Joseph L. Persia's Blog, page 7
July 30, 2014
A little humorous sarcasm sometimes reveals a little glimmer of truth.
A commercial for a reading device...
A little humorous sarcasm sometimes reveals a little glimmer of truth.
A commercial for a reading device is shown to have the power to help improve your public literary status as a reader. However, taken as a joke, it still has a target audience that may be real. Do you think there is such a thing as a literary reading snob ?
A commercial for a reading device is shown to have the power to help improve your public literary status as a reader. However, taken as a joke, it still has a target audience that may be real. Do you think there is such a thing as a literary reading snob ?
New Kindle Helps Readers Show Off By Shouting Title Of Book Loudly And Repeatedly
July 25, 2014
Nick and Mia meets for the first time. They know nothing about each other and seem to know everything...
Nick and Mia meets for the first time. They know nothing about each other and seem to know everything about everyone else. But sometimes the less you know, the better...
Nominated to the Czech Academy Award 2012 (Czech Lion)
Cannes Court Métrage
Visegrad Shorts On Tour - Best Picture
Les Enfants Terribles - Press Jury Prize
Show Me Shorts (Academy Awards accredited) - Best International Film Finalist
Gijon IFF (Academy Awards accredited) - Official selection
Klapka 2013 - Best Picture, Best Screenplay
Badalona IFF - Official Selection
Fresh Film Fest - Fresh Czech Official Selection
MFSF 2012 - Official Selection
AIFF 2012 - Official Selection
Golden Anteaters - Masters of Short Form - Official Selection
Nominated to the Czech Academy Award 2012 (Czech Lion)
Cannes Court Métrage
Visegrad Shorts On Tour - Best Picture
Les Enfants Terribles - Press Jury Prize
Show Me Shorts (Academy Awards accredited) - Best International Film Finalist
Gijon IFF (Academy Awards accredited) - Official selection
Klapka 2013 - Best Picture, Best Screenplay
Badalona IFF - Official Selection
Fresh Film Fest - Fresh Czech Official Selection
MFSF 2012 - Official Selection
AIFF 2012 - Official Selection
Golden Anteaters - Masters of Short Form - Official Selection
July 23, 2014
I saw this article and thought it had some pretty good meditations that were clear enough to be understood...
I saw this article and thought it had some pretty good meditations that were clear enough to be understood. Maybe, helpful to a more peaceful state of mind. But sometimes the funny thing is knowing you have to be in a realized state of openness to begin with in order to derive the benefit.
Self-Observation — An Awareness Exercise from the Mahabharata
by Angela Pritchard
This week’s featured practice is on self-observation, which this ancient Hindu text describes as the viewing of our Soul by our understanding. It explains that if our senses become perturbed or are left unrestrained, how this becomes an obstacle to the act of inner seeing.
Original article from AncientSacredKnowledge.com
The Shanti Parva (book 12 of the Mahabharata) is set after the ending of a great war. In this time of peace, the new king Yudishtira receives counsel from sages on proper governance, justice, and a wise way of life.
The Mahabharata, an ancient Hindu epic, describes the practice of self-observation, watchfulness of thoughts and of the senses, for gaining knowledge.
Here are two passages that are particularly instructive for this practice:
“From the destruction of all sinful deeds, knowledge arises in men. Upon the appearance of Knowledge, one beholds one’s Soul in one’s understanding even as one sees one’s own reflection in a polished mirror. One obtains misery in consequence of one’s senses being unrestrained. One obtains happiness in consequence of one’s senses being restrained. Therefore, one should restrain one’s mind by self-effort from objects apprehended by the senses.”
~ The Mahabharata, Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCIV (Translation by K.M. Ganguli)
“As when quantity of water is clear, images reflected in it can be seen by the eye, after the same manner, if the senses be unperturbed, the Soul is capable of being viewed by the understanding. If, however, the quantity of water gets stirred, the person standing by it can no longer see those images. Similarly, if the senses become perturbed, the Soul can no longer be seen by the understanding. Ignorance begets Delusion. Delusion affects the mind. When the mind becomes vitiated, the five senses which have the mind for their refuge become vitiated also. Surcharged with Ignorance, and sunk in the mire of worldly objects, one cannot enjoy the sweets of contentment or tranquillity.”
~ The Mahabharata, Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCIV (Translation by K.M. Ganguli)
Self-Observation — An Awareness Exercise from the Mahabharata
by Angela Pritchard
This week’s featured practice is on self-observation, which this ancient Hindu text describes as the viewing of our Soul by our understanding. It explains that if our senses become perturbed or are left unrestrained, how this becomes an obstacle to the act of inner seeing.
Original article from AncientSacredKnowledge.com
The Shanti Parva (book 12 of the Mahabharata) is set after the ending of a great war. In this time of peace, the new king Yudishtira receives counsel from sages on proper governance, justice, and a wise way of life.
The Mahabharata, an ancient Hindu epic, describes the practice of self-observation, watchfulness of thoughts and of the senses, for gaining knowledge.
Here are two passages that are particularly instructive for this practice:
“From the destruction of all sinful deeds, knowledge arises in men. Upon the appearance of Knowledge, one beholds one’s Soul in one’s understanding even as one sees one’s own reflection in a polished mirror. One obtains misery in consequence of one’s senses being unrestrained. One obtains happiness in consequence of one’s senses being restrained. Therefore, one should restrain one’s mind by self-effort from objects apprehended by the senses.”
~ The Mahabharata, Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCIV (Translation by K.M. Ganguli)
“As when quantity of water is clear, images reflected in it can be seen by the eye, after the same manner, if the senses be unperturbed, the Soul is capable of being viewed by the understanding. If, however, the quantity of water gets stirred, the person standing by it can no longer see those images. Similarly, if the senses become perturbed, the Soul can no longer be seen by the understanding. Ignorance begets Delusion. Delusion affects the mind. When the mind becomes vitiated, the five senses which have the mind for their refuge become vitiated also. Surcharged with Ignorance, and sunk in the mire of worldly objects, one cannot enjoy the sweets of contentment or tranquillity.”
~ The Mahabharata, Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCIV (Translation by K.M. Ganguli)
July 22, 2014
BISG study: A buffet of digital book subscriptions
An article posted by Porter Anderson in today’s The...
BISG study: A buffet of digital book subscriptions
An article posted by Porter Anderson in today’s The Bookseller
Len Vlahos' Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has released their report called, Digital Books and the New Subscription Economy The report’s conclusions “sounds like the voice of the digital disruption, itself,” I have to agree this being days after Amazon launches its Kindle Unlimited subscription program
The article states, The way Hill sees this playing in the popular mind has a lot to do with the "free” concept arrayed on the platters and in the chafing dishes of an infinite buffet. "All you can eat" may not be a new phrase, but it's a newly beloved one, as the digital dynamic heaps the temptations of content abundance high before the delighted eyes of a screen-happy public.
I agree. The free concept is a solid hook. But I believe it can only work if the alternative is less attractive or without a competitor that can be easily recognized for its difference. Yet, there is competitor that so far has been lying dormant. What about the public library? It has no subscription fee of $9.99 and more people know how to use it than “Kindle’s Unlimited” subscription program.
My take on this is that people are not all of a sudden going say, oh library, free books without a subscription fee. I believe that that people who do not use a library will still not use it and will pay $9.99 a month and act like it’s free. Just as I believe that most librarians will go to their graves, still thinking traditional publishing are the gatekeepers of good books.
Do you think that public libraries will be a strong factor in preventing the growth of these book subscription programs?
Link to article here: http://www.futurebook.net/content/bisg-study-buffet-digital-book-subscriptions
An article posted by Porter Anderson in today’s The Bookseller
Len Vlahos' Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has released their report called, Digital Books and the New Subscription Economy The report’s conclusions “sounds like the voice of the digital disruption, itself,” I have to agree this being days after Amazon launches its Kindle Unlimited subscription program
The article states, The way Hill sees this playing in the popular mind has a lot to do with the "free” concept arrayed on the platters and in the chafing dishes of an infinite buffet. "All you can eat" may not be a new phrase, but it's a newly beloved one, as the digital dynamic heaps the temptations of content abundance high before the delighted eyes of a screen-happy public.
I agree. The free concept is a solid hook. But I believe it can only work if the alternative is less attractive or without a competitor that can be easily recognized for its difference. Yet, there is competitor that so far has been lying dormant. What about the public library? It has no subscription fee of $9.99 and more people know how to use it than “Kindle’s Unlimited” subscription program.
My take on this is that people are not all of a sudden going say, oh library, free books without a subscription fee. I believe that that people who do not use a library will still not use it and will pay $9.99 a month and act like it’s free. Just as I believe that most librarians will go to their graves, still thinking traditional publishing are the gatekeepers of good books.
Do you think that public libraries will be a strong factor in preventing the growth of these book subscription programs?
Link to article here: http://www.futurebook.net/content/bisg-study-buffet-digital-book-subscriptions
July 21, 2014
It's the beginning of the week and I needed a good laugh laugh and I found it.
Authors United, the group...
It's the beginning of the week and I needed a good laugh laugh and I found it.
Authors United, the group of writers who signed a letter calling on Amazon to resolve its dispute with Hachette, has said it is “developing a long-term strategy”.
And here is the the quote that made me smile, "...Amazon’s recent attempt to dismiss us as a bunch of rich, bestselling authors trying only to protect our income is not going to work."
My punch line: Yeah ! ~You tell them bunch of rich, bestselling authors.
Can you come up and write a better punch line to the statement, "...Amazon’s recent attempt to dismiss us as a bunch of rich, bestselling authors trying only to protect our income is not going to work." ??
Authors United, the group of writers who signed a letter calling on Amazon to resolve its dispute with Hachette, has said it is “developing a long-term strategy”.
And here is the the quote that made me smile, "...Amazon’s recent attempt to dismiss us as a bunch of rich, bestselling authors trying only to protect our income is not going to work."
My punch line: Yeah ! ~You tell them bunch of rich, bestselling authors.
Can you come up and write a better punch line to the statement, "...Amazon’s recent attempt to dismiss us as a bunch of rich, bestselling authors trying only to protect our income is not going to work." ??
July 16, 2014
Amazon Looks Like It's Creating A Netflix For Books
Amazon is about to make it even harder for book-...
Amazon Looks Like It's Creating A Netflix For Books
Amazon is about to make it even harder for book-lovers to quit Amazon by unveiling a new service that the company clearly hopes will become the Netflix of books.
Is this a good thing for self published authors?
It includes audible books were you already pay $15 per month to have a "credit", in addition to the Prime membership?
What will this do the the author's bottom line?
Link to Huffington Post article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/16/amazon-kindle-unlimited_n_5591877.html?ir=Books&utm_hp_ref=books
Fortune here: http://fortune.com/2014/07/16/amazon-ebook-testing-kindle-unlimited/
Click here for Amazon's 30 sec Ad: Amazon's Kindle Unlimited
Amazon is about to make it even harder for book-lovers to quit Amazon by unveiling a new service that the company clearly hopes will become the Netflix of books.
Is this a good thing for self published authors?
It includes audible books were you already pay $15 per month to have a "credit", in addition to the Prime membership?
What will this do the the author's bottom line?
Link to Huffington Post article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/16/amazon-kindle-unlimited_n_5591877.html?ir=Books&utm_hp_ref=books
Fortune here: http://fortune.com/2014/07/16/amazon-ebook-testing-kindle-unlimited/
Click here for Amazon's 30 sec Ad: Amazon's Kindle Unlimited
Amazon Looks Like It's Creating A Netflix For BooksAmazon is about to make it even harder for book-...
Amazon Looks Like It's Creating A Netflix For Books
Amazon is about to make it even harder for book-lovers to quit Amazon by unveiling a new service that the company clearly hopes will become the Netflix of books.
Is this a good thing for self published authors?
It includes audible books were you already pay $15 per month to have a "credit", in addition to the Prime membership?
What will this do the the author's bottom line?
Link to Huffington Post article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/16/amazon-kindle-unlimited_n_5591877.html?ir=Books&utm_hp_ref=books
Fortune here: http://fortune.com/2014/07/16/amazon-ebook-testing-kindle-unlimited/
Click here for Amazon's 30 sec Ad: Amazon's Kindle Unlimited
Amazon is about to make it even harder for book-lovers to quit Amazon by unveiling a new service that the company clearly hopes will become the Netflix of books.
Is this a good thing for self published authors?
It includes audible books were you already pay $15 per month to have a "credit", in addition to the Prime membership?
What will this do the the author's bottom line?
Link to Huffington Post article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/16/amazon-kindle-unlimited_n_5591877.html?ir=Books&utm_hp_ref=books
Fortune here: http://fortune.com/2014/07/16/amazon-ebook-testing-kindle-unlimited/
Click here for Amazon's 30 sec Ad: Amazon's Kindle Unlimited
July 10, 2014
This Video About Worry Will Really Make You Think
I found this in The Huffington Post the other day...
This Video About Worry Will Really Make You Think
I found this in The Huffington Post the other day written William Goodman. I found it to be a good and calm think. Along the lines to a follow up to a pervious question I brought to this community to help me consider if writers block is caused by a spiritual block.
The short clip is from British philosopher Alan Watts. He describes "a mind in the grip of vicious circles, " describing cycles of thought as infinite loops going nowhere. Watts says at one point, "Once you've learned to think you can't stop. And an enormous number of people devote their lives to keeping their minds busy and feel extremely uncomfortable with silence."
It sounds familiar, take a moment to really listen to him and tell me if you think he could be describing in the "on and on" thoughts of the mind of what a writer in the throes of writer's block is going through. (?) !
This Video About Worry Will Really Make You ThinkI found this in The Huffington Post the other day...
This Video About Worry Will Really Make You Think
I found this in The Huffington Post the other day written William Goodman. I found it to be a good and calm think. Along the lines to a follow up to a pervious question I brought to this community to help me consider if writers block is caused by a spiritual block.
The short clip is from British philosopher Alan Watts. He describes "a mind in the grip of vicious circles, " describing cycles of thought as infinite loops going nowhere. Watts says at one point, "Once you've learned to think you can't stop. And an enormous number of people devote their lives to keeping their minds busy and feel extremely uncomfortable with silence."
It sounds familiar, take a moment to really listen to him and tell me if you think he could be describing in the "on and on" thoughts of the mind of what a writer in the throes of writer's block is going through. (?) !
July 6, 2014
Buddhism teaches when contemplating the wavering conditions of the mind, know that when the mind moves...
Buddhism teaches when contemplating the wavering conditions of the mind, know that when the mind moves, it becomes unstable and impermanent (anicca), unsatisfactory (dukkha) and cannot be taken as a self (anattā). These are the three universal characteristics of all conditioned phenomena, including, but not limited to what I experience as "writer's block."
Over the weekend I pulled out this book that I'm sure some of you have read or know about.
The book is by journalist, Julia Cameron, and is called, The Artist's Way. In it she begins teaching artists on how to overcome creative block.
In it she writes, "Art is a spiritual transaction. Artists are visionaries. We routinely practice a form of faith, seeing clearly and moving toward a creative goal that shimmers in the distance — often visible to us, but invisible to those around us. Difficult as it is to remember, it is our work that creates the market, not the market that creates our work. Art is an act of faith, and we practice practicing it."
And she writes, "The heart of creativity is an experience of the mystical union; the heart of the mystical union is an experience of creativity. . . . Creativity is an experience — to my eye, a spiritual experience. It does not matter which way you think of it: creativity leading to spirituality or spirituality leading to creativity. In fact, I do not make a distinction between the two. In the face of such experience, the whole question of belief is rendered obsolete. "
She introduces concepts that are closer to Eastern philosophical teachings about the unity of the universe than the Western notion of a religious sense. Cameron writes:
"If you think of the universe as a vast electrical sea in which you are immersed and from which you are formed, opening to your creativity changes you from something bobbing in that sea to a more fully functioning, more conscious, more cooperative part of that ecosystem."
"I learned to just show up at the page and write down what I heard. Writing became more like eavesdropping and less like inventing a nuclear bomb."
Do you think at the heart of it, a writer's block is caused by a spiritual block?
Over the weekend I pulled out this book that I'm sure some of you have read or know about.
The book is by journalist, Julia Cameron, and is called, The Artist's Way. In it she begins teaching artists on how to overcome creative block.
In it she writes, "Art is a spiritual transaction. Artists are visionaries. We routinely practice a form of faith, seeing clearly and moving toward a creative goal that shimmers in the distance — often visible to us, but invisible to those around us. Difficult as it is to remember, it is our work that creates the market, not the market that creates our work. Art is an act of faith, and we practice practicing it."
And she writes, "The heart of creativity is an experience of the mystical union; the heart of the mystical union is an experience of creativity. . . . Creativity is an experience — to my eye, a spiritual experience. It does not matter which way you think of it: creativity leading to spirituality or spirituality leading to creativity. In fact, I do not make a distinction between the two. In the face of such experience, the whole question of belief is rendered obsolete. "
She introduces concepts that are closer to Eastern philosophical teachings about the unity of the universe than the Western notion of a religious sense. Cameron writes:
"If you think of the universe as a vast electrical sea in which you are immersed and from which you are formed, opening to your creativity changes you from something bobbing in that sea to a more fully functioning, more conscious, more cooperative part of that ecosystem."
"I learned to just show up at the page and write down what I heard. Writing became more like eavesdropping and less like inventing a nuclear bomb."
Do you think at the heart of it, a writer's block is caused by a spiritual block?
