Interview With Frank McGee, Author of "A Song for the World"

Frank McGee has built a distinguished career as a writer and journalist over half a century. In the tumultuous 1960s he covered stories as far afield as Brazil, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. As managing editor of "Pace" magazine, a contemporary of "Life, Look, and Holiday," he worked with thought leaders from around the world.During the 1970s, McGee launched and edited "New Worlds," the signature magazine of California's Orange Coast. The University of California at Irvine tapped him to write the coffee table book commemorating the school's first twenty-five years. In the '80s and '90s, he authored and edited books on a variety of topics that were published in a dozen languages. Today, he lives with his wife in Tucson, Arizona.Tyler: Thank you, Frank, for joining me. You're here today to tell us about your new book "A Song for the World" which tells the story of how the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen used music to bring peace and diplomacy to the world, particularly through the group, Up with People. To begin, will you tell our readers a little bit about how it began?Frank: Glad to, Tyler. Up with People started in a way that surprised everyone at the time. It was born during the 1960s to give a voice to youth eager to have a say in building the future. There's a chapter in the book about that. The Up with People show was launched in embryo in 1965 at a conference for young leadership on an island in the Great Lakes. It evolved that summer in performances from a showboat touring local harbors, and within weeks, literally, it was in orbit around the world. No one expected that to happen, least of all the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen, who initially just wanted to provide a platform for the idealism and creativity of the young people attending the conference. You might say that Up with People was born through a passion for change.Domestic and global audiences came to know the Colwells and Allen in the following decades through Up with People's four Super Bowl Halftime Shows. Multiple casts had toured on every continent and across the U.S. and Canada. In America's Bicentennial Year, 1976, they played in 771 U.S. cities to live audiences totaling 3.9 million. That year they literally invented the modern Super Bowl halftime format when the NFL invited them to perform. The first chapter of "A Song for the World" opens with that event. I have to say (speaking modestly as the author!) that it's a pretty dramatic story. In 1980 I had the privilege of being a field photographer during their performance at Super Bowl XIV in the Rose Bowl.Tyler: Frank, I understand you have been friends with the Colwells and Allen for fifty years. Would you tell us a little bit about that friendship and how it developed?Frank: That's half a century, Tyler! I first met them in their teens. I hadn't advanced much beyond that myself. Allen was recognized as a musical genius from his youth, a child prodigy. In his hometown of Seattle he was famous as a wizard on the xylophone. He trained under the best classical piano instructors in the Northwest and was enrolled to enter the Oberlin School of Music, but his passion in his teens was his dance band, Herbie Allen and His Orchestra. Herb was a junior in high school when we met. I was then working with Moral Re-Armament (MRA), an international volunteer group focused on developing accountable leaders across a broad spectrum of society. Herb instantly responded to the objective. More and more I've come to realize the implications of the readiness of young artists like Herb and the Colwells to engage in a purpose that gave relevance and meaning to their talents.The Colwell Brothers were already country music stars when our paths crossed in Southern California. They were regulars on NBC's Tex Williams television show, broadcasting weekly from Orange County's Knott's Berry Farm, which was America's first theme park (Disneyland opened later just up the road). The Brothers, aged 19, 17, and 15, were the youngest group under contract with a major label, Columbia Records.I was in the cast of a Western musical show then, and someone got them tickets for the Hollywood premiere. Ironically, the show was about brothers who were feuding over water rights. "A Song for the World" tells the pretty amazing story of what happened during the next few months; I say amazing because in little more than a year they were giving their first performance in a language other than their own. It was in Switzerland, when they sang in French for Robert Schumann, the former foreign minister of France and a founder of the European Union. During the next decades they would write and sing in 37 languages and dialects, with help from the locals, of course. They all speak Italian. Herb Allen, who worked for years in Italy, speaks it like a native. There's an incident in the book about Allen finding a machine gun under his bed when he was staying with the family of Bruno, a young communist he had come to know: "What's worrying you?' Bruno asked Herb when he "happened" to mention his discovery. "We all have machine guns here. There's one in every apartment in the block."Tyler: Frank, why did you decide to write "A Song for the World?"Frank: I don't want to sound strange about this, but I think writing the book was decided for me. In the spring of 2003 I was in a gathering of long time associates who met from time to time to renew friendships and talk about what was happening in our worlds. A probation attorney from Oakland said that young people in her city were being confronted with unimaginable situations every day, and desperately needed hope. "There should to be a book about the Colwells and Herb," she declared.I'm not kidding when I say the thought hit me with an almost electric jolt that I was meant to write it. My wife, Helen, who has been my partner in creative ventures for half a century, felt the same impulse. And so did my friend John Ruffin, who was moderating our discussion that day. John's company, Many Roads Publishing, would eventually produce the book, with startup financial support from more than a hundred people from across the world who believed this story had to be told.Tyler: That's a wonderful story, Frank. Obviously, musicians have the power to be a big influence on young people, both positive and negative. Do you think Up With People is able to reach young people today and what is their message to youth?Frank: At the end of Up with People shows, there are always young people in the audience who apply to travel with the cast. Sometimes they're too young to qualify, sometimes too old, but the element that reaches people most, I think, is a purpose that's important. Of course the show alone is a big attraction, but in the setting of "Bringing the World Together," it seems to offer an answer to that ubiquitous question, "What can one person do?"Tyler: I understand these artists traveled a great deal and witnessed history in the making in several countries. Would you give us an example of one of the most interesting events they witnessed or participated in?Frank: How about two? Seriously, there are many remarkable occasions described in the book, for instance, being the first international musical performers in China after the demise of the infamous "Gang of Four;" or taking the first show to Russia after the Cold War, even before the Berlin Wall came down. But here are two:In 1957, Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi was about to embark on a grueling tour of Southeast Asia in which he would apologize to Pacific nations for atrocities Japan had committed during World War II. The Colwells and those they worked with, some of whom were parliamentarians, had been dialoguing with Kishi for months, and at his official residence on the night of the departure, they were invited to present the entire send off program for the prime minister, his cabinet ministers, and high government officials. Their friends spoke and the Colwells sang, with special songs written in Japanese for the occasion. The last sound Kishi heard that evening as he left for the airport was the music of three young Americans, in western costume, singing to him in his own language.Two years later the Colwell Brothers were in the Congo, today called Zaire, where they sang at the official celebration events when the country gained its independence. The Congo is the size of Western Europe! During an intense and turbulent year they remained working in the country, living through rebellion, revolution, and a re-invasion by troops of the Congo's former Belgian occupiers, and then U.N. intervention. President Lumumba was assassinated during that year. With an international team the Colwells visited every province in the country, meeting with tribal chiefs in the villages, singing to crowds in stadiums, to Congolese military and peacekeeping U.N. forces in open-air concerts, and performing for national leaders from all parties in the country's capital of Leopoldville. In the rainy season they crossed swollen rivers with their van perched atop ferries built of planks laid over dugout canoes fastened side to side. The afternoon the army seized control of the country in a coup, the Congo was entirely without phone or telegraph communication with the outside world. An hour after midnight that night the brothers led journalists to a remote village they had visited months earlier on the Congo River, where the reporters could hire villagers and noiselessly slip out into the current in dugout canoes to get the news out to the world. During that year, with their international teammates, the Colwells made more than 400 broadcasts on Radio Congo, the country's sole means of communication, programs the auxiliary bishop of Leopoldville called "a voice of sanity to the nation."Tyler: Wow, that is determination. What do you think really motivates the Colwells and Herb Allen to take these kinds of risks?Frank: That's hard to answer, for me at least, without seeming to quote from a press release. I've seen the grit, sweat, and sacrifice involved. They could have turned away a thousand times from the path they'd chosen. But they believed something lasting could be achieved, and that they were meant to give their time and talents to it. I don't think they had the slightest idea when they set out on this journey where it would take them, or ask of them.Tyler: Frank, when other groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were making huge hits and probably tons of money in the 1960s and beyond, why did Up with People focus instead on touring the globe and visiting countries in crisis?Frank: I think that boils down to "reason for being." I've little doubt that the 20,000 young people who've taken part in Up with People during its first forty years would appreciate tons of money! And I know Herb and the Brothers wouldn't object!But to get the answer to your question you have to look at the choices they made more than a dozen years before Up with People was even a gleam in anyone's eye. Look at the back cover of the book, which has some paragraphs under the heading, "The Power of Music." There's a line there that says, "They literally walked away from their childhoods, comfort, careers, and loved ones, putting everything on the line for something they believed. They believed they could change the world."Tyler: Why do you think "Up with People" has been so successful?Frank: Even more than the entertainment of the Up with People show, I think it strikes a chord in the consciousness of people. We all want to know there is hope for the future. We'd all like to participate somehow in creating it. To see young people dedicating themselves to that purpose is both a challenge and an inspiration. The show itself is really a show window. What is inside the store is the encouragement, the gentle persuasion, and possibly even a little provocation to get involved in the life of your community, to volunteer with others who work to make a difference.Tyler: For readers unfamiliar with the group, what are some of the songs they might recognize?Frank: People may know "Where the Roads Come Together," by Paul Colwell. It's a poignant and moving ballad about who we are:None of us is born the same,We don't know whyIt's the way we came,Every heart beats a little differently,Each soul is free to find its way,Like a river that winds it way to the sea.There are many roads to go,And they go by many names,They don't all go the same way,But they get there all the same.And I have a feelin'That we'll meet some dayWhere the roads come togetherUp the way.If you lived in the Congo, you'd doubtless be familiar with the Colwell Brothers' "Vive le Congo," which became something like a second national anthem and was played on Radio Congo for years.And of course, "Up with People" is a song known around the world. CDs of the Words and Music of Paul Colwell will soon be available at http://www.asongfortheworld.com.Tyler: Would you tell us a little bit about the song-writing aspect of the group? Who writes the music and who writes the lyrics? Where do they get their ideas, and how does it all come together so the music can be performed?Frank: Paul Colwell, as I mentioned, wrote many of the songs performed in early shows. He often had collaborators, frequently Herb Allen, who was listed as coauthor. There's a chapter in the book titled, "Birth of a Phenomenon," about the songwriters, arrangers, and producers from several countries who have worked with Up with People either long term or on specific events.Several Up with People albums have been produced in Britain, with top technicians and arrangers brought together by David Mackay, a long time collaborator. Mackay has an impressive collection of gold and platinum albums to his credit, including production of the New Seekers' international hit, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing." One writer Mackay brought in was John Parr, co-writer of "St. Elmo's Fire, and also David Mallory, one of France's most successful pop/rock songwriters who created most of the hits of megastar Johnny Hallyday, sometimes called the French Elvis Presley.Tyler: You mentioned the Colwells have written many songs in different languages and dialects? How do they go about providing this kind of international taste to their music?Frank: When they've written songs in other languages it's almost always been with people from the area. There are a number of stories in the book about this. For instance, once they were traveling with Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, to the south of India to join in the land reform efforts of Vinoba Bhave, Gandhi's disciple and the man regarded as his spiritual successor. At a train station in Bombay they chanced to meet a senator friend of Rajmohan who helped them write a song in Marathi, the mother tongue of Maharashtra state where they were heading the next day. After a dusty 12-hour road trip in 117-degree heat in a 20-year old seven-passenger Plymouth they had mastered the song. Arriving to meet Vinoba Bhave, they hauled Ralph's acoustic bass and their other instruments out of the old car, and performed in the Marathi language for the saint and thousands of his followers. Vinoba Bhave used the words of their song as the theme of his address to the crowd.Tyler: Musically, what do you feel makes "Up With People" stand out from other groups?Frank: I think it's been the content of the songs, plus their intent. They talk of taking down walls of misunderstanding, of excelling, of moving toward new frontiers. The songs are drawn from life. One, "The Last Embrace," was inspired by a PBS special about a bridge that spanned the no man's land between war zones in Kosovo, and a Christian boy and Moslem girl who had fallen in love, and died from gunfire on the bridge trying to cross it together. Many songs have been written for special occasions, for special people. A reflection by Captain Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, that he had looked back at the earth and seen "a world without borders," inspired the visionary lyrics of "MoonRider." Paul Colwell and Herb Allen's "Song for China" opened hearts and doors in China when an Up with People cast went there in 1978 before diplomatic relations were established between China and the U.S.Tyler: Frank, what do you feel is Herb Allen and the Colwell Brothers' greatest contribution?Frank: May I answer that in two parts? The first would be a personal response. These four have enriched the lives of many. They are fun to be with, never take themselves too seriously, and never, never get carried away with the PR about them. They're quick to deflect credit and give it to others, and I have never heard them claim to have caused positive things to happen because of their work. Of course I know otherwise, but they would hit the "delete" button on any "spin" I might have tried to slip into the book. Okay, now to part two:To me their greatest contribution would be the demonstration of the power of music to generate change. They typically wrote and performed not just any music, but music that touched lives, was drawn from what was important to people, and from what they saw around them. They never set out to tell others what they should think or do. On the contrary, they went everywhere to listen, to learn, and to understand. As a result, doors and hearts seemed to open to them everywhere. You might say that Up with People is their legacy. I think to them it is much more than a show or organization; it is proof to young and old of what the great English educator Edward Thring declared 150 years ago, that music "sooner or later is the great world bond."Tyler: Thank you, Frank, for joining me today. Before we go, would you tell our readers your website where they can buy a copy of the book and also what other kind of information they might find there about "A Song for the World?"Frank: Go to http://www.asongfortheworld.com. You can order the book there, read reviews, learn which cities are scheduled to be visited for concerts and book signings, and see many of the photos from the book. Thanks very much for having me today, Tyler.Tyler: Thank you, Frank. I wish you lots of luck with "A Song for the World" and I hope it introduces the Colwells and Allen to a whole new generation of fans. dr seuss cat in hat quotes

"Hollow Bones" by Stephen Paul - Book Review

Wow! That best sums up this wonderful book written by a very gifted author, Stephen Paul. I thoroughly enjoyed this parable designed as a wake-up call to save our world before it is too late. The book is well-written, engaging from start to finish, and written for all levels of spirituality. I have always been a huge fan of using parables to teach important truths to the general population. I hope that this story has as much impact and becomes as far reaching as the "Celestine Prophesies" did back in the early 90s.The main premise of the story is based on a Native American prophesy that was fulfilled in 1993 when seven delegations gathered at The Cry of the Earth Conference at the United Nations in New York. The author writes about this in his note that Native American leaders and elders took that opportunity to convey prophesies and visions given to their spiritual leaders concerning the state of the earth and the people who live upon it. Their message was a simple one. They warned that a long-predicted time of purification was already under way. They urged that we heed The Creator's original instructions to the indigenous peoples and voluntarily return to living more simply, respectfully, and harmoniously with all our relations, the people and other life forms, on this planet. If we choose to ignore this message, the Prophesies warn that erratic weather patterns, earth movements, starvation, violence, and war would occur with ever-increasing frequency and with greater and greater intensity. The book "Hollow Bones" was born from this.The story takes place in the future, not too distant from now I wondered if maybe it was related to the predictions around 2012. The main character, Matthew, is completely devastated when his beloved wife, Catherine, dies. In his despair, he decides to leave their home and feels drawn to a self-sustaining community he has heard about in Montana. His gardener and friend, Hope, and her daughter Lily, decide to embark on this adventure with him. Because of all the uprisings and trouble, the journey is a very dangerous one. Spirit is with them and leads them on what becomes their life mission.Along the way to Montana, both Matthew and Hope discuss the strange and similar dreams that they are having. People begin to show up in their lives that confirm these dreams are past-life memories. As the people draw together for their mission, they all realize that this is being orchestrated by something much greater than their selves, by Great Spirit. When they truly find out how to live with Hollow Bones, they find the peace that they have been looking for.I would highly recommend "Hollow Bones" to people on the spiritual path or those with an interest in pursuing this path. With this book, this talented author has the opportunity and talent to make a huge impact on society with his teachings. This book is a winner and I cannot wait to read more books by Stephen Paul. dr seuss cat in hat history

Interview With Stephen Paul, Author of "Hollow Bones"

Stephen Paul has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri and has taught, researched, counseled, and consulted at the University of Utah. Until five years ago, Stephen maintained a private practice while he and his wife, Jackie, owned and operated a metaphysical bookstore and a vegetarian restaurant, providing an oasis for the Salt Lake community. He currently writes and speaks about how to ride the inevitable waves of change by living more simply, harmoniously, and respectfully--more in line with Spirit.Stephen collaborated with artist Gary Collins to publish "Illuminations: Visions for Change, Growth, and Self-Acceptance," "Inneractions: Visions to Bring Your Inner and Outer Worlds into Harmony," and "In Love: Visions for Growth and Harmony in Relationships."Tyler: Welcome, Stephen. "Hollow Bones" is a very intriguing book. I'm afraid if I try to describe it, I won't be able to do it justice. Would you please summarize for us what kind of book it is and what it's about?Stephen: Let me start by putting "Hollow Bones" in its historical context. In 1993, Native American prophecy was fulfilled when a delegation representing the North American indigenous peoples addressed the Cry of the Earth conference at the United Nations. Hopi spiritual leaders had instructed messengers to knock four times at the doors of the UN in an attempt to deliver their message to the people of the world. It took forty-five years, but on the fourth--and last--attempt they finally gained access. The elders took that opportunity to deliver the prophecies of their spiritual leaders to the world.The elders warned that a long-predicted time of purification was already under way. They urged that we heed the Creator's original instructions to the indigenous peoples, and voluntarily return to living in simpler, more respectful, and more harmonious ways. The elders warned that should we choose to ignore this message, erratic weather patterns, earth movements, starvation, violence, and war would occur with ever increasing frequency and intensity."Hollow Bones" takes place in the not-too-distant future, at a time when those predicted changes and disruptions are well under way. Matthew's life has unraveled since the death of his wife. Now, with his friend, Hope, and her young daughter, Lily, he commences a journey in search of a new beginning.Along the road, the three travelers face the harsh realities of a failing culture, the sheltering kindness of strangers...and a string of startling revelations. Vivid dreams trigger memories of a shared lifetime with Chief Joseph, long-forgotten Spirit ways, and a two hundred-year-old oath they had made to return. The dreams mark the beginning of a startling series of encounters and events, leading to the long-awaited fulfillment of ancient Native prophecies.Tyler: Stephen, "Hollow Bones" focuses on spirituality, and many of the ideas will probably already be familiar to people interested in spirituality. But what made you decide to write a novel to express these ideas?Stephen: In retrospect, I'd say there were two main reasons why I chose to write "Hollow Bones" in novel form. First, I've always personally enjoyed reading spiritual fiction. In books such as "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho or Dan Millman's "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" an unfolding story transports the characters--and the reader--through a series of intriguing adventures that result in important personal realizations. As a reader, I can be caught up in the engaging adventures, while at the same time benefiting from the insights the characters gain along the way. A novel can bring insights to life in ways that non-fiction simply cannot.The second reason I decided to write "Hollow Bones" as a novel is that the central theme of the book--the relatedness theme--first came to me as a visual image: I saw and experienced the possibilities of relatedness literally playing out before my eyes. That compelling vision had a built-in narrative that could easily be expanded and elaborated into story format. This is a story that told itself.Tyler: Stephen, do you yourself believe in the prophecies issued in 1993 as something that will come true. I ask because I'm wondering to what extent you sought to be accurate regarding those prophecies and their implications, and what if any room did you leave to fictionalize the situation? Since you set it in the future, even if a not too distant future, are we to assume it has to be fictional to some extent?Stephen: I do believe those prophecies will come true. In fact, I believe they are already coming true. When I read the paper or watch the news, I see those prophecies unfolding. In the last week alone, 500 villagers were killed in warfare in Iraq, a level 8.0 earthquake hit Peru, China, India, North Korea, and our own Midwest experienced record-breaking and devastating flooding, hurricane Dean is sweeping a wide swath through the Caribbean, and one of the largest fires in history rages in California. Disruptive events just like those are occurring all over the world, every day.But, you're absolutely right, Tyler, "Hollow Bones" is a work of fiction. I decided not to focus on the specific events--the purifying events--that might bring about the changes depicted in the story. Because all of the problems we face (climate changes, energy, food and water shortages, wars, etc.) are interrelated, there are many possible scenarios for how the transforming events will play out.In "Hollow Bones" (as I believe it is in reality) the purifying events are only the means used to bring us to our senses and lead us to realizations we must eventually all discover. They are meant to bring us back into harmony with each other and our world.Tyler: The book also follows the mythological journey quest format. What sets "Hollow Bones" apart from other books that use the journey motif?Stephen: Often in the mythical journey genre, a naïve main character is guided and transformed by a much wiser and knowing mentor, teacher, or guide. That guide typically knows exactly what's going on, while the protagonist struggles along unaware.In "Hollow Bones" none of the central characters see the big picture. There is no all-knowing figure to lead them. It's in the convergence of the separate pieces each individual holds--their joining in community--that the whole takes form. Each person is fulfilling a part of much larger prophecy, without any awareness of the other parts being played out, or the prophecy itself.Tyler: I understand the book is based on Native American prophecy? Would you tell us a little bit more about that background?Stephen: I already mentioned the prophecies issued at the "Cry of the Earth" conference earlier in the interview. Those prophecies are important because they establish a time frame and context for the disruptive events taking place in "Hollow Bones." We live at the time when the old Native American prophecies are being fulfilled.A second set of prophecies actually inspired the storyline of "Hollow Bones." Those prophecies were compiled by author Steven McFadden in his book "The Rainbow Warrior Prophecies." Of those prophecies, Crazy Horse's sweeping vision is considered to be the most important prophecy ever given to the Native American people. Concerned about the future welfare of his people as Whites began invading their lands, Crazy Horse prepared and purified himself and then withdrew to a holy mountain to pray earnestly for a guiding vision.In the vision that came to Crazy Horse, he was shown not only the future of his own people, but the future of the world. He was grief-stricken to foresee the overwhelming defeat and subsequent subjugation, decline, and suffering of his people, which extended far into the future. Not knowing what they were, he observed metal objects (cars and planes) crisscrossing the continent. To his utter dismay, Crazy Horse was made to witness the unbelievable carnage of two world wars.After having to endure those images of misery, pain, and war, Crazy Horse was shown a bright light that rose in the East. The light brought forth a tree of life from the blood-soaked soil of this continent. Crazy Horse watched as beings from the spirit world returned to the earth and danced together under that tree. Some of the people living on the earth (people of all races--a rainbow of colors) felt drawn to dance together with the spirit beings under the tree of life, and a new world was given birth.We live at the time when that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. "Hollow Bones" offers one account of how that might transpire in the lives of people who are alive today.Tyler: Stephen, what would you say to people who would say such prophecies are only coincidences? In what ways do you see the prophecies are being fulfilled?Stephen: I would say that I don't believe in coincidence. I believe we would have to be in complete denial not to recognize the relationship between our choices and actions and the turmoil and disruptions in the world. I believe those events are intensifying and increasing in frequency as a direct consequence of our not heeding the call to live more simply, harmoniously, and respectfully.At the same time I was exploring the Native American prophecies, I was also reading scientific predictions about the future. In my reading, I came across "Plan B 2.0" by Lester Brown. Lester did an analysis of world resources and concluded that there were several interrelated problems (population growth, climate change, poverty, spreading water shortages, rising oil prices, and rising food prices) that all pose serious, imminent threats to the earth and mankind. He predicted that, unless we launch an immediate, fully-committed response to those problems, we will experience terrible economic, social, political, and environmental consequences.I came away believing that we live at a time when scientific predictions and Native prophecies are converging. Both are being fulfilled.Tyler: Stephen, as you talk about the prophecies, I am guessing readers will want to read these prophecies for themselves. Would you tell us where one can find copies of them?Stephen: The messages and prophecies delivered by the Native tribal representatives at the 1993 "Cry of the Earth" conference can be found on the People's Paths website, http://www.yvwiiusdinvnohii.net/political/cry.html. They also offer a link to a site where you can obtain a videotape of the entire conference.I drew heavily on Steven McFadden's compilation of historic and contemporary indigenous prophecies which can be found in his book "Legend of the Rainbow Warriors." He can be contacted through his website is http://chiron-communications.com. There is also a second excellent account of Crazy Horse's vision in Kurt Kaltreider's book, "American Indian Prophecies."Tyler: I am also curious how the prophecies you mention came to be written down. For example, I am aware that controversy has arisen around the book "Black Elk Speaks" because Black Elk did not actually write it, but rather the oral stories were written down by John Neihardt, a white man, who probably edited the narrative to make it more readable for a wider audience. Consequently, questions arise about the authenticity of the text and what might have been changed, especially since Black Elk's editor was a white man. What, therefore, makes such Native American prophecies valid in your opinion?Stephen: As I mentioned, the prophecies presented at the Cry of the Earth Conference are available as public record in tape or transcript form. The conference speakers indicated that many of the instructions and messages given to the indigenous peoples by The Creator were delivered in physical form (stones, wampum belts, etc.). Those records have been carefully guarded and preserved. Some of the prophecies were passed down orally, making them more difficult to document, but the Native Americans take their oral tradition very seriously and would argue that it is superior to many written historical records.Many of the prophecies compiled by Steven McFadden were collected during interviews with living spiritual leaders. Steven is trained as a reporter, and I trust he did a very thorough job collecting and documenting his sources and information.I accept the validity of the prophecies for several reasons. First, I believe that indigenous people around the world once had a very close relationship with Spirit, and that they were given instructions and caretaking responsibilities. Second, there is a great deal of consistency among the many different sources even though they live in different parts of this country and on other continents. Third, many of the events mentioned in the prophecies have already come to pass, and the prophecies have proved to be quite accurate (the arrival of the White man, cars, planes, wars). Fourth, a friend who is a Native American medicine man read "Hollow Bones," and he agreed that these prophecies are being fulfilled now. Finally, I trust my own intuition, and my intuition leads me to believe in, and to honor, the essence of the message of these prophecies.Tyler: Stephen, are you Native American yourself, or if not, how did you become interested in Native American culture and religion?Stephen: That's a bit tricky to answer. The short answer is, "No, I was not born a Native American." I've always felt an affinity to the Native American people, especially Chief Joseph, but I hadn't pursued those interests much further than to read a book or two, attend a couple of pow wows, and participate in a sweat ceremony.My level of interest changed a few years ago when I attended a workshop in Montana and sat with Surya Ma and a small group of people in meditation. Suddenly everything shifted: I was dancing around a fire. I looked down and I was dressed in beaded buckskin and a bone breast plate, with an eagle feather dangling by my right ear. For that brief period of time, I was no longer the person I am in this lifetime, but rather a proud, fierce, and life-filled Native American warrior. I saw and felt as he saw and felt. I experienced relatedness--to my tribe, to the creatures, to the earth, to the Great Spirit, to all--through his experience.When I returned from that experience, a rush of energy shot up my spine and spread around me in a circle of light that appeared as a headdress of feathers. At the same time, a voice in my head shouted, "I have returned!" Only after the meditation ended did Surya Ma explain to the group that Joseph and the Nez Perce had passed though the very land where we sat, during their flight to escape the pursuing U.S. cavalry.What I saw through that warrior's eyes and felt through his heart was powerful, wonderful, and far beyond my imagining. I had never experienced anything that resembled the relatedness I felt then in this lifetime. It was as if I were being shown the very essence of something we desperately need to remember now. I went away that afternoon knowing I had to write about that experience.As you can imagine, since then I've become much more interested and involved with Native Americans. I've traveled to several different reservations, participated in pow wows and ceremonies, and rekindled a friendship with a medicine man I have known for a couple of decades. He is educating me about the Native ways.Tyler: As I mentioned earlier, Stephen, you practiced as a psychologist for many years. How has that work influenced your writing?Stephen: As a therapist for thirty years, I had the opportunity to know many people intimately, and to witness, time after time, the difficult process of personal transformation. For years, I had a ring-side seat at the tug of war between a person's will to change and their strong resistance to change. During the last few years I practiced, I realized just how important it is for a person to release his or her attachments--their energetic ties to the people and things in their lives--in order really to change and live freely. Those observations and realizations found their way into the "Hollow Bones" storyline and into the transformations that the characters experience.Years ago, I discovered that I did my best work as a therapist when I emptied myself and opened to inspiration during my sessions: I learned to be a "hollow bone." Often I would learn things I had not known before during those sessions, right along with my clients. That was always exhilarating. I applied the very same practice to my writing, approaching each writing session as a "hollow bone."Tyler: I understand that in the book, the characters have dreams which they later learn are really past-life memories. Why did you feel the need to include this idea of reincarnation into the book? What can be learned from past-life memories?Stephen: As I mentioned before, the meditation I did with Surya Ma had quite an affect on me. During that meditation I experienced myself as a Native American warrior (I place the period as the late 1800s) and then heard myself--him?--saying, "I have returned." I wasn't observing that warrior, inferring his perspective: I was that warrior, experiencing the world as he did. I can't say for certain, but it certainly seemed to me that I was experiencing another life I had lived.I've had several other "incidences" in my life where I've experienced images seemingly tied to memories of other lifetimes (as a medicine man, as a Japanese noble, as a prophet, as a monk, as a female pianist in Europe). In my personal life, and in my work as a psychologist, I've had many brushes with beings at the boundary between the worlds. They have convinced me there's much more to life than what our five senses tell us.My past-life memories have served many different purposes. They have reminded me of ignored aspects of myself, and helped me to understand personal issues that seemed to transcend the events and circumstances of this lifetime. At times, they have helped me to understand my connections to the people in my life, and the sometimes difficult and inexplicable issues that arise between us. I believe those memories suggest a continuity of experience and interrelatedness that extends far beyond our current frame of reference.Tyler: Why did you choose the title "Hollow Bones"?Stephen: I got the term "hollow bones" from Chief Frank Fools Crow who was considered by many to be the greatest Native American holy person to live in the last hundred years. He and his uncle, Black Elk--also considered an extraordinary Sioux holy man--often talked together about the healing work they did. They often discussed how they became "holes" that Spirit could work through.In an interview with Thomas Mails, Fools Crow described how he prepared himself to do his healing work. He would go off by himself to pray to the Great Spirit. After drawing any negativity out of his being, he would lift his arms to the heavens and allow Spirit to fill him. Once he overflowed with Spirit, he was ready to allow Spirit to flow through him to the person in need of healing.Fools Crow often used little hollow bones in his healing work. One day it occurred to him that he much preferred to think of himself as a "little hollow bone" rather than as a "hole." The term describes well the empty vehicle Spirit prefers to work through--and it certainly has a better ring to it.Tyler: Stephen, do you think the Native American emphasis, while it may attract some readers, might alienate others because it seems unfamiliar. Without discussing the Native American perspective, what do you think is the core message that makes the "Hollow Bones" important to readers?Stephen: I do think the Native American premise of "Hollow Bones" could make it less approachable for some people. I might have had the same reaction just a few years ago. As I mentioned before, the images that inspired me to write "Hollow Bones" came from a Native American's perspective. In a sense, the Native American tradition picked me.The core messages of "Hollow Bones" are: 1.) that we are all related--to each other, to the earth, to the plants and creatures, and to The Creator, 2.) that we need to free ourselves from our attachments to reconnect with Spirit, 3.) that we can create a new world based on living more simply, harmoniously and respectfully, and 4.) that Spirit will play a part in the creation of that new world--just as it did in the past.Tyler: And what would you say to readers of other faiths besides Native American religion? For example, why not instead focus on the prophecies in the Bible's book of Revelation rather than Native American prophecies? What would you say to readers who are skeptical of religion in general?Stephen: The fundamental themes of "Hollow Bones" are universal and perennial. They could have been developed in another culture, drawing on the prophecies and traditions of another tradition. The story could have been set in India, China, Israel, Italy, or Afghanistan.I'm not so sure that a person who discounts all things spiritual or mystical would be interested in "Hollow Bones." However, I wouldn't describe it as a religious book. I differentiate between structured orthodoxy and mysticism. "Hollow Bones" describes the personal mystical experiences of the characters, without trying to suggest one route to salvation. It is a mystical, rather than a religious work.Tyler: Stephen, you've obviously been a very busy man. You've written books, worked as a psychologist, and run a metaphysical bookstore and vegetarian restaurant. What do you do to relax or to connect with your own spiritual side?Stephen: I try to approach everything I do as a "hollow bone," in an empty state of being. I do brief meditations many times throughout the day to bring myself back to that state. I also do tai chi and a lot of hiking and walking to help me remember my place in Being. I love to be in nature, and we try to take frequent trips to the nearby mountains and deserts. We can actually walk to a nearby canyon from our house. It has always been much easier for me to feel connected in nature.Tyler: Are you working on another book, and if so, can you tell us a little bit about it?Stephen: Right now I'm focused on getting "Hollow Bones" into the hands of readers. However, I do have two other books in mind. The first is a follow-up to "Hollow Bones" which will follow the main characters, Matthew, Hope, and Lily as they set out to explore the new world that is emerging at the end of the first book. In a second, non-fiction book, I'll explain how readers can make the changes (release attachments, empty, open, trust, be) the characters must go through to become "hollow bones."Tyler: Thank you for joining me, today, Stephen. Before we go, will you tell our readers what your website is and what information they can find there about "Hollow Bones" and your other books?Stephen: In addition to a description of "Hollow Bones," I have placed downloadable versions of the Author's Note, the first two chapters of the book, and a Reader Views review on my website, http://www.circledancer.com.Also, I've posted a lot of other useful information on my website. Each day I post an interactive blog and a quote taken from one of my other books, "Illuminations," "Inneractions," and "In Love." I offer weekly suggestions in a section I call "You Can Change the World: Simple Actions You Can Take." There are also downloadable articles I have written about how to live more simply, harmoniously, and respectfully and links to a number of very informative and useful resources.Tyler: Finally, what do you hope "Hollow Bones" will teach readers?Stephen: There are several things I hope readers can learn--or remember--through reading "Hollow Bones." The first is that when they read the morning paper or watch the news they are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies. The predicted intensification of erratic weather patterns, earth movements, starvation, violence, and wars is occurring before their eyes. We have not yet heeded the warning of the indigenous spiritual leaders to live more simply, harmoniously, and respectfully.I want to remind readers that we truly are all related--to each other, to this earth, to the plants and animals, and to the rest of Being. We live in a culture that emphasizes individualism, selfishness, consumerism, and immediate gratification over relatedness. We need to remember the extent to which we actually are related, and to think and act in ways that are harmonious, respectful, and that benefit the whole.Finally, I want to present readers with the positive possibilities the future holds if we will only heed the warning. It is possible to create communities that live together in simpler, more harmonious, and more respectful ways--communities guided by the principles of relatedness. I want readers to know that, if they are willing to free themselves from their distracting attachments, Spirit will guide their way through these turbulent times. I want them to discover that they can become "hollow bones."Tyler: Thank you, Stephen, for joining me today. I wish you lots of success with "Hollow Bones" and your future endeavors.Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is joined by Stephen Paul, who is here to talk about his fascinating new book "Hollow Bones," Circle Dancer Publishing (2007), ISBN 9780979034800. dr seuss cat in hat book

Book Reviews on Bible Aid and Bible Commentaries

For those of you who are looking for some very good Bible aids so as to help you understand and interpret our Bible, here is a list of some of the absolute best aids on this subject matter.In these Bible aids you will find every single verse of the Bible properly interpreted for you when you are having a hard time in deciphering what a particular Scripture verse may mean. For those of you who are serious in your study of Scripture, each one of these aids are truly indispensable.1. "The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History" by Kendell EasleyFor those of you looking for a good book that will give you a nice, basic overview of the history of our Christian faith - this particular book does a very nice job for you. This overview is presented in a very easy-to-understand and follow manner. This book enables you to locate specific people and events on the correct timeline as they occurred in the Bible at a very quick glance. This book also has many colored photographs and maps so you can see where all of these incredible events took place.2. "The Three-In-One Bible Reference Companion" by Thomas NelsonThis is one of my absolute favorites as far as a Bible reference guide. It is a combination concordance, topical index and dictionary. You can look up the meaning of a word for its definition, and right underneath the word will be all of the Scripture verses that will have that word in it. All of the words and topics are listed alphabetically so that you can find what you are looking for a very fast glance. This book combines the best features of a Bible dictionary, concordance and encyclopedia. All of the most important words listed in the Bible are in this book.3. "Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary" edited by Trent ButlerThis particular Bible reference book has become one of the best selling reference tools since it was first published back in 1991. This book has very good definitions on all of the main words in the Bible, along with 600 full color photos, illustrations and charts to help explain the meaning of the words to you. It also has some of the latest archaeological information from some of the different Jerusalem excavations. Very thorough and very complete Bible dictionary.4. "Holman Bible Handbook" by David DockeryThis book goes into each of the individual 66 books of the Bible. It gives very good commentary on all of the key themes and sections in the different books of the Bible along with giving a many full-color photos, illustrations, charts and maps of some of the events that occurred in the Bible. Everything presented in a nice and easy to understand format, even for beginners. These kinds of books will help accelerate your knowledge in the Bible and will save you years and years of having to do this kind of research for yourself.5. "King James Version Bible Commentary" by Ed HindsonAs far as all of the different Bible commentaries that are out there - I believe this one to be one of the absolute best. Even though it is only dealing with the King James Version of the Bible, you can still use this even if you like some of the other different translations. This book will literally interpret every single verse of the Bible for you and does so in a very easy-to-understand manner. I have several different Bible commentaries, but this is the first one I will always go to when I need a good explanation on what a particular Scripture verse may mean. I simply cannot recommend this particular commentary high enough.6. "The Hayford Bible Handbook" by Jack HayfordI believe Jack Hayford to be one of the best Bible scholars and teachers we have in the Body of Christ today. Again, this book from Mr. Hayford is another one of my personal favorites. In the first part of the book, he interprets every line of Scripture for you. In the second half of the book he has very good definitions, commentaries and full explanations for many of the keys words and phrases that are found in the Bible. This is another great book that I cannot recommend highly enough. This man is truly a genius in God with the wealth of information and knowledge that he has on the Bible.7. "Tyndale Bible Dictionary" by Walter ElwellThis is another exceptional Bible dictionary. Besides giving very good basic definitions of many of the main words found in the Bible, it goes even further and then gives actual commentary on many of these words so that you can fully understand what each of these words mean. This book is 1332 pages long and has several beautiful maps at the end of the book so that you can see what all of these Bible areas looked like back at the time that all of these incredible events were occurring. This is just another good solid Bible dictionary that the Body of Christ has available for all the real seekers.8. "Believer's Bible Commentary" by Arthur FarstadThis is another good basic Bible commentary, interpreting every line of Scripture for you. Presented in a very nice and easy-to- read format. It is 2383 pages long. I use this side by side with the King James Version Bible Commentary mentioned above as it is good to have several Bible commentaries when looking up the meaning of different Scripture verses.9. "Holman's Concise Bible Commentary" by David DockeryThis book is a smaller, more concise type of Bible commentary, but don't let the smaller size of this particular book fool you. It is loaded with very good commentary on all of the main verses from Scripture. This is the third main Bible commentary I have in my own personal God-library and I use it in conjunction with the above two Bible commentaries mentioned above. It is only 681 pages in length, but there is a lot of valuable knowledge and revelation in this shorter commentary. dr seuss book collection

High Performance Affiliate Marketing Ebook Review

Short Bio: Jeremy Palmer is an affiliate marketer from Utah. Jeremy began working as an affiliate marketer in 2003 and after just 6 months he quit his day job.Jeremy Palmer is the 2005 Commission Junction Horizon Award Winner, a certified Commission Junction Performer, Yahoo Search Marketing Ambassador and a Google Advertising Professional.In 2006 alone Jeremy managed over 1 million dollars in sales. He mainly uses Pay Per Click buy he also uses search engine optimization to get visitors to his specially designed websites that are proven to convert visitors into buying customers.What I think:I was quite impressed with this eBook. Jeremy goes into great details in the 150 page PDF eBook. Each chapter is very well explained and you are not left with unanswered questions. Jeremy writes in a very straightforward easy to understand manor.There is a great section in this eBook about landing pages/squeeze pages/opt in pages whatever you want to call them.The search engine optimization section is also great. For thos of you are not firmiliar search engine optimization is when you optimize your website to rank very high in Google, MSN or Yahoo. So when you search specific keywords or phrases your sites appears first.I would this section very informative an Jeremy describes many ways to get high quality one-way links to your website. Which is much of the trick to SEO.Another really interesting section in this eBook was the website design section. Not to many affiliate marketing eBooks cover this information. Jeremy goes over the basics and some really great tips about creating your site for maximum usability and optimization.Overall, I highly recommend this eBook for people getting started in affiliate marketing business as well as more experienced affiliate marketers. seuss book collection sets cat hat

The Cool Nguni by Maryanne Bester

The Cool Nguni is a 20-page, well-written, richly illustrated story dealing with issues of identity, self-esteem and self-appreciation. The main character, the Little Nguni Calf, is a uniquely South African cow, but the issues the book raises are universal.The little calf is unhappy because he's doesn't think he's cool enough. He compares himself to cattle from other countries and in every case, he comes off short.The cattle he compares himself to include Longhorn Cattle from the "wild, wild west," Highland Cattle from Scotland and the Brahman Cattle from India. "Those cattle from over the sea- they're cool," he says to his mother.Eventually, the little Nguni Calf learns that he has a number of qualities that make him special. In his own way, he is cool too, just like those cows from across the sea.The Cool Nguni is a good, fun tool to explain to a child why being different is not a bad thing. The book also deals with the concern children the world have, and that's of being cool enough/good enough when compared to other people.Having grown up in South African society during an era when Black children were taught that it's not okay to be themselves, I can certainly appreciate why there is an acute need for The Cool Nguni.My daughter nine-year old daughter also enjoyed the book, and is still paging through to look at the colourful illustrations. I also hope the message that everyone has their own unique beauty helps her develop a strong self-image and self-appreciation. dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Blogging To The Bank Review - Is Blogging To The Bank The Best Computer Home Based Business Guide

Blogging To The Bank by Rob Benwell is a guide to making money through the use of free blogs but is it really the best computer home based business that you could try and if it is, is Blogging To The Bank the best guide to show you how to do this?Firstly I do believe that making money from blogs is the best way to work from home and start your home business. There is little you cannot do on a free blog that others do on an expensive website and that includes making money.Surprisingly Rob Benwell, the author, hasn't actually been in internet marketing too long but he is one of the few people that took a chance on doing things differently and it paid off and now he's helping others to learn the methods that made him succeed.Rob Benwell found a way to make over $500 a day just from using free blogs and you could achieve the same with the help of Blogging To The Bank.The ebook guide is in truth fairly short at just 39 pages but this just means all the filler material that is included in other similar guides has been removed. The guide is well written and easy to follow with plenty of screenshots to make it even simpler. Unlike many guides this one actually shows you the exact steps you need to follow to set up your free money making blog.Blogging To The Bank shows all the techniques required to optimize your blogs including what to name them, what settings to use, which templates to use, money making hot spots on your blogs, where to put adsense, and most importantly how to drive massive amounts of traffic ( visitors) to your blog.Two of the techniques are a little on the risky site and many may not wish to use them but even without these methods you will be able to make money from free blogs with the other techniques in the guide.Blogging To The Bank is an excellent guide to the best computer home based business opportunity around and for the price it is amazing value especially considering it features techniques not shown anywhere else. Without hesitation Blogging To The Bank is highly recommended. dr seuss cat in hat history