So long, farewell…

Thursday, June 25. It came as a shock to the whole world about the passing of pop superstar Michael Jackson and ‘Charlie’s Angel’ Farrah Fawcett, two of the most influential figures of their time. Their passing not only shows how much they have contributed to the entertainment industry but also how much influence they have on the rest of the world.

Many people saw Jackson’s death to be untimely, so much so that speculations have been raised as to what could have really caused his death. Fawcett, on the other hand, whose long battle with cancer, was to be considered a brave fight.

Their passing is a stark reminder that even in one’s greatness, one can never get away with the inevitable that is death; that one can never cheat death regardless of one’s social and economic status, moral and spiritual beliefs or health condition. Indeed, death comes like a thief in the night, unbeknownst to you.

The loss of a loved one may bring about a great deal of emotional pain and trauma. Some may find it hard to accept why it happened and move on with their lives.

One grieves in his own way and time. It is important to accept and believe that there is a reason for what happened, even if you may not clearly see it.

Eventually, you will understand why. By accepting the situation, you free yourself from the pain and are then ready to move on with your life.

This self-published book is a gripping story of a journalist who, following the tragic death of his daughter, finally finds inner peace and joy from his personal woes as an alcoholic.  What Death Can Touch can help you discover how one can achieve spiritual renewal after the loss of a loved one and understand the real essence of death.

Death should not be viewed as a mere loss or an end; it should be looked upon as a gain and a start of a new and uncharted journey.

Essays on the 4th of July

The beauty of America lies in that it has a uniquely diverse culture. America is composed of people from every race, ethnicity, religion or the absence of it. Its people’s beliefs, lifestyles and interests range from the very noble to the most absurd. This cultural diversity is what makes America popularly known as the Land of the Free, binding its people together. Yet this could also spell cultural chaos.

Concerned that Americans have seemingly lost sight of the founding principles that breathed life into the Declaration of Independence, John Gilligan prompted to self-publish a book entitled, The Soul of America: Essays on the 4^th of July. This book is a compilation of Gilligan’s newspaper-published essays that tackles on what America has become and what he hopes it will still be in the future.

Loaded with historical facts and insights, John’s essays rest on three major standpoints, namely the founding of America; its present cultural and political problems and how one’s patriotism can keep the country great.

The Soul of America: Essays on the 4^th of July is a must-read for everyone who cares about the future of this country. It also aims to keep the fire of patriotism of burning in each citizen and reflect on the real essence of America and what makes this country great.

What to do for summer

Why not try something new this summer?

• Swimming

• Camping

• Reading

• The Beach

• Working

• Playing

• Publish a book

• Summer? It’s the Winter here.

Father’s Day all day

So maybe I greeted my dad a Happy Father’s Day a week early, as I was told that Father’s Day always falls on the 3^rd week of June. That was probably the reason why he replied by asking me if I was sure of what I greeted him. Ha.

It doesn’t really matter. After all, letting your dad know how much you love and appreciate him shouldn’t just happen on the 3^rd week of June. (Or the 2^nd, if I may insist).

I am proud to have such a wonderful dad. Two years since I moved out of our home to work in the big city, he can still be a crick in my neck, constantly reminding me of things as if I was still a little girl. He’d always tell me to refrain from nights-out that last until the wee hours of the morning; to eat right and at the right time; limit my spending and save more. And when I’d go home on occasions, he’d still cross his brows whenever guys called; pick on my “too-short” clothes, and even impose the Cinderella curfew on me.

But then I guess that’s just my dad’s way of saying that even though I’m all grown up and living my own life now, I am still and will always be his little girl. My dad will always be the number one person in my life. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now.  And oh, I’m just so eager to tell him when I go home next month that I’m going to become  a published author very soon. (Yep, the opportunity has finally come, at long last!)

To my dad and all the other dads out there, Happy Father’s Day!

An inspiring book that shows what a father truly is for - to be that role model and hero above other things.

A taste of New York’s finest

When in New York City, you can never run out of places to dine because of its highly diversified food culture.

Each area has its own flavors to tell – from Chinatown, Brooklyn, East and Greenwich Village; Harlem, Gramercy Park, Lower and Upper East Side; Lincoln, Center, Little Italy, Meat Packing and Theater Districts; The Bronx, Tribeca, Queens, historic Chelsea to upscale Soho.

And when it comes to food, the Big Apple lives up to its name as the city that never sleeps; never failing to surprise people from different walks of life of its plethora of cuisines.

World-renowned chef Vikas Khanna cooks up a collection of sumptuous cuisines from some of the Big Apple’s finest restaurants in the book, New York Chefs Cooking for Life.

This self-published book is a collection of sumptuous recipes from New York’s best and finest dining spots, among which include Acappella, Alain Ducasse, August, Asia de Cuba, Bouley, Brasserio, Caviar and Banana; Café Boulud, Café Gray, Capsouto Freres, City Hall Restaurant, Chanterelle, Cru, Devi, Dos Caminos, Jewel of India, Montrachet, Nobu, Payard, Roc, Salaam Bombay, Tamarind, Tribeca Grill and Vong.

New York Chefs Cooking for Life promises a gastronomical burst of cuisines for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts alike; a salute to New York City’s quintessential definition of food as a celebration of life.

Successfully starting a Small business

Business starters get loads of tips, not tidbits, on running a small business.

There are a number of smart ways to make your money grow. You can invest in the stock market, bonds, certificate of deposit and other investment avenues.

Running a business is also another good option. The volatility of the job market, which is especially characterized by increasing unemployment in the labor market, has made many people consider, or create their own small businesses.

In fact, putting up a small business has become an increasing trend among many people to address the changing tides of the job market.

Running a business is always a risky game, its success is never a guarantee. But the benefits of putting up a small business can be plentiful for you.

In the self-published book, A Guide to Small Business: Form, Operate, Analyze”, Richard Mack discusses the elements of a small business and how you can successfully start your own. This self-published book provides helpful tips and ideas which interested readers can use to successfully establish and operate their own small businesses. It also presents the major components in a business to make it grow and last.

Mack’s in-depth discussion, which is based on thorough research and analysis, provides readers an understanding that a business, no matter how small, can attain huge success.

(Mack holds a Master’s degree in educational administration, supervision and Doctor of Philosophy degree in urban education and communications in complex organizations. His doctoral research is his baseline data for publishing a book. He was also head of the investment banking research and development division of a company involved in technology transfer buying and selling selected businesses throughout the world.)

Girl thing is a Guy’s business too.

Get a clue what to do when you have it, when she has it.

Last night I was reading a book when I sensed that my period came. I didn’t have extra feminine napkins left, so I asked my brother to run to the supermarket to get me some pads. When he returned, he told me he was never going to buy feminine napkins anymore – he had forgotten which brand I was using and people were giving him strange looks merely searching for pads at the rack.

I remember I was 11 when I had my first period. I was on vacation at my uncle’s place and I was so embarrassed to tell him about it. Clueless as to what he would do, he congratulated me anyway and asked if there was anything he could get for me.

Apparently, the subject still appears to be taboo in this almost-digital world. I guess it’s important for men to be very supportive of girls who go through this phase. This is but a time in a young girl’s life when she gets curious; a time to empower her into womanhood. Perhaps if they learned to do so, then it would be a lot easier for them in the future to figure out women who go through menopause.

Here’s an interesting book I found entitled, “The Period Party”. This self-published book helps empower young girls who are entering a turning point in her life as a woman. The Period Party is not a ‘for-girls-only’ book – it is also helpful for guys as well. Men need to understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of when dealing with this subject. Fathers, uncles, brothers and even boyfriends should know they play an important role in a young girl’s transition.

I’d definitely recommend this book to my brother. That way, he might change his mind about not getting me feminine napkins at the supermarket next time.

Publishing Young

Miles Rabun

William Rabun

I adore my 12-year old niece, Beatrice. She’s a smart and happy kid whose imagination and writing skills show so much potential of her to become, as she hopes, the next JK Rowling of her generation.

The other day, she let me read her story about fairies and dragons. Consanguinity aside, I’d like to believe she wrote like a pro. Yet, there was a unique approach to her writing one would say no one could interpret it best the way a child would. I told her how impressed I was with her work.

“Really? You mean my work is book-worthy?” she asked. Now I know Beatrice wants to become a published author too. I answered her story would make an interesting children’s book. “But I’m only 12. I’m still too young to publish.” She said.

Self-published book by brothers William and Miles, then 5 and 7 years old, respectively.

I guess that’s one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to publishing. I also often encounter questions as to how old one must be in order to publish a book. I learned that there’s actually no age requirement when publishing a book. As long as you have a beautiful story to share and a strong will and determination to becoming a published author, then it is possible.

I was amazed to find a published book by brothers William and Miles Rabun, which they wrote when they were 5 and 7, respectively. The book was entitled ‘My Grandma’s Backyard’, which they came up with after their grandmother challenged them to write a book. It chronicles the fun-filled outdoor adventures of the two brothers during summer.

Now, William, 8 and Miles, 10 are enjoying recognition and praise from people worldwide, and are continuously promoting their first ever professionally published book.

As for Beatrice, she’s never too young to publish at all. That’s enough to give her motivation. As for me, well, I’m probably thinking Beatrice might beat me to becoming a published author. But then, hopes springs eternal.

Raze Racism

I came across an interesting post online written by an artist who stressed how spirituality affects racism.

Racism is not only a tool of discrimination but of exploitation as well. Judging a person by the color of his skin alone already poses a lot of problems in our culture and society. While much has been said about racism, this cultural phenomenon continues to grow like a cancer that kills out of unfair judgment, negative attitude and prejudice.

I was lucky to find a published book that would answer my curiosity on the matter. The Crazy Making Disease, written by book author Christopher Bear Beam, emphasizes how spirituality plays an important role in curbing the ill effects of racism to our culture and society. By going back to one’s own spiritual foundations and understanding them, then perhaps we can put a stop to racism’s concept of hate and ultimately lead to racial healing.

I couldn’t agree more. After all, this world would be a much better place to live in if people treat each other equally.

More than just plain awareness, I think there is more to discover about the mind-body connection in addressing this  global disease which is racism.

The 5-year old Mother

A woman can never be too old or too young to conceive. For many people, the question on when a woman can have a child is not about her age but by her readiness for it.

But such is not the case for Lina Medina, who, much to my shock, became a mother at 5 years old.

Born in Peru in 1933, Lina was just like any other girl her age who loved to play with her friends, discover new things and enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. However, Lina started having abnormal changes in her body, as in her breasts and hips. When she turned 5, her stomach began to grow larger.

Thinking that it was a tumor, her parents took her to the hospital. After a series of X-ray tests and biopsies, the doctors confirmed that she had been pregnant for seven months already. It was also found that she started puberty at 8 months. This condition would later be described as precocious puberty.

On May 14, 1939, Lina gave birth to a healthy baby boy through caesarian section. The baby was named Gerardo, after her doctor.

For ten years, the family kept it a secret from Gerardo that Lina was actually his mother, and not his older sister. Gerardo died in 1979 from a bone infection.

Who got her pregnant still remains a mystery today. In fact, Lina’s father was arrested for suspicion of rape and incest, but was later freed for lack of evidence.

At present, Lina lives in Lima with her husband. She also has another son who lives in Mexico.

I still find it hard to imagine something as this to actually happen, myself wondering what I would do if that ever happened to me.

I wonder if in our lifetime, I could get a chance to meet her and know straight from her how she had coped with such challenging ordeal, the fact that many pregnant women go through a lot of changes that may be difficult to cope with.

Lina really caught my interest that I started searching if there were any published books about her, but I couldn’t find one. It would be great to publish a book about her, although I’m not so sure as she lives a simple and quiet life now, shunning away from controversy as much as possible.

But this I have to say, Lina sure was one extraordinary child, and is one amazing mother.