Author Rosanne Catalano's Official Website & <br />the home of The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine<br /><br />

Welcome to

The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine ®™

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not your typical electronic magazine - there are no links to "read more..." so yes you must either scroll down or use your arrow keys to read more of a story, article, poem, or an authors' book press release in this magazine. Not to worry, you will only have to do this until we finish creating the hyperlinks to go to each individual authors' work and each separate section of this magazine.

© JANUARY – MARCH 2012 Issue 63, Vol. 12 ISSN: 2237-65

There are currently 9,000+ subscribers who receive notification when a new issue is on this website. I would like you to know that The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Subscriber List is not made available to others, including companies. I value every subscriber and respect your privacy. Also, please do notify me at The Publisher’s Box™ if any links within this magazine and on this website are not working or are the wrong links so that I will know to fix them. Thank you.

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PUBLISHER'S LETTER
From Rosanne Catalano (pen name: RC Kayla)
Owner, Publisher, Editor & Author

Publisher Rosanne Catalano

Happy New Year! My heartfelt wish for you is that 2012 is a healthy, prosperous, fun, and educational one! I do hope you are well-rested from last month's holiday season and that you had a memorable time with your loved ones. My husband and I had a fabulous Christmas and New Year's with our families and friends and we are both praying for an uneventful, happy and fun 2012 with no more roller coaster rides for us. Although I used to love actual roller coasters when younger (especially Coney Island's 'Cyclone'!), I no longer want that kind of ride in my life.

Did you know? The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine has its very own Fan Page on facebook now! I do know that there are some who don’t know this yet, some who do. However, so far there are only 83 fans who have “liked” the magazine’s page, and yet there are now 9,000+ fans reading this magazine so please don’t be shy, go to: http://www.facebook/catsmeowfor today (or you can scroll down to the facebook "Like" button at the very bottom of this magazine) ... Although you may not be happy with facebook’s recent change – ‘Introducing Timeline’ – please know that I do feel your frustration with their changes and that the changes are not always for the better. That's why I am also on Google+. Google+ is a relatively new social media website that I'm loving already but would love even more if all of my family and friends were also on their site! To see my profile on there (and to get a better idea of what Google+ has to offer you), go to: http://www.plus.google.com/108844542348353504098?hl=en#108844542348353504098/posts Sorry that their direct link is a long URL but I would love for you to join me on Google+ also!

Now I have other GOOD NEWS to impart!
In my previous issue of October - December 2011 (now archived), I neglected to mention my newest alliance with another electronic magazine. The magazine is titled “Angie’s DIARY;” and is owned and published by Angelica Pastorelli. Her magazine is the #1 Online Magazine and Community for Professional & Aspiring Writers which I highly recommend. After spending a lot of time on Angie’s site and having a story article of mine published in her magazine’s Lifestyle section: http://angiesdiary.com/lifestyle/imagine-if-you-can I can honestly say that I am working on my magazine emulating the format of her's; “Angie’s DIARY” is much easier for you to navigate since there is no unnecessary scrolling and there are links to "read more...". So I ask you to please be patient with me as I continue to upgrade and improve The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine!

On another subject matter, I recently received a “Letter to the Editor” from Writer and Poet Cynthia Groopman that was not directed at me but at the editor of The Queens Gazette (a local newspaper in Queens, NYC); and since I feel her letter touches on very important isssues, I am publishing it here also. Do read Cynthia Groopman's letter below….

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Firebomb Outrage and More
Dear Editor:

I write with outrage upon hearing about the fire set deliberately at the synagogue in Bergen County, New Jersey. That is a hate crime indeed. I cannot understand why so many of these religious hate crimes occur. Why there is so much hatred is beyond my comprehension.

All of us of all Faiths must not live in fear or trepidation.

What happened to religious acceptance and Freedom to Worship as we please?

This situation is shameful as far as I am concerned.

It is imperative that all these religious institutions have security cameras! Also more police security must be guarding these synagogues and other religious institutions.

I am glad that our own Queens resident, Jacob Lew, will become the Chief of Staff of the Obama Administration. It is great to have a native son born and bred in Queens as part of the national team.

I applaud Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and the others who spoke at HANAC JVL-Dimotsis-Vallone Senior Center about medicare and about advanced directives. These meetings are beneficial to senior citizens so they are made aware of what is happening.

I am surprised that Simotas does not meet with other senior citizens at other senior centers in the Queens area since the information would impact them as well in a positive manner.

I am glad that our governor will increase the DNA base having to do with crime.

Furthermore, I applaud our City Council for restoring $730,000 to the Medical Examiner’s office so that they can keep 12 highly specialized employees to deal with DNA identification and crime. Making the prosecution of criminals much easier and will enhance the public safety of all New Yorkers.

The requirement for pre-funding postal retiree’s healthcare plans for 75 years must be scrapped from Congress since at this time it is hampering mail delivery. Future closures of mail processing centers in many states will cause unemployment and delays in mail delivery. I cannot fathom how mail delivery has gone down. There should be more investigation and less lies told!

It is also appalling to me and angering as well to hear that there is a 23-year backlog in fixing sidewalks by the NYC Department of Transportation [DOT].

They pay too much attention and spend large sums of money on projects and ignore the most important aspects of safety—sidewalks and potholes that can compromise our safety and lead to accidents and injuries. It is also truly appalling to me that NYC’s DOT works on creating bike lanes but fails to care for the ordinary homeowner.

I am also outraged and agree with City Comptroller Liu that Madison Square Garden [MSG] should not be blacked out by Time Warner Cable. Two million or more subscribers depend upon the MSG channel for the Knicks’ and the Rangers’ games and they pay for this service. They should be reimbursed for the refusal of the companies to get together and compromise.

It seems that there is always an axe to grind depriving the innocent, law-abiding citizens of enjoyment.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Groopman
Long Island City, NYC
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I would love to hear your opinion and/or thoughts on Cynthia Groopman’s letter. Personally, I agree 100% with Cynthia on all the issues she touched on that effects the safety and lives of Queens, NYC residents, those living in Bergen County, New Jersey, and all residents of the United States of America.

Now I’m also happy to introduce a friend’s monthly newsletter, which is Free and comes right into your email!

"Splash of Inspiration"

Published by Janet Perez Eckles, Author and Speaker

JANET’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BRINGS YOU FAITH & LOVE WITH A LATIN FLAIR!

To subscribe to Janet's newsletter, send a blank email to: jeckles@cfl.rr.com
Write “Subscribe” in your subject line and mention that I referred you. Janet will immediately send you her latest issue. Enjoy her inspiring newsletter as much as I do!

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Now my writing contributors have other GOOD NEWS to share with you…

FROM ARTHUR FORD SR.,
PUBLISHER, EDITOR & POET:

GUIDELINES (www.thepoetbandcompany.yolasite.com)

Dear Literary Artist,

The Poet Band Company is asking for poetry, max. 40 lines, and prose, max. 300 words (English language only. If sent in another language, also include English translation or transliteration) to be submitted for possible publication in the print “THE POETRY EXPLOSION NEWSLETTER” (aka “THE PEN”), issued quarterly (January, April, July, and October).

JULY'S ISSUES ARE DEDICATED TO ROMANTIC POETRY

OCTOBER'S ISSUES SPOTLIGHT HOLIDAY POETRY

ALL OTHER ISSUES ARE “OPENED TO THE WRITER”

"THE PEN" publishes poems and prose pertaining to all subjects (love, holidays, current events, etc.) and in any form (sonnets, haiku, rhyme, free and blank verse, etc.). Simultaneous and pre-published submissions are accepted. Bio-sketches are optional. Presently,
we are not paying monetarily, but if your works are selected we'll send you a free copy of the issue in which they(it) appear(s). Send us your best!

All submissions must be typed and of “camera ready” quality.

Submit a maximum of five works (a S.A.S.E. with correct postage if you want your works that are not accepted for publication to be returned). E-Mail submissions are accepted and must include Snail-Mail address.

Note: If sending from another country, please send International Coupons (2 per dollar amount) or a Money Order or a Check written in U.S. Dollars from a United States bank.

If you have never been published, this may be your chance!

Thanks for your love of the written word.

Subscriptions: $25.00 yearly (4 issues) or $48.00 for 2 years. Send $4.00 for a sample issue.
Outside the U.S.A., and Canada, $35.00 U.S Dollars for 4 issues or $68.00 for 2 years.

Make Check or Money Order payable to:

Arthur C. Ford
P.O. Box 4725
Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725 (U.S.A.)
EM: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com
TOLL FREE: 1-866-234-0297

POEMS ARE CRITIQUED AT 15 CENTS PER WORD.

ADVERTISING RATES:

Size One issue Four issues
1/8 page $10.00 $35.00
¼ page $20.00 $60.00
½ page $40.00 $120.00
Full Page $80.00 $270.00

Ads must be “camera ready” and printed in black and white. Logos are accepted.

Yours in Words,
Arthur C. Ford, Sr., Poet & Editor

# # #

Arthur C. Ford, Sr. was born and bred in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in New Orleans, where he studied creative writing and was a member of the drama society. He has visited 45 states in America and resided for two years in Brussels, Belgium (Europe). He presently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His poetry (lyrics) and prose have been published throughout America, Canada, and Europe. Recently he spent 30 days doing missionary work and travelling throughout the country of India.

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FROM KJ HANNAH GREENBERG
AUTHOR, WRITER & POET:

Rosanne, wanted to let you and your readers know that "Friendsake," a poem of mine you published in your September 2010 magazine, is one of fifty collected in the anthology “A Bank Robber's Bad Luck with His Ex-Girlfriend, Unbound CONTENT,” which was published in December 2011. Please let your readers know that this book can be ordered from the publisher at: https://www.createspace.com/3729088
Or at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Bank-Robbers-Bad-Luck-Ex-Girlfriend/dp/193637322X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324641358&sr=1-1

Songbirds are entertaining. Roses smell nice. Most passion, however, resolves as cacophonous and stinky. In “A Bank Robber’s Bad Luck with His Ex-Girlfriend,” this mess we call ‘love,’ gets reduced, poked at, prodded, and eventually pushed over. Don't miss out on this tough, sassy, hopeful assemblage of verse!

Press up against its soft concepts of intimate associations. Come along to slide among “A Bank Robber’s Bad Luck with His Ex-Girlfriend’s” articulated regrets, muted longings, and rudimentary joys, today!

What’s more, “Unbound CONTENT” would like to offer your readership a 10% discount off of the cover price of “A Bank Robber’s Bad Luck with His Ex-Girlfriend.” Readers who use the code "sentiment’s chowder" on their order form will be charged this lower fee. Deeper, group discounts can be arranged by contacting annmarie@unboundcontent.com

Thanks!
KJ Hannah Greenberg

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FROM CAROL ROACH
AUTHOR, PUBLISHER, COLUMNIST & FREELANCE/GHOST-WRITER:

Rosanne, please tell your readers about my three wonderful columns at examiner.com :

First column
Women's Issues - covers all issues relating to women's lives, from the fight for women's rights which started over 100 years ago in Alberta, Canada, to all the great women's achievements in the USA, the feminist movement, women's legal, health, family issues and more, later on I will incorporate eastern women's issues as well.

http://www.examiner.com/x-47386-Montreal-Womens-Issues-Examiner

Second column

Health - covers all aspects of health from disease and conditions to most recent medical studies, to warning against certain drugs and pharmaceutical drug recalls.

http://www.examiner.com/x-38644-Montreal-Health-Examiner

Third column

Mental health - covers everything pertaining to psychology, psychiatry, self improvement, theories about behavior and why we do the things we do and a lot more.

http://www.examiner.com/x-33888-Montreal-Mental-Health-Examiner

The articles are all well researched and, as you know, my field is psychology – I have a Masters in counselling psychology. The articles are also great for Storytime Tapestry members who do not want to wait for when the story is finally published in Storytime Tapestry, sometimes several months later.

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FROM JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA,
AUTHOR & WRITER:

Dear Friends,

I have good news. The Hardcover edition of my book ‘Walking the Path of Love’ is now available in addition to the Paperback edition at both Amazon and now Barnes & Noble online sites. Thanks again to all of you who have purchased a copy. You have helped make this writer's dream come true!

Wishing you every joy, Joe.

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FROM ROGER DEAN KISER,
AUTHOR & CHILD ADVOCATE:

Author Roger Dean Kiser’s child advocate office website is:

http://thewhitehouseboys.com/AmericanOrphan/americanorphan/index.html

* * * * * *

Go to Filbert Publishing today to pick up your copy of Beth Ann Erickson’s helpful ebook, “101 No Cost or Low Cost Techniques to Turbo Charge Your Freelance Income”! She offers a ton of excellent advice on how to earn more than pennies for your freelance writing.

Also check out the “Helpful Sites for You” page for other interesting, fun websites, and literary journals, magazines and newsletters! See you in April …. Until then, I’ll be writing more in my next book (my goal for 2012 is to finally get "Escape & Redemption" published and in your hands!), and I'll be celebrating the Valetine's Day and Easter holidays with my husband and family. Happy Holidays!!!

Now I would like you to welcome my many writing contributors; some new, some established who have written short stories, story articles, poems, essays and helpful informative articles for you. If you like what they have written, do let them know by email or by visiting their websites. [Authors’ email addresses or websites are listed in their bios.] My contributors love hearing from you so please don't be shy!

Copyright © January-March 2012 Rosanne Catalano.
Cat’s Rule, Dogs Drool :)

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BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY WISHES CORNER!

Happy Birthday to:

Linda Steinberg
Birthday: January 4th

Joseph Pollicino Jr.
Birthday: January 8th

Anthony Infranco
Birthday: January 8th

Danny Catalano
Birthday: January 12th

Danielle Marie Adams
Birthday: January 21st, 1982

Peter Campo
Birthday: January 22nd

Rosemary Macina
Birthday: January 28th

Roseann DiBetta
Birthday: January 31st

Susan Louderman
Birthday: February 8th

Janis Campo
Birthday: February 10th

Jeffrey Shar
Birthday: February 14th

Megan B. Catalano
Birthday: February 17th

Andrew Louderman
Birthday: February 20th

Rose Anna Schoene
Birthday: March 1st

Carol Roach
Birthday: March 6th

Genice Campo
Birthday: March 7th

Nancy Currie-Wells
Birthday: March 15th

Gary Fitzmire
Birthday: March 30th

May all your Birthday wishes come true!

Happy Anniversary to:

Genice and Peter Campo
Anniversary: January 22nd

Denise and Jeffrey Shar
Anniversary: January 26th, 2002

To see your birthday and/or anniversary wishes here, email Rosanne with your name (first & last, or just first name)
birth-day (year is optional) and date of anniversary (again, year is optional).

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COFFEE HOUSE 4 READERS CORNER

Bringing You Short Stories, Flash Fiction,

Poetry (Contemporary & Classical), Haikus, Essays,

and Story Articles for Your Reading Pleasure!

How a Puffy Chest Can Injure a Shoulder
By Tim Johnson

In the year 2006 I was really getting into golf. PuffyChest was kind of into it too; he more or less liked the beer and the tranquil setting in which he could drink beers and (try to) smash some golf balls.

PuffyChest was NOT good at golf. He tried and tried like the little Blue Engine who wanted to get over that hill, but he simply couldn't get the hang of it. And as the beers flowed and his frustration rose (think: intersecting lines on a graph, where once the lines meet “fun” stuff happens) there was a proportionally greater chance that something was getting smashed.

So, there we are on a quaint golf course in the Greater Toronto Area, seemingly all by ourselves, on a summer evening that is approaching dusk. He and I are rather lubricated with the beers we snuck onto the course via our golf bags. I am having a great time on the course. I am playing well enough that I can make some rather snide remarks that light the wick of his fuse. Remarks such as, “You see Puffy, when I hit my ball, the trajectory of the ball leaving the ground allows it to fly further than hitting along the ground” ..... and “Yeah, the grass tends to slow down the balls power” .... oh and this one was the spark that ignited the powder keg.....”Try hitting it into the air next time.” That was it for him. Bruce Banner turned into The Hulk.

(He and I are close-enough friends so I was never in any “real danger” of him hurting me or anything like that. He usually prefers to smash inanimate objects, such as fairways, putting greens, port-o-potties, and signs around the course.)

After the last comment, he was at “def-con 5”....it got real. He calmly got into the golf cart (where I was driving) and decided to start taunting my golf-cart-driving sensibility, rather than smash things. This was a real character change for him, and I was proud to see a close friend of mine develop from Neanderthal to homo(sapien). He started by saying things like, “You're driving so slow, I saw your Mom pass us on the last hole.... Nancy ”... and... “Shoot, move over! I'm driving. I haven't gone this nice'n'easy in a golf cart since I was plowing your Grandma last weekend.”...and...”Okay, look it. I've had enough. Either you start showing me these driving skills you claim you've been genetically handed-down, or I'm gonna have to smash the cart into a tree.” (What do you think someone like me would do? We're talking about the guy who painted his bedroom Florida Gator blue and orange on a dare from another friend of ours ZigZag.

Everyone has a limit. I know his. He knows mine. That's a dangerous combination for 2 guys, who are drinking beers, on a hilly golf course, with no one around to supervise them. We were playing a hole that is very flat to start and then has a dramatic drop-off to the green. By dramatic, I mean, at least 75 feet down on a 30 degree slope, which is only gravel and dirt. See where this is going?

I say, “So, you wanna see the driving skills, do you? Hang on!” We approached “the hill” at full-golf-cart-speed, which is a whopping 15 mph, and PuffyChest instantly becomes clairvoyant. He can see the future! In that moment of utter-clarity, he mumbles out, “Oh God, what have I done?!?”

Normal golfers read signs. They heed the warning of the golf course owners for safety and out-of-respect for the game. When they see a sign that states, “Steep hill: Use Brake!” they commonly obey the cautionary message. Not me. Not this time. My button wasn't pushed by PuffyChest; it was mashed by his little sausage fingers. I “gun” the gas as we were at the pinnacle of the hill.

I'll fast-forward a little bit here.....fish-tailing....swearing.....NO BRAKING at ALL….on a gravel path down a very large hill. So as you can suspect, the golf cart loses any control it had to begin with (which is minimal to say the least), and begins to go sideways. I try my hardest to correct the spin, but IT’S A GOLF CART, NOT A LEXUS! Before I know it, the cart is sideways with the wheels catching the gravel path. And in an instant the cart is on its side; PuffyChest's side. His shoulder takes the weight of him, me slamming into him, and the G-forces we were pulling on that hog. The cart flips more, and ends up on my side.

So, picture this: there I am, “driving” the golf cart, basically just gunning it down a gravel path hill. Fish-tailing, flipping it 270 degrees, getting out, and falling down from laughing so hard that I can't keep my stand up. All of this, and, The Golf Marshall (a golf course employee whose job it is to make sure the rules of the game are being obeyed and the course is being respected) saw everything from the top of the adjacent hill.

He slowly drives his cart down to us, and before he even had a chance to say anything like “Are you two okay?” or “What are you boys doing?”.... I shout out, “So that's why that sign is there!”

This remark doesn't go over well with the 65 year old Marshall; He is so unimpressed and horrified that he is speechless for a good half minute. The look on his face was like seeing a football player break a bone in slow motion. On the contrary, PuffyChest loses his stuff and falls down from laughing when he hears my remark mixed with this guy's reaction.

In the end, I walked away with a scraped knee. PuffyChest had a banged-up shoulder that hurt for a couple of days. The golf cart on the other hand was permanently FUBAR-ed. The top canopy was bent up real nice. It was a mash that could not be repaired. Bottom-line: That cart was not going to be used in that condition again!

We flipped the cart over, got in, and drove it back to the clubhouse. The Marshall “escorted” us. He must have radioed in, because when we pulled up, the owner and, seemingly, every employee working at the time was there waiting for us. PuffyChest's exact words were, “Oh shoot! We did it this time...” I whisper to him as we were almost to the crowd of a dozen people, “Let me do the talking and follow my lead.”

The owner started off by asking if we were okay. (Now, look, I've seen some episodes of Law and Order and movies about lawyers and how they talk. Legal mumbo-jumbo...yeah, I can rock this (or so the level of intoxication told me I could).

Me: “We're not seriously injured, and the golf cart seems to be working fine but its canopy has seen better days.”

Owner: “Well, I’m relieved you both aren't hurt, but that golf cart is an expensive piece of property and you’ll be expected to pay for the damages.”

PuffyChest: “C’mon, that’s ridiculous.”

Me: “So, let me understand what you mean here. You mean to tell me that YOU want ME to pay for the damages to the golf cart in an accident that resulted from the careless condition you keep your cart path on a giant hill? Sir, my Father is a litigation attorney that deals mainly with car crash victims and other accidental injuries. He would love to have some pictures and a detailed account of your continued efforts made to “safely” maintain your golf cart path. Do you honestly think a “4-word sign” is enough to win a court case of accidental injury when my friend's neck clearly is hurt?” (at this point, PuffyChest starts rubbing the back of his neck and softly moaning.)

Owner: “Well, that sign is there for a reason young man. The Golf Marshall tells me that you seemed to be going down the hill too fast. I think the responsible thing here is that you pay the cost of repair to the golf cart you damaged.”

Me: “Responsible thing? The responsible thing would be to not have a cart path that is made of loose stones on the side of a small mountain. If you plan on pursuing this “repayment” (I even made the quote signs in the air with my hands), then I’ll have no other choice but to pursue legal action against personal injury PuffyChest has endured.

Owner: “Oh c’mon now. Let’s not get all bent out of shape. I’m sure we can make an arrangement for you both.”

We didn't pay for any damages and even got 2 free “rain checks” because we were unable to finish our round. We have yet to redeem those rain checks.

Copyright © 2011 Tim Johnson.

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TIM JOHNSON is a 31 year old emerging published writer with an interest in writing in the humour genre. He is currently working on his first manuscript for publication; his book will detail hilarious events from his own life. Tim lives in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada (by way of Buffalo, New York). He can be contacted at:
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It's Free
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Author of “Walking the Path of Love”

I was doing my monthly bills again recently. The stack was huge so I took a moment to enjoy the balance at the top of the page. Then I clutched my pen and started to write check after check to pay bill after bill while the balance got smaller and smaller with each one.

Finally finished and looked at what was left. The ending balance wasn’t much. It amazed me just how much everything costs these days. I looked down again at the tiny amount left over and sighed. It was then, however, that I felt someone behind me. I turned and saw my youngest son smiling down on me. His handicapped mind had no concept of money, yet his gentle spirit seemed to know that I could use his smile right then.

I put my pen down, got up from the table, and gave my boy a hug. I rested my chin on his shoulder, patted him on the back, and thanked God one more time for giving him to me. At that moment I felt like the richest man in the entire world. I thanked God again for helping me to see the truth that the most priceless thing in this whole world is free.

Love is a greater treasure than all the crown jewels that ever sat on a Queen’s head. Love is more precious than every ounce of gold that was ever mined from the ground. Love is more valuable than all the stocks and bonds that Wall Street ever sold. Love is what we are here for.

Love is what life is all about. And love is free!

The next time your pockets are empty, the next time your bank balance is low, the next time that you don’t have a thin dime to your name remember that the most valuable thing in this life doesn’t cost a cent. Love is a gift from God that we are all free to share. It brings us more joy than all the money in the world and the more we give it away the more of it we have in our hearts, souls, and lives.

Copyright © 2011 Joseph J. Mazzella.

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The Power of Words
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Author of “Walking the Path of Love”

It was 15 years ago… I was driving home with my 8 year old son after a trip to the grocery store. Traffic was light. The sun was shining. A cool autumn breeze was in the air. I was quietly singing along to the song playing on the radio. I pulled to a stop at the intersection and looked both ways. The road was clear. I slowly started to make a right turn when suddenly a car rounded a curve at high speed and came straight at me. I stomped on the breaks of my car killing the engine in the process. The speeder zoomed past my dead car without even slowing down missing me by inches.

Before I knew it a stream of profanities was flying from my lips, chasing after the car and its driver. I then looked over to my son who was staring up at me innocently. With a red face and an embarrassed smile, I started the car, pulled back onto the road, and headed home.

Later that evening I was reading a book when I heard certain, unpleasant words coming from my son’s bedroom. He was replaying the incident over and over in his mind and swearing enough to make a sailor blush. Too late I realized the power of those words that had flown from my lips in that moment of anger. It took a lot of talks about good language and bad language with my son to undo the damage of that one incident.

That mistake, however, did teach me just how strong words can be. It helped me to swear off swearing in my own life and to start using words that uplift and inspire instead. I slowly realized that language is a gift from God and should be used to make our world better not worse. I learned too that a few loving words can help a hurting heart, strengthen a struggling spirit, and lighten a heavy load. I pray then that all of your words today are full of love, joy, happiness, and light. I pray that everything that comes from your lips flows from your soul.

Copyright © 2011 Joseph J. Mazzella.

# # #

JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA is an author, writer and mental health worker who was born, raised and still lives in the mountains of West Virginia in the USA. He grew up walking in the woodland trails around his home and draws much of the inspiration for his work from God's beautiful creation that is all around him. He graduated from Glenville State College with degrees in English and Education. He has worked over the years as a busboy, lumber mill worker, and teacher. He is currently a mental health worker, and also cares for his two sons who have mental disabilities. A father of three, he has been writing for over 20 years for local county newspapers. With the creation of the Internet, he is now read by people all over the world. Joseph says, "Although I have never made a living from my writing, the joy it brings me is worth all the money in the world. All I wish is to continue to be able to share my simple words with the world for as long as I can". In August of 2010 Joe had his first book published, titled “Walking the Path of Love”, which can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, or wherever books are sold. He can be contacted at joemazzella@frontier.com

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Love Hurts
By Heidi L. Spargo

There’s a pain I have
So deep in my heart
It is burning so bad
It is tearing me completely apart

I love him so much
I love him so bad
How could he hurt me like this?
He says he loves me
He says he cares

But if he does
Then he knows it hurts
Why?
My heart hurts so bad.
Copyright © February 10, 2005 Heidi L. Spargo.

*** * * * * *

More and More
By Heidi L. Spargo

As I sit here in the dark
I get mad at myself more and more
I look back on the last three years;
the last three years of my life as a mother
and I start hating myself more and more;
realizing that I put my two precious boys below someone,
someone that didn’t care about me
someone that didn’t even seem to love me
but I fell into his "pit"
Everytime
and I keep on hating myself
My kids could be free
My kids could be home
but my decisions with this man
pushed them further away
It is like I really was a piece of meat
waiting to be burned – he "seasoned" me just the way he liked me
and turned me into what he wanted
Then finally the grill got too hot
and I had had enough

I miss them more and more
I am a good mother
Can they be free yet?
Can they come home yet?
I will never stop loving you Mikey and Jace
nor will I ever give up....
Copyright © October 25, 2006 Heidi L. Spargo.

* * * * * *

Angel Baby
By Heidi L. Spargo

Angel baby angel baby
where did you go?
I was so wrapped up
in when you were due
Now I am so blue

Finally looking forward to Christmastime
after all these years….
now Christmas
might still be filled with tears

Don’t ever forget that you are loved
now that you have wings
and are flying up above

Say hi to all our family
who have been gone;
don’t forget to hug them very long

Angel baby angel baby
with wings so white
Please kiss your brothers
on the cheek good night.

Copyright © 2006 Heidi L. Spargo.

# # #
HEIDI L. SPARGO is a mother of four – soon-to-be five—a stepmother of one, a loving wife, and a published poet and writer who resides in Kearney, Nebraska in the USA. She can be contacted via email at hlspargo@yahoo.com
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From the Dust of Man
By Sandra L. Hoynacki
Author of “Purple Latches”, “Whispers From the Ledge” and “On Call”**

I dreamed inside the framework of a quiet echo
As my fingers touched the quill of your soul
I hid behind the clouds so no one would know
Of my lonely walks within no man's glow

You gently untied me from pastels of blue
From an embryonic womb of darkness
You gave me to sup of morning's first dew
Soothing lost edges as no other could do

You took the nightscape from inside my head
Your sun-thoughts cloaked my apathy
In layers of strawberry, silks and red
You spun every dream from smiles of thread

I climbed upon the plinth as you held my hand
You bade me follow across flawless fields
The windows of time became beads of sand
As we walked away from the dust of man.

Copyright © November 15, 2011 Sandra L. Hoynacki.

* * * * * *

A Windswept Freedom
By Sandra L. Hoynacki
Author of “Purple Latches”, “Whispers From the Ledge” and “On Call”

In a room of papered walls and cardboard squares
She sleeps in a box beside two empty chairs
There's nothing complicated, nothing arcane
Thunder claps loudly to welcome the rain

Outside the window splatters a canopy of light
Painted shimmering halos layered angel white
She crawls from her retreat and shakes her head
Amid Apollo's rays, the mantle of life's bed

Music scrapes the surface of things she sought
She pours hours into glasses of foibled thought
Her eyes move the length of a trolley car
As she sips julep from a mason jar

She smiles at the echo in her transparent space
Life is pure and simple without the rat race
She climbs into silence; it's golden they say
A windswept freedom on any given day.

^*^ Shhhhhhhhh^*^
Une Liberté Battue des vents

Copyright © October 21, 2011 Sandra L. Hoynacki.

# # #

A resident of Florida, the "hurricane state," SANDRA L. HOYNACKI says her husband is her very life, along with her four grown children and two grandchildren. She retired from the nursing profession to take care of her elderly mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, but still finds the time to write because, as she has said, "I love writing and hope to write for many years to come!" This very busy author is a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature and Pensacola Junior College and has been writing short stories and poems for many years. She believes she inherited her writing talent from her very creative father and her grandmother, whose short stories were published in various magazines. Following the Hurricane Ivan disaster, the local opera announced that it would be producing a show titled, "Hurricane Monologues." Writers were urged to submit their entries. Sandra's story, "Collections of Memories" was selected and performed onstage in September of 2005. Sandra is a member of Gulf Coast Authors' Group, and is currently in the process of working on book four. Her previous three books are: “Purple Latches”, “Whispers From The Ledge” and her 1st fiction medical thriller, “On Call”, which can be purchased at: www.SandraHoynacki.com (more information on all of Sandra’s books can be found in the Off The Press! Corner).

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As the Seasons Swiftly Change
By Cynthia Groopman

It was last spring when
the joy of renewal evoked my heart to dance and sing
I looked up and opened my eyes,
there was a big surprise

Quickly spring changed into the summer season
Oh what a beautiful reason
Birds flew by
The sun was smiling high in the vast clear blue sky
Grass so green,
created a picturesque summer scene

I looked up and what did I see,
Autumn leaves falling from the trees
Their colors were so radiantly bright
What a pleasure in God's sight

As the seasons change so quickly,
So did the cycles of life
People grew older each and every year
Children were born;
their futures were promising like the little acorn

Painful moments replaced the youthful cheer
Loved ones so cherished and so dear passed on
to the spiritual land of eternity
Ah, as the seasons change so quickly,
I sigh
I shed a tear and also cry

Why are the seasons and life in a state of transition?
Can't they have a permanent position?
I cannot question, as you can see,
For the Lord God dwells so high eternally.

Copyright © 2011 Cynthia L. Groopman

Jay’s Laughter
By Cynthia Groopman

Jay had a laugh so cute as a child
He would giggle and his eyes of blue would sparkle
His smile was so warm like the summer's day sun
Oh his laugh was indeed a joy to listen to and full of love and fun

As he grew
Jay's laugh was enriching and smiling like his dancing eyes of blue
There were times when Jay's laughter would cause a sad heart to sing,
or the bells of merry thoughts to rejoice and ring

As an adult
especially in the past few years,
Jay's laughter was few and far between
I really did not understand his emotionally changing scheme

The last day I had the joy of having him in my life,
which was nine week's ago,
Jay's laughter was full of the sunshine's golden glow
Now I can hear his laughter in my mind's ear;
filling a heart that still grieves with reassuring cheer.

Copyright © 2011 Cynthia L. Groopman.

# # #

CYNTHIA L. GROOPMAN is a poet and writer who became a Senior Writer at “Storytime Tapestry Ezine”, an Internet-based ezine, shortly after submitting her work to the publisher (Carol Roach) on December 31, 2006. When not writing, Cynthia volunteers at a senior center in New York where she teaches English as a Second Language and as a Civilian Observation Patrol member, in which she won an honorary Police Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (114th Civ-OP) Presidential Award. She received this Presidential Award in March 2007 at the senior center where she volunteers. She has worked with the Civ-OP for over 15 years, racking up more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service. Cynthia has also been published in “Prose’n’Poems”, a website’s newsletter for daily thoughts of the day, poems and jokes (www.jokesnstuff.net), and “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine”, an Internet-based literary magazine (www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com). Also in 2007, she won the coveted honor of being named “The Star of Queens” in The Queens Chronicle, a local weekly newspaper, for her community involvement, and a Congressional Medal of Honor Award from The Congress of the United States of America, also for her community involvement. She can be reached at cynthia.groopman@verizon.net

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Absent Sunshine:
Winter, you are cold
By Sharon Siegel

Crisp, frigid air
Hands meet pockets
Chills sent down my spine
Winter, you are cold

Puddles on the sidewalk
Ready to freeze over
I see palm trees ahead
But I feel winter

Gusts of winds
Whirling through the air
Leaves fluttering
Through the heavy breeze

Iciness in my veins
Under grey, gloomy skies
Numbness takes over
Winter, you are cold

Put me back inside
Place me by the fire
These palm trees are not inviting
Winter, you are cold.

Copyright © 2011 Sharon Siegel.

* * * * * *

Sundial
By Sharon Siegel

The radiator
Hums in the bedroom
Sunlight has not
Graced the yard
Time passes and we wait

Green grass
Through the panes of time
Bright rays have not
Delivered themselves upon
The untouched land

Rusty Sundial
Cold in the ground
No shine, No shadows
Rendered useless
When time stands still

This dusty room
Lonely inside
Clock on the wall
Ticking and waiting
For what is missing.

Copyright © August 2011 Sharon Siegel.

* * * * * *

Inside the Cellar
By Sharon Siegel

It is cold inside the cellar
It is safe inside the cellar
Peaceful, comfortable, alone

It is cramped inside the cellar
It is dark inside the cellar
Protected, sheltered, alone

It is still inside the cellar
It is fine inside the cellar
No need to see beyond the cellar door.

Copyright © August 2011 Sharon Siegel.

# # #

SHARON SIEGEL is a Tulane University senior (majoring in English), a member of the Tulane University Women’s Tennis Team, and a newly published poet. She was born and raised in The Hamptons on Eastern Long Island in New York. Prior to studying at Tulane, she attended the prestigious Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida for her senior year of high school. Sharon recently participated in “A Writer’s Summer” at Stony Brook University at Southampton. After graduation (June 2012), she looks forward to attending Graduate School and obtaining a Master of Fine Arts degree. She can be contacted at ssiegel@tulane.edu

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All I’ve Ever Wanted
By Bobbi Sinha-Morey

Sunrise is the best time for starting over again
when my heart has softened overnight
and dark thoughts have been erased
so that I now see a new page of my skin

The secret is in forgetting what
has been lost and dusting off antique
promises that have come to an end

I dream the impossible,
Wrapped in the coolness of April
as pleasure floats in and I'm reminded of the will to survive
the deliberate choice to breathe
the freshness of life in

Love is inescapable and it's all I've
ever wanted as the day peacefully passes by
stirring me gently within.

Copyright © 2010 Bobbi Sinha-Morey.

* * * * * *

A Time for Healing
By Bobbi Sinha-Morey

In the rhythm of daylight emptiness spills into my
soul now that you're gone I feel it echo deep inside
You left me with loneliness, a vessel in my breast

I could spend my life trying to fill, for you were a part of me
and now I am single. My body and mind slowly find the time to heal
Paper shadows that once clung to my home walk away on their own
and the wind has grown sweeter

I love the way stars arc into darkness, and I love the melting of wings.
If you were here we could listen to a night bird gaily sing
and, as I bind myself to this world, I find that knowing you
was a blessing.

Copyright © 2010 Bobbi Sinha-Morey.

* * * * * *

Without You
By Bobbi Sinha-Morey

Alone in my bed I fastened myself to the sound of rain
thrumming against my window like impatient finger-
tips, waiting for you to return;
hoping the last words I heard from you were for real

A silent prayer remains on my lips. There is nothing quieter
than the pale winter light and the unbroken faith I had in
your innocence. I wish you would come back to
stay, wish I could borrow the sun to lead you right here

I'm unused to the hours spent without you, yet I still
have the letter you gave me after you'd left. You said I
was the only one in your life. I long to be held once
again close to your chest.

Copyright © 2011 Bobbi Sinha-Morey.

# # #

BOBBI SINHA-MOREY is a reviewer for the online magazine “Specusphere”and has done well over one hundred reviews. In addition, she is a published poet. Her poetry has appeared in a variety of places such as “The Houston Literary Review”, “Gloom Cupboard”, “Touch: The Journal Of Healing, Recovering The Self”, “Amulet”, “Poet's Haven”, “Pirene's Fountain”, “Einstein's Pocket Watch”, “Poetic Monthly Magazine”, “Oak Bend Review”, and “Bellowing Ark”, among others. Plus her latest book of poetry, “Petals Of Starlight”, is available at www.writewordsinc.com, as well as her other books of poetry. Bobbi is also a member of The Academy of American Poets. When not writing, Bobbi loves reading, knitting, cooking, aerobics, and jigsaw puzzles.

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Devine Intervention
By Conrad S. Cardinal

Our future uncertain, no answers in view
What can we say, what can we do?

Our wants are ignored; they say they know best
They’ve pushed to the limit, we find no rest

Truth, evasive as a shadow in the night
It’s impossible to tell wrong from right

Political posturing does more harm than good
Easy to see their not doing all they could

We hope and pray for Divine intercession
The cure for our ills is Devine intervention.

Copyright © 2011 Conrad S. Cardinal.

* * * * * *

Yes, God Will Forgive You
By Conrad S. Cardinal

There are those folks that believe they’ve done some things that God couldn’t possibly forgive them for. There are also those that seem to think it doesn’t matter what they do because God forgives all of the mistakes we make. These two thoughts are certainly at either end of the spectrum. Perhaps we’ve drifted so far from the path that many no longer understand what the scripture is teaching us.

II Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” Also Hebrews 8:12 says: “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their iniquities will I remember no more.” I believe these two scriptures give the answer to both thoughts.

There is a prerequisite to our receiving forgiveness. Jesus made a sacrifice, on our behalf, which made it possible for us to attain forgiveness. This isn’t something we can earn, Jesus has become our advocate and through Him we are granted God’s grace. Though it can’t be earned, we must be willing to do our part. We must accept the advocacy of Jesus, we must be willing to admit and confess our transgressions and we must begin living the kind of life that will be pleasing to God. I believe this confession should be made to God in prayer. This also means not doing the unacceptable things we’ve done in the past.

For most of us these requirements will not be easy to accomplish, however, because Jesus realized this we have been given all the help we need if we will accept it. The Holy Spirit has been placed within our reach if we open our hearts and our minds to His influence. To me this means that we have been given the power to make incredible changes in our lives. Once again, though this can’t be earned, we must do our part. We must do all of the above and we must stay in contact with God through prayer. Along with prayer, reading scripture and praying for enlightenment will help to focus us on the good things. It’s amazing how, through these steps, love, compassion, forgiveness and the like begin to blossom in our lives. You may ask, do you expect me to be perfect? None of us has the ability to achieve perfection; however I believe our willingness to make these changes and our heartfelt commitment carries us a long way. What needs to be understood is that God loves us and wants us to succeed.

Another fact that we must understand is that God cannot look upon sin. So if we wish to stand in His presence and receive forgiveness and salvation we must become sinless. Can I explain all the workings of this process? No, but I believe that as we progress through this life, doing all we can, Jesus makes things come out right.

I like to use this analogy to explain things. Jesus not only talked the talk, He also walked the walk. So, we too, must talk the talk and walk the walk.

Copyright © 2011 Conrad S. Cardinal.

# # #

CONRAD S. CARDINAL is a retired-licensed Preacher and Associate Pastor, a poet, and a writer who was born in Brooklyn, New York in the USA. While living in Brooklyn, he played professional baseball but due to a bad injury he retired and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA. There he worked as a Security Guard, Slot Machine Floor Man, and as a Stage Hand for 40 years. The last 18 years of his career, he ran a Theatrical Welding Shop while also taking Seminary Extension Courses through the Southern Baptist Home Mission Department; enabling him to become a Licensed Preacher and the Associate Pastor of a non-denominational Church on the Las Vegas strip. Conrad has been writing poetry on and off most of his life but he has been more committed to his writing since he retired. He likes to call his work “Essays in Poetry” because he writes about issues that concern him. Conrad and his wife have been married for over 30 years; they have 7 children and 11 grandchildren. He can be contacted at Cconseth@aol.com

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Night of a Vampire
**( A dramatic reading )
By Arthur C. Ford, Sr.**

Nightfall,
Nocturnally obsessed-
Condemned with the pictorial
movement of a saber-tooth
Garment, weaved by a widowed spider
presiding in the most ancient of corners
flaring in the air
microns from the epidermis
never touching the body-
a hollow body

Perpetually smiling-
Inexperienced in mourning
Noncarnivorous, nonvoracious,
but sustaining a nettle
suctioning appetite

Defying sound
with a wicked, silent prowl
A gelid touch prerequisites drainage

Returning,
to a cussed, caved coffin
wrapped in gossamers,
or to the deepest alleys
of downtown's abyss,
then Daybreak.

Copyright © October 2010 Arthur C. Ford, Sr.

# # #

ARTHUR C. FORD, SR. was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana in the USA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in New Orleans, where he studied creative writing and was also a member of the Drama Society. He has visited 45 states in the United States and resided for two (2) years in Brussels, Belgium in Europe. His poetry, lyrics and prose have been published in newsletters, journals and magazines throughout America and Canada. He has recently been published by "The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine", “Whimsie-E-Mail of Canada”, “Skyline Magazine of New York”, “Silver Wing of Clovis, CA.” and “Kuntu Workshop of the University of Pittsburgh”. Arthur’s next book, “Reasons for Rhyming (Volume 1)”, will be released in the near future. He is currently residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA, where he continues to write, edit and publish poetry and prose. Arthur has read poetry throughout America, Europe and Canada. He can be contacted at wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com

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Rose Enchantments
By Deborah Anne Shepard
Author of “The Pages of Time”

Slumbering dance of Rose Enchantments
Breathtaking view of thine soul
With divine sprits we call to each other in sleep
Roses filled each pillar, awaiting each memorable kiss to keep

Slumbering concerto, cellos kiss
Willed spirits open voyage to take
Each beautiful embrace tender
All for the soul auras to remember

Slumbering tunes, each violin strings embark
The Aston seas fill glide in heavens lock
Marvels in symbols love
Watching each tender glance, softly gliding from above.

Copyright © 2010 Deborah Anne Shepard.

* * * * * *

Orbs
By Deborah Anne Shepard
Author of “The Pages of Time”

Almost hidden laced gems
Everlasting wings in silvery hem
Lost with all hearts desires, ascend memoirist
Laced strings, Azure hypnotic rose, billowy clouds dreams

Everlasting astral sights , with carefree delightfulness
Another blessing when I seek your eyes
Our innovation , chanting incarnation
I feel the wings lilacs whispers
With heavens choir , our souls age, kiss me

Angels guide the roses of attire
Age old desires
Kindness wonderer’s gifts of the heart
with my espied wings. I soar to heights unknown even to me
Iridescent rings softly surround each orbs light.

Copyright © 2010 Deborah Anne Shepard.

* * * * * *

Gypsy Love
By Deborah Anne Shepard
Author of “The Pages of Time”

I caught a glimpse of my lover last night,
playing to em from the magical black moon
He came to me in my dreams
I felt his tender kiss upon my neck, and never will forget
that magical night in his arms
High above all sanity and storms of affirmed love
I called to him, he came
He who carried my soul…our music repertoire begins

Gypsy love, you came in to me haunting dreams last night
My softest green eyes to tease my soul
You take me dancing one candle my the other
We lay near breathes of Celtic moon, haunting
soft essence vanilla heather near by
The salty air instep hidden gems
The blackened magical night, borrowed heighten love
Soft embrace as you held me close lithe folds your masculine arms
I felt us in another land

You tenderly gazed in my eyes, I felt no lies
Lied in the heavens rolled through each sunset You carried me whilst dancing hand to cheek to the tango of lovers musical concertos;
Alone as the edge of the moon lifted we moved slowly to it
It bowed and scooped us in hits swirling crystal lights
Forever I could feel his heart trio to mine
Allis quite, The night is aglow
Illuminate was ours
Timeless a glow’s

Soft sprinkling across the sands of time
we drifted in each others arms
Lanterns of the skies were the pathway as other dancers
joined us
Light shining as we did on each petal of the flowering plumes
The moons seemed to envelope with desires
All precious I could feel his tender kiss and smiles
Gleaming the moon parted and set each lover in canopy
across the silvery stars, where we lay to bask in each others arms,
lovingly reaching, clasped in time to find true love.

Copyright © 2010 Deborah Anne Shepard.

# # #

DEBORAH ANNE SHEPARD is an author, a poet and a teacher who lives in Carmel, California, USA, with her husband who was in the military for 25 years and their son. Deborah says: “My background is French, English and Native American Cherokee.” She attended elementary school in Germany and graduated from high school in Carmel, California. Deborah works with many sites on the web, such as “Character Counts” for Fort Lewis. She is currently an Educational Specialist who teaches school-age and pre-school children. Deborah published an inspirational book of poetry titled “The Pages of Time”. It is about fairies, romance, angels, inspiration and character of ones self. She wishes to also write about “romance dedications to the soul, and about my families.” Deborah says she would like to put away the profits she makes from her book to help her family. She writes about dreams and angels, she has angels that bless her each day and dreams of her own. Her dream is “to share dreams with others, share the gifts." Deborah's book is currently located on Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com; under author: Deborah Shepard.

"My poems tell the story of dreams. We have the beauty of traveling into them to give us belief, hope and life…With our dreams we can soar to our goals in life…awakening our heart to feel with each stance a glimmer of beauty of the heart…"
~Deborah Anne Shepard.

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A Frog Trying to Figure the Sky
By A.J. Huffman

I long to distinguish myself
from the sea of me’s
Treading water to keep up,
I count my fingers and toes

Hoping to find something
that will tag me special
Something that will let me shine
inside this wave of faceless nothings

But there is nothing
I am perfectly average
Nothing extra
I am not a witch
My head is still intact
I close my eyes

Sit back in dead man’s float
Tomorrow is always coming
Maybe I’ll be different
in its light.

Copyright © 2011 A.J. Huffman.

* * * * * *

Making a Scene
By A.J. Huffman

She stood at the top
of the stairs
Arms spread
like a butterfly
suspended
in a web

But the look in her eyes
was different;
Lighter
than the stars
Falling
behind her hair

In the wind
her feet
gladly traded
for the ledge.

Copyright © 2011 A.J. Huffman.

# # #

A.J. HUFFMAN is a poet and a freelance writer living in Daytona Beach, Florida in the USA. She has previously published her work in literary journals and magazines, in the U.K. as well as in the U.S., such as: “Avon Literary Intelligencer”, “Eastern Rainbow”, “Medicinal Purposes Literary Review”, “The Intercultural Writer's Review”, “Icon”, “Writer's Gazette”, and “The Penwood Review”. A.J. can be contacted at poetess222@live.com

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HELPFUL NONFICTION ARTICLES CORNER

Knowledge Is Power.

Where articles with helpful information

and tips can be found!

Plus general informative nonfiction articles

Trends of Crime against Women
(A Case Study of Reported Crimes in Rajasthan State, India)
By Hem Raj Meena

Crime against women is a technical term used to collectively refer to violent acts that are primarily or exclusively committed against women. Similar to a hate crime, this type of violence targets a specific group with the victim's gender as a primary motive. The United Nations General Assembly defines "violence against women" as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life." The 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women noted that this violence could be perpetrated by assailants of either gender, family members or even the "State" itself.

Crime against women affects all of the society. The famous sociologist Sadarland states “that it occurs in public, in the family and in intimate contexts and can be experienced by women at any stage of their lives. Violence against women is a complex matter that is linked to women’s equality in society. Ethnicity, culture, age, relationship type and economic status can all affect the rate and impact of violence against women.”

This paper of statistical indicators in Rajasthan addresses the major areas of concern on crimes against women, including severity and prevalence, impact, risk factors, institutional and community based responses, and victims’ use of services. In terms of severity and prevalence, this data indicates that women are more likely than men to be victims of the most severe forms of spousal assault, as well as spousal homicide, sexual assault and criminal harassment. Following evidence of an increase in the incidence of spousal assault against women in the 2000s, a total of 17,316 cases were reported under Crimes against Women during the year 2009, recording an increasing trend, compared to 14,491 cases reported in the year 2008, with an increase of 19.49 percent.

The past decade has witnessed a general increase in the number of women related cases. This upward shift may be partly attributed to institutional and community-based responses, a negative tolerance for violence against women, and improvements in women’s socio-economic status. Additional data is needed to answer the questions of whether violence against women has decreased for all sub-groups of the population, and whether intervention efforts have made a difference. Governments and communities have responded to violence by providing shelters, treatment programs for abusers, specialized domestic violence courts and other victim services. Victimization surveys suggest that there has been a rise in the percentage of spousal assaults reported to the police since 2005, although this stabilized between 2007 and 2008. These are an indication not only of the impact of violence on individuals, but of the direct and indirect costs to society. The risk factors identify young women as particularly vulnerable to criminal harassment, sexual assault and spousal homicide.

One of the most important risk factors of physical or sexual violence against women in relationships is the presence of emotional abuse. This type of abuse, including jealous and controlling behaviour, the use of verbal bullying, and financial abuse, provides a significantly stronger predictor of violent behaviour towards women in relationships than does alcohol use, income or education. Women living in common-law unions are at higher risk of assault and homicide by their partners than married women. Separation can also increase the risk of violence and potentially trigger homicide for women in violent relationships. Ultimately the impact of violence against women is felt by everyone, either directly or indirectly. Ongoing collection and analysis of reliable statistical data is important for monitoring the prevalence, risk factors, and intergenerational impacts of violence. Data such as these indicators are intended as a useful tool for all levels of government as well as non-governmental groups for tracking change over time, highlighting new and emerging issues, and developing legislative, policy and program responses to help prevent violence and assist victims.

Crimes which are directed specifically against women may be broadly classified under the following two categories: - Indian Penal Code(IPC) Crimes such as Rape (Sec.376 IPC), Kidnapping & Abduction for various purposes (Sec. 363 –373 IPC), Dowry Deaths or their Attempts (Sec.302/304-B IPC),Torture, both Mental and Physical (Sec.498-A IPC), Molestation (Sec.354 IPC), Sexual Harassment (Sec.509 IPC) (referred in past as Eve-Teasing), Importation of Girls (up to 21 years of age) (Sec.366-B IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL) Crimes such as Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961,The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 1979, Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987, The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation, Prevention & Misuse) Act, 1994.

Incidences of Various Crimes against Women:

The crime incidence of reported crimes against women during the last five years, along with their percentage variation, is presented in Rajasthan. Total 17316 cases were reported under Crimes against Women during the year 2009, recording an increasing trend, compared to 14491 cases reported in the year 2008, with an increase of 19.49 percent. Among them a total of 1,519 cases of Rape were reported in Rajasthan during the year 2009 as compared to 1,355 cases reported during the previous year, showing an increase of 12.10 percent. A total of 436 cases of Dowry Death were reported in the year 2009 as against 439 cases in the year 2008 showing a decrease of 0.68 percent. A total of 2485 cases of Molestation were reported during the year 2009 showing a decrease of 1.39 percent, when compared to the previous year, which recorded 2520 cases.

A total of 24 cases of Sexual Harassment were registered in the year 2009, recording a decrease of 26.32 percent when compared to 19 cases during the previous year. A total of 10371 cases of Cruelty against Women were reported during the year 2009 as compared to 8113 cases reported during the previous year, with an increase of 27.83 percent. An increasing trend has been observed under this head with 2310 cases reported during the year 2009 when compared to 1863 cases in 2008, recording an increase of 23.99 percent. In the Dowry Prohibition Act in Rajasthan, only 3 cases were reported during the year 2009. In the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, a decrease of 13.89 percent has been recorded in cases during 2009 with 62 cases when compared to previous year 2008 with 72 cases. In the Indecent Representation of Women (P) Act, a total of 106 cases were reported during the year 2009 as compared to 107 cases reported during the year 2008, showing a decrease of 0.93 percent.

Hence it can be concluded that the number of women in the population who are affected by violence is challenging due to the very private nature of these experiences. A subset of police services across India is able to track the gender of victims and offenders for crimes that are reported to them. But this undercounts incidents of violence against women as just over one-third of spousal assaults and less than 10% of sexual assaults are reported to police. However, women who use shelters tend to be fleeing very serious violence and may not be representative of all abused women. Victimization surveys, as opposed to police collected data, can become the standard for estimating the nature and extent of violence against women in the general population.

Copyright © 2011 Hem Raj Meena.

# # #

HEM RAJ MEENA is a newly published writer, an RPS Officer in Rajasthan State Police of India, and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, PTC, in Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India. He can be contacted via email at: hemrajppmeena@gmail.com

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Suicide Prevention Week
By Carol Roach
Author of “Picking Up the Pieces: One Woman’s Journey”
and “Angels Watching Over Me”

According to the most recent statistics on suicide rates in Canada (2007), put out by The National Public Health Institute of Quebec, Quebec still holds the highest number of suicides in Canada and Montreal has the highest number of suicides for large cities in Canada.

In 2008, 1103 individuals ended their lives by suicide in the province of Quebec. The majority of these suicides were in rural areas of Quebec, where the employment levels were high and access to government programs inaccessible by many. Julie Campbell, the president of The Quebec Association for Suicide Prevention, says that one of the factors associated with not getting the help in rural areas is that many people do not have a car to get around.

It is much easier for people in Quebec City and Montreal to get access to the help they need as they are larger cities that are better equipped with employment programs and crisis intervention centers and have public transportation systems.

This week is Quebec’s Suicide Prevention Week, which was first launched 20 years ago. The goal of suicide prevention week has always been to help the depressed as well as the loved ones of suicide victims. The good thing is that the suicide rate in Quebec has dropped by 32 percent in the last 10 years.

Dr. Brian Mishara who is a psychology professor at the University of Quebec at Montreal and co-founder of the suicide prevention association, Suicide-Action Montreal, states that there are many reasons that could explain the drop in the suicide rate including overall higher employment rates and better access to support and suicide awareness programs.

Other experts are saying that the suicide prevention campaigns have had a large impact on the drop in suicide rate. Twenty years ago there were only a handful of suicide prevention centers in Quebec, now there are 33 of them.

The suicide teen rate has dropped by 12 percent each year in the last 10 years. However, men between the ages of 20 and 40 are the in the highest at risk group in the province. Sad to say primary cause of death among men of this age group is suicide.

The spokesperson for the National prevention week, Nicholas Canuel, maintains the reason the rate among men is so high as compared to woman is because women tend to talk about their problems whereas men leave it all bottled up inside. They do not seek out help. They are caught up in a culture where they must maintain a macho image.

The good news is that even the suicide rate for this high risk group is on the decline by about 4 percent per year.

The Quebec Association for Suicide Prevention runs a 24-hour help line
1-866-APPELLE (277-3553).

Sources:

Suicide Prevention Week Marks 20 Years
Quebec suicide rate slides

To continue reading on Examiner.com
Suicide prevention week - Montreal Mental Health | Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/mental-health-in-montreal/suicide-prevention-week#ixzz1aZLThwtU

Copyright © February 2010 Carol Roach.

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Happy Birthday Anne Frank
By Carol Roach
Author of “Picking Up the Pieces: One Woman’s Journey”
and “Angels Watching Over Me”

One of the most important figures of the Nazi era was a young girl by the name of Anne Frank. She was a just an ordinary teenager and had hopes and dreams like any other teenager of her day and future generations to come. The only trouble was that she was Jewish during the Nazi era and that fate meant death. Death to young innocent girls and boys and Jewish people; six million of them who were herded off to concentrations camps, imprisoned, starved, worked to death, and experimented on in the most vilest of ways. Then burned in the furnaces, and discarded like garbage. Human lives, not worth a thing to their nazi oppressors.

What did Anne Frank do that warranted such hatred? What did any of the Jewish people do that was so bad, what did any of the 40 million combined people of all races that were exterminated during those horrible times do?

They did not belong to the master race, the dream that monster by the name of Adolf Hitler dreamed up. Maybe he should have exterminated himself for his was a dark haired Austrian by birth. He too did not qualify for his dream of the Aryan super race.

History does repeat itself, the shoah (Holocaust) was not the only atrocity to humankind, it still goes on in various countries today. World dictators commit atrocities and genocide and the world looks on hardly blinking an eye. Human nature is such that if it is not happening to you then it is not important. So what it is happening to Africans or Serbians, or Albanians, Cambodians and so on? The list is way too long to include every country that has witnessed such crimes against humanity.

In the grand scheme of things human life is worthless.

I was a young girl myself when I read the diary of Anne Frank, oh how I could identify with her and even though I was a Christian teenager and she was a Jewish one, we were both innocent young girls who had done nothing wrong. We were innocent young girls who had hopes and dreams for the life ahead of us. I had a chance to make my life; Anne Frank was never given that opportunity.

My life was completely changed once I read that book. Incidentally it was required reading for our Montreal high school 9th grade English class and I am so glad that it was. Before that book I took my peaceful life in Montreal for granted and afterwards I began to see the world outside of my city and country was not the safe haven I had always thought it was.

The diary of Anne Frank made me realize that the war was not about the good guys getting rid of the bad guys as was my previous notion. War was ugly and innocent people got hurt. It was from those early roots that I began to formulate my own ideas about war and it was from those beginnings that I knew in my heart that there are no victors in war. History runs in cycles, the victors of one era are the losers of the next. Great empires rise and they all fall. War is about power and greed and a ruthless disregard for humanity. However, the victors are the leaders of the country who divvy up the spoils. War rarely has much betterment for the common people.

Author's Note: Before you write to me to disagree yes, I know some wars are necessary and some people do benefit from the wars but I am talking in general here.

For example: this particular war, World War II, benefited the World from German occupation. But did it really benefit the German people? Did it really benefit Hitler? He died in a bunker and said to have committed suicide as the allies approached and took over Berlin. One thing is for sure it did not benefit Anne Frank; she died for no reason at all.

Annelies Marie Frank was born on June 12, 1929 in Frankford Am Main, Weimar, Germany. She lived in Amsterdam until her demise. The family moved to the Netherlands after the Nazis came to power in 1933. By 1940 the situation was no better in the Netherlands for Jewish people and the family went into hiding in 1942. They lived in hidden rooms of the father's office building. Two years later they were found out and sent to the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp. Both Anne and her sister, Margot died of typhus within days of each other, seven months after the transfer. Anne was 15 at the time.

The family was not even ultra religious and still these atrocities happened to them. Otto Frank was a German officer during World War I, however, anti-Semitism reared its ugly head during World War II. The Franks' were liberal Jews and Anne had friends that were Jewish and Christian. Otto associated with Jews and the rest of the community alike before the Holocaust. They were basically an average family.

Later during her two year stay in hiding a dentist friend of the father, by the name of Fritz Pfeffer and the Van Pels family joined them. At first Anne did not like the young Peter but then had a brief romance with him. He gave her her first kiss and as circumstances would have it, he was the only boy to do that.

The romance ended and Anne formed a close relationship with the helpers (employees trusted with the information about their whereabouts) who would come to bring them food and news of what was happening in the outside world. Anne enjoyed their visits.

Anne wrote about her relationships with her family members. At the beginning she was jealous of her older sister but as Anne matured the sisters got closer. Anne had the best relationship with her father and not a very good relationship with her mother.

On August 4, 1944, the family was uprooted, the Germans caught them and the informant was never made known. The family was sent to the detention center and interrogated all night. Since they were in hiding they were considered criminals. They were transferred to a holding camp and then on to the punishment barracks to do hard labour. They were then transferred to Auschwitz concentration camp where Otto was separated from his family.

Anne had just turned 15 so she was spared the gas chamber, where younger children were immediately murdered. Anne was stripped naked and disinfected, her head was shaved and she was given the infamous tattoo.

The surviving women and young girls were used as slave labour during the day hauling heavy rocks. Anne got sick and she and her sister developed scabies and were sent to the dark rat infested infirmary.

By October 28 the two were sent to Bergen-Belsen with 8000 other women and young girls. The mother was left behind to die of starvation. Anne and her sister died of typhus just shortly before the camp was liberated. They were never meant to see freedom again.

The father, Otto Frank was the only survivor of the family and he was fortunate enough to find her diary, her legacy to the world, which he published in 1947. The Diary of a Young Girl as it was called has sold millions worldwide. Anne Frank was named one of the 20th century's Heroes and Icons by Time Magazine in their 100 Most Important People of The Century.

June 12, 2009 is the anniversary of her birth. She would have been 80 years old if she had been allowed to live a normal life. Many celebrations are going on in Amsterdam and Europe to commemorate her birthday.

Sources:

http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?PID=900&LID=2
http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=2&lid=2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank

Copyright © June 2009 Carol Roach.

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CAROL ROACH, M.Ed., B.A., a native of Montreal, Quebec, holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Masters in Education in counseling psychology from Concordia UniversityandMcGill University in Canada. She is the author of two books, titled “Picking Up the Pieces: A Woman’s Journey” and “Angels Watching Over Me” (more information about her two books can be found in the Off The Press! Corner of The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine). Carol is also the moderator for the Psychology Channel at Factoidz.com; she publishes “Storytime Tapestry”, an Internet-based ezine that is devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world. Carol is also a freelance / ghostwriter for hire and her many articles, stories and poems have been published in both print & electronic magazines. Check out Carol’s new blog at: http://carolsstories.blogspot.com and her three (3) new columns: “Women’s Issues”, “Health”, and “Mental Health”, at Examiner.com. She can be contacted at winterose@videotron.ca

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The Insanity of the Insanity Defense
By Sam Vaknin
Author of “Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited” and “After the Rain - How the West Lost the East”

Aron Levy, who kidnapped, murdered and dismembered 8-year old Leiby Kletzky in Brooklyn now faces a battery of defense-appointed experts in an attempt to plead NGRI (“Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity”). He has a history of “psychiatric disorders” and had been hearing voices, his lawyers claim.

The insanity defense in criminal trials is nothing new. The Babylonian Talmud had this to say 1800 years ago: “It is an ill thing to knock against a deaf-mute, an imbecile, or a minor. He that wounds them is culpable, but if they wound him they are not culpable."

But even the Talmudic rabbis – renowned for their intellectual acuity – would have been stymied by the modern version of the insanity defense.

To start with, no one seems to be able to define “insanity” unequivocally. Insanity in legalese is not the same as the colloquial expression (“he is nuts”) and is equally distinct from the way psychiatrists use the term (which they rarely do.)

Indeed, when it comes to the antiquated insanity defense, the legal profession is completely at odds with modern psychiatry.

The legal system applies three tests to determine whether an accused should be held not responsible for his criminal actions:

1.     Can s/he tell right from wrong? Does s/he lack substantial capacity to “know and appreciate” the criminality or wrongfulness of her/his (mis)conduct (aka “diminished capacity”)?

2.     Did s/he intend to act the way s/he did ("mens rea")?

3.     Could s/he not control her/his behavior ("irresistible impulse")?

But, mental health scholars regard these “tests” as subjective, biased, and ludicrous. A "guilty but insane" verdict is a contradiction in terms, they insist. What matters is whether the defendant’s perception or understanding of reality (his “reality test”) is impaired and not only when he had committed the criminal act.

This rigorous criterion applies only to psychotics, such as Jared Lee Loughner, the Tucson shooter (whose reality test is subverted by bouts of psychosis, i.e., delusions). All others should be deemed both sane and culpable for all intents and purposes, insist most psychiatrists.

Moreover: the "perception and understanding of reality" can co-exist even with the severest forms of mental illness. Even when a criminal is clinically mentally-ill, as long as s/he maintains a perfect reality test, s/he should be held criminally responsible (Jeffrey Dahmer, who was denied the insanity defense, comes to mind).

Consider the cases of the Norway shooter, Anders Breivik or of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber: they both have coherent (albeit reprehensible) worldviews, a consistent internal logic, and rules of right and wrong (their own, personal, overriding ethical codes).


Breivik, for instance, is not delusional or otherwise psychotic. And, yet, his lawyer is seriously considering to use the insanity defense and, under the current, irredeemably flawed legal definition of insanity, may well get away with it!

This is not to say that a defendant’s mental state at the time he had committed the crime is irrelevant: he may have held mistaken (even delusional) beliefs or may have misread the situation, may have been misinformed, may have been under the influence of mind-altering drugs, may have lacked criminal intent, may have been unable to tell right from wrong, or to control his or her urges.

As the scholar Christopher Slobogin argues convincingly in his Virginia Law Review essay titled “An End to Insanity”: mental illness should play a part in and inform the traditional defenses already available in a criminal trial – but, shaky as it is, it should not stand on its own. Indeed it can’t.

Publisher's Note: An edited version of this article was originally published in the New York Daily News, August 11, 2011.

Copyright © August 2011 Sam Vaknin.

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Narcissists and Hotel Maids: The Strauss-Kahn Affair and Beyond
By Sam Vaknin
Author of “Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited” and “After the Rain - How the West Lost the East”

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the scandal-ridden former head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. But, if he did try to rape the hotel maid in New York in May 2011, his behavior would conform to the type of misconduct common among malignant narcissists.

Narcissists in positions of authority and celebrity narcissists exhibit a confluence of three pernicious phenomena: pathological charm (i.e., the illusion of being irresistible), the delusion of omnipotence, and the intractable conviction in their immunity to the consequences of their actions and, more particularly, misdeeds.

PATHOLOGICAL CHARM

The narcissist is confident that people find him irresistible. His unfailing charm is part of his self-imputed omnipotence. This inane conviction is what makes the narcissist a "pathological charmer". The somatic narcissist and the histrionic flaunt their sex appeal, virility or femininity, sexual prowess, musculature, physique, training, or athletic achievements.

The cerebral narcissist seeks to enchant and entrance his audience with intellectual pyrotechnics. Many narcissists brag about their wealth, health, possessions, collections, spouses, children, personal history, family tree – in short: anything that garners them attention and renders them alluring.

Both types of narcissists firmly believe that being unique, they are entitled to special treatment by others. They deploy their "charm offensives" to manipulate their nearest and dearest (or even complete strangers) and use them as instruments of gratification. Exerting personal magnetism and charisma become ways of asserting control and obviating other people's personal boundaries.

The pathological charmer feels superior to the person he captivates and fascinates; To him charming someone means having power over her, controlling her, or even subjugating her. It is all a mind game intertwined with a power play. The person to be thus enthralled is an object, a mere prop, and of dehumanized utility.

In some cases, pathological charm involves more than a grain of sadism. It provokes in the narcissist sexual arousal by inflicting the "pain" of subjugation on the beguiled who "cannot help" but be enchanted. Conversely, the pathological charmer engages in infantile magical thinking. He uses charm to help maintain object constancy and fend off abandonment – in other words, to ensure that the person he "bewitched" won't disappear on him.

Pathological charmers react with rage and aggression when their intended targets prove to be impervious and resistant to their lure. This kind of narcissistic injury – being spurned and rebuffed – makes them feel threatened, rejected, and denuded. Being ignored amounts to a challenge to their uniqueness, entitlement, control, and superiority. Narcissists wither without constant Narcissistic Supply. When their charm fails to elicit it – they feel annulled, non-existent, and "dead".

Expectedly, they go to great lengths to secure said supply. It is only when their efforts are frustrated that the mask of civility and congeniality drops and reveals the true face of the narcissist – a predator on the prowl.

OMNIPOTENCE

The narcissist believes in his omnipotence. "Believe" in this context is a weak word. He knows. It is a cellular certainty, almost biological; it flows in his blood and permeates every niche of his being. The narcissist "knows" that he can do anything he chooses to do and excel in it. What the narcissist does, what he excels at, what he achieves, depends only on his volition. To his mind, there is no other determinant.

Hence his rage when confronted with disagreement or opposition – not only because of the audacity of his, evidently inferior, adversaries. But because it threatens his world view, it endangers his feeling of omnipotence. The narcissist is often fatuously daring, adventurous, experimentative and curious precisely due to this hidden assumption of "can-do". He is genuinely surprised and devastated when he fails, when the "universe" does not arrange itself, magically, to accommodate his unbounded fantasies, when it (and people in it) does not comply with his whims and wishes.

He often denies away such discrepancies, deletes them from his memory. As a result, he remembers his life as a patchy quilt of unrelated events and people.

IMMUNITY

Narcissists, like children, have magical thinking. They feel omnipotent. They feel that there is nothing they couldn't do or achieve had they only really wanted to and applied themselves to it.

They feel omniscient – they rarely admit to ignorance in any field. They believe that they are in possession of all relevant and useful knowledge. They are haughtily convinced that introspection is a more important and more efficient (not to mention easier to accomplish) method of edification than the systematic study of outside sources of information in accordance with strict (read: tedious) curricula.

To some extent, they believe that they are omnipresent because they are either famous or about to become famous. Deeply immersed in their delusions of grandeur, they are firmly convinced that their acts have – or will have – a great influence on mankind, on their firm, on their country, on others. Having learned to manipulate their human environment, they believe that they will always "get away with it".

Narcissistic immunity is the narcissist's (erroneous) feeling that he is immune to the consequences of his actions. That he will never be effected by the outcomes of his own decisions, opinions, beliefs, deeds and misdeeds, acts, inaction, or by being a member of certain groups. That he is above reproach and punishment (though not above being feared and notorious). That, magically, he is protected and will miraculously be saved at the last moment.

What are the sources of this fantastic appraisal of situations and chains of events?

The first and foremost source is, of course, the False Self. It is constructed as a childish response to abuse and trauma. It is possessed of everything that the child wishes he had in order to retaliate: power, wisdom, magic – all of them unlimited and instantaneously available.

The False Self, this Superman, is indifferent to abuse and punishment. It shields the vulnerable True Self from the harsh realities experienced by the child. This artificial, maladaptive separation between a vulnerable (but not punishable) True Self and a punishable (but invulnerable) False Self is an effective mechanism. It isolates the child from an unjust, capricious, emotionally dangerous world. But, at the same time, it fosters a false sense of "nothing can happen to me, because I am not there, I cannot be punished because I am immune".

The second source is the sense of entitlement possessed by every narcissist. In his grandiose delusions, the narcissist is sui generis (unique), a gift to humanity, a precious, fragile, object. Moreover, the narcissist is convinced both that this uniqueness is immediately discernible and that it gives him special rights.

The narcissist feels that he is sheltered by some cosmological law pertaining to "endangered species". He is convinced that his future contribution to humanity should (and does) exempt him from the mundane: daily chores, boring jobs, recurrent tasks, personal exertion, orderly investment of resources and efforts, or even aging and death.

The narcissist is entitled to "special treatment": high living standards, constant and immediate catering to his ever shifting needs, the avoidance of the mundane and the routine, an absolution of his sins, fast track privileges (to higher education, or in his encounters with the bureaucracy). Punishment is for ordinary people (where no great loss to humanity is involved). Narcissists feel that they are above the law.

The third source has to do with the narcissist's ability to manipulate his (human) environment. Narcissists develop their manipulative skills to the level of an art form because that is the only way they could have survived their poisoned and dangerous childhood. Yet, they use this "gift" long after its "expiry date".

Narcissists are possessed of inordinate abilities to charm, to convince, to seduce and to persuade. They are gifted orators. In many cases, they are intellectually endowed. They put all this to the limited use of obtaining Narcissistic Supply with startling results.

They become pillars of society and members of the upper class. They mostly do get exempted many times by virtue of their standing in society, their charisma, or their ability to find willing scapegoats. Having "got away with it" so many times – they develop a theory of personal immunity, which rests on some kind of societal and even cosmic "order of things". Some people are just above punishment, the "special ones", the "endowed or gifted ones". This is the "narcissistic hierarchy".

But there is a fourth, simpler, explanation:

The narcissist just does not know what he is doing. Divorced from his True Self, unable to empathise (to understand what it is like to be someone else), unwilling to act empathically (to constrain his actions in accordance with the feelings and needs of others) – the narcissist is in a constant dreamlike state.

He experiences his life like a movie, autonomously unfolding, guided by a sublime (even divine) director. The narcissist is a mere spectator, mildly interested, greatly entertained at times. He does not feel that he owns his actions. He, therefore, emotionally, cannot understand why he should be punished and when he is, he feels grossly wronged.

To be a narcissist is to be convinced of a great, inevitable personal destiny. The narcissist is preoccupied with ideal love, the construction of brilliant, revolutionary scientific theories, the composition or authoring or painting of the greatest work of art ever, the founding of a new school of thought, the attainment of fabulous wealth, the reshaping of the fate of a nation, becoming immortalised and so on.

The narcissist never sets realistic goals to himself. He is forever floating amidst fantasies of uniqueness, record breaking, or breathtaking achievements. His speech is verbose and florid and reflects this grandiosity. So convinced is the narcissist that he is destined to great things, that he refuses to acknowledge setbacks, failures and punishments.

He regards them as temporary, as someone else's errors, as part of the future mythology of his rise to power, brilliance, wealth, ideal love, etc. To accept punishment is to divert scarce energy and resources from the all-important task of fulfilling his mission in life.

That the narcissist is destined to greatness is a divine certainty: a higher order or power has pre-ordained him to achieve something lasting, of substance, of import in this world, in this life. How could mere mortals interfere with the cosmic, the divine, scheme of things? Therefore, punishment is impossible and will not happen is the narcissist's conclusion.

The narcissist is pathologically envious of people and projects his aggression unto them. He is always vigilant, ready to fend off an imminent attack. When inevitable punishment does come, the narcissist is shocked and irritated by the nuisance. Being punished also proves to him and validates what he suspected all along: that he is being persecuted.

Strong forces are poised against him. People are envious of his achievements, angry at him, out to get him. He constitutes a threat to the accepted order. When required to account for his (mis)deeds, the narcissist is always disdainful and bitter. He feels like Gulliver, a giant, chained to the ground by teeming dwarves while his soul soars to a future, in which people recognise his greatness and applaud it.

ACQUIRED SITUATIONAL NARCISSISM

The Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a systemic, all-pervasive condition, very much like pregnancy: either you have it or you don't. Once you have it, you have it day and night; it is an inseparable part of the personality, a recurrent set of behavior patterns.

Recent research (1996) by Roningstam and others, however, shows that there is a condition which might be called "Transient or Temporary or Short Term Narcissism" as opposed to the full-fledged version. Even prior to their discovery, "Reactive Narcissistic Regression" was well known: people regress to a transient narcissistic phase in response to a major life crisis which threatens their mental composure.

Reactive or transient narcissism may also be triggered by medical or organic conditions. Brain injuries, for instance, have been known to induce narcissistic and antisocial traits and behaviors.

But can narcissism be acquired or learned? Can it be provoked by certain, well-defined, situations?

Robert B. Millman, professor of psychiatry at New York Hospital - Cornell Medical School thinks it can. He proposes to reverse the accepted chronology. According to him, pathological narcissism can be induced in adulthood by celebrity, wealth, and fame.

The "victims" - billionaire tycoons, movie stars, renowned authors, politicians, and other authority figures - develop grandiose fantasies, lose their erstwhile ability to empathize, react with rage to slights, both real and imagined and, in general, act like textbook narcissists.

But is the occurrence of Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN) inevitable and universal - or are only certain people prone to it?

It is likely that ASN is merely an amplification of earlier narcissistic conduct, traits, style, and tendencies. Celebrities with ASN already had a narcissistic personality and have acquired it long before it "erupted". Being famous, powerful, or rich only "legitimized" and conferred immunity from social sanction on the unbridled manifestation of a pre-existing disorder. Indeed, narcissists tend to gravitate to professions and settings which guarantee fame, celebrity, power, and wealth.

As Millman correctly notes, the celebrity's life is abnormal. The adulation is often justified and plentiful, the feedback biased and filtered, the criticism muted and belated, social control either lacking or excessive and vitriolic. Such vicissitudinal existence is not conducive to mental health even in the most balanced person.

The confluence of a person's narcissistic predisposition and his pathological life circumstances gives rise to ASN. Acquired Situational Narcissism borrows elements from both the classic Narcissistic Personality Disorder - ingrained and all-pervasive - and from Transient or Reactive Narcissism.

Celebrities are, therefore, unlikely to "heal" once their fame or wealth or might are gone. Instead, their basic narcissism merely changes form. It continues unabated, as insidious as ever - but modified by life's ups and downs.

In a way, all narcissistic disturbances are acquired. Patients acquire their pathological narcissism from abusive or overbearing parents, from peers, and from role models. Narcissism is a defense mechanism designed to fend off hurt and danger brought on by circumstances - such as celebrity - beyond the person's control.

Social expectations play a role as well. Celebrities try to conform to the stereotype of a creative but spoiled, self-centered, monomaniacal, and emotive individual. A tacit trade takes place. We offer the famous and the powerful all the Narcissistic Supply they crave - and they, in turn, act the consummate, fascinating albeit repulsive, narcissists.

Copyright © 2011 Sam Vaknin.

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SAM VAKNIN ( http://samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of “Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited” and “After the Rain - How the West Lost the East”, as well as many other books and ebooks about topics in psychology, relationships, philosophy, economics, and international affairs. He is the Editor-in-Chief of “Global Politician” and served as a columnist for “Central Europe Review”, “PopMatters”, “eBookWeb”, and “Bellaonline”, and as a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent. He was the editor of Mental Health and Central East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101. Visit Sam's website at http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com

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Halloween Decorating Safety Tips
By Janice L. Scissors

We feel like little kids when we decorate the front yard for Halloween. But there are real dangers lurking around all those cobwebs and flying bats. It's important to be aware of Halloween decorating safety tips that can help you reduce those dangers.

If you plan on having trick-or-treaters come through your yard to the front door you need to look at everything from a small child's point of few. When they run up to the door on Halloween night will they see the electrical cord from the talking skeleton lying by the sidewalk? Will they notice the real candle burning in the pumpkin that is sitting right next to the door? Will they make sure their vampire cape or princess robe doesn't come close to it or will they only think about getting the candy into their bag?

If you have electrical decorations make sure the cords are secure and not where anyone can trip over them. Children don't always use the sidewalks so don't leave those cords lying anywhere in the path of those little feet.

Use the battery operated candles in any pumpkins or other decorations that are on the pathway to your door or on the porch near the door. Real candles should only be used where children won't be coming near them and you can keep an eye on the decoration/pumpkin with the candle. It's up to you to think about the dangers before you light those candles.

If you use colored lights in your front yard you need to make sure they are bright enough for good visibility on the path to your door. Be sure all your decorations are set away from the main walking path. You don't want any child to be tripping over them.

Those cobwebs and bats flying out of nowhere as the children come up to your porch may seem like fun to you but they can be very frightening to some children. They may run away screaming. That's where you need to make sure there are not obstacles in their path. It's best to keep most if not all your decorations in areas of the yard that children would not cut through.

If you are having a party inside your home Halloween decorating needs to follow similar tips. Fire is the number one safety issue with home decorations. Candles are used a lot and without proper precautions fires can occur.

Many decorations are made of dried flowers, cornstalks, crepe paper, and flammable fabrics. These kinds of materials need to be kept away from any candles or other open flames such as fireplaces. They also need to be kept away from other heat sources such as electric light bulbs, heaters, the top of TVs, computers, or other electronic equipment that becomes hot to the touch. This also includes outdoor lights.

When setting up your Halloween decorations inside ask yourself these questions:

1. Will these candles, when lit, be in a place where someone might bump into them?

2. Are the wires for the talking skeleton safely taped down or behind furniture?

3. Can that cobweb draping the steps cause someone to trip and fall?

4. Are all exits (doors and/or windows) clear of decorations so they can be used in case of fire?

Use these simple Halloween decorating safety tips to help make the difference between a happy Halloween and a disastrous one.

Copyright © 2011 Janice Scissors.

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JANICE SCISSORS writes about home organization and de-cluttering. She has a website and a blog filled with tips to cut the clutter out of your home and how to keep it that way. There are also tips to help you stay organized every month of the year. Start your de-cluttering and organizing journey with a free ebook filled with tips when you sign up for Janice’s free monthly newsletter at: http://cutclutterwithscissors.com

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Organizing for Christmas: 12 Questions to Ask Yourself
By Krisann M. Blair, a.k.a. The Christmas Coach

On December 26 each year do you sit down and ask yourself "what just happened?" Did you get to the day after Christmas feeling let down, missing Christ in the season, in debt, stressed out, or just feeling the whole experience was less than you wanted? Many of us do, but there is a solution, and as the Christmas Coach I am here to help.

The first step is for you to take a few minutes to think about what makes Christmas special for your family. Secondly, think about what takes away the Christmas spirit during the holiday season. Once you have this priceless information, you can work towards composing a Christmas holiday season you will look back on with fond memories instead of wishing it had never happened. Now, let's get started!

No matter what time of the year it is, let's stop and take time to think about the Christmas season! Many times we do not think about Christmas we just "do it" which can lead to disappointments and many "I wish I had done this or done that" after the season. To help you decide what is important to you about Christmas, answer the following questions, being as open and honest as possible. Your answers will help you begin to be organized for Christmas, one step at a time. Be truthful with yourself - there are no right or wrong answers.

Question 1: Do you enjoy the Christmas season?

Christmas should be an enjoyable time of the year, but for many it is not, or it could be more enjoyable. Depending on how much you already enjoy Christmas, you may just need some tweaks to make it more enjoyable. As the Christmas Coach, I want to help you on your journey to a Christmas filled with more joy - one step at a time. In one Christmas, things will not magically improve in every aspect, but if you take baby steps each Christmas, each year you will find you have less stress and more joy.

Question 2: Do you feel your Christmas is out of control, spending more time looking for items than with your family?

You could reap great rewards by creating a Christmas Organizing Notebook to help compose your Christmas, resulting in having a more JOYful holiday season! By putting together a Christmas Organizing Notebook you will create a central location for ALL your Christmas related information, at your fingertips.

Question 3: Do you find that you do not have enough time for the things you enjoy during the Christmas season?

Creating a Christmas Calendar is a way to balance your time and recording all the season's activities is an essential aspect of a less stressful Christmas. A calendar helps you to easily see where your time is already being spent, and how much time you have for new activities.

Question 4: Do you overspend during Christmas?

Creating a Christmas budget will help you to plan your spending for Christmas. All the areas of your Christmas spending from gifts, to a live wreath for the front door, to new clothes for the Christmas family portrait, plus lots more need to be included when making a Christmas budget. Make sure you are prepared for ALL the expenses of the Christmas season, because it's the little things that add up!

Question 5: Do you ask your family to help with preparations for the Christmas seasons?

One of the biggest things to remember is this is not just your Christmas holiday. The celebration of Christmas also belongs to others in your family and it is important to include them in your overall plans and also ask them for help executing your plans.

Question 6: Do you buy gifts throughout the year, only to lose them when it comes time to wrap the gifts?

One easy way to tackle the "Lost Gift" problem is to identify and use one location to put ALL your Christmas gifts, as you buy them throughout the year. Many of us are proud for finding just the perfect gift for someone long before Christmas, only to be stressed out and sometimes having to buy another gift, simply because we cannot find the original gift! By tackling this problem, with a central gift location, you will be able to reduce stress as well as the cost of gifts that would need to be replaced.

Question 7: Do you plan to send Christmas cards?

If you did not send cards this past year (but wanted to) or the cards you did send did not go as planned, developing a system for sending out cards will greatly help. When making a Christmas card list, mark beside each person the priority of a card for them. For example, in my house if you get a gift from our family, you are a low priority on the Christmas card list, but those we do not send gifts to, are a high priority, as are family and friends who live far away. By grouping recipients by priority and working each group one at a time, you will be more likely to get your cards signed, sealed and delivered!

Question 8: Do you purchase gifts with a purpose?

Gift buying should not be about how much you spend or about purchasing a gift just for the sake of having a gift. Early in the year begin taking notes in your Christmas notebook about each person you will be buying gifts for this holiday season. Then when you hear them talk about a like (or dislike) write it down! This strategy will help you narrow gift ideas and to help you select gifts that will let the recipient know you were thinking of them - like a plate of their favorite cookies, a magazine subscription or a fun stocking filled with their favorite snacks.

Question 9: Do you celebrate Christmas as just one day?

By celebrating the entire Christmas season - from the first Sunday of Advent(there are 4 Sundays of the Advent season - the four Sundays before Christmas Day) until Epiphany (January 6th) - you can truly embrace the entire holiday season, before, during and after Christmas day. Take time to write down how you can expand your Christmas celebrations throughout the ENTIRE holiday season, not just one day in your Christmas notebook.

Question 10: Does the word "entertaining" scare you?

If you shy away from entertaining at Christmas because it seems like an overwhelming task, consider having informal gatherings. Get-togethers such as decorating parties, cookie exchanges, movie nights, game night, etc. can be the alternative to formal entertaining.

Question 11: Do you know when your favorite activity will take place this year?

Many organizations that conduct Christmas related activities know well in advance the actual dates for the upcoming year. Go ahead and give them a call now to find out the date, and put it on your calendar so you do not plan other activities on that date.

Question 12: Does your family eat out more than you plan during the month of December?

Eating out can take a "big bite" out of your budget, especially when it wasn't "in" the budget. Many times we eat out just because we are too tired, and it seems like the simple solution for dinner. During the months leading up to the Christmas season, begin making double meals when you cook, putting one in the freezer for those hectic December days when you are too tired to cook.

Not only will you save money by not eating out, most cases it will take less time to fix your meal from the freezer than to go out to eat.

Copyright © 2011 Krisann Blair.

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KRISANN BLAIR, a.k.a. THE CHRISTMAS COACH, is a speaker, author of “Composing Christmas” and the founder of http://www.ChristmasOrganizing.com She has been helping people organize for Christmas for over 10 years and believes that no matter how big or small your Christmas celebration, you should always start with a plan to help you have a less stressful Christmas holiday.

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OFF THE PRESS! CORNER

Take a look at the BEST in Contemporary Literature

Then order your very own copy thru the links

provided in the press releases for the authors books!

Seaburn Media Group Announces
But! I’ve Always Loved You
Author ROSE ANNA SCHOENE’S third novel!

But! I’ve Always Loved You, Rose Anna Schoene's third novel, is about stunning Jessie who is raped at twelve and bears a son who is then taken from her. As she grows up she is repulsed by men until she meets devastatingly handsome Andre, who offers her a forbidden love amidst magical, romantic Rome. Jessie’s loyal friend Debbie is always there for her; steadfastly aiding her in her lifelong quest to find the son she gave birth to at thirteen but then had to give up. Will Jessie succumb to devastatingly handsome Andre’s charm? Will she ever find her son?

ALSO BY ROSE ANNA SCHOENE:

"Absolutely the Last Resort" and "Where Are You?" (Fiction novels)

ROSE ANNA SCHOENE is a native New Yorker who made her writing debut with "Absolutely the Last Resort," a charming and nostalgic family-oriented book, which fictionalizes many of the author’s personal experiences owning a resort in the Catskill Mountains of New York for over 30 years. This book reflects just one aspect of the author’s life and creative talents, and introduces us to her artistic and comedic nature. She has a writing style that is both entertaining and uplifting which reflects Rose Anna’s true writing persona; yet she proves the versatility of her literary scope with her second novel, "Where Are You?," which offers a serious, dramatic and paranormal-love storyline, and her third novel, "But! I’ve Always Loved You."

Where Are You?, Rose Anna’s second book, is about Dr. Joy Evans and Dr. Dean Judson, who collide in the corridors of St. John’s Hospital—their introduction is the beginning of a torrid and tender love. Two weeks later, they are married and in six months they relocate to the state of Pennsylvania, where Dean takes over the practice of a retiring Doctor and feels that his ambitions have been fulfilled. But when Joy does not return from a quick errand to the store and her car is later found, Dr. Dean Judson’s entire life takes a plunge into despair. Then strangely, Dean begins seeing Joy, or what he perceives to be Joy. In the early hours of the morning, he is awakened from his sleep and sees Joy at the foot of his bed. She seems to glide around and then vanishes. Is he dreaming? Is he hallucinating? Is she a spirit or is he going mad…?

All three (3) of Rose Anna’s books are available to purchase on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Seaburn Media Group.com or on her author website: http://www.AuthorRoseAnnaSchoene.com

Ordering Info for Rose Anna Schoene’s three (3) books:

Absolutely the Last Resort by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2003
ISBN #: 159232-060-0; 144 pages
Price: $14.95

Where Are You? by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2006
ISBN #: 159232-009-0; 124 pages
Price: $14.95

But! I’ve Always Loved You by Rose Anna Schoene
Publisher: Seaburn Media Group
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN #: 159232-253-0; 169 pages
Price: $14.95

Also visit Rose Anna’s official author site at: http://www.AuthorRoseAnnaSchoene.com

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On Call
(A fiction medical thriller)
By SANDRA L. HOYNACKI

On Call, author Sandra Hoynacki's third book and first fiction novel, is about Jenny, a nurse working in a hospital in the Town of Morganville, and her best friend Kathy, also a nurse working at the same hospital. They become caught between life and death when they discover the hospital's "secret". You will walk amid cryptic pages of suspense so powerful that you will lose your ability to distinguish the unknown from reality as you walk the same corridors as Jenny and Kathy; aware that they are watching you. Be prepared to enter a realm beyond your wildest imagination with Sandra's medical thriller On Call.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Although SANDRA HOYNACKI has only been writing for the last several years, she has already won several contests for her poems, has had one of her short stories chosen to be performed at The Pensacola Little Theater after Hurricane Ivan, was once invited to read at a Poet’s Convention in Washington, D.C., and is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature. Sandra Hoynacki is a poet, a novelist, and an author but if you ask her what title she prefers Sandra herself will say: “Writer.” That sums it up perfectly, and what a writer she is!

Ordering Info for Sandra Hoynacki’s novel On Call:

On Call by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Trent's Prints & Publishing
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN#: 978-1-934035-76-4
276 pages, and can be purchased through Sandra’s author website: www.SandraHoynacki.com

ALSO BY SANDRA L. HOYNACKI:
Purple Latches (A book of poetry) and Whispers From The Ledge (A book of poetry & short stories)

Review of Purple Latches :

***** I'm familiar with the exemplary life author Sandra Hoynacki leads; her book Purple Latches includes some of the most beautiful poetry your eyes shall ever read and witness. The words of imagery and artwork shall instill within you an uplifted spirit like none I've ever read in my fifty-eight years on earth. Each poem opens ones physical senses and starts a movie in the minds eyes where you can leave at the end with the most dynamic thoughts ever perceived in ones written words of truth and mystery. I strongly recommend this book to anyone in need of a life changing experience or for the benefit of a walk down memory lane. It is an honor and privilege to know the Author Sandra Hoynacki, and the sacrifices she makes toward humanity on a daily basis. --Michael Powell; writer & security guard.

Drawn from real-life experiences and creative visions, these collections of poems and short stories by Sandra Hoynacki will inspire, surprise and entertain the most discerning reader.

Ordering Info for Sandra Hoynacki’s other books, "Purple Latches" and "Whispers From The Ledge":

Purple Latches by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: June 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-4303-2293-1
Price: [Print-edition] $19.50; [ebook] $12.00
158 pages, and can be purchased at: Sandra Hoynacki.com, Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or wherever books are sold.

Whispers From The Ledge by Sandra Hoynacki
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: December 2008
ISBN #: 978-0-557-02904-4
Price: [Print-edition]: $15.17; Not Available in ebook edition.
148 pages, and can be purchased at: Sandra Hoynacki.com, Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com,
or wherever books are sold.

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NEW! One Priceless Treasure
(A fiction novel)
By ROSALEE WILSON

About “One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson”:

Brad Thompson moves from his home in Florida to Boston, Massachusetts with his family who are pursuing a new business venture. Brad doesn’t know the extent to how his life is going to change until he meets Connie, the love of his life. She is every man’s dream girl and he feels special that he becomes her choice. But due to unseen circumstances, his dreams begin to crumble and he doesn't know if he can put them back together again. What drives him away is a misunderstanding but how will he get her back, and will he? After years of pain and agony, they reunite once again. If only he had taken the phone call that night; their lives could have been happy and years of loneliness could have been avoided.

“One Priceless Treasure” is a sweet romance that everyone who has ever been in love can relate to; remembering that awesome feeling of your first crush! Laughter and tears, this book is a must-read and will definitely touch your heart.

Hurry! Get Your Copy of “One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson” Today! ( ordering info is below… )

Ordering Info for Rosalee Wilson’s book, "One Priceless Treasure" :

One Priceless Treasure by Rosalee Wilson
Publisher: Lulu Press
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN #: 978-1-257-86522-2
Price: $5.99 ebook download; $22.50 for print edition

Also By Rosalee Wilson:

A Mushy Mouse Tale
(A children’s book)
By ROSALEE WILSON

This is your chance to meet Mushy, the most lovable mouse you will ever meet!

Mushy Mouse is a mouse looking for love and a family to call his own. He struggles with self confidence and the idea of someone loving a fat mouse like him. But Mushy and an Indian mouse named Feathertail form a bond that will last a lifetime. With excitement and adventure, “A Mushy Mouse Tale” by Rosalee Wilson will touch your heart forever. A must read!

Go to www.lulu.com today and order your copy of “A Mushy Mouse Tale by Rosalee Wilson”!

Elijah the Penguin
(A children’s inspirational book)
By ROSALEE WILSON

Ordering Info for Rosalee Wilson’s book, "Elijah the Penguin" :

Contact: Lacresha Hayes
Living Waters Publishing Company
Phone: (870) 739-4100
Fax: (870) 739-4108
lacresha.hayes@livingwaterspc.com
17 Gannet Street
Marion, AR 72364
www.livingwaterspc.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ROSALEE WILSON is an avid writer with an imagination that ignites a spark in children everywhere. She is available for speaking engagements and interviews.

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Family Secrets Lies and Alibis
A Different Kind of Love
Bruised Love
Skeletons Beyond the Closed Door
and now…
NEW! Gossip Line
(Fiction novels)
By NANETTE M. BUCHANAN

**Nanette M. Buchanan’s new book, Gossip Line, is now available - Get Your Copy Today**!

About ‘Gossip Line by Nanette M. Buchanan’:

A new beginning is what Melinda Wells was seeking when she left her home in Mobile, Alabama. As a journalist, her dream of writing for a large newspaper would never become a reality having the experience the Mobile Register offered. Melinda embraced the thought of moving to New York, landing her job as a journalist in Manhattan, and her new love interest Jerome Belmont, despite her father and grandmother’s warnings.

Melinda’s rise in journalism took a back seat to her growing interest in talk radio. When her southern charms secured an opportunity to host her own show in her boyfriend’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Melinda knew her dreams were becoming a reality. The new “Radio Diva’s” dream came with a price.

Her new lifestyle became more than what Melinda expected. After climbing the ladder of what the industry labeled as well deserved success it all was falling apart. Gossip Line, the radio talk show that named her as the number one host on the Pennsylvania airwaves, was threatening to ruin her dreams. Her family background that she knew little about, and her fairy tale love life was being aired on the radio one piece at a time. Melinda needed to find the caller who knew more about her than she seemed to know about herself.

However, revealing the caller’s identity could be fatal to more than the show.

Let IPenDesigns.net  or author Nanette Buchanan know your thoughts and comments about her other novels (below): ipendesigns@gmail.com

‘Family Secrets Lies & Alibis,’   The Sequel... ‘A Different Kind of Love’, 'Bruised Love’ and ‘Skeletons Beyond the Closed Door’…

About ‘Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door by Nanette M. Buchanan’ :
Brian and Sage Drakeford were living their life as a loving couple and devoted parents until Sage caught her husband cheating. Seven years after their divorce, Sage Monroe Drakeford finds it hard to love again. As skeletons from her husband’s past resurface, Brian desperately wants to remain a part of his family’s life. After meeting a client who expresses his feelings for her and his knowledge of her husband’s secrets, Sage fights to ignore her emotional attachment. It is apparent Brian has moved on and jealousy becomes a reason for Sage to consider dating. Just as she decides Brian is not worth her putting her life on hold, his indiscretions become more than she is willing to accept.

Sage is caught between ruining Brian’s relationships with family, business and friends, and moving on with a new love, and forgetting the past. Sage’s decision and Brian’s choices will change their lives forever.

All of Nanette Buchanan's Books Are Available To Order On:

“I Pen Designs.net”

Visit Nanette at: www.ipendesigns.net or www.myspace.com/ipendesigns

Stay in contact with the author by checking out her “WHAT'S HAPPENING” page at: http://www.ipendesigns.net/

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Angels Watching Over Me
(A fiction paranormal novel)
and
Picking Up the Pieces: One Woman’s Journey
(A nonfiction book)
By CAROL ROACH
Storytime Tapestry Ezine’s Owner, Founder & Publisher
(Storytime_Tapestry-owner@yahoogroups.com)

Attention everyone!

A Canadian publisher, author & writer released her second book Angels Watching Over Me!

CAROL ROACH, a graduate of both Concordia University, with a bachelor’s in psychology, and a graduate of McGill University, with a master’s degree in counselling psychology, knows people as much as she knows the struggles of the poor and disenchanted.

She is truly the champion of the underdog. Carol’s signature writing is about poverty and the ability to rise above it. She strives to give women and men a voice through the written word. Her writing is poignant and inspirational. Ms. Roach also publishes an online ezine, Storytime Tapestry, where she encourages everyone to “let their true heart sing” through the words they write.

Her new book Angels Watching Over Me is rich with character while it underlines the issues of survival in one of Montreal’s poorest districts, St. Henri. Carol herself grew up in this area of the city.

Prominent Amazon & Senior MidWest Book Reviewer SHIRLEY JOHNSON'S Review
of Carol Roach’s book "Angels Watching Over Me" :

***** In this wonderful work by gifted author and publisher Carol Roach we meet a very special girl named Carissa. Carissa’s life has been anything but easy. She had known the scorn of poverty, the battle of rejection, the sorrow of death. However, Carissa has a quality that hinges almost on the supernatural; her faith and assurance in a God who is more than enough. We are taken through the life of Carissa from her youth in a small rural community and her family to her final victory as a woman who never comprised despite the hardships such decisions would bring. Her life stood as a testimony. This is a deep heartfelt read; one that shows the strength and courage of the human spirit despite at times cruel circumstances and unfair situations. The author definitely draws you into the very heart of Carissa merging you with the fight and strength that she possesses during her entire life. Her unselfish love is the main attribute that shone out to me and one that I think author Carol Roach did an exceptional job at portraying. If you want to read a story of the heart, this one is for you. A compelling story of a woman, a time and a future where one can actually say, ‘everything turned out all right.’ It might have happened much later than we as the reader may have wanted, but perhaps that is exactly how life for most of us plays out. Well done Ms. Roach!
--Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer for MidWest Book Review and a Prominent Amazon Reviewer

Ordering Info for Carol Roach’s book, "Angels Watching Over Me":

Angels Watching Over Me by Carol Roach
Publisher: Janelle M. (Lulu Press)
Publication Date: March 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-4303-2003-6
244 pages, and can be purchased at Lulu Press, Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com. Or you can order it at your local bookstore.
Price: [Print-edition] $16.10
[ebook] $5.00

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My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry
(A Book of inspirational poetry)
Fed Up Woman
(A Novel ...)
and
NEW! Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration
(A Book of inspirational Quotes from the Author)
By TRISHA MARTIN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TRISHA MARTIN is a published author, poet, entrepreneur and blogger. Her book publications include My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry [April 2005], Fed Up Woman [May 2011] and Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration [May 2011]. Trisha has also had many of her poems, short stories and articles published in online & print magazines, journals, and newsletters. You can visit Trisha at her website: Trisha's World

Reviews of "My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry by Trisha Martin" :

***** The words contained within the pages of author, poet and entrepreneur Trisha Martin’s book are filled with compelling, deep, emotional and inspirational poems that readers should be able to identify with. Each poem is written with clarity as the author pours her heart and soul into her writing. If you're a poetry lover who likes reading personal works of others, this book of poetry is a must-read!

**** I have never read poetry so vividly written, taking me on a continuous journey from emotion to emotion!

Ordering Info for Trisha Martin’s books,
My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry, Fed Up Woman, and Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration:

My Naked Mind: An Intimate Collection of Poetry by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Publish America
Publication date: April 2005
ISBN #: 1413744540
84 pages; Price: $14.95

Fed Up Woman by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Publish America
Publication date: May 2011
ISBN #: 978-1-4560-4946-1
64 pages; Price: $16.95

Trisha's Treasures: Gems of Inspiration by Trisha Martin
Publisher: Blurb
Publication date: May 2011
Price: (Soft cover, paperback) $13.95
(Hardcover, dust jacket) $29.95

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Pink Poodle Pie
(Other Tales of How Women Get Even)
A Book of Short Stories
By BARBARA DEMING

The Puppies Have Been Born!

Pink Poodle Pie (Other Tales of How Women Get Even) by Barbara Deming is available to purchase. All those stories are just 'yapping' to be read. This is what my editor calls 'mid-life chick-lit.' I say it is a blueprint of how we gals can get even with those cheatin' males in our lives, or dream of what we wished had happened to such guys in our past.

If you've ever been cheated on, dumped, or mentally/physically violated by a yahoo in any way, this is a must read for you! You will grin, gasp--maybe even give an "atta girl!" yell at the antics of these strong women. Yours Truly, Barbara Deming, offers nineteen women, many like us, who write their own ending to the stories of an important time in their lives.

You can find "Pink Poodle Pie" at iUniverse.com, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Books-in-a-Million.com, or receive an autographed copy of the soft-cover edition by sending your check for only $16 (includes media postage-mailing) to: Barbara Deming, 1175 La Moree Rd. #68, San Marcos, CA 92078. She welcomes questions, discussions, and comments at: mailto: demingwrites@att.net

# # #

BARBARA ("BARB") DEMING is an Author, Instructor, Speaker, and Owner of the Writing Workshop "I Can Write. Can You?", which promotes writing for fun, mental health, and publication for both children and adults.

--"Pink Poodle Pie (Other Tales of How Women Get Even)" is available to order at: Amazon.com, iUniverse.com, or get your autographed copy from the author by e-mailing her at: demingwrites@att.net.

--"The Quilt Maker" and "Growing up Barefoot in the South [Essays of a Southern Writer]" can be purchased at Amazon.com. Or get an autographed copy from the author by e-mailing her at: demingwrites@att.net.

--Check out Barbara's blog: http://barbswritetree.blogspot.com

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"THE GIFT OF GABE"
PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES:

THE LENNON CODE?

     Few people have heard of the novel The Gift of Gabe by Brian Joseph. Six years ago even fewer people had heard of it. In these days of big budget mass marketing, books that are published by small publishers often have difficulty finding an audience. Without an advertising budget, word of this book has been spreading. Early readers fascinated by the book's inclusive spirituality, told others. An internet forum for people who study Gnosticism picked up on the book six summers ago, making it their topic of discussion for two months.

     Some Beatles fans became interested after the reviewer for the online music magazine Ear Candy recommended it saying, "I was also fascinated by the interpretations of Beatles lyrics in the book, especially after having read about every book imaginable on Beatles song analysis." Shortly after the review in Ear Candy, information about the book showed up on “What Goes On”, a website dedicated to Beatles news. Canadian readers with an interest in the paranormal picked up on the book after the author was interviewed on The X Zone Radio Show. There has been buzz about the book by Beatles fans in places as far apart as Israel, The Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, and Russia, places far removed from the book's northern New England setting.

     The book is the story of meeting an eccentric old man who discusses his spiritual philosophy including the belief that people who have had certain experiences can communicate these experiences to each other in a symbolic language that is not readily understandable to most people. What most readers find fascinating is that many familiar songs are interwoven throughout the story and looked at in a way that is unique and thought provoking. A reviewer for Bookpleasures said, "Actually, it is primarily through Gabe's radical interpretations of the mentioned songs that one tends to become convinced of his perspective's veracity." Many of the songs are so familiar to people that the author was able to do this without directly quoting the lyrics. A reviewer for Mystic Living Today wrote, "There are many wonderful songs, book references, and passages throughout that are beautifully brought to life under the author's direct and interesting first person style."

     While many readers seem to be focusing on the Beatles songs referenced in the book, songs by Jimi Hendrix and others are also referenced by the main character to help illustrate spiritual concepts. The volume of examples given and the interconnections between songs and artists have led many to conclude that there is truth in what the main character says. One of Gabe's claims is that during certain creative states some people can 'channel' the Universal Mind and be unaware that they are doing so. Gabe cites Plato and many others to support this concept. Purported examples are given including songs by Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. Gabe believes that this experience is what some of the Sufi call shathiyat and what Joseph Campbell called transcendent poetry. What may be most controversial is Gabe's claim that this archetypical poetic experience is 'the speaking in tongues' of the early Christians. It is probably this concept that has appealed to readers who identify themselves as being 'new age'. Word of the book has shown up on websites like The Holistic Bulletin.

     The reviewer for Mystic Living Today said, "I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an enlightened and spiritual read… One of the things that differentiates’ The Gift of Gabe from other books in the visionary fiction genre is that it incorporates factual information and events in a way that is similar to historical fiction. Some readers have had a scholarly interest in the book seeing it as a modern myth that incorporates the philosophy of Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, G.I. Gurdjieff, and others. While some are predicting that the book will become a countercultural classic, the book is clearly not for everyone.


     A reviewer for Round Table Reviews wrote, "The Gift of Gabe is well written, but the subject matter was too over the top for me." The same reviewer still recommended the book for some saying, "Those with a strong interest in The Beatles and philosophy will be thrilled with Brian Joseph's novel."

     To order your copy of Brian Joseph’s book, visit the official website for The Gift of Gabe at: http://www.giftofgabe.com/

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Mirrored Images
(A book of short stories & poems)
By ROSANNE CATALANO
The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers’ Owner, Founder & Publisher
(www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com)

Owner, Publisher and Author ROSANNE CATALANO is pleased to introduce her second book, Mirrored Images, because it is a quick read at only 71 pages! It is a book containing Rosanne’s collection of short stories, story articles and poems (some fiction, some fact!) written by her for your reading enjoyment and for those who love guessing games. “Mirrored Images” by Rosanne Catalano begins with a poem about, and dedication to, her late father and still-living-mother and goes into a short story about an experience with bullying in the eighth grade of school to being saved by a guardian angel when the story character was in her mid-30’s. An interesting read in which you, the reader, may want to guess which of her stories are fact or fiction…

Reviews of "Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano":

****** I purchased a copy of Rosanne Catalano’s book, Mirrored Images, and this short collection of short stories (you will have to try real hard to decide which are fact or fiction), articles and poetry, both touched my heart and made me smile. Rosanne’s book Mirrored Images is truly a great read! It touched me because of the love shown for her parents, God, and her husband. It touched me because I was the kid with glasses who was bullied and picked on and I could feel Rosanne's pain when it happened to her. It touched me because I have lost my parents and her tribute to her father, and mother, brought back all of the good times and love I had with/for my own parents. It touched me because Rosanne, as I feel so many of us are but never put it into words so eloquently, is a survivor. I believe we all have guardian angels and Mirrored Images proves it to all who will listen. No one but angels could have saved her from bullies in junior high school, have looked over her until she found the perfect mate, and still guide her to this day in her writing craft. These are stories we should not only want to read, enjoy reading, but they are stories we all need to hear. I get a glimpse of the love and courage that Rosanne shows, and shares, in her magazine--and our most welcome online correspondence. Rosanne is writing a continuation of Mirrored Images titled Escape and Redemption. I can't wait to read that! But first, my readers, you must read Mirrored Images.
--Barbara Deming; author, writing instructor & publisher.

***** I read Rosanne Catalano's book Mirrored Images and I love it! She had somewhat of a hard life in some areas and a good one in others. She had a lot of heartache, with the loss of friends early in her life, and the ridicule and horrendous behaviors of other kids when she was in junior high school. Though it sounds like Rosanne had a most wonderful Dad and Grandmother too; her grandmother reminded me so much of my own Grandmother who passed away last year! I enjoyed very much reading all of Rosanne's different short stories and the poems she included. I really loved reading about her little cheese episode in ‘Christmas With Grandma,’ and her little sneaky trek to the store thinking she could hurriedly fix what she had EATEN…LOL!!!! I LOVED IT--------- And I can still see her so clearly eating all of the cheese!!!! CONGRATULATIONS go out to Rosanne Catalano all the way around!! I will get her next book soon...I like her book’s title by the way, and the picture of Rosanne on the back cover; she looks sooo relaxed.
--Sandra Hoynacki; author & poet.

**** Rosanne Catalano's book, Mirrored Images, was a delightful read! I LOVED IT!!!! IF the abuse at school and all was about her, Rosanne has become a beautiful person and woman. I'm so glad she now has a wonderful spouse and that her life is presently filled with love.
--Carol Dee Meeks; author, poet & writer.

Rosanne Catalano’s next book, Escape and Redemption, will be a continuation of Mirrored Images
but as her first fiction novel.

Escape and Redemption by Rosanne Catalano Coming Soon!

Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano is available to purchase for $8.75 in an ebook format, $17.51 for the print edition!
Be sure to pick up your copy of “Mirrored Images” today at: Lulu Press, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or in Rosanne’s magazine!

Ordering Info for Rosanne Catalano’s book, Mirrored Images:

Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano
Publisher: Jane W. (Lulu Press)
Publication Date: January 2007
ISBN #: 978-1-257-40573-2
Price: [Print-edition] $17.51; [ebook] $8.75
71 pages, and can be purchased at: LuluPress, www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or at Amazon.

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LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER:
If you have a question, would like to make a suggestion on something you would like to see in this magazine, or just want to tell me about an article, poem or story you have read here, send an email to The Publisher’s Box™ and let me know your thoughts, questions, news or anything else you want to talk with me about. I will be sure to respond in a timely manner.

TO SUBMIT:
Please do send me your short stories, poetry, flash fiction, essays, haikus, story articles (nonfiction stories) and/or helpful articles, but follow the Submission Guidelines I set forth. To read my Submission Guidelines click on this link, then click back here and send your submission(s) to “Submissions”. Remember, submissions must be sent within the body of your email! Do not send submissions as an attachment. And please do provide a resource box and / or author bio along with your work. I read every single submission and will respond within four months. Thank you and keep on writing!

HOW READERS AND OTHERS ARE SUPPORTING
THE CAT’S MEOW FOR WRITERS & READERS MAGAZINE :

In each magazine issue (and within Rosanne's website), there are links to businesses such as Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Miller Mosaic LLC, Judy Cullins-Book and Internet Marketing Coach, Moontown Cafe, BookConnector, Writer On-Line, Angie's DIARY (#1 online magazine for writers), First Writer.com, Filbert Publishing, How-To Corp, Free Rice.com, and many others. When purchasing products through these links it helps support The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers and keep your subscription free!

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Owner, Publisher & Editor of The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine :
Author Rosanne Catalano (pen name: RC Kayla)
Email: editor@thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com

Rosanne's Website(s) and Blog(s):
http://www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com
http://www.facebook.com/catsmeowfor
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rosannecatalano
http://thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.blogspot.com
http://www.thecatsmeowforwritersreaders.com/publishers-blog.html
http://www.twitter.com/rckayla

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The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine is dedicated to:

Rachel Renée, Carman Catalano, Anna Pollicino-Catalano, Harold Welch, Pauline Mullé-Infranco, and Joseph Infranco.

The Cat's Meow for Writers & Readers Magazine is an independently-owned literary magazine supported by readers like you and by grants and corporate sponsorships from various organizations and companies (some listed on the "Helpful Sites for You" page).

Copyright © 2004-2012 Rosanne Catalano (pen name: RC Kayla); Owner, Founder, Publisher & Author. All rights reserved. All copyrights remain with the respective creators of material in this magazine and on this site. Queens, New York, 11379. ISSN: 2237-65.

PUBLISHER'S LETTERFrom Rosanne Catalano (pen name: RC Kayla)Owner, Publisher, Editor & Author

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY WISHES CORNER!

Happy Anniversary to:

Genice and Peter CampoAnniversary: January 22nd Denise and Jeffrey SharAnniversary: January 26th, 2002

COFFEE HOUSE 4 READERS CORNER

How a Puffy Chest Can Injure a ShoulderBy Tim Johnson

It's FreeBy Joseph J. MazzellaAuthor of “Walking the Path of Love”

The Power of WordsBy Joseph J. MazzellaAuthor of “Walking the Path of Love”

A Windswept Freedom By Sandra L. HoynackiAuthor of “Purple Latches”, “Whispers From the Ledge” and “On Call”

As the Seasons Swiftly ChangeBy Cynthia Groopman

Jay’s LaughterBy Cynthia Groopman

Absent Sunshine: Winter, you are coldBy Sharon Siegel

SundialBy Sharon Siegel

Inside the CellarBy Sharon Siegel

All I’ve Ever WantedBy Bobbi Sinha-Morey

A Time for HealingBy Bobbi Sinha-Morey

Without YouBy Bobbi Sinha-Morey

Devine InterventionBy Conrad S. Cardinal

Yes, God Will Forgive YouBy Conrad S. Cardinal

Night of a Vampire( A dramatic reading )By Arthur C. Ford, Sr.

Rose EnchantmentsBy Deborah Anne ShepardAuthor of “The Pages of Time”

OrbsBy Deborah Anne ShepardAuthor of “The Pages of Time”

Gypsy LoveBy Deborah Anne ShepardAuthor of “The Pages of Time”

A Frog Trying to Figure the SkyBy A.J. Huffman

Death’s Twin StarsBy A.J. Huffman

Making a SceneBy A.J. Huffman