tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198835212024-03-13T17:26:02.762-07:00Thoughtson a range of topicsJason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-61614828032248823572019-03-20T09:44:00.003-07:002021-11-23T10:19:37.178-08:00Lemon Juice to Remove a Growing Mole?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently I noticed a small, dark mole growing on my upper cheek beneath my left eye. It didn't used to be there as photos from years back confirmed, and I was concerned about the rate it was growing.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Due to the expense, I rarely visit doctors. Plus the thought of a dermatologist recommending to cut it off my face didn't excite me. For a while I did nothing about it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then one morning I woke up with an odd inspiration: put lemon juice on it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I rubbed fresh lemon juice directly on it and repeated that a few times daily. It didn't take long to see and feel a red irritation during and after the application. This photo below is about 3 days into the treatment (when it finally dawned on me to document it).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vgyuewMmVw/XIQAdvBwquI/AAAAAAAAhaA/ENYduZQf9bohttlbErO5SLcSB4hFARiUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG1532%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vgyuewMmVw/XIQAdvBwquI/AAAAAAAAhaA/ENYduZQf9bohttlbErO5SLcSB4hFARiUQCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG1532%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
These next photos are from the 5th and 8th days of the treatment. The redness accompanying the irritation on the skin around the mole gave me both reassurance that something was happening and also concern that the results might not be good. People asked if I had been in a fight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSn41AptHQlitYph4CKQMgFSUMhNiIPVRCIBuUK8EFyGQ65q0EpAD8OUcOkYJ4H5Ipyz4Z6AqcLB4x_WC5kbgcmphdyz13EfG2MNlgpYW4tBtVhHaId071qU_4GpxGyqL1QV-/s1600/IMAG1533+cropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSn41AptHQlitYph4CKQMgFSUMhNiIPVRCIBuUK8EFyGQ65q0EpAD8OUcOkYJ4H5Ipyz4Z6AqcLB4x_WC5kbgcmphdyz13EfG2MNlgpYW4tBtVhHaId071qU_4GpxGyqL1QV-/s320/IMAG1533+cropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMXKdgRazajpKkpF0TBpstHyo3GZqYnsjR9qr4iluZKq0SoLHNoINmcGjhHd0ZfRGGeYFbOz38JBUUIrT4KuL5_RQ2Hx-rniMCt4CqrHEKXAKROtJ8svjC7ULHLPZV6O8d2PL/s1600/IMAG1534+cropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMXKdgRazajpKkpF0TBpstHyo3GZqYnsjR9qr4iluZKq0SoLHNoINmcGjhHd0ZfRGGeYFbOz38JBUUIrT4KuL5_RQ2Hx-rniMCt4CqrHEKXAKROtJ8svjC7ULHLPZV6O8d2PL/s320/IMAG1534+cropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eventually the redness subsided. The irritation also went away while I continued the treatment a few times each day. The next photo is from Day 17.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EgPH6UeuvII/XJJrAp0_QbI/AAAAAAAAhdY/Eb4useS5Bq0t_P1dHJSq6Ddo2HoGk3RUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG1603%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EgPH6UeuvII/XJJrAp0_QbI/AAAAAAAAhdY/Eb4useS5Bq0t_P1dHJSq6Ddo2HoGk3RUACLcBGAs/s320/IMAG1603%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next photos are from the 2 and 3 month range. (I also got a new phone so the pics below are mirror image to the ones before.) I continued the treatment for about 3 months even though by then there was no more irritation or redness, which in my opinion suggested whatever had happened from the lemon juice had happened and was over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xqRab-xaPQ/XIQA32Zt5-I/AAAAAAAAhaU/1RwB74zBmCMo8QEAj-vaBNQVR1b2O0y2gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170917_110610%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xqRab-xaPQ/XIQA32Zt5-I/AAAAAAAAhaU/1RwB74zBmCMo8QEAj-vaBNQVR1b2O0y2gCLcBGAs/s320/20170917_110610%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWDHEICCwoo/XIQBN_RrFtI/AAAAAAAAhac/2m3uhWCMpzwCcDTpIEsk4fUAuqD51vgNACLcBGAs/s1600/20171108_141721_Film1%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWDHEICCwoo/XIQBN_RrFtI/AAAAAAAAhac/2m3uhWCMpzwCcDTpIEsk4fUAuqD51vgNACLcBGAs/s320/20171108_141721_Film1%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seemed the bulk of the mole had fallen off, perhaps in the shower or during sleep. The final result was like a light brown freckle that looked very benign.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKdI2o8d1Gs/XIQBovY8LxI/AAAAAAAAhak/b8wYFbFUzqsf-9Wi1ZTj8AWrn35fjM4xgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171108_141815_Film1%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKdI2o8d1Gs/XIQBovY8LxI/AAAAAAAAhak/b8wYFbFUzqsf-9Wi1ZTj8AWrn35fjM4xgCLcBGAs/s320/20171108_141815_Film1%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqPVTr0MPwk/XIQBwKJiszI/AAAAAAAAhao/RVMGfRmz_BIysLCrQNdCSwbVMQG9iLVSACLcBGAs/s1600/20171114_165222_Film1%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqPVTr0MPwk/XIQBwKJiszI/AAAAAAAAhao/RVMGfRmz_BIysLCrQNdCSwbVMQG9iLVSACLcBGAs/s320/20171114_165222_Film1%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The redness and irritation were long gone. I stopped the lemon juice treatment and over time it continued to fade. I no longer worried about it as it faded a bit more each month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A year and a half has passed, and I've realized the mole/freckle thing has almost disappeared entirely. Upon close inspection, it looks like a small, faint freckle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lc8j4I9NjTk/XJJodbPuxqI/AAAAAAAAhdM/Zat9yMtMm4oaMeSqYNF7lRqWhXzKhAwygCLcBGAs/s1600/20190319_194933%2Bcropped2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lc8j4I9NjTk/XJJodbPuxqI/AAAAAAAAhdM/Zat9yMtMm4oaMeSqYNF7lRqWhXzKhAwygCLcBGAs/s320/20190319_194933%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not a doctor nor qualified to give medical advice to others. However it seems to me the lemon juice treatment for a growing and concerning mole really worked in this case. I have since done some research online and found that lemons have a long history of medical uses. In fact, they may be something of a cure-all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In posts to follow, I will be testing the lemon juice treatment on two other issues I'm dealing with that have both been biopsied by doctors: one is a mole on my arm labeled as atypia displastic melanocytic nevus (potentially skin cancer with the recommendation to cut it off), and the other is a benign hemangioma tumor in my leg.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will include links to those posts once they're published</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-23353349989679017102018-03-16T20:36:00.001-07:002018-03-31T08:18:59.495-07:00#16 UMBC Beats #1 Virginia in NCAA Tourney 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<script src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cashe-js/143e7cdebf193d2764.js" type="text/javascript"></script>The never before has happened. #16 seed UMBC Retrievers beat the #1 seed Virginia Cavaliers (Vegas odds favorite to win it all). The 2018 NCAA Tournament will be remembered for the biggest upset in college basketball. The history of #1 seeds beating #16 seeds was a perfect 135-0, now 135-1. UMBC is University of Maryland, Baltimore County in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fea572sSWGw/WqyMtmmbFOI/AAAAAAAAe_8/gvqExV4ncNQAq2CSHMMC7ADfbJpB-PyOACLcBGAs/s1600/Virginia%2Bvs%2BUMBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fea572sSWGw/WqyMtmmbFOI/AAAAAAAAe_8/gvqExV4ncNQAq2CSHMMC7ADfbJpB-PyOACLcBGAs/s640/Virginia%2Bvs%2BUMBC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Virginia has the distinction of being on the wrong end of the previous biggest upset in college basketball when tiny Chaminade beat them along with Ralph Sampson in 1982 in Hawaii.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZJ41wiqtjM/VvCjts76-7I/AAAAAAAAVKE/zL6kT1Bh4sY7X872XXy4f8S9c36vU9yoQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Chaminade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZJ41wiqtjM/VvCjts76-7I/AAAAAAAAVKE/zL6kT1Bh4sY7X872XXy4f8S9c36vU9yoQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Chaminade.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wow. Just wow. #ithappened</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-8238450018660297112017-04-25T12:37:00.003-07:002022-08-23T11:55:36.356-07:00How Can Hemp Still Be Illegal?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hemp is the oldest known cultivated crop on the planet. How can it still be illegal?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NtcxwQAOiyc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NtcxwQAOiyc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5aTfxIqZsTE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5aTfxIqZsTE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">Got an opinion or idea on this? </span><a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2017/04/how-can-hemp-still-be-illegal.html#comment-form">Leave a comment</a><span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">---</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/" style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #9225a5; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;">Home Page</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-74298607984378456262016-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:002016-11-15T09:51:21.344-08:00Is Tesla the Next Jesus?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nikola Tesla probably would not appreciate the comparison to Christ; after all, his father was an erudite priest. However, these two individuals impacted humankind as much or more than anyone, and they had some interesting similarities. Both men changed our way of life beyond measure, yet most people grossly undervalued them during their time. Tesla especially flew under the radar since his death in 1943, though looking back it seems impossible that could happen. From the 1880's until late in life, Tesla patented around 300 inventions, many of which were light-years ahead of their time. Like Jesus, Tesla was revolutionary to the point of being magical, so much wiser than his colleagues and general public that he was misunderstood and feared. All he wanted was for humanity to enjoy a life in comfort, good health and peace on earth. And, more importantly, he had the means to provide it. Sound familiar?<br />
Check out some of their similarities:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; width: 624px;"><colgroup><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus manger.jpg" height="157" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/n8OWi9o0wnLcKpg8RbInyVoSTnt6RpwDGyb2hSyNxChscNSS3-tP_nJA8zACdS3iJy-xi23_AtORyK0gP6YlKNMz4gh_0DNM-OzCXPEYXVDPP41FYucpmeMx-etVD2QEKO6FtsjD" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prophetic Birth</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus: manger, 3 wise men, Star of Bethlehem</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla: stroke of midnight during intense lightning storm (1856)</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Lightning storm.jpg" height="159" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PRFVX-3_UXh--knp7ddzUOJk_diHaImHIWiJUBAObgseUrZdzVke1mVhDy-voAOxgeVRQp9dUgg8FKI7AzTkXyi0CeUc3vkPN7z0htQQpG8F-gOqoc-XyK2hx8YTojd9ImjTaGnD" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus as a boy.jpg" height="117" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/v1VyFxw6sD9ehbDRWqFeLHq5cTOiA3vpEu2kbfPvqzwiR9U6W2T4hURAEzFg_drg_oQ7wKFXOR-TDvWQ40YktNrQ_6rjrc8vUNaUkDOrZAyPXAL9JtptO6KtqIa1aeGcZJsIs0XU" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Child Prodigy</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus amazed the religious elders as a boy</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla fixed the fire engine at opening ceremony at age 6</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="old fire engine.jpg" height="129" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/gxAFWMWxowmSd004sccsVnzp3INuvp7JC8E8OSHIohl7w7N7ZzETxvVjKOgo3sNr9pBA2csObkenAr0rU6tjixW1Eknx1vEa9Ag40kt-GO3N76sVN1g_NOmOjupqQVFaoKZJ7dJA" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus casting out demons.jpg" height="141" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Dc1T_DAtaqBVjzPOWVkJ0PmGAwWMs3p4y4dcdOaDJiTedScNaW24DZlfACduLbZVexg6C5VFh4UR9aCWAngpJVYYcqA76b_rxqIYLwZvr6K17W3Z513Qouw--WBtyOKWJv_sqbgu" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visionary</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus saw and cast out demons from people</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla created inventions entirely in his mind before making them perfectly</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Tesla coil.jpg" height="144" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nAxr2JgGa05wGxQZKp4WqiOlhcFS3QU5nMkUZVIMND3QXQvyylLX_r2oNxogz1Co5u6WwQEPjm7OfesSIQmdznMQUr8_OHc32hDmLblzwIkIMqgw8Idkr5YGdVUMczuTLVeaUhn1" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 177px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus water into wine.jpg" height="160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dJKmUSwdDfcymA7Ziip5jUej2CYg835KlCq4XTH5p5d6tR2F54PPBgLylsCOr1KqUK09hewAZDEv4J4eTL-8YbPyZfNhzyTGp2NIaVz-iegQSOE5HprYJqR7y0_hXIZ8G5KP1DCK" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Miracles</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus: water to wine, raising the dead, feeding thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla: predicted and split a jumping fish in half by throwing a rock</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Tesla fish.jpg" height="151" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mM4wVhRIg_WASwnoi6O8kIw6yVWXQN3La408Jii7BKM-NvaOMqQGPlnkF0rHw6K_exYet_ShWwaipFvdtiaMSSgMMaPyFTlC42oS4L-aBr1RnwkM5lJ-Pqi2QRy8uGKlYpj6yLHO" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus lamb.jpg" height="232" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/d9-b4GZQlubALE0HG8LT2JcYeG8Vq_l5VU4zj7V2V7KV_ezNC2uuCqP7MrVJtldGY-ykqjfWkuweHYKBJzy7vrTOepO8ii-ttLhk24M6ezI2YnapHdNQ4Aqiv49C_6jgf1s5y1FK" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="163" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pacifist</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus taught to turn the other cheek, to love and pray for your enemies</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla despised war, designed a beam particle weapon to end war to give it to all nations to protect themselves</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Tesla sepia.jpg" height="223" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cqmlaBu2femyI-GAkIyWj3IruqS0b_A2NRWXjB25NHLw3LcFiPdDlig6JCS6L5FFLofct4xea1MT8rxKBg386Dkf2pdgrOOcAfFBcjdga2zA3nAbvprKLlAcGiZmjCzQPaWWrgMX" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="182" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus pacifist.jpg" height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/orom4R7wyXoSSKuu9m5OeFTCyGYzv9rCwY1V0-7xY2fLyI07QKjpKSmG00DDkT9Nfqi96ahhHtMmmoaQshgEdZU74MYBZocnDRZG3LmQWRXnV034zKF3oUkd-R132A5QsqiDW3m1" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Revolutionary</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus changed how we think about God and our life focus</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla perfected electrical energy (AC motors, radio, remote control, Tesla coil, wireless electric transmission & more over 100 years ago!)</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Tesla holding bulb.jpg" height="201" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nmkojF_zA1LbnKK6daIQIQzVr2mMI6XKw_n2pHkZXGtt6RBy8JIjhIc9IKJ1QYpsYfC_iDBfIpa3lFcjcu82zbQfDwOEWwtKECHzKM9RD9Wg7IQK6igtrlosuQH8bNqqAyVaVU3i" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="159" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 242px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Jesus crucifixion.jpg" height="175" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/V3VzcCQHCByokq0RxpegStzhSwAcX299xhgNSKIQRkLqBEAIh2-rnWfpTknEsZvta0745box3W4ltf56d0-_tUwcugkoAOvLVKoch_vkjndP8wkg_DkG9CIIpUw2GtwLkYWbs4hd" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="193" /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Persecuted by Elite</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus: feared by religious leaders and Romans, crucified for blasphemy</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla: cheated, demonized, spied on, not credited, died penniless, nearly erased from history by Edison, Morgan et al, plus the US gov't</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Thomas Edison.jpg" height="195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/W1XSWmU-ip5v7nS_EMxca4iZ1EeyyOBMTzBhTQi2yfyrPSfgTpcd7_4S25kgiw4I9Vf7we53dWO2_BZOZc8suohXpwPTNwJmjsI2iv_KtKGhaVhvvuh5R5HbGpocqX9xEbJOqTEL" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="146" /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alDz_kyjXMU/WB6l_BXd8KI/AAAAAAAAZNI/WY9J_mdzG0oI5FZPGkWwCw9fMbIGOVwzACLcB/s1600/Mary%2BMagdalene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alDz_kyjXMU/WB6l_BXd8KI/AAAAAAAAZNI/WY9J_mdzG0oI5FZPGkWwCw9fMbIGOVwzACLcB/s200/Mary%2BMagdalene.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bachelors</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus was unmarried though present day rumors abound regarding Mary Magdalene</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla felt inventors needed only creations on their mind though adored by many, esp. Katharine Johnson</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2y1w1b88sQ/WB6mzzZNw6I/AAAAAAAAZNM/Xk880t_47aU1JWlguiHpH7kzk1zwcHOPACLcB/s1600/Katharine%2BJohnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2y1w1b88sQ/WB6mzzZNw6I/AAAAAAAAZNM/Xk880t_47aU1JWlguiHpH7kzk1zwcHOPACLcB/s200/Katharine%2BJohnson.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf5nJejJAIw/WB6pJ7MdDrI/AAAAAAAAZNg/y-22fNmwQAoGL0ixDwJ5c2nz5bVAteMjACLcB/s1600/Holy%2BTrinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf5nJejJAIw/WB6pJ7MdDrI/AAAAAAAAZNg/y-22fNmwQAoGL0ixDwJ5c2nz5bVAteMjACLcB/s200/Holy%2BTrinity.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Number 3</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus: Trinity of Father-Son-Holy Spirit, age 33 at death</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla: “If you only knew the magnificence of the 3, 6 and 9, then you would have the key to the universe.”</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZfdOulneH5aYitONF8Kal5Rgs_GvUN_Md7936piEseX__VcTPh_3PguJPPyfY3523dSkMui3l2c9j06uwRd2__qKqJFnaFa1fmpVWtvKZD-9oYv-nLYgWStmWaKtsmunDuPr/s1600/3-6-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZfdOulneH5aYitONF8Kal5Rgs_GvUN_Md7936piEseX__VcTPh_3PguJPPyfY3523dSkMui3l2c9j06uwRd2__qKqJFnaFa1fmpVWtvKZD-9oYv-nLYgWStmWaKtsmunDuPr/s200/3-6-9.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TfSkRKRVZAtcPs0Cq2yumLGUG_D81oCIeOehQ7ZI_Evi2CNOBACnxfT6ct78s97nckJDt2DRG6kOdHpt6-z42paf1Jtj4guybcHLMCKnkHK3lrel44GwHu-EhymbVHG3zZRCTBmK" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jesus resurrection.jpg" border="0" height="251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TfSkRKRVZAtcPs0Cq2yumLGUG_D81oCIeOehQ7ZI_Evi2CNOBACnxfT6ct78s97nckJDt2DRG6kOdHpt6-z42paf1Jtj4guybcHLMCKnkHK3lrel44GwHu-EhymbVHG3zZRCTBmK" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="171" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resurrection</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus came back from death, worshiped by the masses, became leading figure in world religion</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tesla predicted the future would be his; he will be far more recognized and appreciated than he was during his time; we're just discovering how amazing he was</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sound familiar?</span></div>
</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xucpo-Nrq9lR21JHXCwOXHTWOyzMhx3htsPQuOhhd5ip7BoveIWgylrtuxknEcenv-srhAgkkU_nqmeWKc2kYShIBA8k3ROKWGT290O3OTq13s64TpsVTe-LvK7etE11iKP0-4eM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tesla hand to cheek.jpg" border="0" height="253" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xucpo-Nrq9lR21JHXCwOXHTWOyzMhx3htsPQuOhhd5ip7BoveIWgylrtuxknEcenv-srhAgkkU_nqmeWKc2kYShIBA8k3ROKWGT290O3OTq13s64TpsVTe-LvK7etE11iKP0-4eM" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="193" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
It's true that Tesla had eccentricities that Jesus likely did not share. Tesla was a germaphobe who resisted shaking hands and was repulsed by the thought of touching human hair. He had other oddities, including an aversion to earrings and chewing gum. But Tesla was superhuman in some ways (e.g. his 5 senses were off the charts; he rarely slept more than a few hours each day, sacrificing almost every waking hour to his incredible work to further humankind).<br />
Nikola Tesla was also a highly spiritual man, not a huge surprise since his father was a priest and intended for young Niko to follow him in the clergy. Tesla's spiritual teachings are full of philosophical "truths" as Tesla saw them, truths that many other spiritual leaders believe. Though Tesla speaks from an energetic and scientific level, the core messages are still in line with Christian theology and other religious ideals.<br />
A few gems of Tesla teachings:<br />
<i>"Everything that lives is related to a deep and wonderful relationship: man and the stars, amoebas and the sun, the heart and the circulation of an infinite number of worlds."</i><br />
<i>"In my feeling and experience, the Universe has only one substance and one supreme energy with an infinite number of manifestations of life."</i><br />
<i>"In every corner of the universe exist energy of life; one of them is immortality, whose origin is outside of man, waiting for him. The universe is spiritual; we are only half that way. The Universe is more moral than us, because we do not know his nature and how to harmonize our lives with it."</i><br />
<i>"Do everything that any day, any moment, if possible, not to forget who we are and why we are on Earth. Extraordinary people who are struggling with illness, privation, or the society which hurts them with its stupidity, misunderstanding, persecution and other problems which the country is full of as swamps with insects, leaves behind unclaimed until the end of the work. There are many fallen angels on Earth."</i></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perhaps he is most like Jesus because people for centuries to come will continue to search for all that he attempted to give us. Since many of his inventions were formed entirely in his head, and because most of what he left behind was taken by government agencies immediately after his death, the efforts to recover what he tried to share will likely continue for generations.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a thought on this? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2016/11/is-tesla-next-jesus.html#comment-form">Post a comment</a>.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">---</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/">HOME PAGE</a></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-76437998246145326002016-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:002016-09-29T08:23:12.833-07:00Carl Sagan: Astronomer, Scientist, Cannabis Advocate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_mDeK4Snp8/V-wgVQ5b-tI/AAAAAAAAZGo/C36zQKaDT0YhNHNSz85wADFdo9U6-Dt5QCLcB/s1600/Carl%2BSagan%2Bcannabis%2Bmarijuana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_mDeK4Snp8/V-wgVQ5b-tI/AAAAAAAAZGo/C36zQKaDT0YhNHNSz85wADFdo9U6-Dt5QCLcB/s320/Carl%2BSagan%2Bcannabis%2Bmarijuana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Carl Sagan showed us the universe like we had never seen it before. He was a scientist, a NASA employed astrophysicist, a legendary author and communicator. His series on the universe, <i>Cosmos: A Personal Voyage</i>, was the most watched American public television series of all time.<br />
<br />
Most people don't know that Sagan was also a marijuana user and advocate, even as a NASA employee during a time when he could have spent years in jail just for enjoying the effects from a special plant.<br />
<br />
To others who indulge in marijuana (cannabis, herb, weed, pot) it's not as surprising to hear that a great thinker like Sagan would also enjoy it. Cannabis has always been associated with spiritual and creative thinking. Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Associate Professor Emeritus at Harvard Medical School and close friend of Sagan, was introduced to marijuana by Sagan. Here are some quotes from Carl Sagan found in Grinspoon's book, <i>Marihuana Reconsidered</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Spirituality</b><br />
"I do not consider myself a religious person in the usual sense, but there is a religious aspect to some highs. The heightened sensitivity in all areas gives me a feeling of communion with my surroundings, both animate and inanimate. Sometimes a kind of existential perception of the absurd comes over me and I see with awful certainty the hypocrisies and posturing of myself and my fellow men. And at other times, there is a different sense of the absurd, a playful and whimsical awareness. Both of these senses of the absurd can be communicated, and some of the most rewarding highs I’ve had have been in sharing talk and perceptions and humor. Cannabis brings us an awareness that we spend a lifetime being trained to overlook and forget and put out of our minds."<br />
<br />
<b>Social Consciousness</b><br />
"I find that most of the insights I achieve when high are into social issues, an area of creative scholarship very different from the one I am generally known for. I can remember one occasion, taking a shower with my wife while high, in which I had an idea on the origins and invalidities of racism in terms of gaussian distribution curves. It was a point obvious in a way, but rarely talked about. I drew the curves in soap on the shower wall, and went to write the idea down. One idea led to another, and at the end of about an hour of extremely hard work I found I had written eleven short essays on a wide range of social, political, philosophical, and human biological topics. Because of problems of space, I can’t go into the details of these essays, but from all external signs, such as public reactions and expert commentary, they seem to contain valid insights. I have used them in university commencement addresses, public lectures, and in my books."<br />
<br />
<b>Superior to Alcohol</b><br />
"My high is always reflective, peaceable, intellectually exciting, and sociable, unlike most alcohol highs, and there is never a hangover. Through the years I find that slightly smaller amounts of cannabis suffice to produce the same degree of high, and in one movie theater recently I found I could get high just by inhaling the cannabis smoke which permeated the theater."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Time Frame for Legalization</b><br />
"I hope that time isn’t too distant; the illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world."<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/">Home Page</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-680245344662583442016-08-31T07:54:00.000-07:002017-04-25T12:27:27.283-07:00Hemp Cars Would've Saved Millions of Lives, Trillions of Dollars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49Mgf083Gh8/V7-ov0dAvLI/AAAAAAAAY3M/7TnA36SLMM8Eo1J3dTzxGurnOenIEvZRgCLcB/s1600/Henry%2BFord%2Baxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49Mgf083Gh8/V7-ov0dAvLI/AAAAAAAAY3M/7TnA36SLMM8Eo1J3dTzxGurnOenIEvZRgCLcB/s320/Henry%2BFord%2Baxe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Henry Ford wanted to make cars from hemp and other farm grown products. He spent over a decade creating models that are estimated to be three times "greener" than today's electric cars based on how they were built and powered.<br />
This is a picture of him in 1941 trying to dent his plastic car with an ax. <i>He's hitting the car with an ax to make a point</i>. Ford demonstrated these car panels were about 10 times stronger than steel, thus much safer.<br />
Since 1941 there have been approx. 3 million car crash fatalities in the US alone. How many of those victims would have survived if hemp plastics could have been used by auto makers? Ford also wanted the cars to run on hemp and other biomass fuels. Instead we ended up with foreign dependency on petroleum. It's hard to quantify how many trillions of dollars we have sent to nations in the Middle East and elsewhere to supply our dependency on petroleum based fuels and plastics. To think we could have grown all our fuel and building materials right here by US farmers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gj9W3Fk6kI/V7-yDSgwk8I/AAAAAAAAY3c/4EQq0bcqEVEZtOlvQXtvX7c_Zm8ODR8lwCLcB/s1600/kestrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gj9W3Fk6kI/V7-yDSgwk8I/AAAAAAAAY3c/4EQq0bcqEVEZtOlvQXtvX7c_Zm8ODR8lwCLcB/s320/kestrel.jpg" width="320" /></a>Canadians may see Kestrels on the road in the near future. These are proclaimed as the world's most environmentally friendly cars, made from hemp and powered on electricity. In Canada it's legal for farmers to grow hemp, something the US government still considers a Schedule 1 drug, as dangerous as heroin and cocaine even though hemp doesn't have enough THC to make anyone high. Is this a case of stupidity, corruption, or both to classify hemp as a Schedule 1 drug?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-T3hdltLHX1wnsyGf48cAVitqp8b23PcE6d3iuEx_MQdZwOPcFjmRuXQTW-iB6VvXM81UI0T6GE1zEQsoeF5CdairD-dbToPFUeCO8Wa5sLY78rca66J349UevD2YbSmiScI/s1600/hemp+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-T3hdltLHX1wnsyGf48cAVitqp8b23PcE6d3iuEx_MQdZwOPcFjmRuXQTW-iB6VvXM81UI0T6GE1zEQsoeF5CdairD-dbToPFUeCO8Wa5sLY78rca66J349UevD2YbSmiScI/s320/hemp+car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hemp car (on left) is a Mercedes wagon that runs on hemp fuel. The car toured America and Canada making appearances at many alternative-energy, environmental, and hemp-legalization events. The car toured for several months and over 13,000 miles emphasizing the utility of industrial hemp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Kgg0zpckGRU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kgg0zpckGRU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Bruce Dietzen of Florida made this red, sporty hemp car for the chassis of a Mazda convertible. Dietzen hopes his environmentally friendly automobile will help debunk the taboo behind the cannabis plant and its uses. He had to import the hemp from China, because growing hemp is illegal in the US although importing it is not. (Think of the irony there.) Dietzen says, "We can make everything out of plants. That's what Henry Ford was really out to tell everyone when he created his first cannabis car."<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHnwjdsPJl0/V8R9E97rwKI/AAAAAAAAY6Y/NgXhzFBimBISF60_40aDaOs6HIgebqxjgCLcB/s1600/BMW_i3_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHnwjdsPJl0/V8R9E97rwKI/AAAAAAAAY6Y/NgXhzFBimBISF60_40aDaOs6HIgebqxjgCLcB/s400/BMW_i3_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The BMW i3 will be the first mass production car with most of its inner structure and body made of plant-based plastics. The unprecedented use of strong yet lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) makes the i3 one of BMW’s lightest vehicles, contributing to both performance and efficiency. It's an electric vehicle, yet still one of the fastest BMW models off the line. The CFRP is 50% lighter than steel and is actually the secret to this vehicle's remarkable performance and efficiency.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NClrocSrDDY/V8O346DOXBI/AAAAAAAAY58/6GHhIZ086S4V96WYZwwpPPxq9IXLhtF1QCLcB/s1600/bmw-electric-hemp-3-07-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NClrocSrDDY/V8O346DOXBI/AAAAAAAAY58/6GHhIZ086S4V96WYZwwpPPxq9IXLhtF1QCLcB/s200/bmw-electric-hemp-3-07-31.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shown on the right is a BMW door panel made from hemp. In the near future we should see hemp plastics emerging in every field as more and more governments recognize the idiocy of keeping this plant illegal. Way back in 1938 <i>Popular Mechanics</i> proclaimed hemp a billion dollar crop that could be used for over 25,000 products ranging from dynamite to Cellophane.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btZ_qAPwG_E/V8SUOvMwL7I/AAAAAAAAY6o/_MuXO9IfRg0i2ilOKhczZFtBPJ8BgAxTQCLcB/s1600/Thomas%2BJefferson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btZ_qAPwG_E/V8SUOvMwL7I/AAAAAAAAY6o/_MuXO9IfRg0i2ilOKhczZFtBPJ8BgAxTQCLcB/s1600/Thomas%2BJefferson.jpg" /></a></div>
Going back a bit further, Thomas Jefferson said, "Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country." Jefferson and other US Founding Fathers grew hemp as it was a mandated crop in much of Colonial American history. It was mandated because it could be used to make pretty much everything. The Founding Father's probably never imagined that hemp would, or could, become illegal.<br />
Let's hope it isn't too late to correct a tragic mistake that has cost this nation and the world more than anyone can quantify.</div>
</div>
<br />
Got an opinion or idea on this? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2016/08/hemp-cars-wouldve-saved-millions-of.html#comment-form">Leave a comment</a>.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/">Home Page</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-8301307567994456252016-07-11T06:07:00.000-07:002018-09-03T13:56:43.364-07:00OJ Made in America: Most Important Documentary Ever For US Citizens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6i0n74C4Sd4/V3QrdNN6KVI/AAAAAAAAYC8/MPetjGcPUPgHAvIE7lgkmBoAjlcoCr_8ACLcB/s1600/OJ_Made_in_America.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6i0n74C4Sd4/V3QrdNN6KVI/AAAAAAAAYC8/MPetjGcPUPgHAvIE7lgkmBoAjlcoCr_8ACLcB/s200/OJ_Made_in_America.png" width="135" /></a></div>
I just watched all 5 episodes of <i>O.J.: Made in America. </i>Calling it extraordinary would be understatement. It's a masterpiece. It may be the most important documentary anyone can watch if attempting to understand and heal race relations in America.<br />
Though the focus is on events in Los Angeles following the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and through the Simpson trials, the messages apply to the entire USA. The same themes reappear in Ferguson, Baltimore, Dallas and so many other areas. Unfortunately the problems are far from ending because, apparently, we still haven't learned much. Maybe we don't want to learn? What happened back then and what's happening today are mirror images of tragedy stemming from a long history of racial insensitivity. Just as Black Lives Matter is an important concept to embrace, misusing it for motives of revenge is as short-sighted as the injustices that brought rise to the movement itself.<br />
<br />
<b>Roots of LA Racial Divide</b><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq4bJsNzqGE/V3_Y4B1yEjI/AAAAAAAAYYg/y0MU7Vi_nhISwsh-DjcUR9Jg2oHKKOi3wCLcB/s1600/OJ%2Bracism%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq4bJsNzqGE/V3_Y4B1yEjI/AAAAAAAAYYg/y0MU7Vi_nhISwsh-DjcUR9Jg2oHKKOi3wCLcB/s400/OJ%2Bracism%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a>The documentary shed so much light on my understanding of how a jury could find Simpson not guilty of a crime he most likely committed. Before then (or since), the public had never seen so much criminal evidence of a double-homicide that ended in acquittal. But this documentary recreates the atmosphere and mindset of African Americans living in Los Angeles during the 60's and beyond, which affected any ability to view a case that involved race with impartial eyes. OJ had to be acquitted under those circumstances.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OO4rl4JAhY/V3_Zpcc6Z-I/AAAAAAAAYYk/3UJtg8p-XGAZg38boQ5fYXdL2HHU6SIcgCLcB/s1600/OJ%2Bracism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OO4rl4JAhY/V3_Zpcc6Z-I/AAAAAAAAYYk/3UJtg8p-XGAZg38boQ5fYXdL2HHU6SIcgCLcB/s320/OJ%2Bracism.jpg" width="320" /></a>Remember the times, the 60's, when people publicly discussed blacks as second-class citizens, even in American towns far away from the deep south. The LAPD had an established tolerance for racial doctrines of inequality, even employing high-ranking officers with connections to the KKK. Fast forward to the 90's and Mark Fuhrman, a lead detective on the night of the murder who found the famous bloody glove. Fuhrman eventually took the 5th amendment during the OJ trial due to fact that he was on record for being a well-documented racist.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZkf32QWJNQ/V4KSzlUnX9I/AAAAAAAAYdw/ojEmjemh8tIIM-pV9bl4E2rvvVe5Vte1wCLcB/s1600/watts%2Briots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZkf32QWJNQ/V4KSzlUnX9I/AAAAAAAAYdw/ojEmjemh8tIIM-pV9bl4E2rvvVe5Vte1wCLcB/s200/watts%2Briots.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In earlier days the LAPD clearly did not know how to handle a section of the city where poverty was rampant. Poverty leads to desperation. Desperation leads to crime. Just listening to the interviews of public officials makes it appear as if white police administration would have been happier if blacks had never moved west in the first place. The Watts riots in '65 occurred after successive murders of blacks went unpunished in the LA judicial system.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Before watching the documentary, I could not conceive that OJ could have been acquitted of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The mountain of evidence and his actions that followed made it beyond a reasonable doubt that he did it. After watching the documentary, I realized he <i>had to be acquitted</i> from that jury and those legal participants, and not because of any presumed innocence. It was karmic payback. It was a calamity, a circus, an American tragedy and lesson for us to dwell upon. Did we learn anything from this masterpiece that contains all of the pieces to why racial tension still exists in this country?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBYFiLIhTMg/V3_eGEqkMwI/AAAAAAAAYZA/L8yDQYrBMyQkLrUDj9vuVuvUY13t8R_SgCLcB/s1600/OJ%2BUSC%2Bprofile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBYFiLIhTMg/V3_eGEqkMwI/AAAAAAAAYZA/L8yDQYrBMyQkLrUDj9vuVuvUY13t8R_SgCLcB/s320/OJ%2BUSC%2Bprofile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Probably not, and that's another tragedy. Most of us probably didn't learn a thing because our heads are already locked into perceptions of how things should be, or we couldn't put down the distractions of phones and social media long enough to pay attention. The duration of it, over 7 hours, will dissuade many from watching, but there's no other way to convey this much crucial information.<br />
What will stick with me most are the dramatic changes OJ went through from the time he began his career at USC until the present. OJ was really a beautiful person in addition to being the most powerful, graceful and durable running back anyone had seen since Jim Brown. He was reserved and thoughtful, confident yet humble, and he put his team and teammates first. He was quick to credit others and to go out of his way to make people feel good. It's easy to see why America fell head over heels in love with him, white and black alike. OJ was the real deal.<br />
<b>Fame</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRNy6WPcoWs/V3_W1DUO_fI/AAAAAAAAYYE/8TwBILLTnfQnqECD73kmY1vdxpetj9_zwCLcB/s1600/OJ%2BUSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRNy6WPcoWs/V3_W1DUO_fI/AAAAAAAAYYE/8TwBILLTnfQnqECD73kmY1vdxpetj9_zwCLcB/s320/OJ%2BUSC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
OJ wanted fame more than money. He got it. Man, did he get fame. In fact, we haven't seen the last of OJ who should be among the most famous athletes of all time in the near future due to CTE (more on that later). His run is not over, not by a long shot. Just wait until more understanding comes about for things like NFL concussion related insanity or the effects of unbridled stardom and how society can help destroy a celebrity. Think Junior Seau. Think Robin Williams and Princess Diana. Those are great examples, but Simpson could trump them all. There has never been another athlete who has both galvanized and polarized America more that OJ. That's quite a feat. Eventually we'll need to understand our role in creating a madman.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Living the American Dream</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50snj_-3AGg/V3_XZru8fXI/AAAAAAAAYYI/H_Fjdt9oZ8UnfFWyU5TuIC1BX_kIPu2kACLcB/s1600/OJ%2BBills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50snj_-3AGg/V3_XZru8fXI/AAAAAAAAYYI/H_Fjdt9oZ8UnfFWyU5TuIC1BX_kIPu2kACLcB/s320/OJ%2BBills.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Look at these incredible photos of achievement. Who else has been carried off on teammates' shoulders in both college and the NFL? We put OJ on a pedestal because he was a USC football phenomenon and a USA track star. In only two seasons at USC he led the Trojans to the national championship and won the Heisman Trophy by a ridiculous margin. In the NFL he eclipsed Jim Brown's single season rushing record and broke the 2,000 yards rushing mark back when they played just 14 games. Then he starred for Hertz rental car ads, arguably the greatest advertising campaign of all time. He went on to become a successful actor and businessman. All of those epitomized the American dream. On top of that, he transcended color. He was loved by all, perhaps more so than any person in US history. How can any of us relate to what that must take to accomplish, and how it must be to live in a world where everyone wants a part of you?<br />
<br /></div>
<b>Love Hate</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbLDV7ex2WJHS6v9SeBJUfAf9CcCdz5Jiqnt0ImkFoN5RVzaGk9c3povFOrE6l2ekN47-zw373G7QVuwbcTqFKfiAWduvgsTrIdztSyN108vDM4ykBoPa4zmBF703xTHwcYSK/s1600/OJ+and+Nicole+early+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbLDV7ex2WJHS6v9SeBJUfAf9CcCdz5Jiqnt0ImkFoN5RVzaGk9c3povFOrE6l2ekN47-zw373G7QVuwbcTqFKfiAWduvgsTrIdztSyN108vDM4ykBoPa4zmBF703xTHwcYSK/s320/OJ+and+Nicole+early+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The passionate love affair between OJ and Nicole Brown was bigger than either could control or deal with responsibly. It's reported love at first sight, that OJ claimed he was going to marry her upon meeting her, even though he was already married with children. And Nicole, just 18 when she met him, is the one we know very little about (Ron Goldman too). It's not fair to speculate over how she could have gotten involved with a married celebrity with children or how she could have stayed with an abusive husband for so long, but in cases like this we speculate nonetheless. Did Nicole add fuel to an already volatile situation? One can assume she at least made poor choices since she willingly got involved with OJ knowing he had a family already and that he was a womanizer. This is not to blame Nicole for anything but to serve as more fodder for what became of OJ, a man who couldn't handle rejection or letting go of someone he coveted.<br />
<br />
<b>Bigger than Hollywood</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BfScyR-9e99JKuWqJ5qxYCMQJ_AbrFvdYSows-q0PIDK5JCSqTP9_Hfu7PwUAgNljc2js3aCKWjwqEI_2ESSm31d7Vq21ztY1E3Vkomyiic3udsPWM5Ual12CqL4CgOIxHj0/s1600/OJ+white+bronco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BfScyR-9e99JKuWqJ5qxYCMQJ_AbrFvdYSows-q0PIDK5JCSqTP9_Hfu7PwUAgNljc2js3aCKWjwqEI_2ESSm31d7Vq21ztY1E3Vkomyiic3udsPWM5Ual12CqL4CgOIxHj0/s320/OJ+white+bronco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Hollywood writers could not have written this story better than it played out naturally. How could a slow speed highway chase have stopped the NBA finals while the game was happening? Who could possibly be in that white Bronco followed by all those police cruisers looking more like a Presidential motorcade than a pursuit of a fugitive from justice? Who is a bigger sports hero turned actor to have been accused of a despicable double homicide? Who better than Mark Fuhrman to represent the racism within the LAPD? What jury could have been better for the defense than 8 African American women from LA? How incompetent did the prosecution seem from the gathering of evidence to the fateful decision to ask the defendant to try on the gloves that everyone else predicted would not fit?<br />
You can't make this shit up.<br />
<br />
<b>Insanity, Concussions and CTE</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3cJ7GkJykQ/V3_d9h8xOuI/AAAAAAAAYY8/sN0MjD-gCZwcyfcqktNPoaXdB6Y_f-HZwCLcB/s1600/OJ%2Bsuccess%2Bconcerns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3cJ7GkJykQ/V3_d9h8xOuI/AAAAAAAAYY8/sN0MjD-gCZwcyfcqktNPoaXdB6Y_f-HZwCLcB/s320/OJ%2Bsuccess%2Bconcerns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A madman is what OJ became, a certifiable crazy person who appears to believe the lies that originated from self-preservation and snowballed from there. Sure, it's easy to blame OJ himself as many do, but how much did society play into that? Probably more than anyone is comfortable admitting. When someone is given everything by everyone for so many years even when it goes against conventional wisdom, it's easy to assume the world is yours for the taking.<br />
Perhaps more importantly, how much is football to blame with concussion related insanity and CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy)? During the trials nobody knew about CTE or how repeated concussions can cause a person to have explosive, impulsive behavior and judgment. If anyone was a candidate for CTE, it would be Simpson. He carried the ball for USC a record number of times in 2 seasons and is the only NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season of just 14 games (in 1978 the NFL expanded the season to 16 games).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-igtNPD6iS-I/V4KILe9lFgI/AAAAAAAAYdU/lxWPQ7e42wcPznL_apOvyb-oOLX3G4CbQCLcB/s1600/OJ%2Bconcussion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-igtNPD6iS-I/V4KILe9lFgI/AAAAAAAAYdU/lxWPQ7e42wcPznL_apOvyb-oOLX3G4CbQCLcB/s320/OJ%2Bconcussion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy UPR http://bit.ly/29vVaUE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although the miniseries does not discuss this aspect of the OJ case, it will be analyzed for years to come. OJ has said, “I was knocked out of games for such head blows repeatedly in the 1970's and other times. I continued playing despite hard blows to my head during football games.”</div>
<br />
And yet, the documentary is much more than an explanation of how OJ got away with it. It's a deep and hard look into the divides of color along with an attempt to exist beyond those labels. In some ways, OJ's acquittal represents a forgiveness for so many documented and undocumented cases of racial profiling, abuse, murder and hate crimes from both the public and police.<br />
The violent killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman, followed by the acquittal reminds me of throwing virgins into a boiling volcano to calm the gods. No, it doesn't make sense and it isn't justice, for those people lost their lives in a horrifying manner; nothing will bring them back beyond their memories.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nCcb4V0FwA/V4KKogeN7DI/AAAAAAAAYdg/Vr2j-aQ4uaUrZlve-l2ZLardiwEPXSXxwCLcB/s1600/Kwame%2BAjamu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nCcb4V0FwA/V4KKogeN7DI/AAAAAAAAYdg/Vr2j-aQ4uaUrZlve-l2ZLardiwEPXSXxwCLcB/s320/Kwame%2BAjamu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's painful to see the crime scene photos when Nicole and Ron were so brutally stabbed to death. It pains me to see OJ so defiant in living a lie for the purpose of self-preservation. It pains me even more to think of the thousands of times blacks have been victimized by police and white America for hundreds of years to this very day. Kwame Ajamu (mug shot), formerly known as Ronnie Bridgeman, spent 27 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. How many other Americans, especially African Americans, has this happened to?<br />
I watched every minute of the miniseries because I'm a sports fan and an American trying to understand and help heal racial tensions. I don't know if that can ever be healed entirely, but this documentary sheds enormous light on the situation. Even though it's hard for some people to think of OJ as much else than a delusional, egotistical murderer, he is also a product of society.<br />
Please make the effort to watch <i>O.J.: Made in America </i>as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2016/07/oj-made-in-america-most-important.html#comment-form">Leave a comment</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20.8px;">
<b style="color: #9225a5;"><a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/" style="color: #9225a5; text-decoration: none;">Home Page</a></b></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-11882946578146873602016-06-14T09:21:00.000-07:002018-09-15T18:20:41.523-07:00All-Time NBA Fantasy Dream Team: Old School vs New School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you could pick 5 players in their prime for the ultimate NBA fantasy dream team, who would it be? And do you go old school or new school with active players, or a mixed team? The possibilities are endless though I believe some of my picks should be universal.<br />
Here's my old school dream team with one active player:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_bdT81jitw/V171Bv59jMI/AAAAAAAAX2s/zSqNqY6nhOcH1cLxVULE1rDFIFQZM4DrACLcB/s1600/Michael_Jordan_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_bdT81jitw/V171Bv59jMI/AAAAAAAAX2s/zSqNqY6nhOcH1cLxVULE1rDFIFQZM4DrACLcB/s200/Michael_Jordan_1996.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Michael Jordan - shooting guard. The consensus greatest all-around player.<br />
Born: 2/17/63 in Brooklyn, N.Y.<br />
High School: Laney (Wilmington, N.C.)<br />
College: North Carolina (won NCAA championship 1982)<br />
Drafted: Chicago Bulls (1984, 1st round - 3rd pick)<br />
Height: 6-6; Weight: 216 lbs.<br />
Honors: Six-time NBA champion (1991-93, '96-98); Five-time NBA MVP (1988, '91, '92, '96, '98); Ten-time NBA First Team (1987-93, 1996-98); Nine-time All-Defensive First Team (1988-93, 1996-98); Fourteen-time All-Star; Rookie of the Year (1985); Olympic gold medalist (1984, '92). In the 1982 NCAA championship he hit the game-winning shot as a freshman for a North Carolina win over Georgetown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aD86x2cfZVM/V174I9Szk_I/AAAAAAAAX24/WlZMMWq5KpY1nRDoivr6U-pcQcCHKARLgCLcB/s1600/Magic%2BJohnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aD86x2cfZVM/V174I9Szk_I/AAAAAAAAX24/WlZMMWq5KpY1nRDoivr6U-pcQcCHKARLgCLcB/s200/Magic%2BJohnson.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<div>
Magic Johnson - point guard. Magic put the show in the "Showtime" Lakers.</div>
<div>
<div>
Born: 8/14/59 in Lansing, Michigan</div>
<div>
High School: Everett (Lansing)</div>
<div>
College: Michigan State (won NCAA championship 1979)</div>
<div>
Drafted: L.A. Lakers (1979, 1st round - 1st pick)</div>
<div>
<div>
Height: 6-9; Weight: 255 lbs.</div>
</div>
<div>
Honors: Five-time NBA champion (1980, '82, '85, '87-88); Three-time NBA MVP (1987, '89, '90); Nine-time NBA First Team (1983-91); Twelve-time All-Star; Olympic gold medalist (1992). The 1979 NCAA championship featured the beginning of the rivalry between future Hall of Famers Johnson and Larry Bird, remains the highest-rated game in the history of televised college basketball.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07EacdBEmrs/V175PeqdOBI/AAAAAAAAX3E/dmKNWn0D2gMOV3FCU8MXDBKTgBzTcedvACLcB/s1600/Tim_Duncan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07EacdBEmrs/V175PeqdOBI/AAAAAAAAX3E/dmKNWn0D2gMOV3FCU8MXDBKTgBzTcedvACLcB/s200/Tim_Duncan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Tim Duncan - power forward. The Big Fundamental.</div>
<div>
Born: 4/25/76 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands</div>
<div>
High School: Saint Dunstan's Episcopal (St. Croix)</div>
<div>
<div>
College: Wake Forest </div>
<div>
Drafted: San Antonio Spurs (1997, 1st round - 1st pick)</div>
<div>
<div>
Height: 6-11; Weight: 250 lbs. </div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Honors: Five-time NBA champion (1999, '03, '05, '07, '14); Two-time NBA MVP (2002-03); Ten-time NBA First Team (1998-2005, '07, '13); Eight-time All-Defensive First Team (1999-2003, '05, 2007-08); Fifteen-time All-Star; Rookie of the Year (1998).</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvX8KA7Bv3c/V176hVJwQDI/AAAAAAAAX3Q/Ix6DfGqaCDwY6eOZuNZ2NHxxeZYdb_MCACLcB/s1600/kareem_abdul_jabbar_skyhook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvX8KA7Bv3c/V176hVJwQDI/AAAAAAAAX3Q/Ix6DfGqaCDwY6eOZuNZ2NHxxeZYdb_MCACLcB/s200/kareem_abdul_jabbar_skyhook.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div>
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - center. NBA all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points.</div>
<div>
<div>
Born: 8/16/47 in New York City</div>
<div>
High School: Power Memorial (N.Y.)</div>
<div>
College: UCLA (won 3 NCAA championships 1967-69)</div>
<div>
Drafted: Milwaukee Bucks (1969, 1st round - 1st pick)</div>
<div>
Height: 7-2; Weight: 267 lbs.</div>
<div>
Honors: Six-time NBA champion (1971, '80, '82, '85, '87-88); Six-time NBA MVP (1971, '72, '74, '76, '77, '80); Ten-time NBA First Team; Five-time All-Defensive First Team; Nineteen-time All-Star; Rookie of the Year (1970).</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVJBn1sDH7E/V177qsp0dPI/AAAAAAAAX3c/QzCBEB9zbbAn866t2eVi_Sp5p2vtceHHgCLcB/s1600/lebron_james.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVJBn1sDH7E/V177qsp0dPI/AAAAAAAAX3c/QzCBEB9zbbAn866t2eVi_Sp5p2vtceHHgCLcB/s200/lebron_james.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div>
LeBron James - small forward. Numerous "youngest to" distinctions including youngest player to score 25,000 career points.</div>
<div>
<div>
Born: 12/30/84 in Akron, Ohio</div>
<div>
High School: St. Vincent - St. Mary (Akron)</div>
<div>
College: none</div>
<div>
Drafted: Cleveland Cavaliers (2003, 1st round - 1st pick)</div>
<div>
Height: 6-8; Weight: 250 lbs.</div>
<div>
Honors: Three-time NBA champion (2012-13, 16); Four-time NBA MVP (2009, '10, '12, '13); Twelve-time NBA First Team (2006, '08-'16); Five-time All-Defensive First Team (2009-13); Fourteen-time All-Star; Rookie of the Year (2004); Olympic gold medalist (2008, '12).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's an active players lineup that is a bit smaller and lighter, but could probably beat anybody because of their athleticism and skills. It's possible that the greatest players of all time are playing now.<br />
Imagine a lineup with Anthony Davis, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4_zRw4ELXr1433VHQM830nHpfyxkovBiaSoq14QsupvD-t8DU4aXz_KlA0jZ4ZLDHX7AQ_kmouPEL641QxjtB_kqJ6TzCpSRKmR5LmLCkxulEeOoPfCLQsHnVk-pJnyAHIFj/s1600/active+NBA+players+dream+team+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="730" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4_zRw4ELXr1433VHQM830nHpfyxkovBiaSoq14QsupvD-t8DU4aXz_KlA0jZ4ZLDHX7AQ_kmouPEL641QxjtB_kqJ6TzCpSRKmR5LmLCkxulEeOoPfCLQsHnVk-pJnyAHIFj/s640/active+NBA+players+dream+team+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Other nominees include: Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Pete Maravich, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Russell Westbrook, </span><span style="background-color: #fdfff9; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;">Kawhi Leonard</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and more.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Who are your starting 5 NBA fantasy dream team players?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2016/06/all-time-nba-fantasy-dream-team.html#comment-form">Leave a comment.</a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-57587574339146517402016-03-22T08:34:00.000-07:002016-04-07T00:32:30.662-07:00No Parity in College Basketball?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/JayBilas" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mO94MSEErI/VvoORF58ZvI/AAAAAAAAVNo/H6JF8psErEoaM42uJmSAytjw0opwB5_dw/s320/Jay-Bilas2.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
Jay Bilas says the unthinkable, that "parity doesn't exist in college basketball." Did Duke lose? What could have upset him so much to claim there's no parity in the men's game?<br />
<br />
He's not talking about the women's game, where UConn has dominated in a fashion that presumably can't happen anymore with the men, as it last did with UCLA in the 60's and 70's. He's talking about now and the parity <i>I see each year with the "eye test"</i> that Jay often refers to during bubble-talk. You know, how it seems like these days so many teams have height, athleticism and can nail 3-pointers to make any game a questionable outcome. Or how everyone agrees that one of these tourneys a 16-seed is going to beat a 1-seed. It must be parity, right?<br />
<br />
Jay says no. He explains there are always brow-raising upsets in the opening rounds, but by the Sweet 16 we're left with a baker's dozen of the usual power conference suspects plus a few Cinderellas from mid-majors. "Parity means equality...but most people use it as an excuse when a big shot loses."<br />
<br />
He could be right about the sound-bite excuse. How else do we explain 15-seed Middle Tennessee beating 2-seed Michigan State, a top Vegas favorite to win the 2016 tournament? Conventional basketball correctness says the answer is parity, but maybe that's an excuse and has become commonplace to the point of acceptance without evidence.<br />
<br />
His comment surprised me, and props to him for going against convention. I've always appreciated his opinion just as I do for Gminski, Battier, Williams and others who sampled the dark side of blue at an impressionable age. <i>But parity doesn't exist?</i> Would Coach K make such a wild claim? Doubtful.<br />
<br />
Jay also asks, "If we have parity, when did it arrive?" This makes it sound personal since it's like asking when did global warming arrive, that is if we have it. (However I can answer when it arrived, and Jay knows the answer too.)<br />
<br />
Fortunately we have stats to demonstrate if parity exists or not. I believe Jay would agree that parity means more and more teams are becoming competitive against the highest ranked programs, even capable of beating them. I asked my staff to postpone their spring break long enough to crunch some numbers and determine just how crazy Jay's comment is.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Hypothesis #1:<br />
If parity exists, there should be less of a gap between the best and worst teams in the tournament. There should be a shrinking average margin of victory in first round games of the 1 vs 16-seeds and the 2 vs 15-seeds. Is there victory shrinkage?<br />
<br />
Answer:<br />
During 1985-1994, the first ten years of the 64-team field, the average margin of victory in games featuring the 1's and 2's vs the 16's and 15's was 20.1 points per game. The same scenario over the last ten years (2006-2015) is 19.7 points, not a substantial difference. No shrinkage.<br />
Point to Jay.<br />
<br />
Hypothesis #2:<br />
If parity exists, there should be more higher seeds reaching the Final Four. Is there a higher average for those seeds lately than in the past?<br />
<br />
Answer:<br />
From 1985-1994 the average seed for a Final Four team was 2.5.<br />
From 2006-2015 the average seed for a Final Four team was 3.3.<br />
Point to parity.<br />
<br />
Hypothesis #3:<br />
If parity exists, we shouldn't see the same college programs advancing deep each year. There should be a greater number of programs reaching plateaus like the Sweet Sixteen and Final Four lately than in the past.<br />
<br />
Answer:<br />
From 1985 to 1994 the number of programs to reach the Sweet Sixteen was 68, and 23 programs made it to the Final Four.<br />
From 2006 to 2015 those numbers fell to 67 and 22.<br />
Point to Jay.<br />
<br />
Of interest, some of the big anomalies are contrary to the parity-thought-train. For example, only once since 1985 have all 1-seeds made it to the Final Four and it happened recently (2008). Another example is the closest a 16-seed came to beating a 1-seed was back in 1990 (Murray State vs Michigan State) where the favorite needed overtime to win. And then the highest seed to ever win it all was 8-seed Villanova way back in 1985, the year it expanded to a field of 64.<br />
Point to Jay.<br />
<br />
And finally, look at the champions list since 1995, essentially the same names you'd hear from decades before without one example of a major surprise:<br />
UCLA<br />
Kentucky (3)<br />
Arizona<br />
UConn (4)<br />
Michigan State<br />
Duke (3)<br />
Maryland<br />
Syracuse<br />
North Carolina (2)<br />
Florida (2)<br />
Kansas<br />
Louisville<br />
Point to Jay.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZJ41wiqtjM/VvCjts76-7I/AAAAAAAAVKA/YyXtUm-08-IC6Q-OXgNa9xyWtilOAggNw/s1600/Chaminade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZJ41wiqtjM/VvCjts76-7I/AAAAAAAAVKA/YyXtUm-08-IC6Q-OXgNa9xyWtilOAggNw/s320/Chaminade.jpg" width="225" /></a>Unfortunately the time frame is short. Just 31 years to see change truly represented--that may be a stretch. We probably need twenty more years to see better evidence. While I still believe in parity <i>or want to believe in it,</i> I'll concede to Jay for now. Not saying it wholeheartedly, but there appears to be no substantial change in parity for today's men's programs compared to those of 25-30 years ago.<br />
<br />
However I do know when it arrived, the same parity that may or may not exist. Jay knows too. December 23, 1982 when the Silverswords of Chaminade University of Honolulu (800 students) beat #1 Virginia and Ralph Sampson as a senior. From that day on everyone knew the impossible was possible when it came to college basketball.<br />
<br />
Chaminade over Virginia may not be the definition of parity, but it clearly indicated basketball was a game where David could beat Goliath. Perhaps that's why we love the madness. Parity, or something resembling it, makes this game insanely fun for players, coaches and fans alike. Enjoy the madness and listen to Jay Bilas. He's a smart man.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
--<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">
<b style="color: #9225a5;"><a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/" style="color: #9225a5; text-decoration: none;">Home Page</a></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-6550255280945693832015-11-27T09:21:00.001-08:002016-01-30T08:11:49.527-08:00NFL Needs Cannabis More Than Ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DR8eBqK6Tlc/VliHmAPNcfI/AAAAAAAAUpY/_hZx3YAJxUU/s1600/NFL%2Bdefense%2Bhit%2Bflickr%2B21713950018_cea80ccce6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DR8eBqK6Tlc/VliHmAPNcfI/AAAAAAAAUpY/_hZx3YAJxUU/s320/NFL%2Bdefense%2Bhit%2Bflickr%2B21713950018_cea80ccce6_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flickr.com/photos/brookward/21713950018/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjya Gupta, reports that 96% of former NFL players, who agreed to have their brains tested after death, show signs of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition similar to Alzheimer's.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">CTE is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain common in athletes with a history of repetitive brain trauma. CTE has been known to affect boxers since the 1920s. With the recent passing of NFL great and CTE sufferer, Frank Gifford, more concern than ever is being focused on solutions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">Cannabis (marijuana) offers hope though it's presently a banned substance on the NFL's drug policy. Cannabis has been shown to protect the brain from head trauma and also assist with recovery. In fact, the US Government holds a patent for marijuana as a neuroprotectant. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">The patent (#6630507) is titled “Cannabinoids as Antioxidants and Neuroprotectants” and was awarded to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in October 2003.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.8px;"><a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2015/05/marijuana-concussions-and-nfl.html">continue reading NFL Concussions and Marijuana</a></span></span></h4>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">
<b style="color: #9225a5; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/" style="color: #9225a5; text-decoration: none;">Home Page</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-64168640229399725862015-10-21T10:14:00.000-07:002016-01-29T19:34:42.092-08:00Bernie Sanders Endorses Cannabis Legalization<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vblMEi-IbIc/VifGcr-BqNI/AAAAAAAAUbw/rB2ojW7LHBM/s1600/Bernie%2BSanders%2Bmarijuana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vblMEi-IbIc/VifGcr-BqNI/AAAAAAAAUbw/rB2ojW7LHBM/s320/Bernie%2BSanders%2Bmarijuana.jpg" title="" width="252" /></a></div>
<i>From MJINews.com:</i><br />
<br />
During the Democratic presidential debates on Oct. 13, 2015, Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., became the second major party candidate, after Rand Paul on the Republican side, to endorse marijuana legalization. He is also now the first major party candidate on either side of the aisle, to endorse recreational reform at the federal level specifically.<br />
<br />
The statement was immediately met with support from the major advocacy organizations. According to Mason Tvert, director of communications for the Marijuana Policy Project, “This marks the first time a major-party presidential candidate has clearly expressed support for ending marijuana prohibition and regulating marijuana like alcohol. The people have typically led the politicians on this issue, and finally we’re seeing a presidential candidate who appears to have caught up with them.”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mjinews.com/bernie-sanders-endorses-recreational-legalization/" target="_blank">(continue to read full story)</a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-33330797034371606902015-06-04T07:51:00.000-07:002015-06-04T07:51:02.690-07:00Let Your Candidate Know: Vote M-A-R-I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NojmWrMzgaE/VXBj_T5LWRI/AAAAAAAATUA/SiGTMTSH1z8/s1600/MARI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="marijuana cannabis hemp for medicine agriculture recreation industry" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NojmWrMzgaE/VXBj_T5LWRI/AAAAAAAATUA/SiGTMTSH1z8/s320/MARI.jpg" title=" marijuana cannabis hemp for medicine agriculture recreation industry" width="287" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCHvRrio5R4/VWCicXDf-sI/AAAAAAAATRE/ITvm580wMxw/s1600/MARI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Next time someone wants your vote, say this: <br />
<br />
<i>Are you pro cannabis-hemp-marijuana? (My state) and America need to legalize this plant for <b>M</b>edicine, <b>A</b>griculture, <b>R</b>ecreation and <b>I</b>ndustry. M-A-R-I.<br /><br />
Cannabis-hemp-marijuana makes the best medicine, building materials, fuels, foods and is safest for adult enjoyment while benefiting the environment.<br /><br />
Any candidate, locally or nationally, must support full legalization to get my vote.</i><br />
<br />
Feel free to use this exact wording or to alter it.<br />
<br />
And if someone responds that marijuana will corrupt the children, just say this:<br />
<br />
<i>Aspirin kills thousands of US citizens per year, including children. Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax, Ritalin, Prozac, Prednisone and hundreds of other legal killers have hardly any known history compared to thousands of years with marijuana and no overdoses. How can you trust the government and Big Pharma when <b>over the counter and prescription drugs are killing 44 Americans every single day, including children?</b> </i><br />
<br />
Cannabis-hemp-marijuana dates back thousands of years and is one of the
oldest known crops. The newer strains for medicinal use are much higher in CBD (cannabidiol), which counters the psycho-activity of THC and doesn't make people feel stoned.<br />
<br />
Here are some links to know cannabis-hemp-marijuana better, and they might blow your mind:<br />
<br />
Society of Cannabis Clinicians - <a href="http://cannabisclinicians.org/" target="_blank">http://cannabisclinicians.org/</a><br />
<br />
Project CBD - <a href="http://www.projectcbd.org/" target="_blank">http://www.projectcbd.org/</a><br />
<br />
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition - <a href="http://www.leap.cc/" target="_blank">http://www.leap.cc/</a><br />
<br />
Marijuana Investor News - <a href="http://www.mjinews.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mjinews.com/</a><br />
<br />
Patients Out Of Time - <a href="http://www.medicalcannabis.com/" target="_blank">http://www.medicalcannabis.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" height="75" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-33482391781398339262015-05-20T08:38:00.002-07:002015-05-20T08:38:35.969-07:00Pot Experiment Unlocks Marijuana’s Secrets and Much More<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8birlQyYyVw/VVyhg0Cib-I/AAAAAAAATPs/eUq7OEy0eFc/s1600/marijuana%2Bmouse%2BTime%2Bmagazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8birlQyYyVw/VVyhg0Cib-I/AAAAAAAATPs/eUq7OEy0eFc/s320/marijuana%2Bmouse%2BTime%2Bmagazine.jpg" title=" " width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
If you try to read most of the marijuana articles you see online these days, you might not get much else done. Cannabis-hemp-marijuana has quickly become ubiquitous, and if you think it's big now just wait until America gets closer to elections.</div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
Whether the discussion is about medicine, recreation or industry and with titles ranging from <i>The Great Pot Experiment</i> to<i> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Science Seeks to Unlock Marijuana’s Secrets, </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">mainstream media has completely embraced the grass, weed, herb, green, MJ movement.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="title" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">How could they not? It's a story about government propaganda gone amuck with over 80 years. A story about how a small group of powerful people pulled off the biggest smoke screen in American history. An epic tragedy of a wonderful plant that was woven into every fabric of society and then wrongly accused, dragged through the sewer and imprisoned for crimes it did not commit.</span></div>
<br />
Here are a couple of the latest. From<span class="byline"> Bruce Barcott and Michael Scherer of</span><i><span class="byline"> </span>Time: </i><br />
<h4 class="article-excerpt" itemprop="alternativeHeadline" style="text-align: left;">
Legalization
keeps rolling ahead. But because of years of government roadblocks on
research, we don’t know nearly enough about the dangers of marijuana—or
the benefits</h4>
Read the full article from <i>Time</i> - <a href="http://time.com/3858353/the-great-pot-experiment/" target="_blank">http://time.com/3858353/the-great-pot-experiment/</a><i> </i><br />
<br />
Also this one from Hampton Sides of <i>National Geographic:</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfj23KfSk90/VVjqxJsjLhI/AAAAAAAATOo/C2veYmrUWqM/s1600/marijuana%2Bbud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfj23KfSk90/VVjqxJsjLhI/AAAAAAAATOo/C2veYmrUWqM/s320/marijuana%2Bbud.jpg" title=" " width="320" /></a></div>
There’s nothing new about cannabis, of course. It’s been around humankind pretty much forever.<br />
<br />
In Siberia charred seeds have been found inside burial
mounds dating back to 3000 B.C. The Chinese were using cannabis as a
medicine thousands of years ago. Marijuana is deeply American too—as
American as George Washington, who grew hemp at Mount Vernon. For most
of the country’s history, cannabis was legal, commonly found in
tinctures and extracts.<br />
<br />
Then came Reefer Madness. Marijuana, the Assassin of Youth.
The Killer Weed. The Gateway Drug. For nearly 70 years the plant went
into hiding, and medical research largely stopped. In 1970 the federal
government made it even harder to study marijuana, classifying it as a
Schedule I drug—a dangerous substance with no valid medical purpose and a
high potential for abuse, in the same category as heroin. In America
most people expanding knowledge about cannabis were by definition
criminals.<br />
<br />
Read the full article from <i>National Geographic</i> - <i></i><a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/marijuana/sides-text" target="_blank">http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/marijuana/sides-text</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Cannabis-hemp-marijuana is a plant with thousands of uses for medicine, industry, food, fuels and recreation. Time to pardon it nationally.<br />
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" height="75" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-47993077461001382592015-05-06T08:20:00.001-07:002016-12-22T10:01:02.274-08:00Marijuana Can Reduce NFL Concussions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnm0NnGLWw-01Rzvq5kmXsm80bblAGEBURcyX8-7UsmUo_aUKRBGQ4k1OCVupVlFeZwnUsTaH_Ed1B8GiziwlWXdm0DD43VTCBsR3JhLZmxHb4DgFz7NmK6u9fWw5J_ncyS4G/s1600/NFL+concussions+marijuana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NFL concussions marijuana" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnm0NnGLWw-01Rzvq5kmXsm80bblAGEBURcyX8-7UsmUo_aUKRBGQ4k1OCVupVlFeZwnUsTaH_Ed1B8GiziwlWXdm0DD43VTCBsR3JhLZmxHb4DgFz7NmK6u9fWw5J_ncyS4G/s320/NFL+concussions+marijuana.jpg" title=" " width="292" /></a></div>
The NFL has been dealing with two major issues: concussions and its outdated anti-marijuana policy despite changing times. In a twist of irony, the two may end up working together to make the NFL a safer place for the long run. Can marijuana really help someone with a concussion or prevent a player from getting one? Yes, it can.<br />
<br />
NFL players are no strangers to marijuana. Former players like Nate Jackson and Lomas Brown have publicly estimated
about half of NFL athletes use it for relief. Jackson has said, <i>"Marijuana was something that
helped me, </i>(sic)<i> as the season wore on, my body would start to break down. I
was in a lot of pain.”</i><br />
<br />
Marijuana is among the oldest remedies for pain and stress. Its history dates back thousands of years before Vicodin, Percocet, Toradol and other dangerous pharmaceuticals handed out so freely by NFL medical personnel. Most people know the NFL is dealing with lawsuits related to concussions; not surprisingly it's dealing with drug policy litigation as well. How odd that one of the items on the banned substances list also has potential to heal the brain.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Concussions and CTE</b></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jN5EQDmwi5w/VUlBy1yxUaI/AAAAAAAATLs/amRszbh2Hto/s1600/football%2Bplayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jN5EQDmwi5w/VUlBy1yxUaI/AAAAAAAATLs/amRszbh2Hto/s320/football%2Bplayers.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flickr.com/photos/spcardinals/10147801933/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The helmet protects the skull, but it doesn't keep the brain from sloshing around during a hit. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) comes from repeated head traumas and can evolve into a degenerative brain disease. CTE
may have contributed to the suicides of NFL players Junior Seau and Jovan Belcher, who also killed his girlfriend. In cases of brain trauma, a lot of
inflammation occurs which affects brain function and neural connections. A compound in marijuana
called cannabidiol (CBD) has shown scientific potential to be an
antioxidant and neuroprotectant for the brain. Perhaps that's why some players instinctively prefer it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt1QleLMH44/VUlIGRZ3nuI/AAAAAAAATMM/WrTK-CJW91E/s1600/NFL%2Bcommissioner%2BRoger%2BGoodell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt1QleLMH44/VUlIGRZ3nuI/AAAAAAAATMM/WrTK-CJW91E/s1600/NFL%2Bcommissioner%2BRoger%2BGoodell.jpg" title=" " width="200" /></a><b></b><br />
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<b>Goodell, you still open to medical marijuana?</b></div>
<br />
In January of 2014, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, <i>"We will
follow medicine and if they determine this could be a proper usage in
any context, we will consider that. Our medical experts
are not saying that right now." </i>Goodell did not discuss what the other medical experts are saying, the ones who recommend marijuana over dangerous pharmaceuticals for concussion prevention and treatment. To the commissioner's credit, the NFL has made substantial efforts with rule changes for safer hitting methods, but that's not enough. He needs to acknowledge the opinions of more medical experts and requests from the players who understand what their bodies prefer for pain and inflammation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dr. Lester Grinspoon is one of those reaching out to the NFL commissioner. Grinspoon is a football fan and also Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He's authored many books including <i><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marihuana-Forbidden-Medicine-Lester-Grinspoon/dp/0300070861/" target="_blank">Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine</a>. </span></i><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">Dr. Grinspoon</span><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"> wrote </span><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">Goodell</span><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"> a letter imploring him </span>to actively support research into using cannabis
to treat longterm head trauma.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pESP4YMm9SQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pESP4YMm9SQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uA67rTY4cFM/VUlKdJlksxI/AAAAAAAATMY/4zTtxWO611M/s1600/brain%2Bfunction.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uA67rTY4cFM/VUlKdJlksxI/AAAAAAAATMY/4zTtxWO611M/s1600/brain%2Bfunction.png" title=" " width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flickr.com/photos/reighleblanc/3854684694/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dr. Raphael Machoulam is professor of Medical Chemistry at Hebrew
University in Jerusalem. He's studied cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for over 50 years and identified a major physiological system
(the endocannabinoid system) which seems to be involved in many human
diseases. Marijuana mimics compounds found in the brain, named
endocannabinoids, and are of immense importance
in bodily functions. Related compounds found more recently in
the brain and in bones have to do with brain protection and osteoporosis. <br />
<br />
Clint Werner is a researcher and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marijuana-Gateway-Health-Cannabis-Alzheimers-ebook/dp/B00789SLJ8/" target="_blank"><i><span id="btAsinTitle">Marijuana Gateway to Health: How Cannabis Protects Us from Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease</span></i></a>. Werner says, <i>“Severe head injuries
automatically trigger the production of an excessive amount of
neurotransmitters called glutamates. When there are too many of these
chemicals in the brain, they can initiate a chain reaction of cell
degradation and impairment. The cannabinoids, which we find in
marijuana, work as effective antioxidants, potentially neutralizing the
glutamate activity and stopping the cascade of neuronal damage that can
follow.”</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usrbbe060zo/VUlFcvhORcI/AAAAAAAATL4/WoM1qtvGRkY/s1600/nfl%2Blawsuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usrbbe060zo/VUlFcvhORcI/AAAAAAAATL4/WoM1qtvGRkY/s1600/nfl%2Blawsuits.jpg" title=" " width="150" /></a><b>NFL Concussion Litigation </b><i><br /></i></div>
<br />
In April of 2015 a
federal judge approved the class-action lawsuit settlement
between the NFL and thousands of former players. The total may cost the league $1 billion over 65 years, providing up to $5 million per retired player for serious medical conditions associated with repeated head trauma. Sounds expensive, a shipload more than what it would cost to fund some marijuana research.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Land of the Free, Home of the Brave?</b></div>
<br />
4 states (Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon) and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana while 23 states allow some form of medical marijuana. (Update November 2016, 4 more states have legalized <i>adult recreational use</i> and many have added medicinal legislation.) <br />
Marijuana is going to be legal again in the US. It's not a question of if but of when. The NFL has a chance to be ahead of the game here. Why not let these adults choose for themselves, Mr. Goodell, and remove it from the list of banned substances? Marijuana is not something athletes use for a competitive edge like steroids, and it's not a dangerous drug despite the brain-washing that's been going on since <i>Reefer Madness</i> in 1936. The NHL does not test for marijuana; the NFL shouldn't either. Former Super Bowl champions, Marvin Washington, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Scott Fujita have asked the NFL to <a href="http://nflconcussionlitigation.com/?p=1737" target="_blank">change its marijuana policy</a>. Let's hope more athletes, celebrities and politicians will have the wisdom and the guts to make similar statements. Let's also hope the NFL and the US in general can back away from the "tough on drugs" policy that has been status quo for far too long.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVxGpUJD-QM/VUovNNPIuVI/AAAAAAAATMs/c5KJaVGhxSQ/s1600/Thomas%2BJefferson%2BHemp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVxGpUJD-QM/VUovNNPIuVI/AAAAAAAATMs/c5KJaVGhxSQ/s1600/Thomas%2BJefferson%2BHemp.png" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">relegalize.info/hemp/advocates.shtml</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Americans are supposed to be granted "inalienable rights" to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps the greatest irony in all of this is that the <b>US Government holds a patent (#6630507) for marijuana</b> as a neuroprotectant, while simultaneously classifying marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug with no medical value. <i>Yep, that's our government at work. What would our forefathers say? You know, the ones who grew hemp for just about everything.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
What are your thoughts? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2015/05/marijuana-concussions-and-nfl.html#comment-form">Share a comment</a>.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-43983194415042916362015-04-16T12:34:00.002-07:002015-04-16T18:24:37.431-07:00Chronicles the #1 American Tragedy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSAvvLBkm-k/VTANPkQoZGI/AAAAAAAATKU/IhR4O5WEqEo/s1600/Smoke%2BSignals%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSAvvLBkm-k/VTANPkQoZGI/AAAAAAAATKU/IhR4O5WEqEo/s1600/Smoke%2BSignals%2Bcover.jpg" height="320" title="Smoke Signals by Martin A. Lee" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re American, the documented facts in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Smoke Signals</i> on the US history of
marijuana should outrage you. If you’re not American, you’ll understand the
ludicrous and draconian US policy against industrial hemp and marijuana
inflicted on its citizens for nearly a century. Author Martin A. Lee pulls no
punches demonstrating how the US government has repeatedly screwed over the
people in a misguided war that was doomed to fail from the start, a war with implications
that are impossible to quantify.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ridiculous in concept, it’s a war against a
plant, hemp-marijuana-cannabis, that has been loved throughout human
civilization for noble reasons. A plant that was a required crop during
colonial times for its myriad of uses, and a plant that was recalled by the
government during the Hemp For Victory campaign of WWII.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bravo to Lee for creating a treasure chest of marijuana history
from the introduction to US society to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 and Reefer
Madness through enduring tyranny over the decades to the changes happening in
places like Colorado and recent medical breakthroughs with cannabinoids. America
has been crippled in countless ways by our “leaders” because of their steadfast demonization of this wondrous plant and its potentials, chronicled poetically
by the author.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How could our “leaders” brainwash US citizens saying it had
no medical value whatsoever? How could they poison our world with plastics,
petroleum and dangerous chemicals while imprisoning moms and pops and seizing
their properties?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Lee’s book should be read by the masses, especially at a
time when extensive marijuana reform is happening. You can’t keep a great truth
from rising. Marijuana is not only for people suffering from cancer and other
ailments but for everyone who wants it because it simply makes them FEEL GOOD.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Americans love to sing how we’re the land of the free and
the home of the brave, but in some ways Americans have been hoodwinked into
submission as the opposite of what our founder fathers envisioned. Washington,
Jefferson and Franklin would be speechless if they knew future generations
would make hemp a crime worse than murder in some cases.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bravo to Kerouac, Ginsberg, Kesey, Dylan, The Dead, Brownie
Mary, Debby Goldsberry, Ed Rosanthal, Dennis Perron and a plethora of other
freedom fighters in the book who never gave in to an oppressive regime. As
Perron and others have rightfully pointed out, the American government should
be held accountable for reparations for the suffering it inflicted on
individuals and the country as a whole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No wonder we can’t build prisons fast enough because they’re
overflowing with non-violent marijuana offenses. How many trillions of dollars
have been wasted funding this stupid war while extorting unreasonable finances
from people trying to afford a plant that for a time became more expensive per ounce than
gold? What else will we discover when doctors can finally research the plant
entirely? How much harm has been done with toxic and overpriced pharmaceuticals
and health care? The questions go on and on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a great book. Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Signals-Marijuana-Recreational-Scientific-ebook/dp/B0061OQWY2/" target="_blank"><i>Smoke Signals</i></a> at Amazon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What are your thoughts? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2015/04/chronicles-1-american-tragedy.html#comment-form">Share a comment</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-83139391402451247442015-03-03T07:04:00.000-08:002015-03-03T07:06:25.580-08:00The Union: The Business Behind Getting High<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Adam Scorgie's and Brett Harvey's 2007 documentary, <i>The Union: The Business Behind Getting High, </i>deserves to be seen especially before watching the sequel for 2015, <a href="http://www.theculturehigh.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Culture High</i></a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe align="middle" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-6MdpqgAC-o" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Interesting highlights include:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cannabis-hemp-marijuana has been the largest agricultural crop in the world throughout history.</li>
<li>Marijuana has now been illegal for over 70 years, the longest sustained war in American history.</li>
<li>Tobacco is subsidized by the government, made into cigarettes with added chemicals that contribute to heart disease and cancer, killing 480,000 people in the US per year.</li>
<li>Alcohol contributes to approx. 85,000 deaths per year.</li>
<li>In 10,000 years of marijuana use, no known deaths are directly attributed to it.</li>
<li>Law enforcers claim that alcohol contributes to violent crime, but marijuana does not.</li>
<li>Prohibition makes matters worse because it brings crime into it.</li>
<li>US government spends nearly $8 billion/year on marijuana prohibition.</li>
<li>More people are in jail for marijuana possession than for murder, rape, robbery and assault combined.</li>
<li>The US has more prisoners per capita than any other nation; over 45,000 current prisoners are serving time for marijuana violations.</li>
<li>Marijuana legalization threatens the bottom line for many industries including oil, pharmaceutical, timber, plastics and textile.</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical medicines kill over 100,000 people per year.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What are your thoughts? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2015/03/the-union-business-behind-getting-high.html#comment-form">Share a comment.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a> <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-7395041531038794572015-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:002015-03-03T07:04:13.894-08:00CBD Cannabidiol Ends Child's Seizures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3c8X-yH4sBI" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A clip from <a href="http://www.theculturehigh.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Culture High</i></a>. A father resorts to medicinal cannabis for his 7-year old son who has suffered seizures since age 4 months, sometimes hundreds of seizures per day and was prescribed 12 different medications, 22 pills per day from Jayden's doctors. CBD marijuana extract ended the seizures.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CBD has under 1% THC so it doesn't get Jayden high.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis compound that has significant medical
benefits, but does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually
counteract the psychoactivity of THC. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis
doesn’t get one high makes it an appealing treatment option for patients
seeking <b>anti-inflammatory</b>, <b>anti-pain</b>, <b>anti-anxiety</b>, <b>anti-psychotic</b>, and/or <b>anti-spasm</b> effects without troubling lethargy or dysphoria. - </i>Learn more about CBD and medical cannabis at <a href="http://www.projectcbd.org/about/introducing-cbd/" target="_blank">ProjectCBD.org</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What are your thoughts?<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2015/01/cbd-cannabidiol-ends-childs-seizures.html#comment-form"> Share a comment</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-24230979374636732812014-12-12T09:20:00.001-08:002014-12-12T09:59:31.440-08:00Cannabidiol CBD, Marijuana Medicine Without the High<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CBD is Cannabidiol, the second most prominent chemical compound within marijuana, yet it's taken a distant backseat to THC (<span class="st">tetrahydrocannabinol)</span> over years of selective breeding. That's changing fast as scientists and doctors begin to understand CBD better, which may be far more responsible for medical benefits than THC, the component that makes one feel high. CBD is not psycho-active, an obvious bonus for patients who want natural relief from medical marijuana but don't want to feel stoned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/31SrjjgPbhU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CBD may be a treatment for chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, alcoholism,
PTSD, schizophrenia, antibiotic-resistant infections, rheumatoid
arthritis, MS, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2014/12/cannabidiol-cbd-marijuana-medicine.html#comment-form">Share a comment. </a><br />
<br />
Find out much more info at Project CBD (<a href="http://www.projectcbd.org/" target="_blank">http://www.projectcbd.org/</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-91569167025264220402014-12-02T07:10:00.000-08:002014-12-02T09:01:07.905-08:00New Video Course: Bestselling Keywords for Amazon Authors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIHLKu-muko/VH0a0XWWStI/AAAAAAAAPUs/XNmeqCiomKk/s1600/Cover%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIHLKu-muko/VH0a0XWWStI/AAAAAAAAPUs/XNmeqCiomKk/s1600/Cover%2BImage.jpg" height="180" title="bestselling keywords for Amazon authors" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.prlog.org/12401401.html" target="_blank">Prlog.com</a> - Pismo Beach, CA.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Knowing which keywords to choose and how to use them effectively is a
common need for many authors. This online course makes keyword research simple
to help authors get their books to rank higher with search terms used by Amazon
readers.</span></i>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
A new video course focuses on finding smarter keywords.
Just released by<b> </b>self-publishing instructor, Jason Matthews, <a href="https://www.udemy.com/bestselling-keywords-for-amazon-authors/?couponCode=Keyword7" target="_blank"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bestselling Keywords for Amazon Authors</span></b></a> is
now available at Udemy and other online educational retailers. The course was
created for writers who struggle with metadata and keyword selection, helping
make that aspect of publishing easier. It’s designed for writers about to
publish and for those already selling books on Amazon. It teaches methods for
identifying relevant and popular keywords and categories for any book. It also shows
keyword implementation, which helps readers discover books using Amazon’s
search engine.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Keywords can be effectively added throughout
Amazon’s publishing platform, including in the author’s KDP dashboard, the book’s
title, subtitle, product description and within the actual interior text. The
course uses Amazon’s search engine in conjunction with Google’s Keyword Planner
for research and decision making. It’s a time-saver enabling books to rank higher
in search results for their chosen terms.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
19 video lectures combine for 77 minutes of
instruction with quizzes and supplemental text that includes links to websites
listed in the course. Each video shows real-time examples and are between 2 to
5 minutes in length.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Using
keywords wisely helps any book rank higher with Amazon’s search engine and
places it in front of more perspective readers.</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This course can be accessed with a discount coupon code at <a href="https://www.udemy.com/bestselling-keywords-for-amazon-authors/?couponCode=Keyword7" target="_blank">https://www.udemy.com/bestselling-keywords-for-amazon-authors/?couponCode=Keyword7</a>.</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Check out the video on YouTube:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe align="middle" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hT9VYSegEsI" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">About Jason
Matthews</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Jason
Matthews is an author of multiple books in fiction and non-fiction. He’s an
avid blogger, speaker and publishing coach. His specialties are building author
platform, selling at retailers, social media, blogging and SEO. He teaches a
series of author training videos at Udemy and other online educational retailers.</span>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-82405843123579329262014-11-04T21:54:00.000-08:002014-11-05T07:12:48.154-08:00Voters Approve Legal Marijuana in Washington D.C.-Oregon-Alaska!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0u9-mbfIcA/VFm5Og9tY1I/AAAAAAAAPB8/reFJVsMS9_M/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0u9-mbfIcA/VFm5Og9tY1I/AAAAAAAAPB8/reFJVsMS9_M/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B7.jpg" title=" " /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flickr photos/emiliep/346381107/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Initiative 71 in Washington D.C. passed as expected by a wide margin, allowing the right for people over 21 to possess up to two ounces of
marijuana for personal use and grow modest amounts at home. It does
not allow people to smoke in public nor does it allow for selling, though it lets people "give" marijuana to others over 21<i>.</i> The bill still faces a review by Congress in January. With smooth sailing the new law could go into effect by
April of 2015.<br />
<br />
Oregon voters just created America’s third legal marijuana market. Measure 91 also passed by a wide margin, legalizing recreational marijuana for people over 21, allowing possession of up to eight ounces of
“dried” marijuana and up to four plants. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission will regulate sales.<br />
<br />
In Alaska <span class="updated">voters approved Ballot Measure 2, which </span><span class="updated">allows for cultivation, possession and sales to those over 21 with state taxes on regulated sales.</span> <br />
<br />
The majority of Floridians voted to legalize medical marijuana, but Amendment 2 did not pass by the needed 60% to go into effect. Oh well, think 2016.<br />
<br />
It's pretty clear Americans are tired of the war on marijuana (and hopefully hemp too). Hats off to all the voters who helped make new realities in this country. Next mission, 2016. America, are you ready to fix this injustice of a prohibition on one of the world's greatest natural resources?<br />
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a> of <i>author Jason Matthews.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-87178400162882334012014-11-01T09:38:00.000-07:002014-11-01T09:41:10.526-07:00NY Times Gets It: Time to Legalize<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNmka5SrJD0/VFUK4AYGaLI/AAAAAAAAPAM/9Gvx2HRxQGU/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNmka5SrJD0/VFUK4AYGaLI/AAAAAAAAPAM/9Gvx2HRxQGU/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B6.jpg" height="252" title=" " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy flickr photos/minow/5129134923</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Great NY Times editorial board article on why the war on marijuana is a failure at many levels. Thank you, editorial board!<br />
<i>It took 13 years for the United States to come to its senses
and end Prohibition, 13 years in which people kept drinking, otherwise
law-abiding citizens became criminals and crime syndicates arose and
flourished. It has been more than 40 years since Congress passed the
current ban on marijuana, inflicting great harm on society just to
prohibit a substance far less dangerous than alcohol.
</i><br />
<i>The federal government should repeal the ban on marijuana.
</i><br />
<i>We reached that conclusion after a great deal of discussion
among the members of The Times’s Editorial Board, inspired by a rapidly
growing movement among the states to reform marijuana laws.
</i><br />
<i>There are no perfect answers to people’s legitimate concerns
about marijuana use. But neither are there such answers about tobacco
or alcohol, and we believe that on every level — health effects, the
impact on society and law-and-order issues — the balance falls squarely
on the side of national legalization. That will put decisions on whether
to allow recreational or medicinal production and use where it belongs —
at the state level....</i>(<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html" target="_blank">continue reading NY Times article</a>)<br />
<br />
What do you think--is it time to finally legalize it? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2014/11/ny-times-gets-it-time-to-legalize.html#comment-form">Leave a comment</a>.<br />
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a> of <i>author Jason Matthews.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-50322428787681032612014-10-23T10:26:00.001-07:002014-10-27T09:34:03.691-07:00Marijuana Vote 2014: Should Pot Be Legal?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbL78COTSkk/VEiDqKwQ7UI/AAAAAAAAOrs/1bgnRpWzngU/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbL78COTSkk/VEiDqKwQ7UI/AAAAAAAAOrs/1bgnRpWzngU/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B2.jpg" height="213" title=" " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/9179211415</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 2014 midterm election has a few eye-catching marijuana initiatives, either for medicinal use or to legalize it as Colorado and Washington did in 2012. Those landmark states allow adults over 21 to possess and use pot in modest amounts though the details get a little murkier when it comes to transactions like selling, the exact weights, the ages and home locations of people involved. Go figure.<br />
23 other states have already passed some measure of medicinal use and/or decriminalized personal use of small amounts. Thoughts ahead to 2016 include how many states may allow further medical use, further recreational use, further pet use (see below), or even talk of downright federal legalization.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_bCeu2SNio/VEiQACAabNI/AAAAAAAAOsA/BRMhB6l-jUs/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_bCeu2SNio/VEiQACAabNI/AAAAAAAAOsA/BRMhB6l-jUs/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B5.jpg" height="320" title=" " width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Legalize it?</b><br />
Seems like a stretch since the federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, the most dangerous controlled substance category that has "no known medical use and is highly abusive." Cocaine is a Schedule 2 drug, allowing for medical use. <i>What about the approximately 40,000 inmates currently in prison for marijuana-related offenses?</i> (That's more than inmates of homicides, burglaries and sex crimes combined.)<br />
Oregon and Alaska both have similar measures, 91 and 2, to what Colorado and Washington have passed, essentially legalizing personal use and in theory benefiting from the commodity's taxation. The problem is that most pot is still sold under the table to avoid excessive taxes, plus banks are shy to do business with weed dealers. Again, go figure. But if Oregon and Alaska legalize marijuana, that should royally piss off Californians to be so far behind the times since California was the state that got the whole medical joint rolling back in 1996. Hard to believe it's been 18 years. <br />
<br />
<b>Grandma likes herb</b><br />
One state voting on medicinal marijuana is Florida, which has by far the largest percentage of citizens over 65, an age group noted for care-taking needs and often steeped in tradition. Just guessing, might be a close vote there.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5Lf7XaQYc/VEkll-Bo-JI/AAAAAAAAOso/fXre9SxYX-I/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD5Lf7XaQYc/VEkll-Bo-JI/AAAAAAAAOso/fXre9SxYX-I/s1600/legalize%2Bmarijuana%2B3.jpg" height="240" title=" " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/dustinq/485932555</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Undo the damage done</b><br />
Perhaps the most interesting vote since the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act is Initiative 71 in Washington D.C. that seeks to fully legalize the possession and use of up to two ounces of
marijuana and the possession and cultivation of up to three marijuana
plants. If it passes, one would assume the lines drawn by the federal government will need to be made much clearer or perhaps eliminated altogether.<br />
<br />
<b>The future</b><br />
The horizon is poised for an explosive evolution, similar to when the large lizards died out and mammals roamed freely. Imagine buying a snack from a pot vending machine like the ones distributed by Zazzz. Or for those who like their feet more grounded, how about cannabidiol for your ailments, all the healing
without the high? There's even companies like Canna-Pet that make pet food, treats and oils. Again, it's for good health and not for
getting Kitty stoned, you can stick to the catnip for that. And my cereal wouldn't be the same without a scoop of hemp seeds thrown in, bought at Costco but imported from Canada of course.<br />
<br />
<b>Okay, you can have your weed but God please not your hemp!</b><br />
IMO, the strangest aspect about all of this is that hemp is still illegal, a wonderful plant that can be used for textiles, plastics, paper, food, fuels, building materials and much more. Believe it or not, it used to be illegal NOT to grow hemp in Virginia due to its versatility. Fun fact: hemp doesn't get you high, it's simply a great plant that can be used for just about anything and that's why our forefathers grew it. The war against this plant is beyond something that doesn't make sense; it's a paradox and a travesty and seriously needs fixing.<br />
<br />
What do you think--should pot be legal? Or dare I say it, should hemp be legal? <a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/2014/10/marijuana-vote-2014-should-pot-be-legal.html#comment-form">Leave a comment</a>.<br />
--<br />
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a> of <i>author Jason Matthews.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="75" title="add me to Google Plus" width="75" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author">add me to your Google Plus circles</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 90%;"> </span> </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-33896435341729442252014-07-22T08:26:00.000-07:002014-07-22T08:26:22.157-07:00Lessons from the Dying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Dead?
Part of my consciousness resisted the notion even though I was moving fast beyond
the hunch that it was possible. I remained stuck in space, waffling over what
to do. The light continued to draw me to it, not in a demanding way but like a gentle
invitation.</span></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“There
is as much time as you need,” the voice said with such compassion that I felt
completely at ease, which resulted in an outpour of emotion. I didn’t want to
cry but there was no resisting. The emotions flowed from me like water from a
busted dam as the realization hit home that everything I had known was now in
the past, forever separated. The voice reassured me as it said, “Many souls encounter
what you’re feeling now.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I
continued to sob, still wanting to hold back but knowing that wasn’t possible.
The emotions were set free in a way I had never experienced, slowly morphing
into a sound I’d never made before. It was no longer a weeping of only sadness
but a release of fear, frustration and resentment mixed with relief, joy, even
love. The sounds of all emotions combined into a melody of pure expression. Then
they passed and left me as quickly as they had come.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I settled
into a peaceful acceptance. I relaxed and focused more clearly on the light
source, allowing the brilliant yet soft glow to draw me in.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At
last I said, “I’m okay.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“You
are.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
final thing I said before joining the light was, “I’m surprised I hadn’t
thought about this more.”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Most
of us don’t think much about our mortality. We don’t wake up and wonder if
today might be our last. Instead we think about the things on our schedule and
in the days ahead. But some people do go through their day occasionally wondering,
<i>will I die today?</i> It’s hard for the rest of us to imagine what that must
be like.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There
are many people who are close to their dying days and conscious of it. Usually
we think of the elderly, but this also includes children and younger adults, anyone
with a condition that is ending their lifetime imminently. Whether you spend
time with people who know they are experiencing final days, or if you research
them and read books by hospice workers, it should be noted how often their
recommendations and reflections on life contain similar themes. The consistency
of their advice should be taken to heart like pearls of wisdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">What
are some lessons from the dying elderly? People who have lived full lives and
are winding down typically say things like this:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Do what you love.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Life is short; appreciate the time
you have.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Don’t work too hard or worry so
much about money.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Relationships are everything. Make
time for family and friends. Give love.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Be honest.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Forgive everyone. Forgive yourself.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">If you owe someone an apology, give
it.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Be happy.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It’s
not surprising that many children and younger adults with life-threatening
illnesses speak about similar themes:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Be yourself and let others be who
they are.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Be grateful for your blessings.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Time is precious.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">People matter.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Follow your dreams.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="referenceDRLaniLearyreturn"></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Hospice care expert, Dr. Lani
Leary Ph.D., has worked with hundreds of patients experiencing their final days.
She has found dying people do not fear death; they are more concerned about emotional
abandonment, not feeling connected to loved ones or not feeling valued. Dr.
Leary says dying people want these things:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They want us to listen. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen openly</b> without judgment,
assumptions or comparisons. Be comfortable with silence too.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They want us to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">touch them.</b> Dying people may feel self-conscious,
even ugly or undesirable. Physical touch helps tremendously whether it’s
holding their hands, embracing them or gently brushing their hair.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They want our love and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">permission to let go,</b> that they may
leave this lifetime without feeling like they quit on us, failed us somehow or
abandoned us (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=19883521#referenceDRLaniLeary">Leary</a>, 2011).</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">When
you take the advice of those about to pass on and combine that with their final
requests from us, it becomes a pretty good recipe for wise living. Imagine if
more people in the world:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6XzWuNfUY0/U86A0t3rXgI/AAAAAAAALeE/DZ-aNtA0NhI/s1600/Better+You+Better+Me+by+Jason+Matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Better You, Better Me by Jason Matthews" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6XzWuNfUY0/U86A0t3rXgI/AAAAAAAALeE/DZ-aNtA0NhI/s1600/Better+You+Better+Me+by+Jason+Matthews.jpg" height="320" title=" Better You, Better Me by Jason Matthews" width="213" /></a>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Listened without judging and let
people be who they want to be.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Touched each other more openly, in
a caring way meant to appreciate the other person.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Focused on improving
relationships, cultivating happiness along with forgiveness for everyone.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is easier said
than done, but wouldn’t the world be a better place if more of us had this
philosophy? I knew I needed to improve in these areas, which were among my
first focal points in being a better version of me. The focus on the bigger picture
is an ever-present theme. We’ll discuss these concepts and others throughout
the chapters of this book. We’ll also cover ways to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">remember and apply</b> the concepts, which have remarkable results.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This book is available at<a href="http://mybook.to/BetterYou" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>.</span></i>
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i> -</i>-</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="50" title="add me to Google Plus" width="50" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author" target="_blank">add me to your Google Plus circles</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-16912766411159884562014-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:002015-01-09T12:25:44.078-08:00A Slightly Better You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I watched my own body as it
lay motionless beneath me. I hovered near the ceiling, marveling at how genuine
the experience felt. It was real yet completely surreal, examining my lifeless figure
on display. While hovering there, the first inklings came that I may have died.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A sense of detachment already
existed, knowing it was my body but it wasn’t me. It didn’t define “me” anymore;
it had just been my container and “I” was something else. An impulse compelled
me to leave the body behind and move toward a light source above that was
beckoning me to join it. I can’t explain how it was beckoning me but I sensed
it was. As I began floating toward the light, a stubborn resistance held me
back, and I remained suspended in the air for what seemed like a very long time.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You’re safe,” a voice said.
It came from the light and had a wavy resonance, like a sound made under water,
making it hard to tell if the speaker was male or female.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I am?” I heard myself reply
but couldn’t sense much else except for my mind trying to determine if I was
dreaming or experiencing an altered state of consciousness. The first
impressions were no familiarity yet a strange feeling of relief.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Life as you knew it has run
its course.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For some reason, I sensed it
was true. The motionless body beneath me confirmed it. My life had ended—it was
just over. After a moment to digest the concept, I responded with one word.
“Wow.”</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW_ucv7aPiOSxE5clsqA3pZK0NaE5Iog5QtuTecgiTF5UbeKViJeguBz5ChzQKFEwEhSzxg99vG9SI552RuVcqy_aQfEzMGJsXTv_yS-P-kSMoR-5t8VFlHBywPUMxRiJmuM9/s1600/cover+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW_ucv7aPiOSxE5clsqA3pZK0NaE5Iog5QtuTecgiTF5UbeKViJeguBz5ChzQKFEwEhSzxg99vG9SI552RuVcqy_aQfEzMGJsXTv_yS-P-kSMoR-5t8VFlHBywPUMxRiJmuM9/s1600/cover+image.jpg" height="180" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Imagine something like this is
happening. You realize you’ve passed away and it’s a little overwhelming. This
is a hypothetical discussion today, but we all know it will happen. It has to
happen eventually. Thinking about death isn’t much fun, but it can change your
life as it did with mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even if it feels
uncomfortable, take a moment to seriously imagine your life has just ended.
Perhaps the end came when you were hit by a bus; maybe you drifted off in sleep
at a ripe old age; maybe it happened another way. We can leave those details to
you and also which version of an afterlife you experience, but for this hypothetical
postmortem scenario it needs to be a <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">conscious
afterlife,</span> not a total end of existence. Whether you are with a heavenly
figure, or bathed in a brilliant light or surrounded by previously departed
family and friends, simply imagine you have died and your consciousness is
still intact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now think about this next
concept, one which many survivors of near-death experiences have reported happening
to them. During this afterlife, what if you were given the opportunity to reflect
on your lifetime? What if you were shown events from your life, like being a
witness to it, where choices were made and actions were taken or not taken? How
might that make you feel?</span></div>
<h2>
Reflections on Your Life</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If this were to happen, it
seems likely the amount of money you made wouldn’t be the biggest concern.
Perhaps how you interacted with family and friends would be. <i>Was I a loving
spouse, a responsible parent or even a good friend?</i> Maybe it would be how
well you took care of your body. <i>Did I exercise enough and eat well? Did I listen
to my body when it gave me signs?</i> Perhaps you’d reflect on choices at crossroads
and whether or not you chose wisely. <i>Did I accept that opportunity presented
to me? Did I take any risks, or did I act too impulsively?</i> Maybe it would
be something else, like allowing a dream or ambition to wither and fade away. <i>Did
I follow my heart? Did I give my dream a chance?</i> Regardless of the main
focus during your life-review, there might be one nagging thought, a thought I
would also have because hindsight is always clearer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I could have done better.</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s not easy to think about.
This thought brought me to tears when I truly contemplated how I could have
loved my family members <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">better</span> or
how I could have achieved my goals in life <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">better</span>. Perhaps you feel the same way or can sympathize. When
evaluating our past choices in a hypothetical afterlife there is no winning or
losing, just an interpretation of what we did and how it makes us feel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="referenceNDERFreturn"></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe this won’t happen to you but maybe it will. If you
research enough people who have had near-death experiences, you’ll find this
pattern repeating (Near Death Experience Research
Foundation, 1999).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I could have done better.</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The thought even makes me
angry. Nobody is perfect. Nobody’s close to perfect so we always could have
done better. I understand that and you do too. Let’s not get stuck there, even
though it is true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead think of it this
way: if there will be a life-review, wouldn’t you appreciate knowing about it
beforehand so you can make more effort to be better while still alive? I
believe most people would, just as they’d prefer to proudly watch their <i>better</i>
version during the hypothetical life-review.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s not a stretch then to
make a case that this should be a focus of more people’s lives, to be a better
version of themselves or even a <i>slightly </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">better version<i> </i></span>during the time we have left. Slightly
better is a smart short-term goal. After all, nobody should expect an Ebenezer
Scrooge transformation where you go from being a tyrant to a saint in one wild night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What do you think—are you willing
to give it a try? I hope you will because you’ll be joining me in something
that has <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">transformed my life.</b> If you
decide to try it, there’s no time like the present. <i>Whether there’s a
life-review or not, you probably agree that a better version of you sounds like
a fine idea.</i> I hope you are curious enough to keep reading because this
book can bring about wonderful life changes.</span></div>
<h2>
A New Focus</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Better You, Better Me. This
concept has become a priority in my life. I went through the hypothetical
discussion in a very real way and didn’t like what I saw. At that time I
couldn’t bear the thought of my accumulated experiences being my final legacy
since there was still so much more I wanted to do and fix, or at least try to
do and fix. Whether or not the life-review happens, I’m going to work on <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">being better</span>. It’s good for me and
everyone around me. Today, tomorrow, next week and so on I plan to maintain a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">calm focus,</b> not an obsession, but a
calm focus on personal development. Perhaps it’s the greatest thing I can focus
on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today I will be a slightly
better version of me.</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This mantra enveloped me once
I adopted it. Why write a book about the focus? Because I’ve experienced profound
changes and felt compelled to share. The changes began to happen soon after
adopting the focus. My attitude became more positive. My reasoning grew
clearer. My body got healthier. Relationships felt more meaningful. Work and
finances finally started to turn around. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Everything
in life improved as a result.</span> The daily focus caused dramatic
experiences to occur fairly quickly and spread out to each area of my life. I
know it can for you too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you decide to adopt this
mantra and focus on becoming a better version of you with occasional reminders
each day, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">amazing things will happen.</b>
It’s not a secret or a gimmick; it’s a set of practices that works when applied.
Please continue reading and find out if the ideas within this book work for you
too. I can promise this much—it will be worth the small effort.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May I ask a favor? Please
read this next question out loud:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Can I be a slightly better
version of me?”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I assume the answer is yes.
Did it feel good saying it or make you smile? Now try saying the next sentence
out loud with genuine interest:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“How can I be a slightly
better me?”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is where it gets
interesting. The responses are different for everyone, even if the answers aren’t
readily apparent but are percolating as subconscious blips. When you sincerely
ask how you can be better, something within you perks up at the mere question.
Maybe you have solid answers already in mind, or maybe you have a hunch of
things to come. I hope both are true, because all of that is where we’re heading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“What can I do to be a
slightly better me?”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Simply asking questions like
these is a remarkable experience of introspection. It’s shifting from a state
of passively wishing for a better life to actively seeking solutions. This is
how the transformations in my life occurred. The questions alone inspire greater
things that are already within us and waiting to emerge. But hang on; this is a
lot more than merely saying a few magic words. This is also <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">living those words,</span> mentally and
physically applying them, even when taking baby steps toward the better you.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***</span></div>
<h2>
Key Concepts</h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Begin by describing yourself as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The New Me.</b> This book is going to talk about you changing for the better;
therefore The New Me begins to exist as soon as you start altering the old one.
Besides, it feels good. I think you’ll find it a refreshing way to think about
yourself.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Better Me and The New Me are powerful daily focuses or mantras.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It helps to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">write it
down:</b> <i>How can I be a slightly better me?</i> If it’s in a few places as
a daily reminder, it’s easier to keep the focus.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You can use my examples or come up with your own specifics,
but phrase them audibly and as questions.</span></div>
<h2>
Questions to Focus on Better Me</h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“What can I do to be happier?”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“How can I treat my body better?”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“What can I do to be better at my
job?”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“How can I be a better parent?”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“What can I do to be a better
lover?”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“How can I be a slightly better
golfer?”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“How can I be a slightly better
me?”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0krrZmqXmVUA9TOVEks3qcbJKs7c_7ZKdi1RPU9XZBdEKyt7qNFxhCAjFq4xIxJmwZ0NIzZu7BeVTW3TAVj6eOHsX5_qEaIBqwnMzCxdTtDmDgzdyTYZ8e4TmNk2JmVGzi04/s1600/Better+You+Better+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Better You Better Me" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0krrZmqXmVUA9TOVEks3qcbJKs7c_7ZKdi1RPU9XZBdEKyt7qNFxhCAjFq4xIxJmwZ0NIzZu7BeVTW3TAVj6eOHsX5_qEaIBqwnMzCxdTtDmDgzdyTYZ8e4TmNk2JmVGzi04/s1600/Better+You+Better+Me.jpg" height="320" title=" Better You Better Me" width="213" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I know this is redundant, but write this one down or
write down a few versions because if you don’t have the daily reminder, it’s
easy to forget. Then ask the questions out loud to yourself. Phrasing them as questions
gets your mind’s creative juices flowing, even at the subconscious level. The
answers are often already inside you or within your grasp; questions help to reveal
those answers and get results. We’ll discuss this in greater detail in the Affirmations,
I AM and Asking Questions chapter.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This daily reminder, which I
refer to as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the focus,</b> is the cornerstone
for positive life change. It helps me to have a few versions of these little
notes in places where I’ll see them throughout the day: one in my wallet, a
wrinkly one in my pocket and one taped to the laptop. It enables everything
else to follow. You might be surprised how soon positive changes will
materialize.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Although it’s important to remember
any meaningful transformation takes time and persistence to become a permanent
part of you. The book is not long, but it contains a lot to think about and
incorporate into your life. For that reason it isn’t meant to be read entirely in
one sitting. I recommend reading it one or two chapters at a time, or one part
at a time, and allowing those concepts to soak in. See if they have a similar
influence on your life as they did on mine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“How can I be a slightly
better me?”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> This book is available at<a href="http://mybook.to/BetterYou" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i> -</i>-</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="50" title="add me to Google Plus" width="50" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author" target="_blank">add me to your Google Plus circles</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883521.post-45871891951468146942014-04-22T06:24:00.000-07:002014-04-22T08:15:13.976-07:00Prosperity Better Focus than Money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGoopo2ayJI/U1LEfB4QEtI/AAAAAAAAKYQ/abLwvzbid4I/s1600/Barrett+Strong+Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGoopo2ayJI/U1LEfB4QEtI/AAAAAAAAKYQ/abLwvzbid4I/s1600/Barrett+Strong+Money.jpg" height="220" title=" " width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Prosperity or
money, which would you choose?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Money, that’s what I want!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
The title of
the famous song above was written by Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford in 1959, first
performed by Barrett Strong (*named misspelled on album to the left, song possibly co-written by Strong, see mention at end
of post*). The catchy tune was later performed by The Beatles, The Rolling
Stones, The Kingsmen, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Jerry
Lee Lewis, Cheap Trick, Johnny Lee Hooker, The Flying Lizards, Bruno Mars,
David Gray and a multitude of other bands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H-4E-SKm5Q/U1LFGGnubpI/AAAAAAAAKYY/MztTLLG_dSI/s1600/The+Beatles+Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H-4E-SKm5Q/U1LFGGnubpI/AAAAAAAAKYY/MztTLLG_dSI/s1600/The+Beatles+Money.jpg" height="262" title=" " width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
What makes
this song so popular with artists that don’t need to play covers? One reason is
because the lyrics speak to a great paradox that perplexes people when they
think about what they really want. Here are some of the lyrics from the original
performer, Barrett Strong:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The best things in life are free</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But you can give them to the birds and bees</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I need money</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s what I want</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Your love gives me such a thrill</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But your love don’t pay my bills</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I need money</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s what I want</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Let’s get
this straight—the best things in life, even thrilling love, are free—but
the singer would rather have money? Some might say the words are meant partly in jest but based on the song's popularity, especially as a cover for other bands, there appears to be genuine intent behind the lyrics. The brash statements fly in the face of philosophical
teachings from religions around the world like this below, which is one of my
favorites:</div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoDQeUmYPMY/U1LSDHOtHTI/AAAAAAAAKa4/HJPNdw-rpLM/s1600/Lao+Tzu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoDQeUmYPMY/U1LSDHOtHTI/AAAAAAAAKa4/HJPNdw-rpLM/s1600/Lao+Tzu.jpg" height="220" title=" " width="125" /></a>
<li><i>Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. - Lao Tzu (Taoism)</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
This also
gets into the difference between <b>charity</b> and <b>empowerment.</b> Giving a man a fish
is like giving him money for one meal. Teaching him to fish is giving him a
chance at prosperity and eating well for life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
For some
reason, most people are hooked on the thought that they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need more money.</i> What’s the cause? Is it a fear of poverty, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">keeping up
with the Joneses,</i> or buying
into a common belief that success equals extravagance? It’s easy to fall into
those mindsets; people want money and lots of it in order to feel secure and
live a carefree lifestyle with plenty of toys. But do you really think that’s the way
it works—that simply having money will solve your problems? Of course it
doesn’t work that way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEg3vVcWO9o/U1aFPEGWWpI/AAAAAAAAKcg/TGHaoT9N-eE/s1600/Lamborghini+Aventador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEg3vVcWO9o/U1aFPEGWWpI/AAAAAAAAKcg/TGHaoT9N-eE/s1600/Lamborghini+Aventador.jpg" height="192" title=" " width="288" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Simply wanting or needing more money will not help it materialize. It's like putting the cart before the horse. Taking care of the business that is
before you in the present time is your work in life, whatever that might be.
That business before you now is the metaphorical horse; the rewards that follow
are the cart. Those rewards may include satisfaction, higher self-value,
recognition from others, increased opportunities and also more money. This is
how prosperity works, by doing what you do well and continuing from there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Let’s step
back to money for a moment. Think of the main ways you could acquire large
amounts of money:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJNNlPgsmuI/U1LNejjazfI/AAAAAAAAKZs/84ccJVAVHNU/s1600/work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJNNlPgsmuI/U1LNejjazfI/AAAAAAAAKZs/84ccJVAVHNU/s1600/work.jpg" height="255" title=" " width="256" /></a>
<li>receive it as a gift</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>get inheritance from a relative’s death</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>win a lottery or prize drawing</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>steal it from another (please don’t)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>be awarded money in court</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>earn it through your own actions</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Notice how
the final one on the list, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">earn it
through your own actions,</i> is the one that would bring by far the most
personal pride while also creating opportunity for more money in the future.
Even though good things can come with money no matter how it’s acquired, earning
it would make you the happiest and be in your best interest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Prosperity is
closely related to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">life purpose.</b>
Prosperity comes from doing everything you do as well as you can. It transforms
from actions into accomplishment, recognition, expansion, opportunity and also accumulation
of wealth. With prosperity, there is an element of:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>goodness, benefits and well-being</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>personal growth</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>improvement and victory</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>rewards on many levels</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>increased opportunities in the future</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOL_-8dTJAo/U1LOlfvp97I/AAAAAAAAKaE/s2RIP6IcVv4/s1600/trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOL_-8dTJAo/U1LOlfvp97I/AAAAAAAAKaE/s2RIP6IcVv4/s1600/trophy.jpg" height="155" title=" " width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
If you watch
interviews with athletes who win major competitions, they never say “I just
focused on having that trophy.” They say they focused on performing well in all
aspects of their game. In the same way an award-winning actress doesn’t solely practice giving an award speech someday; she practices reading her lines and
playing the role as well as she can. The trophy and award’s speech are akin to
money; they are<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> by-products</b> of doing
other things well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is what
prosperity is about, taking positive actions in the here and now. It’s a state
of mind and a state of physical being. Prosperity is about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your unique work and responsibilities, your destiny, personal growth
and expansion.</i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppDjCOSl-Rk/U1LPts66HpI/AAAAAAAAKao/WV5RAs21mgE/s1600/prosperity+god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppDjCOSl-Rk/U1LPts66HpI/AAAAAAAAKao/WV5RAs21mgE/s1600/prosperity+god.jpg" height="290" title=" " width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://flic.kr/p/2qf1i</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
There’s no
need to focus on money. In fact, it may be a hindrance if you solely think about
money and your perceived lack of it. Instead, if you concentrate on prosperity (achievement, growth, benefit) and do
your present work well, the money should come as a result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
How can you
attract more prosperity? To begin, limit any negatives in your
thoughts or speech that have to do with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">needing
money, which is a lack mentality.</i> Have faith that your needs will be met even if it’s not in the way
your ego would ask for it, like a million dollars materializing in your lap.
Next, think and speak about the role prosperity can play in your life. Here are
some thoughts that will spur your creative juices for more prosperity:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Will I recognize
the opportunities that come my way?</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Will I act
upon those opportunities?</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><i>H</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ow can I
do my work better?</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What am I
grateful for here and now?</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Will I
remember to limit negatives in thought and speech?</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
It’s
interesting how many songs exist about money. These are just a few: Money For
Nothing (Dire Straits), Money (Pink Floyd), Take the Money and Run (Steve
Miller Band), Money, Money (Liza Minelli), Moneytalks (ACDC), For the Love of
Money (The O’Jays) and The Big Money (Rush).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
How many
songs are there about prosperity? Clearly not enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
*The first singer
of the famous song, Money (That’s What I Want), was Barrett Strong. In an
ironic twist of fate that resembles self-fulfilling prophesy, Strong’s name was
removed from the original song-writing credits denying him a share of royalties
from a hit that would have made him wealthy. Read more about it in this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/arts/music/for-a-classic-motown-song-about-money-credit-is-what-he-wants.html?" target="_blank">NY Times article</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i>-</i>-</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.thebigbangauthor.com/"><b>Home Page</b></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/117850331447734054313?rel=author"><br /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jason Matthews on Google Plus" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OIhlFS3wxc/Ua31ZAUo4jI/AAAAAAAAFB4/kXxs5xp71mg/s200/Google+Plus+badge+Jason+Matthews.png" height="50" title="add me to Google Plus" width="50" /></a></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author"><br /></a>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews?rel=author" target="_blank">add me to your Google Plus circles</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jason Matthews, http://www.thelittleuniverse.com</div>Jason Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12789780815865767782noreply@blogger.com0