A Slightly Better You

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“Life as you knew it has run its course.”

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.”

***

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.

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 conscious afterlife, 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.

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?

Reflections on Your Life

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. Was I a loving spouse, a responsible parent or even a good friend? Maybe it would be how well you took care of your body. Did I exercise enough and eat well? Did I listen to my body when it gave me signs? Perhaps you’d reflect on choices at crossroads and whether or not you chose wisely. Did I accept that opportunity presented to me? Did I take any risks, or did I act too impulsively? Maybe it would be something else, like allowing a dream or ambition to wither and fade away. Did I follow my heart? Did I give my dream a chance? 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.

I could have done better.

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 better or how I could have achieved my goals in life better. 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.

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).

I could have done better.

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.

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 better version during the hypothetical life-review.

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 slightly better version 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.

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 transformed my life. If you decide to try it, there’s no time like the present. Whether there’s a life-review or not, you probably agree that a better version of you sounds like a fine idea. I hope you are curious enough to keep reading because this book can bring about wonderful life changes.

A New Focus

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 being better. It’s good for me and everyone around me. Today, tomorrow, next week and so on I plan to maintain a calm focus, not an obsession, but a calm focus on personal development. Perhaps it’s the greatest thing I can focus on.

Today I will be a slightly better version of me.

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. Everything in life improved as a result. 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.

If you decide to adopt this mantra and focus on becoming a better version of you with occasional reminders each day, amazing things will happen. 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.

May I ask a favor? Please read this next question out loud:

“Can I be a slightly better version of me?”

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:

“How can I be a slightly better me?”

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.

“What can I do to be a slightly better me?”

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 living those words, mentally and physically applying them, even when taking baby steps toward the better you.

***

Key Concepts

• Begin by describing yourself as The New Me. 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.

•  Better Me and The New Me are powerful daily focuses or mantras.

• It helps to write it down: How can I be a slightly better me? If it’s in a few places as a daily reminder, it’s easier to keep the focus.

You can use my examples or come up with your own specifics, but phrase them audibly and as questions.

Questions to Focus on Better Me

• “What can I do to be happier?”

• “How can I treat my body better?”

• “What can I do to be better at my job?”

• “How can I be a better parent?”

• “What can I do to be a better lover?”

• “How can I be a slightly better golfer?”

• “How can I be a slightly better me?”

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.

This daily reminder, which I refer to as the focus, 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.

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.

“How can I be a slightly better me?”

 

 This book is available at Amazon.

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Prosperity Better Focus than Money

Prosperity or money, which would you choose?

Money, that’s what I want!

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.

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:

The best things in life are free

But you can give them to the birds and bees

I need money

That’s what I want

Your love gives me such a thrill

But your love don’t pay my bills

I need money

That’s what I want

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:

• 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)

This also gets into the difference between charity and empowerment. 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.

For some reason, most people are hooked on the thought that they need more money. What’s the cause? Is it a fear of poverty, or keeping up with the Joneses, 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.

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.

Let’s step back to money for a moment. Think of the main ways you could acquire large amounts of money:

• receive it as a gift

• get inheritance from a relative’s death

• win a lottery or prize drawing

•  steal it from another (please don’t)

• be awarded money in court

• earn it through your own actions

Notice how the final one on the list, earn it through your own actions, 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.

Prosperity is closely related to life purpose. 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:

• goodness, benefits and well-being

•  personal growth

•  improvement and victory

• rewards on many levels

• increased opportunities in the future

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 by-products of doing other things well.

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 your unique work and responsibilities, your destiny, personal growth and expansion.

https://flic.kr/p/2qf1i

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.

How can you attract more prosperity? To begin, limit any negatives in your thoughts or speech that have to do with needing money, which is a lack mentality. 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:

Will I recognize the opportunities that come my way?

Will I act upon those opportunities?

How can I do my work better?

What am I grateful for here and now?

Will I remember to limit negatives in thought and speech?

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).

How many songs are there about prosperity? Clearly not enough.

*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 NY Times article.

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Writers Digest Webinar April 10th

How to Make and Market eBooks to Maximize Sales and Advance Your Writing Career
Format: Live Webinar
Register today to attend this live webinar!
Live Webinar Date: Thursday, April 10, 2014
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Length: 90 minutes
Price: $89.99
Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for one year. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation. In all WD webinars, no question goes unanswered. Attendees have the ability to chat with the instructor during the live event and ask questions. You will receive a copy of the webinar presentation in an e-mail that goes out one week after the live event. The answers to questions not covered in the live presentation will be included in this e-mail as well.
ABOUT THE CRITIQUE
All registrants are invited to submit a choice of 1 of the 3 options below for evaluation and critique. All submissions will be evaluated and are guaranteed a written critique by Jason Matthews.
Option #1: An actual ebook's formatting and design. Submissions in MSWord.
Option #2: Amazon or other retailer's book link to ensure they're discoverable in regards to keywords for titles, description and categories.
Option #3: A link to the blog/website that serves as your main marketing tool for a critique of what is presently useful and what's missing or recommended.
Please Note: Even if you can't attend the live webinar, registering for this live version will enable you to receive the On Demand webinar and a personal critique of your material. Purchasing the On Demand version after the live event will not include a critique.
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
Ebooks are revolutionizing the world of authors, readers and retailers. The advent of digital publishing enables any writer to reach her/his audience all over the world instantly and free of cost to the author. Royalties are far better than those of traditional publishing, with most retailers paying authors 70% of each ebook sale. Because of this, ebooks are exploding with opportunity. It's never been a better time to be an author and sell ebooks, but it's also necessary to do it wisely. The successful author must do more than just write a great book; they also need to understand aspects of book production and make themselves visible to a global population of readers.
This new live webinar teaches how to be successful with ebooks. Topics include the ingredients to a great ebook, formatting, cover design, uploading to retailers, using websites and social media. Discussion covers the art of doing-it-yourself when possible and also hiring out affordably for items like editing and cover design.
The instructor is Jason Matthews, a writer, how-to expert, avid blogger and self-publishing coach. He works with indie authors around the globe and speaks at writing conferences on these topics.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to stand out as an author in the global business of ebooks
• Formatting essentials your book must have
• How to make eye-catching covers that hook readers
• Which retailers matter most and specifics when uploading there
• How to use keywords so more readers find your book
• Social media tips to limit time and maximize results
• The key ingredients for a successful blog or website

INSTRUCTOR
Jason Matthews is a novelist, blogger and self-publishing coach. He works with writers around the world through every phase of book creation and marketing. His specialties include building author platform, selling at major retailers, social media, blogging and SEO. He's the founder of a Facebook group with over 2,000 writers and hosts a weekly Indie Authors series on Google Plus discussing current topics and interviewing top indies. His novels and how-to guides include:
The Little Universe
Jim's Life
How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks All for Free
Get On Google Front Page
How to Make Your Own Free Website: And Your Free Blog Too
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Writers with books nearly finished
• Writers who aren't familiar with publishing options
• Authors who want to sell more books
• Writers who need to save money on hiring out
• Authors who want to understand keywords better
• Writers looking for resources for cover design
• Writers who feel intimidated by the technology
• Authors wanting new ideas for marketing

HOW DOES THE CRITIQUE WORK?
All registrants are invited to submit a choice of 1 of the 3 options below for evaluation and critique. All submissions will be evaluated and are guaranteed a written critique by Jason Matthews. Instructions on how to submit your work are sent after you officially register.
Option #1: An actual ebook's formatting and design. Submissions in MSWord.
Option #2: Amazon or other retailer's book link to ensure they're discoverable in regards to keywords for titles, description and categories.
Option #3: A link to the blog/website that serves as your main marketing tool for a critique of what is presently useful and what's missing or recommended.
HOW DOES THE WEBINAR WORK?
The webinar is broadcasted via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer speakers or over your telephone. The live webinar’s visual presentation is displayed directly from the Presenter's computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions being read and answered by the Presenter for the entire class to hear. In the event some questions are not answered during the live session, an e-mail with questions and answers will be sent to all webinar attendees. By attending the live webinar and/or asking questions, your full name may be stated during the live event and captured in the recording.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
All you need is a computer or iOS device, and an internet connection.You’ll be able to view the presentation and listen to the audio over computer speakers; however, you’ll enjoy much better audio quality if you use a telephone. See below for complete system requirements.
To test your connection before the live webinar, visit: http://support.citrixonline.com/en_US/gotomeeting/help_files/GTM140010. (Click on the test session URL under Step 1.)
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
For Windows/PC-based users:
• Required: Windows® 7 or 8, Vista, XP, or 2003 Server
• Required: Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 4.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ 1.6 or higher enabled)
• Required: Internet connection, DSL or better recommended with bandwidth of 700Kbps or more
• Recommended Processor: 2.4 GHz or more with 2 GB of RAM or more
For Mac-based users:
• Required: Mac OS® X 10.6 (Snow Leopard®), Mac OS® X 10.7 (Lion®), Mac OS® X 10.8 (Mountain Lion®)
• Required: Safari™ 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 4.0 or newer, Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ enabled)
• Required: Internet connection, DSL or better recommended with bandwidth of 700Kbps or more
• Recommended Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel processor (Core 2 Duo) with 1 GB of RAM or more
For iOS users:
• Required: Free GoToMeeting App from the Apple App Store
• Required: WiFi connection to use VoIP
• Required: iPad® 1 or newer, iPhone® 3GS or newer, iPod ® Touch (3rdgeneration) or newer
• Required Operating System: iOS 4.2 or newer
For Android users:
• Required: Free GoToMeeting App from the Google Play Store
• Required: WiFi connection to use VoIP
• Required Operating System: Android 2.2 or higher
• Recommended Processor: 1 Ghz CPU or higher
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about the program, or have any technical difficulties, please contact writingwebinars@fwmedia.com.
The Writer’s Digest does not offer any refunds for the webinar. All sales are final.
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Harold Ramis America's Favorite Writer Passes at 69

Harold Ramis is my favorite writer even though I never read one word of his on a page. He's my favorite nonetheless, and that's true for many Americans. In fact, it's a safe bet that someone somewhere on the planet is quoting Harold Ramis at every moment of every day. Ramis wrote (or co-wrote) some of the best film comedies of all time including Caddyshack, Animal House, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, National Lampoon's Vacation and Meatballs among others. He also wrote hilarious radio and album skits for National Lampoon Radio Hour with Bill Murray and John Belushi that many people have never heard of.
Go to any job site or bar where the average age is over 35 and real off some quotes from Ramis movies--guaranteed in no time people will join in. Personally, I can quote at least a hundred lines, and if I watch the films again,I can quote closer to a thousand in real time. Can you do that for Shakespeare, King and Rowling? Harold Ramis made us laugh with the same lines time and time again with humor that never grew old.

-And I say, "Hey, Lama, how about a little something, you know, for the effort." And he says, "Oh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice. (Caddyshack)

-This is a hybrid. This is a cross of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensimillia. The amazing stuff about this is, you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff. (Caddyshack)

-This crowd has gone deadly silent, a Cinderella story outta nowhere, a former greens-keeper, now about to become The Masters champion (swings club). It looks like a miraculous... it's in the hole! It's in the hole! (Caddyshack)

-I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. I felt I owed it to them. (Caddyshack)

-Chicks dig me, because I rarely wear underwear and when I do it's usually something unusual. (Stripes)

-I've always been kind of a pacifist. When I was a kid, my father told me, "Never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it." I don't know what kind of soldier I'm gonna make, but I want you guys to know that if we ever get into real heavy combat... I'll be right behind you guys every step of the way. (Stripes)

-Well, let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. According to this morning's sample, it would be a Twinkie... thirty-five feet long, weighing approximately six hundred pounds. (Ghostbusters)

-I think you're all fucked in the head. We're ten hours from the fucking fun park and you want to bail out. Well I'll tell you something. This is no longer a vacation. It's a quest. It's a quest for fun. I'm gonna have fun, and you're gonna have fun... We're all gonna have so much fucking fun we'll need plastic surgery to remove our goddamn smiles! You'll be whistling 'Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah' out of your assholes! (Vacation)

-Hey, hey, easy kids. Everybody in the car. Boat leaves in two minutes... or perhaps you don't want to see the second largest ball of twine on the face of the earth, which is only four short hours away? (Vacation)

God bless you, Harold Ramis. You passed away today at 69 from complications due to an infection, but you forever infected us with your comic genius and classic films. You live on in our hearts, our minds and definitely on the tips of our tongues.
--

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Autographed Books

Autographed books make one-of-a-kind gifts. These novels and how-to guides are available for special delivery. Amazon.com Storefront for paperbacks.

The Little Universe
Jim's Life
Better You, Better Me
How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks All for Free
Get On Google Front Page
How to Make Your Own Free Website: And Your Free Blog Too
 
For orders anywhere in the world, email the author with a request and for PayPal instructions.

Orders in the USA can also be processed through Amazon with a note to the author including the reader's name and preferred inscription (or leave blank for author's choosing).

Amazon.com Storefront for paperbacks.
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Manning or Brady vs Kaepernick or Wilson, Old School New School Super Bowl XLVIII

This is what NFL fans want: the best teams and QBs heading into the league championships fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl. And now we have it with a guarantee of a classic pocket passer vs a young and mobile superstar.

Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady is arguably the best QB match-up in league history. If Manning plays another season, he'll easily break Brett Favre's all-time touchdown record (in 3 fewer seasons), plus he could also break the passing yards record if he plays 2 more seasons. At age 37, he's having his best year ever in touchdowns, points and passer rating with one goal in mind.

Brady trails Manning in passing stats, but will likely retire with more head to head victories and Super Bowl rings among other accolades. If Brady wins this year's Lombardi Trophy, that would make 4 total and cement his name in the Greatest Ever conversations (even though he's already there, along with Peyton). Brady has a chance to make his 6th trip to the Super Bowl and win his 3rd SB MVP, and would be the only QB to make those claims.

Does the Colin Kaepernick vs Russell Wilson match-up pack the same punch? Not yet, but it has potential. The 49ers and Seahawks have teams that should be contenders for years to come. Both QBs have played 2 full seasons (not counting Kaep's back-up role to Alex Smith in 2011). Neither of these young QBs are poised to put up the career passing stats of Manning-Brady, but they will easily dwarf them in rushing stats in just a few years, assuming they stay healthy. (Hey, pocket passers get hurt too.) In the event that the Seahawks or 49ers win it all, Kaepernick or Wilson will also have a fair chance at more Super Bowl rings than Peyton Manning (as will little brother Eli).

What do I love most about Super Bowl XLVIII? Old school vs new school--pocket passers vs mobile QBs. Manning or Brady vs Kaepernick or Wilson is intriguing to say the least. If it's Wilson, we know he'll run some even if it's to create space to throw around a taller line. If it's Kaepernick, we hope he'll run, knowing on any play he could bust a move of any distance to the end zone. Manning probably won't run more than 10 yards if he has to, but he might throw 7 touchdowns. Brady won't run more than 5 yards, but if it's 1st and goal on the 1-yard line, expect the QB sneak at least two, maybe three times. That's happened. Forget the run with the old-timers, and watch the passing clinic of "Dilfer dimes" both of these future Hall Of Famers will conduct.
All of these teams hope to establish a running game with good reason. LeGarrette Blount, Marshawn Lynch, Frank Gore or Knowshon Moreno each could be the deciding factor in these final games, as could a long list of potential receivers.
Back to the old school-new school question. Can a running QB really make it in the league? Fran Tarkenton, John Elway and Warren Moon were all pretty mobile and had HOF careers, though they were not nearly as mobile as Kaepernick and Wilson. Michael Vick had the mobility and then some, but probably not quite the level of success these young QBs are striving for. RG3? We'll see. Kaepernick has a strong and accurate arm, so that should help immensely. Wilson is playing with poise and intelligence to match his athleticism, and a passer rating even higher than Manning-Brady.
How to pick a winning team this year? Obviously there are at least 100 other players who will have a say in Super Bowl XVIII. For some reason, it seems tough to get past the big 4.
Who's your pick to win it all?
--

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小宇宙·译言古登堡计划 [Kindle版]

Don't know what it means--certainly looks fascinating. Now available for Amazon China:

才华横溢的女科学家洛思有一个伟大的梦想：模拟宇宙大爆炸，见证星体的形成，观察生命伊始的情况，甚至目睹人类未来的发展。她日夜辛勤地工作，终于在理论上实现了关键性突破，距离实现梦想近在咫尺。但天有不测风云，她遭遇车祸身亡。
洛 思的丈夫亚当斯继承了她的遗志，联手企业家弗兰克，力图实现她的梦想。这个神奇的项目吸引了各路人马的加入：胆大心细的巧手工匠乔恩，经验丰富的女工程师 杰西卡，天赋异禀的极客少年伊恩，还有洛思大学刚毕业的女儿惠特尼，以及人工智能吉姆。而这些人之间，也不可避免地又产生了一番情感纠葛……
他们能实现洛思的遗愿吗？人类的未来和社会的发展又将如何？一切的谜底，将在本书揭开。
作品简介:
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Alana Woods Interviews Jason Matthews

Alana Woods is an accomplished Australian author, editor and reviewer. Recently she posted the following interview on her website, http://www.alanawoods.com/.

My guest this week needs no introduction, to the indie author community at least. He’s considered close to being a superstar by the many he has helped towards publishing with his self-help books. But he’s also a novelist with two huge-in-scope works of fiction to his credit. 

Alana: Jason Matthews, welcome, it’s a real pleasure to have you here today. Before we talk about your many activities and books could we find out a little about you. You live in California; have you always lived there?

Jason: Thank you, Alana, for the very kind reception. I was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Unfortunately my parents divorced when I was a baby, and my mother, sister and I moved around quite a bit. We also lived in Massachusetts and Ohio while spending summers with Dad in Colorado and Oregon. I returned to North Carolina for college and then moved permanently to California in 1991. I love this state.

Read the entire interview here: http://www.alanawoods.com/apps/blog/show/36206342-alana-woods-interviews-jason-matthews-author-of-the-little-universe

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Gavin DeGraw's I Don't Want To Be Hits a Chord

This song stirs something. I believe Gavin DeGraw would agree: we all came here to be us and that is what's special. It's not about our accolades, titles, how much money we make, how famous we are, or how perfect our bodies are--it's about doing our special thing, whatever that might be.

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Chinese Ebooks Adds The Little Universe

If it's a little universe then it must be a very small world, which is good for people who like to travel, read and share new thought. Written with that in mind, The Little Universe now has a new residence--in China.
The Mandarin Chinese translation just came out for readers who enjoy Chinese ebooks online, http://www.amazon.cn/.
A star-sized thank you to Mengdi Cao, Shan Zhong, Hanjing and Wenyi for the excellent translation and attention to detail. (Amazing how many concepts can get lost in the cultural differences.)

Also thank you to Xijun for creative artwork, which really compliments the story. These are among the first drawings for the story, which are currently only available in the Chinese novel.
Thank you to my agent and book's editor, Runa Jiang, for making this happen.
Thank you also to Fiberead, http://www.fiberead.com/, the translation publishing company that enabled it all.
If you like to read Chinese ebooks, we've got a book for you.

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