Carlson, Richard. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and its all small stuff. Simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life. New York, New York. Hyperion. 1997
Reason: I originally picked up this book because I thought the book had a very good title that probably addressed what the book was about. And golly-I was right! This is a self help book that helps you deal with stress management, behavior modification, peace of mind, and inter-personal reflection. It is basically a book that shows you how to keep yourself from going completely insane. This novel doesn’t have a particular setting or date; it is applicable to any time period or whatever walk of life you are in.
Plot: this book doesn’t necessarily have a plot as much as it has advice for how you should live your life. I will just be discussing some of the ones that I found most interesting.
The first of which would be “Let Others Have Glory” this is a very useful thing to do and I never really thought about it before reading this book. This section advises you to listen more efficiently and let go of the “oh that happened to me once” or “My story is more interesting” aspects of life. This will create a sense of calmness and allows other to have some of the spotlight. Because when you immediately dive in and bring the conversation back to you, you can subtly minimize the joy that that person has in sharing the store. That creates distance between you and the person. It’s a lose, lose situation. You gain confidence by letting other people have the spotlight and more accomplishment is supposedly felt.
The second piece of advice that I found interesting would be “Imagine that everyone is Enlightened except you”. This strategy gives you a change to practice something that you probably believe is completely unacceptable. However, this proves to be the most helpful when it comes to self improvement. Your job is trying to determine what the people in your life are trying to teach you. This lets go of a lot of the frustration that you feel for other people. Say your waiting in line at a grocery store and the cashier is taking a long time. I think you should put yourself in their shoes- at a job you probably don’t like. You can think about how you need to get out of there and go on with your life or you can learn a lesson in patience. All you need to do is change your perception from “why are they doing this?” to “what are they teaching me”.
The third and last pierce of advice that I took with me from the book would be “Spend a Moment Everyday Thinking of Someone to Thank”. I found this one extremely interesting and a very good way to look at the world. This strategy only takes a few seconds to complete everyday and is a very important habit to develop. As you think of people to be grateful for you can think of anyone-that person that you let you cut in line because on only had on item, or that person that saved your grandmothers life. The point is to gear your attention to gratitude versus resentment. I really agree with this and plan to start utilizing it.
Character: there is not really a character in this book- the author is just writing about his experiences and what he has learned from them. Richard Carlson is a very interesting individual with the ability to maintaining his stress levels and modify his behavior I believe these traits to be extremely admirable.
Evaluation: I loved this book and I really suggest it to everyone who believes in bettering themselves. I found a lot of helpful tools and advice in order to advance my life ever further. I guess the main point of this book would be to just not sweat the small stuff, and that a lot of the things that you feel are important aren’t going to be important a year from now
This book infinitely compared to real life and the problems regular people face every single day. It addresses everything that I deal with (being a teenager) to probably things that a person that I a century old would face. This book is for anyone from any walk of life.
Author: Richard Carlson is a physician, author, and a motivational speaker. This is his most famous book and his claim to fame.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Current Event 18Apr08
Daniel Goldbloom on The Government's $500K Marijuana Deficit: uhh...what?
According to newly available Health Canada statistics, 462 licensees owe the government more that half a million dollars for weed. And using collection agencies, the government has recovered a measly $2,000. This is a case of governmental mismanagement, plain and simple. A lot of conservatives talk about what the government can learn from (or outsource to) the private sector. But in this case, the government should take its cues from the criminal sector, which seems to be doing a much better job of supplying Canadians -- both sick and healthy -- with marijuana.
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/04/15/daniel-goldbloom-on-the-government-s-500k-marijuana-deficit-uhh-what.aspx
According to newly available Health Canada statistics, 462 licensees owe the government more that half a million dollars for weed. And using collection agencies, the government has recovered a measly $2,000. This is a case of governmental mismanagement, plain and simple. A lot of conservatives talk about what the government can learn from (or outsource to) the private sector. But in this case, the government should take its cues from the criminal sector, which seems to be doing a much better job of supplying Canadians -- both sick and healthy -- with marijuana.
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/04/15/daniel-goldbloom-on-the-government-s-500k-marijuana-deficit-uhh-what.aspx
epitome - a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class
revere - to regard with respect tinged with awe
He was a very revered business man.
vertigo - The sensation of dizziness
When you experience vertigo I usually end up throwing up.
punitive - inflicting punishment
slander - defamation
I slandered a girl in 9th grade for making a flyer about her. I got suspended.
squander - to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly
panache - a grand or flamboyant manner
forlorn - lonely and sad
quell - put an end to
He quelled the arguement by cutting off the guys tongue.
concision - concise quality
libel - to misrepresent damagingly
defamation - slander or libel
misdirection - Incorrect instructions or directions
He had complete misdirection and actually went to Europe instead of Japan.
revere - to regard with respect tinged with awe
He was a very revered business man.
vertigo - The sensation of dizziness
When you experience vertigo I usually end up throwing up.
punitive - inflicting punishment
slander - defamation
I slandered a girl in 9th grade for making a flyer about her. I got suspended.
squander - to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly
panache - a grand or flamboyant manner
forlorn - lonely and sad
quell - put an end to
He quelled the arguement by cutting off the guys tongue.
concision - concise quality
libel - to misrepresent damagingly
defamation - slander or libel
misdirection - Incorrect instructions or directions
He had complete misdirection and actually went to Europe instead of Japan.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Drugs Body Makes Cannabis Decision
This current event is basically just about how marijuna in the UK is going to remain a class C drug. There is growing concern about the impact of cannabis on mental health, particularly of younger people who use the stronger 'skunk' form of the drug. However, Gordon Brown inferred at his monthly news conference that he strongly supported reclassifying cannabis as a Class B drug. Gordon Brown inferred at his monthly news conference that he strongly supported reclassifying cannabis as a Class B drug.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Book report!
Dahl,Roald. James and the Giant Peach. Puffin 1996
Reason: the setting changes greatly. The beginning of the book the mood is amazing-as his parents live in such a great place and they dream of someday visiting New York City. I selected this book because I remember reading it when I was younger and I remember forgetting all about it and wanting to read it again. I mean its spring break so I figured I’d pick a book that I really wanted to read. The book takes place in the 1900’s sometime. I do not exactly know when because I do not believe that it is ever completely specified.
Plot: The story is based around a young boy named James. His parents die after a terrible accident with a rhinocercerous. He is then forced to live with his two seemingly evil aunts- Spike and Sponge. He always dreams of visiting New York City, as his parents always talked about visiting such a place. At one point in the book his dream comes true. This is when a stranger appears with a “bagful of magic”. Among others things it changes insects into real life characters and causes an ordinary peach to grow to enormous proportions right inside his backyard. Him and the insects all travel to New York City within the peach. James is the leader of the group. James comes up with a plan to fly the peace away from the “marauding sharks” . they plan to do this by getting the insects to use their varied talents for the benefit of the others. Long story short- they escape the dangerous Cloud-Men who throw all kinds of weather at the peach. After a while the crew finally lands on the Empire State Building-located in New York City. There is a huge city parade after which James lives in the pit of the peach in Central Park and tells stories of his breathtaking adventure.
Character: James is the main character. I pity him so much but I do not believe that he is someone that should be pitied. I feel like he can really handle his own stuff. He seems strong but he is so young. But he shows everyone that he could handle himself when he takes the leadership role within the peach.
Evaluation: I liked the novel. I thought it was a good break from the serious reading that I have been doing recently. I think everyone should read it because it is seriously such a good book.
This book really doesn’t compare to real life whatsoever, but the lesson that I took from it is that life’s not that bad.
I think I would of acted in the same way as James because if I was that young I wouldn’t of known what to do.
Author- Roald Dahl has surprisingly created many famous children’s novels. At this point in my life I don’t think I’ll read anymore of his work unless I’m in search of a laugh or unless I’m reading it to my future million kids!
Reason: the setting changes greatly. The beginning of the book the mood is amazing-as his parents live in such a great place and they dream of someday visiting New York City. I selected this book because I remember reading it when I was younger and I remember forgetting all about it and wanting to read it again. I mean its spring break so I figured I’d pick a book that I really wanted to read. The book takes place in the 1900’s sometime. I do not exactly know when because I do not believe that it is ever completely specified.
Plot: The story is based around a young boy named James. His parents die after a terrible accident with a rhinocercerous. He is then forced to live with his two seemingly evil aunts- Spike and Sponge. He always dreams of visiting New York City, as his parents always talked about visiting such a place. At one point in the book his dream comes true. This is when a stranger appears with a “bagful of magic”. Among others things it changes insects into real life characters and causes an ordinary peach to grow to enormous proportions right inside his backyard. Him and the insects all travel to New York City within the peach. James is the leader of the group. James comes up with a plan to fly the peace away from the “marauding sharks” . they plan to do this by getting the insects to use their varied talents for the benefit of the others. Long story short- they escape the dangerous Cloud-Men who throw all kinds of weather at the peach. After a while the crew finally lands on the Empire State Building-located in New York City. There is a huge city parade after which James lives in the pit of the peach in Central Park and tells stories of his breathtaking adventure.
Character: James is the main character. I pity him so much but I do not believe that he is someone that should be pitied. I feel like he can really handle his own stuff. He seems strong but he is so young. But he shows everyone that he could handle himself when he takes the leadership role within the peach.
Evaluation: I liked the novel. I thought it was a good break from the serious reading that I have been doing recently. I think everyone should read it because it is seriously such a good book.
This book really doesn’t compare to real life whatsoever, but the lesson that I took from it is that life’s not that bad.
I think I would of acted in the same way as James because if I was that young I wouldn’t of known what to do.
Author- Roald Dahl has surprisingly created many famous children’s novels. At this point in my life I don’t think I’ll read anymore of his work unless I’m in search of a laugh or unless I’m reading it to my future million kids!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A new study on drug use in Australian Aboriginal communities had found that restrictions on alcohol and petrol have led to an increased use of marijuana.
The 5-year study period involved the researchers in observation, and structured and unstructured interviews with young aboriginal people and adult community members.
The study highlights the importance of looking at indigenous substance misuse in the total context of indigenous poverty, poor health and lack of opportunities.
To put the problem into perspective, Australian national statistics show that marijuana use is common in Australia with at least 11% of the urban non-indigenous population using the drug - when it comes to the indigenous population this number doubles to 22%. It is also suspected that the rates of marijuana use may be much higher in remote indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory.
This is significant becuase if they choose to ban alcohol in the united states this is what could potenitally happen.
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=35948
The 5-year study period involved the researchers in observation, and structured and unstructured interviews with young aboriginal people and adult community members.
The study highlights the importance of looking at indigenous substance misuse in the total context of indigenous poverty, poor health and lack of opportunities.
To put the problem into perspective, Australian national statistics show that marijuana use is common in Australia with at least 11% of the urban non-indigenous population using the drug - when it comes to the indigenous population this number doubles to 22%. It is also suspected that the rates of marijuana use may be much higher in remote indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory.
This is significant becuase if they choose to ban alcohol in the united states this is what could potenitally happen.
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=35948
volatile - tending or threatening to break out into open violence
Boxers are very volatile.
mimic - to be an imitation of
The purse was a mimic of chanel.
inchoate - not yet completed or fully developed
A baby would be a inchoate object.
imitate -to mimic; impersonate
The girl imitated me as I blew a bubble.
bulwark - a wall of earth or other material built for defense
The moat served as the bulwark of the castle.
scuttlebutt - a cask on a ship used to hold the day's supply of drinking water
hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence
dearth - famine; an inadequate supply
deference - respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another
emulate - to try to equal or excel
endemic - prevalent in or peculiar to a particular locality, region, or people
aborigine - one of the original or earliest known inhabitants of a country or region.
precursor - one that precedes another
Boxers are very volatile.
mimic - to be an imitation of
The purse was a mimic of chanel.
inchoate - not yet completed or fully developed
A baby would be a inchoate object.
imitate -to mimic; impersonate
The girl imitated me as I blew a bubble.
bulwark - a wall of earth or other material built for defense
The moat served as the bulwark of the castle.
scuttlebutt - a cask on a ship used to hold the day's supply of drinking water
hubris - excessive pride or self-confidence
dearth - famine; an inadequate supply
deference - respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another
emulate - to try to equal or excel
endemic - prevalent in or peculiar to a particular locality, region, or people
aborigine - one of the original or earliest known inhabitants of a country or region.
precursor - one that precedes another
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