My friend Brian Johnson is a brilliant synthesizer of books on human potential. If you don’t have time to read hundreds of books, you may want to consider subscribing to his affordable service. Get The Biggest Ideas from 100 of The Most Influ­en­tial Books On Per­sonal Growth In 20 Min­utes Or Less via PDF & Audio Sum­mary

Here’s is a great African music video, Oh Africa from Akon featuring Keri Hilson I think you will enjoy.

In Web of Debt, Ellen Brown delivers a probing account of the never ending debt being created on our behalf, who really benefits, explores how we came to give our power to print money away and how we can get it back. This is new paradigm writing at its finest. Here is one piece of Ellen’s writing that provides a glimpse into a brilliant mind and caring heart in service to humanity.

From the Introduction:

Money in the Land of Oz

If governments everywhere are in debt, who are they in debt to? The answer is that they are in debt to private banks. The “cruel hoax” is that governments are in debt for money created on a computer screen, money they could have created themselves. The vast power acquired through this sleight of hand by a small clique of men pulling the strings of government behind the scenes evokes images from The Wizard of Oz, a classic American fairytale that has become a rich source of imagery for financial commentators. Editorialist Christopher Mark wrote in a series called “The Grand Deception”:

Welcome to the world of the International Banker, who like the famous film, The Wizard of Oz, stands behind the curtain of orchestrated national and international policymakers and so-called elected leaders. 10
The late Murray Rothbard, an economist of the classical Austrian School, wrote:

Money and banking have been made to appear as mysterious and arcane processes that must be guided and operated by a technocratic elite. They are nothing of the sort. In money, even more than the rest of our affairs, we have been tricked by a malignant Wizard of Oz.

In a 2002 article titled “Who Controls the Federal Reserve System?”, Victor Thorn wrote:

In essence, money has become nothing more than illusion — an electronic figure or amount on a computer screen. . . . As time goes on, we have an increasing tendency toward being sucked into this Wizard of Oz vortex of unreality [by] magician-priests that use the illusion of money as their control device.

James Galbraith wrote in The New American Prospect:

We are left . . . with the thought that the Federal Reserve Board does not know what it is doing. This is the “Wizard of Oz” theory, in which we pull away the curtains only to find an old man with a wrinkled face, playing with lights and loudspeakers.13
The analogies to The Wizard of Oz work for a reason. According to later commentators, the tale was actually written as a monetary allegory, at a time when the “money question” was a key issue in American politics. In the 1890s, politicians were still hotly debating who should create the nation’s money and what it should consist of. Should it be created by the government, with full accountability to the people? Or should it be created by private banks behind closed doors, for the banks’ own private ends?

William Jennings Bryan, the Populist candidate for President in 1896 and again in 1900, mounted the last serious challenge to the right of private bankers to create the national money supply. According to the commentators, Bryan was represented in Frank Baum’s 1900 book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by the Cowardly Lion. The Lion finally proved he was the King of Beasts by decapitating a giant spider that was terrorizing everyone in the forest. The giant spider Bryan challenged at the turn of the twentieth century was the Morgan/Rockefeller banking cartel, which was bent on usurping the power to create the nation’s money from the people and their representative government.

To read the full Introduction and order a copy of this powerful expose, visit Ellen’s site.

Ellen Brown developed her research skills as an attorney practicing civil litigation in Los Angeles. In Web of Debt, her latest book, she turns those skills to an analysis of the Federal Reserve and “the money trust.” She shows how this private cartel has usurped the power to create money from the people themselves, and how we the people can get it back. Brown developed an interest in the developing world and its problems while living abroad for eleven years in Kenya, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. She returned to practicing law when she was asked to join the legal team of a popular Tijuana healer with an innovative cancer therapy, who was targeted by the chemotherapy industry in the 1990s. That experience produced her book Forbidden Medicine, which traces the suppression of natural health treatments to the same corrupting influences that have captured the money system. Brown’s eleven books include the bestselling Nature’s Pharmacy, co-authored with Dr. Lynne Walker, which has sold 285,000 copies.

Like many kids, Joe Sohm received a camera as a gift from his parents. He went on to become history teacher and ultimately combined his love of history and photography becoming one of the leading photographers of Americana in the world. He has logged over a million miles in traveling through 50 states over 30 years amassing a collection of 28,000 images.

His stunning images have appeared in National Geographic, Newsweek and Time Magazine, and were featured prominently in ‘The Choice 2008,’ a PBS Frontline documentary on the presidential campaign.

Now 1300 of his most compelling photographs along with 21 of his insightful essays are available in his beautiful master work tabletop book, Visions of America. The photographs in this book combine to reveal a compelling visual mosaic of the faces and places of democracy. The book’s forward is written by legendary travel writer Paul Theroux and Visions of America received an Independent Publishing (IPPY) Gold Medal for excellence. The U.S. State Department is considering using Visions of America as a goodwill ambassador gift and it may soon be featured in the USA Pavilion in Shanghai.

What is notable about Visions of America is its inclusiveness. I once heard a philosophy professor conclude his lecture with the idea that inclusiveness is moral and exclusiveness amoral. In a country that has recently been divided politically, it is refreshing to be reminded of the myriad colors of diversity that is at the heart of America. This is not an accident. In his dedication, Sohm let’s the reader know that “My intent is to honor all through images and words, and I hope I have done so.” In my opinion, he has succeeded magnificently.

And, Visions of America does not take a political stand. Rather it is again, inclusive and apolitical, sharing instead our collective heritage and the hopes and dreams of our Founding Fathers and all Americans since. Sohm provides readers with a clear window on the American experience that inspires and empowers. Visions of America captures what is best about this country and represents an important document that can be passed along to future generations.

The book is the centerpiece of several other multimedia experiences that includes a photo symphony that is being performed by symphony orchestras around the world. With a score by Oscar nominated composer Roger Kellaway,  four original songs written by Kellaway and Marilyn and Alan Bergman, two of the top lyricists in the world, and narration by Clint Eastwood, excerpts from the photo symphony will next be performed in Shanghai with Patti Austin performing one of its songs.

An IMAX version is currently in the planning stage with the Philadelphia Orchestra performing the full soundtrack along with Eastwood’s narration and Kellaway conducting.

In the meantime, Joe is touring community theaters and colleges with his one man live Visions of America multi-media lecture.

To learn more about Visions of America or to order your copy of  Sohm’s magnum opus, visit his website, Visions of America.com and to watch an informative PBS interview with Joe, click here.

Losing a child at 3 to cancer is a devastating experience and most women are deeply wounded and many have trouble living as before. In Maria Housden’s case, she shared her emotional experience with the world in her remarkable book, Hanna’s Gift. I can’t recommend this extraordinary  story too highly. It offers deep insight into the joy of a very wise and loving child and her effect on a mother who is able to put into words emotions that are often suppressed or remain in a valley of grief and can do great harm to the mother. Clearly Maria’s transparent and authentic heart and soul and come through this book as does Hanna’s and both their gifts make this a book a treasure. Fortunately, for Hannah, maria and the world, their wonderful book will soon be a feature film that can reach the much larger audience it deserves. I will look forward to reviewing the film as soon as I see it.

Below is a recent interview with Maria and if you happen to be by a tv tomorrow, you can see Maria on Dr. Phil discussing her difficult but right decision for her to give her husband custody of their children after Hannah’s passing and their subsequent divorce..

Live streaming video by Ustream

If you are considering gifts for this holiday season or anytime, here are a few recent picks in CD’s, Books, and Giving.

Top Five CD’s

1. Song Sourcing is a brilliant idea executed beautifully by singer-songwriter Michael Stillwater. In this just released 2 CD package, you’ll find 30 folk, jazz and rock tracks of Michael’s great guitar chords along with some percussion but without vocals. That’s where you or your gift recipient come in. Listening to the tracks, let yourself dive into the music and allow the music to become you.  Then explore what musical or lyrical ideas are inspired and let them out.  In this virtual duet (between you and the music, or together with a partner, family or friends), listeners can explore what’s awaiting release and expression, perhaps some of it for years. Think of Song Sourcing as a musical possibility catalyst. This beautifully packaged CD set is a unique gift to singers and non-singers alike. You can download a free sample here. To listen to more sample tracks and order, visit the Song Sourcing site now.

2. NOW HERE: Maesyn I first met Maesyn at The Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga, CA about a year ago. She gave me her CD for review and I placed it on my rather large listening pile. It was not until I began preparing for this blog that I had the opportunity to listen. I was delighted by Maesyn’s musicality, intelligent lyrics and great rhythms. Here in her own poetic words is a description of her music, “…an amalgamation of funky grooves, sultry passionate vocals, orchestral musicality, sophisticated lyricism and inspirational esotericism….best known for her improvisational spontaneity, lush resonant vocals, playfully passionate violin and exotic full body shakti”. Her musical influences are The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. My favorite tracks are Long Division, rap in a great odd time signature and Break Free’s empowering advice. Check out Maesyn’s exciting music at her My Space site.

3. Emergence 2012, Alex Theory and Daniel Pinchbeck In their musical collaboration, sound healing visionary Alex Theory and best selling author, Daniel Pinchbeck have woven a sound tapestry of mind-bending music that infuses psychoacoustic rhythms with the chants of ayahuasca shamans and natural harmonics found deep within the forests of South America. The result is a sacred journey through an aural landscape that is mysterious, haunting, and expansive. Definitely great background music for parties or lovemaking. You can also pick up a copy of Daniel’s book, 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl, put on this music, and enjoy the perfect soundtrack

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4. Sangria, Mariah Parker If you like the Indian, Latin/Flemenco and Jazz genres, you’ll enjoy drinking in the melodies and rhythms of Sangria. The musical flavors served up on this world fusion CD include tabla, santur, cello, bansuri, English horn, flute and timbales. Mariah’s compelling original music features some great musicians including Matthew Monfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Kash Killion on bass, cello and sangri and Paul McCandless on soprano sax and English horn. A great addition to your world music collection.

5, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, Matthew Montfort In addition to playing on Mariah Parkers CD above, Matthew is the leader of one of my favorite bands, Ancient Future. Since 1978, he has studied and mastered his unique instrument that features a board with no wood between the frets. The result is that his fingers only touch the strings producing a very clean sound more like a sitar.  In this solo outing, he provides the listener with a wonderful selection of ragas that show off his mastery and most interesting compositions. If you enjoy solo guitar with a twist, Seven Serenades is definitely worth a listen. You can check out more of Matthew’s music as well as Ancient Future at Ancient-Future.com

Top Five Books

1. The Value of Values by Ed Gagnon. What if we lived in a values driven world where Integrity, Respect for Life, Courageousness, Purposefulness and Generosity were the norm? Is it possible? Ed believes it is and that that world will be brought on by the parents of today’s children if they read and apply his practical methods for empowering their kids to live values driven lives. Why has he chosen to write about values? “I have chosen to have a purpose. I have come to realize that the meaning of life is to create a life of meaning, to leave a legacy rich in values to which I have been true. I may not be able to control life, aging, and death. But I can control what I do while I am alive. This legacy I choose to leave behind will be something my children will also be able to leave behind. The values I choose to live by will be the sustenance for my family’s happiness for generations to come”. If you feel the same way, have a child and want to help them find their purpose and live from a set of  guiding values you and they can be proud of, this book may help you in that process. To learn more, click here.

2. The Farmacist Desk Reference by Don Tolman is an indispensable 1600 page two volume encyclopedia of diseases and the vegetables, fruits and herbs that have proven effective against them. An essential part of the New Paradigm is Self Care and no set of books I know of will supply you with this collection’s level of valuable and potentially life-saving information. To learn more, visit author Don Tolman’s site and enjoy his video. He is offering a free gift of his 2 hour presentation on his basic elements of optimal health with the purchase of each set.

3.  There’s No Business Like Soul Business by Derek Rydall As we approach 2012, the end of the Mayan Calendar, it is not as some Hollywood films portray, the end of the world or doomsday. Much more, it is the end of an outdated paradigm promoting greed and fear. It is the small beginnings of a spiritual approach to life and work. And it is long overdue. There’s No Business Like Soul Business, applies this shift to the entertainment industry. It is an approach to merge life and work with helpful exercises to build the way. As a writer of consciousness-raising films in Hollywood, I applaud this manual and hope for more that are intent on writing and selling their scripts without selling their souls. To learn more, visit Derek’s great site.

1. The DO Unbuntu Bracelet is crafted by women living with AIDS in South Africa’s Eastern Cape — one of the country’s poorest regions with an unemployment rate of 70%. The Unbuntu Bracelet campaign has given this community an opportunity to generate a sustainable income. The income will help these women care for themselves and their children, preventing more orphans. This campaign was started by Louise Hogarth whose documentary, Angels in the Dust, tells the story of these mothers and children in need and a well to do white couple who gave up their comfortable lifestyle to create an orphanage and school for the children. You can order one or more bracelets and learn more about the documentary at www.doactnow.org

2. Fasting.com is the home of the best designed fasting program I’ve found and as a gift, this could be one of the more unusual, but also one of the best since it directly contributes to health. At one point in my life I inhaled some toxic fumes from a cleaning fluid that produced some growths in my bladder. My doctor who was the head of Urology at UCLA told me I would need to have a series of operations to remove these growths and that they would probably return again and again. I had two of the painful procedures and decided there had to be a better solution. I fasted for 70 days with Fastmaster, Dennis Paulson, and then waited two years to return for a test and sure enough, no growths. So I am a believer. You can check out his proven program which has helped thousands around the world with no hunger or loss of energy.

3. Kiva.com is an extraordinary online nexus of entrepreneurs with ideas that support their local communities and families and compassionate lenders who want to use a small portion of their charitable giving funds to support others. A lender simply reviews the listings of worthy individuals and decides to lend one or more people a fixed amount. That loan is repaid and the money can then be lent again. As of November, Kiva has facilitated over $100 million in micro loans. You can give to the individuals or give a gift certificate to others so that they can give compliments of you. How cool is that!

4. The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All by Azim Jamal & Harvey McKinnon could have been listed in the book section but I feel its an valuable catalyst that promotes giving and thought it best to place it in this section. The Power of Giving is a practical and visionary guide in which you’ll discover the more you give, the more you have. Simple and easy to use, The Power of Giving provides a wealth of down-to-earth ideas, exercises, and real-life stories that reveal to each reader the unique gifts he or she has to give-including kindness, ideas, advice, attention, hope, and more-and the many ways you can benefit from giving them, from better health to better job prospects.

5. The Gift of Giving is a one-stop website featuring hundreds of organizations you can give to across many categories including animals, arts, celebrity charities, children, disabled, education, the environment, hunger, service and women’s causes.