September 27, 2007 by SUM.

Finally, on Tuesday I uploaded my book to the print on demand server (POD). But before I finally offer this book for purchase, I’ve to make sure that it will be correctly printed. Therefore I requested a printed copy which should arrive within the next few days. If everything looks fine, I’ll release it. Today I noticed that the check for the Copyright Office cleared my bank account. It cleared on the same day when I uploaded my book to the print on demand server. I guess the employees at the Copyright Office are very busy.

As I have mentioned earlier, for the past few weeks, I concentrated on the formatting of this book, but I also designed my own cover (cover, back, and spine). A couple weeks ago, I had bought Adobe Acrobat 8 so that I can create my own PDF files, which are requested by the POD server. Designing the all-wrap-around cover was not only a new and unique experience but also an exciting task. And here I would like to mention that I received some valuable input for the formatting and cover design from Kari and Steve. Thanks Kari and Steve.

Posted in Symbolism, Numerical patterns | No Comments »

September 15, 2007 by SUM.

As mentioned in my article “Book - Invisible Cloak,” I’ve sent a copy of my manuscript to the Library of Congress, Copyright Office, in Washington DC. For the registration of the copyright, the package included a check for $45.00.

Since I never received a “Return Receipt” (United States Postal Service provides a green postcard with the recipient’s actual signature by mail) from the post office, which I had requested and paid for when I sent the package to the Library of Congress, I started to ask myself why I had not received the green postcard. Therefore I contacted the post office and inquired about the whereabouts of the green card. The postal clerk told me that they have no way of knowing why I have not received the green card. But the postal clerk gave me a printed copy of the scanned recipient’s actual signature from the original card. The postal clerk told me that this copy is proof that the Post Office delivered my package to the Copyright Office.

In addition to this inconsistency comes the fact that my check, which was included in the package, has not cleared my bank account. The post office’s record states that the package was delivered on 23rd August. Now, three weeks later, my check still hasn’t been cashed.

I actually tried to contact the Copyright Office by phone this week, but I couldn’t get in contact with anyone. One time, when someone answered the phone, a person just said a name and hung up. That seemed very strange to me.

I don’t know whether they are so busy at this office so that they don’t have time to take calls. I just know that it is frustrating not being able to voice concerns because nobody is available to answer questions.

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September 1, 2007 by SUM.

Yesterday, I read an article about the damaging effects that the carcinogens in cigarettes have on women, and the stories of four women who quit the habit and became nonsmokers. Today, I read in my hometown’s newspaper that a smoking ban is enacted, covering all public transportations and government agencies in Germany. Even in Germany, smokers are less welcomed.

Since I know from first-hand how hard it is to quit smoking, I like to share my own story so that you learn of another stop-smoking trick. This creative way certainly worked for me. Now, I’m a non-smoker for over 10 years.

It all started in early 1996 when I came down with a severe bronchitis. I couldn’t smoke a cigarette for about three weeks; breathing and smoking was just too painful. After the bronchitis was gone, I decided that I wanted to quit smoking. Therefore I thought of a method that would ease the nicotine withdrawal and break the habit of holding a cigarette in my hand.

First and foremost, I decided that I never again wanted to inhale nicotine smoke from a lit cigarette. Though I kept on lighting a cigarette for about three quarter of a year, I never again fully inhaled the smoke. I only lit the cigarette and smoked it like a pipe without inhaling the smoke. This method already changed the taste of smoking. The cigarette itself tasted pretty nasty. Since the taste of the cigarette itself was so disgusting, I lit less and less cigarettes during the withdrawal process. Over time I weaned myself away from a nicotine addiction and broke free of a smoking routine, and eventually stopped altogether.

I haven’t smoked a cigarette for over 10 years. I used to love it, but now I neither like the smell of it nor do I have any cravings for it. And my taste and smell sense are now much better than they were when I had been a smoker.

Keep in mind, if you really like to quit smoking, it actually starts with the conscious decision to quit smoking. Thereafter, you will have to find a method that accommodates your way of changing habits, and the commitment of following through with it. As so many others have done it, including myself, it’s doable.

Posted in Wellness, Personal care, General | No Comments »