The King and Dr. Nick is divided into two fascinating parts. First, we get a glimpse of the strange life of a super star; then, we witness what the media can do to derail a private citizen's life.
Elvis Presley was a larger than life individual. This book leads us into Elvis's world and shows us the problems, both health and psychological, he dealt with on a daily basis. It doesn't take much imagination to realize the incredible strain of performing before thousands of people nightly, coupled with the necessary travel,would place on someone. It, also, doesn't take much imagination to see that a person under so much stress would turn to drugs to try to relieve some of the pressure. It's also true that someone with the ego necessary to perform the way Elvis did, and the money generated by those performances, would be a very difficult patient to control. Dr. Nick makes a good cases that he did the best he could.
The second half of the book presents the truly shocking witch hunt engaged in by ABC that finally led to a medical board review and even a criminal trial. It's almost unbelievable that the media could create such a stir and derail the life of a private citizen. If the medical board, or the attorney general, felt there was a criminal case against Dr. Nick, in my view, they should have pursued it immediately after Elvis's death, not several years later after being hounded by the media. This section is well worth reading as a cautionary tale for all of us.
Read the book then judge for yourself whether Dr. Nick was a victim or a criminal. Personally, I think he did the best he could, and that is all any of us can do.
Benjamin Merkle makes Alfred the Great come alive. I knew very little about the “White Horse King” before reading this biography. Although, I'm not a fan of the retelling of ancient battles, these were interesting and led to the proposition that Alfred was more than a warrior. I didn't realize until I read this book how wide spread the Viking incursions into England were and the part Alfred played in keeping the Saxon heritage safe.
I found the description of Alfred's innovations in learning and in the defense of his country very interesting reading. Clearly what Alfred was able to do and the success he achieved say that his innovations were extremely important. Apparently we are the beneficiaries of these practices today.
I was particularly fascinated by his conversion of Guthrum. While it may seem incredible, it appears that Guthrum did indeed embrace Christianity and become an ally of Alfred. It's an excellent example of how we should treat our enemies. I found the devote part of Alfred's character the most interesting in someone living in that time period. It must have been a great temptation to deliver the fatal blow and be done with it, rather than wondering whether Guthrum would be true to his pledges.
Altogether an excellent read about a time in history that I, for one, little understood.
Learning language skills starts at birth. Children are naturally interested in mimicking sounds and words. In fact, children develop much of their capacity for reading in the first three years of life, when their brains grow to 90% of their adult weight. When parents sing, talk and read to their kids, brain cell links are strengthened and new ones are formed. These links are the basis for the development of all language skills.
Reading aloud to your child helps him to learn the correct way to read. By hearing you read the words on the page and sound them out, he learns that letters make words, and words make sentences, and sentences are how we communicate with each other. There are many activities that will make reading fun, and help to keep the toddler engaged in reading.
Use musical instruments to create suspense, or silliness.
Have the children act out what you read
Use a prop bag to illustrate parts of the story.
Ask your child questions about the story. Reading comprehension is one of the hardest things to teach a child if it doesn't come naturally to him.
Do a fun activity after you finish the book that relates to the book in some way. For instance, if the book is about a tall person, make your own stilts using metal cans. Punch two holes on either side of each can, near the bottom. Measure a piece of rope so it is the appropriate length for children. Thread one end of the rope into each hole and secure with a knot.
Reading to your child on a regular basis will give him an appreciation and respect for reading. If reading is important to you, it will become important to your child.
Here's a fun sight word game called, "Stinky Cheese." Cut triangles out of yellow construction paper. On 20 triangles write sight words that you want to practice. On 5 triangles write "stinky cheese." Put the triangles in a sack and shake them up. The toddler pulls out a triangle. The child reads the sight word on his cheese. If he chooses "stinky cheese," he holds his nose and says, "Stinky cheese!" in a silly voice.
Toddlers also learn quickly with hands on activities. Make clay out of flour, salt, and warm water. Form a large A, small a, and apple out of the clay. After the letters and apple dry have fun painting them and practice the letter sounds by singing silly songs. Take turns thinking of a word that begins with that letter/ sound. For example: say "A is for a a a a aaaaligator." You'll be surprised what words the toddler will come up with. Your toddler will be proud of the letters he makes and will want to show them to everyone.
Another great way to teach a toddler letter sounds is to make a personalized book. Take a photo of the toddler with food that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Paste the picture on top of an 8"-11" piece of paper. Under each picture with large letters write, Aa Brian eats an apple, Bb- Brian eats a banana, Cc- Brian eats a carrot, etc.
Most toddlers are physically active and love to move. Take advantage of this natural trait by moving to short rhymes that introduce letter sounds. Kathy Stemke’s book, Moving Through All Seven Days,inspires movement as children learn about the days of the week. The lyrical rhymes also teach them how to spell each day! The activities at the end of the book are designed to reinforce the concepts as well as give impetus to movement exploration.
Deborah Weed has had an extensive thirty-year career in marketing/entertainment that has included everything from being: Director of Marketing for Fame International responsible for a 26 million-dollar pavilion; Director of Development for Citibank; Creator/Producer of “Sensations”; “The Disappearance of Dino Dinero”; “The Sticky Bun Bandits”; “Compassionate Chip Cookies & Milk,” etc. . .
A life threatening health challenge redirected Weed’s life. She got stuck and realized that people defined her by the circumstances, rather than by a lifetime of experiences. After regaining her mojo, Weed decided to leap into the world of writing, inspirational speaking and coaching so that she could provide a shortcut for others who are experiencing disappointment and feeling misunderstood.
“The Luckiest Penny,” is Weed’s first book. “The Luckiest Penny”is the story of two rare 1943 pennies. One penny remains out of circulation, full of himself and selfish, caring only about how much money he is worth. The other penny decides to experience living and along the way discovers what really matters in life.
“This book was written to give children a healthy set of values that will assist them on their journey in life. I want them to remember what is really important so that they don’t get discouraged by life’s ups and downs,” said Weed. The book’s genre is a fable/allegory and the illustrations by Ernest Socolov, transport the reader into the alternative world of a penny who is tarnished and yet loved!
An all original, musical interactive production is being created and produced for “The Luckiest Penny.” The show should be ready in November.
Weed is currently working on: a second children’s book with collaborator Ellen Brazer; a book that shares her father’s wisdom (The working title is “Dancing on my Father’s Shoes) and a social network to help people of all ages and background get unstuck.
Weed is also an award-winning artist. Water sculptures are the primary medium for her mixed media pieces. The result is a salubrious technique that takes color into a new arena of purity that is vivid, fluid and alive. Residing in trendy South Beach is my inspiration. The vibe here is bold and daring and my studio is literally on the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. According to my collectors, my work titillates the senses and is very sensual.
Born and raised in Miami, Weed is blessed with a loving family and friends that are her champions.
I asked Deborah some questions:
1.The Lucky Penny is your first book. I see that you're working on another project. Please tell us a little about your new book and why you chose to write it.
My upcoming book will be about the stellar advice that my dad gave me when I was stuck in my own life. The working title is How to Pet a Sometimes Ornery, Sometimes Joyful, and Sometimes Just Confused Dinosaur--or How to Channel Your Emotions. I realize that there are so many people who need practical wisdom and my dad spoke about: why positive thinking doesn’t always work; why a catalyst can never be removed from a formula; why relationships are like bridges/streets; why disappointment is so immobilizing, etc. My life condition elevated because of his insight. I can’t wait to inspire others in the same manner. I’ve been on both sides of the coin, so to speak.
2.What is most important to you about your writing?
Nancy, my motivation behind writing is always to touch hearts. When I was with companies and had a big budget, I could impress with a spectacle. It took a big challenge in my life to realize that what really matters is the connection and love we share with each other. You will find that everything that I am working on now is in alignment with what Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things--only small things with great love!”
3.What do you like least about writing?
In reality, I am not a writer per se. What I am is a storyteller. It is so easy for me to create a produce a theatrical experience. Even composing music comes easy. There are so many stories that I can’t wait to share. It’s just a matter of priorities for now.
4.I see that you are also an artist. Does your art influence your writing?
YES! Here is an interesting story that not too many people know. When I first started my art career (even though I’ve been an artist my whole life), I was told to paint my angst on canvas. I was assured that this would bring in the greatest fiscal rewards. It was impossible for me to do. What I wanted to capture was bliss. I lived a real life filled with disappointments, it was time to concentrate on my bles
sings. My artwork has really resonated with a lot of people and is selling even in this market. What I’ve learned is that you MUST be true to yourself.
5.What advice can you give to aspiring writers.
I would caution anyone to write because they think it is lucrative. Although this is cliche and we already know this, as Joseph Campbell said: “Follow your bliss.” If you have a burning passion and have a voice that needs to be heard, the world will conspire to help you! However, if you write and yet have seri
ous doubts about your message, then your journey might be to simply believe in yourself again. Either way, jump in and write. Life is about experimentation and if you listen, you’ll find your way.
6.You have started a Ning group. Can you tell us a little about it? Why you decided to do it? What success you've had in using it? Any suggestions for someone interested in starting a ning group?
Originally, I started the Ning group to promote my book and to promote the VBT writers group. Yet, I was called to change directions. I decided to create a place to exchange inspirations and encouragement. My vision is that someone, somewhere needs to hear just the right words and a group of writers, if they write from their hearts, can inspire that person. I’m sure it will evolve as I go.
As far as success using it, I have heard from all of you and the connection is growing stronger. In this instance, that is the success I am looking for. Since my artwork is taking off in such a big fashion, I am considering creating another site to promote it. I just want the process to be organic.
I don’t have any specific suggestions for someone interested in starting a Ning group, but to have a vision of how and why you want to connect to others. I’d be happy to guide anyone who is interested.
Deborah's Book "The Luckiest Penny"
What inspired you to write The Luckiest Penny?
I wanted to remind myself, children and everyone else that life has its ups and downs. Yet, we have a choice. Either we can stay in a box and avoid life's disappointments--or we can jump into life. Obstacles will appear and here is where self-worth comes in. . .The only way to believe in ourselves is to keep on standing back up!
Why did you use 1943, pure copper pennies, as your main characters?
If you have a 1943, pure copper penny in your purse it could be worth $83,000 or more. Can you believe it? A lowly penny, that was made by mistake during WWII, is very valuable. When I was stuck in bed with a misdiagnosed, life-threatening illness, I felt pretty worthless. When I heard about the 1943 penny, I found my metaphorical hero!
What is your goal?
This book was written to give children a healthy set of values that will assist them on their journey in life. I want them to remember what is really important so that they don’t get discouraged by life’s roller-coaster ride.
What is the theme of The Luckiest Penny?
The book’s genre is a fable/allegory. There are a couple of central messages in the book: why experience is more valuable than money; how love makes us all whole, and why it doesn’t matter how much something costs but what it is worth to us.
Could you tell us about the illustrations?
The illustrations by Ernest Socolov, transport the reader into the alternative world of a penny who is tarnished and yet loved!
You said that you are going to be producing musical productions.
YES! An all original, musical interactive production is being created and produced for The Luckiest Penny. The show should be ready in November 2009! The original songs are fun and yet meaningful. I will be working with foundations, schools, fairs, etc. to perform the production and then talk about what it means to us.
Could you tell us about your background?
I have an extensive thirty-year marketing/entertainment career in which I have been in the corporate sector; a creator and producer of children’s musical productions; a public speaker; an author, and of course, an award winning artist.
The Muse Conference is over for another year, but it'll be back in 2010. Karen has a great article on the vbt blog. Go read about the conference, register, and get ready for next year. It was a great experience!
