PUBLISHED WORKS
Details of the following published books written by local authors can be read below and purchased as mentioned.
Details of the following published books written by local authors can be read below and purchased as mentioned.
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Who's Who in Peachland
The Story of Peachland A Policy Matter Foreseen Demise Words I never Wrote & Other Poems Jennifer's Journey Easy on the Eyes Bird's Eye View Zentrepreneurism 3.0 |
Vi Brown
Don Wigfield Keith Fielding Cindy Fortin Chris J Boyle Susan de Beeson Joy Thomson Elinore Florence Allan Hollender |
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WHO’S WHO IN PEACHLAND by Vi Brown Vi Brown has highlighted Peachland's unique quality through her one-on-one interviews with the many who contribute to this town's heart and vitality. Find out more about the Merchants, the Do-All-agists, the mayor and the Councillors. Books may be ordered by contacting Vi Brown at: vi@vibrown.com PEACHLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE STORY OF PEACHLAND by Don Wigfield The focus of this new book is to tell the story of Peachland’s history in a chronological sequence, something that has not been done previously. Fully indexed and illustrated, and organized by decade, it provides the reader with the means to find out what happened, say, in the 1950’s, or 1960’s, the 1920’s, or any other decade. Another feature of the book is that it has several chapters on what happened here prior the founding of Peachland in 1898. This includes a chapter on the Salish Indians, who travelled this land for centuries prior to the arrival of the Europeans. Another chapter covers the Fur Brigades, which came through this area from 1821 to 1847. Other chapters tell the story of the struggles between the Americans and the British for this part of British Columbia and then the coming of the Canadian Pacific Railway which, together with the launch of the SS Aberdeen, finally opened up this area to settlers from other parts of Canada. This is a book that tells the story of this land and this town from earliest times right up to the present. The book can be purchased from the Peachland Museum. |
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A POLICY MATTER Keith Fielding – Past Mayor of Peachland A Policy Matter available through Amazon This is the revised version of his older first version Justice Delayed. It can be reviewed and purchased online. Not too many Peachlanders are aware that our past mayor is the author of a published novel now available on Amazon.com and Kindle Books. Justice Delayed, Fielding’s first novel is (as recorded on the back cover) a “fast paced, noir thriller [in which] the mean spirited Vice President of Finance at a Toronto pharmaceutical company, resorts to embezzlement and insurance fraud in order to free himself from debts caused by reckless stock market trading. During his increasingly corrupt struggle for survival, he must contend with myriad problems: a marriage in worse shape than his finances; the faulty intuition of Inspector Ogopoulos; a voracious bank executive with the instincts of Cruella; a paranoid golfer bent on revenge; an elusive partner in crime; and, his wife’s annoying talent for evading death. Will justice be served?” “Keith Fielding retired from a public sector career in Human Resource Management and Management Consulting. He has written many newspaper and magazine articles and, to use his own words, ‘ volumes of mind-numbingly boring business reports.’ Justice Delayed was his first novel” and is now revised as A Policy Matter. NOTE: Click on the book cover to read and REVIEW the book online.
Can you change your fate? Peachland Mayor Cindy Fortin’s new suspense thriller FORESEEN DEMISE grapples with that very question. NOTE Click on the book cover to take you to the e-book on Amazon.ca Synopsis: Washington psychiatrist, Dr. Everett Wiess, becomes the unexpected beneficiary of an unorthodox study – a method of uncovering the date and the circumstances of a person’s death. What initially promises to be a breakthrough discovery, with the potential to change the inevitable and extend life, quickly turns into a frightening journey that follows six uniquely different study subjects, who, armed with the knowledge of their deaths, struggle to change their fates. Lurking on the edge of the discovery, a profit-driven insurance corporation with a less than humanitarian interest in the outcome, and a shady new interloper whose actions threaten to tear the Wiess family apart. About the author: C.D. Fortin has been a journalist and fiction writer for more than 20 years, with over 700 local and national articles, and short stories, to her credit. Fortin lives, works and writes from her hometown in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Foreseen Demise is one of four novels she has written. She is also a Councillor of the town of Peachland, where she has served as an elected official for more than 2 1/2 years. The idea for FORESEEN DEMISE first came to her after watching a news story on television. “The devastation of the accident stuck with me for a long time,” she says. “I remember thinking about how quickly a person’s life can change, and how different the lives of the victims and their families would have been had they only had an inkling of the tragedy lurking around the corner.” While FORESEEN DEMISE is primarily meant to entertain and thrill the reader, it was important to Fortin that the ability to predict death did not come off as corny or implausible. “No hocus-pocus, time machines, or animated, self-proclaimed psychics, but rather, a plausible method of uncovering the details of one’s death, with a unique plot twist,” she says. “For several months I researched possible methods of envisioning one’s final day, when I came across a book of true medical accounts of regression therapy, and the hidden information the sessions revealed. It planted the seed of the possibilities in my mind, and FORESEEN DEMISE grew from there.” FORESEEN DEMISE also tackles the concept of Predetermination. Does a person have the ability to change his or her fate, or is life (and ultimately, death) already determined? Despite her many years as a successful freelance journalist, and stint as the editor/reporter of the local newspaper: “Fiction writing has always been my true love,” she says. Fortin won her first award for short story writing when she was just 10 years-old, penning her first novel not long afterwards. “I wrote my first book when I was just a young girl. It was around the time Very Special People came out, telling stories of people with disabilities and abnormalities, and how they strove to overcome them. My first fictional book was unusual. It was about a pair of conjoined twins and the adversity they faced while growing up. I don’t know what happened to that book, scribbled on yellow notepaper by a child many years ago. Perhaps somebody found it hidden in the shelving in the basement several years later,” she laughs. As an adult, FORESEEN DEMISE is one of four books she’s written, and the first one she’s made available to the public. She is currently working on a sequel entitled: The Pender Procedure. Fortin explains the decision to distribute FORESEEN DEMISE as an ebook, before releasing a hard copy edition: “I, personally, love to hold a traditional book in my hands. But ebooks have become tremendously popular and are the reality of the future. For the first time, in 2012, Amazon sold more ebooks than print.” When asked if she ever plans to write a book on small town politics, Fortin doesn’t count out the possibility, but jokes: “I’m not sure if people are ready for that yet. It may be scarier than fiction.” FORESEEN DEMISE can be found online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble (Nook), Apple ibooks, Kobo, Baker & Taylor, Gardners Book, Scribd, PagePusher, and Copia. NOTE: Click on the book cover to take you to the e-book on Amazon.ca For more information: Cell: 250.212.9416 Email: CDFortin.novelist@gmail.com Twitter: CD Fortin @CinDFortin WORDS I NEVER WROTE AND OTHER POEMS by CHRIS J. BOYLE Peachland poet, Chris J. Boyle, First book of poems Words I Never Wrote and Other Poems “spans forty plus years of the author’s lifetime and presents a number of different subjects from alternative points of view. Subjects range from Christ’s Via Dolorosa and death, to spawning salmon, to domestic dispute, to love poems. Intended as a book to sample from time to time, not as a one-time read. Born and educated in England, C. John Boyle worked variously as a costing clerk for a division of Rolls Royce, as window dresser and salesman for a large retail home furnishing chain store, and finally as an educator, before emigrating to Canada in the late sixties. In Canada he continued to teach and completed his Undergraduate degree at UBC and, subsequently, his Master’s degree at the University of Victoria. With three children and four grandchildren, he now enjoys his writing, renovating and retirement in the Okanagan Valley of BC with his wife and dog.” Copyright material Permission has been granted by the author to print this material on this website only. I say … Son of Alphaeus, Write this down:I say You there …. Do you know where he will stay? I would converse, no, ask of him, Even though a stranger from a foreign land, some favour. Trails are weary and the dust cloys, grief clogs the eyes and throat, making converse difficult.They tell me he is dying And will not make the ides. We will not be too far if we leave now … If we leave now, Aching though our bones with travel, we could see him once again before he dies but I must ask just once Before I go.Sir, I ask, perhaps, as father for a child, as master for his well-loved slave: Let health be there. They say you do not need to see nor touch but that others are made so.I cannot ask you come: the way is hard and long. My home is pagan rude and rough, And the gods, though kind, seem deaf. I am not worthy of your head beneath my roof But my tears tell truly all my hope is you. I cannot ask you come.I know you by what I hear and your word is all I ask –I am not worthy of your presence in my home a word, sir – Your word – is all I ask because I know even my gods must obey. Chris J. Boyle Page 18 (From Words I Wrote and Other Poems) Waldegrave Arms Caught the bus to Teddington – what a fuss! Sat on seat still warm from other’s bum. Pretty girl caught my eye (Sidelong glances – oh so sly!) Stand to leave when Waldy looms, still marvelling at obvious charms so clearly on display – she smiles and crosses fishnet thigh inviting chatter – what could it matter? Getting off? What a pity I could show you all the City, take you round the world – Tarzan swing off the pole, bus and bird retreating now Standing stupid on the path What was the last she’d said? – Prurient visions in my head – Stumped, like in cricket – She’d love to punch my ticket! Chase the bus! NOTE: Read another of his writings from the book by clicking on the book cover which will take you to Trafford Publishing and the website page. Words I Never Wrote and Other Poems retails for $16.95 plus tax. However, the author has a limited number of copies of this book for purchase at the special price of $15 total. Email to order: chrisjb@shaw.ca The book can also be ordered online for the retail price of US$16.95 plus tax and shipping from Trafford Publishing. Dragon’s Lair Teas in West Kelowna has a limited number of copies at the retail price. NOTE: Chris Boyle will be pleased to autograph this first edition of his book of poems upon purchase. |
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At the time a Peachland resident, novelist Susan DeBeeson offered autographs for her first novel, Jennifer’s Journey, at a booksigning ceremony at Peachland’s Little Schoolhouse on Sunday, July 11, 2007. The event was held in conjunction with Christopher Byrd’s photographic exhibition Home & Far Afield. This is DeBeeson's second in the "Jennifer" series. Jennifer Hanson Brown is recovering in a Seattle hospital from a cruel attack by Lennard, her estranged husband. Brent Sullivan, the young cop who saved Jennifer’s life, will discover an evil network of drugs and human trafficking, headed by The Boss. Lennard, driven by hatred to kill Jennifer, hopes to expand his criminal career. Will Sam Brown’s desire to meet his bio-father, Lennard, be fulfilled? Marissa MacPherson enters Sam’s life and he’s falling in love with her. Then disaster strikes their relationship. Michael Hanson is in Children’s Hospital, being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s. Depression indicates PTSS. Though under the Henderson’s loving care, he is terrified by nightmares of Lennard trying to kill him. Sonja Sigurdsen and her neighbor, Sylvia Ford, help Grandma Jones, an octogenarian whose health is failing. Sonja’s father Sven, hides mini-strokes from his daughter’s watchful eye until “the big one”. Finding peace, Jennifer still fears being stalked, not knowing the worst -- The Boss wants her taken out. Will she be found by the gang’s assassin? Jennifer is learning to deal with her fears and painful recovery. Then the gang’s assassin stalks her and shoots… Susan DeBeeson has come in contact with many “Jennifers” in the course of 33 years as a pastor’s wife. She was born in Seattle, Washington. She and husband, Max, raised 3 children and ministered in churches in the United States, Nepal, and Canada. Susan has written poetry, articles, short stories, and now the second novel in the Journey Series. The passion to write the Jennifer story came out of working with hurting families and wanting to encourage others to befriend and help them. EASY ON THE EYES by Peachlander Joy Thompson Review: What makes this book unique? Joy Thompson’s book, “Easy on the Eyes … a fresh look at vision” can be described as a book of inspiring possibilities. Most people are unaware that there is a healthy and natural alternative to improving eyesight. Joy outlines important steps each person should be taking to guard the health of their eyes to see as clearly as possible, naturally, and at any age. Joy’s knowledge and passion for the subject shine through, as she describes her journey with clients who moved from blurriness to clarity, from despair to delight. Her stories make the book engaging and personal while providing the reader with exercises and tips to use to begin their own journey to clearer vision. There is simply no other book quite like it. This is a health book for the eyes and the heart! “A truly visionary book. It is profoundly inspiring, well researched and eloquently written. It provides a phenomenally innovative and healthy way of seeing, feeling and thinking about our eyes.” — Dr. Hugo de Burgos, Professor of Medical Anthropology, UBC, Okanagan About the author: Joy Thompson has been teaching Natural Vision Education methods for 18 years, since improving her own eyesight in 1996. She is passionate about helping people to see better, feel better, and live healthier lives by improving the health and functioning of their eyes. Thompson works with individuals, leads seminars and workshops, and speaks and writes on this fascinating subject. She is co-founder of the Canadian Association of Vision Educators, and is now at home in Peachland, British Columbia. www.seeclearlynaturally.com www.canadianvisioneducators.com Excerpt: To download and read an excerpt from the book please click on the following link: PDF format Easy on the Eyes is now available from our publisher, Friesen Press: http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000010948442/Joy-Thompson-Easy-on-the-Eyes Also … available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo and many other online sellers, and will be popping up in bookstores and health shops all around B.C. very soon. One other option … Joy has copies right here in Peachland … just contact us at see_joy@hotmail.com and place “book order” in the subject line, and we’ll arrange to get one to you!
The author of an exciting new wartime novel called Bird’s Eye View presented a highly-entertaining talk and slide show of vintage photographs at the Restored Yellow School House Gallery in Peachland at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Bird’s Eye View is the only novel ever written featuring a Canadian woman in uniform as the main character. It tells the story of Rose Jolliffe, a young woman from Saskatchewan whose hometown becomes an air training base. Fired with patriotism, she joins the Royal Canadian Air Force herself – one of 50,000 Canadian women who enlisted to support the fighting men. Rose travels overseas and becomes an interpreter of aerial photographs, spying on the enemy from the sky, searching out camouflaged bomb targets on the continent. Author Elinor Florence of Invermere, B.C. grew up on a former wartime airfield near North Battleford, Saskatchewan, worked for newspapers in all four western provinces, and was a regular contributor to Reader’s Digest. She also owned and published the Columbia Valley Pioneer newspaper in Invermere. Elinor presented a personal account of how she became interested in wartime history, the contribution made by Canadian women, and some of the amazing discoveries made by the aerial photographic interpreters. Her one-hour presentation, jointly sponsored by the Peachland Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library and the Peachland Community Arts Council, was suitable for men, women and older children. It was of particular interest to veterans and their families, history buffs, and anyone interested in a heartwarming Canadian story. Following her presentation, Elinor answered questions and signed copies of her book. Refreshments were served. Bird’s Eye View is published by Dundurn Press of Toronto. It’s available from any bookstore, and as an ebook. Elinor also brought copies of her book to sell at the event. For more information, visit her website at www.elinorflorence.com. |
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Zentrepreneurism Comes to the Okanagan “The people have spoken, we need to change the way the world does business! This new possibility of governments, business, global civil society coming together and co-creating something other than what we’ve co-created this far, doesn’t seem to be working” Allan Holender kicks off Okanagan book tour |
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On the tenth anniversary of the Zentrepreneurism movement he founded, Allan begins an Okanagan Valley book and media tour, starting in West Kelowna on March 23rd. at 6:30 p.m. at the Westbank Public Library with a book talk and signing. On April 9th, he will be at the Mosaic Book Store in downtown Kelowna from 12:00-3:00 p.m. for a book signing. On April 12th Allan will be delivering a book talk at the Penticton Public Library at 6:30 p.m. and a book signing on April16th in the Cherry Hill Shopping Centre at Coles in Penticton. On April 23rd he will be at Chapters in the Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna for a book signing from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and will close out his Okanagan tour at Book Land in Vernon on April 30th.
Zentrepreneurism – A New Manifesto for Business Entrepreneurs, is about making a fundamental shift in the way North America does business, as well as a swing towards a |
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new era of enlightened capitalism , where the chief embezzlement officer is replaced by the chief enlightenment officer. Baby boomers are awakening to the growing prevalence of innovation and altruism that is emerging and how they can incorporate this into their business lives. According to the book, Zentrepreneurism, leading market research companies are predicting that Generation X ers might become the next Zen-ers In this new era for business
“The people have spoken, we need to change the way the world does business! This new possibility of governments, business, global civil society coming together and co-creating something other than what we’ve co-created this far, which doesn’t seem to be working, has inspired a serial entrepreneur to write a book. Allan Holender’s book, Zentrepreneurism reveals the valueless and destructive tendencies of contemporary business while remaining passionately and optimistically committed to the possibility of a better future”. – Amazon
“The people have spoken, we need to change the way the world does business! This new possibility of governments, business, global civil society coming together and co-creating something other than what we’ve co-created this far, which doesn’t seem to be working, has inspired a serial entrepreneur to write a book. Allan Holender’s book, Zentrepreneurism reveals the valueless and destructive tendencies of contemporary business while remaining passionately and optimistically committed to the possibility of a better future”. – Amazon
“In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism I call on all of you to act soberly, in other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential,” Pope Francis 2/25/15
At this stage of history, either one of two things is possible. Either the general population will take control of it’s own destiny. And will concern itself with community interests, guided by values of solidarity and sympathy for others or alternatively, there will be no destiny for anyone to control.” – Noam Chomsky
When the Dalai Lama was asked what surprised him most about humanity, he answered “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived”.
To paraphrase Charles Lewis, founder of the Centre for Public Integrity, local author Allan Holender explains, “We have a situation where we don’t trust our government or our capitalist system, and the level of distrust right now is probably unparalleled since the 1930’s. ” Corporate scandals. point to a model for business that can’t continue along the same lines as it has.” It’s absolutely imperative”, says American activist, author, Chris Hedges, “that we begin to understand what unfettered , unregulated capitalism does , the violence of that system”. “The United States is primed for a rebellion, he argues in his new book, ‘Wages of Rebellion’, in which the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and polemicist examines revolts from 1700s to the ending of apartheid in South Africa, as well as the “sublime madness” that drives the people at the centre of such rebellions. Why is America next?
The current political chaos in America, our closest neighbour and ally, has brought us Donald Trump, a demagogue. In a recent interview with the National Post, Hedges says; “If we don’t reform America, return this country to a level of sanity, it’s going to have a tremendously negative impact on the rest of the world, including Canada.” I covered disintegrating societies like Yugoslavia. I know how they break down; I know what the warning signs are, so it’s familiar. I don’t think at this point there’s much dispute‘
You are witnessing every day the world of business and politics going through dramatic and seismic shifts unheard of in our lifetime. It is conversely a time of re-birth and re-discovery, as many entrepreneurs and business leaders are fulfilling the dream that Allan spoke of in his first book. And it’s not “The American Dream”. That dream has become America’s worst nightmare. His prediction and hope was that “the fusion of one’s personal vision with one’s professional mission, grounded in activism and a a holistic philosophy, will hallmark the next hundred years.”
At this stage of history, either one of two things is possible. Either the general population will take control of it’s own destiny. And will concern itself with community interests, guided by values of solidarity and sympathy for others or alternatively, there will be no destiny for anyone to control.” – Noam Chomsky
When the Dalai Lama was asked what surprised him most about humanity, he answered “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived”.
To paraphrase Charles Lewis, founder of the Centre for Public Integrity, local author Allan Holender explains, “We have a situation where we don’t trust our government or our capitalist system, and the level of distrust right now is probably unparalleled since the 1930’s. ” Corporate scandals. point to a model for business that can’t continue along the same lines as it has.” It’s absolutely imperative”, says American activist, author, Chris Hedges, “that we begin to understand what unfettered , unregulated capitalism does , the violence of that system”. “The United States is primed for a rebellion, he argues in his new book, ‘Wages of Rebellion’, in which the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and polemicist examines revolts from 1700s to the ending of apartheid in South Africa, as well as the “sublime madness” that drives the people at the centre of such rebellions. Why is America next?
The current political chaos in America, our closest neighbour and ally, has brought us Donald Trump, a demagogue. In a recent interview with the National Post, Hedges says; “If we don’t reform America, return this country to a level of sanity, it’s going to have a tremendously negative impact on the rest of the world, including Canada.” I covered disintegrating societies like Yugoslavia. I know how they break down; I know what the warning signs are, so it’s familiar. I don’t think at this point there’s much dispute‘
You are witnessing every day the world of business and politics going through dramatic and seismic shifts unheard of in our lifetime. It is conversely a time of re-birth and re-discovery, as many entrepreneurs and business leaders are fulfilling the dream that Allan spoke of in his first book. And it’s not “The American Dream”. That dream has become America’s worst nightmare. His prediction and hope was that “the fusion of one’s personal vision with one’s professional mission, grounded in activism and a a holistic philosophy, will hallmark the next hundred years.”
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“In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism I call on all of you to act soberly, in other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential,” Pope Francis 2/25/15 At this stage of history, either one of two things is possible. Either the general population will take control of it’s own destiny. And will concern itself with community interests, guided by values of solidarity and sympathy for others or alternatively, there will be no destiny for anyone to control.” – Noam Chomsky When the Dalai Lama was asked what surprised him most about humanity, he answered “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived”. To paraphrase Charles Lewis, founder of the Centre for Public Integrity, local author Allan Holender explains, “We |
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have a situation where we don’t trust our government or our capitalist system, and the level of distrust right now is probably unparalleled since the 1930’s. ” Corporate scandals. point to a model for business that can’t continue along the same lines as it has.” It’s absolutely imperative”, says American activist, author, Chris Hedges, “that we begin to understand what unfettered , unregulated capitalism does , the violence of that system”. “The United States is primed for a rebellion, he argues in his new book, ‘Wages of Rebellion’, in which the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and polemicist examines revolts from 1700s to the ending of apartheid in South Africa, as well as the “sublime madness” that drives the people at the centre of such rebellions. Why is America next?
The current political chaos in America, our closest neighbour and ally, has brought us Donald Trump, a demagogue. In a recent interview with the National Post, Hedges says; “If we don’t reform America, return this country to a level of sanity, it’s going to have a tremendously negative impact on the rest of the world, including Canada.” I covered disintegrating societies like Yugoslavia. I know how they break down; I know what the warning signs are, so it’s familiar. I don’t think at this point there’s much dispute‘
You are witnessing every day the world of business and politics going through dramatic and seismic shifts unheard of in our lifetime. It is conversely a time of re-birth and re-discovery, as many entrepreneurs and business leaders are fulfilling the dream that Allan spoke of in his first book. And it’s not “The American Dream”. That dream has become America’s worst nightmare. His prediction and hope was that “the fusion of one’s personal vision with one’s professional mission, grounded in activism and a a holistic philosophy, will hallmark the next hundred years.”
“I think it's embarrassing when you have a neo-fascist as the public face of your major party, the Republican Party. But it’s a party that’s been captive to big banks and big corporations. It’s been a party that has condoned and permitted xenophobia against precious Mexicans, precious Muslims, gays and lesbians, black people. And you have hawkish foreign policies. When you get all three together, Trump is a culmination. He just happens to have this narcissistic personality out of control, and the media loves it, corporate media, because they make big money on it.”- Dr. Cornel West, American philosopher, academic, author and social activist.
In his best-selling book “The Crash of 2016″– the Plot To Destroy America – and What We can Do To Stop It , Thom Hartmann writes; “As the situation for working people deteriorates, further extremist political parties rise up. Desperate populations flock to racist and nationalistic organizations to place blame on someone or something for their economic plight. “Men will not always die quietly. For starvation, which brings to some , lethargy, and a helpless despair, drives other temperaments to the nervous instability of hysteria and to a mad despair. And those in their districts may overturn the remnants of organization.
Our democracy is dysfunctional . The forces of plutocracy -economic rule by the very wealthy .By 1936 Roosevelt had a name for them; The “Economic Royalty”. Eight years later against a backdrop of World War 11 FDR’s vice president, Henry Wallace, referred to these plutocratic forces as :”Fascists”. Today these forces of the very wealthy,like Donald Trump, are often referred to as the 1 per cent (even though they actually represent a smaller number than the tiny fraction of the top 1 per cent of America’s economy) . Regardless of their name, their rise to power has allways been a harbinger of impending collapse. Their greed makes the war of independence inevitable”.
What can you do to survive and thrive during this catastrophic economic and political chaos? In his book, Zentrepreneurism- A 21st Century Guide to the New World of Business, author, Allan Holender, examines why Western businesses and business people are implementing Eastern philosophies in their search for more meaningful work. He shares the stories of a number of business people who are already doing this, and the impact their new found practices are having on their lives.
The current political chaos in America, our closest neighbour and ally, has brought us Donald Trump, a demagogue. In a recent interview with the National Post, Hedges says; “If we don’t reform America, return this country to a level of sanity, it’s going to have a tremendously negative impact on the rest of the world, including Canada.” I covered disintegrating societies like Yugoslavia. I know how they break down; I know what the warning signs are, so it’s familiar. I don’t think at this point there’s much dispute‘
You are witnessing every day the world of business and politics going through dramatic and seismic shifts unheard of in our lifetime. It is conversely a time of re-birth and re-discovery, as many entrepreneurs and business leaders are fulfilling the dream that Allan spoke of in his first book. And it’s not “The American Dream”. That dream has become America’s worst nightmare. His prediction and hope was that “the fusion of one’s personal vision with one’s professional mission, grounded in activism and a a holistic philosophy, will hallmark the next hundred years.”
“I think it's embarrassing when you have a neo-fascist as the public face of your major party, the Republican Party. But it’s a party that’s been captive to big banks and big corporations. It’s been a party that has condoned and permitted xenophobia against precious Mexicans, precious Muslims, gays and lesbians, black people. And you have hawkish foreign policies. When you get all three together, Trump is a culmination. He just happens to have this narcissistic personality out of control, and the media loves it, corporate media, because they make big money on it.”- Dr. Cornel West, American philosopher, academic, author and social activist.
In his best-selling book “The Crash of 2016″– the Plot To Destroy America – and What We can Do To Stop It , Thom Hartmann writes; “As the situation for working people deteriorates, further extremist political parties rise up. Desperate populations flock to racist and nationalistic organizations to place blame on someone or something for their economic plight. “Men will not always die quietly. For starvation, which brings to some , lethargy, and a helpless despair, drives other temperaments to the nervous instability of hysteria and to a mad despair. And those in their districts may overturn the remnants of organization.
Our democracy is dysfunctional . The forces of plutocracy -economic rule by the very wealthy .By 1936 Roosevelt had a name for them; The “Economic Royalty”. Eight years later against a backdrop of World War 11 FDR’s vice president, Henry Wallace, referred to these plutocratic forces as :”Fascists”. Today these forces of the very wealthy,like Donald Trump, are often referred to as the 1 per cent (even though they actually represent a smaller number than the tiny fraction of the top 1 per cent of America’s economy) . Regardless of their name, their rise to power has allways been a harbinger of impending collapse. Their greed makes the war of independence inevitable”.
What can you do to survive and thrive during this catastrophic economic and political chaos? In his book, Zentrepreneurism- A 21st Century Guide to the New World of Business, author, Allan Holender, examines why Western businesses and business people are implementing Eastern philosophies in their search for more meaningful work. He shares the stories of a number of business people who are already doing this, and the impact their new found practices are having on their lives.
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One of these Zentrepreneurs is Allan’s friend, Arran Stephens , the founder of Natures Path, North Americas largest organic breakfast foods company. “Allan Holender is quite the guy: open seeker, Yiddish jokester, empathetic listener, articulate ethicist—keen and sincere to raise consciousness in the corporate world. To manifest his vision, he has midwifed Zentrepreneurship – to spark and serve a need to develop ethics and spirituality within the mundane and sometimes dirty world of business. He cites many examples of leaders who have incorporated varying measures of ethics and spirit into their entrepreneurial organizations. Zen philosophy and practice evolved many centuries ago. Contemplative in nature and sudden in awakening, Zen has come to mean for many in the West a serene state of awareness, where the great is perceived and realized in the small; where peace comes from within; where wisdom is without words—defying description, when the darkness of ignorance is dispelled by enlightenment. |
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Whether Buddhist, Christian, Jew, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, agnostic, Eastern or Western, anyone can enjoy a “Zen” moment at any time by attuning one’s consciousness to a higher level, by shifting gear, by becoming still and deeply aware. The beauty of meditation practice is that it often spills over into one’s mundane life – even into one’s business enterprise, if thus called upon, enhancing, enriching, inspiring, and affecting the environment for the better. Zentrepreneurship is an excellent and often humorous guide for those wishing to blend entrepreneurship with their higher aspirations, and what better man than Allan Holender to accomplish this! Read the book, and take something of value from it.”
“In his little treasure of a book, Allan Holender, the father of Zenpreneurism, shares his lessons on living a soulful and integrated business and personal life. There are many great business books, but few pack in as much wisdom. Allan supports readers in redefining what real success means from the accumulation of more and more money to identifying and sharing our authentic soul’s calling as well as our love, compassion and gratitude, attracting and welcoming our experiences, and leaving an honourable footprint on the planet.“-Jeff Hutner
“In his little treasure of a book, Allan Holender, the father of Zenpreneurism, shares his lessons on living a soulful and integrated business and personal life. There are many great business books, but few pack in as much wisdom. Allan supports readers in redefining what real success means from the accumulation of more and more money to identifying and sharing our authentic soul’s calling as well as our love, compassion and gratitude, attracting and welcoming our experiences, and leaving an honourable footprint on the planet.“-Jeff Hutner