Here is our third offering for all booklovers, students, and researchers. Below are topnotch places over the net that you could instantly access and browse for inexhaustible information on different subjects and topics.
IPL2. This is actually two sites in one. This is the result of the alliance between the Internet Public Library (IPL) and the Librarians' Internet Index (LII). The site provides links to numerous resources such as online encyclopedias, almanacs, biographies, calculation & conversion tools, genealogy, census data & demographics, calendars, style & writing guides, and other useful tools.
FORGOTTENBOOKS. A site where you can read books online on such topics as: philosophy, science, religion, sacred texts, including esoteric subjects such as - alchemy, freemasonry, occult, etc. Free download is allowed in low quality PDF, but membership is required for high quality PDF download.
INTERNET CRIME ARCHIVES. This site hosts a huge collection of crime related true stories gathered from law enforcement reports as well as from news agencies. Included are archives on killer cults, mass murderers, cannibals, serial killers, and many more.
THE NOBEL PRIZE INTERNET ARCHIVE. The Nobel Prizes were originated by the Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel in 1895. The prizes were requested by Nobel, in his last will, to be awarded to those who would be able to bestow "the greatest benefit on mankind", by their works in chemistry, physics, physiology or medicine, literature, economic, and peace. The site provides information about all the winners in all categories.
INTERNET POETRY ARCHIVE. A site that offers the poetic works of a number of contemporary writers for free (or for a little fee). Included in the archive are works of Nobel prize winners Seamus Heaney and Czeslaw Milosz.
INTERNET ARCHIVE. One of the great sites that hold massive collections of digital materials that include texts, movies, music, audio recordings, etc.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. This is the online counterpart of the research library of the United States Congress - the Library of Congress. It makes available a tremendous collections of study and research materials that are browseable in different categories that include: art & culture, religion & philosophy, world history & cultures, government, law & politics, etc.
INTERNET SACRED TEXT ARCHIVE. Another great site that hosts stupendous collections of electronic texts that range from religious to mythological, legendary to occult, folkloric to esoteric, etc., etc.
DOORWAY PAPERS. A site that hosts the complete works of Arthur C. Custance - an oriental scholar, research scientist, and evangelical Christian, par excellence. His writings combine scientific research and Biblical insight in the pursuit of truth. Examples of his great works include Journey Out of Time, The Seed of the Woman, The Sovereignty of Grace, among others. His writings are available for free online reading or download, as well as in hard copy for minimal costs.
CONCORDANT PUBLISHING CONCERN. A site that competently presents the universalistic perspective of the Sacred Scriptures. The traditional dogma of 'eternal hell' is not only challenged but refuted (click here to view their complete discussion of the question).
Don't just read. But read and THINK. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." Enjoy and God bless!
This is a ground breaking book. It is an attempt to present a complete system of self education outside of the traditional classroom situation. The author is not against formal education per se but he opposes the common belief that getting a formal education is the only way to succeed in life. He agrees that education is essential for self-development and success, but, as discovered and proven in his own experience, he believes that the non-formal route is not only a valid alternative, but for some people (with a 'buccaneer' spirit like him), is even a better and preferable option!
The author, James Marcus Bach, gives his readers a tour d'horizon of his adventurous journey of self education. He recounts some of his happy moments in formal schooling when, under one or two good teachers that understood non-dictatorial/non-repressive approach of mentoring, he enjoyed studies. He contrasts this with those gloomy moments when the flickering sparks of his enthusiasm for school were finally snuffed out by authoritarian teachers that instruct by intimidation, humiliation, forced conformity, dogmatism, and blind obedience.
Realizing that the traditional mode of schooling was no longer of help in his self-development, he chose to drop out of school at 16 years old. One of his teachers forecast that he would some day end up serving in a gasoline station. Yet overcoming all odds, armed with unquenchable passion for discovery and learning plus persistent diligence, he began to educate himself using all means at his disposal - books, the Internet, words from people around him, personal experience.
He discovered that it's possible for him to learn at his own pace, free from outside coercion and pressure, and pursue his real interest in the sea of knowledge. He set up his sail as a 'buccaneer-scholar' (a term that he coined to serve as a figure to describe himself and the resultant principles of self-education that he came to discover), and initiated an adventure of a lifetime!
At 20, contrary to the negative expectation of some of his former teachers, he became the youngest computer tech manager at Apple, proving that a college degree from a formal school is not the only ticket to success. He only has an eighth-grade diploma.
This book can be useful not only for school dropouts at any level (elementary/high school/college), as a source of inspiration and instruction, but also for parents of homeschooling children. It could also provide a stimulus to college grads (like me - hehehe), for it could show that learning doesn't end at graduation. It's not yet too late. They could also become 'buccaneer-scholars'. They could still recover their earlier youth curiosity. They could still be young again - young at heart that is, not in age - by recovering their passion for learning.
James Marcus Bach is now in his 40s. He now runs a quite successful consulting business and is often invited to give lectures in tech schools and universities. In his book Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar: How Self-Education and the Pursuit of Passion can Lead to a Lifetime of Success he shares the great secret principles that demonstrate that it's possible to have a real quality education apart from formal schooling. He also proves that success is not just for college grads, masters, and doctors. It could also become true to anyone whose passion for knowledge and self-fulfillment drive them to sail on perseveringly for the island treasures of their dream.
A story was told that goes like this. A man looked through a window to view the scenery outside. He looked down and saw the lonely street that was muddied by the recent rising of the nearby river. He then went back to his bed with a feeling of heaviness of heart caused by what he had just caught a glimpse of.
Then came another man that looked also through the same window, but his eyes were focused upward to the clear night sky. There he beheld the stars sparkling like diamonds from afar. He then went back also to his own bed, feeling refreshed and happy as he anticipated the dawn of a new day.
Both men used the identical window to look outside, but why the great difference in the effects that gripped their hearts? Why there was despondency in the former case? While in the latter, on the other hand, there was a sense of encouragement?
It is obvious that the external circumstances of both men were the same. They lived in the same house, and had eaten the same evening meal on the same table. The difference between them was not on anything that could be found in their outside surroundings but in what was discovered in their opposite heart attitudes.
The above story illustrates the importance of guarding whatever is taking place in the deepest recesses of our thinking and attitudes. The key to understanding most of our problems is often found, not outside, but deep inside our minds and hearts.
THE BLAMING RUT
It is very easy to fall into the trap of negativistic attitudes when one encounters setbacks and failures. These attitudes could include blaming the people around you, your external circumstances, and your lack of many things.
One man may blame his parents and siblings for his failures. Another may pass the blame to his wife (or her husband) and children. Others may add their lack of money or education in the blame inventory. Others still may lay the blame on their so-called shortness of luck and misfortune. The list could go on and on to also include things as varied as the recent typhoon, the neighbor’s loud stereo, the household cat, the fire hydrant across the street, or anything under the sun that captures one’s ego and bad temper.
But blaming others for one’s failures doesn’t solve any problem. It usually works the other way around, in fact, and turns matter from bad to worst. It often creates friction in relationships and raises invisible walls of wounded feelings that separate families and friends. No one enjoys being lashed with blames whether warranted or not. Blaming often closes communication and is destructive in its intrinsic tendency. Below are basic and practical guidelines for handling your feelings to bring them to harmonious equilibrium.
ELEVEN TIPS FOR OVERCOMING NEGATIVITY IN YOUR LIFE
Realize that as a human being you are not just your feelings and sentiments. You also have a mind (or reason) that should work hand in hand with your feelings. Finding the right balance between them will go a long way for discovering that peaceful and satisfying life that you long for.
You must not allow your emotions, positive or negative, to have total control over your life at any moment. It is not accidental that our brain has been created and placed higher than the heart. This is a natural and essential hint of the fact that the brain (representing our mind) should govern the heart (representing our emotion) in our daily walk, and not the other way around.
This is not to imply that your emotional faculty is per se bad in any way. No. But emotion, like a car without brakes, could bring you to disaster if allowed to run out of control. Cars are useful when they are used within proper speed limits and with fully functional brakes. They serve as vehicles to bring you to places that you want to visit. But we all know how disastrous a car could be that runs at breakneck speed with malfunctioning breaks. The same could also be said of emotions that run amuck!
Emotion must always be regulated by reason. Positive emotions – such as happiness, feeling of ease, calmness, euphoria, etc. – are good and pleasant emotions. Be thankful when you are sailing in life in their company. Enjoy them with gusto whenever they are present. But a word of warning: DON’T DEPEND ON YOUR EMOTIONS, YES, INCLUDING YOUR POSITIVE EMOTIONS, MAKING THEM THE BASIS OF YOUR LIFE. Why? Because emotion is the most unpredictable of all things! It changes every moment!
A good, positive emotion that you feel now could change at any moment. You may hear a news report that could shoot your emotional high and bring you down unexpectedly. You may receive a telephone call from someone that could make you feeling dreadful the rest of the day. You cannot therefore build your life on the basis of emotion which is like shifting sands!
Realize that your emotion could become your nastiest enemy if it is not governed by reason. Any action taken solely from a negative emotional drive, apart from the light of reason, could bring havoc to your life. Anger could lead to murder if allowed to have its way unchecked. Envy and covetousness could lead to gross immoral behavior and shame. Despondency could lead to depression and suicide. Beware therefore that you don’t allow emotions – particularly, negative emotions – to have absolute sway over your life.
Realize that those bad feelings won’t stay forever. Yes, they won’t if you let your mind (or your reason) take control over them. There is no need to feel guilty or to blame yourself because of those bad feelings. Do you feel guilty, or do you blame yourself, because of the birds that pass over your head when you are strolling outdoors? No, of course. You should only blame yourself if you allow any of them to alight on your head and build its nest on it! The same could be said of bad emotions. Just allow those emotions to pass over when they come, but please, don’t allow them to nest in your heart and turn your life into a haystack!
Be humble and ready to always admit your mistakes to yourself. Realize that you are a human being in the making! Recognize the fact that there is always enough space for self-improvement if you’re only willing to take responsibility for your life and actions. No, it’s not true that everything is too late for you or for anyone else for that matter. It’s how you view life and yourself and everything that makes your life a heaven or a hell! Be on guard of your inner attitudes, for they determine not only your mood swings but also the course of your life in many unexpected ways.
Keep your communication channels open to your loved ones and friends and the world around you. Remember that you are not a lone planet in a starless sky. Yes, that must be so even if you are feeling the entire weight of your problems is pressing hard on you. Doors will open for you if you, in meekness, will but knock. The one that searches finds. The one that doesn’t quit in the long run wins!
Be willing to accept change (or adjustments) whenever necessary. There is nothing bad in committing mistakes as long as you assume your responsibility for them, and you’re always willing to correct them when they’re brought to your attention. It’s when you begin to childishly imagine that you’re not responsible for your thinking and actions that often complicate matters. Such escapism closes the door to change and self-improvement, leaving you in the quagmire of despondency.
It is very important that you feed your mind with healthful stuffs. There is a saying that you are what you eat. Another form of the same saying goes, “You are composed of what you put into your stomach.” Well if that’s true in the physical sense, much more it is so mentally and spiritually. You are what you think and feel. Therefore, focus your mind on things that are true, lovely, honest, just, and pure. Put away from your mind all lies, hatred, envy, bitterness, and all kinds of negativity. Since it is the mind that should regulate all your emotions as well as your body’s actions, it is necessary that you cultivate the habit of reading good books (or e-books). Books that inspire hope, love, and faith are always useful and helpful. Autobiographical and biographical literatures are also good, because you learn, not only from your own mistakes and failures but also from others’ as well. Remember that no man is an island. There is a real sense that everybody – both friends and enemies included – in one way or another – is your teacher. That is, you could always learn something from others' life experience to improve your own life. Only be humble and always keep an open mind. Be willing to learn from Life itself which is your best teacher!
Last but not least is the supreme importance of a personal relationship with God. Please take note that I didn’t say the importance of religion or of church affiliation. What I said is the supreme importance of a personal relationship with God. Now God our Creator is spirit as to His essential nature. A personal relationship with God, Who is spirit, cannot be effected through physical means, such as by becoming a member of a religious sect or organization, or by undergoing a ritual, or any such things. There is only one way of entering into an intimate relationship with God, and that is through faith in His Son – the Lord Jesus Christ – Who died for your sins at Calvary’s cross, was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day. Living and walking by faith in Christ is the greatest spiritual adventure that awaits you and that can make your life really joyful and meaningful. May God bless you.
Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd - a recipient of the highest honor (the Medal of Honor) awarded by United States for heroic deeds - was known as a pioneer in American aviation and polar exploration. He was the man who reported in enigmatic words, which had since become an object of controversy, what he saw beyond the North Pole after his historic flight to it. The year his polar explorations began was 1926. Part of his cryptic report, after his claimed flight to the North Pole, was as follows:
"That enchanted Continent in the sky, land of everlasting mystery!"
"I'd like to see that land beyond the (North) Pole. That area beyond the Pole is the Center of the Great Unknown:"
Admirers of the admiral think that these words of Byrd can't possibly be understood if one continue to assume the old earth model that theoretically asserts that the earth is a spherical solid with a hellishly hot center.
Dr. R.W. Bernard summarized this quite pointedly in this manner: "(Byrd) would have no reason to use such a term as 'Land of Everlasting Mystery'. Byrd was not a poet, and what he described was what he observed from his plane. During his Arctic flight of 1,700 miles beyond the North Pole he reported by radio that he saw below him, not ice and snow, but land areas consisting of mountains, forests, green vegetation, lakes and rivers, and in the underbrush saw a strange animal resembling the mammoth found frozen in Arctic ice. Evidently he had entered a warmer region than the icebound Territory that extends from the Pole to Siberia. If Byrd had this region in mind he would have no reason to call it 'the Great Unknown', since it could be reached by flying across the Pole to other side of the Arctic Region."
Not everyone though was convinced that Admiral Byrd was able to reach the North Pole as had been claimed. Among the admiral's detractors was Dennis Rawlins who found discrepancies between Byrd's report to the Secretary of the Navy and his 1926 diary. These inconsistencies, to Rawlins' mind, put to question the entire claim that Byrd did reach the North Pole in 1926. Click here to view further details of Rawlins' points.
The controversies over the question whether we have asolid earth or a hollow earth continue on to the present day. The following videos represent some of those who hold to the belief that we indeed, in their view, live on a hollow earth.
This site is created to provide entertaining, educational, and informative resources for both booklovers and net surfers alike. We have great surprises in store for you. Please continue visiting as we work to make the site grow as planned.
You may also visit my other blogs in the links provided in this page below (or click here). Again, welcome and God bless!
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A Word of Advice on Reading
It is true that there is always something that we could learn from a book, yes, from any kind of books altogether. But Francis Bacon is also right when he said: "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."
Be careful therefore with what you swallow, or chew and digest. For there are kinds of books, many of them really, that are good only for tasting, but not advisable for consumption of the heart for they act as poison, when permitted to enter the mind, with the capacity to corrupt and destroy.
And there are books that are good only for kindling stoves and ovens!
While we don't agree for the reinstatement of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (Index of Forbidden Books) or any such tyranny against the individual conscience and the human will, yet it's good for us as responsible individuals to wisely exercise good discrimination in the books that we allow to have a place in our mind and heart.
If we are careful and exercise great caution and discretion in what we allow into our stomach, being vigilant that we don't harm ourselves by inattention and by wrong food choices. Should we be totally careless then when it comes to what we allow entrance to our thinking and will?
Wrong food choices harm only your physical body, and yet you won't allow that, if you can help it, for you give importance to your body. How much all the more of consequence is your heart, mind and soul that could be poisoned by perverted beliefs and opinions of foolish authors if you allow negligence to have its way while you read their works.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
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