EMR and EHR System Implementation Best Practices - Part 4 - Literature Review

This is the fourth article in a series dedicated to uncovering the best practices for an EMR implementation. The information presented has been developed by the author as part of a research project.

Literature Review - Introduction

Opinions vary on widely on the benefits of EMR technology and whether providers should implement them. Christman suggests that the security issues alone is reason enough to seriously assess whether an EMR is right for a particular practice (Christman, 2006). However, government entities at both the state and federal level (Edwards, Lovelock, & Rose, 2006) along with third party payer groups (Wojcik, 2006) and corporate entities (Bit by bit, 2006) are driving health care providers ultimately to electronically accessible medical records.

Currently, about 25 percent of U.S physicians are using systems that facilitate electronic health records (Murdock, 2007). As EMR systems gain momentum due to private and public pressures, the number of implementations will continue to rise and subsequently lead to the rise in failures (The Standish Group, 1995). It is the purpose of this study to help reduce failures by providing a framework in which effective best practice within the field.

Many factors may influence the successful implementation of EMR systems. An understanding of an EMR system's purpose, function and intended benefits help determine in part what influences the success or failure of an EMR project along with awareness of mistakes in the past while leveraging integration best practices that may be unique to EMR implementations.

Electronic Medical Record Systems

The collection of personal health data is described to have many formats when speaking of systems that manage it. An Electronic Medical Record is the collection of data that is central to the patient (Rishel, Handler, & Edwards, 2005). An EMR system exists to facilitate the storage, retrieval and continuity of the record itself (Gans, Kralewski, Hammons, & Dowd, 2005). EMR systems vary in functionality. According to Gans et al., EMR systems typically have the following functions listed from most common to least common:

Patient Demographics
Visit/encounter notes
Patient medications/prescriptions
Presenting complaint
Physical exam/review of symptoms
Past medical history
Problem lists
Procedure/operative notes
Laboratory results
Drug interaction warnings
Radiology/imaging results
Consult/reports from specialists
Referrals to specialists
Drug reference information
Immunization tracking
Drug formularies
Clinical guidelines and protocols
Integration with practice billing system

Other functions may include a claims processing component that allows the coding and transmitting of clinical data to insurance companies to improve the time and cost involved in dealing with insurance carriers (Research Notes, 2006).

There are other names for EMR systems such as the Electronic Health Record (EHR), Personal Health Record (PHR), Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and Computerized Patient Record (CPR). Confusion around the many terms as well as what is represented by them impacts a provider's ability to strategically assess which system is best for them (Rishel et al., 2005). Still, there are some subtle differences between each of the terms. An EMR is typically generated by a physician's practice. An EPR or EHR is typically generated using multiple sources such as those shared between a physician and a hospital. Finally, a PHR is a collection of patient information that the patient themselves hold and share with providers (Barlow, 2007).

EMR systems can be a complex set of connected systems with significant data collection points or it can be a simple system that collects basic data needed to record and associate health information with a specific patient (Rishel, 2007). An EMR system is a collection of information technology that perform the functions noted above by leveraging databases for repositories of data or aggregation points for summary data from other systems (Rishel et al., 2005).

The result of multi-faceted interaction of patient and the health care system is a distributed health record that resides in as many locations as the patient has seen physicians (Ewing, 2007). No one provider has a consistent and full picture of the patient history or treatment. One of the primary benefits of the EMR system is to help eliminate the disconnect and attempt to aggregate patient data as well as make it easier to share the data with other participating providers.

The patient's complex interaction with the healthcare system (Ewing, 2007) further reveals a problematic approach to the purpose and the ultimate goals of implementing an EMR system. This complex interaction of both human and functional provider systems leads to the case for an EMR system. Ewing suggests that the complex interactions of a patient with the medical delivery system expose the patient to significant risk of adverse treatment. Risks identified include delivery of incorrect medication, prescription interactions and lack of medical history in emergency situations. EMR systems are designed to help improve patient medical care and the provider's ability to deliver accurate medical information (Kizer, 2007).

EMR systems may ultimately feed other systems such as an aggregation point for a PHR that a patient can access and carry with them from appointment to appointment (Shetty, 2007). Reversing the scenario, an EMR system can collect and aggregate information from other sources such as laboratory, x-ray and unstructured data like faxes or handwritten notes (Wojcik, 2006). Reduction of the storage necessary to keep paper charts is also a noted as a reason to leverage and EMR freeing up of space better used for revenue generation. Paper charts have their own risks associated with them in terms of getting lost, productivity impacts to maintain and retrieve paper records and the resulting negative patient care. (Carpenter, 2002). Effective access to medical records has become is another purpose of an EMR system. The ability to access a record from remote locations is important to ensure continuity of care (Research notes, 2006).

The intended effect of EMR systems on the healthcare landscape is wide-ranged depending on the type of system and the environment in which it is being implemented. A group practice implemented an EMR system to improve the accuracy of their claims and improve efficiency and information flow (Sonnenberg,

2007). Government entities such as the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense have larger goals of integration and delivery of a common medical record and full digitization of clinical data that can be shared with branches of the military (Melvin, 2007).

The near term presents providers with realizing the digitization of the boxes of paper that is generated by patient encounters. These paper databases represent the clinical data that is ultimately needed to take EMR systems to the next level. Clinical data is the baseline in which all healthcare processes subscribe including decision support, health outcome analysis, billing and claims processing and health maintenance.

Correlation and access to this data is what EMR systems seek to facilitate (Handler & Hieb, 2007). With Clinical data as a basis, further utilization of EMR systems can occur. EMR systems, once materially implemented across the healthcare spectrum, will itself become the framework in which more overarching goals can be accomplished, such as the centralization of a person's health history.

Gartner (Handler & Hieb, 2007) break down EMR system into generational phases of maturity (summarized):

Phase 1 systems are designed to collect encounter based information such as prevalent in a physician provider environment.

Phase 2 systems are designed to allow the updating and entry of information at the point of care. For example, a physician is making rounds at a hospital and can update his EMR records remotely rather than just access it.

Phase 3 systems are designed to support clinical episodes where there are one or more encounters that provide complete information on a patient with system recommended treatment options provided by decisions support systems. Phase 3 attempts to provide basic level evidence based medicine implementation.

Phase 4 systems are designed to further enhance the integration of systems to provide all stakeholders (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) access to patient data and to help facilitate the care process rather than just document it.

Phase 5 are complex, fully integrated systems that provide solutions across the full spectrum of care. These systems provide both visual and data driven insight and suggested courses of action where appropriate. Knowledge management is fully integrated into phase 5 systems to facilitate a more partner based approach to care.

The iterative nature of EMR system provides a baseline in which each generation can grow. However, very few EMR implementations reviewed have been shown to reach much past the first generation. Even those that are utilizing a Phase 1 EMR system are about one in four (Murdock, 2007). As adoption continues to grow, so will opportunities to further integrate with disparate systems and the development of standards for access to EMR data in a format that can be shared with both the consumer of services and the providers of care.

The next article(s) will delve into additional reference material and case studies related to EMR Implementations.

All References can be found on my website at http://www.keithfulmer.com

Keith has been in information technology planning and project management for over 16 years and is a senior healthcare operations executive. He has a passion for project management best practices and healthcare and looks forward to the coming age of the EHR.

Having two children with allergies to peanuts, Keith is passionate about allergy awareness. Come visit his latest website over at http://www.allergyalertbracelet.com/ which helps people find the best allergy alert bracelet and information they are looking for when dealing with adult or child allergy awareness.

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Exploring Ways To Incorporate Literature and Products Into Banner Stands

In days past, the only way to effectively showcase a product inside portable displays was to choose full trade show displays. Anything that was less sturdy wasn't capable of supporting any kind of weight, which made it hard to securely show off any heavy products without adding in tables to the exhibit. Recent advances by leading companies have made that notion of banner stands inaccurate. Now, companies are finding that they can do some product and literature promotion by using a new kind of banner stand, one that offer a small built-in space for such items. Although more limited than one would find in other formats, some companies consider it to be a great start.

How Does It Work?

The design itself is relatively simple. The frame of the banner stands actually has a built-in component that folds out and into place, forming a small platform at a certain height. This platform is much smaller than what might be expected from full sized trade show displays, but that's primarily due to its lack of support. The entire unit has an almost ethereal feel precisely because the platform is almost entirely unsupported, held up by just one rod centered beneath it.

In order for this design to succeed, the designers had to be willing to use stronger materials than might be required for the average banner. Harder metals that resist bending had to be put in place, but also had to be made resilient and able to collapse small enough to fit into a carrying case. Remarkably, many of these new innovations fit into the same size cases as their predecessors.

What's The Cost?

This design is more expensive than older banner trade show displays for two reasons. First, it is a recent innovation which required significant time and thought to create. It's very new, and it isn't easy to manufacture, especially considering how complex the specifications are known to be. That alone is enough to justify a slightly higher price. In addition, many companies are choosing to build their new portable displays from a higher grade of metal. Since there are additional forces at play, the companies are doing their best to ensure a durable and long-lasting setup. Although the ultimate durability remains untested because the design itself is so new, most experts do not expect that there will be problems in units made with the higher quality material.

Is It Right For My Company?

There are many ways to answer this question. The first concern is whether you're looking to replace any trade show displays. If you're happy with your current portable displays and don't have money to burn, you shouldn't be rushing out to purchase this new option. If you're looking to upgrade or have recently had a need to get rid of an old or broken unit, this might be a good time to consider a switch. With the addition of the platforms, some companies are considering the idea of switching to using banner stands for all their portable displays, rather than traditional panels or pop ups. While this decision is something your company will need to consider carefully, one thing is certain: banner stands will become more commonplace as they become more functional.

Chris Harmen is an author for Skyline, an innovative designer of banner stands in Miami. Businesses enjoy the full range of products and services Skyline offers, including trade show displays in Fort Lauderdale and more.

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Shakespearian Hotels and Inns: Places to Stay Associated With Literature's Most Iconic Figure

It is always important to place emphasis on the adjective 'reputed' when referring to events where no written documentation remains - if, indeed, any documentation was ever made in the first place.

This is particularly true of the ancient inns of England, Scotland and Wales and the countless claims that many make with reference to famous visitors centuries ago. That said, while a few are almost certainly the work of fertile imaginations, there's more than a metaphorical grain-of-truth to the vast majority.

Of course, the further one travels back in time the harder it becomes to substantiate such claims. A historic icon such as Charles Dickens, for example, was extremely well travelled, and accounts if his having stayed at hotels and inns throughout the UK are easier to verify by virtue of them being from little over a century and a half ago. Travel back to the 1600's or further and the waters become a little cloudier.

So, if we know of some of Dickens' former whereabouts, what of that other giant of English literature, William Shakespeare? Are there any surviving places one can stay today in which the "Bard of Avon" is supposed to have once done?

Alas, there are those which would have once offered lodgings to travellers that no longer do so. Such examples include the Golden Cross in Oxford - today a pizza restaurant - which is thought by some to have been patronised by Shakespeare, and the Old Bull in Inkberrow, Worcestershire (whose other claim-to-fame is in its being the real-life model for The Bull pub in BBC Radio's, The Archers). Another, The Bell Inn at Welford on Avon, is said to have been where he drank soon before coming down with the pneumonia that some allege ended his life (though the actual cause of death is still unknown).

Similarly, we know of places with some connection to him which do offer accommodation, but in which he is unlikely to have actually stayed. These include the MacDonald Alveston Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon where, some believe, the very first performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream took place. Similarly, the Harte and Garter in Windsor boasts an association, but the building is, alas, a 19th century replacement for the original.

As such, those wishing to actually sleep under the same roof as the creator of such works as The Taming of the Shrew and The Tempest have very few options. Of course, there are almost certainly more old inns where Shakespeare sojourned on his travels, but seemingly no record of his ever being there - written or verbal - remain.

One such place is the Spread Eagle in Midhurst, West Sussex - or so it is purported. Indeed, when it comes to celebrities of centuries-past, this ancient old building certainly has pedigree: Elizabeth I, Lord Nelson, Guy Fawkes and many others are all believed to have passed through its door. As such, it would be churlish to dispute popular opinion.

But for somewhere with a connection of which few can contest, one has to travel to small village in Buckinghamshire.

In the splendidly-named Grendon Underwood, between Bicester and Aylesbury, is an attractive part-Elizabethan building which today offers bed & breakfast accommodation to visitors from all over the world. Constructed during the 1570's, the property was originally an inn called The Ship. Today, though, it is known as Shakespeare House on account that the author is said to have stayed on several occasions while travelling between Stratford and London.

Indeed, such is the level of certainty of his having slept here that one room in particular is thought to have been that in which he rested. Moreover, it has even been suggested that inspiration for A Midsummer Night's Dream was found here.

Of course, we still come back to cautionary words such as 'reputed' and 'alleged'. But Shakespeare had to rest somewhere on his journeys. And here seems as good a place to lay claim to such an honour as any.

For more hotels and inns connected to figures from history, visit Nights In The Past: a guide to period accommodation throughout Great Britain and Western Europe.

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Outside of the Bible, What Is the Most Important Piece of Christian Literature Printed Today?

In my position with the Witt Company, I communicate with church professionals every day. Recently, many of you have stated that the size of your congregations have been "holding steady" while some have said, "we are getting a little smaller" so I started doing some research. I wanted to find some valuable information to help you build your congregations. I was fortunate to discover a book written by Yvon Prehn and called her. She is based here in Southern California. Yvon was very gracious with her time and she granted her permission to share some terrific information with you that I am presenting below. In the coming weeks, I will share more of her wisdom designed to help church professionals in various ways. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

First, let me ask a question: Outside of the Bible, what is the most important piece of Christian Literature printed today? One answer may surprise you; it could be your church bulletin!

Yvon Prehn wrote in her manual Toolkit For Church Communicators (excerpts reprinted with permission) that the church bulletin is, for some people, the first piece of Christian literature they have ever seen and is usually the first thing a new visitor will read about your church.

New Visitors Come Hungry

Yvon goes on to say that everyone has a spiritual vacuum inside and they come to church looking for a way to fill it. They will read anything that you give them.

Does Your Church Bulletin Present the Right Message?

What does your church bulletin say to them? George Barna says that 91% of "unchurched" people believe churches are not sensitive to their needs. Yvon wondered where they got that idea? Could it be you tell them that in your church bulletins? Many times, bulletins are filled with terms only familiar to regular visitors. They talk about events and meetings without explaining them, just assuming everyone knows what you are talking about. Sometimes, they don't even talk about what is going on in your service that morning.

What Should You Put in Your Church Bulletins?

Producers of the bulletin should look at it through the eyes of someone unfamiliar with how a church operates. As you seek new members and try to connect with them, Yvon suggests some tips to keep your bulletin up to date but not to lose your church's personality or traditional values.

Welcome People

Few bulletins start out with a WELCOME! It should be right up front and before the order of service. Make in genuine and "reflect the tradition of your church."

Please Give an Order of Service

A visitor has no idea what to expect.

Acknowledge Both Visitors and Members in the Announcement Section

Some of the best bulletins welcome visitors and then give essential details such as bathroom locations, nursery info, even an invitation to have coffee after the service where they can meet and ask questions. In a section such as "church news," accommodate visitors by saying something like: "Below are the various events hosted by our church in the coming weeks. Everyone is invited to these functions and we hope you will attend. If you need more information, please call the contact numbers listed with each activity."

Do You Encourage New Visitors to Become More Involved?

Your bulletins should pull back first time attendees by suggesting that they attend a small group or social activity, even an event for their children.

Don't List Events That Are Closed to Newcomers

Let regular visitors and members know about "closed events" in a verbal announcement and at the start of your small groups attended by active attendees. If you must list closed events, label them as such.

Include the 5 W's: who, what, when, where, why

Who is putting on the program? What is going on? Where will it be located? What time will it start and end? What is the cost? Is child care provided?

Repeat the Information (Event) for Several Weeks

Remember, no one will see the information as often as you do. Because of school and work obligations, many regular attendees cannot attend every week. Repetition is important. Marketing experts tell us that people need to see something 6 times before they remember and respond.

Have a Place for Testimonials and Always Include a Gospel Presentation

Yvon has been recommending for years that every bulletin put in a short piece about how someone came to trust Jesus as their Savior. Here is one that ran at Christmas:

"In the midst of the gifts and goodies we are all enjoying at this time of year, remember the message of Christmas is that God came to Earth in the form of a person-Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus grew up and not only became the greatest teacher and miracle worker the world has ever seen but he died a unique death. In His death, Jesus was not a victim of evil men. Jesus willingly gave up His life and died on the cross so that He could pay the penalty for our sins. His death was His choice and His story does not end with His death. Jesus rose from the dead after three days and by doing that, showed that He was God!

When you believe that Jesus died for our sins and accept the forgiveness He offers us, and decide to follow Him, Jesus promises to forgive us and give us eternal life. If you would like to have your sins forgiven, if you would like to be at peace with your God; if you would like to live forever, tell Jesus you are a sinner and you need His salvation. Ask him to come into your life and be your Savior and Lord. After you do that, please read the Bible to learn how to live as a Christian. Talk to God daily in prayer. Go to church and get to know other followers of Jesus and grow in your faith."

A lady decided to include a brief gospel presentation like this in her bulletin and reported to Yvon that one of the men in her church had to go to prison for a time. To keep him in touch with the church, she sent him the bulletin regularly. He wrote her later and thanked her and said it made him feel that he wasn't forgotten and he had even led several inmates to the Lord in prison. By including a gospel message, the eternal destinies of men were changed by her bulletins.

I was moved by Yvon Prehn's inclusion of testimonials and her good ideas to build a strong, user-friendly, church bulletin that I hope will help you build your congregations.

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Writing About Literature - Foiled Again & Again in "The Lord of the Rings"

Whether it's a short story or a novel or something in-between, what's THE most important thing about any story-do you know?

Well, here it is-

By the end, something important has to change---or there's no story

Makes sense, doesn't it? Intuitively, you know that's true, don't you, just as most people do.

In absolutely every published story, what changes at the end always relates to some value stated early on in the story, either by or about the main character. And that early value statement is always a strong evaluation or description concerning a trait, characteristic, goal, problem, or desire related to the main character. That's what I call the old view. The change at the end I call the new view, which is always a reverse of the old view at the beginning.

With that one principle, you can make sense of the major factors in literally every story ever written and published. And you don't have to bring in a bunch of literary devices to prove your point, either.

However, you should know that there's a major difference between a short story and a long story, or novel. In a short story, the major support of the old view/new view relationship is the description of the main character, often having to do with descriptions of their feelings, thoughts, talk, and actions, though a physical description can be powerfully supportive, too.

But in a novel, the major support of the old view/new view relationship in the story is the use of foils. A foil is a character in a story who serves as a contrast to another character. Often, the contrast is with the main character or one of the other primary characters. And the contrast serves to highlight specific traits of the other character that reinforce the old view/new view relationship. Foils are major factors in novels because they take much longer to develop, and short stories just don't have the space or time to develop them.

Now, J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, The Lord of the Rings, is just bursting at the seams with foils or contrasts between characters, so let's discuss how a few of those foils are used to support the main character and the old view/new view relationship.

First, let's identify the old view strong value statements that are given near the beginning of the story, when Gandalf has a long discussion with Frodo and tells him the true nature of the Ring he has inherited from Bilbo:

Frodo has no pity for Gollum and declares vehemently that Gollum "deserves death."
Frodo strongly disagrees with Gandalf about his having the "strength and heart and wits" to deal with the Ring, and he objects very self-pityingly to being stuck with it.
Frodo wants very much to destroy the Ring, though he'd rather have it destroyed by someone else.
The first two old views get reversed throughout the middle of the story, even before the end: Frodo constantly protects Gollum from others, as he guides Frodo and Sam into Mordor; and Frodo shows fairly consistently that he has the "strength and heart and wits" to deal with Boromir, Gollum, Sam, Faramir, and even Sauron, though he does make a few mistakes.

But when Frodo gets to Mount Doom in Mordor to throw the Ring into the fire and destroy it, he changes his mind and decides to keep the Ring. That is a complete turnaround, a pure reversal of the third old view value statement we identified, above.

Okay, now we're ready to identify contrasting characters, or foils, and show how they relate to the main character and the reversal new view at the end of the story.

Here's a list of six foils or contrasts (out of about forty in the story):

Frodo & Gollum
Frodo & Gandalf
Gandalf & Saruman
Saruman & Denethor
Denethor & Theoden
Faramir & Boromir
Let's examine these contrasts or foils.

Frodo & Gollum - Both are jealous of possessing the ring. But many differences are readily apparent, such as Frodo being concerned for the welfare of others, while Gollum was concerned only for himself and loving only the Ring.

Perhaps the major difference between Frodo and Gollum is that Frodo is intent on destroying the Ring for the sake of all decent beings, while Gollum is intent on obtaining the Ring only for his own delight in possessing it. This difference is crucial for setting up the reversal at Orodruin, the Fire-mountain in Mordor, where Frodo does his turnabout and declares he will not destroy the Ring, which he has been working toward all along.

Fortunately, in another unexpected reversal, Gollum becomes the one to destroy the Ring he loves so much when he accidentally falls into the fires of Mount Doom after stealing the Ring from Frodo.

Frodo & Gandalf - The differences are readily apparent: Frodo is weak and not very wise, while Gandalf is both very powerful and very, very wise. Near the beginning of the story, Frodo asks Gandalf to take the ring because of his superior power and wisdom, but Gandalf declines because he knows that the Ring would quickly overcome him due to his desire to help the weak who are in need, out of pity.

On the other hand, Gandalf points out that weak Frodo has a special kind of hobbit strength to deal with the Ring, such as hobbits generally seem to have, which is being "soft as butter... and yet sometimes as tough as tree-roots... some would resist the Rings far longer than most of the Wise would believe."

However, as Gandalf also points out, the One Ring is so powerful that "in the end it would overcome anyone of mortal race who possessed it. It would possess him." That statement proves prophetic, as in the end the Ring does overpower Frodo and causes his reversal of deciding to keep the Ring for himself and not destroy it.

Gandalf & Saruman - Though both are powerful and wise wizards and both began as good men, Saruman turns evil and desires power over other creatures. We find out why when it is revealed that Saruman has been using one of the palantir seeing-communicating globes, which Sauron used to corrupt Saruman. This contrast between Saruman and Gandalf can easily be extended to contrast with Frodo, who had the powerful One Ring for many years and was not corrupted by it.

Saruman & Denethor - Both are wise and strong, though Denethor is not a wizard. Yet they both used a palantir and both were thereby bent and overcome by association with Sauron's evil mind. Again, the contrast with Frodo's incorruptibility can easily be seen --- until the very end, of course, when he, too, is overcome by evil power.

Denethor & Theoden - Both are rulers of their own nations, and both have become weakened and overcome by the mind of an evil being. In Theoden's case, it was Wormtongue. The difference between Denethor and Theoden was that Theoden accepted help and wise counsel from Gandalf, while Denethor pridefully rejected Gandalf's counsel and help. Frodo, too, accepted Gandalf's help and counsel, mostly, and thereby avoided ensnarement by the enemy --- until at the very last when the power of the Ring finally overcomes him.

Faramir & Boromir - As brothers and as sons of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, both had reason to covet the One Ring entrusted to Frodo as a means to aid their father and their beloved city-nation of Gondor. Because of his pride, Boromir gave in to his lust for the power of the Ring, while Faramir had an even better opportunity of taking it from Frodo, but didn't. As a past student of Gandalf, Faramir was able to resist the lust for power. Like Faramir, Frodo had the benefit of counsel and friendship with Gandalf, which probably was a contributing factor in his resisting the Ring until at the very last, when he succumbed to it.

So the foils or contrasts in the story establish a consistent pattern that allows us to make this generalization, which fits nicely with the old view/new view pattern of the story:

As shown by the foils or contrasts in Tolkien's novel, The Lord of the Rings, the more you associate with evil or lust for power, the more likely it will corrupt and overcome you. Evil power overcame all those who willingly associated with it, even Frodo, though he lasted much longer in resisting it than others who should have been stronger.

Now you have a great thesis statement for your literary essay, as well as lots of support for it --- all courtesy of applying the literary device of foils to the old view/new view pattern in the story.

This article was written by Bill Drew, a writing expert who specializes in teaching how to write an essay, in both theory and practice, especially thesis writing -- with special emphasis in teaching writing about literature, as well as writing advertising and other business writing.

He is the author of The Secret DNA of Writing Essays-And Everything Else, as well as The Secret DNA of Analyzing Short Stories. The two books plus software for the first book are available at his website, at Amazon.com, and at ThoughttOffice.com.

His NewView methods are being successfully taught in elementary, middle school, and high school classes.

For further information, see the many endorsements of his books and software on the Testimonials page of his website, as well as the several Reviews on Amazon.com.

Upcoming books planned by Drew include The Secret DNA of Writing Advertising, The Secret DNA of Analyzing Novels, The Secret DNA of School Writing, with Lesson Plans, The Secret DNA of Shakespeare's Plays, The Secret DNA of Communication, The Secret DNA of Education and Teaching, The Secret DNA of Hemingway's Writing, The Secret DNA of Introductions and Conclusions, The Secret DNA of Topic Sentences and Paragraph Development, and many more to come in the Secret DNA series.

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Ancient Religious Literature - William Blake as Inspired Genius

William Blake first came to me in third year university English, and I was utterly amazed. It was 1969 and so much was happening that we talk about and here was this ancient philosopher who by his nature would be walking today against any war and the system as it was abusing the common man. That was Blake, and yet he spoke, created, crafted his expressions to humanity in ways that he is recognized as one of the greatest English creative minds ever. Tiger, tiger, burning bright...did He Who made the lamb make Thee?

The genius and simple mad great nature in William Blake was there in a study in fourth year tutorial about how Blake and his thoughts were carried forward from his lifetime (1757-1827) that saw him through the worst horrors of the Industrial Revolution when children were virtually chained to tables to produce mass goods, practices we now denounce through the third world, but have really been around since time immemorial.

But when Blake described the naked reality of a small boy stuck in a chimney and abandoned by his chimney sweep because he had had a growth spurt or eaten too much, greedy boy. In the time of the American revolution, while Colonists were fighting against taxation without representation, Blake was speaking of children chained to their wheels or abandoned in a sooty chimney until his cries died down, and the fires burned out his skeletal remains. His soot would filter out over the neighbors for some time, and then be forgotten, an abandoned orphan anyway.

So while mad William Blake stoke the fires of indignation, which set the way for another victim of the rough life of a father who was too much a borrower and so came to know the Poor House, Charles Dickens. And all those words of horror and indignation from the heart of Dickens pushed a change that had already begun, and a life of decency became a standard for all. It took mad William Blake, who said in his later years: the first thing is:

You work up your imagination, and allow it to become a vision, and then the thing is done.

The Wise Men from the East could not have said it better.

William Blake was a visionary in the west: far behind the Buddha in time, but close in his vision. One of the greatest creative minds, dismissed in his time as mostly mad, lived through times when young boys were abandoned in chimneys and their cries could be heard for days until someone, feeling the chill, lit a fire. Blake was driven mad by these rights of the divine and suffering of the many: while America rebelled against taxes on tea, Blake fought to right deeper human freedoms. And yet America admired his ideals and did not allow very many boys to die inside a chimney.Other matters, yes, and with the grace of God we improve our mortal souls.

rare religious books [http://www.antiquereligionbooks.com].

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American Antiques.

Derek Dashwood

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Motivating Children Through Literature - Aurial Blanche 'The Magic Sunglasses'

Motivating a child to strive to their fullest potential is a very important aspect within their personal development. An aspect, which will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives. For this we all need a little help and any assistance is warmly welcome. So now think for a moment, about your children, a child in your class, or even a neighbor's child. Nobody likes to think of a child dispirited, unenthusiastic and despondent. That is why we are signifying Auriel Blanches, amazing book, The Magic Sunglasses.

Once exploring the lead character Samantha's journey throughout the book you will see a new child. Imagine now, your child no longer has to feel discouraged, depressed and frustrated from all the set-backs and challenges that he/she faces everyday. Now they can personally and independently pursue every hurdle with a leap and a smile. They just needed a tiny encouragement and motivation, which this fantastic book will inspire!

The Magic Sunglasses, written by Auriel Blanche (regularly known as Angela Buck) - is a motivational book for children aged 7-9. Enabling parents, educators, and child care workers to inspire and educate children to lead healthy, enriched, and enthusiastic lifestyles. Angela Buck, also the founder of "The Magic Sunglasses Project" believes this all starts in the playful, magical world of a child's imagination... "I dream of a worldwide community of children who have learnt how to value themselves and to use their potential, to live personally successful lives and contribute to the success of others" is her ethos and the inspiration for her fun fantasy book.

Auriel believes all great achievements start in someone's imagination. With this as her focus, The Magic Sunglasses uses powerful paradigms to give thought to children appreciating their own special values and the understanding that everyone is worthy of success. This book uses an innovative story line and creative illustrations to inspire and motivate all children.

Imagination makes it possible for us to think differently about what is, what has been, and to envisage what may be. It's what enables us to think beyond our perceived normality, to create a world without boundaries or restrictions. Samantha does not limit herself when the super powers from the glasses are in action. When they are no longer with her she is still able to achieve her aspirations.

Auriel believes that children should aspire to infinite possibilities, through their imagination. Throughout the book the motivation in a child is brought to life. This innovative dream's and aspirations of Samantha in the book inspires children to pursue their own ideals & dreams. The Magic Sunglasses can give a daily inspirational boost to the child to keep their hopes alive as they face the everyday challenges in the real world. So why not give them a help in hand, by reading them the magic sunglasses as a bedtime story, or simply buying them a little gift to enjoy.

Auriel invites children globally to explore their dreams, strive to their potential, to not limit themselves and independently enrich their own lives. With the magic sunglasses, they are free from objective restraints with encouragement to explore possibilities. As they read how another child (Samantha) plays and dreams. They too imagine themselves to be a superstar, singing to the adoring crowds. They too can pretend to be dressing up as a princess or a super hero. They too can imagine being able to eat as many sweets, cookies and ice cream as they like. They can also make play of their own nightmares of witches and goblin, and overcome them with confidence and ambition enthused throughout the book.

The meaning and purpose of the magic sunglasses- is fundamentally to motivate a child by imagination and creativity. Make-believe is important to intellectual development and mental health. It is an integral part of childhood. Auriel Blanche is an influential writer and The Magic Sunglasses should be in every family household. We hope she will be inspiring and empowering children for years to come.

For more information and up and coming events, workshops and book signings - Please go to http://www.themagicsunglasses.com

The Magic Sunglasses - written by Auriel Blanche
http://themagicsunglasses.com

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Colorectal Cancer Part 5: Review of Medical Literature: Not All Patients Benefit From Chemotherapy

After surgery, microscopic cancer cells are still left behind in the body. As an "insurance policy" patients are told by their oncologists to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy (or both). The idea is to kill whatever cancer cells are left behind. But how effective is this? How valid is the assumption that chemotherapy can just do that?

I invite you to read the following research papers and give them some serious thought. Form your own opinion as to what you would want to do in the event that you suffer from early stage (Stage 2) colorectal cancer.

Scholefield J.H. in an article: "Challenges in colorectal cancer." (Book review. New England J of Medicine. September 2000. Vol: 343:893.) wrote:

"Colorectal cancer presents some of the most challenging problems for basic scientists, clinical investigators and practitioners. Surgery remains the centre of attention."

Question: All these years, why is the treatment of colorectal "most challenging?" Has the treatment protocol for colorectal cancer not been worked out yet?

Moertel, C. G. (in Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. New England J. of Medicine. April 1994. Vol: 330: 1136-1142) wrote:

"Radiation therapy plays only a palliative role. In the past, chemotherapy resulted in only infrequent and usually transient shrinkage of the tumour. Its use is scarcely justified in view of the discomforts and costs of the treatment. However, now there have been some advances."

Question: The author is a renowned oncologist from the famous Mayo Clinic. It is most amazing to note that "in the past chemotherapy resulted only in temporary tumour shrinkage." Even shrinkage is infrequently achieved. But then, we were made to believe that chemotherapy was necessary. Was it a mistake then? Was undergoing chemotherapy in the past unjustifiable? What about the present? Is it going to be another mistake down the road? The author is implying that perhaps now, it is okay -- we are seeing some advances? Chemotherapy, even today is not a pleasant experience while some patients said they suffered badly. Besides, it still cost a lot of money. Has the present situation change?

Buyse M & Piedbois P. (in: Should Duke's B patients receive adjuvant therapy? A statistical perspective. Semin. Oncol. 2001.(Suppl. 1): 20-24) wrote:

"The benefit of adjuvant therapy, e.g., 5-FU + leucovorin, is a matter of debate for patients with Duke's B colon cancer. Five separate trials failed to show a significant benefit of adjuvant 5-FU + leucovorin compared with surgery alone."

Benson, A. B., et al. (in: American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations on adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer. J. of Clinical Oncology, August 2004. Vol: 22: 3408-3419) wrote:

"Direct evidence from randomized controlled trials does not support the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage II colon cancer. Therefore the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for medically fit patients with stage II colon cancer is not recommended."

Figueredo A. et al. (in: Adjuvant therapy for stage II colon cancer: A systematic review from the Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-based Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease Site Group. J. of Clinical Oncology, August 2004. Vol: 16: 3395-3407) wrote:

"The benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy are small and not necessarily associated with improved overall survival. Patients should be made aware of these results."

With the above research results would cancer patients take a pause and think seriously enough before they "follow" what their oncologists may want them to do?

For more information about holistic therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.NaturalHealingForYou.com, http://www.cancer-answers.blogspot.com

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Alcohol & Drunkenness in Proverbs & Other Wisdom Literature

I gave up drinking cold turkey with the help of my friends in Alcoholics Anonymous some nearly six years ago now. I have never missed it. I was not a drop-dead, "blackout" drunk but I did binge drink[1] many a weekend evening for years and it had started to affect other areas of my life, like for instance, work (not that anyone I think knew other than me). It had some less-than-obvious-to-the-outsider family impacts as well.

Those who have a drinking problem generally have a problem with people not drinking. They mirror their own needs onto the situation and feel relieved when others share in their pastime. It validates them, for secretly they loath the fact that they're hooked on booze.

So what does the Bible in the Wisdom tradition say about drinking? There are some Christian people I'm sure either aren't aware or don't seem to care about what it advises.

I found some proverbs in chapters 23 and 31 of that great book. There is also a snippet of value in Ecclesiastes. Realistically, however, Psalms and Song of Songs also are littered with allusions to drinking and drunkenness, but it is never seen as virtuous.

For starters, drunkards and gluttons become poor and their drowsiness clothes them in rags (Proverbs 23:20-21). They're oblivious to the fact of their own beating because they care only for the next drink (v. 35). They have woes, sorrow, strife and complaining (v. 29).

People who make much ado about alcohol and events imbued by alcohol are going down into a dark pit of their own misery. In the end drink stings like a viper (v. 32).

Proverbs 31 features the instruction to King Lemuel from his mother (vs. 4-7). She censures him about the folly of drink, for it is not for a nobleman. Inebriation taints the senses of judgment and any leader (let alone a king) will do well to avoid it.

Who drinks for the pure taste of the stuff? I'm not sure anyone does. Alcohol produces infinitely more harm than the very small (anecdotal) good it's alleged to produce. Alcohol is clearly the drug of choice for those who are already miserable; those who are poor, perishing and in anguish.

Finally, Ecclesiastes 10:17 mentions that good fare and wine are fine for building strength, not drunkenness. And this is the test. Have a drink or two. If that can't be your limit, give it away.

We do well to heed the instruction of the ancients. In a time of extended prosperity, the Western world is plagued with much binge drinking and its resultant abuses and neglect, the effects of which are at times catastrophic, personally and culturally.

[1] Drinking five or more [standard] drinks at a time is considered binge drinking for men. For women, this amount is four or more. (Source: www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/alcohol/glossary.htm) A standard drink is smaller than that which is normally served.

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Star Wars Literature - A Glimpse Into One of the Most Famous Entertainment Franchises

Amazingly enough, books and comics based on Star Wars and its characters predate the release of the first feature film in 1977. The novelization of the Star Wars story, credited to George Lucas but actually written by Alan Dean Foster, was released in 1976.

Alan penned a book under his own name in 1978, titled Splinter of the Minds Eye. This book was the first title released as a part of the "Expanded Universe" -- the official title for any licensed product that is not one of the six feature films. The main theme of this novel was to fill in the timeline of events between the movies while also expanding on events that happened before and after the stories outlined in the films.

The majority of books written as part of the Expanded Universe series were released around the time of the original trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). In the late 80's, several years after the latest movie release, the literature offerings dwindled until the resurgence in the early 90's. 1992 saw the release of Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy and 1996 saw the release of the Steve Perry novel Shadow of the Empire. Shadow of the Empire chronicles the time between Episodes V and VI (The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi).

Another new series that has made the Star Wars universe popular again is the New Jedi series. The events in this series take place 20 years after the Return of the Jedi. There are some old characters as well as some newly introduced characters to keep the story moving forward.

Three other Star Wars series have been released that are targeted to younger readers to get them interested in the Star Wars genre. These series are The Jedi Apprentice, about Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi in the time immediately before the events of the movie The Phantom Menace; The Jedi Quest series follows the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker after Episode I and before Episode II. The third series still has books being published. It is called The Last of the Jedi and follows the activities of Obi-Wan Kenobi after Episode III.

The Star Wars entertainment franchise has been a powerhouse during four decades, and thanks to their fervent fan base and new offerings, will probably be popular for at least one more decade!

Shaun is a long-time Star Wars fan, beginning with the vinyl recordings he listened to as a child. He is a collector of vintage Star Wars toys, and counts the Star Wars At-At Walker and the Star Wars Slave 1 among his favorites.

He maintains a Star Wars blog filled with character and movie history, as well as great Star Wars finds for fans of all ages, including household items like Star Wars sheets, curtains, and party supplies.

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Butta and the Tower of Bling - African American Mainstream Literature

Butta and the Tower of Bling is a fast-paced adventure into the world of urban fiction. Corey Burkes in this his debut novel has produced mainstream fiction that will make the reader sit up and take notice of the characters rich with dialogues who speak and act like people we know. The novel is a brilliant depiction of a cross-section of American Culture with which we can all identify. Shady characters, evil antagonists, gutsy protagonists, and a host of supporting characters all spring to life from the pages of Butta' and the Tower of Bling.

Burkes' unique writing style is both edgy and irreverent. His characters speak and act like everyday people you meet on the street. They remind you of the people who make up the heart and soul of any American city; some you know, some you don't know, and some you wish you had never met. As Butta' herself claims, "I speak so I can be understood." Fully fleshed out and conveying attitude, these are the kind of fictional characters that are so believable you want to keep on reading.

The story line is based on a deep seated grudge held by Butta. Hung alongside her family as a small child by a nasty white supremacist, Butta spends her entire life devoted to taking down this neo-Nazi who has become the master of a diamond making invention that her father created. Butta a genius at cat burglaring hires an entourage of equally interesting support to help her pull of her biggest heist yet, stealing back the invention her father created!

The plot has multiple layers that demonstrate a maturity of writing skills seldom seen so early in an author's career. The consistent build up to the climax keeps the reader eager to turn to the next page. The careful blend of dialogue and background is so balanced and blended that the reader becomes absorbed in the story. From the botched lynching and thieving white supremacist to the harrowing escape in the final moments of the book, the pace is never dull, the story enthralling, and the rush to the finish will have the reader up all night racing to the finish. The protagonist's father says it best, " Now I know why we call you Butta....you so smooth."

Butta' and the Tower of Bling

Corey A. Burkes

Publisher: Skyelightbooks.com

ISBN: 978-0-979-6352

Publisher year: 2007

Shannon Evans is recognized in the Puget Sound as an expert in how to make your business have a web presence rather than just a web page. Her conversational marketing techniques and practices outlined by Practical Local Search, LLC you will see your small business presence on the web increase: http://www.practicallocalsearch.com/ She is a consultant for social marketing campaigns that allow you to organize your marketing and sales efforts in an inexpensive delivery platform that is easy to set up and manage. The ability to send, deliver, and track any installed resource gives you the power to create a marketing program quickly and easily in a scalable format that can grow with your business.

Shannon is also a co-author of Get Found Now! Local Search Secrets Exposed: Learn How to Achieve High Rankings in Google, Yahoo and Bing and multiple business ebooks. Her books teach entrepreneurs how to leverage the internet to attract new clients.

Shannon has a wide and varied background in both the practical and the pragmatic aspects of the business world. Shannon loves nothing better than teaching local businesses how to think globally and to be searched locally.

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Gay Literature's Latest Trend: Gay Romance For Female Readers

Sales number of online publishing houses reflect that what once might have started out as a literary flicker is steadily merging into a broad and rising trend in literature. What do we know about the new genre yet? Where does it have its roots and who are the authors?

It stands to reason to assume that in the early stages authors started out by flexing their writing muscles in the area of fan fiction writing. It is a form of writing that can be exclusively found online and does not exist in hard cover format. A fandom is constituted by a number of people who are interested in maybe a TV show like "Stargate" or a book series such as "Harry Potter". Authors take characters from the original stories and create short stories in the original story verse and give them their own twist. Often times a romantic sub plot is added in which does not exist in the original universe the story is set in. The very beginning of fan fiction writing is attributed to fanzines of the late 1970's with Kirk/Spock Star Trek fiction.

Over time more and more authors have transitioned over to writing original fiction of their own, developing their own characters and plots. With coming from a background that focuses on mm/fiction and having a decidedly interested female readership it seems to be consequent to take this element over and expand into it. The new genre has well renowned authors who have become easily recognizable due to their distinctive literary voice, lovely morally ambiguous characters and unique settings.

If you are interested in this new genre you will find that there is a number of online publishers who exclusively publish romance novels attributed to gay romance and gay fiction. You will find novels both in paperback and e-reader format.

Sam is an editor of LGBT mystery and adventure fiction and author of this article. He has extensive experience with e-publishing. He has been writing articles for various sites for over 3 years.
Come visit his latest website Gay Romance which helps people find the best Gay Fiction.

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Thanjavur - City of Ancient Art, Literature and Temples

Thanjavur (or Tanjaur) in Tamil Nadu was once the capital of mighty Cholas. It is said that the kingdom was so fertile that elephants used to thrash paddy here. To this day, one can see stately ancient buildings and their ruins on almost every street of the city. Tamil Nadu is known for nurturing literature, classical music and arts for hundreds of years. Thanjavur is not untouched by the sophistication, culture and knowledge that Tamilians are so proud of. Thanjavur paintings use semi-precious stones and gold foil to create deities in a style unique to the region. Since genuine antique Tanjore paintings are extremely rare, you will find only newer ones (perhaps with antique finish) in the market.

Thanjavur is also famous for its Tanjore plates - brass places with silver inlay work, Indian musical instrument known as Veena, and colorful papier mache dolls known as Thanjavur thalayatti bommais which nod their heads like Bharatanatyam dancers. There is an interesting story about how the city of Thanjavur originated. It is believed that Lord Vishnu slew a demon or asur named Thanjan on the banks of River Cauvery. Just before dying, Thanjan prayed to Lord Vishnu that a beautiful and great town named after him rise on the spot of his death and his wish was granted. Thus, Thanjanasur (which later became Thanjavur) came into being.

Though some of the temple sites claim to be thousands of years old, the earliest of the present structures date back to 7th century CE. Home to some of the world's finest temple architecture, Thanjavur has as many as 24 ancient temples that are worth a visit. However, three most celebrated and revered temples at Thanjavur are:

o Brihadeesvara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the name of the temple literally means 'Big'. The massive temple precincts have an enormous entrance arch and are surrounded by a moat that looks awe-inspiring. The grand temple does not have loud colored frescoes and has been purposefully given a sandstone-color finish to keep it unobtrusive and low key. The 13-tiered entrance tower to the sanctum carries a single block of granite stone weighing 80 tonnes on its top. Other notable features here include a 4-mile long ramp that was built to set the cupola in such a manner that its shadow never falls on the ground; the 12-foot tall monolithic idol of Nandi; and a 12 ft high lingam with a circumference of 54 ft. The beautiful frescoes of the shrine of Goddess Brihan Nayaki; the cave-like temple of Saint Karuvurar; and the Murugan shrine built like a chariot are a must-see at this temple.

o Bangaru Kamakshi Amman Temple: 2 kms from the Big Temple, this temple of Goddess Bangaru Kamakshi has an idol made in real gold, which is believed to have been brought here from Kanchipuram during Muslim invasion.

o Mariamman Temple: Goddess Mariamman, a manifestation of Mother Goddess, is believed to have curative and healing powers. Though the temple was built in the 18th century, the goddess was worshipped here in the form of an anthill since times immemorial. Descendants of the royal family of Thanjavur maintain the temple to this day. Devotees believe that goddess provides relief from measles, chicken pox and skin sores and that drops of moisture appear on the face and head of the idol from time to time.

Besides temples, Thanjavur has some beautiful architectural specimens at the Sivaganga Fort such as the 18th century Schwartz Church and the Royal Palace. The Rajaraja Museum and the Art Gallery are known for their rich collection of Chola bronzes and stone sculptures while the Saraswati Mahal Library in the palace complex has a large collection of rare manuscripts. You can also see panoramic views of the city from the ornamental balconies of the six-storey Sharajah Madi and the biggest cannon in India - Rajagopala Beerangi - at the fort.

To get more information about South India Tours and South India Tour Packages, Visit southindiatraveltours.com

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Yoga Books - Literature of Health and Wellness, Popular Yoga Books

Amy Lowell had once remarked, "All books are either dreams or swords, you can cut, or you can drug, with words." Or in simple words, books are the source of knowledge in every field. When you don't have a teacher or mentor to show the right path, books are the best friends. Yoga is a scientifically proven method to control the heart, mind and whole body. It's a complete practical science to not only treat the incumbent ailments of the body but to prepare the body to live a healthy life. It is not always possible to have the supervision of a trained yoga teacher because of various complications. Yoga books are a great help at this juncture because of their all-important content and value.

Be it hath yoga, raja yoga or simple pranayam practice, authors try to give as much relevant and practical information as can be received from an accomplished Yoga guru. Since yoga is a practical science, authors need to make extensive research before compiling all constituents in to a book. The main feature of the yoga book has to be its relevance. The ability of author to convey the essence of the topic is also a pre-requisite.

Aasans are the most important part of yoga. They are essentially different body postures having distinct impact of each on general health of the body. They are essential to be covered in the books. Therefore, a yoga book should have a lot of illustrations, pictures and diagrams supported by simple interpretation. Pranayaam or distinct breathing exercises is also one of the most important parts of yoga. Author needs to put in details the significance and the impact of all respiratory exercises therein.

As we all know that yoga is a part of ancient Indian medical science, the important chronicles of yoga were scripted in Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is known to be very tough and complicated language. In the yoga books of present times also, some theories and concepts are mentioned in Sanskrit. Therefore, it is highly expected from yoga book author that he or she elaborates each such concept in lucid detail for the benefit of the reader.

The success of a yoga book depends on the communicability of the content written therein. The practicability of the theory put in the book is also very fundamental.

Some of the most popular Yoga Books are:

Pranayama - Its philosophy & Practice by Swami Ramdev

Yog: Its Philosophy & Practice by Swami Ramdev

Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter

Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy by Gregor Maehle

Light on Life by BKS Iyengar

Rajneesh Dubey is Content Coordinator for http://www.yoga.indiahandicraftstore.com

This website is an online store for the wholesale trade of multiple yoga accessories. Wholesale yoga mats, yoga bags, yoga props, yoga clothings and other items are available in our store. For all kind of wholesale Indian handicrafts, http://www.indiahandicraftstore.com can be a desired destination.

For more informational and commercial lead on Yoga Books, please visit Yoga Book Store

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Romance Novels - The Most Popular Genre of Literature Today

While many would find fault with the above title, the claim that romance novels are a form of literature, the fact remains that more romances are read than any other genre in North America. This has been the case since 2004 when fifty five percent of all paperback books sold were in the romance category.

That's an incredible amount of books, and surely a vast array of people reading them. But here again, there seems to be an unwillingness to accept that facts. Why? Because many like to claim that only women who are single, desperately unhappy or just desperate, and let's not forget uneducated, are the only people who read romances in any form. And this is despite reams of data that disputes these claims.

So, what does the data show? That women and men from all walks of life, from the poverty stricken to the wealthy, from the uneducated to the over educated, from single people and those involved in fulfilling, long term relationships, from the unemployed to those who are top grade professionals, read romances.

Romance novels are also looked upon with a degree of derision. Many say, and I will admit that in some cases there is a degree of true in this, that these types of books simply follow a formula. That if you've read one, you've read them all. But that can be said for many mainstream, New York Times bestsellers as well. There are mainstream authors that I refuse to read anymore, because the plot is exactly the same in each and every one of their novels.

But for those who like to read a good romance for whatever the reason, the good news is that there is an endless stream of them available. And there is something to fulfill every taste. Romantic suspense, romantic comedy, western romances and so on. The sub-genres of the romance category are many and varied.

So, do you like to read romances?

If so, you can find free romance ebooks and free romance stories at our two sites.

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Demons Defined - Evil Beings in History and Literature

A demon is generally understood as a metaphysical or mystical being, generally characterized by their evil nature or origin. While good demons are found occasionally in literary works from authors such as Shakespeare and Hesiod, in general a demon refers to a malevolent being that acts as the "enemy" in most works of fiction.

The most famous demons are found in Christian literature, where they are understood to be the fallen angels. These being are said to have once been angels in heaven, but they joined forces with Lucifer when he rebelled. When the rebellion failed, Lucifer and all of his compatriots were cast out of heaven into hell, where they became demons.

The goal of the demons of hell, as stated in literary works such as Milton's "Paradise Lost," is basically to cause trouble for earth, heaven, and the world, in order to undermine the order of the universe. In Revelations and other biblical prophecies, demons are predicted to fail in this endeavor at the end of time, when they will be completely destroyed.

Philosophically speaking a demon is actually a result of the idea of angels. In general people's religious and metaphysical beliefs encompass ideas of unity, where the good side is balanced out by an equally powerful negative side. Often the balance of power is skewered to some extent to the good guys, but the demon is what allows the good side to have a reason for existing.

The reason you need both sides of the conflict is that life itself is full of both good and evil. Describing a world full of angels without demons, doesn't make sense, because bad and evil things happen all of the time. It is in the balance that the story becomes more plausible.

For more information about Demons, Vampires, and Magic visit http://www.TrueLore.com True Lore is an interactive social community where you can meet anyone, from a reclusive demon summoning necromancer, to a flirty wood elf. It also contains a huge wealth of information on the magical secret side of the world.

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Ann Patchett's retro Nashville bookstore

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Ann Patchett's retro Nashville bookstoreJuly 25, 2011 | 11:17am

What do you do when you write another bestselling novel? Open an independent bookstore -- if you're Ann Patchett, that is.

Sure, the 400 or so Borders bookstores around the country are closing. Yes, you can now see ads for the Kindle e-reader on TV. And when it comes to technology and books, both readers and publishers are saying e-books, e-books, e-books. Yet Patchett, whose latest book, "State of Wonder," is in its fifth week at the top of The Times' bestseller list, wasn't worried about any of that when she decided to open a bookstore in Nashville. The city, which has a population of about 1.5 million, has used bookstores but no first-run bookstore selling new books. The Associated Press reports:

"I see this as a gift to the city," Patchett says. "I see this as a charitable contribution ... not as an investment, not as a smart business move, but really as somebody who loves Nashville and somebody who doesn't want to live in a city without a bookstore."...

During her recent book tour, Patchett scoped ideas she could incorporate into her own store. [Independent bookstore owner Daniel] Goldin was a beacon in the fog, helping her with the fine details of putting together a store from scratch. He talked about the importance of flooring bids and payroll taxes. But he also talked about the importance of making sure his store is a cornerstone for the community.

Patchett will join a growing community of authors who own bookstores. Louise Erdrich owns Birchbark Books, focused on Native American intellectual culture, in Minneapolis. Also in Minnesota, Garrison Keillor's Common Goods Books has been selling books in St. Paul since 2006. Larry McMurtry owns Booked Up, an antiquarian bookstore in Archer, Texas. Jonathan Lethem is a co-owner of Red Gap Books, a used bookstore in Maine. 

Patchett's bookstore, to be named Parnassus Books, is set to open before Christmas.

RELATED:

Book review: Ann Patchett's "State of Wonder"

Larry McMurtry and his Hollywood future

Garrison Keillor envisions radio (but not bookish) retirement

-- Carolyn Kellogg

Photo: Ann Patchett. Credit: HarperCollins via Associated Press.

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Recent NewsA scandalous story: New Rupert Murdoch book on the way | July 25, 2011, 2:12 pm »Literary highlights of Comic-Con | July 25, 2011, 1:17 pm »Ann Patchett's retro Nashville bookstore | July 25, 2011, 11:17 am »Move over Captain America, make room for the Fighting American | July 24, 2011, 9:04 am »This month's Siren's Call: A broken America in Dan Simmons' 'Flashback' | July 24, 2011, 8:09 am »
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About the ReportersCarolyn Kellogg
Orli Low
Nick Owchar
David L. Ulin

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