Creative Storms

 "As I sit, calm as a breeze across the sea...storms of creativity rage within me."

My time is split between working on various projects, trading, and planning for the future. My mind lives three years in the future. Because I'm always focused on what's to come it's hard for me to sustain personal relationships in the present. I've been trapped in a creative storm that shows no signs of letting up. 

Recently I learned a long time friend I haven't seen in years was in town for a short visit. I didn't see him. A different friend is in the hospital with a brain condition. (beterschap Gekke C) I didn't know about it. An old business partner lost his business and was forced to move his family back to Greece last month. I learned about it yesterday. People are going through real life problems and hard times have lead some to depression. I sincerely hope that everyone reading these words has the love and support of a community around u to help during these difficult times.

I'm no stranger to depression. If you're dealing with depression and are looking for ways to change your mind without paying for external therapy. I have a few pieces of literature that can help u on your journey. Before I get to the books let me say, talking to someone u can trust about your problems is always a good idea. Other people can give u a different perspective on the issue.  If u don't have a support system, or prefer self sufficiency (like myself) then continue reading. 

The first book is named "The Science of Happiness" by Stefan Klein. This book is an exploration of what makes human beings happy. What generates the feelings and emotions of happiness at the neurological level? How do we stay happy? Can we be happy all the time? If so what are the steps? This book investigates these questions and provides solid scientific answers to them. It's easy to read and skips a lot of the scientific jargon to give u a story on how all of us can learn to be happy. 

This second book is more of a workbook. It's titled "The Feeling Good HandBook," by David D. Burns. I can say this book is great for dealing with depression. Aside from depression it provides step-by-step exercises to help dealing with OCD, different types of phobias, and anxiety disorders. He also provides accompanying knowledge on the drugs administered by fellow practitioners to treat these conditions. The techniques used by Dr. Burns are groundbreaking because unlike others in his field he provides drug free treatment for depression. I loved this book. If you're currently experiencing constant negative emotions and want to change what your brain is thinking about, try this workbook. 

Let me be honest with u. While most people's moral compass may not point true north, it generally points in a northward direction. The last book is, " How to Change Your Mind. The New Science of Psychedelics," by Michael Pollan. This book is a wonderfully written account of the history of psychedelic's. Also how they can repair and improve overall brain function. The author uses gonzo style journalism to entertain while educating on the medicinal and mind altering experiences had with psychedelic's. 

I have tried both LSD and Psilocybin mushrooms in the past. Personally I prefer psilocybin. It's all natural, has scientifically proven to induce the growth of new brain neurons, and its consistently effective. LSD can have side effects. Also, unless you're creating the doses each tab can vary in strength. This can be a problem if you're using the tabs for microdosing. Regardless of what method of treatment u chose to take. As long as you're taking steps to get better, you're moving in the right direction. 

I wish u all health, wealth and success. If u like the books or know someone who needs help, spread the word and tell a friend to tell a friend. 

Until Next We Speak, Be Well 

Tha One an Only 

 

Summer Reading

I love books. When I was a child I used to pick up ants, spiders and other insects to study their anatomy. In my grandmothers basement was an old incomplete encyclopedia set. Whatever creature I caught would be researched in the encyclopedia's, then named and categorized. My insatiable curiosity was temporarily sedated after acquiring the desired knowledge from books. Those early days taught me that answers to all the mysteries of the world can be found between the pages of a book. (You only need to find the right book.) Below are a few summer reading books that helped expand my perception of reality. Perhaps they can do the same for you. They're in no particular order. 

The book that had the most impact on my self-esteem and ability to stay goal oriented is Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. This book changed my life. Psycho-Cybernetics, teaches how the brain processes information on the conscious and sub-conscious levels. It does this by breaking down the "self image," in laymen terms so u the reader understand how the brain creates a goal. Then, the book provides the necessary steps required to achieve that goal. You learn various mental practices, visualization techniques, breathing, and relaxation methods that produce quantifiable results. What makes this books so great is that its easy to read and based on solid proven science. 

The 48 Laws Of Power by Roberte Greene taught me how power brokers do business. It's an instruction manual on how to gain and use power. There are ruthless, cutthroat techniques that breakdown every aspect of how power is cultivated and maintained. Even if you're not a power hungry individual thirsty for global domination this book can still be useful. It teaches u about the cunning techniques employed to manipulate the average mind so that u can protect yourself from them.  It's like an instruction manual on how a magician does his trick. 

A book that taught me insight into male and female dynamics is The Game by Neil Strauss. When I heard there was a secret underground society of pick-up artists (PUA) I had to check it out. The book turned out to be more than a made up tale crafted in some forty year old virgins basement. The Game is more than about pick-up. Although it does contain a vast collection of techniques and material used in the art of seduction. The writing style is like gonzo journalism where the author is also a character in the story. Its a book about guys who decided to take control of their love lives and make it change for the better. The steps they took and methods used is what makes this book a great read for anyone who wants to improve their game. 

A People's History Of The United States by Howard Zinn is not what you learn in history class. I read this book before I migrated to Europe. It contains the factual accounts of  American history from its creation in 1492 to present. It's a hard book to read. Not because of the size. All the mortifying things u learn will change your perception about how America was founded and developed. It would be an understatement to say that the book exposes the complete white washing of history excluding contributions from various minority cultures. It also details the merciless eradication of the indigenous populations. If you're a fan of traditional holidays this isn't literature for you. After reading this book I guarantee u will never want to celebrate Thanksgiving again. 

This last book truly made me ponder the nature of consciousness and what makes people so unique. No two minds are identical even if the bodies are. Although twins bodies may be the same, how they think and who they are is individual. The Art Of Dreaming by Carlos Casteneda, is a story that's reads like a work of fiction. The author is an anthropologist who gets tricked into becoming an apprentice for a Yaqui Indian sorcerer named Don Juan Matus. It explores different shamanistic techniques to reach higher levels of consciousness, astral projection and alternate realities. Whether u believe the authors first person account or not, its an incredible story to read. 

That's my summer reading list for those who like to spend time building brain muscles. Have u read any of the books in this list? If so drop your impression in the comments below. If u like the list, share the knowledge, and tell a friend to tell a friend. 

Until Next We Speak, Be Well 

Tha One an Only 

AniManga: Fate/Stay Night Series

Fate/stay night is a Japanese visual novel, which was originally released as an adult game. Since its release in 2006 its been adapted into a manga and multiple anime series.

The story takes place in modern Japan. Where Shirō Emiya, became the sole survivor of a massive fire as a child. Shirō was adopted by a retired mage named Kiritsugu Emiya and taught the basic principles of becoming a mage. Kiritsugu Emiya, is the main protagonist in the fourth Holy Grail War (featured in Fate/Zero) which inadvertently destroyed Fuyuki City and left Shiro orphaned. Kiritsugu Emiya died some years later after instilling a strong since of justice in Shiro.

As a teenager Shiro witnesses a battle between servants and almost gets killed. By luck or fate he gets saved by a classmate and unwillingly becomes a participant in a death tournament called the Fifth Holy Grail War. It's bloody warfare where mages use heroes called servants from every time period in history. For a chance to have their wish granted by a cup called the Holy Grail. The stronger the mage the stronger the type of servant they can summon. 

There are seven different class of servants. Rider, Assassin, Saber, Archer, Lancer, Caster and Berserker. Each servant is equipped with a special weapon or ability called a Noble Phantasm. Since the Noble Phantasm can reveal the users identity, most servants refuse to use it until moving in for the killing blow or to escape a desperate situation.

Although most Noble Phantasms are weapons like Sabers, sword or Lancers, spear some Noble Phantasms are an ability. Berserker, who is the reincarnation of Hercules is equipped with the Noble Phantasm called regeneration. Since he had to complete twelve labors, he can be reincarnated twelve times before being killed. Gilgamesh, is unique because he is the first hero in history and possesses a very large number of Noble Phantasms. He was a servant of the Archer class who had a strange obsession for Saber. 

Saber, is King Arturia Pendragon more famously known throughout history as King Arthur. She is the strongest servant in the knight class which consists of Saber, Lancer, and Archer. Her Noble Phantasm is the mythical sword Excalibur. The sword remains invisible until Saber calls its name to deliver the killing blow to an opponent. The scabbard of Excalibur, is named Avalon. It gives the holder a limited form of immortality by repairing mortal wounds in an instant. Avalons regenerative abilities saved Kiritsugu Emiya's life several times during the fourth Holy Grail war.

Unlimited Blade Works follows a two-week period in Shirō Emiya's life. He goes from an amateur mage to becoming a Master in the fifth Holy Grail war. There are seven Masters for seven servants. Masters are capable of controlling servants by command seals placed on the back of their hands. A Master only has three command seals to control a servant. Once all three commands are used the Master loses control of the servant and can be killed by them. 

Shiro, summons Saber and together with the assistance of another mage named Rin Tōsaka tries to stop the Holy Grail war. Tosaka summons the servant Archer who turns out to be the future version of Shiro from a different timeline. Archer hates Shiro because he knows what awaits him after death. His biggest desire was to kill Shiro before he becomes a champion of justice and is reincarnated as a servant. 

Servants, maintain their form by feeding off their Master's Mana (spiritual energy). They can heal injuries and use their Noble Phantasm multiple times depending on how much Mana their Master can produce. Some servants like Caster, can drain Mana from humans causing them to fall into a coma and in some cases death.   

Caster, is a special servant because some Casters are also mages. This is dangerous to the Master because if the Caster is stronger than the Master...he will be killed. In the fifth Holy Grail War. The Caster is Medea. A sorceress who was the daughter of Greek King Aeëtes of Colchis. Medea was so powerful she was able to summon her own Assassin servant to assist in the Holy grail War. Only the Caster is capable of summoning another servant.  
   
To date there are three different anime series based off the Fate/Stay Night novels. There's Fate/Stay Night, Fate/Zero (the 4th Holy Grail War), and Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (the 5th Holy Grail war). All three of the anime are superb. Although the writing, battles and character development in Unlimited blade works seems to be a step above the other two installments. 

If I had to describe the series in one sentence it would be. Fate/Stay night, is a mix of action packed battles, betrayal, tragedy, magic, with excellent characters and plot. Check out the clips below featuring battles between Shiro vs Gilgamesh and Archer vs Lancer. 

Animanga: Kingdom

There's not many historical manga stories that hold my attention. Most of the stories are to much like reading a history book with pictures.

The Animanga: Kingdom is a whole different story. I started off by watching a few episodes of the anime...on a recommendation. I liked it after the third. From there I went and read the manga...all 378 chapters of it (binge reading). I can some up the rest of this post with four words "The story is dope!".

Kingdom follows the life of a young peasant boy named Shin as he aspires to become a great general in warring ancient china. The story takes place 245 BC (Before Christ) at a time when western china was broken in to 7 major countries. The lands of Qin, Chu, Zhou, Han, Yan, Wei, and Qi are all battling for domination.

Shin and his best friend Sin Hyo lived in the country of Qin. They planned to enter the army and become generals. Sin Hyo, turned out to be an identical double of the king of Qin. He was taken to the palace and used as a body double for the king. Sin was killed by assassins.

Shin discovers the details of Sins murder from the real king. His name was Sai and his dream was to unify all of western China. To due this he had to conquer all the other countries and Shin decided to help him achieve his goal. Sin died protecting the king and to honor his memory Shin took up his duty.

Aside from being a historical piece it's great action sequences, writing and character development. It reminds me of the writing style of Death Note crossed with One Piece. Where the writing and plot make you feel for the character. The battle scenes are well drawn with incredible detail. The characters fight with classic weapons from their time period. Sword, mace, ax, lance, bow and arrow...etcetera. The weapons aren't high tech but how the characters use them makes them look superhuman.

Each battle moves the story forward as Shin builds his private army the Hi Shin Unit composed of elite fighters and strategist.  At the same time his victories and failures along with the other generals of Qin propel Sai's dream of unifying China forward. If you read battle type manga like Berserk then I definitely recommend Kingdom.

The anime is on the final episode of the second season. There's no doubt in my mind that there will be a third due to its popularity. Below is a snippet from the battle between Shin and a general from the land of Wei named Rinko. Check it out.

AniManga: Toriko

AniManga is a term I use to describe a Manga that's been turned into an Anime. The anime can be a series, movie, or OVA (Original Video Animation). The newest AniManga I've been following is called Toriko.

At first glance I thought the show was a cheap copy of Dragon Ball. The main character whose name is Toriko looks a lot like Goko in clothing, build and appearance. Before I jumped to conclusions I watched a few episodes of the series. Back then there were only four episodes so there wasn't much information to base my opinion on. Then I read some of the Manga. What I found is that the characters do share similarities with DBZ but Toriko has its own plot.

The story takes place in a world where food is the most important commodity and Toriko is a Bishokuya (hunter of exotic ingredients). All ingredients have a capture value and the higher the value the more dangerous the ingredient. Toriko and a few other characters have special cells called gourmet cells that evolve when they eat foods of high capture value. These cells give them amazing abilities and increase their power, speed and special attacks.

Toriko along with other Bishokuya are searching for a special ingredient called "God" which can start or end world war. Most of the ingredients are puns made from a mix of two different things. For example a tomato crossed with a marshmallow = marshmallow tomato, or a turtle mixed with a shark = shark turtle, which looks like a giant turtle with shark fins and lots of teeth. It reminds me of books I would read as a kid about the magical world of Xanth by Piers Anthony. He was famous for mixing two or more creatures in a comical fashion.

Toriko is not for everyone and is more comical than action packed, but if you like humorous AniManga its worth checking out. Below I posted a few clips of Toriko battles from the Anime.