This morning I popped out of bed as I do every Sunday morning and stuck a cake in the oven. If I were to forget to do this I would be in deep trouble with my thirteen (13) Idaho grandchildren.

While the cake was baking I got into my Sunday clothes for church. My wife and I piled into the pickup (It’s a small Nissan so the locals here call it a “toy.”), scrapped the first ice of the year off the windshield, and drove the 300 yards (276.923 meters) to the church.

The parking lot was empty on the north side of the church but I could see that the cars of church leaders were on the south side parking lot. There could be only one explanation. We were on Daylight Saving Time!

You must remember that we are of the civilized fraction of this country. There is no such thing as Daylight Savings Time in Arizona. The Apaches just won’t allow it. But during the night at exactly 2:00 a.m. it poked its ugly head into Idaho and we were had. You would think there would be some consideration for senior citizens, wouldn’t you?

Well, it’s Frederick Wilhelm Viktor Albert of Hohenzollern: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany’s fault. I read about the Kaiser at: http://www.worldwar1.com/biokais.htm. The first thing I learned was that he was not of “good stock.” Czar Nicholas II was his cousin. Hmmnnn! Queen Victoria was his grandmother and he had plenty of English kings and queens as uncles, aunts, and cousins too. So he could not be trusted.

Clowning around got Wilhelm into World War II. He was playing soldier all the time. I quote the website: “He loved his numerous uniforms and surrounding himself with the elite of German military society.”

He built up a fine army and navy, but he never planned to use this military might. It was the “irrational exuberance” of Austria-Hungary that he failed to control.

He got about a zillion people killed or maimed in World War I. But his main crime of course was enforcing the idea of Daylight Saving Time.

It was a contagious disease too. President Roosevelt called it “War Time” and never turned it off. But it had already spread across the uncivilized world before that.

May I again quote our reference: “Other countries immediately adopted this 1916 action: Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, and Tasmania. Nova Scotia and Manitoba adopted it as well, with Britain following suit three weeks later, on May 21, 1916. In 1917, Australia and Newfoundland began saving daylight.”

Who would have thought that of Luxembourg? I stayed there one night and they put me up in the Royal Suite. Such nice folks!

At the time the city-state of Luxembourg was being bombed by a fanatic who may have had royal credentials. I saw the Olympic pool he had bombed. What a mess! I’m sure it was a great-grandson or great-grandnephew of Wilhelm Viktor Albert of Hohenzollern: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

Anyway the bombing stopped and I heard that maybe someone in officialdom said, “You’ve got to stop that!” Actually, I think that the bomber went to Afghanistan to join Osama Bin Laden.

Oh, look at that clock!

We’ve got to be off to church—again!

copyright©John T. Jones, Ph.D. 2005

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com)is a retired R&D engineer and VP of a Fortune 500 company. He is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering), poetry, etc. Former editor of international trade magazine.

More info: http://www.tjbooks.com

Business web site: http://www.bookfindhelp.com (wealth-success books / flagpoles)

The time
Mid to late 16th century. There is tension between the Jews and the Christians. The Jews can lend money and demand interest; the Christians cannot.

The place
Venice, place of barges, canals and far more water than modern viewers will be used to; also home to a gaggle of bare-breasted prostitutes who appear occasionally.

The players
Antonio, the merchant after whom the play and film are named: Jeremy Irons
His protégé, Bassanio: Joseph Fiennes
Bassanio’s friend Gratiano: Kris Marshall
Lorenzo, another member of Bassanio’s retinue: Charlie Cox
Shylock, a Jewish moneylender: played magnificently by Al Pacino
Portia, Bassanio’s love interest: Lynn Collins
Nerissa, Portia’s maid: Heather Goldenhersh
Jessica, Shylock’s daughter: Zuleika Robinson

The plot
Antonio, a Venetia merchant borrows 3,000 ducats from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, to help his friend Bassanio win the heart of Portia, a high born lady who lives outside Venice. When Antonio’s ships sink, Shylock demands a pound of flesh (yes, that is where the phrase comes from). Bassanio and Portia try different means of saving Antonio and the drama is finally resolved in a thrilling and moving conclusion in a Venetian courtroom.

Scenes and soundtrack
The film is full of warm reds and golds and is like a beautiful Renaissance painting come to life. The water scenes are lovely are as the shots of a night-time Venice peopled by nobles in masks with long noses. The haunting music which provides the backdrop to the action is composed and arranged by Jocelyn Pook.

Acting
In a word, magnificent. Shylock is beautifully played by Al Pacino, who only slips into Godfather-mode occasionally. His mental disintegration as the story progresses is mirrored by a decline in his standards and dress and equal amounts of pain and fire as he seeks his revenge. Pacino is at his best here.

Joseph Fiennes is equally convincing as the sensitive and lovelorn Bassanio who moves from hopelessness to happiness to horror as the story unfolds. Jeremy Irons is also a credible Antonio.

The only letdown is Portia, who is a strong female character in the Shakespearean play. Although she is well acted, Collins’ performance was not on a par with those of the male leads and the ‘quality of mercy’ speech (one of the many great ones from William Shakespeare) had nowhere near the impact it should have.

Ancient vs. modern
Despite its setting and language, everyone can relate to the stories of love, friendship and loss. A modern audience might be shocked by the rabid anti-Semitism and the casual way in which the Christians dismiss and even spit upon Jews (this happens to Shylock in court!); this would not have seemed unusual to an Elizabethan audience. On the other hand, Shylock’s condemnation of slavery in the court, which seems obvious to us, would have been shocking to them. And we can’t help feeling sorry for the despised Shylock, for he is reacting to the racism he has suffered.

Final verdict
This is an excellent production of Shakespeare’s fine play. The running time of 131 minutes passed in a flash. The acting is compelling and the story (featuring love, loss, hatred and revenge) is totally engrossing. Even if you don’t like Shakespeare, you’ll be able to relate to this enthralling tale. If, like me, you’re a Shakespeare buff, you’ll love the way his words are translated onto the big screen. This film is a must-see.

Sharon Hurley Hall is a freelance writer, ghostwriter and editor. Sharon worked in publishing for 18 years, writing articles and editing and designing books and magazines. She has also lectured on journalism. For more information or to contact Sharon, visit http://www.doublehdesign.com/

The first of the Chakri kings, King Rama I or King Phra Phuttayotfa, who reigned from 1782 – 1809, founded the dynasty when he established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand. King Rama I is remembered as the great warrior who put an end to the constant Burmese threat and consolidated the kingdom.

Literature flourished during the First Reign. Works include the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana epic and the translation of the Chinese classic, Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

When King Rama II or King Phra Phutthalertla Napalai, the son of King Rama I, ascended the throne, his reign from 1809 – 1824 signaled the start of a dynasty. Like his father, King Rama II loved literature and was renowned as a great poet.

The Chakri dynasty continued with King Rama III or King Phra Nangklao, the son of King Rama II, who reigned from 1824 – 1851. Unlike his father, he had no interest in literature. Even the greatest of Thai poets, Sunthorn Phu, found no favor in the Third Reign.

In King Rama IV or King Mongkut (1851 – 1868), another son of King Rama II, the kingdom had one of the most enlightened Chakri kings. After 27 years in monkhood during which he studied Buddhism, English, Latin, science, mathematics and astrology, King Monkut ascended the throne at 47.

Politically astute, he saw the growing pressures of colonialism and prepared his son, Prince Chulalongkorn, for the challenges ahead.

The reign of King Rama V or King Chulalongkorn (1868 – 1910, was the golden age of the Chakri Reformation. The most revered of the Chakri kings, King Chulalongkorn reorganized the government, improved education, infrastructure and communications. Slavery was abolished.

His crowning achievement was the ability to neutralize Britain and France at the height of their imperial power and preserve the independence of Thailand.

King Rama VI or King Vajiravudh, the son of King Rama V, reigned from 1910 – 1925. The first of the Chakri kings to be educated overseas, King Vajiravudh introduced surnames for the people, changed Thai flag to its present form, enacted compulsory primary education and established Chulalongkorn University in memory of his father. The Seventh Reign, however, incurred massive spending in a fragile economy, a harbinger of events in the next reign.

The last of King Rama V’s sons, King Rama VII or King Prajadhipok, reigned from 1925 – 1935. He was also the last of the Chakri kings to reign as absolute monarch. The coup on 24 June 1932 ended the absolute monarchy.

King Prajadhipok reigned briefly as the first constitutional monarch in a stormy relationship with the new government. He abdicated on 2 March 1935.

After the abdication, young Prince Ananda, the son of Prince Mahidol and grandson of King Rama V, he was appointed king at the age of ten. Regency was appointed while the young king continued his studies.

King Rama VIII or King Ananda Mahidol had a short and tragic reign from 1935 – 1946. On 9 June 1946, less than a year after he returned from his studies, the young King Ananda was found shot. No verdict was returned.

In 1946, the present monarch, King Rama IX or King Bhumipol Adulyadej, younger brother of King Ananda, ascended the throne. The reign saw the blossoming of a close relationship between the benevolent monarch and his people, one of deep respect and fatherly love.

It seemed the ideal model of a constitutional monarchy over the longest reign in history. Perhaps the one that King Prajadhipok was so desperately seeking in 1932.

The nine kings of the Chakri dynasty have seen old Siam from a group of fragmented kingdoms under constant external threat to a unified kingdom. The kingdom went through a painful transition from an absolute monarchy to a tumultuous constitutional democracy and onto a thriving and stable nation.

The reign of the Chakri Kings in Thailand has covered more than 220 years over which the kingdom has preserved its unity, independence and prosperity.

For more on the Chakri Kings.

Chakri Kings first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

In a previous article on the Human Gnome, I pointed out that I was an expert on the Latent Hopes of Tibetan Monks.

Well, somebody has to be the expert on this important subject and it may as well be me. However, there is room for more of you who would like to be expert in something. Reading this article will get you on your way.

I knew that if I put the title of this article into the search box at Google.com that nothing would come up except perhaps a monk or two. Well, I put the title in the search box and up came 894 articles! Well, that will not deter me from me telling you what you don’t want to know.

Extracting from each of the 894 articles (COME BACK! I was just kidding!) we read at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org/publication/culture%20part4.html:

“Most tragically, during the earlier period of the occupation an estimated 6000 monasteries and monastic cities throughout Tibet were plundered and dynamited into rubble, depriving Tibetans of their most valued cultural and spiritual heritage. Although, limited reconstruction of these monasteries has begun, but most of them are financed by local Tibetans through donations and volunteer labour and monasteries, requiring Chinese permission.”

The Chinese illegal invasion and subsequent colonization of Tibet begin in 1949-50. That is why we had His Holiness the Dali Lama up in Sun Valley in September. (Sept. 11, 2005).

He said that he loved us but he did not reveal all the pent up latent hopes of Tibetan monks. He did say, "Remember to dress warm!" Anyway, he might have said that. He spoke for a long time.

I didn’t get up to Sun Valley (which is pretty close to my home town) because as soon as they announced he was coming, they said that there were no more tickets available.

Darn!

Anyway, back to the 894 articles.

I quote from: http://www.tibet.net/tibbul/0005/commentary.html. Speaking is Lodo Gyari:

“My own understanding of China is based on the experience of occupation and the tremendous suffering my people have undergone. And no one feels that suffering or the burden of Tibet’s freedom struggle more deeply than His Holiness, who also meets with every new arrival from Tibet, roughly 3,000 each year. Their individual and personal tragedies are difficult for anyone to hear; the ugly accounts of Chinese brutality are difficult to comprehend or to forgive. Compiled together, in the many thousands, they weigh heavily on the heart.”

The Chinese have not been nice in Tibet, but neither have the Tibetans been nice to Tibetan nuns.

Read this heartbreaking piece from: http://www.gadenrelief.org/chu-celibacy.html

“For Buddhist nuns, domestication has been achieved at the expense of liberation. In the Tibetan Buddhist regions of the Northwest Indian Himalaya, the narrow path to female celibacy is strewn with obstacles through which only the hardiest souls may persevere. At every step, nuns are engaged in everyday forms of resistance as they attempt to evade the demands and desires made by their families, acquaintances, and monastic brethren for assistance or succor. Even as their shorn heads and sexless maroon robes signal a lofty intent to renounce the worldly life, nuns remain tied to sex and gender roles in ways that monks are not. Nuns are expected to toil selflessly in the gardens, fields, and kitchens of both village and monastery, while forgoing their own meditations. Their roles as dutiful daughters constrains their efforts at becoming sacrosanct celibates, while ensuring the agrarian prosperity essential to both household and monastic economies.” (My grammar checker says there is bad grammar in the above paragraph. Tough! A quote is a quote.)

With that, we must change the title of this article to Latent Hopes of Tibetan Monks and Nuns.

Well, so much for online research. We must get to the meat of this article. We need to learn more about the latent hopes of Tibetan monks and nuns, don’t we?

Knowing that about 3000 Tibetans come in to the country every year to join the three zillion Mexican immigrants, I decided to interview a few Tibetans. I found the first one tending sheep at 8000 feet (2461.5383 meters) near Stanley Idaho.

I yelled, “Hey there, Tibetan refugee!”

He sat on a rock with his head between his knees. An old army blanket covered his body.

I said as I walked up to him, “Oh, I’m very sorry. I see that you are in meditation.”

He pulled the blanket down around his neck and said, “Who’s in meditation:”

I admired his black curly hair.

He was probably not a monk, but I pursued boldly. “I though you were.”

He pulled the blanket tighter around his neck. “I’m freezing my butt off up here! I’m not given to meditation. What do you think I am, a Buddhist monk?”

I knew somewhat how he felt. My father spent a winter with his father on a homestead claim on Ten Mile Pass near Soda Springs, Idaho.

Grandpa told me that Dad said, “I’m freezing my butt off up here!"

That was during the war. WW I, that is.

I said to the Tibetan, “It can get cold at these elevations up here in Idaho.”

He said, “I guess you are an old Idaho hand. He pulled the blanket back over his head.”

I couldn’t get another word out of him.

Well, I can see that to reveal the latent hopes of Tibetan monks and nuns is going to take one heck of a lot more leg work.

Copyright©John T. Jones, Ph.D. 2005

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com)is a retired R&D engineer and VP of a Fortune 500 company. He is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering), poetry, etc. Former editor of international trade magazine.

More info: http://www.tjbooks.com

Business web site: http://www.bookfindhelp.com (wealth-success books / flagpoles)

Keeping within the imaginative boundaries of human life, without becoming overly outlandish, the comedy demonstrated in the play was often sardonic, lighthearted, and always entertaining.

The comedy revolves around a group of men and the conflict that ensues between them in the battle to win the heart of a wealthy man’s beautiful and gentle daughter, Bianca. These men disguise themselves, assume false occupations, and even hire others to deceive and charm young Bianca. Though this would normally be an easy feat of the daughter simply choosing a groom, a wrench is thrown into the gears. Bianca has a sister named Kate. A woman, who does not lack in beauty, but blessed (burdened?) with the disposition of a shark and a temper to match. It is the four men\’s misfortune that Bianca cannot be married until the storm of a woman Kate weds.

This man vs. man conflict is further accentuated by this horrible stroke of luck named Kate. However, a gentleman storms onto the scene, which I believe is named Petruchio, professing his love and adoration for Kate and, against her evil will, whisks her away and makes her his wife. Soon after Bianca takes her true love, and everyone laughs at the ill fortune of he who married Kate.

This is a wonderful build up for a lesson on deception vs. honesty. Though two of the men in cooperation to win Bianca’s love found and married beautiful, modest women, their relationships seem final and destined. Meanwhile, Petruchio takes Kate away and deals with his choice honestly, simultaneously flattering her, mentally aggravating her, and depriving her of food. Though this hell ensues for sometime, there is a day where Kate begins to lose her hatred and ill ways. Tough love, huh?

This play, at its center, is about accommodation. It is about the acceptance and understanding that has to develop to enable lasting relationships. Love, without a doubt, parallels life. Without the ability to adjust, accept, and even change something in you and others, one will perish. Too will the relationship.

One thing that many of us have a hard time understanding is the relationship between passion (desire) and wanting (immediacy). So often, we get so very excited about the prospect of having, owning, something, but when we have it, we soon tire. Passion is about wanting and desiring, much more so than owning. Petruchio found something he wanted, knowing he would not easily have it. He had to break her down over a long period of time. Loving her, but keeping her in check.

Also, this play is about the difference between a book and it’s cover. All anyone could see, and with good reason, in Kate was this angry, stubborn woman. Petruchio was different and took a chance and broke her down, teaching her that she did not need to be so hard-hearted.

In all, Taming of the Shrew is a wonderful play that greatly parallels life. Not only is life, as well as the people in it, much different than it may sometimes appear, but the difficulties as well as the beauties enrich the voyages we take. Many of the things we overlook, or worse, regard as burdens, are simply extra experiences that will enrich us in many ways. After all, getting there is half the fun.

You may visit http://www.TermPaperAdvisor.com and http://www.TermPapersMadeEasy.com for instant access to over 45,000 plus term papers and essays. You may have all of these quality papers for only $19.95.

When seen from above the Great Wall of China looks like a dragon zigzagging over mountain tops. The Chinese call it “Wan Li Chang Cheng” which means “Wall of 10,000 Li”. (10,000 li= 5,000 km)

Actually, the Great Wall is 7,200 km long. Height wise, it is 4.5m to 9m. Depth wise, it is 4.5m to 8m. The entire structure was built by hand using stone, bricks, soil, sand, straw, wood, clay or whatever was available depending on the terrain.

Three main Chinese dynasties — the Qin (B.C 221-207), Han (B.C 206- A.D 220) and Ming (A.D 1368-1644) — built the Great Wall of China. All had one purpose — to keep out the “barbaric” Huns in the north who frequently invaded Chinese border areas. In all, tens of millions of people labored on the Great Wall. Many died.

Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, is credited with kicking off this massive project 2,200 years ago. By connecting old sections with newly built ones, the Qin Dynasty erected 4,800km of wall in 10 years – more than one km a day!

After the Qin, the Han Dynasty extended the Great Wall through the Gobi Desert. Watchtowers were added to the walls. Smoke spirals produced by burning wood and straw mixed with wolf dung functioned as an alarm system. One smoke column meant a force of 100 men was attacking; two columns signaled that more than 500 men were approaching, and so on.

The Great Wall of China we know today was built by the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago. By then the ancient wall was in ruins. The Ming rulers rebuilt most of it over a period of 200 years. That the wall is still in good condition today is due to an invention of that era, the adding of rice flour to make super strong bricks and mortar!

Kah Joon Liow is the author of the children’s book "A Musical Journey: From the Great Wall of China to the Water Towns of Jiangnan". This book allows children to experience China’s diverse land and people through interesting facts, beautiful drawings and delightful music. You can read chapters of the book and listen to the music at Living Chinese Symbols.

Art Galleries are generally known for art that highlights the natural beauty all around the world. Everyday there are people creating entirely new works of art, and placing them in art galleries all over the world.

The type of art included in a gallery can vary. Art can encompass a wide variety of medium, such as, drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture, to name a few. The purpose of the art gallery is to show off the work of local and national artists in a way that people will want to purchase them. Many of the artist’s works can also be bought as prints. This allows the artist to sell more, while making the price more affordable to people.

Local Art Galleries

Art Galleries are generally known for art that highlights the natural beauty all around the world. Everyday there are people creating entirely new works of art, and placing them in art galleries all over the world.

The type of art included in a gallery can vary. Art can encompass a wide variety of medium, such as, drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture, to name a few. The purpose of the art gallery is to show off the work of local and national artists in a way that people will want to purchase them. Many of the artist’s works can also be bought as prints. This allows the artist to sell more, while making the price more affordable to people.

Local Art Galleries

Most major cities have wonderful art galleries. If you have never visited an art gallery, you should make a point to do so. You may think that an art gallery is not where you would want to spend the afternoon, but you may be surprised at how interesting an art gallery can be. Check your local phone book for an art gallery near you.

Virtual Art Galleries

If you have Internet access, then you can find an online art gallery, my choice as well. If you can view and possibly order from the comfort of your own home why not. Virtual tours of art galleries are a lot of fun.

As with walk in art galleries, virtual art galleries are also worldwide. Listed below are a few galleries that you can visit online.

o Art Vitam, Miami, Florida

o Art of this Century, Paris, France

o Art Space/Virginia Miller Galleries, Coral Gables, Florida

o Artco Galleria de Arte, Lima, Peru

o Casa d’Arte San Lorenzo, Pisa, Italy

o Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts, Miami, Florida

o Espace D’Art Yvonamor Palix, Paris, France

o Galleria El Museo, Bogotá, Colombia

o Galleria Habana, Mexico D.F., Mexico

o Galleria de Arte Isabel Aninat, Santiago, Chile

Take the time to experience wonderful works of art at your local art gallery or on the internet. Even if you are not an art enthusiast, the works of fine artists all over the world will impress you.

For more information, visit Art Gallery

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A tour of the National Museum in Bangkok, which traces the early Thai civilizations in the region and the history of subsequent kingdoms, is like taking a stroll through the corridors of time. The short tour gives the visitor an overview of more than a millennium of history of the kingdom.

Our tour starts with the origin of early Thai civilizations in the first section in the National Museum. There’s evidence of civilizations dating back to the early Stone Age from relics discovered in Lampang and Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand and Krabi to the south.

Civilizations existing around 3,600 BC were discovered in Ban Chiang, Udorn Thani in northeast Thailand as well as Kanchanaburi and Chonburi. There are conflicting theories as to where the early immigrants came from. However, there’s sufficient evidence to show that there were civilizations in the area for more than 1,000 years.

The next section in the National Museum covers the 7th – 13th centuries when the Khmer empire, based in what is now Cambodia, was at the height of its power. The influence of Khmer culture covered the northeastern region of Thailand and extended all the way to Lopburi in central Thailand.

Historical sites like Phanom Rung in Buriram and Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima are testimony to this influence.

The 13th century saw the rise of the Sukhothai kingdom. The kingdom reached its pinnacle under the reign of King Ram Khamhaeng from 1279 – 1298 AD. Sukhothai not only grew in political and military stature, it was renowned for its art, architecture and culture. It was King Ram Khamhaeng who started the Thai alphabet.

The Ayutthaya section in the National Museum is the most substantial. Founded by King U-Thong in 1351, Ayutthaya was a city bounded by three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak. It grew rapidly and soon eclipsed Sukhothai and the other kingdoms.

At the height of its influence, Ayutthaya was a major commercial center with three main palaces within a walled city with its network of roads and canals and protected by 16 forts. Trade with China, Portugal, the Netherlands and Japan flourished.

Ayutthaya was captured and sacked by Burma in 1569. The city was revived in 1584 by King Naresuan. Unfortunately it was overrun again and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Built up over four centuries, Ayutthaya with its 34 kings from five dynasties crashed to an abrupt and tragic end.

It was left to Phraya Taksin, son of a Chinese immigrant, who escaped the destruction of Ayutthaya to reestablish a new capital in Thonburi. In a series of campaigns he drove the Burmese out of Thailand and reunited the various kingdoms.

The grand finale in the tour of the National Museum covers the Chakri dynasty started by King Rama I in 1782 when he established Bangkok as the new capital to restore the former glory of Ayutthaya.

It was the dawn of a new era, Rattanakosin. After a massive Burmese onslaught was repelled, they were never a serious threat again. The prospect of a united Thailand with secure borders became a reality. Under the reign of the Chakri Kings, the next 200 years, saw the gradual emergence of a modern Thailand.

The National Museum in Bangkok captures more than a millennium of history of the early Thai civilizations, the rise and fall of the various kingdoms and dynasties to the present. It encapsulates the cultural ballast and very soul of the Thai nation.

For more on King Taksin of Thonburi visit the National Museum when you Tour Bangkok Legacies and stroll through the corridors of history. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

When Dolores "DeeJazz" Jackson sings, it’s not surprising to see why her listeners are are dynamically captivated. DeeJazz delivers something unique: inspirational, message-rich lyrics, against the background of a beautiful and spiritual, jazz sound. Her voice is as readily remarkable to the human ear as it is definitively, distinctive. Particularly engaging, each one of her songs demonstrate her ability to easily hit a wide range of octaves. Her debut album, titled, "A Musical Messenger," has the potential to inspire and transform lives for the greater.

Born in Michigan, USA, DeeJazz has spent most of her life in Detroit. Currently, she makes her home in North Carolina. As a college student, she was the recipient of thousands of dollars in scholarships. The singer/songwriter earned her B.A. in Advertising from University of Detroit, Mercy, and graduated Magna cum Laude.

I recently sat down and was honored with a rare, inside look of this amazing artist. Her CD, "A Musical Messenger," has a generous, 14 tracks, and can be purchased at: http://www.deejazz.com/

FranBriggs: Good Morning, DeeJazz. Thank you for meeting with me. And, congratulations on your spectacular accomplishment of masterfully blending jazz, inspirational, and spiritual music.

DeeJazz: Thank you so much, Fran. It is a pleasure to be with you.

FB:You produced your own album; was that a difficult decision?

DeeJazz: Producing my own album was not at all a difficult decision. It had been a dream of mine for a long time. I have been writing songs and playing them on the piano since I was 13. So, by the time I produced the album, I had quite a few years of writing and recording experience under my belt. But yes; there were times when I doubted by ability to do it by myself. After I completed several songs I presented them to some experienced producers for their opinions. One told me my production wasn’t good enough and that I would need their help, I sensed their desire for control and, not to mention, compensation. Another told me my productions were great.

However, by this time confidence in my writing ability had matured to the point where I was feeling pretty secure. Nevertheless, I wanted the opinions of experienced writers/producers. I found out that they are people too.

"I encourage anyone that loves real music to purchase this CD. I am confident that you will be uplifted. Musically, everything is there. Whether you’re into up-tempo, ballads, introspection, inspirational, motivational, jazz, vocals, or instrumental, "A Musical Messenger" has it all!"

- Michael L. Jones Producer/Director, Eye-On-U Productions, N. Hollywood, CA

FB: What are some of the most powerful truths you discovered about yourself after completing your first album?

DeeJazz: One of the most powerful things I discovered about myself after completing this CD was that I could actually fulfill my lifelong dream to be a composer. It was thrilling. Secondly, that I had something worthwhile to offer. For a long time I felt like a failure. After a failed marriage, I was struggling financially as a single parent of two small children and I had no direction for my future. Music was always a dream for me, but with little or no encouragement from my family, I felt discouraged. Completing this project taught me that I could accomplish what I put my mind to as long as I didn’t let anything or anyone stop me.

FB: It’s our understanding that you are an avid reader. How, and when did you acquire your love for reading? And, what books are you reading now?

DeeJazz: My love for reading started when I was kid when the bookmobile used to come to our neighborhood. I loved it! Growing up in Detroit –where not much was given to you and sometimes things were stolen from you — I was so impressed that you could borrow books without paying for them. Actually, I’m still impressed by the library! I go every three weeks and sometimes more than that (laugh).

Right now I’m reading Dr. Maya Angelou’s four-volume autobiography; also, a book titled, Word Smart. It teaches you how to improve your vocabulary. And, Seth Speaks. It’s a new-thought phenomenon written in the early 70’s by Jane Roberts, a woman who channeled a non-physical entity with some powerful spiritual information. I also just finished a great, great book called, The Disappearance of the Universe, by Gary R. Renard. It’s an enlightening read mostly about the miracle of forgiveness. This book has changed my life.

FB: Dr. Maya Angelou — a phenomenal woman. You actually met her, correct? Would you describe the experience?

DeeJazz: Yes. I met Dr. Angelou in August of this year. After hearing my CD she invited me to New York to sing for an "open mic" night at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar. I saw her when she began walking down the aisle way. She appeared majestic in her red evening dress with escorts in front, and back of her. When she got close, she smiled and touched me on the shoulder. I felt like I had been touched by an angel. She was then taken to a private area where she would watch the show by monitor.

A little while later her assistant came to Hattie and I and guided us to her table. She shook our hands and was incredibly gracious and warm. She treated us like we were royalty. Amazing … Hattie recited one of Dr. Angelou’s quotes that had made an impression on her life and Dr. Angelou expounded on it eloquently adding even more insight. We felt blessed and honored to be in her presence. Afterward, I was told she commented on my performance saying it was, "Delightfully impressive."

FB: What was it like collaborating with your sister, Hattie Mae Jackson-Pembrook, as she completed the companion text for your album?

DeeJazz: Collaborating with my sister as she wrote the companion text, Messages to Awaken yourSelf, was a most exciting and rewarding time. When she was challenged around her abilities I would encourage and prod her along the way. I knew that she could do it and I reminded her how she had been my inspiration. When I was a teen, Hattie was a motivational speaker. I loved attending her speeches and I heard her say many times that she wanted to write a book. Well, the messages in my songs all came from books/classes and workshops she had exposed me to, so I knew this was the perfect opportunity for her to write her first book. After she completed a chapter, I would edit it to our mutual approval. We had minor clashes about which pictures to use, and occasionally she lamented: "Another rewrite?" But, we settled them quickly without much dissension.

FB:In the forward of Hattie’s Book, Messages to Awaken yourSelf, you mention that you experienced mental telepathy with a dog. Was it deliberate?

DeeJazz: Yes, it was deliberate. I don’t know exactly how I discovered it, but I noticed the dog could hear me when I would "think" a command to him. It was a Great Dane. I told him to get up and come to me, and he did. Then I told him to go lay down, and he did. After doing this several times I was very surprised and decided I would show my little 9-year-old neighbor. I said, "Watch this, I’ll tell him to get up in my mind and he will." So, I did, and the dog responded. Then, I gave the mental command to lay down and he followed again. Needless to say, my little friend was highly impressed. However, mental telepathy as well as other so called extra-sensory perceptions, are common place when we remove the erroneous belief of ourselves as mere, human beings. At that time I had been faithfully practicing for three months a powerful technique of awakening called, The Pathway’s, by Ken Keyes, Jr. His book is titled, Handbook to Higher Consciousness.

FB: Your album continues to receive raving reviews from the music industry. What kind of reception have you had from listeners?

DeeJazz: Frequently, people come to me after performances proclaiming they were deeply moved or helped in some way. I have been referred to as "anointed" and people have expressed gratitude that I have followed my divine calling. I’ve heard people say they have been helped through relationship problems, recovery from drug and alcohol addiction as well as money and health issues by my songs. Recently a woman in church told me that she was dealing with a situation that she had expected to benefit her life tremendously when suddenly it came to a disappointing close. She felt bad but then quickly decided to look for the good in the situation. Instantly, one of my songs, Darkest B4 the Dawn, began playing in her head and she started singing it. She said she knew it was a message from God. I’ve been told my songs are therapeutic, uplifting, timeless, and one never gets tired of listening. I am deeply honored by their comments and give credit where it is due, to the Most High.

FB:How long have you been writing, arranging and producing your own music? Is it as challenging as it is fun?

DeeJazz: I started writing poems when I was around 10 years old and I began putting music to them at 13. I would play the music on the family piano as I sang the songs. Sometimes I would make up instrumental songs and play them with intense passion. I didn’t know at the time but it was a way for me to release tension.

Writing music has been challenging, but mostly it’s been fun. I had two music classes in my life. But I found the literal writing and reading of musical notes tedious and too technical to contain my interest. I play and write by ear. I hear the songs in my head and then play what I hear. I feel the most important thing to learn about songwriting is structure. For example; verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, … etc. There are several structures but most songs follow the same basic structure. Once I learned song structure it became easier because I knew where to put what. What I love most about song writing is hearing it grow from what I heard in my head, to what I hear outside of it.

FB: Who are the individuals that you recognize as your mentors?

DeeJazz: Just recently, Maya Angelou has become one of my mentors. After hearing my CD she took an interest in me — and I in her. I am learning so much from reading her autobiography. She is an extraordinary woman. She overcame many obstacles, one after another and still, she rose. I am learning from her example.

I have always liked reading biographies of other songwriters/artists and using them as inspiration. I’ve read about Barry White, Patti Labelle, Barry Gordy, Queen Latifa, Dolly Parton and others.

FB: The lyrics in your song titled, This Gift of Mine, include:

Every day is blessing

A gift to us with love

But we must heed

The call to succeed,

That’s our gift to God

FB:What would you say to the individual who is struggling with hearing — or seeing — their "call to succeed?"

DeeJazz: I feel we all have a "calling," so to speak, for our lives. There is something that you were born to do. Hattie states in her book that Michael Jordan says he was "born to play basketball." That might sound frivolous to some, but as anyone can attest to, Michael Jordan’s astounding athletic skill is nothing short of miraculous and would most likely be considered a divine gift. If a person is struggling with discovering their "call to succeed," it is probably because it’s the thing they’ve always dreamed of, but are most afraid to do.

FB: In her book and on her website, Hattie shares a touching story on her website about her longing for not only a sister — but a companion. Could you summarize it for us?

DeeJazz: I guess it was supernatural but some part of her was waiting for me. She was graduating from high school when I was born and she truly loved me unconditionally. Growing up I cannot recall one time that she raised her voice to me or made me feel bad about anything. We have always been mentally and spiritually close, sharing our love of ideas, self-help information and spirituality. Now, this CD/Book project is becoming more successful than we initially anticipated. We are in the process of preparing ourselves for whatever it brings.

FB: Tell us about your current and forthcoming projects.

DeeJazz: Hattie and I are in the planning stages of a nationwide tour. We’ll be doing a full stage production/concert. I will sing with a live band/orchestra including background singers. And, at times, it will be accompanied by interpretive dancers/actors. Hattie will expound with spiritual insights during extended instrumental sections of the songs. Also, we will do workshops consisting of her speaking and my singing. The participants get lots of hands-on awakening experiences using tools and methods we have used and that have worked in our own lives. We’re also planning another CD/book combo.

FB: That sounds like a magnificent production… In reference to your use of "awakening experiences," would you say that in our natural state we are simply unaware of, or do we intentionally suppress the Greatness within us?

DeeJazz: In our truly natural state, we are awake. Awake within our Spiritual Oneness with everything and everyONE. However, in our unnatural state, which is nearly everyone’s daily experience, we most definitely suppress the Greatness within us. How many of us suppress acceptance, understanding and forgiveness in everyday situations? Most of us, most of the time.

"Awakening" requires a decision. A decision that says the way we have been living, is not working. A decision that if "we," meaning, "If I don’t accept the responsibility to change it, who will?" In our workshops we seek to inspire an awakening experience in the participants so they can have a personal encounter or a remembrance of what it feels like to be "awake."

FB: Is there anything you would like to add before we go?

DeeJazz: Lately, I’ve been experiencing intense gratitude. The information that I am being guided to is literally changing my life experience. The powerful ideas and methods that I learn and practice are what I convey in my songs in an effort to help people wake up to their innate divinity. We are spiritual beings and until we wake up to this fact, we will remain asleep and will not experience our true reality, which is love.

FB: Thank you, DeeJazz for taking the time to share. I certainly enjoyed my time with you.

DeeJazz: Thank you, Fran for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to share.

On assignment with eMediaCampaigns!, Fran Briggs interviewed Dolores "DeeJazz" Jackson in October, 2005.

DeeJazz can be contacted at:
e-mail: deejazz111@yahoo.com
website: http://www.deejazz.com/

Hattie Mae Jackson-Pembrook may be contacted at:
e-mail: hmpembrook@yahoo.com
website: http://www.hattiemae.com/

Fran Briggs is an author, peak performance coach and motivational speaker. She is also the Director of Operations at eMediaCampaigns! and the President of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of individuals and groups around the globe. The company’s personal development website offers a free, exciting twice-monthly newsletter designed to help individuals live a happier, healthier and wealthier life. Please visit http://www.franbriggs.com for more information.

Vertigo, a 1958 suspense film, was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Many people beleive that this film is Hitchcock’s masterpiece.

The movie tells the story of a detective in San Francisco. The detectives name is Scottie who is played by James Stewart. Scottie leaves the police force after a fellow policeman falls and dies while the two were chasing a criminal across rooftops in downtown San Francisco. Unemployed at the time an old friend hires Scottie for his services to his wife Madeleine who is played by Kim Novak. His friend, Gavin Elster, claims that Madeleine often is found staring off into space and will even occasionally drive to an unkown point and than later have no memory of it. Scottie is skeptical, but Gavin believes Madeleine has a mental illness in which is possessed by a spirit of someone long dead.

Scottie follows Madeleine for several days. As he watches her, she visits the grave of a woman named Carlotta Valdes who killed herself years ago, makes frequent visits to an art museum where she spends long periods of time gazing at a large potrait of Carlotta, and rents a room at a hotel which was once Carlotta’s home. Madeleine dresses like Carlotta, with identical hairstyle and jewlery. This behaviour is very perculiar to Scottie. Madeleine faints one day and falls into a lake. Scottie gets her out from the water and brings her to his apartment. He sets her to lie in front of the fire to dry off. Here the two fall in love.

The above is just a quick play by play of events in the first part of vertigo. I don’t want to ruin the movie but more just give you an idea of what the movie is about without watching it. Most notably the film is known for Hitchcock’s famous Cinematic qualities like the "Hitchcock zoom,". I hope this outline has been helpful and that if you choose to watch the film, you will enjoy it as I have!

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Vertigo Causes - http://www.vertigo-causes.com, which is the best site on the internet for all vertigo related information.