Thank You!

Wow, Superman denounces his American citizenship in the 900th edition of the comic.
According to Fox News, many people are upset about this and some just think that Superman is bigger than the United States. The article reported that Superman is from another plant.

I love comics a lot. I know Superman is from another planet, but it makes me question some things like when did Superman gain U.S. Citizenship? He (Clark Kent) was found in Kansas and his “adoptive Earth” parents raised him as if he were born there (based on my understanding of the movies). Would this make Kent/ superman an illegal alien? Pardon the pun on “alien.” Did he have legal citizenship? I hope they don’t attempt to deport Superman because of denounced citizenship.

The Presidency
The only grandfather who I knew (Alex) wasn’t biological. My biological grandfathers had passed away when I was too young to remember and one before I was born. My biological grandmother re-married when I was young.

My biological grandmother (Carrie) a retired school teacher would question me on things like states and capitols and U.S. Presidents. My grandfather had once told me that he could never be president of the United States. As a child, I replied, “I know that because Ronald Regan is already the President.” I was probably 7 or 8. He explained to me that he was born in Canada.

Kent/ Superman is a fictional character, but Kent could never “run” for President of the United States of America. I’m guessing Kent would have had an “inauthentic” Kansas birth certificate. However, if Kent was deported, I don't think he or Superman would have argued against it.

Of course, Superman is bigger than “Power.” He has larger, more humanistic and idealistic intentions. If he was power hungry he could have easily taken over the country or the planet.

Comics are interesting. The Watchmen Comic book focuses on how absolute power corrupts people. People in the comic question: “Who Watches the Watchmen?” They want to know who gives these Watchmen “superheroes” authority to dress up and fight crime. The people want to know if their actions are legal. The comic even has Richard Nixon as an unprecedented 5th-term president in the 80s who has used all means to change laws and hold on to power.

Here is the fox link:
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/04/28/superman-renounces-citizenship-00th-issue/?test=faces

Jaycee update

I have a lot of empathy for Jaycee Dugard. I feel upset when I think about her situation. Of course, I think of her as a "Victor" for her struggles and not a victim. I'm very pleased to know she is free! I hope Jaycee and her children have a happier life.

CNN reported that her the Garridos plead guilty today.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/28/california.garridos.guilty.pleas/index.html?hpt=T2

Water for Elephants movie.

I went home for the Easter holiday weekend (Beckley, W.Va.). I miss home from time to time. I've lived in Huntington (W.Va.) since going to Marshall University in 2001. I never really left there. I wonder how my life would be had I made different choices. What if I didn't go away and stayed at the local Beckley College? What would have happened if I moved back to Beckley and had taken a different type of job?

Why am I asking these questions? It has to do with a bigger question: Do you have free choice or is life pre-determined? I like to think I have control.

Today, I watched the movie, "Water for Elephants." I enjoyed it a lot. The main character in the story is a guy named Jacob who joins the circus at the age of 21. I won't tell anything else about this story so I won't give-away any of the good parts in case you decide to read the book or watch the movie.

Here is the big question I got from this movie: Do we make choices or are they already made for us. The movie had a question that said something along the lines of: "You don't choose the cirus, the circus chooses you."

My sister Carrie told me that she didn't like the movie. I asked why and she said because of the way they treated animals. I pointed out that several characters in the movie had "good traits" and they cared for animals and I reminded her that I doubt if Hollywood would allow any animal to be harmed when they filmed the movie, (or at least I hope so). Most movies have a disclaimer that makes that clear. So, I decided to do a little google search. The info. was positive. I'd assume that the animal right groups would have had many posts asking people to avoid the movie had there been any harm. The "WeAreMovieGeeks" site and many others said that no animals were harmed in the movie, but I must say they are hard to watch.



I think I'd like to read the book, if I had more time.


You can get the book at Amazon.com at this link here:

Downlaod a FREE Kindle Book!

Steven Pressfield is the author of one of my top 10 favorite books.
It is called, "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles."
I think this is one of the best books on promoting creativity. This book was ranked #60 in best-selling books today at Amazon. Here is the link. I think the cost is $7.44.



You may have seen the movie "The Legend of Bagger Vance." The movie was based on the book by Steven Pressfield.



I was so excited when I found a FREE book by Pressfield.

It is called, "Do The Work" and it is by Steven Pressfield. It cost about $13 (plus shipping) to have a copy sent to you.

However, the kindle version of this book is FREE (or at least it is today). I downloaded it. I like to share good information with people when I find it.

Here is Product Description: Could you be getting in your way of producing great work? Have you started a project but never finished? Would you like to do work that matters, but don't know where to start?

The answer is Do the Work, a manifesto by bestselling author Steven Pressfield, that will show you that it’s not about better ideas, it’s about actually doing the work.

Do the Work is a weapon against Resistance – a tool that will help you take action and successfully ship projects out the door.

“There is an enemy. There is an intelligent, active, malign force working against us. Step one is to recognize this. This recognition alone is enormously powerful. It saved my life, and it will save yours.”



Here is the link for the book:



During my leisure, I read a lot of books. I enjoy end of world stories (Dystopian novels)
Pressfield has a book coming out in June 2011. This book takes place in the year 2032. Here is the link for people who'd like to pre-order it.

The Ultimate Gift is HOPE THE MOST PROMISING BREAKTHROUG

Dear Friend,

The veil is pulled back and we are able to enter into the
strength, courage and fortitude of another soul who found themselves walking through the dark night.

The courage and choice for life on all levels gives the reader
the opportunity to reconnect their forgotten strength that lies within.

This is a story of inspiration and encouragement that will
ignite the heart and soul of anyone who encounters it."
-- Lauren E. Miller, Cancer Survivor

Important Notice: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to cancer research so please make sure you let your list know how important it is to buy this book next Tuesday (May 3rd).


Here is a Short You-Tube Video with the Author:

Info. About The Book:


You have the opportunity to purchase a book about a truly magnificent person. Carole’s Story…A Scottish Gem will take you on an adventure, which involves romance, courage, strength and hope. Befriend her, and live vicariously through her life.

You will become empowered, your inner strength will be ignited and it will make you follow your heart. Put your faith into action and start out on your own life-changing journey as well as taken action in Michele’s journey of HOPE.

As Michele Rodger, author of “Carole’s Story…A Scottish Gem” was writing this book in tribute to her sister-in-law Carole’s life, she came into contact with so many people who wanted to support her cause, and her vision became crystal clear.

This book will be used as a vehicle in supporting the kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, a non-invasive treatment using radio waves.

Portions of the proceeds from the book will be donated to this research therefore, if you own this book you not only have purchased an incredible book but you have also personally contributed and became part of this journey of hope.

Peggy McColl said: This is a wonderful heartfelt account of her sister-in-laws life, which will touch upon your emotions. As you travel through this book, you will vicariously live through Carole and will become a close friend, mother, sister or daughter. She will inspire and empower you, but most of all it will give you a fresh outlook on your own life.

Over 60 Free Gifts are available for you today!

(Including a $5 coupon for the book that I've written, Building Character with Sam, Izzy, & Many Other Dogs.

There are many people who are supporting Michele in this journey of hope and they have donated individual free gifts for you if you become a proud owner of this book. There are over 60 free gifts and you can have as many as you like. Become part of this journey of hope today and become inspired as you read this incredible fantastic book about a lady who always reached for the stars.


You'll get the Gifts if you order from this Link:


http://www.aScottishgem.com/book

Or you can get it here from Amazon:

Check out this book.

The Path of a Hero.

Fun book. Get it here:

An Amazing Book for Children!

I am a big fan of Sandra McLeod Humphrey's (2007) book, "Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs."

I'm a Recreational Therapist for children ages 7 to 13. I teach social skills, character development, coping skills, and problem-solving skills.

The therapeutic use of stories is one technique that I use to help teach children these valuable life skills. I often use the stories and discussion questions from Humphrey's book. I'll have the children put on a play to role-model the stories from the book. I encourage the children to use the social skills and character values taught from previous sessions in their role-play.

Here is a video for Humphrey's amazing book! I suggest that every parent or teacher for ages (7 to 14) should get a copy of the book for their child or classroom. Watch the video here:



Here is the amazon link for the book:


And if you've not done so already, get a copy of my children's book that uses pictures of cute animals to teach character values. Go here:

Super Freaknomics!

Last week, I read "Super Freaknomics."

This week I'm going to read Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter and the 4th part of the Max Ride graphic novel series.

Super Freakonomics:




Abe Lincoln -- Vampire Hunter:



James Patterson's (part IV) of the graphic novel series of Max Ride:

50+ Fantastic Dystopian Novels.

I found a neat blog a while back. I've been following it for a while. Here is a link with 50 dystopian novels at this blog: www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk/.../update-best-dystopian-ya-novels-redux

Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Many people who follow my blog know that I read and enjoy many dystopian novels and movies. Well, here is one I'd like to share:

The "S" Word?

John Nichols has written a book called, "The 'S' Word."

And what is the "S" word? It is "Socialism."

Traditional wisdom argues that America was founded on "Capitalism."

However, Nichols argues that there is a great history of socialism in American in his book.

Here is an recent example: Helen Keller was an avowed socialist, yet was selected to represent Alabama on its commemorative state quarter.

Check out this book here:

Join the FREE E-newsletter!

Guess what?

Now you can get updates on blog posts sent to your email!

I'll send an email every month with that has the titles of blog entries that you may like to read.

I'll even give you a $5 off coupon for my self-improvement book just for joining the "Secret Wisdom" e-newsletter.

Hope you enjoy it.

Just go here:

e-Book sales top paperback books

I read at CNN today that ebooks beat paperbacks. I'm an avid reader. I love my amazon kindle. I find it easier to read a novel on the kindle. I am a graduate student in a mental health counseling program. I've downloaded most of my text books on the kindle. It saves money to do so. However, not all college text books are on the kindle. There are some books I'd rather have in print. I buy children's picture books because I work with children. I give them as donations to the children's library where I work at. I want to encourage them to be readers. I like to have my favorite books in print, too. I also read some graphic novels, which I get in paperback, like the Max Ride Series. Here is a link to the news story: http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/15/technology/ebooks_beat_paperbacks/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin

Humor for Therapy -- Nostalgic for Adults.

Barefoot Through the Goathead Patch by Ken Jarman is a fictional account of a mischievous little boy who discovers there are significant differences between boys and girls and embarks on a mission to unravel those mysteries.

Along the way, he gets himself into one hilarious predicament after another causing the reader to “laugh out loud” as they follow his misadventures. Regardless of whether people are focused on self-help, self-awareness, skill building, inspirational, wealth-building or just plain entertainment, everyone benefits from a good laugh now and then even if it’s at themselves. This book has wide-spread appeal to young, old, male, and female alike; evoking nostalgic memories for adults; positive guidance for young people, and laughter for all. So, we thought of you.

Will Smith/ Jaden Smith/ and M. Night Shyamalan movie!

I am a big fan of dystopia books and movies.

Will Smith and his son Jaden are going to co-star in a sic-fi film by M. Night Shyamalan.

It is set 1,000 years in the future.

Here is a link for it:

http://www.movieline.com/2011/04/what-are-the-odds-of-the-will-smithm-night-shyamalan-movie-actually-happening.php

Here is another:

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/04/04/will-smith-jaden-smith-m-night-shyamalan/

We'll just have to wait for more info.