them on Instagram), fairy lights will definitely be appreciated. Plus, they look super festive in any season!
17. Book pillows
There are some really cute throw pillows that you can find with books as a theme. Lots of them have cute or funny sayings on them – my favorite is “Go away, I’m reading,” but there’s so many different ones to choose from. I also saw some that are actually shaped like plush, velvety books.


Valentine’s Food for Fines Campaign
Reduce your library fines while helping your community with Cape Breton Regional Library’s Valentine’s Food for Fines campaign. From February 1st to February 15th, the library is accepting donations of non-perishable food items for local food banks. For each acceptable food item, existing library overdue fines will be lowered by $2.00 to a maximum of $20.00 per library card. (Please note: Charges for lost or damaged items cannot be reduced through the food for fines campaign.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What items are most needed by the food banks?
Canned beans, chickpeas, and lentils
Canned meats and fish
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canned evaporated milk
Boxes of cereal
Boxes of tea bags
What items are not accepted?
Food past its best before date
Junk food or food with limited nutritional value
Where and when can my items be dropped off?
Items can be dropped off during open hours at all branches of Cape Breton Regional Library from February 1 to February 14, 2019. Items must be given to a library staff member; please do not leave food donations in library book drops.
Where will items be donated?
Donations will be distributed to several local food banks in Cape Breton and Victoria counties, including:
Glace Bay Food Bank
Loaves and Fishes, Sydney
North of Smokey Food Bank Association, Ingonish
North Sydney Community Food Bank
Helping Hands South of Smokey Society, Baddeck
St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, New Waterford
Sydney Mines & Area Food Bank
Can I make a monetary donation to the campaign?
We are unable to accept monetary donations for other organizations as part of the campaign. If you wish to make a monetary donation, we encourage you to donate directly to the food bank of your choice.
Can I make a food donation even if I do not have overdue fines?
Yes! Feel free to make a donation regardless of fees.
Can my donation be used to cover fines I might accrue in the future?
Sorry, your donated items can only be applied to existing fines and cannot be used for future credit.
Can my donations be applied to someone else’s fines?
This is the first time CBRL has held a Food for Fines campaign on a system-wide scale, so in an effort to streamline things, patrons can pay their own fines or those of a family member if the other individual is present. The library held a Pay it Forward campaign a little over a year ago in which patrons could donate funds to help others reduce their fines. Several branches still have funds remaining from that initiative to help those in need, thanks to our very thoughtful and generous library patrons.
If you have additional questions, please contact your local library.


Bruce Irving is an optical engineer with a lifelong interest in space and aviation. He has a B.S. in physics from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.S. in optics from the University of Rochester and has worked for over twenty-five years for an engineering software company, most recently as international distribution manager. In recent years, Bruce has developed, distributed over the web, and occasionally presented various space-related educational outreach materials. He is also a private pilot and a singer/songwriter.
Past events hosted by this Ambassador:
Exploring Space with a Computer Beaman Library
Podcast: JPL's Greatest Hits Web based podcast
Robots, Astronauts, and You Beaman Memorial Library


Though its function has changed quite a bit over the years, the local library still plays an important role in shaping your child’s relationship to reading and books. Whether you live in a small town or a sprawling urban area, your local library offers your whole family benefits that go far beyond books.
Regular library visits lead to more reading.
Research shows that reading actually aids in brain development. When you read to your children (especially in their first five years of life), their brain cells are literally turned on, existing links are strengthened, and new ones are formed.
Reading is also fundamental to providing foundational language and literacy skills your child needs to succeed. In addition, reading aloud connects the reader and listener in a very intimate way. When we read aloud to kids, we send them a message that they are important.
Visiting the library exposes kids to an almost limitless supply of books.
Books can be expensive, especially hardcover ones. If you’re like most of us, you’re on a budget and need to put a limit on how much you can spend. Let’s face it — kids outgrow books almost as fast as clothes or shoes. Their tastes change and their reading skills increase.
Don’t get us wrong — you can and should take your children to the bookstore to let them pick out books. Going to the library offers them a chance to choose from hundreds or even thousands of titles. You can check out as many books as you’d like, and then come back when you’re done for a new pile.
The library also allows kids to expand their repertoire. There’s no pressure to buy, so they can “test drive” a new author or genre that they might not have picked before.
Think of the librarian as your own personal book expert.
It’s their job — literally. Children’s librarians have a pulse on the hottest authors and titles in the juvenile literary world and can suggest stories that might be out of your child’s norm.
Like the bookstore, many libraries include a “Bestseller” section for both kids and adults.
The library has so much more than just books.
Most libraries offer tons of free education and entertainment, for all ages. The list varies from town-to-town, but some we’ve seen include family movie nights, after-school programs, STEM clubs, knitting circles, genealogy classes, Lego building sessions, and much more. Many libraries also offer free or discounted passes to local museums. Your library is a treasure trove of things to do.
In addition, the children’s section in most libraries is not a place for shushing and silence. Most young library patrons are encouraged to interact — through play, with books and magazines, on computers and tablets, etc. It’s not uncommon to see kids curled up in cozy corners on over-sized pillows and bean bag chairs, reading a book or listening to an e-reader.
Owning a library card teaches kids responsibility.
When a child has their own library card, they feel trustworthy, responsible and mature. They learn to treat things that belong to others with care. They learn about sharing books and being a member of a community. A child’s first library card is a rite of passage.
So get your child a library card — and underscore its importance. Take pics of the occasion. Go out for ice cream to celebrate.
And then, go home and open up a book!
Create your own Summer Bucket List with this printable PDF.
There’s plenty of room for you to brainstorm fun ideas with your family. But most importantly – don’t forget to have fun!


The UnivaPay API is a RESTful HTTPS interface used to make various payments – from single charges to subscriptions. This page details the resources available via the API and information about using the service.
While you can make direct HTTP requests to use the API, the UnivaPay team maintains a number of libraries for several commonly used programming languages. It is highly recommended to make use of the libraries as they incorporate various best practices, contain valuable type information, and will make integration much easier. Their usage examples will be available in addition to cURL requests for resources on this page.


The 50 Healthiest 10-Minute Recipes
By Dr. Anne Fleck, former head of department of Internal Medicine at the LANS Medicum, known for her German television series "Die Ernährungsdocs” (The Nutritional Docs). Eating healthy and delicious diet is that easy! The dishes in this book are not only very good for you, but also taste fantastic. All recipes can be prepared within just 10 minutes - a true blessing for those who like it uncomplicated and healthy.
Su Vössing, formerly Germany's youngest star chef, has developed over 50 unique recipes according to the nutritional advice from Dr. Anne Fleck. In accordance with the renowned LANS Med Concept and the latest findings of nutritional medicine, Dr. Anne Fleck has chosen the ingredients for this book in such a way, that one healthy meal a day is sufficient to provide the body with all the vitamins, trace elements, fatty acids and secondary plant substances it requires. Many of the dishes are also suitable for traveling or for the office.
In addition, the book offers six exclusive recipes from the chef of Lanserhof Tegernsee, Karsten Wolf, as well as tips and recipes for breakfast, snacks, main dishes and many more. Short texts inform the reader about the food and its particular effect on the body.
Editor of "The 50 healthiest 10-minute recipes" and pioneer of the LANS Med Concept is Lanserhof owner Dr. Christian Harisch.


HD VERSION (1920 x 1080 px)
Big Ben and Churchill statue. Time lapse of the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in London through sunset. In the foreground is the statue of Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain during the Second World War. 19 seconds
More about Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, DL, FRS, RA (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965) was a British statesman who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century, Churchill was also an officer in the British Army, a historian, a writer (as Winston S. Churchill), and an artist. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and was the first person to be made an honorary citizen of the United States.
Churchill was born into the aristocratic family of the Dukes of Marlborough, a branch of the Spencer family. His father, Lord Randolph Churchill, was a charismatic politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer; his mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American socialite. As a young army officer, he saw action in British India, the Sudan, and the Second Boer War. He gained fame as a war correspondent and wrote books about his campaigns.
At the forefront of politics for fifty years, he held many political and cabinet positions. Before the First World War, he served as President of the Board of Trade, Home Secretary, and First Lord of the Admiralty as part of Asquith’s Liberal government. During the war, he continued as First Lord of the Admiralty until the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign caused his departure from government. He then briefly resumed active army service on the Western Front as commander of the 6th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He returned to government as Minister of Munitions, Secretary of State for War, and Secretary of State for Air. In 1921–1922 Churchill served as Secretary of State for the Colonies, then Chancellor of the Exchequer in Baldwin’s Conservative government of 1924–1929, controversially returning the pound sterling in 1925 to the gold standard at its pre-war parity, a move widely seen as creating deflationary pressure on the UK economy. Also controversial were his opposition to increased home rule for India and his resistance to the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII.
Out of office and politically “in the wilderness” during the 1930s, Churchill took the lead in warning about Nazi Germany and in campaigning for rearmament. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was again appointed First Lord of the Admiralty. Following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain on 10 May 1940, Churchill became Prime Minister. His steadfast refusal to consider surrender helped inspire British resistance, especially during the difficult early days of the war when the British Commonwealth and Empire stood alone in its active opposition to Adolf Hitler. Churchill was particularly noted for his speeches and radio broadcasts, which helped inspire the British people. He led Britain as Prime Minister until victory over Nazi Germany had been secured.
After the Conservative Party lost the 1945 election, he became Leader of the Opposition to the Labour Government. He publicly warned of an “Iron Curtain” of Soviet influence in Europe and promoted European unity. After winning the 1951 election, Churchill again became Prime Minister. His second term was preoccupied by foreign affairs, including the Malayan Emergency, Mau Mau Uprising, Korean War, and UK-backed coup d’état in Iran. Domestically his government laid great emphasis on house-building, and introduced safety and sanitation regulations for housing and workplaces. Churchill suffered a serious stroke in 1953 and retired as Prime Minister in 1955, although he remained a Member of Parliament until 1964. Upon his death aged ninety in 1965, Elizabeth II granted him the honour of a state funeral, which saw one of the largest assemblies of world statesmen in history. Named the Greatest Briton of all time in a 2002 poll, Churchill is widely regarded as being among the most influential people in British history, consistently ranking well in opinion polls of Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.


WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT fearless media
"No one sums up the current media maelstrom better than Peter Csathy. His latest book is a must-read for anyone in the entertainment industry, particularly those hoping to make sense of this brave new mobile, digital, and fractured world. Brilliant and compelling."
-- Brent Lang, Variety
"An invaluable guide to the ever-growing, constantly-shifting and often-confusing array of star players in the new media universe."
-- Zack O'Malley Greenburg, Forbes
“Peter Csathy navigates the wild west of digital media with skill and precision. His salient insights are delivered in a way that is compelling, entertaining and completely accessible. He renders a rapidly changing industry a little less intimidating.”
— David Ng, Los Angeles Times
“Csathy delivers an approachable, thorough and enlightening account of the ever-evolving media landscape. Consider this a blueprint to navigate the twists and turns of the world of new media.”
— David Kretzmann, The Motley Fool
"Peter Csathy's new book is a 'must read' for both insiders and outsiders -- anybody -- interested in the business of digital media."
-- Sahil Patel, Digiday
"Peter Csathy sees the media world and where it's going like very few can. I recommend his book highly. If you touch anything close to the media and tech worlds, consider this mandatory reading."
-- Jon Miller, Former CEO AOL
"Csathy delivers an entertaining, informed and incisive read on the state of digital media -- and where it's headed -- along with practical tips for navigating the industry's shifting tides."
-- Todd Spangler, Variety
"Lively and informative. Csathy has long been the go-to expert for writers to make sense of the rapidly evolving media landscape. A great guide to the 'tech-tonic' shifts to come."
-- Dawn Chmielewski, Deadline
"Congrats to Peter Csathy, proving again that he is one of the few top industry execs who can lay out and dissect -- in a great read -- the near-term meaning and long range implications of the investment, deal-making and strategic wins and losses in our day-to-day digital landscape. Whether you're a biz dev exec in a media company or a day-trader in tech, ‘Fearless Media’ will give you a strategic edge on your fiercest competitors."
-- Victor Harwood, President, Digital Hollywood
"A thought-provoking and fascinating look into what the future of media could be in 2019."
-- Jim Louderback, CEO, VidCon
"Peter Csathy is one of the smartest guys in new media."
-- Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
synopsis of FEARLESS MEDIA
“FEARLESS MEDIA” IS PETER CSATHY’S CALL TO ACTION & INSIDER’S GUIDE TO OUR NEW FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORMED MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT WORLD (& WHERE IT’S GOING)
“Media 2.0” represents our tech-transformed new media and entertainment world, the ever-accelerating pace of which is astounding. Media 2.0 impacts all of us. In ways we realize, but many (most?) we don’t, and won’t until we look back years from now. “Fearless Media“ is a call for bold and even sometimes audacious action to beat back hyper-competition and thrive amidst Media 2.0’s frenetic waters.
Peter Csathy's upcoming new book, FEARLESS MEDIA, features exclusive interviews with more than 30 key CEOs, investors & influencers and takes you on a journey of how technology has transformed the world of content, offering a detailed snapshot of today’s new media world — including Internet-driven over-the-top (OTT) video, music, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), eSports, and tech-transformed live events. Csathy identifies today’s new media leaders, identifies their strengths and vulnerabilities, highlights 2018’s Media 2.0 headline stories, and names his “Fearless Five” companies that made the boldest and most audacious Media 2.0 moves in 2018.
Csathy also lays out a detailed roadmap of where the digital media world is going in 2019 and beyond via his renowned “Top 10” predictions — and identifies concrete strategies and actions to immediately leverage the power of Media 2.0. To take action, and be fearless!


The Iconic Reverso: A History of Jaeger Lecoultre’s Signature Watch
Jaeger Lecoultre is a name that resonates with luxury and innovation in the world of horology. Among its impressive collection of watches, the Reverso stands out as the brand’s signature timepiece. The Reverso is an iconic watch that has endured for over 90 years, proving its timeless appeal and functional elegance. This article explores the history of the Reverso, from its origins in the 1930s to its evolution into a modern classic.
Rediscovering the Reverso: A Timeless Classic
The Reverso was born out of a practical need. In the early 1930s, polo players in India were frustrated with the fragility of their watches during matches. They needed a timepiece that could withstand the rough and tumble of the sport. Enter César de Trey, a Swiss businessman who was instrumental in the creation of the Reverso. He approached Jaeger Lecoultre with the idea of a watch that could be flipped over to protect the glass and dial. The Reverso was born.
The first Reverso model was released in 1931, and it was an instant success. The watch’s unique design and functionality made it a hit with watch enthusiasts and polo players alike. The Reverso’s rectangular case, clean lines, and Art Deco-inspired design captured the spirit of the time. The watch’s ability to flip over and protect the dial made it practical as well as stylish.
The Legend Continues: Jaeger Lecoultre’s Iconic Watch
Over the years, the Reverso has evolved into a true icon of watchmaking. Jaeger Lecoultre has continued to innovate and refine the design, while staying true to the watch’s original concept. Today, the Reverso is available in a wide range of styles, from classic to modern, and in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, gold, and platinum.
One of the reasons for the Reverso’s enduring popularity is its versatility. The watch can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for any occasion. It’s also highly customizable, with options for different straps, dials, and complications. Despite these variations, the Reverso’s distinctive rectangular shape and flip-over case remain constant.
Jaeger Lecoultre has also created special edition Reverso watches to mark significant milestones. For example, in 2011, the brand celebrated the Reverso’s 80th anniversary with a limited edition watch, the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931. This watch paid homage to the original Reverso model, with its Art Deco styling and flip-over case.
From Art Deco to Modern Times: The Story of the Reverso
The Reverso’s design has always been influenced by the Art Deco movement, which was popular in the early 20th century. The watch’s clean lines, geometric shapes, and use of contrasting materials reflect this aesthetic. The Reverso’s flip-over case was also inspired by Art Deco architecture, which favored innovative and functional design.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Reverso underwent some design changes, in keeping with the fashion of the time. The watch became more streamlined and minimalist, with fewer decorative elements. However, the basic rectangular shape and flip-over case remained unchanged.
In recent years, Jaeger Lecoultre has continued to adapt the Reverso to modern tastes, while retaining its classic appeal. For example, in 2016, the brand released the Reverso One Duetto Moon, a watch that combines traditional design with modern features, such as a moon phase indicator and a double-sided dial.
The Reverso has also been the subject of artistic collaborations, with Jaeger Lecoultre partnering with renowned artists and designers to create limited edition watches. These collaborations have produced some of the most unique and striking Reverso models, such as the Reverso by Christian Louboutin, which features the shoe designer’s signature red sole on the back of the case.
The Future of the Reverso
As the Reverso approaches its 100th anniversary, Jaeger Lecoultre shows no signs of slowing down. The brand continues to innovate and experiment with the design, while remaining faithful to the watch’s heritage. The Reverso remains a symbol of timeless elegance and innovation, and its popularity is sure to endure for many years to come.
The Reverso is not just a watch, it’s a cultural icon. From its humble beginnings as a practical solution for polo players to its status as a luxury timepiece for watch enthusiasts, the Reverso has come a long way. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless design and functionality.
Jaeger Lecoultre’s commitment to excellence and innovation has ensured that the Reverso remains relevant in a fast-changing world. The brand’s ability to balance tradition and modernity has made the Reverso a watch for all seasons. As we look to the future, we can be sure that the Reverso will continue to captivate and inspire watch lovers around the world.
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This exhibition shows the legends and stories of Japanese heroes chronologically through musha-e prints,
tsuba sword mountings with correlating imagery with them and Japanese swords.
According to Japanese mythology, gods ruled the land from the beginning of the world until the reign of the first emperor, the legendary Jinmu. Described in the Kojiki (712) and the Nihon shoki (720), as well as in various provincial Fudoki (Gazetteers recording oral traditions), the stories not only tell of gods such as Amaterasu ōmikami and Susanoo no mikoto but also relate various war feats of emperors and provincial nobles.
Although illustrated stories from this early period are rare, beginning in the 18th century, images of warrior gods were included in picture books that compiled warrior tales from many eras. The slaying of the monster Yamata no Orochi by Susanoo no mikoto is commonly depicted on framed votive wooden plaques in Shinto shrines.
Susanoo no mikoto was the younger brother of Amaterasu ōmikami, the Sun Goddess. Because of his rowdy behavior, he was banished from the High Plain of Heaven (Takamagahara), the home of the gods, and came to the upper reaches of the Hinokawa River in Izumo Province. There he met an old couple named Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi, who were lamenting that they must give their daughter Kushiinada hime as a human sacrifice to the Yamata no Orochi, a monstrous serpent with eight heads and eight tails. Susanoo prepared eight vats of sake, one for each head of the Yamata no Orochi; and when it became drunk, he slew it. In one of its tails he found a precious sword called Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi (Sword of the Heavenly Clouds), and he married Kushiinada hime.
During the Heian period, in the tenth to eleventh centuries, samurai warriors who excelled in martial arts joined together in larger groups, giving rise to the powerful Seiwa Genji (Minamoto) and the Kanmu Heishi (Taira) clans.
Minamoto no Yorimitsu, the third-generation head of the Seiwa Genji clan, has been depicted in heroic stories such as “The Earth Spider,” “The Shutendōji of Ōeyama” and “Kidōmaru at Ichiharano”. These stories also appeared in the form of illustrated handscrolls. Yorimitsu’s legendary retainers Watanabe no Tsuna, Sakata no Kintoki (who was known as Kintarō or Kaidōmaru in his youth), Usui no Sadamitsu, and Urabe no Suetake were known as the Shitennō (Elite Four) and make their own appearances individually in various warrior stories.
One night as Minamoto no Yorimitsu was lying in bed sick, the shadowy figure of a strange priest appeared to him and told him that his illness was the result of his own actions. It then turned into a spider some seven feet tall and threw out thousands of threads to entangle Yorimitsu. Yorimitsu drew his sword Hizamaru, which he kept beside his pillow, and slashed at the apparition. The spider disappeared, but Yorimitsu’s four leading retainers, the Shitennō, together with Hirai Yasumasa, followed the trail of blood that it left. They found the Earth Spider living in an ancient tomb and killed it.
Minamoto no Yorimitsu, his four retainers known as the Shitennō, and Hirai Yasumasa defeated an evil demon known as the Shutendōji (Sake-drinking Boy), who had been kidnapping young ladies from the capital and taking them to his lair on Mount Ōe in Tango Province. Yorimitsu’s group entered the mountains disguised as yamabushi (mountain ascetics). The gods of the Sumiyoshi, Kumano, and Hachiman Shrines appeared to them in the form of three old men and gave them a liquor called Jinbenkidoku that was healthful for humans but poisonous to demons, and a magical Star Helmet (hoshikabuto). When the group arrived at the home of the Shutendōji, they were treated to a drinking party by the demons. The Shutendōji fell into a drunken stupor and they cut off his head. The head flew through the air and tried to bite Yorimitsu, but he was protected by the Star Helmet. By day, the Shutendōji resembled a young boy with long hair; but at night, he transformed into a gigantic demon.
Through the Hōgen Rebellion in 1156 (Hōgen 1) and the Heiji Rebellion in 1160 (Heiji 1), Taira no Kiyomori established his political power and the foundations of a military government. However, in 1180 (Jishō 4), Minamoto no Yoritomo raised an army to carry out the Rebellion of Prince Mochihito against the Taira clan, marking the beginning of many battles between the Minamoto and Taira clans until 1185 (Bunji 1), when the Taira were defeated in the Battle of Dannoura. The tales of these battles are recounted in war epics such as the Heike monogatari and Genpei jōsuiki, and these stories make up a large proportion of musha-e subjects.
There are numerous stories about individual military commanders in both the Taira and Minamoto clans, but Minamoto no Yoshitsune in particular appears in many musha-e starting from the time of his youth, when he was known as Ushiwakamaru.
Wearing a thin robe over his head as an improvised veil, the boy Ushiwakamaru approaches Gojō Bridge in Kyoto. The rogue priest Benkei, who has made a vow to steal one thousand swords, lays covetous eyes on Ushiwaka’s fine sword and challenges him to a duel. To his great surprise, the slender boy defeats him soundly, and he swears his allegiance to the young warrior.
Soga monogatari is the tale of two brothers, Soga no Jūrō Sukenari and Soga no Gorō Tokimune, who, after enduring hardship for eighteen years, finally avenge their father’s murder by killing Kudō Suketsune at a hunting event organized by Minamoto no Yoritomo in the foothills of Mount Fuji in the fifth month of 1193 (Kenkyū 4).
In the fifth month of 1185, Minamoto no Yoritomo held a large-scale hunting party in the foothills of Mount Fuji. This was the occasion when the Soga Brothers finally achieved their long-awaited vengeance. During the hunt, a wounded boar ran toward Yoritomo, but Nitan no Shirō Tadatsune jumped onto the boar’s back, riding it backwards, and thrust his short sword into its body to bring it down.
The Taiheiki is a war epic recounting the battles during the first half of the fourteenth century, mostly covering the state of war between the Northern and Southern Courts that lasted to the end of the Kamakura shogunate.
In ukiyo-e, rather than scenes of battle, more commonly illustrated subjects were loyal retainers of the Southern Court, such as Kusunoki Masashige, his son Kusunoki Masatsura, Nitta Yoshisada, and the imperial prince Ōto no miya Moriyoshi, son of Emperor Godaigo. One of the more curious legends that has been depicted since the early days of ukiyo-e involves Kusunoki Masashige, who was killed at the Battle of Minatogawa but returns as a ghost to attack Ōmori Hikoshichi.
As a reward for killing Kusunoki Masashige at the Battle of the Minato River, Ōmori Hikoshichi was awarded territory in Iyo Province. On his way to the celebration, he encountered a young lady of seventeen or eighteen, wearing red hakama, who appeared to be an attendant in a noble household. Thinking that she would have trouble making her way along the mountain road, Hikoshichi offered to carry her on his back. They had gone as far as Hanjō when suddenly the young woman turned into an eight-foot tall demon with bear-like claws, who grabbed Hikoshichi by the hair and tried to fly away with him. Hikoshichi grappled with the demon, but when other members of his group approached, it vanished away. The demon was in fact the vengeful ghost of Kusunoki Masashige, who was trying to disrupt the rule of Ashikaga Takauji by stealing the precious sword carried by Hikoshichi.
Kawanakajima is located in the northeastern part of present-day Nagano Prefecture, in the area where the Sai and Chikuma rivers meet. During the twelve years between 1533 (Tenmon 22) and 1564 (Eiroku 7), the warlords Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo Province and Takeda Shingen of Kai Province fought five battles there. From the beginning of ukiyo-e, the most widely depicted scene was Kenshin and Shingen’s hand-to-hand combat.
Kenshin, with his head wrapped in white silk to signify his religious vows, mounted on a dapple-gray horse and brandishing his sword, rode straight toward Shingen’s standard. Shingen did not attempt to evade the attack but sat calmly in place and parried Kenshin’s sword stroke with his iron battle fan.
In the nineteenth century, lengthy historical novels called yomihon began to be published, and these stories of adventure proved to be highly popular. The print series Tsūzoku Suikoden by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, published beginning around 1827 (Bunsei 10), depicted heroes from a famous Chinese novel in the form of color prints. After this series became a huge hit, musha-e of the 1830s and early 1840s (the Tenpō era) went beyond portraying historical war epics such as Heike monogatari and Taiheiki and began to include fictional characters from novels. The colorful nishiki-e illustrations of heroes that seem to leap off the printed pages and into action must have made hearts flutter, in the same way that color frontispieces of manga magazines are enjoyed by readers today.
Written by Kyokutei Bakin and illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai, this book was published serially from 1807 to 1811. The hero is a fictionalized version of Chinzei Hachirō Tametomo, who was on the losing side in the Hōgen Rebellion of 1156 and was banished to the island of Ōshima in Izu. In this alternate version of history, the imperial prison ship does go to Ōshima, but Tametomo escapes to Kyūshū. He sets sail from Minamata in Kyūshū in order to attack the Heike once again; but he encounters a severe storm and winds up in the Ryūkyū Islands (now Okinawa Prefecture, but at the time a separate country). There he helps the Ryūkyū queen to put down a rebellion and pacifies the country.


Seeing a child sit down with a book is always such an empowering sight. Whether it be a 2 year old analyzing the pictures in a book, or a 13 year old deeply engrossed in a novel, literacy education happens through all ages.
Oftentimes parents ask, “How do you even begin to teach reading?” The most important tool is to read to your child at home. Not only is it his or her first exposure to books, but it begins to open the door to literacy and fosters a love of reading at a very early age. It also helps children develop language and listening skills and prepares them to eventually understand written
language. Lastly, reading aloud to children – whether it is a simple picture book or a classic novel- stimulates their imagination and expands their vocabulary and understanding of the world. Children model behavior, so the more you read at home, the more likely they will love books and want to learn how to read.
Schools build upon this foundation and add the instructional approach. A great foundational reading program is not only one that teaches the necessary skills, but also includes authentic practice using these skills. Although worksheets are how most of us were taught, hands-on practice and being able to physically manipulate words through repetition makes more connections than simply filling in the blank . It’s also important to have a program that reaches all levels of learning. Many programs teach “to the middle” and leave out learners who might be excelling or needing additional assistance.
At The Parish School at St. Edward, starting in Kindergarten, the learners utilize a unique program entitled Wilson Fundations. This is a systematic program designed for foundational reading and spelling skills which emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics-word study, high frequency word study, fluency, vocabulary, handwriting, and spelling. When children are exposed to foundations of reading in a systematic approach their base knowledge for literacy strengthens. Wilson Fundations also instructs through a systematic exposure to chants, hands-on practice using white boards to label words and magnetic boards to manipulate words. As children continue to acquire literacy skills and layer on additional knowledge onto an already solid foundation, learners are able to more readily accept those skills while continuing to challenge themselves and show great progress in their reading ability as a life-long reader.
Wilson Fundations is an extensive research-based program. Often times there are programs that have what appears to be great strategies, fun activities, and visually appealing. These types of programs could be great for home use as a supplement to the classroom instruction, however, as a school, it is important to implement a program that has years of use and backed by research. In a program review conducted by Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR), all aspects of foundational reading such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension were taught and practiced with using Wilson Fundations and no weaknesses in the program were noted.
Research and foundational skills aside, the true moment of a successful reading program is watching it being used in the classroom and observing how the children are retaining the information. When one steps into an English Language Arts classroom at The Parish School at St. Edward, the amount of engagement and passion for learning are very evident. In speaking with the learners about what they are currently reading, the vocabulary they use to explain their book and the connections they are able to make to their life or to our Catholic faith are always astonishing.


We make our research publically available through scientific papers and long-form theses. Feel free to download our works and do not hesitate to contact us if you need any information beyond what is written here.
We make our papers available to the general public by publishing all preprints on the Physics arXiv.
State-Dependent Optical Lattices for the Strontium Optical QubitPhysical Review Letters1242032012020
Fast and dense magneto-optical traps for strontiumPhysical Review A990634212019
A Master’s thesis in our group represents a full year’s worth of work in the lab. All theses describe significant original work by the author and are meant to be useful to other researchers in our field.
A Bachelor’s thesis in our group focuses on a specific technical topic that may be of interest to other researchers in our field. The work described in such a thesis spans ten weeks from the first day in the lab to the day the thesis is handed in.


Rita was born in the year 1381 in the village of Roccaporena, near Cascia , Italy . Her parents, Antonio and Amata Lotti, considered her birth a very special gift from God, for Rita was born to them as they were already advancing in age.
As a young girl, Rita frequently visited the convent of the Augustinian Nuns in Cascia and dreamed of one day joining their community. Her parents, however, had promised her in marriage, according to the custom of the day, to Paolo Mancini, a good man of strong and impetuous character. Rita accepted her parents’ decision, resolved to see this as God’s will for her.
The young couple was joined in marriage and soon twin boys were born to them. Rita found herself occupied with the typical concerns of a wife, mother, and homemaker of Roccaporena, while Paolo was employed as a watchman for the town. In Cascia, as elsewhere, a great rivalry existed between two popular political factions, the Guelphs, and the Ghibellines.
As a minor official of the town, Paolo often found himself drawn into the conflict, and the strain that this caused probably accounts for the tension, which he sometimes brought into the Mancini household. By her prayer, patience, and affection, however, Rita was able to ease the stress and worry her husband experienced, but she was not able to shield him altogether from the dangers to which society exposed him.
Death of Husband and Sons
One day as Paolo was returning home from work he was ambushed and killed. The pain which this unexpected and violent death inflicted upon Rita was only compounded by the fear she felt that her two teenage sons, moved by the unwritten law of the “vendetta,” would seek to avenge their father’s death.
Rita’s only recourse was to prayer and persuasion. As it happened, the death of both boys from natural causes a short time later removed them from physical and spiritual danger. Despite her great burden she could still thank God that they had died in peace, free of the poison of murder to which hatred and revenge might have otherwise drawn them.
Now alone in the world and without family responsibilities, Rita once more turned her thoughts to the desired vocation of her youth, that of joining the Augustinian Nuns of Saint Mary Magdalene Monastery. Some of the religious of the community, however, were relatives of the members of the political faction considered responsible for Paolo’s death, and so as not to tempt the harmony of the convent, Rita’s request for admission was denied.
Fortunately, she was not to be easily dissuaded from following what she knew to be God’s plan for her. She implored her three patron saints — John the Baptist, Augustine, and Nicholas of Tolentino to assist her, and she set about the task of establishing peace between the hostile parties of Cascia with such success that her entry into the monastery was assured.
The Gift of the Thorn
At the age of thirty-six, Rita pledged to follow the ancient Rule of Saint Augustine. For the next forty years she gave herself wholeheartedly to prayer and works of charity, striving especially to preserve peace and harmony among the citizens of Cascia.
With a pure love she wanted more and more to be intimately joined to the redemptive suffering of Jesus, and this desire of hers was satisfied in an extraordinary way. One day when she was about sixty years of age, she was meditating before an image of Christ crucified, as she was long accustomed to doing. Suddenly a small wound appeared on her forehead, as though a thorn from the crown that encircled Christ’s head had loosed itself and penetrated her own flesh.
For the next fifteen years she bore this external sign of stigmatization and union with the Lord. In spite of the pain she constantly experienced, she offered herself courageously for the physical and spiritual well being of others.
During the last four years of her life Rita was confined to bed and was able to eat so little that she was practically sustained on the Eucharist alone. She was, nevertheless, an inspiration to her sisters in religion and to all who came to visit her, by her patience and joyful disposition despite her great suffering.
One of those who visited her some few months before her death — a relative from her hometown of Roccaporena — was privileged to witness firsthand the extraordinary things wrought by Rita’s requests. When asked whether she had any special desires, Rita asked only that a rose from the garden of her parents’ home be brought to her.
It was a small favor to ask, but quite an impossible one to grant in the month of January! Nevertheless, on returning home the woman discovered, to her amazement, a single brightly-colored blossom on the bush where the nun said it would be. Picking it, she returned immediately to the monastery and presented it to Rita who gave thanks to God for this sign of love.
Thus, the saint of the thorn became the saint of the rose, and she whose impossible requests were granted her became the advocate of all those whose own requests seem impossible as well. As she breathed her last, Rita’s final words to the sisters who gathered around her were, “Remain in the holy love of Jesus. Remain in obedience to the holy Roman Church. Remain in peace and fraternal charity.”
Having faithfully and lovingly responded to God’s many invitations to her in the course of her seventy-six years, Rita returned to God in peace on May 22, 1457.
Her body, which has remained incorrupt over the centuries, is venerated today in the shrine of Cascia, which bears her name. Her feast is observed on the anniversary of her death, 22 May.


Here you can find Resources to help you perform fearlessly, create outrageously and live more boldly. It contains audio interviews, video presentations, quotes and slideshows.
To access these resources, click on the Title to learn more.
In this 1-Sheet, you will discover a powerful skill for your ‘Anxiety Toolbox’ to help you reduce anxiety and stress through the practice of Focused Breathing.
In this 1-Sheet, the skill of Mental Rehearsal is presented in 6 powerful steps to help you perform without anxiety and at your personal best.
Learn to move from Passive to Assertive while communicating in a direct, honest and open way with others.
In this interview, I share with you the 1) how to identify the underlying causes of panic and anxiety; 2) the keys to developing more effective bodily responses to stress/anxiety and; 3) the secrets of powerful thought responses to stress.
In this interview, I share with you the 6 Symptoms of Burnout, the Personality Type most likely to experience burnout and how you can Learn to Reduce Stress in order to work more effectively from your home or office.
In this presentation, presented at California Southern University, you will learn to develop the “Mindset of a Champion” and apply specific principles and skills used by successful business people, world-class athletes and performing artists at the tops of their games in order to take charge of your life and achieve optimal performance and success.


A Short Biography
We do not belong to the past dawns, but to the noons of the future.
- Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo, freedom fighter, writer, poet and yogi, envisioned and strove for a divine life on earth and spent the greater part of his life in Puducherry absorbed in this work.
Born on 15 August 1872 in Kolkata, India, Aravinda Ghose (as Sri Aurobindo was known until late 1926) was sent to England for his education when he was seven. In the course of a brilliant career at St. Paul’s School in London, and then at King’s College, Cambridge, he mastered not only English but also Greek, Latin and French, and became familiar with German, Italian and Spanish. He had already begun writing poetry at an early age. During his fourteen years in England, he gained a deep insight into the culture of ancient, mediaeval and modern Europe.
In 1893, at the age of twenty-one, Sri Aurobindo returned to India with a completely occidental education, but the moment he set foot on Indian soil, Mother India welcomed him with a unique spiritual experience. A vast calm descended upon him and remained with him for months afterwards. Sri Aurobindo now turned his attention towards the wisdom and truth of the Orient, learning Sanskrit and several modern Indian languages, and assimilated the spirit of Indian civilisation. The fourteen years he spent in what is now Vadodara in the administrative and educational service of the erstwhile Baroda State were years of self-culture and literary activity. A great part of the last years of this period was also spent, while on leave, in silent political activity.
In 1906, when he was thirty-four, Sri Aurobindo moved to Kolkata as Principal of the newly established Bengal National College but resigned soon after to participate openly in India’s struggle for freedom. He became a leader of the Nationalist Party, and his editorials in the daily Bande Mataram at once made him an all-India figure. In less than four years he revolutionised the moderate and ineffectual stand of the Congress Party, fixed in the national consciousness the goal of complete independence, and gave a new direction to the freedom movement. ‘Although he was on the high skies only for a time,’ observes Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya, the celebrated historian of the Indian National Congress, ‘he flooded the land from Cape to Mount with the effulgence of his light.’
The one-year detention, from 1908 to 1909, imposed on him by the British Government proved to be of immense significance. It was during this period that he underwent a series of decisive spiritual experiences which established the course of his future work. In 1910, assured of the ultimate success of the freedom movement and in answer to a command from Above, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from political activities, for it was now his rule to move only as he was moved by the Divine guidance. He eventually sailed for what was then Pondicherry, today’s Puducherry, to devote himself entirely to his spiritual mission.
In 1914, after four years of silent Yoga, he started the philosophical monthly Arya, through which he revealed his new message for humanity: man’s divine destiny, the theme later expanded in his book, The Life Divine. Among his other works, The Synthesis of Yoga looks at the path to its realisation, while The Human Cycle takes up the progress of human society towards a divine future. The realisation of the oneness of humankind is the subject of The Ideal of Human Unity, and the inner meaning and significance of Indian spirituality and civilisation are revealed in The Foundations of Indian Culture, The Secret of the Veda, The Upanishads, and Essays on the Gita. The Future Poetry considers the nature and evolution of poetry. His supreme work in poetry, Savitri - A Legend and a Symbol, is an epic of nearly 24,000 lines in blank verse, in which he takes a small episode from the Mahabharata and turns it into a symbol of the human soul’s spiritual quest and destiny.
In the midst of all this work, he also kept a close watch on all that was happening in India and the world, actively intervening, but with a silent spiritual force and action, whenever necessary. Sri Aurobindo left his body in 1950, but his vision and ideals, relevant for all time, continue to attract people from all over the world.


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|Posté le: Lun 26 Juin - 11:10 (2017) Sujet du message: [PDF] Disavowed: Refined In The Fire Of Divorce
Divorce is an isolated, lonely, soul-stripping kind of death. Disavowed is a raw, provocative look at that process. Written by a former military wife, Disavowed shows the implosion of her marriage, and the road to rebuilding damaged self-worth by harnessing the power of grit, resilience, and faith.
An unflinching postmortem on issues of inappropriate boundaries, in-laws, betrayal, rejection, and childlessness, Disavowed reveals a burgeoning strength that develops in the struggle to redefine one’s identity in divorce.
The take away message is this: “You are valuable, and your life is worth fighting for.”
bound: 52 pages
filesize: 408 KB


US Book Launch of REDRESS, Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice, University College Dublin Press
REDRESS: Ireland’s Institutions and Transitional Justice explores the ways in which Ireland – North and South – treats those who suffered in Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, County Homes, industrial and reformatory schools, and Ireland’s closed and secretive adoption system over the last one hundred years.
How will Ireland redress its legacy of institutional abuse and forced adoption? What constitutes justice? How might democracy evolve if the survivors’ experiences and expertise were allowed to lead the response to a century of gender and family separation-based abuses? These are the questions to which this collection of essays seeks answers. The publication has its origins in the ILA Major-Grant-Award-funded Towards Transitional Justice conference, which took place on the BC campus in November 2018.
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Boston College, 153-189 College Road, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA


Mahatma Dhule Education Society has established a chain of Institutions and in this chain the Gwalior Institute of Information Technology, popularly known as GIIT established in Gwalior city is a part of GEC Group of Colleges.
Apart from various welfare schemes for the benefit of the people, the society plans to provide technical manpower for the national prosperity and improve the quality of life of the people through technological empowerment.
The GIIT has been established with the object of providing high quality Technical Education in the pollution free natural environment. It has been planned for overall development of the students; with all modern facilities of Infrastructure, Laboratories, Workshop, Computer Center, Library, Audio-Visual teaching-aids, Games & Sports facilities and other recreational facilities.
Members of the Executive Management Team of the College have a wide range of skills and experience in the fields of education and training and are actively involved in their respective professional associations, maintaining links with their colleagues to advance the interests of the students and faculty members. The college library has 12576 books and 148 journals. DELNET membership also is there so that students & staff can make full utilization of digital library network. A spacious Reading Room with Reference Books and Journals has been provided.
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