Parker Brothers Music

Now available at iTunes and Amazon

From Bennie Parker: "Strike Down's - Nerve Block" seems to be getting a lot of attention lately, so I thought I would try to explain why I wrote it. 

"Nerve Block" is a song for people, who have been hurt by their loved ones in the past and eventually build up a wall to protect themselves from people who who might try to hurt them again...

But by doing this, they inadvertently "Block" the very same people who really care and love for them as well.

Check out some of my earlier works on YouTube.com and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our Channel @: TheParkerBrosMusic

Strike Down @ Twitter 

Literary Censorship

Pen International Logo

Manuscripts Don't Burn: a Timeline of Literary Censorship, Destruction, and Liberation
"To celebrate Banned Books week, PEN has compiled a timeline of the most notorious acts of censorship and how we've fought to keep books available for readers. Mouse over the timeline to move backwards and forwards and drag the slider tool below the timeline to advance more quickly. Click here to view the timeline fullscreen. Best viewed with the latest version of Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer (Safari not recommended)."

Posted on Facebook by Bindingink.org.

Multiethnicity

The Changing Face of America We’ve become a country where race is no longer so black or white.

Martin Schoeller: “I like building catalogs of faces that invite people to compare them. I want to challenge the way we use appearance to shape identity.”


Shared on Facebook by BindingInk.org.

A Hole in the World

A Hole in the World by Steve Goodier, founder of Life Support System

A Hole in the World

Do you remember the Eagle's song “Hole in the World”? It begins like this:

There's a hole in the world tonight.
There's a cloud of fear and sorrow.
There's a hole in the world tonight.
Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.
[Music and lyrics by Don Henley and Glenn Frey]

I am an optimist and constantly look for the best. But it does seem, at least at times, that there is a hole in the world.

We live in a day of almost unrestrained violence. Children can be snatched from homes and slain at school. Bombs and missiles are exploded in public places. There is war and there are rumors of war. No community, no race, no nation is immune to nor protected from a growing culture of violence. It's as if there is a hole in the world. Now, more than ever, we need to learn a different way, for the path we're following leads to a dark and dangerous wilderness.

I like the way of Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix, two men who experienced first hand a cloud of fear and sorrow. One deadly evening in 1995, 14-year-old Tony Hicks shot and killed a 20-year-old college student and pizza deliveryman in San Diego, California. Tony and several other gang members ordered pizza and, when it was delivered, Tony was told by his gang to shoot the young man who delivered the food, Tariq Khamisa.

Tariq's father Azim was enraged at the senseless killing. "There's something really wrong with a society where kids kill kids," he spat. He was angry with the kids, but he was even more upset with a culture that breeds so much violence.

Shortly after his son's death, Azim heard from a gentleman named Ples Felix. Ples was Tony Hick's grandfather and guardian. Azim invited Ples to his home and the two men shared their mutual grief and heartache. But it didn't stop there -- they also decided to do something. "I realized that change had to start with me," Azim reasoned. Therefore, though he may have wanted revenge, the grieving father chose a different way to respond to his son's death.

What happened? The victim's father toured the United States with the killer's grandfather. The two men visited schools with a message of nonviolence. They told the story of Tariq and Tony -- one child dead and the other in prison. And in a growing worldwide culture of violence, these two men of peace changed lives. They warmed hearts and stimulated minds of countless young people. They showed us all there is a different way to live.

David Orr, college professor and author, talks about this different way of living. “The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people,” he says. “But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places.”

I like that...the world needs “people who live well in their places.” People like Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix.

I want to be one of those people. So I will choose a different way. I will choose to be a peacemaker, a healer and a life-bringer. To the best of my ability, I will try to live well in my place.

Because I believe there does not have to be a hole in the world tomorrow.

-- Steve Goodier

Life Support System on Facebook and get a powerful quote every day on your Facebook page. 

*YouTube: Hole In The World by the Eagles (Wiki: "Hole in the World" is a song by the Eagles, written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, released in 2003.)

*lyrics: Hole In The World by the Eagles

* Steve Goodier had just posted this article today; sadly another 'Hole In The World' has recently occurred with the devastating Washington Navy Yard shootings. 

Everyone Matters Campaign

Q&A: Everyone Matters Campaign

Reposted from Stop Bullying: Speak Up 

Q&A with HeathCliff Rothman, founder of Everyone Matters    

When it comes to bullying prevention, education is key. We recently interviewed HeathCliff Rothman, the founder of the Everyone Matters campaign. Everyone Matters seeks to prevent some of the behaviors and attitudes that can lead to bullying. We think the campaign has a great message. Here's our interview with HeathCliff.

What is the Everyone Matters campaign?

Everyone Matters is a global campaign that encourages people to dial down the judgment. This campaign is by, about, and for everyone who is judged and stereotyped -- or bullied -- by how they look, how they act, and what group they belong to. We hope to call attention to how all of us experience being judged and how we all stand outside other people’s lives when we judge their appearance, behavior, and choices. We believe that we can do better, be more loving and respectful, and recognize that everyone is our equal. The campaign has had some wonderful endorsements and support from Sir Paul McCartney, Nicole Kidman, Ellen DeGeneres, Daniel Craig and Natalie Portman

How can people get involved in the Everyone Matters project?

There are a number of ways that people can get involved in the campaign.

Sign up for the 24-hour Challenge to Not Judge or Call Names: Can you avoid judging anyone for a whole day for how they’re acting or what they’re wearing? This is a competition that asks teens to do just that. 

Share your personal stories :  Record a short webcam/smartphone video or write a blog sharing when you’ve been judged or bullied and share how it felt and what you learned so we can all learn from you.  And make sure to upload an “I Am!” photo of yourself holding a sign, wearing a t-shirt, etc to AFFIRM your RIGHT and PRIDE to be exactly who YOU are!

Here are some great ways to get involved with Everyone Matters: 

Write a Blog  

Upload an I Am Photo

Organize a “Letting Go of Judgment” Tree

What advice would you offer to those being bullied or those who see bullying occur?

Take action – silence is supporting it. Say something immediately or contact someone in authority who can help.

You have the right to be upset if you’re judged, dissed or bullied.  Trust the feeling in your gut.  Nobody can decide whether you should be upset.   Don’t let people rationalize their own bullying by claiming it is just “a joke”or  that you’re “too sensitive.”   Abuse is abuse.  

Own who you are.  Be authentic.  Don’t apologize or compromise who you are or for someone else’s attention or approval.

Don’t call names or judge others by their appearances.  It’s one of life’s biggest lessons – learning the humility that everyone has the right to their own choices, their own being, their own identity.  It’s called respect.  Let everyone be exactly who they are, make their own choices, dress the way they like. Treat them as you want to be treated.

Learn more at Everyone Matters (Facebook) and Everyone Matters (Website)

*permission to repost via Facebook: "You can embed Public posts you’ve shared (including photos and videos) onto your own website or web page."

Labor of Love

Award Winning Author Carla Masterson: It means so much to me to know my book has been given to this precious new born..Prince George Alexander Louis and His Royal Family...:-)

Fit for a future King, a children's book that should be in every Parent(s) hands, every child's bookshelf, in every school library, Psychologist and Psychiatrist office; What's On The Other Side Of The Rainbow? (The Secret Of The Golden Mirror) by Carla Jo Masterson

From the Author Carla Jo Masterson:
"As I sat down to write this, my thoughts were of how I could speak to the world, picturing the entire world as being one child. Although our situations may be different, we all feel from the same place, from within our heart and emotions. Therefore, it is important for our children to understand that the feelings and emotions they experience are always meant for constructive reasons, instead of the destructive ones we sometimes feel. With love and understanding, and with all of us working together, hand in hand, we can create a safe and harmonious place on our beautiful home we call Earth.
My deepest wish is that someday all violence will end with one great big "HUSH!"
Humanity Universally Singing Harmony"

"The story begins when Mr. Positively, a fantasy, dream-like being who inhabits the rainbow... invites children to follow him through the colors of the rainbow in a journey of self discovery. Love, anger, laughter, shyness, fear, sadness, friendship, joy--these emotions are examined as the children move from one color of the rainbow to another." - By Mayra Calvani "Multi-genre author and reviewer."

From the Back Cover:
"Thank you for opening the doorway of your beautiful imagination to create this loving vision from your pure and generous heart. Mr. Positively is not just a role model, but a warm, safe friend for the children of the world. Having over 20 years experience in the entertainment business and now launching our new family film studio, we are excited that this book has become a reality and look forward to creating your films from this precious work."
Joie Albrecht, Producer/writer/director
The Creation Factory International, Inc

Biography:
Carla was born to sing. She has performed with Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, recorded with Pianist Randal Leonard and has harmonized with Native American Flutes. She started to write poetry and songs at a very young age. However, it was not until later in life Carla developed a passion to write children's books. Her book What's On The Other Side Of The Rainbow? has been given to celebrity nominees at the EMMYS, OSCARS and CMA AWARDS + she's done 300 book signings. Carla's love for children and humanity is felt in every word she writes. http://www.harmonysoup.com

Interview with Carla Masterson, Issue 1 March 2009 EnergyXchange:

In 1993, Carla’s life would transform forever. She met a world renowned artist, Melanie Taylor Kent. Melanie is known for her colorful, brilliant paintings licensed through Walt Disney, Paramount, Universal Studios, Warner Bros and George Lucas, to name a few. While having a deep discussion about life, Melanie suggested, “Carla, why don’t you write a children’s book.”With that short statement, the seed and inspiration for Carla’s first children’s book was planted.

Carla’s dream of being a published author would become a reality in 2006. She started her own publishing company, Harmony Soup Incorporated and published her first book, What’s On The Other Side Of The Rainbow? (The Secret Of The Golden Mirror).

Since Valentines Day of 2006, Carla has completed 218 book signings. Her book is being used in public schools and is available in all the Clark County District Libraries. Recently Carla did her first book signing in a BORDERS BOOK STORE after being able to partner with BAKER & TAYLOR. She has been interviewed on radio shows, “CBS RADIO” stations, television, local channels 5, 8 and 3. She has had articles written in the Review Journal, View Point, Vegas Around the Clock, Inside Vegas Tips, The View, Metro Woman Magazine, and in June, Las Vegas Woman Magazine.

EnergyXchange Sits down with Best Selling Author Carla Masterson

EX- I have noticed in both your Bio and in your reviews it states that the purpose of your book is to remind us all ‘that no matter what happens to any of us, our feelings are for constructive reasons and not destructive ones’. Can you tell us why this is such an important issue for your personally and how the book itself teaches the readers to do this?

CM- Friend, the reason why this issue is so personal for me, is that for as long as I can remember, I have been subjected to and been surrounded by people without boundaries, when it came to their actions and words. Their actions and words have hurt deeply... sometimes. Words and actions can bruise our feelings and heart. With some of them wounding us for a lifetime. There are some sorrows and hurts that never go away. We can only survive them.

Friend, with everything that is within me, I have been determined, to be a survivor. To be an example of victory over abuse. To take full responsibility for my words, actions, thoughts, and to be one of the voices that speaks loud and clear “There is no reason or rhyme, for abuse or violence”.

My book is simple truth. It says to everyone that, EXCERPTS: “It is never all right even when you’re ANGRY to hurt any one in any way” or “Real LOVE will never hurt you. It is a safe place to be”. Simple truth comes from our natural, nature, which is our common sense. My desire is to be a voice for LOVE, PEACE and HARMONY. My book is my voice, my intent and my purpose.

EX- How did Mr Positively come into being?

CM - Friend, I knew my book theme was to be universal. With that in mind I started to brain -storm with family and friends and ask them for ideas. They came up with different characters, one idea... being a clown. However, a clown didn’t resonate universal. Besides, some children have a fear of clowns. So, I went into my self and something said to me, “How would you speak to the entire world as being one child”? That was a huge idea and so simple at the same time. So, I went into my imagination and I saw in my minds eye, a beau- tiful, cloud being that had rainbow colours sparkling all through him. He had human features and had doors with faces, which were apart of him.

Later, I created the doors to be his feelings and emo- tions. Then I needed his name so my mom suggested Mr. Positive. However, Mr. Positive wasn’t musical enough for me. So, I meditated on it and I heard “Mr. Positively” TM. It is amazing when you hear something that resonates, with your heart and soul, all the bells within you ring. It was perfect! The words, the char- acter, and the name blended beautifully together like water! You see a cloud is universal. A rainbow is uni- versal. We all have feelings and emotions. We all are human and we all use doors as a boundary. I put them all together and ...”POOF”, ”Mr. Positively the Rainbow Cloud” TM, and his wonderful “Feeling Doors” TM were created.

Can you imagine what it felt like when I found the right artist and I saw “Mr. Positively the Rainbow Cloud” TM for the first time. It was the same feeling I felt when I saw my baby’s precious, face after he was born... pure LOVE!

EX - What role do the doors play in your book and how did you designate the colours for each of them?

CM - The “FEELING DOORS” TM are “Mr. Positively the Rainbow Cloud’s” TM, feelings and emotions. I made characters out of feelings. I gave them a face, to show that each one of our feelings and emotions are, a live, entity. When you own something, you know you need to take care of it. It is your responsibility that it stays healthy and safe. Our feelings need our care and LOVE. They are an important part of us. They are guideposts, to help us understand our selves and others.

The colours of the doors represent the colours of the rainbow. Omra Jo Fotchman, the wonderful artist of the book and I, tried to follow the colour and en- ergy that resonated the best with each feeling and emotion. Omra is so talented. She did a brilliant, job! The Rainbow Door “JOY DOOR” is when we live in harmony with all our feelings and emotions, which give us Joy in living and inner peace.

EX - Tell us the importance of the golden mirror.

CM - “The Golden Mirror” is a symbol of the hid- den gold, “Potential” that is within all of us. It shows every child that they are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They are what are, truly valuable, and precious in this world. I want them to feel that in their heart and soul. I want them to smile and laugh and to be the brilliant, wonderful, people they can be.

EX - How has writing this book aided you in your own healing process?

CM - Writing this book has helped me to love and believe in my self. It has taught me about healthy boundaries and self-discipline.

As my beautiful God Mother once said to me. ”Carla, the only way to inner freedom is through self-discipline. When you go against your common sense, you shrink your world. However, when you follow its guidance you are inwardly free”. She was my greatest, inspiration and so wise.

EX - Your book is being used in over 100 public schools nation wide as both a teaching aide and a healing tool. How did this come about and have you been given feedback on how successfully it is being used?

CM - I let my fingers do the walking, LOL! I have been consistently marketing my idea since its conception 15 years ago. So, I already knew from people’s feed back, that my book was going to be a success. If you are going to spend time bringing a book to fruition, you need to find out if people will buy it. So, I call schools, counsellors, child therapists, librarians, pre-schools, libraries, non- profits, dedicated to children’s well being, radio stations, and hired a good publicist.

I read them my book, which I made from the original paintings with the words taped on their protective cover. Then the MAGIC happened and it has been a magical journey ever since.

By the time my beautiful baby was born, I had 90, book signings lined up. I have done 218 to date. My book is also available in public libraries.

Now, I would like to share with you a story. I had a pleasant, surprise happen when I revisited a school. One of the teachers took me to her classroom and showed me that she had made some felt figures from my book and said she used my book daily as part of their daily curriculum. She had made a felt “Mr. Positively” and all of his “Feelings Doors”. She then gave me the felt figures as a gift.

I cried with gratitude, bursting from my heart!

Oh, The stories that I could tell you!

EX - Do you have a favourite story about an encoun- ter with one of your little Readers, which you could share with us?

CM - I would love to. There are so many. I will never forget this beautiful, brown eyed, 4, year –old boy. When I read the phrase in my book “Feelings, What are Feelings”? His little, hand shot up like a rocket and he said, with so much confidence.

“Miss Carla, I know what my feelings are. They are my power”. I can tell you; you could have heard a pin drop... then... a thunderous applause rang out in the room. That little boy made my heart sing!

EX - Now seeing as this issue of our magazine is about change, tell us how your life has changed since writing this book.

CM - since writing my book, my life has expanded beyond my wildest dreams. I have met the most beautiful and heart felt people that share in my cause. My life has purpose and direction. I know I am doing the right thing and that gives me courage to do what ever it takes to achieve my dreams and goals.

I have written so far 12 books, plus a movie script based on “What’s On The Other Side Of The rainbow?”

My intent is to be an inspiration for children. I want them to Know, I believe in them with all my heart and they are always the, “Secret Of The Golden Mirror”.

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*PDF Version of Issue 1 March 2009 EnergyXchange

*PDF Version Google Doc: Interview with Carla Masterson, Issue 1 March 2009 EnergyXchange

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Permission to repost Interview with Carla Masterson, Issue 1 March 2009 EnergyXchange granted by Author Carla Masterson to BindingInk.org (permission from EnergyXchange pending)

Photo: 2013 Celebrity Baby Blog Royal Gifting provided from Author Carla Masterson Facebook Page.

Photo: What's On The Other Side Of The Rainbow? (The Secret Of The Golden Mirror) from Amazon.com