Third World Reality Checks

By Lance Winslow

If the world is serious and I believe at least much of the world is about Global Warming, Climate Change or Mankind’s pollution then we need to sit down with all nations of the world and have a reality-check talk. You see, we do need to stop polluting our atmosphere, but we cannot have a worldwide meaningful discussion about human pollution without including China.

What causes Civilizations to collapse or crumble? We know from anthropology and archeology that it has to do with resources, water, agriculture, weather, wars, diseases and a host of other things. As the coordinator for the Online Think Tank is yet another reason that I keep recommending these books to those who wish to talk about feeding the Third World;

"Collapse; Why Civilizations Succeed or Fail" by Jared Diamond

"The Comedians" by Graham Greene about Poppa Doc and Baby Doc

"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad

"Dark Star Safari" by Paul Theroux

I believe people ought to study up on this stuff before unilaterally deciding how to help other nations. Of course I have my own theories of what comes first, second, third and such in aid packages, funding and infrastructures? Such as water, sewer, economics, health, roads, education and power. You see, if we are to bring this world together and indeed unite it in a common cause then we must be thinking here.

So often folks will demand we help the Third World without thinking it through and we waste millions if not billions of dollars and then we are left with nothing to show for it as things never took hold and it is a shame. But throwing good money after bad in the wrong order makes no sense either. If folks have not read these books or understand the reality, then how on Earth are they really able to make a dent in the problem.

I ask that you at least read these books for commenting on the situation. I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington
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Nineteen Minutes - A Waste of Time?

By Bella Hayden

I will first admit that I was a Jodi Picoult virgin. This was my first novel by this best-selling author...I haven't decided if it will be my last or not.

Nineteen Minutes is sure to capture your interest, because most of us are quickly able to identify with one of the many diverse characters. Picoult does a wonderful job of drawing in her audience and conjuring up sufficient emotions that readers will struggle to put the book aside. She is masterful at setting up the story using flashbacks and character development.

The story is gripping and sad, and all too real. No generation seems immune to the pain of the social stereotyping that begins at a very young age. This story offers meaningful insight into the issue of bullying from many different perspectives: the victim, the bystander, the offender, the accomplices, and the system-which in the case of Peter Houghton, seems to have failed.

This book is well worth the read, especially for teens who may not realize the harm being done on a deep emotional level when bullying takes place, and for parents who make a habit of comparing siblings to one another, to the detriment of all. What is probably the books most striking irony is only a minor detail in the scheme of things. Readers may wonder why the fact that Peter's father is a college professor who teaches the value of happiness to others but is unable to find any in his personal life doesn't play a more important role in the overall theme.

Unfortunately, the ending leaves much to be desired. It seems that the author's deadline arrived or she just got tired of writing and dropped the entire story line leaving many questions tumbling around in the mind of the reader. The surprise ending seems too loose to fit such a tightly woven narrative leading up to the story's climax. Too many important details beg to be explained.

There are a few inconsistencies that were subtle, but certainly would have been easy enough for the author to overcome, particularly the weather patterns in New Hampshire in March, Another pet peeve is the over-use of certain words or phrases, close enough together that the reader is aware of an overt verb-favoritism. If you're looking for a satisfying resolution at the end of a story-keep looking because you won't find it here.

Bella Hayden is a free-lance writer from Chicago, Illinois.
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Desert Journey by Dr Jerry Burgener - Book Review

By Ron Standerfer

iUniverse (2007) ISBN 9780595908509
The basic premise of Jerry Burgener's well-written and moving book, "Desert Journey," is this: A middle-aged man, battered by a series of failed relationships and filled with self-doubt, decides to take a couple of months off and travel to the American Southwest. Once there, he plans to do very little but ride his horse, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Superstition Mountains, and maybe---just maybe---sort out the issues that had been plaguing his life. But destiny had something different in mind for him, and what was waiting for him in those mountains, was the start of a profound, mystical journey of self-discovery, facilitated by a wise and ageless Indian who soon became his mentor and spiritual advisor.

Seeking spiritual guidance and self-discovery from within the Native American shamanistic culture is not a new concept, of course. Carlos Castaneda explored that paradigm brilliantly in the 1960s with his series of writings based on "The Teachings of Don Juan." But there is something about Burgener's approach that is more---how shall I put this---peaceful, than the frenetic, peyote-induced rituals described in Castaneda's writings.

The thing I liked the most about "Desert Journey" is how quickly Burgener's journey became my journey. Thanks to his talented and descriptive writing, I could feel the warm nuzzle of his horse on my arm, smell the crisp, clean desert air, savor the sight of the multi-hued canyon walls changing with the light, and hear the sharp "screech" of a hawk flying overhead. I also found myself reading and rereading many of the passages in the book trying to divine the deeper wisdom buried within. One of my favorite sayings was, "dreams are powerful tools for us to use to connect with other worlds." This is a new and refreshing idea to me as I had always thought dreams were tools for exploring our subconscious, a place I have no desire to visit!
The only part of "Desert Journey" that did not totally fulfill my expectations was the ending. I expected the story to rise to a crescendo and finish with some kind of profound proclamation summarizing what the journey had really been all about. Instead, the author loads his horse into the trailer and heads back to Illinois. But then again, that's what life is all about, isn't it? Every time we reach the summit we discover that we are only on a plateau, and there is more climbing to be done.

"Desert Journey" is written in the first person singular and I am assuming the narrator, "Jerry," is in fact the author. On the other hand, the book is listed as fiction and is described as a novel, so I could be wrong. I hope I'm not though, because there are a million questions I want to ask Jerry Burgener as one Illinois boy to another. Meanwhile, "Desert Journey" is an excellent book and I strongly recommend it. Be forewarned, however, that if you do read it you may be tempted to take your own spiritual journey. I know I am.
http://www.readerviews.com/
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Reviews of Top Raw Food Recipe Books For Families

By Eve Zhu

1. Rawvolution
Matt Amsden has written and illustrated this very inspiring yet simple to use recipe book. It contains highly useful information, such as 'Stocking Your Kitchen', which details not only the basic equipment needed, but also basic ingredients for making raw food preparation easy. 'How To Eat Raw While Traveling' is fantastic for school and work with recipes for foods the raw foodist can proudly take anywhere. Examples are Veggie Cakes, Felafel and Onion Bread.

2. Eating Without Heating. Favorite Recipes from Teens Who Love Raw Food.
Sergei and Valya Boutenko are the teenage children of the famed raw Boutenko family. Clearly, they love eating raw and have beautifully put together their favourite raw recipes. Examples are Italian Rawsage, Nori Rolls and Sergei's Amazing Truffles. Both teenagers and parents will find this book a real treat to have.

3. Green For Life.
This ground-breaking book by Victoria Boutenko was an Independent Publisher Award Finalist. She clearly and simply explains why we should be feeding ourselves and families more dark leafy greens in the form of raw green smoothies. Over 17 delicious green smoothie recipes are given, making it easy to consume these otherwise bitter nutrients. Examples are Raspberry Dream and Summer Delight.

4. Eat Smart Eat Raw.
Kate Wood has written this wonderful and practical cookbook, having successfully tested the recipes on her own husband and children. Even the most resistant husband or child will love tasty delights such as Pasta Sauce and Calcium Candies. And each recipe has measurements in both metric and pounds. A must for any family's raw food chef.

To learn more, download my FREE REPORT 'Secrets Of Natural Living In The Modern World' at http://www.NaturalLivingSecrets.com
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