Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
April 29th, 2008 - “New” Borders Concept Store
According to PRNewswire.com, Borders is launching a new, refurbished version of Borders bookstores. The stores are digitally connected, technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing to book, music and movie lovers.
Borders, Inc stores now include kiosks where customers can mix and match their own music, publish their own books, create photo albums and Wi-fi capabilities. This “new” look made its debut in Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 2008. Kolleen O’Meara, contact for Borders, Inc news releases says,”Highlights of the store include new digital centers…as well as topical programming shown via 32″ LCD screens. Some destinations also include computer kiosks where customers can take advantage of a number of digital and Internet options to maximize their in-Destination experiences.”
This fresh new look Borders is going for - isn’t that fresh or new at all. It looks like a neutral colored Apple store. How are all these great ideas supposed to flow together? I suppose the kiosks with music will include headphones and the publishing station won’t make much noise - but what about the 32″ LCD screens advertising merchandise, featuring clips from DVD’s and other nifty ads?
Although the new store boasts comfortable seating arrangements (as it did before), who will want to sit and read a book while being surrounded by big screens, music kiosks, and other technologically sound stations?
For the younger generation, this store will do wonders. It’s colorful, eye-catching and diverse. The shelving looks exceptional - rounded, squared and some are molded right into the interior of the walls.
As long as the literature and great selection remains - Borders, Inc has tapped into an interesting new launch. However, quiet corners and the sweeping aroma of coffee won’t be the only things filtering through the air.
April 17th, 2008 - First class with Oprah and Ekhart
Interested in what Tolle has to say? Above you’ll find the first class between the two, where Ekhart discusses the book, its inspiration, how it applies to readers, and Oprah’s perspective on its “life-changing” power.Although the book and its authors are getting rave reviews, the content is not christian. Tolle isn’t promoting God. Rather, he believes that Life is our inspiration, how we contribute, how we interweave into Life’s purpose,. Christianity has become more like a culture, as Tolle believes, when really the Bible and Jesus wants us to learn a deeper path.
Oprah refers to herself as a “free-thinking” Christian who refuses to believe there isn’t any other way to God but through the Father. Out of 6 billion people there must be more ways to God, which Tolle also discusses in chapter 1 — however it depends what she means by “other ways”. Different ways to get saved? Or different Gods to praise? Or what?
Watch and see if you agree.
April 14th, 2008 - Feature: “A New Earth” — A new religion?
After reading The Power of Now, a gift from actress Meg Ryan, Oprah became a fan of German writerEckhart Tolle. Tolle found the inspiration for his novel in the hotel room, and wrote the first chapter of The Power of Now on a sticky note pad. German born Tolle speaks his native language, English and Spanish. Tolle has found a new spot on Oprah Winfrey’s best book list as well as, what she feels will inspire a nation to change. According to Tolle, by the 6th page either you don’t understand or “you begin to feel the shift.”
Oprah felt the “shift” and decided to share her enlightment in an online “class”. A New Earth Web event allows Oprah members to view live discussions between herself and Tolle. However, these live web casts are set to answer the questions visitors may have. Which includes instant emailing to the show and following along through each chapter with an online workbook.
What is this “New Earth” and why should you care?
Tolle was a proclaimed spiritual teacher in England, leading workshops with no more than 10 or 12 people in their homes. Spiritual – like God? — asked Oprah during the first classroom session. “No,” replied Tolle, “consciousness.”
“In order to awaken to your life’s purpose one of the key things we must do is not try to tell life what our purpose is…not try to define ourselves.” According to Tolle, life has to define it. One of the ways to do so would be to invite stillness into your life.
Theory of stillness and quiet has pervaded new age christians as well as traditional pentecostals. John Orzechowski, a English and Intercultural Studies major at Southeastern University believes that, “Silence and tranquility are for good reason.” While attending college, John noticed that silence has become a rarity. “We are constantly bombarded with stimulation, noise, distraction from all directions.”
Is this media bombardment blocking humanity from hearing life’s true calling?
According to Tolle, finding stillness is vital if you want to get to a place where the answers are potentially. While spiritually teaching, he told Life he was ready. Answers did not come for several years and when it came, Tolle says it told him to “move.”
The book did go on to publish and is doing fantastically well thanks to Oprah and that sticky pad that held the contents of a bestseller. In his book Tolle encourages all to awaken to their life’s purpose.
What’s the difference between this book and The Purpose Driven Life or any other self-help book for that matter? Though not Jesuit based or Christian encouraging, the book does zoom in on key aspects of ministry and teachings of Jesus (and other great minds) like PDL. Unlike most other self-help books, Tolle seeks to alleviate the egocentric base of human nature.
However, listening the “conscious” could easily be the holy spirit for christians. And “life” could just as well be a substitute for God which for Christians is the giver of life. I have yet to read this book, but I’m always distracted from books that recieve too much attention. Popularity doesn’t make it a universal awe-inspiring message, it makes it common and over-referenced. I’d read this book with caution, if you are Christian these principles fall into place like puzzle pieces — on the other hand to Tolle there is no God-head, just consciousness and Life.
The work is worth looking into, whether you agree or disagree with the philosophy of Eckhart Tolle. The main thing of A New Earth is to be present with the perception of the now. Start with nature, don’t name according to reference or scientifical explanation. Don’t lose knowledge, but set aside the basic human nature to assign labels to flowers, trees and stereotype people.
The online classes with Tolle and Winfrey will run on a 10-week feed on Oprah.com on Monday nights.
Check it out: http://event.oprah.com/videochannel/archive/archive_player.html
April 13th, 2008 - Next Feature: Oprah, Oh Oprah
This book is guarenteed to profit because Oprah not only endorsed it on her Book Club (a coveted position for any writer) but a spot on her show every week. Millions will buy — because Oprah said so. I wonder, how this book meshes with her Baptist background in (what seems to be) a self-indulging, spirit of empowerment type book.
March 11th, 2008 - Last Thoughts from Ryan Phillips (Pt.2)
Q. Do you have plans to turn your novels into film, maybe a made for TV movie?
A. Not presently. I would be ecstatic if someone asked to by the film rights to one of my novels. I think that’s every commercial writer’s secret dream. But as for actually penning my own screenplay or script, I wouldn’t know where to begin. Someday I might take a class and then give it a shot, but for right now I’m enjoying what I’m doing.
Q. If you had to cast Grace, what actress would you choose and why?
A. Hm … I don’t know because Grace undergoes a physical transformation with her weight, and I think that’s tricky to pull of well in film. I’m a fan of Gabrielle Union. She might fit the part well.
A. My advice to anyone, who wants to write, is write! If you’re an aspiring author, you have to write – a little everyday, if possible. The craft develops the more you use it. Also read as much as you can. My favorite author says that to write well, you’ve got to get the rhythm of good writing in your ears. That’s so true. The best literature has a flow, a pace. For young writers specifically, I say this: “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example … in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity … Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you … Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all … Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (I Timothy 4:12-16).
Q. Who are some of your favorite authors? Do you venture into other genres? Horror, romance, etc.?
A. Oddly, I write Christian fiction, but I don’t read it. I read mostly mainstream contemporary literature. I’m a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner, hands down. I’m such a fan – almost obsessively so. Emily Giffin, Jane Green, Wally Lamb, Jodi Picoult, Sophie Kinsella and the like.
Q. Can you give our readers any sneak peaks into future works?
A. My fourth novel, Ciao, Bella is my first non-Christian Fiction piece. I’m really very excited to be taking the leap into the mainstream market, and my hope is that it will speak to anyone, who picks it up – regardless of race or religion. It’s the story of Isabelle Mackenzie, a quiet, bookish woman, who, for her 30th birthday, gets unwittingly volunteered for a nationally televised makeover. The experience sparks a set of events that unlocks doors she never imagined would be opened to her. But as she gets pulled further and further away from her old life, she begins to question what and who are really important. And as they so often do, the answers prove surprising.
Website: www.ryanmphillips.com
Email: RyanMPhillips@excite.com
January 29th, 2008 - Idea for First Feature
Recently I perused the African-American section of a local bookstore. To my dismay, my search for riveting literature was cut short by the intimidating prescence of erotica fiction and hip-hop novels. Alice, Toni and Maya say alone amongst the pop fiction, untouched or squeezed between scantily-clad women covers. What do our bookshelves say about the AA community?