by Rupe | Oct 31, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
Went for a pretty hard run today…definitely felt it. Â The run was hard because it was all road work with car going back and forth. Â I haven’t had one of those in a very long time. Â Plus, I had a lot of hill work as well; have not done much of that in a long while either. Â Surprisingly though, it did not register much in way on caloric burn. Â I suppose that means my body is relatively fit. Â I was also fighting the snot monster along the way. Â Still felt a bit week, hence no crunches.
Cardio: 52 mins
Distance: 4.8
Calories: 421 (Run)
Crunches: 0
Tracker
Total Distance: 321.64 miles (Goal 400/78.36 remain)
Total Calories: 77,309(Goal 80,000/2,691 remain)
Total Crunches: 8080 (Goal 25,000/16,920)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 31, 2011 | Health-Wellness-Sex
Like a lot of companies, Veridian Credit Union wants its employees to be healthier. In January, the Waterloo, Iowa-company rolled out a wellness program and voluntary screenings.
It also gave workers a mandate – quit smoking, curb obesity, or you’ll be paying higher healthcare costs in 2013. It doesn’t yet know by how much, but one thing’s for certain – the unhealthy will pay more.
The credit union, which has more than 500 employees, is not alone.
In recent years, a growing number of companies have been encouraging workers to voluntarily improve their health to control escalating insurance costs. And while workers mostly like to see an employer offer smoking cessation classes and weight loss programs, too few are signing up or showing signs of improvement.
Click source link to continue…
Source: Reuters
My Comments:
There are no secrets about my feeling with regards to people who routinely abuse their bodies; I have written about it on few occassions here. Â I absolutely believe that those who overeat to obesity and smoke or do both jointly or separately should pay more for healthcare. Â I do understand some social implications of this move, and support a case by case review, but for the most part this would be justified.Â
by Rupe | Oct 30, 2011 | what the...?
They served their country, and now the
y’re being left out in the cold.Soldiers who have returned from battlegrounds in Iraq and Afghanistan are twice as likely to be living on the streets than other Americans, a new study has found.
The study by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs says that from October 2009 to September 2010, an astounding 144,842 veterans were homeless for at least one night.
“This is unacceptable and we’re committed to fixing the problem,†a Housing and Urban Development spokesman said.
The problem is most rampant in California, which leads the country with 25 percent of the homeless veteran population. About half of all homeless vets live in California, Florida, New York and Texas, even though these states make up just 32 percent of the total population.
Most of the disenfranchised don’t have anybody to turn to. As many as 96 percent are alone in the world and only 66 percent have a family, the study found.
Veterans are considered “more financially secure†than nonveteran civilians but “homelessness is a far greater risk,†with 1-in-9 vets trying to survive on the streets, the study said.
Many of the homeless vets suffer from a disability, which could include physical injuries, mental illness or substance abuse problems.
And with the military set to leave Iraq by the end of the year, there may soon be more veterans on the streets.
There has been a 3 percent drop in the number of homeless veterans since 2009, but the study shows how much work remains before the Obama administration can fulfill its pledge to end homelessness among veterans by 2014.
My Comments:
So I am reading this article yesterday, and started to find myself  
getting pissed off at the author; here we go again, another Mr Freaking obvious pointing out what’s wrong with our little democratic experiment, wasting words…dude no one could give a rat’s nut-sack anyways.
But the more I reflect on it, the more I realized how misplaced my emotions were on this.  Yep, maybe the piece was self-serving, but sh!t, at least he is bring it to the fore, and highlight the ills – but what can be said about our vastly inept and self-serving government; the one that pitches flowery words at this sick problem as it lines its pocket with our tax dollars, sends our young off to fight and die in distant lands, only to scorn and discriminate against those lucky or unlucky enough to make it back in one or more pieces.   This literally turns my friggin’ stomach to the core. Â
Having worn the uniform, I suppose I might be bias on this point; but for a country that claims its foundings on “Christianity” principles, whatever the heck that means, I find this most ironic and shameful; then again, irony has been a part of the American legacy…hasn’t it? Â
by Rupe | Oct 30, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
First workout day after being off for over week. Â I have been pretty much down with the flu for roughly a week straight – aches, sneezes, coughs and all. Â So today I slid back into the groove. Â I ran a new route that I recently walk. Â I still haven’t even measure it yet. Â I ran the route once, and then a quick 2-miler around my block. Â Also, still haven not lift any weights in over a month, still the aches have not gone away. Â I have to go see the doctors.
Cardio: 55 mins
Distance: 4.7
Calories: 809 (Run)
Crunches: 150
Tracker
Total Distance: 316.84 miles (Goal 400/83.16 remain)
Total Calories: 76,888(Goal 80,000/3,112 remain)
Total Crunches: 8080 (Goal 25,000/16,920)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 28, 2011 | Musical Words
Mandy by Westlife (Original done by Barry Manilow)
[ti_audio media=”4436″]
I remember all my life
Raining down as cold as ice
A shadow of a man
A face through a window
Crying in the night
The night goes into
Morning, just another day
Happy people pass my way
Looking in their eyes
I see a memory
I never realized
How happy you made me oh Mandy
[Chorus:]
Well you came and you gave without taking
But I sent you away, oh Mandy
Well you kissed me and stopped me from shaking
And I need you today, oh Mandy
(more…)
by Rupe | Oct 27, 2011 | Not So Recent Reads
Title: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson 
Summary
Based on more than 40 interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.
At a time when America is seeking ways to sustain its innovative edge, and when societies around the world are trying to build digital-age economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the 21st century was to connect creativity with technology. He built a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering.
Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written nor even the right to read it before it was published. He put nothing off-limits. He encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly. And Jobs speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about the people he worked with and competed against. His friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted.
Driven by demons, Jobs could drive those around him to fury and despair. But his personality and products were interrelated, just as Apple’s hardware and software tended to be, as if part of an integrated system. His tale is instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values.
My Comments:
Pretty illuminating book.  I realized for the first time that Steve Jobs and myself share similar birth month.  He was born on 24th of February and I on the 25th…he was 12 years my senior.  At any rate, really great read.  This guys was something else - maniacal come to mind.  In some ways I see a lot of me in him.  A well recommended read.
Grab it from Amazon
by Rupe | Oct 27, 2011 | Musical Words
Flying without Wings by Westlife
[ti_audio media=”4443″]
Everybody’s looking for that something
One thing that makes it all complete
You find it in the strangest places
Places you never knew it could be
Some find it in the face of their children
Some find it in their lover’s eyes
Who can deny the joy it brings
When you’ve found that special thing
You’re flying without wings
(more…)
by Rupe | Oct 27, 2011 | Health-Wellness-Sex, Mad Musings
I have not been able to do much over the last few day, save take pills and drink ginger tea. Â I have been down with what seems to be influenza, or flu for short, since this past
Saturday.
Typically, I get over these things quite quickly, but this is the worse case I can remember every having. Â Not really sure why it decided to stick around this time, but it has really done me in.
No fever, but I do have some muscle aches which got pretty intense yesterday. Â It is quite possible that the muscle aches are a result of loosing fluids.
At any rate, I am trying to get as much rest as possible. Â I have not worked out in nearly a week now, but that’s ok, I need a rest period anyway. Â I hope to get back on my feet in the next couple of day, enough of this sickness already.
by Rupe | Oct 20, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
Pretty short workout today. Â Hit the treadmill for a half hour did some core workout and then called it a day. Â Tomorrow I will definitely make it up.
Cardio: 30 mins
Distance: 2.0
Calories: 133 (Treadmill)
Crunches: 200
Tracker
Total Distance: 312.14 miles (Goal 400/87.86 remain)
Total Calories: 76,079 (Goal 80,000/3,921 remain)
Total Crunches: 7,930 (Goal 25,000/17,070)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 19, 2011 | Musical Words, My Videos
Simply the Best
Michael gave so much of himself…I truly believe he was a genius who truly loved unconditionally.
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (See Video at the Bottom)
[ti_audio media=”4403″]
[Michael]
Each time the wind blows
I hear your voice so
I call your name…
Whispers at morning
Our love is dawning
Heaven’s glad you came…
(more…)
by Rupe | Oct 19, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
Day 3 of my 100% week, all is going well.  Pretty good run this morning.  It to drizzle at the 4 mile point, I thought  it was gonna come down pretty hard, but it held up until I got it and then it came down really hard.  Really enjoyed the run very much.
Cardio: 58 mins
Distance: 5.0
Calories: 904 (Run)
Crunches: 200
Tracker
Total Distance: 310.14 miles (Goal 400/89.86 remain)
Total Calories: 75,946 (Goal 80,000/4,054 remain)
Total Crunches: 7,730 (Goal 25,000/17,270)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 18, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
Ok run cardio today. Â Got up early for a road run but it started to rain about a 1/2 mile into the run, had to stop. Â It appears a huge rain push in coming in. Â Expect thunderstorms and high volumes of rain. Â At any rate, feel pretty good this morning…day 2 of my 100% week through Friday.
Cardio: 62 mins
Distance: 4.15
Calories: 815 (Elliptical)
Crunches: 150
Tracker
Total Distance: 305.14 miles (Goal 400/94.86 remain)
Total Calories: 75,042 (Goal 80,000/5,773 remain)
Total Crunches: 7,530 (Goal 25,000/17,470)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 17, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
So I am still holding tough to not lifting now for over 2 weeks. Â Honestly, I can’t say whether there is any improvement in both the right elbow and left wrist. Â I still have tender moments if I turn my arm in a certain position. Â I will give it until the end of this week to see what gives and then I am off to the doctors. Â At any rate, pretty good cardio on the elliptical today; I have pretty much took most of last week off for a bit of downtime, but I will pick it up back this week, going for 100 percent through Friday this week – hitting the road every morning.
Cardio: 75 mins
Distance: 4.0
Calories: 1010 (Elliptical)
Crunches: 400
Tracker
Total Distance: 300.99 miles (Goal 400/99.01 remain)
Total Calories: 74,227 (Goal 80,000/5,773 remain)
Total Crunches: 7,380 (Goal 25,000/17,620)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 17, 2011 | Musical Words
Hold on To The Night
[ti_audio media=”4389″]
Just when I believed I couldn’t ever want for more.
This ever changing world pushes me through another door.
I saw you smile
And my mind could not erase the beauty of your face
Just for a while,
Won’t you let me shelter you.
Hold on to the night
Hold on to the memory
I wish that I could give you something more,
That I could be yours
(more…)
by Rupe | Oct 14, 2011 | Bahrain, Military-Political
In a defiant show of unity, Bahrain opposition parties have jointly denounced the Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab island as a police state and demanded a transition to a constitutional monarchy.
Five groups, including the main Shi’ite party Wefaq and the secular Waad party, vowed to keep up a pro-democracy campaign with peaceful rallies and marches — despite a Saudi-backed government crackdown that crushed similar protests in March.
In their “Manama Document,” the first such joint statement since the unrest, the opposition groups said Bahrain was a police state akin to those that prevailed in Egypt and Tunisia before popular uprisings swept their leaders from power.
Click source to continue…
Source: Reuters
My Comments:
I don’t think that this is a bad idea for the “lower Kingdom”; I am not convinced that democracy is consistent with the culture…I could be convinced however.Â
by Rupe | Oct 13, 2011 | Health-Wellness-Sex
Everyone knows there are certain practices so harmful to our personal health they cut short our lives. Being overweight. Smoking cigarettes. Not getting enough exercise.
But these aren’t the only ways you can cut your time on this earth short. Worse, you are likely to be unaware just how much you are hurting yourself. By making a few simple changes, you can improve your overall daily health and extend your life span.
These are the Top Ten Bad Habits that can steal years off your life.
1. Not Enough Sleep. Scientific research points to lack of sleep as the catalyst for many other health-related problems. Without an adequate amount of sleep your metabolism slows and you can gain weight. Fatigue also leads to eating for energy to compensate. Your immune system is lowered and you are less able to fight off disease and infection. Your ability to focus, concentrate on important tasks such as driving and your memory all suffer without enough sleep. Aim for eight hours every night, and add naps when necessary.
Click source link to contiue…
Source: Washington Times
My Comments:
This is really good information. Â I certainly need to do a better job heeding them. Â Â
by Rupe | Oct 13, 2011 | Mad Musings, Military-Political
Is America ready to make history by electing the first black president to replace a black president?
That is the question latest polls increasingly raise these days that show Herman Cain jetting to the front of the GOP pack.
Not since the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Courthas a black conservative so disrupted the order of things at the highest levels here in Washington.
Who could forget the blood-thirsty “high-tech lynching†the left assembled to thwart him from becoming the only sitting black member of the U.S. Supreme Court?
Twenty years on, the left still harbors a special hatred for Justice Thomas. Meanwhile, his accuser returns to Washington and is feted all over town like a conquering hero who somehow stood up for racial justice by trying to derail the Thomas nomination.
Click source to continue
Source: Washington Times
My Comments:
Aahhmm…if he can get me a $9.99 pizza deal; otherwise not a chance in HELL dude! Â
Additional Read
– Source: New York Times – Â Cold Pizza from Herm Cain
– Source: New York Times – Inside the Cain Tax Plan
Â
by Rupe | Oct 12, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
Still tempted to lift, but still resisting. Still feel strong overall, just need to keep the focus. Need to get better brace for arm.
Cardio: 61 mins
Distance: 6.0
Calories: 647 (runwalk-80/20)
Crunches: 200
Tracker
Total Distance: 296.99 miles (Goal 400/103.01 remain)
Total Calories: 73,217 (Goal 80,000/6,783 remain)
Total Crunches: 6,980 (Goal 25,000/18,020)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 12, 2011 | Health-Wellness-Sex
Experts say that men could benefit greatly by being alert to certain cancer symptoms that require a trip to the doctor’s office sooner rather than later. But when it comes to scheduling doctor visits, men are notorious foot-draggers. In fact, some men, would never go to the doctor if it weren’t for the women in their life.
Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, is deputy chief medical officer for the national office of the American Cancer Society. According to Lichtenfeld, men often need to be pushed by women to get screened for cancer. That’s unfortunate. Routine preventive care can find cancer and other diseases in their early stages. When cancer is found early, there are more options for treatment. That means there are also better chances for a cure.
Some cancer symptoms in men are specific. They involve certain body parts and may point directly to the possibility of cancer. Other symptoms, though, are vague. For instance, pain that affects many body parts could have many explanations. It may or may not be a sign of cancer. But you can’t rule cancer out without seeing a doctor.
Click source link to continue…
Source: WebMD
My Comments:
In the wake of Steve Jobs recent passing the topic of cancer looms high on most minds.  I, for one, have found myself doing a bit more reading on the topics than I did before. This article from WebMD is a pretty thorough run through of some of the cancers that we men should look out for based on  the given symptoms.  We must remember that it is not manly not to go to the doctor…these are necessary things.Â
by Rupe | Oct 11, 2011 | Health-Wellness-Sex, what the...?
We know you mean well when you tell a fat friend or family member to stay away from the Oreos and Fritos, but new Yale University research suggests that the advice could backfire and lead to more weight gain.
After overweight women watched a stigmatizing video, they consumed three times as many calories as those who watched a neutral video. Researchers expect the same would happen to men.
“Using food to cope is common strategy for people who face weight stigma from multiple sources—whether it be from TV shows, coworkers, or family members,†says lead study author Natasha Schvey, M.S., graduate student at Yale University.
Click source link to continue….
Source: Men’s HealthÂ
My Comments:
Give me a friggin’ break already…are you freakin’ kiddin’ me?!! Â Alright, don’t get me wrong or think Iam going out of my way on some insensitive rant here (well…maybe a little bit), but the last thing that anyone should blame someone else for, is the expansion of their a@@ Â and gut due to over gorging themselves and not working out or at least taking responsibility for it. Â Like I have said in previous posts, I do understand that there might be genetic and/or medical reasons for fatness, but it is all too often used, and I make no apologies for this, as a friggin’ crutch. Â Most, and I emphasize the word “MOST”, obese or overweight people do little to no physical activity – that is a FACT; it doesn’t matter whether the chicken came before the egg or not, the bottom line is – if you are fat and you eat like a horse but don’t move like one, then my friend expect to grow the girth.
And lastly to my fellow American brothers and sisters – and I mean that literally – WTF???! Â
According to the Office of Minority Health – roughly 3 out of  every 4 black male are overweight to obese; and not to be outdone, 4 out of every 5 sisters are in the same condition… we are killing ourselves yo…stop it! Â
Why am I so worked up over this…? Â I have done the freaking experiment personally and it is alarming true. Â Think am kidding…? the next time you are in a public place – mall, movie theater, Burger King, whatever!…count for yourself. Â I guarantee it; you will not be surprised.
by Rupe | Oct 11, 2011 | Inspiration, Mad Musings
Is it just us, or are bugsway better at picking up women than men are? In the latest sex news from the world of insects, a study in Royal Society B: Biological Sciences found that all male fruit flies have to do to turn on female flies is rub their wings together and wait for the magic to happen.
The rhythmic buzzing produces a “song†that activates genes related to the female’s sense of smell, which could be involved in the mating process. Researchers speculate that the genes might help the female find the male that’s singing, or to find the right place to lay eggs after mating.
We wondered why it’s so easy for flies—and practically every other species in the animal kingdom—to use mating calls to attract women, and whether or not men can do the same thing by singing their own songs. So we consulted with Helen Fisher, Ph.D., a biological anthropologist at Rutgers University and author of Why We Love, to get the scoop.
Click source link to continue…
Source: Men’s Health
My Comments:
YES!…is this motivation or what guys? Â Now I know mastering the guitar is my destiny. Â I must…nay…I will conquer it….Â
by Rupe | Oct 11, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
I am really tempted to lift, but I must resist the urge. Â I must allow my body to heal so that I can move forward. Â Another day of cardio only…it’s all good, just need to keep focus.
Cardio: 61 mins
Distance: 6.0
Calories: 680 (runwalk-75/25)
Crunches: 200
Tracker
Total Distance: 290.99 miles (Goal 400/109.01 remain)
Total Calories: 72,570 (Goal 80,000/7,430 remain)
Total Crunches: 6,780 (Goal 25,000/18,220)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 10, 2011 | Fitness
Narrative:
I have temporarily pulled back some on my weightlifting in order to give both my left wrist and my right elbow a bit of time to heal. Â I have been having quite a bit of pain from both – my left wrist I injured during a reverse bicep curl and my right elbow is simply tennis elbow. Â I need to give both some time to heal and then hit them hard again to strengthen.
Cardio: 75 mins
Distance: 5.0
Calories: 1300 (elliptical + treadmill)
Crunches: 0
Tracker
Total Distance: 284.99 miles (Goal 400/115.01 remain)
Total Calories: 71,890 (Goal 80,000/8,110 remain)
Total Crunches: 6,580 (Goal 25,000/18,420)
Good livin’…keep movin’!
-R-
by Rupe | Oct 9, 2011 | Not So Recent Reads
Title: Light in August by William Faulkner
Summary
Light in August is an exploration of racial conflict in the society of the Southern United States. Originally Faulkner planned to call the novel Dark House, which also became the working title for Absalom, Absalom!. Supposedly, one summer evening while sitting on a porch, his wife remarked on the strange quality that light in the south has during the month of August. Faulkner rushed out of his chair to his manuscript, scratched out the original title, and penciled in Light in August; however this story is probably apocryphal given the huge symbolic role that both light and the month of August play in the novel.
My Comments:
This is my first Faulkner’s book. Â I started it in early October 2011. Â Anyone who has ever read Faulkner will tell you that he is not an easy read. Â I really loved this book however. Â And reading as a follow on from Uncle Tom’s cabin was like a continuation of a long story. Â His use of literal imagery is beyond equal. Â One of the best books I have ever read. Â I can see why Gabriel Garcia Marques adored this guy. Â
Grab it from Amazon
by Rupe | Oct 7, 2011 | Fitness, Health-Wellness-Sex
Muscle cramps can be a very painful side effect of exercise. You work out to benefit your body and overall health, and are punished with a sharp pain in your muscles. It’s easy to get frustrated and even apprehensive when a “charley horse” occurs, but they are usually harmless and there are several tricks to help alleviate the pain.
Cramps occur when a muscle contracts and doesn’t relax. They are involuntary and you can often see or feel your muscle twitching. Even after the muscle does relax, it will remain fatigued and possibly sore. Cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to 25 minutes or more. While some people experience cramps during exercise, they can also happen while sitting or even sleeping. They most commonly occur in the leg, especially in the calf, hamstring and quadricep.
Why me?
There are many reasons why cramps may occur. Inadequate stretching and overexertion might lead to a build up of lactic acid in your muscles. Muscle fatigueand dehydration may also contribute. Cramps are also more likely to happen in hot weather since you tend to lose more fluids.
Click source link to continue…
Source: SparkPeople
My Comments:
Cramps can be a “pain in the leg” if you know what I mean…this is a really good tip read.Â
by Rupe | Oct 7, 2011 | Musical Words
An Absolutely Beautiful Song
[ti_audio media=”4300″]
Lately you have been asking me
if all my words are true
Don’t you know I’ll do anything for you
Sometimes I haven’t been good to you
Sometimes I’ve made you cry
And I am sorry for everything
but I promise you girl
I promise you this
Chorus:
When the blue night is over my face
on the dark side of the world in space
When I’m all alone with the stars above
you are the one I love
(more…)
by Rupe | Oct 7, 2011 | Fitness, Inspiration
Just about everyone has heard of the “Wall,” as in “hitting the wall.” And lots of us – in running and in life – have run straight into it. Head on.
A wall is the point in a race (or in life) where you’re used up. You’re officially done. You feel as if you are draining away into a little puddle on the ground. Your legs don’t respond to the word “go.” You vow never to do this again.
Although I hope you never have a wall get between you and a goal, here are some tricks I’ve learned from running that can help you get over your own wall when it’s in the way:
Although I hope you never have a wall get between you and a goal, here are some tricks I’ve learned from running that can help you get over your own wall when it’s in the way:
Keep going regardless
Promise yourself that, no matter what, you will press on, even if you are walking, crawling, or puttering. In the Boston Marathon in 1993, I was running so slowly to the finish that I felt like I was actually going backwards. Stay on your feet. Eyes straight ahead. Move.
Click source to continue…
Source: Sparkpeople
My Comments:
Awesome motivational article…. I also ran across this poem, when I was looking for a graphic to use here at my site. Â I will make a separate post for it.
by Rupe | Oct 5, 2011 | Reflections
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.  Because almost  everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way  I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.â€
I came to the world of Apple roughly 5 years ago, buying my first and only MacBook (the one upon which I am composing this post). Â With the deepest sincerity, I am yet to behold a more beautiful and complete piece of machinery. Â Mr. Jobs is truly among the greatest beings who have walked this earth and anyone who has had the chance to use his inventions can truly undersand the soul of this great man.
by Rupe | Oct 5, 2011 | Not So Recent Reads
Title: Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas
Publisher’s Summary
Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce’s extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament.
At the center of this heroic life was a passionate 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle Wilberforce won in 1807, as well as efforts to abolish slavery itself in the British colonies, a victory achieved just three days before his death in 1833.
Metaxas discovers in this unsung hero a man of whom it can truly be said, “He changed the world.” Before Wilberforce, few thought slavery was wrong. After Wilberforce, most societies in the world came to see it as a great moral wrong.
This account of Wilberforce’s life will help many to become acquainted with an exceptional man who was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America.
My Comments:
I bought this book along with a couple others, including Uncle Tom’s Cabin, in March of this year – 2011. Â Like Uncle Tom’s Cabin, I started it a couple times, but put it away, partly because of time, but also because it was slow in starting. Â After finishing Uncle Tom’s Cabin and being blown away with both the story and the writing style, I decided to pick it up again a week ago. Â I finished it yesterday and was struck by the works and awesomeness of this great man – William Wilberforce. Â This is a particular important book to me because growing up in Jamaica, his efforts had a substantial and direct impact on my life. Â It was well worth the read…well worth it.Â
by Rupe | Oct 4, 2011 | Health-Wellness-Sex
Most patients think that they sign up for psychotherapy and they go
in and talk in order to “vent†their feelings. Others think they are going it to see a counselor (like a lawyer or financial advisor) who will tell them what to do and how to behave.
Some of this is true. Venting your feelings or “getting it all out†in a safe environment may be helpful in cases of grief where a loved one has died, but I have also met patients who have had therapists where they have been venting every week for seven years… and they still aren’t better. So venting is part of the process in some cases. Some therapists will tell you what to do and how to behave, but this may not be a hallmark of a good therapist. Good therapists work with you in hopes that you see better ways to behave, interact, and function and act on those in your own way.
Below are some concepts that govern certain types of psychotherapy. Yes, just like there are several types of medications that work in several different ways, there are different types and styles of psychotherapy:
Click source link to continue reading…
Source: WebMD
My Comments:
This is one area that I confess that I know very little about. Â It can be frustrating because operating from a point of view (and I have done so) that each person should have control over his or her faculties can blind one to the mental pains of others. Â Interesting comments at the site.
