Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: knowledge

  • Good and Bad Times at University

    Good and Bad Times at University

    Book two in the Becky Bexley – child genius series

    Becky Bexley has moved on in her very young life, right in to University where she has been accepted to study a double degree. The first one is Psychology and the second is Media Studies, which is a pretty big thing to do, but Becky found that by juggling the lectures she should manage very well.

    Well, she is a child genius after all, and even though some of the bounds of probability have once again been stretched to create the life of Becky Bexley, and she is on a learning curve of most everything in this book, there are times when her very down to earth solutions to some of life’s problems are taken to heart and utilised.

    She is finding life at University a little bit daunting as the students are all older than her, and even though they are intellectually in some cases, her equal, she is still only ten years old but very mature. How to fit in and what to do when not at University is the issue to begin with, along with settling into her studies and trying to make friends.

    Although it takes time, she begins to form a group of friends who treat her as one of them and they begin to have immense fun. They all like to meet and discuss some very interesting topics, such as the Cow that many people were convinced could do arithmetic, having a lot of fun on the Community Radio station as part of the course, and then interviewing a famous Pop star’s brother about his life and family as a young man, before he found fame and what he is doing now, are just some of the interesting things she found to do.

    A Psychology Faculty party goes terribly wrong, which teaches Becky some very valuable life lessons, but causes her to begin to doubt herself and her choice of course. She also learns the value of good friends as they help her to accept what happened, and how best to move on from a very unpleasant experience.

    Fun is had over the Christmas break with Jane, a friend from University and Becky is restored to being Becky Bexley, child genius once again, in time to begin a new year, with new challenges in Student Fun and a Mammoth Discussion.

    In Good and Bad Times at University, Diana Holbourn has, in book two of the series bought in a seriously needed dose of realism to Becky Bexley, which was sorely required, as the character was heading rapidly into the realms of opinionated brat category. University has seen Becky Bexley slow down a little, still offer excellent advice and solutions to problems, but in a far more acceptable style.

  • Quantum Bullsh*t: How to Ruin Your Life with Advice from Quantum Physics

    Quantum Bullsh*t: How to Ruin Your Life with Advice from Quantum Physics

    You can tell by the title Quantum Bullsh.t that this book is a rather confronting and passionate explanation of how quantum physics is used incorrectly to sell products. It is also very liberally sprinkled with swearing and humour. Getting familiarized with that is a task, however, the author says that if you spend a few hours reading this book you will gain enough quantum knowledge to be aware of the “bullsh.t sprouted about it.”

    Firstly, we are told that Quantum Physics is “The most accurate scientific theory ever invented.” It lets us build atom by atom things that don’t happen anywhere else in the universe. It can also help us understand what stars are made of. If something is advertised as quantum…..love, quantum…. healing, or ANYTHING except physics, it is most likely to be incorrect.

    The explanations then become quite technical, but they are softened by the humour. When talking about energy, Chris reminds us that Radiation treatment kills cancer cells and that IS quantum energy. “Quantum energy is the fuel that powers all microscopic processes. It’s always there. So if you want to build things on a microscopic scale- like a tiny electronic chip for example-you definitely need to worry about quantum energy.”

    The main aim of the author is to educate us about quantum physics and make sure that we are aware of the ways this scientific term can be used incorrectly. He covers areas which lend themselves to be used by tricksters. If you have an interest in Science this is certainly worth reading.

  • The Power of Real Confidence Learn how to lead to your full potential

    The Power of Real Confidence Learn how to lead to your full potential

    Whether you are a volunteer leader, group leader or CEO, or at aspiring to be CEO, The Power of Real Self Confidence Learning To lead To Your Full Potential by acclaimed business coach Michelle Sales is a must have, must read book. There is so much in this book that relates to a very broad spectrum of business life on just about every level, it is what can be considered as personal guide to building confidence, which will benefit you in every walk of life, not just the business arena.

    Confidence is a critical component of leadership and leadership success, but how do you get it, or more to the point, how do you know what you are not doing and why, and because of this unknown component, failing to achieve the rank or level of seniority that should or could be your carer pathway.

    In this powerful, no holds but nicely worded look at what is considered business confidence, and why it is such an important component of the business world, Michelle Sales presents a very clear view, backed with case studies and personal experience, to be able to maximise your leadership potential by identifying a number of the ‘barriers’ which may be blocking your progress.

    Divided into three parts, each containing a workbook and reflective section, the work is meant to be read as a training course, not as a one stop, quick read, fix it all solution, which if taken and used in the way it is presented, will definitely encourage a fresh perspective, uncover some of the issues that may be holding you back and offers leaders a far clearer viewpoint on how the right kind confidence can achieve a far better result.

    The four main areas discussed are Show Up, Stand Up, Speak Up and Step Up, all self-explanatory, all difficult to achieve without confidence, all areas which if not undertaken with confidence will and do hold back promotional opportunities, or see them go to other less qualified, but more confident people.

    She also looks at areas that should come under the scrutiny of every business aspirant such as perfectionism, fear of failure, overthinking and comparison, classing them as ‘enemies’ and the best and most productive way of dealing and understanding these issues.

    Finally, Sales challenges you to walk your talk by Assessing Your Confidence and ‘reflecting back on how much progress you have made’. The tools to undertake a successful self-evaluation are provided as well as the knowledge be able to return to the appropriate chapters to help clarify or understand further the aspects that may still be undergoing change.

    And absolutely finally, give yourself a huge pat on the back, for distance travelled with a massive step forward in gaining and fuller understanding of The Power of Real Confidence.

  • The Familiars

    The Familiars

    Set in the period around the early sixteen hundreds in Lancashire England, The Familiars is an Historical Fiction is based on true events. Many of the characters existed and lived their lives in Gawthorpe Hall. Their stories have been built up to show the political and religious era when King James was on the throne. These were turbulent times and the Politics which divided the Catholic church from the Church of England saw many people accused of witchcraft and hanged. In the Pendle Hill area twelve people were accused of Witchcraft and eleven of them hanged.

    The story is told by the young mistress of Gawthorpe Hall, Fleetwood, who was born in 1595.  As with most of the upper classes, she was quite unaware of the politics and poverty that surrounded her. The young woman was happily married to Richard whose prospects of becoming a leading light in the King’s court were good. Sadly, she had suffered her third miscarriage and had intercepted a letter which mentioned that another pregnancy may cost both the life of mother and child.

    This led Fleetwood to wonder why her husband had not mentioned the warning to her as she was again pregnant. The young woman loved riding in the woods, and it was here that she met Alice, a very poor village girl. When Fleetwood fell off her horse, Alice gave her herbs and bark to help save the baby. Gradually the pregnancy began to normalise, and from being sickly and pale, Fleetwood became healthy and strong.

    As this relationship developed, a friend of Richard’s, who was important at the Court disclosed that he had discovered twelve witches and was bringing them in for trial. This man, Roger, was a warm and helpful mentor to Richard, and although retiring shortly, wanted to bring Justice to the area. Imagine Fleetwood’s horror when she discovered that Alice, who was now her Midwife, was one of those people.

    The true story in the history books documents that twelve people were accused of witchcraft, but one, Alice Gray, was released. The rest were hanged. Fleetwood’s fight to save Alice is cleverly woven around the customs of the times. We read about the inmates of the Hall, their working days, and the clothing they wear. This is a fine immersion into the times, and attitudes in England during a reign of conflict and fear.

  • Serenity II: More Peaceful Music on the Chapman Stick

    Serenity II: More Peaceful Music on the Chapman Stick

    The Presence introduces Serenity II, the follow-up album to Kollwitz 2017 release Serenity, presenting nothing more complex than a pure, velvety beauty to be enjoyed, absorbed, relished and adored.

    This may seem to be a little gushy but truly, Kollwitz and his beloved Chapman Stick create nothing more than an absolute, sensuous, beauty reminiscent of warm tropical nights, lazy days of summer when the evening is falling and a softness fills the atmosphere, the warmth of a cold winters night in curled up in front of a log fire.

    His music takes you where you will wander in your mind and emotions, bringing with it peace and relaxation. Each of the tracks flows gently across the musical spectrum of this incredibly unusual instrument, which over the many years its use can be found in the bands such as pro-rock groups King Crimson, Liquid Tension Experiment (LTE),Pink Floyd, Stick Men and the likes.

    Therefor it is an absolute delight to hear it in its own space, own element, played by Kollwitz who took more than 10 years, studying with the master Emmett Chapman,  to perfect this uncommon instrument.

    To select any one of the tracks is almost doing an injustice to the rest, as they are all equally as delightful, with no one in particular being more so than any other.  The music simply wraps around the psyche and the soul which is perfect for those days when life just seems to be a little bit too frenetic and some time out is required. As he lives in Sedona, the timeless beauty of this desert region is also reflected in the unhurried and majestic nature of the compositions.

    Reading through the titles of the tracks it is easy to understand the inspiration Kollwitz finds in the ‘Steps to Knowledge – The Book of Inner Knowing ‘ by Marshal Vian Summers with the opening composition titled The Presence, followed by Wrapped in Love, and further down the list Blue Skies, One With Nature, and the slightly mystical number Sharman’s Cave.

    Breaking Free allows the reflection of what could be Beyond the Clouds: sunshine, joy, fresh perspectives, all of which gently leads to the Way of Knowledge making this a perfect ending to an absolutely delicious smorgasbord of serenity and listening indulgence.

    Am I a fan of the Chapman Stick and Michael Kollwitz, Yes most definitely!

    The album could easily be considered as gloriously, uniquely, gorgeous!

  • Intuitive

    Intuitive

    Intuition is something we all have and frequently use, without being aware of what it is that makes us instinctively know or understand the why and how about what may have just happened, or the reason behind the decision just made.

    But what happens to your life if you can use this God given ability each day to make life better, to help understand to a deeper and more humble level, what a wonderful gift has been given to us all.

    In this handbook or guide to discovering and using your intuition, Craig Wilson presents in a wonderfully warm and comfortable manner, the pathway to a better connectedness, a greater understanding and a greater acceptance of the journey we, as humans, are taking as we travel across our lives.

    As a gifted intuitive he has always understood the power and understanding that comes with this gift; equally he has understood that as we move rapidly through this fast paced modern lifestyle we are losing this skill, this talent and in so doing have lost the connectedness that is all important.

    Interestingly, people are today more than ever, seeking inner peace, are suffering from a range of stress related illnesses and conditions and are searching for that magic elixir to cure all their ills and ailments. As Wilson says, time and time again throughout the book, Intuition, while not a quick fix, will certainly help on the road to recovery and the pathway to a happier, healthier lifestyle both physically and spiritually.

    Right at the beginning there is a little ‘tick list’ to encourage you to check out just where you are placed, asking you to decide ‘are you where you had planned to be at this time of your life’. The results, if you are brutally honest with the answers could prove to be very surprising.

    Now that the base line is established the rest of the book is there to help you understand and make the changes required as well as encourage you towards change in the way you not only live, but do business, undertake your responsibilities to others and enjoy the fruits of your labours, with a happy, peaceful heart.

    As this is a rather challenging task, Wilson has constructed the chapters to be able to be read in one long marathon read, or simply to be opened at will and read little by little to help you make the changes as required. At the end of each of the chapters there is a little summation of all the points addressed making a really easy reference guide should you need to refresh or review.

    Craigh Wilson does not come from a place of perfection as he openly says he has ‘been there and done that’, even though as a young child he was well aware of his gift of intuition.

    Intuition is at the end of the journey something that is intensely personal, very humbling and can be used to have a lot of fun. It is flexible, versatile and totally life changing, unique to you.

    In his words “From my personal experience, I believe intuition is one of the most important parts of being a human”.

    Ask yourself the question, what have I got to lose, what have I got to gain? And then take the first step to the rest of your intuitive life.  Enjoy your very special journey into freedom and happiness under the guidance of a master in Craigh Wilson as he encourages you to:

    “Be who you truly are. Be bold, and be bright.”