Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908-1964), the author of the James Bond 007 novels, was the grandson of a Scottish banker and the son of a Conservative MP (Member of Parliament). His father died in the first world war. In his will, he bequeathed his property to his widow on condition she never remarries.

I am a voracious reader of the most convoluted and lexiphanic texts - yet, there is one author I prefer to most. She gives me the greatest pleasure and leaves me tranquil and craving for more when I am through devouring one of her countless tomes. A philosopher of the mundane, a scholar of death, an exquisite chronicler of decay and decadence - she is Dame Agatha Christie. I spend as much time wondering what so mesmerizes me in her pulp fiction as I do trying to decipher her deliciously contorted stratagems.

How does one grow from self-deception or wishful thinking to self-awareness and courage in the act of facing reality and turning it to good account? In exploring this question with me, perhaps you will find some answers that will help you climb a few rungs on the ladder to happiness.

What is the origin of violence? In the present article I revisit my childhood in a tough neighborhood and draw from my experience certain conclusions about this origin. I also look into the essence and function of justice, which should never degenerate into an institutionalized form of vengeance.

Perhaps these two concepts (love and courage) are the most important of philosophy as they capture the essense of life, in terms of its fundamental purpose and the sustained and vigorous effort necessary for achieving this purpose. I invite you to take this article as an opportunity to reflect on these concepts. And may you embrace them body and soul towards a greater life!

What is the worst evil in the world? Wouldn't you agree that it is what prevents the achievement of everything that is good? And what prevents this achievement more than the weakness in a person's very soul that leads this person along the path of mediocrity, or worse, criminality? Let's take a look at this evil, first in the context of writing, then more generally in the context of living.

How can one be effectively honest with others who have suffered a tragedy and are in denial? How does one help them overcome this denial and pursue happiness realistically -- that is, on the basis of a realistic view of their situation? Here is my answer.

Happiness is not a passive state, but a product of positive attitude and positive action. And this positive attitude is the result of a mental effort. In short, happiness implies dynamism. Let us explore this concept if you like.

Humans, despite their weaknesses, are a tough and resourceful bunch, to be sure. While we rightfully deplore these weaknesses, we must look on the bright side and find there some compelling reasons for hoping and reinforcing our commitment to life and humanity. This short article is all about this hope and this commitment.

Throughout history happiness has been a central and controversial topic, as it embraces our entire being that forever aspires to it in numerous and often contradictory ways. After a quarter century of relentless investigation, here is what I have to say about it.

Of the three purposes of writing, to inform, entertain, and enlighten, which one should come first? Such is the question I ask myself and answer from the point of view of a thinker. Also, what is the role of a reader when reading the thoughts of a thinker? Read on and find out.

How committed to truth are we? Do we readily indulge in fancy at the expense of truth, because fancy appears more consistent with our wishes? What if truth was compatible with meaning and happiness within the limits of life, provided wisdom brought it to light?

What is wisdom? But first, what are the conditions that render it desirable, if not necessary, and what is its essential purpose?

Since wisdom is the art of coping with suffering, it starts with a willingness to tackle it head-on.

If a lone, unkempt, person, standing on a soapbox were to say that he should become the Prime Minister, he would have been diagnosed by a passing psychiatrist as suffering from this or that mental disturbance. But were the same psychiatrist to frequent the same spot and see a crowd of millions saluting the same lonely, shabby figure - what would have his diagnosis been? Surely, different (perhaps of a more political hue).

An expedition to Antarctica proves disastrous for 28 crewman and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Like the pedals of a flower opening to the world around it, we create a presence of awareness. In full bloom, the beauty or the lack thereof touches the lives of everyone around us. As our inner patterns of attention move through us, the world illuminates the seeds of awareness contained within us for so long. Here, a life is created. It is the life of our soul.

It’s an age-old mystery that may never be solved, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. No one knows for sure which Norse god was the inspiration for naming a day as ‘Friday,’ but I’ve definitely found someone who can narrow the list of contenders.

Have your ever had an experience you thought was a coincidence, but a nagging feeling made you feel there was more meaning to it? Those nagging feelings may be the very seeds of your own psychic ability waiting to be cultivated.

Has a psychic ever told you something incredibly amazing about your future that is hard to imagine as true? Or warned you, perhaps frightened you about the future by reading an awful outcome to a situation? Did you know whether to believe the prediction or not? Sooner or later most of us who use the services of a psychic reader are likely to encounter this type of experience even if you have never been to a psychic or think you will ever go to one.

Think about it. Are you on this earth for more than self-gratification, or to be a consumer for the gratification of others?

a little uplifting article to over come obstacles. (notice i diddnt say help).

As the World observes Disabilities Day on 3rdDecember, we would like to remind the world community that over 600 million people, or approximately 10 per cent of the world’s population, have a disability of one form or another. Over two thirds of them live in developing countries. Only 2 per cent of disabled children in the developing world receive any education or rehabilitation. The link between disability and poverty and social exclusion is direct and strong throughout the world.

This year, when The Pulitzer Prizes were announced, the not entirely delightful news is that no Pulitzer was awarded in drama.

Whether in movies or books or in life, it is human nature to be curious about “what happens next”, what the future holds in store. Because of this curiosity divination methods were developed, some even centuries old. There are several tools and ways to divine the future. Forms popularized by gypsies (as related in tales) are crystal (ball) gazing, tarot card reading, palmistry, tea leaves, bones, etc.

More recently however there has been a revival in anchor tattoos and there are many new designs that are full of brilliant colors and new design motifs for anchor tattoos. There has been a revival in more traditional tattoos.

William A. Keleher (1886-1972) founded the Oldest and Largest Law Firm in New Mexico, Keleher & McLeod, P.A. The William Keleher site WilliamKeleher.com contains over 300 Rare Photographs of numerous Pioneer Southwest Luminaries like Elfego Baca and Conrad Hilton. Internationally Famous William A. Keleher authored some of the premier works on the Southwest: "Maxwell Land Grant,"1942; "Fabulous Frontier," 1945; "Turmoil in New Mexico, 1846-1968," 1952;"Violence in Lincoln County," 1957; and "Memoirs" 1969. and "New Mexicans I Knew." Purchase the Books of William A. Keleher in .pdf format online through Google Books at WilliamKeleher.com

On an ordinary afternoon in St. Augustine, Fla., a group of extraordinary people met at a local restaurant for a single purpose - to celebrate their accomplishments, share inspiration and encourage each other while enjoying a meal.

Tattoos are at their heart a sign of individuality, and as more and more human beings seek a path to locate themselves apart from the crowd, the popularity of tattoos as a form of self expression is only likely to grow.

For those that have put in the time and effort to build up a business, they really need to understand the value of maintaining those hard won clients. There are many situations that may leave a business owner scratching his head and wondering which client gifts are the most appropriate, if any at all. The same can be said for valued employees as well.