The History of the Conversos

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CONVERSOS, 1450 -1789  The Jews of Spain who converted to Christianity are usually called conversos, although they are also known as Marranos or New Christians to distinguish them from the more numerous Old Christians. Some Jews converted voluntarily. Two of the best known are Abner of Burgos and Pablo de Santa María, both of whom were baptized in the fourteenth century and inspired others to follow their lead. Other Jews were forced to convert to save their lives during the massacres and mob violence motivated … Continue reading →

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

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The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a book that I read a few years ago. The author is Mitch Albom. It was on the New York Times Bestseller List. I believe it was written in 2003. I can invision this book as an old Twilight Zone episode, and I am Rod Serling the narrator. The story goes like this: The main character, Eddie is an old war veteran who feels trapped in a meaningless life of fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. … Continue reading →

I Sat Beloney by John Lennon

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                                                                       I Sat Belonely by John Lennon I sat belonely down a tree, humbled fat and small, A little lady sang to me, I couldn’t see at all. I’m looking up and at the sky, to find such a wondrous voice, Puzzle, puzzle, wonder why, I hear but have no choice. “Speak up come forth you rattle me”, I potty menthol shout, “I know you hiddy by this tree”, but still she won’t come out. Such softly singing lulled me sleep, an hour or two … Continue reading →

Autobiography of a Yogi

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One of my favorite books that I’ve read over the years was, “Autobiography of a Yogi”, by Paramahansa Yogananda. It is a classic book that was first written in 1946, and has been continually rediscovered by people all over the world for many years. Basically, it is one of the few books in English about the wise men of India, and it is written about yogis by a yogi. You can find copies of this book in the following languages: English, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi; … Continue reading →

Wilderness, The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison

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  Jim Morrison-songwriter, poet, lead singer for The Doors-died in 1971. But his legend and his genius have lived on through his records, his music, his lyrics. Wilderness is a comprehensive collection of the writings of Jim Morrison. Wilderness (1988), was an extraordinary body of work, an important event in the history of literature and rock and roll. The events behind this publication are as extraordinary as the material itself. Morrison in a will, left his writings to his wife, Pamela Courson. Pamela died in … Continue reading →

Dr. Wayne Dyer

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Dr. Wayne Dyer is one of my favorite inspirational authors. I would call him the American counterpart of Deepak Chopra. You feel just wonderful after reading one of his books or listening to one of his lectures on PBS. His childhood years were difficult. He spent time in orphanages and foster homes. He obviously had much to overcome. I remember reading somewhere that at least one of his parents was an alcoholic. It’s amazing how people pull through things like this, but they do. In … Continue reading →

In Dreams Begin Responsibilities

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I only read one story by Delmore Schwartz entitled, “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities”. It was first published in 1937. It’s about a boy who is dreaming about being in a movie theater who is watching the courtship of his parents on the screen. As the boy watches, he starts to get upset. He yells at the screen, trying to get the attention of his future parents to stop. The audience begins to think he is crazy. He is finally removed from the theater by an usher … Continue reading →

Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama

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NEW YORK (AP) — Coming two weeks after Election Day, a book from President Barack Obama for some of the nation’s nonvoters: inspirational stories for children about American pioneers. “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters” is a tribute to 13 groundbreaking Americans, from the first president, George Washington, to baseball great Jackie Robinson to artist Georgia O’Keeffe. It will be released Nov. 16 by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, which will officially announce … Continue reading →

The Simplest Way to be Happy by Hellen Keller

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Today, I am honoring all people who have overcome serious obstacles in this world. We should all stop and listen to their stories, so that we may appreciate this life and learn from them. They are the real gurus and teachers in this world. -Laurita  The Simplest Way to be Happy by Helen Keller, as published in Home Magazine, (February, 1933) Transcription “The Simplest Way to be Happy” “My theme is that happiness is not the work of magic. Happiness is the final and perfect … Continue reading →

Late-Talking Children

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I put this blog together after one of my Yahoo/Multiply friends, Papa, reminded me that Albert Einstein was a really late-talker. So it got my wheels turning… Introduction from WebMD: Ifems to be a late talker, when is the time to seek help? What’s normal? By Richard Trubo WebMD Feature Brunilda Nazario, MD “Mama. Dada.” Those are often the first words spoken by a baby, and they can turn an ordinary day into a memorable one for parents. But if children seem to lag behind … Continue reading →