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Reading Age 6yrs+
Reading Age 13yrs+
Leabhar as Gaeilge
Classroom Novels recommended for 10 yrs+
Contact your local library to request the title you are looking for. We would encourage teacher's to browse the catalogue for alternative titles also in case your first choice is already on loan. Contact details and open hours for your local library can be viewed here.
The Rabbit Girl by Mary Arrigan
What is the secret of Mallie's picture? The mystery unfolds as evacuees Tony and Alice escape the terrors of London's Blitz for the Lake District, where they befriend a fascinating and fearless old lady. Many years later, an after-school job in a pet shop enables well-meaning Mallie to buy her mum a drawing of a girl with a rabbit. Could this old picture bring past and present together - and change Mallie's life?
Carrie's War by Nina Bawden
Albert, Carrie and young Nick are war-time evacuees whose lives get so tangled up with the people they've come to live among that the war and their real families seem to belong to another world. Carrie and Nick are billeted in Wales with old Mr Evans, who is so mean and cold, and his timid mouse of a sister, Lou, who suddenly starts having secrets. Their friend Albert is luckier, living in Druid's Bottom with warm-hearted Hepzibah Green and the strange Mister Johnny, who can talk to animals but not to human beings. Carrie and Nick visit him there whenever they can for Hepzibah makes life exciting and enticing with her stories and delicious cooking. Gradually they begin to feel more at ease in their war-time home, but then, in trying to heal the rift between Mr Evans and his estranged sister, and save Druid's Bottom, Carrie does a terrible thing which is to haunt her for years to come. Carrie revisits Wales as an adult and tells the story to her own children.
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
Lines may divide us, but hope will unite us...Nine-year-old Bruno knows nothing of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. He is oblivious to the appalling cruelties being inflicted on the people of Europe by his country. All he knows is that he has been moved from a comfortable home in Berlin to a house in a desolate area where there is nothing to do and no one to play with. Until he meets Shmuel, a boy who lives a strange parallel existence on the other side of the adjoining wire fence and who, like the other people there, wears a uniform of striped pyjamas. Bruno's friendship with Shmuel will take him from innocence to revelation. And in exploring what he is unwittingly a part of, he will inevitably become subsumed by the terrible process.
In The Shadow of the Gun by Elspeth Cameron
Shaun, a young teenager arrives in Scotland from Northern Ireland, forced to leave there because of experiences in the current 'troubles'. It is to be a stay of six weeks with his cousins, during which time he learns something of the shared history of his new and former environments and of how that history 'seems one long battle': the overall effect of the visit is that he is sufficiently strengthened by it to return to Ulster and able to 'cope'
The Real Rebecca by Anna Carey
Rebecca's mum Rosie writes books for adults, but when she writes a novel for teens, everyone thinks it's based on her daughter! Rebecca is horrified and vows to prove that she is different. But how will she show the world the real Rebecca?
The Making of Mollie by Anna Carey
It's spring 1912, and 14-year-old Mollie Carberry lives in Drumcondra with her loving but distracted parents, her older sister Phyllis, her spoiled older brother Harry and her saintly little sister Julia. Mollie's convinced that her life is boring - until she discovers that Phyllis is a secret suffragette. After attending a suffrage meeting, Mollie wants to do something for the movement too - and she soon convinces her best friend Nora to join her. At last, they have some excitement in their lives!
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
When Moose Flanagan and his family move home, yet again, and become residents of the famous prison island Alcatraz, things get interesting. First of all, they share the island with a few other families and a lot of pretty heavy-duty criminals including Al Capone. And secondly, Moose's sister is starting a new school, which everyone hopes will help her become more integrated with those around her. When Moose comes up with some pretty cunning money-making schemes based on his famous co-residents, he does not count on his sister becoming inadvertently involved. This is a charming, funny and utterly enchanting book that skilfully and delicately weaves a humorous tale with some important issues.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Join the world of "Artemis Fowl". Rumour has it Artemis Fowl is responsible for every major crime of the new century. Just twelve years old and already he's a criminal genius, plotting to restore his family's fortune with a spot of corruption and kidnapping. Kidnapping a fairy for ransom, to be precise. Artemis Fowl has discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous and extremely high-tech - fairies. But he may have underestimated their powers. They will fight back. Is the boy about to trigger a cross-species war? Let the misadventure begin.
Airman by Eoin Colfer
One dark night on the island of Great Saltee, fourteen-year-old Conor is framed for a terrible crime he didn't commit. Thrown into prison by the dastardly Hugo Bonvilain, Conor is trapped in a sea swept dungeon and branded a traitor. He must escape and clear his name; he wants his old life back - his family, his friends...and his princess. Conor knows there is only one way out. It's an impossible task, which has never been done before. But Conor is determined to do it. He'll have to fly.
Under the Hawthorn Tree by Marita Conlon McKenna, illustrated by Donald Teskey
The first book in the famine trilogy Under the Hawthorn Tree is Ireland's top selling children's book. The phenomenal success of this original and enthralling book is celebrated with this beautiful hardback gift edition. This novel has become a classic for young readers worldwide. Under the Hawthorn Tree continues to go from strength to strength and this new edition is a must for any collection. Ireland in the 1840s is devastated by famine. When tragedy strikes their family, Eily, Michael and Peggy are left to fend for themselves. Starving and in danger of the dreaded workhouse, they escape. Their one hope is to find the great aunts they have heard about in their mother's stories. With tremendous courage they set out on a journey that will test every reserve of strength, love and loyalty they possess.
Wildflower Girl by Marita Conlon McKenna, illustrated by Donald Teskey
This is the second book in the famine trilogy. At seven, Peggy made a terrifying journey through famine-stricken Ireland. Now thirteen, and determined to make a new life for herself, she sets off alone across the Atlantic to America. Will she ever see her family again? It is an extraordinary story of courage, independence and adventure.
Fields of Home by Marita Conlon McKenna, illustrated by Donald Teskey
This is the final book in the famine trilogy. For Eily, Michael and Peggy the memory of the famine is still strong. But Mary-Brigid, Eily's first child, has the future to look forward to. What kind of future is it? Ireland is in turmoil, with evictions, burnings, secret meetings, fights over land. Eily and her family may be thrown off their farm. Michael may lose his job in the big house. And Peggy, in America, feels trapped in her role as a maid. Will they ever have land and a home they can call their own? Eily, Michael and Peggy have once shown great courage. Now this courage is called on again...
Safe Harbour by Marita Conlon McKenna
Sophie and Hugh are left homeless when their house is bombed during the London Blitz. Their mother is seriously injured and their Dad is away fighting, so the children are sent to their grandfather in Ireland. Sophie is scared - they have never met grandfather but his letters cause such trouble in the house, and their Dad never speaks of him. How will they live in a strange country, with a man who probably hates them - and will the family ever be together again?
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Liam is too big for his boots. And his football strip. And his school blazer. But being super-sized height-wise has its advantages: he's the only eleven-year-old to ever ride the G-force defying Cosmic rollercoaster -- or be offered the chance to drive a Porsche. Long-legged Liam makes a giant leap for boy-kind by competing with a group of adults for the chance to go into space. Is Liam the best boy for the job? Sometimes being big isn't all about being a grown-up.
Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Two bothers, Damian and Anthony, are unwittingly caught up in a train robbery during Britain's countdown to join the Euro. Suddenly finding themselves with a vast amount of cash, the boys have just one glorious, appalling dilemma -- how to spend it in the few days before it becomes worthless. Torn between the vices of buying a million pizzas and the virtues of ending world poverty, the boys soon discover that being rich is a mug's game. For not only is the clock ticking -- the bungling bank robbers are closing in. Pizzas or World Peace, what would you choose?
Colm and the Lazarus Key by Kieran Mark Crowely
Colm thinks that spending a fortnight with his cousin - The Brute - is the worst thing that can happen to him this summer. He's about to find out he's wrong. While driving The Brute home, Colm and his parents stop for the night at a quiet, old hotel. The Brute falls in love for the first time, with the mysterious American granddaughter of their hotel owner and forces Colm to help him win her over. When strange things begin to happen, Colm finds himself in the middle of a baffling and exciting adventure. Colm and The Brute must overcome their dislike of each other and work together if they're going to find Colm's parents and solve the murky mystery of the Lazarus Key.
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
When Ted and Kat watched their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye, he turned and waved before getting on. After half an hour it landed and everyone trooped off - but no Salim. Where could he have gone? How on earth could he have disappeared into thin air? Since the police are having no luck finding him, Ted and Kat become sleuthing partners. Despite their prickly relationship, they overcome their differences to follow a trail of clues across London in a desperate bid to find their cousin. And ultimately it comes down to Ted, whose brain works in its own very unique way, to find the key to the mystery.
The Storm Keepers Island by Catherine Doyle
Fionn Boyle and his older sister Tara have been sent to stay with their grandfather on the remote island of Arranmore for the summer. Though Fionn has never met his grandfather before – an eccentric old man who lives in a tiny cottage filled to the brim with candles – he knows he comes from a long line of brave lifeboat men, who wear the sea behind their eyes. Fionn is scared of the sea. He has no interest in adventure or shipwrecks or the restless wind that rustles through the island, as though in search of something. But an old magic is stirring deep inside the layers of Arranmore, and it is calling out to Fionn. A dark storm is coming, through time and over sea, the same storm that took his father twelve years ago.
Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent by Alan Early
Something wicked has awoken under the streets of Dublin ...When his dad is offered a job working on the new Metro tunnel, Arthur has to move to Dublin with him. While exploring a hidden underground river, Arthur and his new friends Will and Ash find a mysterious glowing pendant. The pendant depicts a giant snake strangling the trunk of a tree. The friends soon figure out that the pendant is a warning, a sign that something evil is waiting underneath the city. Something that's been imprisoned for a thousand years, something left by the Vikings, something that can - and will - destroy first the city, then the world. What did the Vikings bury under the city of Dublin and why did they leave it there? Who is the dark man that spies on Arthur and what is his evil plan? In the end, only Arthur and his friends can save the world from the dreaded World Serpent.
Fugitives: A Story of the Flight of the Earls by Aubrey Flegg.
When young Con disappears, the others must find him - and quickly. His father Hugh O'Neill, the great Ulster chieftain, is about to depart, forever. The Irish have lost at the Battle of Kinsale, and now there is nothing left for them in their own land. Hugh's son is in great danger - and he doesn't even know it! What would the English do to him if they caught him? Especially now as his father may be gathering another foreign army to threaten their own conquest of Ireland? Can his cousin and friends, Fion, Sinead and James, find him? Will their hunt across wild landscapes, through dense woodlands and over high mountains, chased by English soldiers and adventurers, and occasionally guided by the mysterious 'Haystacks', take them to the boy? Will they manage to get him to Lough Swilly in time for the escape boat to France? The Great Hugh O'Neill is waiting anxiously ...Based on true facts from the 1600s.
Taking Sides by Brian Gallagher
Dublin, 1922. Working class Annie Reilly is thrilled to win a scholarship to Eccles Street School. Through a classmate she meets Peter Scanlon, a student in Belvedere College. Peter sides with the rebels in the Civil War and carries messages for them. When Annie's life is threatened, he has to decide where his loyalties lie.
Across the Divide by Brian Gallagher
What happens when your best friend ought to be your enemy? Liam and Nora form an unlikely friendship when he lends her a helping hand during a music competition. Liam's father, a mechanic, is a proud trade union member, while Nora's father is a prosperous wine importer. When Jim Larkin takes on the might of the employers in 1913, resulting in strikes, riots and lockouts, Liam and Nora's friendship is challenged and their loyalties torn. Caught up in events that they don't fully understand, the two come face to face with hardship and danger, but also find humour and generosity as they set out on an adventure that may make or break their friendship, but will definitely change their lives forever. The historical events of the Dublin 1913 Lockout are vividly portrayed through the lives of two young friends.
Once by Morris Gleitzman
For three years and eight months, Felix has lived in a convent orphanage high in the mountains in Poland. But Felix is different from the other orphans. He is convinced his parents are still alive and will come back to get him. When a group of Nazi soldiers come and burn the nuns' books, Felix is terrified that his Jewish, bookseller parents will also be in danger. After escaping from the orphanage, Felix embarks on a long and dangerous journey through Nazi occupied Poland, befriending a little orphan girl called Zelda and a kindly dentist, Barney, who hides and cares for Jewish children. But when the Nazis discover them, Barney makes the ultimate sacrifice for the children.
Reaching the Heights by Peter Gunning
Tosh and Naylor live in the notorious 'McGillicuddy Heights' where growing up fast is a necessity for survival. Their school friend Aisling is from the more fashionable side of town but when her family begins to spilt up, Aisling too must develop survival techniques of her own.
Accompanying activity book available for loan.
I Am David by Anne Holm
'You must get away tonight,' the man had told him. David escapes from the concentration camp where he has spent his entire life and flees across Europe. He is utterly alone - who can he trust? What will await him? And all the while, how can he be sure that they won't catch up with him...This is the remarkable story of David's introduction to the world: sea, mountains and flowers, the colours of Italy, the taste of fruit, people laughing and smiling, all are new to David. David learns that his polite manner, his haunted eyes and his thin features are strange to other people. He must learn to fend for himself in this strange new world.
Blood Upon The Rose: Easter 1916 by Gerry Hunt
The rebellion that set Ireland free, told as a graphic novel. The 1916 Easter Rising was an attempt by a small group of militant Irish republicans to win independence from Britain. It was the most significant rebellion in Ireland. Though a military failure, it set Ireland on the road to freedom from Britain. The book covers the story from the early planning to the final executions and includes the tragic romance between Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford.
Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard
Darkus is miserable. His dad has disappeared, and now he is living next door to the most disgusting neighbours ever. A giant beetle called Baxter comes to his rescue. But can the two solve the mystery of his dad's disappearance, especially when links emerge to cruel Lucretia Cutter and her penchant for beetle jewellery? A coffee-mug mountain, home to a million insects, could provide the answer - if Darkus and Baxter are brave enough to find it.
Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine
In March 2000, Fumiko Ishioka, the curator of a small Holocaust education center in Tokyo, received an empty suitcase from the museum at Auschwitz. On the outside, in white paint, were the words ""Hana Brady, May 16, 1931, Orphan."" Fumiko and the children at the center were determined to find out who Hana was and what happened to her all those years ago, leading them to a startling and emotional discovery.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to stay in the countryside, they can hardly imagine the extraordinary adventure that awaits them. It all begins when Lucy opens the wardrobe and finds herself standing in a snowy wood. She has discovered Narnia, a magical land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals. But Narnia is under the enchantment of the evil White Witch and has become a land of eternal winter..
Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis
When Callum and his friends find Iona on Callum's farm they try to chase her back into the village. But Iona runs from them up into the hills. It is late and dark and snow lies in the mountain gullies. Worried for Iona's safety, Callum follows to find her shivering with cold but refusing to leave. She is guarding a secret hidden in the forest above the dark waters of the loch. So they make a deal. Iona shares the secret and in return Callum allows her back onto the farm. They form a deep bond of friendship and make a promise to keep their secret safe. It is a promise that will change Callum's world forever...She turned her head, and fixed me with her brilliant yellow eyes. She looked right into me. And suddenly I knew then, in that one moment, I was as much part of her world as she was of mine. Soar above the clouds in this enthralling tale of friendship, loyalty, and hope.
The Young Rebels by Morgan Llywelyn
St Enda's is no ordinary school, and Padraic Pearse is no ordinary headmaster. His pupils are inspired by his vision of freedom and an Irish Republic, and John Joe and his friend Roger see the Easter Rising as their chance to fight for Ireland's freedom. But the two boys are horrified to learn that they are too young to take part. They disobey orders to stay away from the city centre and quickly become caught up in the dramatic events of the Rebellion. Called to be brave and resourceful beyond their years, they witness events that change their lives forever.
The Pirate Queen by Morgan Llywelyn
In the 16th century, Granuaile, the Pirate Queen, warrior and leader, was the terror of the North Atlantic and the most feared woman in Ireland. A story of immense bravery and daring, as Granuaile takes on the great Norman lords, smuggles weapons and mercenaries for the Ulster Gaelic O'Donnell and O'Neill clans and finally goes to confront Elizabeth Tudor herself. Some of the great figures of Irish history feature, including Red Hugh O'Donnell, Hugh O'Neill, Hugh Dubh O'Donnell, and Richard Bingham.
Annie Moore: First In Line For America by Eithne Loughrey
Cork girl Annie Moore emigrated to the USA from Queenstown in December 1891. Sculptures of her now stand outside the Cobh Heritage Centre in County Cork and in the Ellis Island Museum in New York, because she was the first emigrant of any nationality to pass through the new immigrant station at Ellis Island on 1 January 1892. After this auspicious start, Annie and her brothers were reunited with their parents, who were already settled in New York, in their new home -- a humble apartment -- in 32 Monroe Street in the Lower East Side. The rest of the story is fictional.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
In Nazi-occupied Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen is called upon for a selfless act of bravery to help save her best friend from a terrible fate. Winner of the Newbery Medal, newly reissued in the Essential Modern Classics range. "They plan to arrest all the Danish Jews. They plan to take them away. And we have been told that they may come tonight." It is 1943 and life in Copenhagen is becoming complicated for Annemarie. There are food shortages and curfews, and soldiers on every corner. But it is even worse for her Jewish best friend, Ellen, as the Nazis continue their brutal campaign. With Ellen's life in danger, Annemarie must summon all her courage to help stage a daring escape. Inspired by true events of the Second World War.
Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian
Young Willie Beech is evacuated to the country as Britain stands on the brink of the Second World War. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the care of old Tom Oakley - but his new-found happiness is shattered by a summons from his mother back in London..
Michael Collins: Most Wanted Man by Vincent McDonnell
Michael Collins is one of the most famous figures in Irish history. A farmer's son from West Cork, he became the most wanted man in the British Empire, a minister in the first Irish government and Commander-in-Chief of the Irish army. Action-packed and full of information, this new biography for young readers follows Michael as he takes part in the 1916 Easter Rising, plans a guerrilla war against the British and helps to negotiate the treaty that led to the Irish Civil War. The story ends with the ambush at Beal na mBlath in County Cork during which Michael was killed by his former comrades.
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
Heroism or cowardice? A stunning story of the First World War from a master storyteller. Told in the voice of a young soldier, the story follows 24 hours in his life at the front during WW1, and captures his memories as he looks back over his life. Full of stunningly researched detail and engrossing atmosphere, the book leads to a dramatic and moving conclusion. Both a love story and a deeply moving account of the horrors of the First World War.
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again? Former Children's Laureate and award-winning author, Michael Morpurgo, has written nearly 100 books for children, many of them war stories. But none have become as famous as War Horse.
War Horse: The Play by Nick Stafford, based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo
At the outbreak of World War one, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Caught up in enemy fire, fate takes Joey on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. Nick Stafford's adaptation for the stage of the celebrated novel by Michael Morpurgo leads us on a gripping journey through history. War Horse premiered at the National Theatre, London, in October 2007.
Farm Boy by Michael Morpurgo
This is the magical sequel to 'War Horse. Joey was the last working horse on the farm, and the apple of Grandpa's eye. In War Horse, Joey was sent away from the farm to be a warhorse in WWI. Grandpa had joined the cavalry in order to find, and fight, with Joey. Farm Boy brings us forward fifty years with Grandpa not only telling his grandson, Joey's story but also a 'shameful secret' which he has held for years...The story is set in Iddesleigh in Devon and lovingly evokes the bonds between farm and farmer; grandson and grandfather.
Cool! by Michael Morpurgo
Inspiring new story of Robbie, a boy in a coma - victim of a car accident. Locked inside his own head, able to hear but not move or speak, Robbie tries to keep himself from slipping ever deeper into unconsciousness. Robbie, football fan and animal lover, runs after his dog Lucky one day when he chases a cat and is hit by a car. Unconscious, Robbie lies in hospital, unable to speak, move or eat. But he can hear; he is aware, even though his family and friends don't know this. Inside his head, we hear Robbie's thoughts; on his Mum and sister, why his parents are separated. His friends and family try desperately to reach him - even Zola, his favourite Chelsea footballer, comes to see him. And still Robbie can't 'wake up'. Until one day, against hospital rules, Dad brings Lucky into the hospital. Can Lucky bring Robbie back to life?
Why The Whales Came by Michael Morpurgo
This is an exciting adventure and friendship story by a much-loved, award winning author. Gracie and her friend, Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then, they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. They build up a lovely friendship with him, but when the children get stranded on Samson Island they don't know whether to believe the birdman's story that the island is cursed. Set on a remote island against the backdrop of World War I, this story will captivate and delight young readers.
Twist of Gold by Michael Morpurgo
An epic journey through famine - Sean and Annie have one chance to escape the potato famine and plague in Ireland. They survive a shipwreck and land safely in America searching for their father. But their new land is one of hardship and they live in poverty on the streets of Boston. However, their adventure is just beginning ...they live on a steamboat and then join pioneers travelling across the prairies. Their music and dancing bring joy to all they meet, but their family torc brings both blessings and curses and thieves prowl to get hold of it. Annie and Sean must hang on to their torc - their family's survival depends on it.
Leo's War: Italy 1843- 1844 by Patricia Murphy
It's 1943 and young Leo tries to protect his disabled sister Ruby as the Nazis invade Italy. After his mother is arrested, he turns to Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty to save them. But he is no ordinary priest. Known as 'The Pimpernel of the Vatican', he is the legendary organiser of the Rome Escape Line. Soon Leo is helping out with the secret network dedicated to saving lives of escaped prisoners. But as the sinister Nazi leader Kappler closes in, can Leo stay out of his evil clutches?
Moone Boy: The Blunder Years by Chris O'Dowd, illustrated by Walter Giamaglia
Martin Moone is fed up with being the only boy in a family of girls. With three elder sisters, he's desperate for a sidekick to help him fight his corner. When best mate Padraic suggests getting an imaginary friend, he decides to give it a go. His first attempt is Loopy Lou, who loves practical jokes and is a dab hand at balloon-modelling. But Martin soon gets fed up with Lou's clowning around, so selects Sean 'Caution' Murphy instead. Sean is much more up Martin's street - and full of advice about how Martin should negotiate day-to-day life. But getting rid of Lou is not easy, and TWO imaginary friends is a recipe for trouble!
Moone Boy: The Fish Detective by Chris O'Dowd, illustrated by Walter Giampaglia
Martin's parents are strapped for cash: it's going to be a budget Christmas this year. So Martin plans to buy his own presents - and attempts, unsuccessfully, to get a job. Padraic puts in a word for him with his Auntie Bridget, who runs the local butcher's shop. But her shop is struggling as the fish shop across the road undercuts her and Bridget just can't compete. No one knows how the owner, Francie Feeley, does it - especially since he doesn't seem to employ anyone at his fish factory. No one goes in; no one goes out - it's a mystery. Intrigued, Martin decides to go undercover and find out the truth.
'My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.' Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things - eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary - inside. But ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren't stared at wherever they go. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all? Wonder is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.
Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce
When Tom hears the grandfather clock strike thirteen he is not prepared for what is going to happen. Outside the back door is a garden, which everyone tells him doesn't exist. But the magical place in which Tom finds himself is certainly a garden - his midnight garden.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school, so he's very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences, including that she's rich, he's poor, and she's a city girl, he's a country boy, the two become fast friends. Together, they create Terabithia, which they reach by swinging over a creek on a rope, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants and rule as king and queen. This friendship helps Jess cope with the tragedy that makes him realize what Leslie taught him.
Adam's Starling by Gillian Perdue
"Adam's Starling" tells the story of a nine year old boy who is finding life difficult. At home, no-one has any time for him. At school things are even worse - a gang of bullies has singled Adam out for punishment. Life is becoming increasingly difficult for Adam. But then a scruffy little starling comes into Adam's life. This is Adam's secret, his own special friend. But can Adam's defend his small friend against the bullies? Will he find the courage he has needed all along?
Chasing Ghosts: An Arctic adventure by Nicola Pierce
An enthralling novel of two intertwining stories based on real events in 19th century Ireland and the Canadian Arctic. Two ships Arctic-bound, HMS Erebus and Terror, leave London in 1845, captained by the aging Sir John Franklin. How long they'll be gone depends on the ice. Meanwhile, second-in-command, Francis Crozier, worries about their inexperienced crew. In Derry, little Weesy Coppin dies of a fever but, as far as her sister Ann and brother William are concerned, her spirit returns to haunt them. While an anxious world waits for news of the Artic explorers, the Coppin family try to understand what is going in their home. But, then, one night, all is revealed when the truth literally steps out of the shadows.
Kings of the Boyne by Nicola Pierce
Eager to prove his courage and defend his family honour, young Irish noble Gerald O'Connor rides his warhorse Troy north in King James's cavalry. Brothers Robert and Daniel Sherrard march south from the once-besieged city of Derry with King William's army. The chosen field of battle – the Boyne – lies waiting, where victory will decide who rules the lands of England, and of Ireland. And the fighting will decide who survives the deadly game of war.
Duck and Swan by John Quinn
When Martin "Duck" Oduki, abandoned in Dublin by a Nigerian father and Irish mother runs away from St. Mark's Care Centre, Emer Healy discovers him hiding on a school bus bound for Galway. Watching her sick mother's struggle to regain her health, Emer is also running from the pain and confusion she feels inside. It isn't long before the two children discover they need each other. Duck finds other unusual allies in Granny Flynn, who knows a thing or two about institutional life, and her husband, blind Tom, who introduces Duck to the game of hurling.
The Incredible Luck of Aflie Puck by Jamie Rix
What do a worried prime minister, a chicken dropped from a skyscraper window, a bully called Fox and an alien invasion have in common? All are ingredients in Jamie Rix's riotous new stand-alone novel for the 9-12 age group. Alfie Pluck is the unluckiest boy alive - until he unwittingly eats the chicken which contains the highly-sought-after luck gene. Once his secret is exposed, no end of people want the gene for their own devious deeds and crackpot schemes. And Alfie is on the run. But there's more than one kind of luck, and Alfie's escape from his pursuers is an hilarious roller coaster of good fortune and bad.
Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden
Denizen Hardwick doesn't believe in magic - until he's ambushed by a monster created from shadows and sees it destroyed by a word made of sunlight. That kind of thing can really change your perspective. Now Denizen is about to discover that there's a world beyond the one he knows. A world of living darkness where an unseen enemy awaits. Fortunately for humanity, between us and the shadows stand the Knights of the Borrowed Dark. Unfortunately for Denizen, he's one of them.
Holes by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnat's family has a history of bad luck going back generations, so he is not too surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre. Nor is he very surprised when he is told that his daily labour at the camp is to dig a hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, and report anything that he finds in that hole. The warden claims that it is character building, but this is a lie and Stanley must dig up the truth. In this wonderfully inventive, compelling novel that is both serious and funny, Louis Sachar has created a masterpiece that will leave all readers amazed and delighted by the author's narrative flair and brilliantly handled plot.
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar
"Give me a dollar or I'll spit on you." That's Bradley Chalker for you. He is the oldest child in the class. He tells enormous lies. He picks fights with girls, and the teachers say he has "serious behaviour problems." No one likes him - except Carla, the new school counsellor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and she even enjoys his far-fetched stories. Carla knows that Bradley could change, if only he weren't afraid to try. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is believing in yourself.
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes by Louis Sachar
'Why did the guy eat two dead skunks for breakfast?' 'Because dead ones squeal when you stick the fork in.' Gary W. Boone knows he was born to be a stand-up comedian. It is the rest of the kids in the class who think he is a fool. Then the Floyd Hicks Junior High School Talent Show is announced, and he starts practising his routine non-stop to get it just right. Gary's sure that this will be his big break - he'll make everyone laugh and will win the $100 prize money. But when an outrageous surprise threatens to turn his debut into a disaster, it looks as if the biggest joke of all may be on Gary himself.
Rugby Spirit by Gerard Siggins
'Ok, lads, you have everything you need to win this game. So go out and do it,' said the coach. Eoin's not sure if it will be so easy! He's just started a new school … and a new sport. Everyone at school is mad about rugby, but Eoin hasn't even held a rugby ball before! With new rules to learn, new friends to make and new teachers to get a handle on, he really doesn't need to have Richie Duffy, the resident bully, picking him out as his latest target! And just who is this guy, Brian, who looks so out-of-date, but gives great rugby advice?
17 Martin Street by Marilyn Taylor
A web of secrets can risk lives! When Hetty's family move to Martin Street near Portobello bridge in Dublin, they're not sure of their welcome. And next door, Ben's family are not sure about their new Jewish neighbours: it's The Emergency and they are suspicious of strangers. But for Ben, the chance to earn a few pence is too great and secretly he does odd jobs for them. And there's a bigger secret: Renata, a World War Two refugee, is on the run in the city. Hetty is determined to rescue her. The web of secrets begins to unravel and there are lives at risk. Can Hetty and Ben overcome their differences and save Renata, or are they just meddling in things they know too little about?
Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig
It's April 1940 and German troops are pouring onto the streets of Denmark. 12-year-old Bamse is ordered by his father to keep his head down and stay out of trouble. But Bamse and his daring friend Anton can't resist playing the occasional practical joke on the invading soldiers. When it becomes clear that the trouble isn't just going to pass them by, the people of Denmark decide to take action and Bamse and his eccentric family are about to take part in one of history's most dramatic rescues - smuggling Denmark's Jewish population, across the water to Sweden, and safety. Many of the characters are based on Sandi's own family, including her father, Bamse, and the book was inspired by the stories he told to her.
Hugh O'Flaherty: His Wartime Adventures by Alison Walsh
Hugh O'Flaherty was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. A Kerryman who loved sport, he was cheerful and full of energy. He was in Rome in 1939 when the Second World War broke out and when Mussolini sided with Hitler. From his safe base in the Vatican, he developed a network of contacts, including donors of money and food, to help escaped prisoners of war and others whose lives were in danger. But the work was very dangerous, especially when he ventured out in disguise. This earned him the nickname 'the Pimpernel of the Vatican'. The Gestapo chief in Rome ordered that he be killed or captured but Hugh was never caught. When the Allies freed Rome, Hugh had helped over 6,500 people to escape imprisonment or even death. He was awarded many high honours for his bravery and courage, and retired to Kerry in 1960. He died in 1963 and is buried in Caherciveen.
The Guns Of Easter by Gerard Whelan
It is 1916 and Europe is at war. From the poverty of the Dublin slums twelve-year-old Jimmy Conway sees it all as glorious, and loves the British Army for which his father is fighting. But when war comes to his own streets Jimmy's loyalties are divided. The rebels occupy the General Post Office and other parts of the city, and Jimmy's uncle is among them. Dublin's streets are destroyed, business comes to a halt. In an attempt to find food for his family, Jimmy crosses the city, avoiding the shooting, weaving through the army patrols, hoping to make it home before curfew. But his quest is not easy and danger threatens at every corner.
A Winter of Spies by Gerard Whelan
This book tells the exciting story of Sarah (Jimmy's young sister) and their family who are involved in the spying activities of Michael Collins during the War of Independence. Sarah, a young eleven-year-old, cannot figure out why her family is so neutral towards the war and why everybody is so secretive. A strong rebel herself, she wants to do her bit for Ireland. Then she finds out the terrible truth - and she too carries secrets which could cost her life.
War Children by Gerard Whelan
Six stories - one set in Dublin, the others in the countryside - about children who get caught up in the War of Independence and suffer dire consequences. Mattie Foley dreams of escaping the harshness of life in the Dublin slums, but her dreams and reality become dangerously entwined with the discovery of a gun. When Statia Mulligan sets off to get feed for the hens, she longs for the peace and quiet of her favourite spot by the stream; she doesn't expect to become part of an ambush. Larry Quinn goes after the cow that has strayed - how could he know that in his absence the Black and Tans would force his mother to reveal all she knows?
Name Upon Name by Sheena Wilkinson
Belfast in 1916. Fourteen-year-old Helen is shaped by her mixed background - rural, Catholic Irish values from mum Kathleen; urban, Protestant Ulster ones from dad James. Her parents are relaxed in their politics but others in the family circle are more extreme - Aunt Violet is a die-hard anti-Home Ruler, more British than the king, while Uncle Sean is staunchly nationalist. These are the parents of Helen's older cousins: Sandy, who joined the army straight from school and has already seen action in France, and Michael, who runs away from home to enlist. But before he leaves for France, Michael is deployed to Dublin to help quell the Rising, where he's expected to open fire on his fellow Irishmen. Who and what are they fighting for? The story of a young girl between the Easter Rising, the outbreak of World War 1 and a divided Ireland


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Basijávri eller Pasijävri är en sjö i Finland. Den ligger i kommunen Utsjoki i landskapet Lappland, i den norra delen av landet,  km norr om huvudstaden Helsingfors. Basijávri ligger  meter över havet. Arean är  hektar och strandlinjen är  kilometer lång. Sjön   Omgivningarna runt Basijávri är i huvudsak ett öppet busklandskap.

I övrigt finns följande vid Basijávri:
 Passitshokka (en kulle)

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Insjöar i Lappland, Finland
Utsjoki

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Hallucinogens Mixed in Beer Empowered an Ancient Andean Empire
Paul Seaburn January 13, 2022
For some people, the ideal place to live would e a country whose leaders promote the consumption of beer and psychedelic drugs. While that seems impossible to find today, a new study found a civilization in Peru that flourished a mere 1,000 years ago with a citizenry fueled on hallucinogenic vilca combined with a beer made from local fruit. Meet the Wari, who lived quite happily in the south-central Andes and coastal area of modern-day Peru from about 500 to 1000 CE.
"In the pre-Columbian Andes, the use of hallucinogens during the Formative period (900–300 BC) often supported exclusionary political strategies, whereas, during the Late Horizon (AD 1450–1532), Inca leaders emphasized corporate strategies via the mass consumption of alcohol."
In a study published in the journal Antiquity and partly funded by National Geographic, Justin Jennings, an archaeologist at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and lead author, opens with the idea that ancient pre-Columbian cultures in the Peruvian Andes used hallucinogens as part of their political strategy. The beans of the vilca (Anadenanthera colubrina) tree contained bufotenine (also found in psychedelic toads and mushrooms) and was ground into snuff to be smoked or inhaled up until around 300 BCE. During the latter pre-Columbian era, the leaders used a beer-like alcoholic beverage called chicha brewed from the fruit of the Schinus mole evergreen tree. Somewhere in the middle, a switch occurred – and the researchers traced it to Quilcapampa, an outpost of the Wari built during the 9th century CE.
"Using data from Quilcapampa, the authors argue that a shift occurred during the Middle Horizon (AD 600–1000), when beer made from Schinus molle was combined with the hallucinogen Anadenanthera colubrina. The resulting psychotropic experience reinforced the power of the Wari state, and represents an intermediate step between exclusionary and corporate political strategies."
What little is known of the Wari shows they began as an autonomous state, but later incorporated other cultures, either peacefully through religious conversion and sharing knowledge, or by warfare. Previous research did not show the Wari using vilca, but the new study found remnants of both vilca and chicha … although not the traditional paraphernalia for using vilca as snuff. Instead, it appears the two were mixed and drank in a psychedelic/alcoholic combo at celebrations with other civilizations.
"The ability to provide a feast for guests has powerful social, economic, and political connotations. Hosting a feast involves giving away food and other resources to guests. This can provide a lot of social and political clout for a host, whose guests witness the economic abilities of the host to provide the feast (remember, there is no grocery store to go buy food). Who is invited, what is served, who eats what and how much, and many other aspects of feasts create a politically charged atmosphere."
Some things never change.
First author Matthew Biwer, an archaeologist at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, tells Gizmodo how the drug/alcohol drink shaped the political landscape of the time. However, the cocktail seems to have disappeared with the Wari – centuries of drought collapsed the civilization by 1000 CE, allowing a territorial takeover by the Inca, who preferred their chicha sans vilca.
There are obvious differences between people under the influence of psychedelics and those consuming alcohol – tranquility versus aggression is an example. Would sticking with vilca or the vilca/chicha combo have helped the Inca empire survive? Would turning the invading Europeans on to vilca have fostered peaceful cooperation rather than complete conquest? The study concludes with this:
"Shifts in psychoactive use similar to those in the Andes were almost certainly a fundamental part of the political process in other parts of the world."
History turns on the way a culture gets high.
Tags Andes archeology beer Inca psychedelics
Haunted House Tester, Four-Legged Snake, Lunar Swirls and More Mysterious News Briefly — November 19, 2021
Paul Seaburn November 19, 2021
Archaeologists Feud Over Second-Hand Stonehenge Theory
Paul Seaburn December 15, 2015
Magic Mushrooms Help Terminally Ill Come To Terms With Death
Brett Tingley December 6, 2016
Ramp Found That Was Used in Building the Great Pyramid
Paul Seaburn November 2, 2018

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Sustainable Events Make Sense (Cents)!
Big ideas that can make a real change
The "browning" of California.
By Terry Mullin, March 16, 2015
It's about choices and common sense.
California is dry…and turning brown. Following on from my blog of January 5th, 2015 "What Have We Learned About the California Drought Since 2009"[i] it appears that the answer is "not as much as we should have." California is still "on track" to build a high speed rail system for $68 billion. Many contend that the train has value – but there are other pressing issues that must be addressed as well. And since our state must live within its own budget, choices and priorities must be set.
California's January was the driest ever since record-keeping began in 1895. The State's groundwater and snowpack levels are at all-time lows. Data from NASA satellites show that the total amount of water stored in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins — that is, all of the snow, river and reservoir water, water in soils and groundwater combined — was 34 million acre-feet below normal in 2014. That loss is nearly 1.5 times the capacity of Lake Mead, America's largest reservoir.[ii] Farmers have little choice but to pump more groundwater during droughts, especially when their surface water allocations have been slashed 80% to 100%. But these pumping rates are excessive and unsustainable. Wells are running dry. In some areas of the Central Valley, the land is sinking by one foot or more per year. Statewide, we've been dropping more than 12 million acre-feet of total water yearly since 2011. Roughly two-thirds of these losses are attributable to groundwater pumping for agricultural irrigation in the Central Valley[iii].
The time to act was actually before the year 2000 when in 2002 NASA data revealed that total water storage in California had been in steady decline since at least 2002, when satellite-based monitoring began, although groundwater depletion has been going on since the early 20th century.[iv]
We need to think in parallel steps to avoid a disaster.
First, the amount of water on our planet is finite, so we have to be prudent in its management and use. And it's not just California; we have a world-wide water crisis that is only getting worse, so we must act locally, but think globally. That means that conservation, recycling/reclamation, pollution avoidance, desalination and distribution are key parts of the solution. We can't keep marching on as a "tombstone society" – a society that only acts when it is too late. The time of procrastination has passed. Rationing is needed now to "buy time" to avoid a disaster. And we must work through the solutions – it is not a "one or the other" proposition – but rather an all in parallel approach. In this first part, we will be addressing water distribution.
Moving water from "A to B" – a water distribution challenge.
In this first part, we will be addressing the possible distribution issue. The knowns, short and to the point: California is in the worst drought in its history and we are in a very dangerous situation of running out of water. Other parts of the country, primarily east of the Mississippi, have experienced near record snow falls, not to mention that they have water access that the west simply does not have. So what if we address this as a nation-wide water management project?
One concept – build a "Keystone XL-like" pipe from the Midwest and East to the Central Valley of California to aid in alleviating the extreme drought situation. Using the Central Valley as a "distribution hub" for the water, other states would receive benefits as well. We have the infrastructure in that of lakes and reservoirs way below capacity, not to mention we could replenish our ground water tables. We could even expand storage – the technology exists. The Keystone XL was budgeted at $5.3 billion (which is 7.79% of the bullet train projected cost as of today[v]). What if a similar project could be completed to deliver water for the same price?
This Is Not Acceptable for the "8th Largest Economy in the World!"
California's economy would be the 8th largest in the world (2012),[vi] if the states of the U.S. were compared directly with other countries.[vii][viii] As of 2013, the gross state product (GSP) is about $2.05 trillion, which is 13.2% of the United States gross domestic product (GDP)[ix]. And considering the size of the contribution that California makes to the economy and the nation's produce/agriculture products, we simply can't stand idly by and not act now.
What makes more jobs avoiding another "bust?"
Quoting the attached ABC News/AP article[x] by Scott Smith dated January 6, 2015 "California Breaks Ground on $68B Bullet Train, for 2029," "project managers say design and planning already has created 632 jobs and that eventually 20,000 will work on the system." And that is over the period of time of today through 2029, or 15 years. The included state report (referenced herein[xi]) states that the job creation could be up to 20,000 for the next five years. From there, "CONSTRUCTION JOBS AND MULTIPLIERS BY STEP, SPREAD OVER THE IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE" may lead to 66,000 for 15 years. But time will tell – for this part of the report, we will stick with the more generally accepted 20,000 projection.
Math and the ROI of a real water project.
So there is a choice in the making here: which is larger? 20,000 jobs or over 38 million Californians without water? And the water distribution system would carry significant employment as well, with longer-term positive results for not only California. It is quite simple…and once the project for the train is over, those 20,000 jobs disappear (except for pensions and follow-on infrastructure and operational costs). When 19 years is over, and way before it, we would have a water system to ensure the "moving" of water from East to West. And unlike the 20,000 that will be leaving the workforce, this system will help California and other states "balance the distribution" of water for years to come. Again, the choice appears clear.
So let's spend $5.3 billion of the $68B to address the California water crisis.
The western drought. A drought that has no end in sight that is compounded by the inordinate amount of ground water California has been pumping out of its reserves. The western drought should also be looked upon as more of a severe "water distribution" challenge. Flooding in the mid-west and east, drought in the west. Seems like something American ingenuity and funding with a real ROI could address.
Through a proper nation-wide water distribution system, with appropriate storage at the receiving ends, before the flooding starts, you increase the capacity of the pumping to "stay ahead" of the situation. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's records, approximate $2,152,417,080 and 82 fatalities were attributed to flooding in 2013[xii]. This cost could be dramatically reduced and turned into "part of the water distribution solution" if the water was moved before it became "part of the problem."
If monitoring shows that the supply could become greater than the demand and storage, we could build more storage and increase ground-water replenishment. I am not trying to over simplify the challenge, but our nation has conquered more daunting challenges – even eight years ago! And whereas we do not have a budget number for this hypothetical project, the need could justify nearly any cost. And considering the project would be moving water, not oil, should balance out the increased distance. In any event, spending on a project like this could provide a step in the right direction to alleviate the effects of the drought.
Build something with a minimal environmental risk.
Sometimes, from a riskier proposition, a common sense solution presents itself. As it turns out, pipelines are the safest and most efficient method of moving fossil fuels, and TransCanada has one of the best safety records in the industry.[xiii] Just ask the Canadians. There are more than 2.6 million miles of oil and natural gas pipelines in the United States that deliver 99.9998 per cent of their products safely and reliably every day. The State Department's own environmental impact statement found that Keystone XL would operate with a degree of safety greater than any other pipeline in the U.S. But I'm not talking about pumping oil; I'm talking about moving water!
Show me the downside…we can already show you the money.
The Keystone XL Pipeline Project which was vetoed by the President in early 2015 was a proposed 1,179-mile (1,897 km), 36-inch-diameter crude oil pipeline, beginning in Hardisty, Alta., and extending south to Steele City, Neb. This pipeline was considered "a critical infrastructure project for the energy security of the United States and for strengthening the American economy[xiv]." I am not debating or endorsing the merits/risks of the Keystone – but I am referencing it as a demonstration of what technology and manpower can accomplish today. Just as improved water availability would strengthen the California and national economies.
We could enlist our Canadian friends or our own entrepreneurial American engineers and build a pipeline with a much greater degree of safety than any other in the U.S. This "Keystone XL-like" pipeline could run from the East and Midwest through the Central Valley of California and ultimately to Lake Mead (for storage) to alleviate the dire drought situation. Clearly, we could use the same ingenuity that built the Hoover Dam to accomplish this simpler task[xv] . Using the Central Valley as a "distribution hub" for the water, other states could receive benefits as well. The Central Valley is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions[xvi]. After all, Lake Mead has room as it is at the lowest level since Hoover Dam was built in the 1930's. [xvii] And Lake Mead has room, as of January 25th, 2015 Lake Mead's level is 41.68% of "full pool" which is of great concern.[xviii]
Again, there are 2.6 million miles of oil and natural gas pipelines in the United States today, so adding water distribution pipelines is "not rocket science."
Agriculture needs water.
Fiscally speaking, California leads all of the other states in farm income. It's positioned as the agricultural powerhouse of the United States. About 73 percent of the state's ag revenues are derived from crops while the other 27 percent of revenues are generated by livestock commodities. In terms of revenue generated, California's top five ag products are dairy products, greenhouse and nursery products, grapes, almonds, and cattle and calves. California agriculture generates roughly $37.5 billion annually, more than any other state[xix]. But all of this is dependent upon water.
In food production, according to the latest statistics compiled by the California Department of Food and Agriculture[xx], the state produces almost half of all the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the country, as well as a whopping share of the livestock and dairy[xxi]. So I think we should be very concerned about it drying up into a dust-bowl and no longer being able to supply food.
But what if there is a leak?
Budgeted at $5.3 billion for the crude oil pipeline, with all of the challenges and complexities that would have accompanied it, it would seem that a water pipeline could be accomplished in this price range as well – and faster. The Keystone 36-inch diameter pipeline was specified to provide the capacity of 830,000 barrels of crude per day – that's 26,145,000 gallons per day. And when you consider the high number of remote-controlled shutoff valves, increased pipeline inspections, burying the pipe deeper in the ground and using thicker steel pipe at river crossings, a water pipe does not pose as much of an environmental hazard[xxii] and in theory should be simpler to accomplish.
For the price, don't install only one pipe.
When you consider the viscosity of crude oil over water, the cost of the water delivery system itself will be markedly less. Viscosity is the measurement of a fluid's internal resistance to flow. This is typically designated in units of centipoise or poise but can be expressed in other acceptable measurements as well. Without getting into too much science, crude oil has a viscosity in the range of 10,000 centipoise[xxiii]. Water, by comparison has a viscosity of 1 centipoise[xxiv]. With more than one pipe, you have increased capacity, higher-availability (if you have to shut one pipe down, the others pick up the capacity) and can support pipeline maintenance without interruption of capacity. And finally, the construction of a water pipe is simpler than that of a pipeline to deliver thicker, more "aggressive" crude oil.
The chance of a significant "environmental disaster" from a water leak is low.
The proposed solution poses minimal risks. When you have an oil leak from a system carrying crude, you need to have specialists trained to shut off, contain, and clean up the resulting impact. With a water system suggested here, if a leak took place you could get a plumber to turn off the valves and mop up the water! (Humor is allowed – but the point is valid: the system does not pose significant environmental nor human risk anywhere close to the 2.6 million miles of gas and other pipelines under America's cities).
If we could get 20% from east of the Mississippi…
In an op-ed published Thursday March 12, 2015 by the Los Angeles Times, Jay Famiglietti[xxv], a senior water scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, painted a dire picture of the state's water crisis. California, he writes, has lost around 12 million acre-feet of stored water every year since 2011. So let us address that. It is NOT the total solution, but a way to start to see if we can "make sense" of water distribution.
Using some simple flow rate calculations, California's interconnected water system serves over 30 million people and irrigates over 5,680,000 acres (2,300,000 ha) of farmland[xxvi]. As the worlds and most controversial water system, it manages over 40,000,000 acre feet (49 km3) of water per year[xxvii]. That's about 13,034,057,100,000 gallons per year. So for sake of analysis 20% of that would be 2,606,811,420,000 gallons (approximately 8 million acre feet) per year.
To get 2.6 trillion gallons of water per year would require getting 297,581,212.33 per hour. If the flow calculations are correct, using high-pressure (20 f/s) and 26.631' in diameter pipe, in theory you could deliver 300 million gallons of water per hour[xxviii]. Of course all of this is dependent upon snow and rain seasons to supply the water. And when there is not enough from the excess of snow pack melt and rain, other sources such as Niagara Falls (398,142,000,000 gallons per year fall over the falls[xxix]) and the Great Lakes (6 quadrillion gallons[xxx]) could be considered[xxxi] if it was considered "excess" or available. Of course proper acquisition, delivery, pumping costs (electrical and manpower), storage and processing must be considered too as the water-season does not run all year long.
For example, California could request to take 0.04345% of the Great Lakes annually to address the 20% noted in this study. And these are just two sources – and I am not including snow melt and rain that goes to the Atlantic ocean or rivers. This is a demonstration of the thinking and initiative can deliver real results, and makes everyone think twice about pollution in every fresh water source.
But is this possible and wouldn't it take 15 years?
The Hoover Dam in Nevada is considered "the 8th wonder of the world." To think it was designed and built in 1935 in 4 years (5 years if you include the apparatus installation[xxxii]) is a testimonial to innovation and drive in America. This water pipeline is nowhere near as daunting a task, and it would reaffirm the "American ingenuity" that many feel we no longer have. Think about that…Hoover Dam was built eighty years ago and with the technology available then it only took four years to build. I think we should be able to do better.
Now some "doubting Thomases" may say this could not be done. Consider this – at the dam, the river was diverted around the damsite through four 50-foot diameter tunnels, two on each side of the river drilled through the canyon walls. The tunnels, with a total length of 15,946 feet, or about 3 miles, were excavated to 56 feet and lined with 3 feet (300,000 cubic yards) of concrete. The two tunnels could carry over 200,000 cubic feet – more than 1.5 million gallons – of water per second![xxxiii] That's 5,400,000,000 gallons per hour…I was solving for only 297,581,212 gallons per hour, or 6% of the capacity of a technological marvel that was built in 1935!
The California water crises can be solved by incorporating all of the means highlighted and more innovations to come. In my next segment, I will be addressing one example of "pollute less" that can make a dramatic difference in the pollution of water around the world.
It's about choices and the future…it's about our children and our children's children…it's about common sense.
To follow is the official "Creating Jobs Through High-Speed Rail": http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/small_business/Creating%20Jobs%20Through%20High-Speed%20Rail.pdf
[i] https://greenboxguys.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/what-have-we-learned-about-the-california-drought-since-2009/
[ii] http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-famiglietti-drought-california-20150313-story.html
[iii] http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-famiglietti-drought-california-20150313-story.html
[iv] http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-famiglietti-drought-california-20150313-story.html
[v] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/01/07/california-bullet-train-most-expensive-public-works-project-in-us-history/
[vi] Comparison between U.S. states and countries by GDP (nominal)
[vii] "Largest state GDPs in the United States – California Texas New York Florida". EconPost.com. November 11, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
[viii] "California economy ranking among world economies". EconPost.com. November 8, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
[ix] "Widespread But Slower Growth in 2013". Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Labor. June 11, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
[x] http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/california-breaks-ground-bullet-train-climate-solution-28039207
[xi] http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/small_business/Creating%20Jobs%20Through%20High-Speed%20Rail.pdf
[xii] http://www.nws.noaa.gov/hic/
[xiii] http://keystone-xl.com/about/environmental-responsibility/
[xiv] http://keystone-xl.com/about/the-keystone-xl-oil-pipeline-project/
[xv] Simpler in terms of pumping high-temperature, much thicker crude oil vs. water
[xvi] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Valley_%28California%29#cite_note-every-2
[xvii] http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nightly-news/lake-mead-reaches-record-low-water-levels-amid-ongoing-drought-320641091566
[xviii] http://lakemead.water-data.com/
[xix] http://westernfarmpress.com/tree-nuts/what-happens-if-us-loses-california-food-production
[xx] http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/statistics/
[xxi] http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-calcook-california-its-whats-for-dinner-20140312-story.html
[xxii] http://keystone-xl.com/about/environmental-responsibility/
[xxiii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands
[xxiv] http://www.vp-scientific.com/Viscosity_Tables.htm
[xxv] http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-famiglietti-drought-california-20150313-story.html
[xxvi] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_in_California
[xxvii] Jenkins, Marion W.; Lund, Jay R.; Howitt, Richard E.; Draper, Andrew J.; Msangi, Siwa M.; Tanaka, Stacy K.; Ritzema, Randall S.; Marques, Guilherme F. (2004). "Optimization of California's Water Supply System: Results and Insights". Journal of Water Resources Planning & Management 130 (4). pp. 271–280. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9496(2004)130:4(271).
[xxviii] http://www.1728.org/flowrate.htm
[xxix] http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Amazing-Facts.aspx
[xxx] http://www.great-lakes.net/lakes/ref/lakefact.html
[xxxi] http://www.niagaraparks.com/about-niagara-falls/geology-facts-figures.html
[xxxii] http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/faqs/damfaqs.html
[xxxiii] http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:NU-IXObHIbkJ:www.usbr.gov/lc/region/pao/brochures/faq.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Reference for the California High Speed Rail project: http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/small_business/Creating%20Jobs%20Through%20High-Speed%20Rail.pdf
Tagged California, Common Sense Sustainability, Drought, sustainability, ViridiSTOR
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Take a Stand with 'This Book Is Anti-Racist'
Jackie Cucco |
It may seem obvious that racism is bad, but turn on the news or look around in your own community and it becomes quite obvious that it's out there, it's happening, and it's time to stand up against it.
For people who aren't sure where to begin or what they can do to help, reading a book is a start. This Book Is Anti-Racist is a great tool to learn about the origins of racism and oppression with "20 lessons on how to wake up, take action, and do the work." The book is written by Tiffany Jewell, a Black biracial writer and anti-racist educator, and illustrated by Aurélia Durand, a Paris-based artist who portrays women of color standing proudly and fiercely in her work.
The book is written for all ages, with tips and lessons for kids who need help speaking up against racist adults, kids who feel lost from trying to fit into the dominant culture, and kids who have suffered because people have neglected to stand up for them. Parents, teachers, and administrators can benefit from reading it as well.
Related: Resources to Help Your Kids Take a Stand Against Racism (Updated)
Readers can examine concepts of social identity, ethnicity, and racism with the book's examples of oppression throughout history, including when indigenous Americans and Australians were shipped off to boarding school to be "civilized" and when the UK enacted strict immigration laws to threaten Caribbean immigrants with deportation. Obviously, racism is a heavy topic, but the book also includes stories of strength, hope, and revolution, such as when former slave Toussaint Louverture led the rebellion against white planters that eventually led to Haiti's independence.
The book is also interactive, featuring 20 activities that readers can do to work against racism inside themselves while also giving them tools to work at being anti-racist. It discusses languages and phrases that people can use to interrupt and disrupt racism, as well as tips on how to act the next time someone hears a microaggression or a racial slur.
This Book Is Anti-Racist is available at major bookstores and you can also support Black-owned bookstores by searching for it online.
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Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is the Senior Editor at the Toy Insider, the Toy Book, and the Pop Insider. When she's not busy homeschooling her 25 Tamagotchis, she's probably watching horror moves with her Squishmallow squad. Follow her on Instagram @saucyjac and say hi to her pet bunny Peepers @thebigpeep. Jackie oversees news for thetoyinsider.com so make sure to email her with any toy launches or family entertainment news: jc@toyinsider.com.
What do you think about Take a Stand with 'This Book Is Anti-Racist'?
One Response to "Take a Stand with 'This Book Is Anti-Racist'"
Matthew Braddon November 10, 2020
Thanks for this post, it was interesting and informative to study this material, now it is difficult to surprise or at least interest the reader, you need to work very hard, create and submit high-quality information. In general, I often use a cool resource that I will leave for you, check it out and make sure by reading racism essays about a well-known and painful topic of the modern world, or study a topic that interests you, which you can easily pick up in two clicks.


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Censorship and Freedom of Expression
China's Tiananmen anniversary blackout
By Amnesty International's China team
20 May 2014, 15:36 UTC
Pro-democracy protester blocking tanks in Tiananmen Square, Beijing in June 1989. © APGraphicsBank
Twenty-five years on, Chinese citizens continue to be persecuted for trying to remember the events of 1989 when hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters were killed or injured on the night of 3 and 4 June after the People's Liberation Army opened fire on unarmed civilians.
The weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary on 4 June have seen activists placed in detention while others have been questioned by police or placed under house arrest, as the authorities try to prevent people from publicly remembering those who died in the crackdown.
Amnesty International continues to document names of activists that have been targeted ahead of the 4 June. Below is the latest information the organization has received on those detained, questioned or missing ahead of the 25th anniversary of the bloodshed.
The 1989 crackdown remains an official taboo in China. Attempts to commemorate, discuss and demand justice for what happened are forcefully curbed, with no public discussion allowed.
Criminally detained (by police on suspicion of a crime)
Pu Zhiqiang, human rights lawyer. Detained on 6 May in Beijing on suspicion of "picking quarrels" (taken away for questioning on 4 May) after attending a seminar on the 25th anniversary of Tiananmen Square crackdown on 3 May. Reportedly denied adequate medical treatment.
Hao Jian, film critic and academic. Detained on 6 May in Beijing on suspicion of "picking quarrels". Released on bail on 5 June.
Xu Youyu, academic. Detained on 6 May in Beijing on suspicion of "picking quarrels". Reportedly denied adequate medical treatment in detention. Released on bail on 5 June.
Liu Di, writer. Detained on 6 May in Beijing on suspicion of "picking quarrels". Released on bail on 5 June.
Hu Shigen, writer. Detained on 6 May in Beijing on suspicion of "picking quarrels". Released on bail on 5 June. (See Amnesty's Urgent Action on the above five detainees.)
Gao Yu, journalist. Detained on 8 May in Beijing on suspicion of "leaking state secrets to a foreign entity" (taken away together with her son Zhao Meng on 24 April. Zhao Meng was released on 23 May.)
Xie Wenfei. Detained on 8 May in Foshan, Guangdong province, on suspicion "picking quarrels"
Qu Zhenhong, detained on suspicion of "illegally obtaining personal information"
Tang Jingling, detained in Guangzhou on 16 May on suspicion of "picking quarrels". Reportedly beaten up in detention.
Wang Qingying, detained in Guangzhou on 16 May on suspicion of picking quarrels. Reportedly beaten up in detention.
Shengguan (Xu Zhiqiang), Buddhist monk, detained in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, on 18 May on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power".
Chang Boyang, a lawyer was questioned on 27 May evening. He was detained in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on suspicion of "assembling a crowd to disturb public order" on 29 May. Chang reportedly signed a statement in support of individuals that attended a memorial for late Chinese Communist Party leaders Zhao Ziyang and Hu Yaobang in Henan on 2 February.
Ji Laisong, a lawyer, detained in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on suspicion of "assembling a crowd to disturb public order". He reportedly attended a memorial for late Chinese Communist Party leaders Zhao Ziyang and Hu Yaobang in Henan on 2 February.
Yuan Xinting, was not heard from in the week of 20 May. It was later confirmed he is detained in Guangzhou on suspicion of "picking quarrels."
Xin Jian, a news assistant of Japanese newspaper Nikkei in Chongqing, was detained in Chongqing on suspicion of "picking quarrels". She was taken away by Chongqing police on 13 May in relation to the case of Beijing lawyer Pu Zhiqiang, who was criminally detained on 6 May. (Released on 7 June)
Wang Aizhong, detained on 29 May in Guangzhou on suspicion of "picking quarrels".
Luo Xi, a 1989 student activist, detained on 31 May in Xinning County, Hunan province, on suspicion of "picking quarrels" for commemorating June 4 online.
Chen Jianfang, taken away on 13 May and it was reported on 1 June that Chen was criminally detained on 1 June on suspicion of "disturbing order in a public place".
Li Zhengran, was confirmed on 28 May to be detained in Hengyang, Hunan province, on suspicion of "picking quarrels".
Cai Congfu, detained on on 17 May in Wuhan, Hubei province, on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power.
Wan Li, detained on 17 May in Wuhan, Hubei province, on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power".
Ma Qiang, aka Xiyu Wuzeng ("Western Martial Monk"), detained 17 May in Wuhan, Hubei province, on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power".
Li Wangyang's friend Yin Zhengan was detained on suspicion of "picking quarrels" by police in Shaoyang, Hunan on 31 May.
Zhao Huaxu (Twitter account: @RFITB), 22, detained for tweeting to propose using pseudo base station to mark the 25th anniversary of Tiananmen crackdown
Formally arrested (arrest approved by the prosecutor)
Xu Guang, former June 4 student leader, was formally arrested in Zhejiang and charged with "inciting subversion of state power" on 9 May
Detained (but not yet accused of a crime or formally arrested)
Chen Guang, artist and former soldier. Detained on 7 May, believed to be in connection to a art performance held in private which referenced June 4
Wu Bin (aka Xiucai Jianghu), detained on 8 May in Foshan, Guangdong province
Yang Chong, detained on 8 May in Foshan, Guangdong province
Guo Jian, Chinese-Australian artist, taken away on 2 June in Beijing
Lu Cheng, aka "Genius Idiot Dream", detained on 3 June evening in Hunan province
Zhou Yahua, aka "Yanba" (Salt), detained on 5 June after writing about June 4 on his blog
'Forced travel'
Bao Tong, 81 years old, Zhao Ziyang's political aide, was taken away from his home in Beijing for "mandatory travel" to an unknown place on 30 May. (Taken back to his home in Beijing on 7 June)
Zha Jianguo, Beijing
Li Jianjun, Huaihua, Hunan province, was taken away to "forced travel" on 31 May
Gao Hongming, Beijing
Yan Zhengxue, Beijing
Zhu Chunliu, Beijing
Qi Yueying, Beijing
Zou Wei, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Qi Zhiyong, Beijing
Ye Du, taken away from Guangzhou to Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on 3 June
Huang Yuzhang in Nanning city, Guangxi, forced to travel
Lai Rifu in Guangzhou, forced to travel
Fan Yiping in Guangzhou, forced to travel
Li Xiaoning in Guangzhou, forced to travel
Liu Sifang, in Guangzhou, forced to travel
Liang Taiping, "arranged by his employer" to travel to suburb of Chenzhou, Hunan province
Ou Biaofeng, in Hunan province, forced to travel in Guizhou since June 1
Blocked from travelling to Hong Kong
Chen Zongyao in Wenzhou was blocked from going to Hong Kong as he planned to attend the candlelight vigil in Hong Kong on 4 June
Wang Longji in Shenzhen was blocked from going to Hong Kong as he planned to attend the candlelight vigil in Hong Kong on 4 June
Questioned by police
Zhang Xianling, spokesperson of Tiananmen Mothers
Cui Weiping
Guo Yuhua
Qin Hui
Zhou Feng
Wang Dongcheng
Wang Xiaoshan
Liang Xiaoyan
Li Xuewen
Ye Du
Chen Shuqing, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Huang Yonghua, aka "Crescent", "invited to have tea" by the police in Hengyang, Hunan province, on 27 May and was threatened not to take part in any activities to commemorate June 4 and not leave Hengyang city.
Zhang Wei, "invited to have tea" by the police in Nanning city, Guangxi, on 4 June.
Zhou Jie, aka "Zhouzhou Zhuzhou" (Zhouzhou Makes Congee), "invited to have tea" by the police in Changsha, Hunan province
Shao Jiajun, "invited to have tea" by the police in Changsha, Hunan province.
Ding Zilin, Tiananmen Mothers' spokesperson, not allowed to return to Beijing, currently in her hometown in Jiaxing, Jiangsu province (Taken back to her home in Beijing on 7 June)
Hu Jia, since 24 February in Beijing
Zhang Zuhua, Beijing
Sun Wenguang, Jinan, Shandong province
Zhou Duo, BeijingCao Siyuan, Beijing
Li Hai. Beijing
He Depu, Beijing
Kang Yuchun, Beijing
Ye Jingchun, Beijing
Li Jinping, Beijing
Zhang Shanguang, Huaihua, Hunan province
Liu Shaoming, Guangzhou
Chen Kaiping, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Lu Gengsong, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Ma Qingxiang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Wu Yuanming, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Qi Huimin, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Gao Haibing, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Lai Jinbiao, Hangzhou Zhejiang province
Liu Shihui, taken away on 13 May and released on 26 May, reportedly injured during detention, and deprived of proper medical treatment. Under house arrest in Inner Mongolia.
Ouyang Jinghua, Shaoyang city, Hunan province
Tang Haiding, Shaoyang city, Hunan province
Other illegal forms of detention
Ni Yulan, a former human rights lawyer in Beijing, was forced to Attend Legal Education Class" on 3 June
Missing and believed to be detained
Vivian Wu Wei, last heard from on 7 May in Beijing (Released on 7 June)
Wen Kejian, last heard from on 13 May in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Jiang Lijun, last heard from on 16 May in Shenyang, Liaoning province
Ma Xiaoming, last heard from on 20 May in Xi'an
Chen Junxian, in Changsha, Hunan province
(The following five people are believed to have been detained earlier this week. All attended a memorial for late Chinese Communist Party leaders Zhao Ziyang and Hu Yaobang at Zhao's hometown in Henan on 2 February):
Shi Yu, journalist in Henan, detained in Zhengzhou, Henan
Fang Yan
Hou Shuai
Yu Siwen
Administratively detained
Li Hongwei, administratively detained in Jinan, Shandong province, on 26 May for seven days
Chen Qingquan, Li's husband, administratively detained in Jinan, Shandong province, on 26 May for five days
Zhang Qi, detained on 1 June in Chongqing
Huang Yijian, detained on 1 June for 7 days in Hengyang, Hunan province
Detained and subsequently released
Tan Kai, detained on 2 April. Released on 9 May but remains under "residential surveillance"
Many more continue to serve long prison sentences related to their calls for greater openness and political reform in China. This includes the Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo, Chen Wei, Chen Xi, Zhu Yufu and Gu Yiwen.
Hirak Algeria Monitor
Qatar: Repressive new law further curbs freedom of expression


Haigler Home – Rural Calhoun County, S.C.
square feet of exterior porches. The porch construction features decorative spindle work, including turned supports, delicate gingerbread, and carved brackets. The house is the central building of a small rural homestead that includes several outbuildings including an ice house, a spring house, and a chicken coop/pony stall. When the main block of the house was built, a separate kitchen was likely connected with a breezeway, yet the house was soon enlarged, probably to accommodate the eleven children raised in the house. The house is oriented towards a dirt road which at one time was a county road leading to a now-abandoned church. Cotton fields surround the house, which are still cultivated today. The Haigler House is also significant as the history of the Haigler family reflects early European immigration to this area, the establishment of the Lutheran Church in the southeast, and the rise of cotton as a cash crop and accompanying wealth it created in the state. Listed in the National Register October 12, 2001.


When you desire to attract and meet a new relationship partner, a common approach is to be more social, start connecting with new people, and try to be as likeable as possible.
Where does this lead? You may very well find a new relationship this way, but it probably won't be very satisfying. There's an excellent chance you'll end up settling for someone who's only partially compatible with you.
When people are seeking new relationships, they often modify their personalities. They amplify and show off their most socially acceptable qualities, and they tone down the more unusual parts of themselves, especially the parts that other people might not like.
To some degree this is common sense. Putting our best foot forward is a reasonable strategy when seeking a new relationship. But what exactly is your best foot to put forward?
So often people socially brand themselves so as to avoid rejection. Consequently, their branding is extremely bland. They try to fit in. They pretend to be like everyone else.
This may seem likable, but it's likable only to those who are desperate. It's not attractive to people who lead interesting lives and who have options. Most likely you're only going to attract people with low self-esteem using this approach.
The irony is that if you try to avoid being rejected by average people, you'll only ensure that you get rejected (or avoided) by the people you find the most interesting and attractive.
The very people who could be truly amazing relationship partners for you will pre-reject you because you seem bland and boring.
Suppose I were looking for a new relationship. And suppose I concluded it was best to share some of my positive but still socially acceptable qualities. Imagine that I created a dating profile where I shared that I love personal growth, traveling, and reading good books.
That is all true, and no one would be offended by it, but virtually no one would find it particularly attractive. It would look like every other profile out there. Bland and boring.
If I did actually connect with someone as a result of that kind of profile, it would almost certainly be a very weak match. Personal growth and traveling may indeed be something we share, but lots of people have these interests, so they aren't particularly special. If I ended up being drawn into a relationship with such a person, it would eventually lead to boredom. I would also have the nagging sensation that I could probably find someone better (for me).
This applies to friendships as well as romantic relationships. I'm often contacted by people who tell me they like personal growth, traveling, and reading, and therefore (in their opinions), we must have a lot in common and could probably become good friends. But since I share these qualities with virtually all of my readers, I feel no special excitement about getting to know these people. In fact, they seem utterly boring and forgettable. Why would I want to bother getting to know someone who seems just like everyone else out there? What is there to sink my teeth into and explore with them?
I'd rather read a good book.
To attract a quality connection, it's much more sensible to share something unique and interesting about yourself, as early as possible. This will undoubtedly be something that you'd expect would cause large numbers of people to pre-reject you.
If you want the right people to be able to recognize you as a quality match, you must also give others the opportunity to reject you as the most repulsive wretch on earth.
I rather like it when people make it easy for me to pre-reject them. You may think that pre-rejection is something to be avoided, but look at the benefits. Pre-rejection can be a real time saver. Why should I invest my time and energy in getting to know someone, only to find out much later that we have a serious incompatibility and are never going to maintain a rewarding friendship? I'd rather know about these risks in advance and save myself the trouble, so I can invest in the truly compatible connections and enjoy all the richness they provide.
Suppose someone tells me they're into hunting. When I hear that, I'm out. That's a dealbreaker for me since I have no interest in socializing with people who desire to kill animals. I would still appreciate knowing this about someone early on, so I can avoid investing in them any more than I have to. It would be more bothersome to find this out about someone much later. Being able to pre-reject this person upfront saves me time. We're not going to be compatible, so there's no need to go any further.
On the other hand, suppose someone tells me she's vegan. Now I instantly know that there's an important quality we have in common, something that connects deeply with my values. And branching off of this quality, we're probably going to have a lot of other traits in common too. Also, the fact that she doesn't hide this about herself greatly amplifies my feelings of respect for her.
My girlfriend Rachelle and I connected due to our shared interest in D/s play. We also share an interest in personal growth, which was enough to create the circumstances for us to meet the first time, but it didn't lead to any deeper connection by itself. When we first met, it was in a room of 100+ people who were also into personal growth. There was nothing special or unique about that. But when we learned that we had something much more interesting in common, that helped spark a strong attraction and led us straight into each other's arms.
If you haven't learned this already, you'll eventually discover that your most rejection-worthy qualities are also your most attractive qualities. Whether someone is repulsed or attracted just depends on whether they share your desires and interests or not.
Many people fear exposing their differences because they don't want to deal with harsh judgment and criticism from those around them, especially from friends, family, and co-workers. They often tell me that this is their greatest fear that prevents them from making big changes. They dislike the idea of exposing themselves to ridicule and rejection. So they freeze and do nothing.
These people are focusing on the wrong side of the spectrum. Yes, all of that judgment and ridicule will happen. But it doesn't matter because on the other side, there's the opportunity for much deeper levels of invitation and acceptance.
All things considered, the judgment side is irrelevant. If the judgment is likely to be so harsh, those connections are highly incompatible anyway. You have a bunch of people taking up space in your social circle, and if you're so worried about their judgment, then you aren't sharing a true and deep connection with them anyway. So nothing much will be lost when they reject you for having desires and interests they may dislike.
The real question you should be asking here is: Do you want to connect with people who like you for you?
If so, then let the incompatible people reject you. You'll get used to it. They're just taking up space and wasting your time anyway. Let them go. You have better things to concern yourself with… and much more delightful people to connect with.
The benefits of being shamelessly yourself massively outweigh the drawbacks. What are the main drawbacks? Perhaps some mean messages sent your way. And the benefits? The best relationships of your life.
Truthfully, the main benefit for me is that I get to experience, enjoy, and appreciate a deeply loving relationship with a woman I absolutely adore. That's easily worth dealing with some criticism and ridicule from people who aren't compatible with me anyway. I'll gladly accept these judgments in exchange for the rewards of our relationship.
What's the alternative anyway? If you hide your most interesting qualities, you'll only succeed at surrounding yourself with weak matches. Then what? Spend the rest of your years pretending you actually like those people. That doesn't sound particularly intelligent.
In my marriage I often succumbed to the belief that healthy relationships require compromise. Maybe you can get most of what you want, but probably not everything you want. Some desires you just have to let go of because your partner may want something different.
I don't feel that way anymore… not for years.
Many people ask for a relationship that's an 8 (on a scale of 1-10), and then they settle for a 6 or 7 and try to make it work. Before they even get into a relationship, they pre-reject a good 20% of their desires.
I used to pre-reject my desires too. I figured that some of my desires were unreasonable or unusual, so I shouldn't even ask for them. This is a good way to attract a relationship that leaves you feeling ambivalent, always wondering if you could have found a better match while simultaneously concluding that it would take too much effort to upgrade. You stay in the relationship because it's better than being alone, not because it's what you really desire to experience.
Now consider a different approach: Ask for a 10, and hold out for a 10. This requires getting more clarity about what kind of partner you most desire to connect with.
Even though a 10 may seem like an impractical deal, in this case I'm talking about your real-world, practical 10. This means you have to consider which of your deepest desires could actually become a reality, if only you found the right match.
I realized that my pre-rejected 20% included some qualities that were actually possible to match on. These qualities might be uncommon, but with billions of people on earth, even seemingly rare qualities may still be present in millions of people.
One way to define a level 10 relationship is that it's a relationship without the feeling of ambivalence. It doesn't give rise to that "should I stay or go?" feeling. In a level 10 relationship, when you ask yourself, "should I stay in this relationship?", the answer is a straightforward, obvious yes. There's no doubt to speak of.
That's how I feel about my relationship with Rachelle. We share an amazing connection, we love each other deeply, and we keep discovering new ways to learn and grow together. Instead of feeling ambivalent, I just feel lucky.
If I had been willing to settle for a 6 or 7 (or even an 8), I wouldn't have met her. That last 20% included qualities that she has in abundance, but I wouldn't have given myself permission to request, receive, and appreciate them.
What I find most interesting is how it feels to be in a relationship with someone who matches on that last 20%, not just the other 80%. The first 80% feels comforting. The last 20% is what gives me the bulk of my feelings of attraction, excitement, stimulation, and gratitude. The last 20% is also where most of the growth happens. It's the part that keeps stretching me beyond my comfort zone — first to ask for it, and then to keep receiving it. I feel lucky because every day that I'm able to experience that extra 20% feels like a major win.
Will Your Ideal Match Recognize You?
If your ideal partner showed up in your life and crossed your path right now, would s/he be able to recognize you as a potential match?
How pathetic would it be if your ideal match showed up and didn't even recognize you as their 10?
People can't easily match with you when you're in hiding. If you hide from being judged and ridiculed, you also hide from your best matches.
If you want to attract and enjoy a level 10 relationship, or even some level 10 experiences, what is that last 20% that you're afraid to share openly? What are the desires, interests, and personality traits you've been hiding? What do you explore in your private journal, but never on your social media pages?
That last 20% should ideally be the first thing out of your mouth. That's where your deepest compatibility is. That 20% is what makes you interesting, attractive, and stimulating. Unfortunately that 20% is also the part that you're most likely to hide.
I would LOVE for you to enjoy a level 10 relationship in your life — lots of them, in fact, if we can include friendships too. I'd love for you to enjoy lots of level 10 experiences that are 100% satisfying, not just 80%. This is an achievable goal. These are real connections and real experiences you can have, if you're willing to get past your resistance and stop worrying about possible negative reactions from people.
Let those negative reactions play out. Treat them as entertainment. Then enjoy the positive benefits of being true to your desires.
The desires you've been denying yourself could lead to some amazingly beautiful connections and some truly wonderful growth experiences.
If it bothers you that other people are inviting and enjoying experiences that you've only dreamed of having, why not simply join them? Surely that's better than wallowing in denial or envy, isn't it? What you may not have realized is that those people are being subjected to all the same judgments and criticism that you've been fearing and avoiding. They've simply learned that such fears are pointless because the judgment doesn't even matter, especially when weighed against the benefits.


Last night, the train emerged from the tunnel and everything was different.
Like a giant incandescent bulb, the sky lit us all with an orange glow. Every movement seemed magnified, as if I was on a giant sound stage. Suddenly I was in control. Everything moved according to my will. Cars rolled, traffic lights changed, even shadows strengthened or weakened merely from whim.
Halfway home, Noah passed by me and parked in the 15 minute parking lot.
That orange sky was sweet. I tried to take some pictures, but I doubt they turned out well.