Brummet's Conscious Blog

:) -- Quote of the Day -- :) "Feeling gratitude & not expressing it is like wrapping a present & not giving it." ~ William Arthur Ward -- Updates -- Okay, the newsletter (Brummet's Monthly) went out yesterday to our list of opt-in readers, offering information about upcoming episodes on the two radio shows and media appearances, and more. If you would like to receive this monthly newsletter (your email will not be used for other purposes) simply go to our website - www.brummet.ca - and click on "contact", let me know from there that you'd like to be on the mailing list for the newsletter. Our myspace site has been recently upgraded with new information and an updated schedule of events as well. Check out the "Comments" section on the main page of the myspace site and also the Blog there - which offers a glance at the upcoming schedule one week at a glance. Finally, I've just completed most of the upgrades to our Book Tour site - w...

-- Eco-Event ! -- Jan 31 - Feb 2: Climate Summit in Canberra, Australia - www.climatesummit.org.au -- Quote of the Day -- “When I began to have a more open relationship with my employees and I understood I have the opportunity to manage holistically, I can manage to the whole person. Which includes whatever the energies are that you bring to the workplace. Understanding that we can tell people to leave your emotions at the door and whatever your personal problems are – but that doesn’t happen. …Creating an environment that allows people to grow; I now have an opportunity to create a whole person who is not leaving the workplace stressed – who now is in a better position to parent, who now is in a better position to contribute to the community. …When I hear business who want to manage with negative energy (harassment, restriction, dictatorship management mentality) it is actually counterproductive to where you want to be. …All organizations are energy systems and this is dependant on ...

-- Eco-Resources !! -- * Check out Al Gore’s Repower America project - www.repoweramerica.org - where you will find informative videos & articles, campaigns that Americans can join to add their voice to the millions looking for positive, green change. * In keeping with the interview we had last week with Diane Tegarden regarding desalination technology and Ocean Thermal Energy Technology, I'd like to pass along another fantastic resource about water. http://h2opodcast.com/great.html#dgl This site is run by Barbara Spring , a former guest of the Conscious Discussions talk radio show, has put to gether a couple of educational podcasts about the Great Lakes. Barbara is a teacher, author and speaker – her passion for the water on our planet fuels her daily endeavors. -- Conscious Discussions -- Today’s guest Ali Marsman is the author of 5 published books - Her first 2 books, Heal with Me - and - Our Journey goes On , were quite successful in schools, group homes, shelters and var...

-- Literacy -- Jan 25-31st in most regions across US and Canada are celebrating – National Family Literacy Week (Canada) and National Literacy Action Week (USA) In honor of this, I’d like to remind our listeners that we have featured several literacy experts in the past: Rich Levy and the In-Print Houston Literacy organization based in Houston Texas (USA) on Nov 5, ’07 Lizanne Eastwood of Grand Forks & West Boundary branch of the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy… on Dec 11, 2007 Upcoming discussions on literacy: Feb 24 – Literacy Bridge Org. Feb 26 - Books All Around literacy for youth. To access any of these archived or upcoming interviews simply click on the link located on the right for the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. ...& in keeping with this week of celebrations for literacy I'd like to share this quote with you from one of the interviews that aired on our Conscious Discussions talk radio show: -- Quote of the Day -- “…People don’t realize there are ...

Positive Eco-News was the topic of the Day on Conscious Discussions - Our guest of the day was unable to call in for his interview today so we shared information on how to save money on heating and cooling costs; we also shared some information on how to look at waste as a resource around your home and office. Check it out by clicking on the hyper-linked show title here, or look to the right to find the link for the Conscious Discussions radio show. -- Eco-News -- According to the Japan For Sustainability Newsletter (www.japanfs.org) "...Kyocera Corp. created "green curtains" of plants climbing the outer walls of five factories in Japan. The green curtains of climbing plants, such as morning glory and goya (bitter gourd), absorb carbon dioxide and at the same time help reduce the need for air conditioning by providing a cool covering of the buildings and keeping the heat of the summer sun out. Thanks to the shady green curtains, the factories rarely needed to use the a...

-- Authors Read Radio -- Do you remember that special time with your grandfather or grandmother: the walks, the talks, the bonding between child & grandparent? Nine-year-old Brylee & her grandfather had special times each Sunday together as they bonded while exploring the outdoors & discovering the secrets of nature. - The author, Tommy Batchelor was born & raised in Georgia (USA) and after a career in the US Army, he is now exploring the world of writing more seriously. According to Tommy’s site he started writing years ago for himself and his family but when he wrote Sunday's With Papa T, he said let's give this one a shot! With the help of a excellent illustrator, Ted Clements, this book came alive!! Come on over to the Authors Read radio show to hear this author share and excerpt from his book: Sunday’s with Papa T. Simply click on the hyper-linked show title (above) or look to the right for a link to the show. -- Announcement -- Start At the Beginnin...

-- Quote of the Day -- "Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." ~ Hans Christian Anderson -- Authors Read -- Children's author Darcie Mae is joining us today to read from her book, Sammy & Robert's Animal Adventures. Darcie Mae has been writing children's stories since 2001. She has completed The Peablys series - which includes 6 books, as well as other children's stories. Some of our listners may remember Darcie appearing as a featured guest on Authors Read in the past to share excerpts of Mother Mouse and the first installment of the Sammy and Robert series on Oct 10th & Nov 10, 2008. So if you enjoy today's episode, I encourage you to check out the archives to catch these other segments highlighting today's featured guest. Today, we have the pleasure of hearing Darcie Mae read from: Sammy & Robert’s Animal Adventures. To access today's episode of Authors Read , simply click on the hyper-lin...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…It takes quite some time to write the book… and over time as you get more feedback you start seeing what you need to do with the book. …When we start out, we are very nervous of putting our work out… and it stings to get comments or rejections, but you learn to have a thick hide – you must have as an author. I learned to listen – my way was not always the right way… and I started going to writer’s courses. …it is hard for a lot of people, me included, to keep getting rejection but in time you learn to accept it and you keep going…” ~ Barbara Quinn 06/19/08 This interview with Barbara aired on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show on June 19, 2008. In this discussion we discovered what it takes to run a writer's support organization like the "Rose & Thorne" We discussed the ezine, their various programs and supportive efforts for writers, the publication opportunity for authors and poets that is offered here and much more. Barbara gave s...

-- First Chapter Project -- ...a site owned & operated by Marti Talbot that "lets you read the first chapter before you buy a book" - Lillian & Dave's three books are listed here; click on the titles: Trash Talk, Towards Understanding, or Purple Snowflake Marketing to view the 1st chapter of each of these books - http://sites.google.com/site/firstchapterproject -- Conscious Discussions -- Desalination Plants, Answer to Water Woes? - Diane Tegarden is returning to Conscious Discussions to discuss her passions for alternative power, specifically her knowledge of desalination technology, which removes the salt from seawater. According to our guest today, this technology could very well be the answer to future water issues. To access today's interview - which airs live at 10 AM Pacific - click on the hyper-linked show title in today's blog post or look to your right for the link to the show. Today's episode will be archived indefinitely so you can refer o...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…Helping parents develop resumes (or child activity briefs) with their children - number one it praises your child’s talents, their gifts – their abilities; it affirms them. It lets …mom and dad, auntie and uncle, grandma and grandpa say ‘hey what you do is important to us; we know it is important to you. It is important to us to document what you do.’ …It assists in their growth in development. Another thing this can do for them is boost their self-esteem… letting them know that what they do has some worth… and another thing is that is shows others that your child is more than what their academic report card says they are; how well balanced he or she is outside of that academic arena…” ~ Kris Manley 07/31/08 To access the interview that this quote was taken from, visit the Conscious Discussions talk radio show via the hyper-linked show title or via the link on your right, and look for July 31, 2008 - The interview with Kris Manley will certainly empower y...

-- Conscious Discussions -- Jim Greenwood, a former journalist, pilot and aviation executive, has held top management positions in the federal government, as well as in the aircraft manufacturing and operating industries. Jim is an award-winning author, with four books and numerous magazine articles, mostly on aviation topics. Today we are discussing Jim’s experience caring for his wife for the 13 years that she endured Alzheimer's disease. Learn practical, useful advice on how to provide care for anyone suffering from dementia. To access today's interview click on the hyperlinked show title or click on the link located on your right for the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. --Eco-Resource-- One of our former featured guests on CD contacted me to share information about a wonderful site he is a part of: Change.org… this is a social activist network where you can learn about causes, connect to like-minded people and nonprofit organizations and learn how to take proactive a...

-- Authors Read -- Ty Schwamberger and I originally met on a writer’s forum where he sent a brief query our way regarding his horror novel - Night School. According to his website, he has enjoyed writing, reading and watching scary tales since childhood. He currently resides in Ohio with his wife and daughter. To hear today's featured author on the Authors Read radio show simply click on the hyper-linked show title here in the blog or click on the link for the program located on the right of this blog. -- Quote of the Day -- "In the past 3 years (1991-94) 950 varieties of vegetables have become extinct and of the survivors 74% - or almost 4,000 varieties - are endangered." ~ Ann Rodes article: 'The Seed Savers', Canadian Gardening Magazine As individual back yard gardeners we can choose to order from seed suppliers that focus on rare or endangered varieties - or at least those that are open-pollinated. Heritage and Heirloom seed organizations exist for each count...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…as long as an e-book is selling fairly well, I will go back once a year and review it. I also have a proofreader and bless her heart she has seen a lot of stuff. I will update a book once a year and send it to her… we try to weed out the old links that are no longer operating and put in the new material that we found about once a year in our e-books.” ~ Hope Clark 06/05/08 During this interview with Hope Clark on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show on funds for writers, Hope mentioned one of the main benefits of today's electronic publishing is that the author has much more control on the material - the ability to keep the information updated. To find this interview, simply click on the hyper-linked show title here in today's post or look to the right for a link to the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. * Hope Clark's interview aired on June 5, 2008. -- Authors Read -- Interestingly I’ve been getting a lot of guest query applications a...

Whew what a busy day it has been - here it is 7 PM and I am only now able to get here and manage the blog. I do apologize for that - I know most of you are used to me being here before noon ! -- Quote of the Day -- “If peace is what every government says it seeks, and peace is the yearning of every heart, why aren’t we studying it and teaching it in schools?” ~Colman McCarthy -- Authors Read -- Authors Read radio show featured C.L. Talmadge earlier today - the author of the Green Stone of Healing series, an epic fantasy that is filled with romance, action, and intrigue. To hear the archive of today's featured author sharing an excerpt from the 3rd book in this series, The Scorpions Strike, click on the hyper-linked show title here in this blog post or look to the right of this page where you will find a link to the Authors Read radio show. -- Ideas & Tips for concerned individuals looking to create positive change-- - Old towels and old rugs can be donated to the local anim...

-- Quote of the Day -- “When successful and confident a person relaxes a little and enjoys his life and in this way he becomes vulnerable. When successful he fears losing his position of power. When confident he fears losing control. When relaxing he fears the necessity of returning to work. Alternatively those who are unsuccessful have little time to relax and live in fear of everything their whole life – Neither can appreciate the moment.” ~ submitted by Joanne Siewert -- Conscious Discussions -- Donald Greco, a former professor from the University of Toledo, was the featured guest of the day on Conscious Discussions talk radio show. Donald joined me in a discussion about ethnic animosity – why it existed, where and why it still exists – how it has changed. Donald’s background is coming from an Irish Italian genetic pool, which the America of that time disliked intensely. He has written a fiction novel with a message about this time in America’s history and how we can apply it to to...

-- Announcement -- Join Lillian on the Quips and Tips for Freelance Writers blog: http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting The blog is a fantastic writer’s resource – I recommend it highly to our listeners who are interested in writing. The official title of the blog is: Quips and Tips For Freelance Writers Blog & my interview there was published on Jan 14th – http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting --Ideas & tips for concerned individuals who are looking to create positive change-- - Reuse soft plastic netting bags, such as onion and orange produce bags, to sort things like pantyhose. - Tablecloths can be sewn to make great curtains. If you can sew a straight hem, you can make simple curtains that slide over a rod. I remember when I was very young, our mom purchased tablecloths from a thrift store and created simple, but very nice kitchen curtains that lasted for years. -- Quote of the Day -- “…Over the last decade there have been numerous strandings of whales and dol...

-- Conscious Discussions -- Join Lillian as she celebrates turning 39 this week, on the most recent Positive Eco-news segment of the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. Discover her passions for making a difference in the world and her solid belief that we all have value in life. Does WASTE have VALUE? What the heck is FREE-CYCLE anyway? How can you break the WINTER BLUES and teach your children that they are heroes, no matter their stature or age. Find all of this on today's Conscious Discussions broadcast; the archive is available any time of the day for your convenience. Simply click on the hyper-linked show title here in the blog - or click on the link you'll find on your right. * My schedule will definitely be lifted enough to be back to "normal" by the end of the week. I appreciate everyone's patience for this last week and allowing me extra time to respond to their messages while I deal with an overloaded schedule. Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, exc...

-- Authors Read -- Joan Gelfand’s work has been published in over fifty national and regional publications. Currently, Joan works as an arts administrator, organizing panels and readings at colleges and writer’s conferences around the Bay Area. She has authored 2 published books of poetry – Earlier on Nov 14th we had the pleasure of hearing Joan read an excerpt from the first of these books: “Seeking Center” – which you can find in our archives here at the Authors Read website. Now, I do want to let you know that Joan appeared on the Consicous Discussions talk radio show on Jan 6, 2009 – you can find out more about that radio show at www.brummet.ca Today, Joan read from “A Dreamers Guide to Cities & Streams”. To access Joan's reading click on the hyper-linked show title here in this post or click on the link we have for Authors Read on the right hand side of this blog. -- Quote of the Day -- “ …Writing is very difficult, it is an extraordinarily complex task that demands ev...

-- Eco Resources -- www.takebackthelight.ca - the first comprehensive fluorescent lamp recycling program in Ontario - Canada. Working with sellers and consumers they hope to recycle the 30 million fluorescent lights disposed of annually from the industrial, commercial and institutional sector. Ontario resident consumption of fluorescent lighting accounts for 312kgs of mercury annually, polluting our air, water and soil. 98% of the materials in each lamp is recycled including glass, aluminum, mercury and phosphorus. www.calltorecycle.org - Recycling used rechargeable batteries and cell phones. -- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio -- Today on Conscious Discussions talk radio show, I have put together a special episode where I'll be sharing positive eco-news. Join me live at 10 AM (pacific) or catch the archive by clicking on the hyper-linked show title here in today's blog post or look to the right of the screen for the link that will also take you to the site. Just click on PLA...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…the first thing (to overcome traumatic events in life) is that you have to be allowed to go through the grieving process. …At the end of the process you can either decide to be a victim and to go around the rest of your life being ‘the mother who lost her child ‘– or you can say ‘What can I find here’ ‘What can I see here? What can I do that is positive, that will change the energy and can honor my child’s life?’ …otherwise you walk around with this hole…” ~ Therese Tappouni 05/01/08 This quote was taken from an interview on the Conscious Discussions radio show with Therese Tappouni that focused on overcoming traumatic events in life. I chose this quote to partner with today's guest on Authors Read (see below). To find this archived interview with Therese Tappouni - simply click on the hyper-linked show title here in the blog or look to the right for the link to the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. -- Authors Read -- Today’s guest, Grace Heywar...

-- Authors Read -- Marlene Caroselli is the award-winning author of 55 business books and is an international keynote speaker and corporate trainer. Our regular listeners may recall that Marlene joined us here on Authors Read in August 18 & Sept 26th (2008) to read excerpts of two short stories from one of her books "The Argument" & you can find these archives listed on the right hand side of the Authors Read website. Marlene shared a humorous short story, titled "Fix Your Own Supper!"with us today. To access this archived author's reading simply click on the hyper-linked show title here in today's post or look to the right of this site for a link to the Authors Read radio show. -- Quote of the Day -- “…If you are the kind of person that is still wondering what you want to be when you grow up and you are 50 (she laughs), I would say to mix it up a little bit; major in reality – minor in dreams; do something every day that scares you. …We expect that...

-- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio -- Today we had the honor of having Amy Blackburn as the featured guest of the day on the Conscious Discussions show to discuss her incredibly touching experiences as a caregiver to a woman who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. We learned about the role of a caregiver and how caregiving can involve many people. We discovered what a caregiver finds is expected of them when a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic and terminal disorder or disease. Amy shared advice on how to support the patient, the medical staff and the caregiver. We also learned a little about breast cancer along the way. To access this hour long interview click on the hyper-linked show title here in today's blog post or look to the right where we have a link for the Conscious Discussions show available for you. -- Quote of the Day -- “(people)… no matter where they live, they have an impact on ocean health because the water in local ponds, streams, creeks, rivers and ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “…Most people find that there is one thing that they spend most of their time on is rooted to something in their youth …a lasting impression. So when you talk about standing up and being that hero …it is really all kinds of steps that we do, and the effect that we have on children of all ages …is somehow implanted in their mind and what they may be able to later do to be great heroes. …” ~ Cindy Katz 08/14/08 The quote above was excerpted from an interview with Cindy on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show on August 14, 2008 . Access the archived interview by clicking on the hyper-linked show title here in the blog or look to the right where there is another link for the show. -- "Trash Talk’s Best Tip Picks for 2005" -- The article excerpt that I'm sharing with you today was originally titled "Trash Talk’s Best Tip Picks for 2005" - Let me explain this first. Back in 2004 & 2005 we had an online website service called "Tip ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “It’s not enough merely to exist. It’s not enough to say, ‘I’m earning enough to live and support my family. I do my work well. I am a good father. I’m a good husband. I’m a good churchgoer.’ That’s all very well, but you must do something more. Seek always to do some good somewhere. …even if it’s a little thing, do something for those who have need of a man’s help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.” ~ Albert Schwitzer -- Conscious Discussions -- - Today: Jan 6 - Hope, Violence & Environment with Poetry - Joan Gelfand was our featured guest of the day - Her work has been published in over 50 national and regional publications. She currently works as an arts administrator, organizing panels and readings at colleges and writer’s conferences around the Bay Area of California (USA). She has authored 2 published books of poetry. We discussed writing poetry for one's self as opposed to writing for an audience, the differences be...

--Eco-Resources-- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs : "To secure a healthy environment in which we and future generations can prosper". www.defra.gov.uk Lets Recycle brings you a daily news service, a directory, price indicators, clubrecycle, newsletters and more. www.letsrecycle.com -- Authors Read -- First time author, Vernelle Nelson, uses down to earth everyday language to help guide readers to inner peace, balance & self confidence. Vernelle resides in Southern Florida – her experiences range from teacher to head of On-Air Promotions at National Public Radio headquarters, radio disc jockey, as well as being a television & radio producer. She has published poetry, human-interest stories & news articles in the past. Vernelle was featured today on the Authors Read radio show to read from her debut non-fiction self-help book: Favorable Conditions. The author tells me that the book is a great tool for individuals as well as classes & home s...

-- Just Read a Novel Month -- Did you know that January is a writer's haven? Not only are the winter months more conducive to the task of writing, this is also a time when many people are increasing their reading habits while enjoying the comfort and warmth of the indoors. Libraries and bookstores will notice an increase of traffic during the cold season and many writing events are traditionally held around this time of year. In fact, January is "Just Read a Novel Month", the goal being to encourage people to read one novel during the month of January. I did some research online on this interesting concept, apparently only novels count (memoirs, short stories, essays, poetry, non-fiction... do not count) and it must be something you have not read before - and it must be read within the 31 days in January. This is a great opportunity for writer's groups of all sizes, ages and varieties to consider participating in. Many have taken this concept to heart and are now end...

-- Xmas Excess Getting You Down? ...What to do with those electronics you no longer use -- According to the Recycling Product News Magazine’s Oct 2008 issue (www.baumpub.com): The United Nations pegs the total amount of e-waste generated globally between 20-40 million tones annually. Thankfully recycling programs are slowly sprouting up and their successes are inspiring countries across the globe. In Canada we are responsible for about 160,000 tones of e-waste annually and that is expected to grow another 30% by 2010. In some areas, handling fees are used to process the items either upon taking it in for recycling or upon purchase – depending on the region. Now many of you have heard me discuss the aspects of Urban Mining and the valuable components that are hidden inside electronics. Today I’d like to touch on plastics. Now the Recycling Product News Magazine, who I mentioned earlier, states that there are several different types of plastics being used for each item – to further compl...

-- Conscious Discussions -- This morning's Conscious Discussions broadcast (Jan 1) was another Positive Eco-News segment, where I shared inspiring environmental news, new technologies & positive actions being embraced by communities around the globe ! 2 more Positive Eco-News segments are scheduled in January (11 & 25th) :) Find the Conscious Discussions show by clicking on the hyper-linked show title here in this blog or click on the link to the right of this page for that radio program. -- Quote of the Day -- “…We thought another way to teach people (to live with loss and die with dignity) was to write a book about (cancer). Because we were both professors of communication we were very open about it. …She had a bald head and would walk into her classes and smile! …We taught our students more that year than in the previous 20 years of teaching. …What you need is support – even just an email to say they are thinking about you. …Some people would come over and want to do...