Jumat, 27 Januari 2012

Fading toward Enlightenment

Fading Toward Enlightenment by Wayne Wirs is definitely a well made book of excellent quality – it will certainly endure multiple readings. I loved the feel of the pages as I turned them. I would classify this book as a useful, inspirational, self-help tool for those searching for inner peace. Wayne shares his personal experiences while he searches to come to turns with himself and life in general through this beautiful work of art.

Wayne is truly a seeker of understanding. I was reminded occasionally of Joseph Campbell throughout the book, as the two focus on similar themes. Wayne shares his journey towards understanding that takes him through vigorous studies of mystic and myths, traveling into himself and then out again. He dreams of being able to reach beyond the ego.

Attractive, attention-demanding black and white photographs are enhanced by the deep-thinking quotations and the author’s excellent discussions. Each stage in his journey is accompanied by the exquisite photos, and the photos add depth to the text – feeding each other. I found that I would read a sentence and then look at the photo; back and forth - each page a slow and rewarding process to savor. Written to inspire others to delve deep into discovering who they are, Wayne asks us (as he asks himself) "Who are you behind those busy thoughts?"

The question and answer interview at the end of the book was quite helpful in finding out more about the author’s personal side and his particular views. He also includes a list of resources to aid the reader interested in furthering their journey."


Fact or Fiction

It very well could be real, but for now it’s the latest heart-pounding fiction book, Sledgehammer, about a terrorist who arrives in the ER with smallpox symptoms. An ER physician suspects it but has just six days to convince hospital executives and the U.S. Government before an epidemic breaks out.

The story is brought vividly to life by Dr. Paulo J. Reyes who obtained his MD at the UCSF School of Medicine, has 25 years in medicine and internal medicine and is a First Responder for the busiest cities in California specifically in terrorists training.

In Sledgehammer, the lead character, Max Kroose, an intuitive emergency room physician, believes terrorists are to blame for the attack and fears the more lethal form of smallpox, called Sledgehammer, will kill within days. As time progresses, the terrorists planned attacks at a sports arena, mall and airport must be stopped. The question becomes can this ER doctor convince the hospital administration and the public health care system about the presence of this deadly disease and the need to vaccinate the American public.  You won’t be able to stop reading as you seek to find out the truth in this non-stop thriller.

How big a threat is smallpox? “The Federal Government should allow voluntary smallpox vaccinations to protect us from smallpox bioterrorist attacks,” says Dr. Reyes. “At the very least the Federal Government should allow voluntary vaccinations of the first responders which should include all hospital medical staff. The President and the military have been vaccinated. Why shouldn’t the American public?”

Dr. Reyes also authored Health-Care Reform or Redistribution of Cost? and in his research of the health care system, he has seen its shortcomings. Realizing there is clear and present danger of a terrorist attack in the health care system has prompted him to support voluntary smallpox vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers smallpox as a possible danger and includes it as one of the possible agents of a bioterrorist attack, in its website under the subheading Emergency Preparedness and Response along with anthrax, plague, and tularemia.

Reyes believes the Federal Government should consider a trial program to detect the presence of the virus – similar to a pregnancy test – so if the disease presents itself, it will be detected before it becomes an epidemic or pandemic.

The American public is immuno-naïve to smallpox, which means it could spread very rapidly, Reyes says. And containment could be even more difficult or impossible if the virus was aerosolized, which the CDC believes may be the case, he says.

With new terrorist attacks continually happening in the United States and the fear of a global pandemic, Sledgehammer is a gripping book to get a real insight into what could possibly lie ahead unless immediate action is taken.  


Fabulous After 50

For women in this day and age, hitting 50 doesn't automatically call for breaking out the knitting needles. Today's mature woman has the verve and style of a much younger person, yet she emanates the power and wisdom that can only come with those extra years.

While life may not exactly begin at 50, it doesn't have to lose speed either. Women wanting to keep their lives glamorous, confident, sexy and successful can find a bonanza of experience and advice in "Fabulous After 50: And Sexy at 60!" (Plume, $13).

Co-author Judy Steinberg, an attractive, vibrant woman who is often mistaken for someone decades younger, was utterly shocked when she first experienced age discrimination. At that moment, she vowed to share her frank and funny insights with older women everywhere.

With great panache, Steinberg offers tips and tricks on everything from diets and exercise to interpreting what a man is really saying and the importance of female friendships.

Whether one is suddenly single or simply looking for some sisterly advice, Steinberg navigates the course by addressing issues specific to women who are old enough to remember "Sex and the Single Girl."

The book is a salute to a new generation of vital, successful and gorgeous older women.


Evny Of The Gods

Envy of the Gods, a science-fiction novel, has a cast of five main characters that struggle through a rise to leadership, tough ethical decisions, the re-discovery and use of ancient textbooks, and a society that strives for a better, more efficient way of life.

In a ruthless and brutal age, much like our age of barbarian kingdoms, the novel takes the reader through immense social and governmental changes. Cold, power hungry Duke Atan Ishtba is on his way towards unchallenged dominance of surrounding kingdoms. Yet Raphela's intense beauty not only brought him to his knees. All his efforts at wooing her with jewels and finery are only in vain. Her heart lay with the rightful leader who is destined to rule the land with a caring and enterprising heart. Between the two they bring education to the masses, equality to women and better economic situations for the general public.

This is not done through some kind of super-human power, but rather through genuine hard work, learning to use their minds creatively and through the generosity of the Ancients – who left behind a written legacy of their advanced knowledge. The loyal support of friends like Mahtso and Fatell, help these two through their many adventures.

The author never tells us much about the Ancients, the terrain or other such background information. I was clueless, until it was made clear in the end, that the book is based in another world entirely. Certainly, the characters were quite likely to be of humanoid life. Envy of the Gods is very interesting indeed, and deserves a second read.

I do, however, feel it is necessary to voice some negative comments. The back cover does not explain the book very well at all and the front cover image does not have much appeal. I felt, that at times, some of the events were not exactly believable or could fit a realistic timetable. But then, science-fiction genres can push many boundaries that other genres cannot.

This 320-page novel by Andrea Savitch is the first in the trilogy and though it does not require subsequent novels, the author has created sufficient curiosity to entice readers to wonder where she will take them next.