Blog things help me work out my feelings.

Your Partner May Be Cheating

There's no solid proof that your partner is cheating, but your suspicions may be right. You are not getting the full story in your relationship. Your partner is hiding something. It's likely that your partner is not happy with you and is acting poorly because of it. Start communicating or at least do some snooping! You need to get to the bottom of this.

Is Your Partner Cheating On You?

I don't know about this. It's just a stupid quiz, but there has been more than one person who has told me this is probably the case. I just hope that isn't the reason she is taking this so far. I hope we can work things out and reconcile our differences. I still love her very much and want to be there with her and the kids. I just can't right now because of, well... things beyond my control.

Your Theme Song is Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd

"There is no pain, you are receding. A distant ship'­s smoke on the horizon. You are only coming through in waves." You haven't been feeling a lot lately, and you think that's a good thing. The comfortable part is nice... but you should really work on numb.

What's Your Theme Song?

Yeah, that sounds about right.

Your Heart is Feeling Broken

Your heart is pretty much destroyed right now, and it's hard for you to think of anything else. You are in deep despair, and sometimes it feels like you will never love again. Your heart may be at its lowest point right now. Things can only get better from here. Deep down, your heart is susceptible to: Being swept away by the wrong person Your current outlook on love: You find yourself wondering if love is ever worth it Your love life will improve if you: Take a lot of steps back. You're in no shape to fall in love right now. Watch out for: Anyone who may try to take advantage of your fragile state.

What Is Your Heart Feeling?

Yeah, that's pretty accurate too.

Your Ex Is Paranoid

Whether your ex was accusing you of cheating or your friends of being evil... Your ex definitely saw things that weren't there! People with paranoid personality disorder bear grudges, are always suspicious, and confide in no one. Sound at all familiar?

What's Wrong With Your Ex?

I hope it won't come to the point that I have an ex-wife, but she has filed for divorce. I don't want that and I don't know what to do about it.

You Scored an A

You got 9/10 questions correct. It's pretty obvious that you don't make basic grammatical errors. If anything, you're annoyed when people make simple mistakes on their blogs. As far as people with bad grammar go, you know they're only human. And it's humanity and its current condition that truly disturb you sometimes.

The It's Its There Their They're Quiz

Randomness, I know.

Your Mind is NC-17 Rated

You're mind is so filthy... you should should be washing every part of you out with soap. If your thoughts can go dirty, they do. Almost everything is NC-17 to you!

Do You Have a Dirty Mind?

Heh, yeah that's true.

You Are the Superego

While some people may think first and act later... you often don't act at all. You rather be safe than sorry, and you take ethics pretty seriously. Like everyone, you have some pretty crazy desires. But unlike everyone, you restrain yourself. You have high standards for your own behavior. And you happily exceed them.

Are You Id, Ego, or Superego?

Now it seems like I'm just fishing for compliments from a machine.

Your Dreams Are Important

Your dreams seem to show that you're a bit disturbed... but nothing serious. You may have a problem you're trying to work out in your sleep. Overall, you are very content in your life. You tend to be a very productive thinker. Your dreams tend to reflect your insecurities. Your dreams indicate that you have very conflicted feelings. You have a very vivid imagination and a rich creative mind. You secretly want to hide your dreams from your waking mind.

What Do Your Dreams Mean?

Alright, accurate enough I suppose.

You Should Visit Mexico

You can be as comfortable as you want, eating fast food and partying with English speakers in resort town. But if you're feeling brave, venture out to Mexico City - or explore the tropical Yucatan.

What Latin American Country Should You Visit?

Well, I am learning Spanish after all. Maybe I should gather as much money as I can however I can and just go to Mexico? Yeah, and then I should think for half a second on how bad an idea that sounds like to me. Hot, humid, full of Mexicans and currently in the middle of a drug war. No, I don't think I'll be going to Mexico at any point soon in the future. I'd be more likely to go to Canada where I actually have family and friends, but not until I get everything sorted out down here.

Oh, I've actually started another journal too. Paper and pen in a notebook. I started it on the 21st of July, 2009 I believe. I'm hoping it will help me deal with what is happening. It isn't a very happy journal, but it is pretty long already. Maybe after all of this is sorted out, I'll reread it and see if it isn't too personal to show anyone.

You Are a Playwright

You are a highly literate wordsmith. You love both reading and writing. You are also a natural storyteller. You can turn a mediocre anecdote into a riveting tale. You find people and all aspects of life fascinating. No topic is off limits for you. In modern times, you would make a good filmmaker or novelist.

What's Your Medieval Profession?

Not surprising there, though I think I'd enjoy being a playwright less than I would some form of nobility.

You Are 50% Addicted to Blogthings

You're a Blogthings fiend - addicted but not totally dependent. So what if you know your personality type by heart? And while you may feel like Blogthings is crack... There are people much worse off than you!

How Addicted To Blogthings Are You?

Umm... no I'm not. Really, no. Nuh uh. Not at all. Uh... maybe?

You Are an Excellent Cook

You're a top cook, but you weren't born that way. It's taken a lot of practice, a lot of experimenting, and a lot of learning. It's likely that you have what it takes to be a top chef, should you have the desire...

Are You A Good Cook?

Yeah, I like to cook. Yes, I am good at it. I try to be modest, but I really enjoy cooking for people. I just don't know if I want to do it in a restaurant. I enjoy more intimate gatherings for my culinary displays.

You've Experienced 56% of Life

You have a good deal of life experience, about as much as someone in their late 20s. You've seen and done enough to be quite wise, but you still have a lot of life to look forward to. Regardless of your age, you may feel like you are still getting started. Don't forget to look back at how far you've come. You've traveled a lot further than you might think.

How Much Life Experience Do You Have?

Wow, scary. Pegged my age rather well on this one.

Your Love Number is 1

You tend to be a stubborn lover, holding your ground in every argument You take your time falling in love. You aren't the type to lose perspective. You are loyal (to a fault), and you require the same loyalty in your sweetheart. At your best, you are a wise and inspiring partner - who sticks around.

What Is Your Love Number?

I think this is true. All but maybe the losing perspective part. I think I have a tendency to put the desires of those I care about in front of my own personal needs. Maybe I need to spend more time on myself and less time trying to be everything for someone else.

You Are A Realistic Romantic

It's easy for you to get swept away by romance... But you've done a pretty good job keeping perspective. You're still taken in by love poems and sunsets You just don't fall for every dreamy pick up line!

Are You Romantic or Realistic?

Again with the perspective line. I think I needed to trust my instincts more instead of constantly giving of myself when I wasn't getting in return.

You Had a Bad Year

Your year was horrible. There's no other way to say it. A lot went wrong for you, and you're still recovering from it. The good news is that things probably won't get worse for you. So look forward to the new year, where things will hopeful be much better!

How Did Your Year Rate?

Yeah, it hasn't been the greatest year.

You Are a Lizard

You are intuitive and sensitive. You pay close attention to your subconscious and your dreams. You embrace your fears and the darker side of life. It's easy for you to be detached and objective when you need to be. You are able to let go easily. You don't get attached to much. And considering how often you change course, people shouldn't get too attached to you.

What Reptile Are You?

Well, I do have occasional bouts of communication silence as anyone who knows me can attest.

You Are Not Prissy

You're the furthest thing from a princess - and you probably stay far away from any princess types you know. You have an easygoing approach to living. It doesn't take a lot to make you happy. And when life requires it, you're ready to get your hand a little dirty. There's no problem you're too prissy to tackle!

How Prissy Are You?

I think this one might be off. Perhaps I'm not prissy per say, but I can be very finicky. Like when Brandon and I insisted on learning how to give ourselves manicures and pedicures, or my habit of trying to always wear matching socks. I guess I am just OCD about things sometimes, not prissy.

Your Word is "Think"

You see life as an amazing mix of possibilities, ideas, and fascinations. And sometimes you feel like you don't have enough time to take it all in. You love learning. Whether you're in school or not, you're probably immersed in several subjects right now. When you're not learning, you're busy reflecting. You think a lot about the people you know and the things you've experienced.

What's Your Word?

Yes, that's true. Everything in life is meant to be experienced and used for personal growth and development. Make today a better tomorrow.

*sighs* I just wish Azalia was here with me to experience everything. There are so many things I want to talk to her about. She really is my best friend. Well, maybe was my best friend. I haven't given up hope on that. Maybe she'll drop all of this and we'll be able to work things out.

I'm willing to be separate from her for awhile if that is what she wants, but I don't want to be divorced or restricted from seeing my children. I love them all very much and miss them terribly. When Meghan passed the message from Azalia that Azalia's Aunt Elizabeth was on her death bed, all I wanted to do was to drop everything and comfort her regardless of the consequences.

I knew that it wasn't possible though. That to be there for Azalia I had to not be there. Nothing could be helped by me doing something that foolish and irrational. When I learned that she had died and I had missed the funeral, I felt like I had failed Azalia in my duties to her as her husband to help her through this difficult time. I'd give anything to have been there and held her close, but I can't.

For my part, I'm sorry things turned out like this. I should have just left her alone all that day. She was upset and I was trying to be supportive. She took out her feelings on me and I got hurt and became defensive. I just wanted to help and make her feel better. I even suggested something that she later said she was going to take me up on and just couldn't bring herself to telling me that I was right.

What I don't understand is, why? Why did she over-react? Why did she treat me so badly? Why did she get physical with me? Why? What is the real reason behind how she has been treating me for so long? Is it true that she has been cheating on me and this was just a convenient way to get me out of the picture? Why wasn't she trying to work things out? Why was it always a power struggle with her? Why was she always looking for weapons to use against me? Why was she always trying to control me? Why did it always have to be her way or the highway?

Why didn't anyone listen to me when I repeatedly asked for help? My father especially was bad at this. I told him what was going on multiple times and his answer was always along the lines of "just say 'yes dear'" or "it's not that bad, just give her what she wants" or "just let her cool off and then apologize to her." It's like he never listened to me. He just wanted me to grin and bear it, to accept responsibility for everything that ever went wrong. That even if she was wrong, to not call her on it or to just roll over and take a few shots to appease her. I really don't understand.

You Are a Salty Person

When it comes to snacks, you're more likely to grab a bag of chips over a bag of cookies. There's a good chance you're male (men prefer salty snacks)... Or at least, you feel very comfortable in male dominated environments. Your taste tends to be complex, sophisticated, and adult. You tend to crave your favorite restaurant meal... or mom's cooking.

Are You Sweet or Salty?

Yeah, I had to break up the dramatic rant with something random. I don't even know if I'm correct in saying all of those things, especially in a publicly available blog. The heck with it, I'm not labeling it as private. I want no secrets or lies on my conscience. I'm not ashamed of myself. I know what happened and I've told the truth. Whatever the consequences of that are, I will deal with whatever comes and work through it to attain the best possible conclusion. Whether it involves sacrifices on my part, I don't care. I won't give up. I'll keep hoping that Azalia and I can get through this together and grow from it. I'll do whatever I can to see that we become stronger and closer in our relationship through this.

I just hope she is willing to try as well. I don't know what she is doing or who she is talking to or whether or not she has been faithful to me through out it all. I have. I've given so much of myself up for her, and I think I still have a little more I'm willing to give. All I'm asking for is for all of this to be dropped so we can talk and decide together how to work this out.

When it all first happened, I was too devastated to think clearly about anything. I now know what I want. I did some soul searching and what I want is to be with her and the kids. If that is what she wants too, which I hope it is, then we need to talk to work things out. Being mature doesn't mean giving up, it means working on things even if it hurts and honoring the commitments and responsibilities that come with being an adult. Nothing ever came from giving up.

Well, I don't know who is going to read this or how much of it is going to get back to her; but this was more about what I needed to get off of my chest about how I feel and I don't regret it. Come whatever may be, I will adapt and survive.

"The Art of Strategy" By Sun Tzu, translated by R. L. Wing.

The Art of Strategy

A New Translation of Sun Tzu's Classic

The Art of War

By R. L. Wing

Report by

Zenith

HPE 2340

Pleasure Reading Book Report

Spring 2009

The Art of Strategy

The Art of Strategy is R. L. Wing's reinvention of Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Wing took an original manuscript of Sun Tzu's Thirteen Chapters and translated it into English from Chinese. He further broke it down into a total of fifty-two passages, four for each chapter, to be read in the course of one year. The intention being for one to muse on the philosophy of one passage for a week before moving on to the next.

The thirteen chapters are: The Calculations, The Challenge, The Plan of Attack, Positioning, Directing, Illusion and Reality, Engaging the Force, The Nine Variations, Moving the Force, Situational Positioning, The Nine Situations, The Fiery Attack, and The Use of Intelligence. At the beginning of each chapter, Wing has added an introduction to each chapter detailing how the concepts discussed in the chapter proceeding it apply to Conflict with the Self, Conflict in the Environment, Conflict with Another, and Conflict Among Leaders. There is also space reserved with each passage for the reader to make notes.

The first chapter, “The Calculations”, is divided into the following four passages: The Five Fundamentals of Strategy, Examining the Fundamentals, The Tao of Paradox, and Foretelling Triumph. It is primarily concerned with tallying up one's forces and organizing a plan prior to entering an engagement. It emphasizes analyzing the conflict.

The second chapter, “The Challenge”, is divided into the following four passages: Knowing the Costs, Swift Strategies, Using the Opponent's Resources, and Incorporating the Opponent's Strength. It deals primarily with the costs of conflict and encourages one to use an opponent's resources in lieu of one's own. The expense of transporting supplies to an army in the field is weighed against taking advantage of supplies available in the enemy's territory. It further explains the consequences of housing an army within your own city's walls and the subsequent inflation of the local economy. It is a general chapter for estimating the costs and a good example of paying attention to unintended consequences.

The third chapter, “The Plan of Attack”, is broken down into the following four passages: Engaging the Entire System, The Rule of Numbers, Three Errors of Leaders, and The Essentials of Triumph. In this chapter development of strategy and a few fundamental rules of strategy are discussed. It brings forth the concept of skill not being how many battles you've won, but how many engagements you've won while avoiding conflict. It emphasizes developing an error-free strategy. This chapter is also where the famous quote of knowing yourself as well as your enemies comes from.

The fourth chapter, “Positioning”, contains the following four passages: The Power Defense, The Triumph of No Effort, The Position of No Error, and The Five Strategic Arts. Sun Tzu here emphasizes working with the Tao(the way of things, balance, nature, it has various definitions) in order to ensure triumph. He states that it is not skill that leads to triumph, but a lack of errors and a willingness to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

The fifth chapter, “Directing”, consists of the following four entries: The Positioned Strategy, The Power of Surprise, Moving the Opponent About, and Using Others to Create Momentum. The point made here is that events in motion move quickly, thus one has to setup triumph before hand and allow the opponent to blunder into error. This is achieved by direct and indirect manipulation of an opponent's movement.

The sixth chapter, “Illusion and Reality”, subsists of the following four passages: Creating Imbalance, Distorting the Opponent's Position, Adjusting the Opponent's Numbers, and Reacting with Systematic Positioning. It details camouflage in the sense of hiding one's position in order to encourage the opponent to spread the forces thinly, thus allowing you to attack a smaller force with your larger force and ensuring victory. Essentially, be as water and have no discernible fixed position.

Chapter seven is entitled “Engaging the Force.” The four sections are: Direct and Indirect Tactics, Avoiding Competition, Flexibility and Imitation, and Controlling the Variations. It deals mainly with anticipating an opponent's disposition and taking advantage of the idle or distracted moments as they present themselves. Attacking when an army is just waking up and preparing is not as advantageous as attacking as they are bedding down for the night.

Chapter eight is “The Nine Variations.” It gives us the passages known as: Situational Strategies, Combining Advantages and Disadvantages, Anticipating the Opponent, and Five Weaknesses in Leaders. In this chapter we are advised to be flexible in our plans and avoid weaknesses that an opponent may take advantage of. Similarly, we are to take advantage of any weaknesses the opponent shows by way of an indirect attack, therefore not opening ourselves up to attack in turn.

In chapter nine, known as “Moving the Force”, we are given the following passages: Using the Situation, Determining the Opponent's Strategy, Determining the Opponent's Vulnerability, and The Cultivation of Allegiance. This chapter is varied. Again we see the resumption of distinguishing an opponent's moods and how to take advantage of them, but also we are advised on how to marshal our own forces to be able to take advantage of those moods. The strategy of defense by avoiding weak positions and exploiting strong ones while avoiding feints and lures from an opponent is reinforced here as well.

The tenth chapter, “Situational Positioning” holds the passages of: The Six Positions, The Six Strategic Mistakes, Superior Leadership, and Knowing the Situation. In this chapter we are told to strive for triumph without the motivation of glory or honor, but as a practical and detached matter of course. Taking a less emotional stance and advancing or retreating based on the Tao of the situation, your position, and your opponent.

Chapter eleven, “The Nine Situations”, gives us the passages of: Situational Response, The Spirit of the Corps, The Way of the Adventurer, and The Strategy of the Superior Leader. Throughout most of the book it is emphasized that conflict should be avoided. Here, however, the true art of conflict resolution is expounded on. To fight or to flee, all the while throwing dust and trickery in the eyes of your opponent, depends upon the situation you find yourself in.

Chapter twelve, “The Fiery Attack”, brings us: The Five Fiery Attacks, The Five Fiery Variations, The Decisive Techniques, and The Ultimate Restraint. Sun Tzu elaborates further on knowing when, why, and if one should attack and the advantages of distraction through conflagration. The intended and unintended consequences should be observed and analyzed to determine whether or not the determined action is advantageous.

Finally in chapter thirteen, “The Use of Intelligence”, we gain the last four passages of: Obtaining Foreknowledge, The Divine Web, The Importance of Counterintelligence, and The Essence of Strategy. As the title implies, this chapter drives home the utmost importance of intelligence gathering being the most important aspect of conflict resolution. Sun Tzu says that nothing is more important nor should any expense be withheld towards those who gather intelligence.

This was an incredible book. It was thought provoking while still being common sense. The fact that it was originally written over 2300 years ago truly makes me understand why it is such a classic piece of literature. Not only because of its survival, but of the importance of its message.

R. L. Wing did a phenomenal job of translating this work. During my foray into The Art of Strategy I perused other translations, and while the additional perspectives were advantageous, they did not have the same clarity of thought and poetic flow of R. L. Wing's work. The introductions to each chapter gave me a base of reference without predisposing me to perceiving the accompanying passages in anything less than a neutral frame of mind. The addition of footnotes on each passage giving alternate translations of words used in the text greatly increased my understanding of the concepts through a synthesis of alternate ideas. I also found the translator's choice of breaking each chapter into four passages highly appropriate and incredibly well organized.

I do not know how to convince you or anyone else to read this book. I believe everyone should, without a doubt. After reading it I can understand why it is recommended reading for anyone planning to go into politics. I can easily see where the concepts could be applied to corporate strategy and why it would hold a place on every major CEO's desk.

This was not simply a piece of literature, it was a timeless work of art. To give a more depth explanation on why I feel you should read this would require more time than I currently have. Suffice to say, once you read it from cover to cover and if you actually internalize what is said, you will undoubtedly understand. Thank you for your time.

"Voluntary Controls" By Jack Schwarz

A yogi walks up to a hot dog stand. The vendor asks, “What'll it be?” The yogi replies, “Make me one with everything.” The vendor rolls his eyes as the yogi chuckles merrily. When the hot dog is finished the vendor asks for three dollars. The yogi hands over a twenty and the vendor hands him the hot dog and pockets the bill. The yogi looks at him quizzically and says, “Where is my change?” The vendor grins and replies, “Ah, but change comes from within.”

The book I read was Jack Schwarz's Voluntary Controls. It was the second in a series of books that laid the ground work for the holistic field of study. Since I was very young, alternative methods of achieving goals has been a pursuit of mine and this concept directly applies to the field of holistic research not by ignoring the methods currently in practice but by questioning how they work and asking if there might be a simpler, more effective way to reach solutions to problems. I am going to explain to you who Jack Schwarz was, what Voluntary Controls is about, and why you might benefit from reading it.

To begin with, Jack Schwarz was an extraordinary man. Born in Dordrecht, Holland on April 26^th, 1924; he was a pioneer in the field of holistic health. He was also a fakir, a concentration camp survivor, and the father of the Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation.

In 1943 just before his 19^th birthday, Jack Schwarz began traveling around as a fakir: which at the time was defined as someone who performed extraordinary acts with the human body, such as laying on a bed of nails naked or walking across hot coals barefoot. His act included piercing his skin with needles and making the wounds heal, dancing on swords, and holding red hot coals in his hands. He would also use hypnosis on audience members to the delight of crowds. However, his career was cut short when he was captured by Nazis for being a supporting member of the resistance.

Jack Schwarz was taken for 6 months to Hamburg, Germany for torture and forced labor. He returned to Holland and became an underground double agent. He was caught again 9 months later and taken to Sachenhausen concentration camp. He escaped after one month with two other prisoners by digging under the wall. He enlisted in the British army, attaining the rank of Sergent, and returned to Holland as part of the liberating forces. After traveling the world, getting married, and having three sons; Jack immigrates to the United States in 1957.

In 1958 Jack Schwarz founded the Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation. The Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation is a non-profit organization founded for the research and practice of Holistic studies. Their primary fields of study are brainwaves and Autogenics, which is where Progressive Muscle Relaxation is derived from. The Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation is still in operation today in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Jack Schwarz died on November 26^th, 2000 after a two year long fight with his degrading health. However, Jack left behind his knowledge in a series of books.

This brings me to my second point.I actually started the book Voluntary Controls before this semester while sitting in a Krystal's and eating with my family. It has been out of print since 1978. I acquired it from the local Goodwill. Voluntary Controls details posture, breathing exercises, and visualizations.

It emphasizes three main postures, but generally expects the practitioner to find whatever position is most comfortable for him or her. For instance, one could sit in a chair comfortably with ankles crossed and hands laid in the lap clasped together. This posture could be modified slightly for group use by placing the hands palm up and uncrossing the ankles while facing the group in a circle.

Of course, the traditional Full Lotus position is always acceptable. The book gives fairly general rules of comfort, spinal alignment, and conservation of energy.

The book also gives fairly general rules regarding breathing patterns as well. The first pattern being a simple eight count inhale, holding the breath for a count of four, and then releasing it over a count of eight again. The breathing patterns build on this structure by keeping the four count hold, decreasing the inhale to a four count, and exhaling an eight count again. The final pattern resulting in a short four count inhale, four count hold, and exhaling as long as is comfortable. This systematic lengthening of the exhalation phase is intended to encourage deep inhalations involving both the thorax and the diaphragm.

Likewise, the visualizations are intended to build upon each other in a systematic fashion.

The author goes through fairly simple exercises using geometric shapes, simple stories, and even classic mythological legends. Rather than trying to adhere to one concept or achieve a state of emptiness or even nirvana, Jack Schwarz advises us to observe and record those elements within our own minds and not fight when thoughts intrude upon our meditative state. Instead, he says, try to work out what those ideas that intrude upon your meditation mean to you and your own personal symbolic associations.

The book ends with a discussion of the practical application of these techniques and delves into the use of the Chakras and the traditional associations of colors and shapes. The use of these techniques, he concludes, can assist the body in self-regeneration.

Finally, it is my personal belief that most anyone could benefit from reading this book.

The use of these visualizations gives one access to the subconscious mind, allows a person to attain a relaxed state by exerting control over a normally involuntary action, and gives one the tools with which to expand that control over many of the body's physiological functions.

Through the use of the creative meditation techniques described in this book one can observe the hidden elements of the subconscious and make conscious effort to understand and change those aspects of ourselves that we find lacking. For example; upon meditating upon a simple geometric pattern with no guidance upon what color that pattern presents itself to us, we can draw meaning from the observation of what hue it appears to us in. Similarly, observation of background details that our mind fills in gives an expansive picture of what the subconscious mind is dwelling on. Recording these details and then pondering not only the traditional associations, but our own personal associations with the symbolism represented allows one to engage in a sort of dialog with our subconscious.

Being that the subconscious is also the seat of our involuntary functions, we are given the key with which to unlock our body's control mechanisms. After learning to control our breathing, a normally involuntary function, we are able to enter that state of relaxed meditation at will.

A trained response can be developed allowing our bodies to associate a certain visualization or breathing exercise with the relaxation of tense muscles. Extending that relaxed state to the mind allows all the stressors of the world to wash away. During this relaxed state, one can use the techniques described in this book to determine the root cause of one's problems instead of being side-tracked by the multitudes of symptoms. Use of this knowledge expanded to the rest of the body's systems may yield astonishing rewards.

Using these newly discovered keys to the subconscious in association with observation of the body's involuntary actions can lead one to discover how to control any automated process of the mind or body. In the film Mind and Hand in the CBC series The Nature of Things, Jack Schwarz demonstrates the ability of the mind to exert control over various physiological functions while having electrodes record his physiological condition. With no access to these bio-feedback readings, he proceeded to stick an unsterilized 26 gauge steel needle through his left bicep. According to the recorded data, he felt no pain and the needle marks visibly healed with no bleeding in a matter of moments. The potential stated here, even if one is unable to follow through to the level the author achieved, is phenomenal in a society that seems to make unreasonable demands upon our minds and bodies on a constant basis. This is why I believe this book should be brought back into circulation and nearly everyone could benefit from reading it.

It has been my intention to interest all of you in who Jack Schwarz was, why his book Voluntary Controls is important, and why you may want to get a copy for yourself. The mini biography I gave you of Jack Schwarz's life is by no means complete and I encourage you to discover him yourself. His series of books, or what is still in print, can be obtained at various websites such as Amazon.com or directly from Aletheia at holistic.org. Various other tools to assist you in your personal journey through meditation can also be found there. If I've peaked your interest, I invite you to ask any questions you may have and I will answer them as best I can. Thank you very much for your time.

Bibliography

Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation. 2007. 15 April 2009

What D&D character are you?

I Am A: True Neutral Human Wizard (4th Level)


Ability Scores:

Strength-13

Dexterity-16

Constitution-14

Intelligence-19

Wisdom-17

Charisma-16


Alignment:
True Neutral A true neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. He doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most true neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil after all, he would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, he's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way. Some true neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the long run. True neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you act naturally, without prejudice or compulsion. However, true neutral can be a dangerous alignment because it represents apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.


Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.


Class:
Wizards are arcane spellcasters who depend on intensive study to create their magic. To wizards, magic is not a talent but a difficult, rewarding art. When they are prepared for battle, wizards can use their spells to devastating effect. When caught by surprise, they are vulnerable. The wizard's strength is her spells, everything else is secondary. She learns new spells as she experiments and grows in experience, and she can also learn them from other wizards. In addition, over time a wizard learns to manipulate her spells so they go farther, work better, or are improved in some other way. A wizard can call a familiar- a small, magical, animal companion that serves her. With a high Intelligence, wizards are capable of casting very high levels of spells.


Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?, courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)

Detailed Results:

Alignment:
Lawful Good ----- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (16)
Neutral Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (17)
Chaotic Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (14)
Lawful Neutral -- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (17)
True Neutral ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (18)
Chaotic Neutral - XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (15)
Lawful Evil ----- XXXXXXXXXXX (11)
Neutral Evil ---- XXXXXXXXXXXX (12)
Chaotic Evil ---- XXXXXXXXX (9)

Law & Chaos:
Law ----- XXXXXXX (7)
Neutral - XXXXXXXX (8)
Chaos --- XXXXX (5)

Good & Evil:
Good ---- XXXXXXXXX (9)
Neutral - XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Evil ---- XXXX (4)

Race:
Human ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXX (13)
Dwarf ---- XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Elf ------ XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Gnome ---- XXXXXX (6)
Halfling - XXXXXXXX (8)
Half-Elf - XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Half-Orc - XX (2)

Class:
Barbarian - (-2)
Bard ------ (-4)
Cleric ---- (-4)
Druid ----- (0)
Fighter --- XX (2)
Monk ------ (-19)
Paladin --- (-21)
Ranger ---- (0)
Rogue ----- (-6)
Sorcerer -- XX (2)
Wizard ---- XXXXXXXXXX (10)

A Short Essay on Spaghetti Squash

An easy to grow squash with an excellent yield. It may require a bit of training to keep this giant in it's own row, as it will shade a considerable area when full grown. Spaghetti Squash will root along the vines every foot or so where they touch the ground and send out tendrils to climb up anything it encounters on it's quest for more light.

Will seek out sunny locations and water. The fruit will become heavy enough to damage the climbing vine if it is not supported by nylon ties, trellising or cages. Will attract sugar ants, Japanese beetles and your normal squash bugs. I have yet to see significant damage done by any pests to these plants.

Tender vines should be handled with care when training. Protect it from frost like any squash. Can be sprouted indoors and transplanted outside after all danger of frost is past. Germinates in less than a week, should be transplanted as soon as cotyledons are free of the Testa(seed coat) and no later than emergence of first true leaves. Transplanting too late may result in stunted growth or plant death due to damaged root system.

Spaghetti Squash, like most squash, have very shallow root systems that are easy to damage during transplanting or cultivation around the plant. However, weeding is not a big concern around these plants as they tend to shade out anything growing in their path.

The leaves seem to come in a general three lobed shape, more pronounced amongst the younger leaves and more rounded in older growth.They are typical of squash, having a long petiole and a short main vein that splits into many Lateral veins.

Harvest is typically 100 days from transplant to mature fruit. Spaghetti Squash are monoecious, that is to say they have separate male(staminate) and female(pistillate) flowers. The flowers are easy to distinguish from each other, as the female flowers will have a miniature fruit at the base(inferior ovary) and a stigma inside the flower itself. The male will have only the anthers and no immature fruit at its base. Spaghetti Squash flowers themselves are edible and can add a decorative touch to salads.