Books

Guest Post: Literary Must-Haves for Book Lovers

Do you read past your bed time? Find yourself begging, “Just one more chapter!”? Have an emotional break down when your favorite character dies? Then say it loud and say it proud: I LIKE BIG BOOKS AND I CANNOT LIE!  Here is a list of must-have pieces for every literature lover. 1.  Harry Potter Represent your… Read More Guest Post: Literary Must-Haves for Book Lovers

Book Review, Books, Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Review, Young Adult

Book Review: ‘Fairy Tale Reform School: Charmed’, by Jen Calonita

About the author: It’s no secret how Jen Calonita knows the inside scoop on Hollywood. A former entertainment editor at a teen magazine, Jen started out her career chronicling backstage life at concerts with Justin Timberlake and interviewing Zac Efron on film sets. It was her work in the entertainment world that inspired her first… Read More Book Review: ‘Fairy Tale Reform School: Charmed’, by Jen Calonita

Community, Community Building

S.O.S.: Why Looking Out for Hero Isn’t Working

From Harry Potter to Katniss and all Marvel and DC heroes, it seems that our society is attracted to the idea of a hero helping us defeat the forces of evil and leading us into victory, oftentimes at great personal cost. While sacrifice is an important element in overcoming adversity, I question the concept of… Read More S.O.S.: Why Looking Out for Hero Isn’t Working

Marriage, Personal Development, Romance

A Valentine’s Day Special: Applying the Lessons of Romantic Love to Other Relationships

Happy Valentine’s Day! Taking a day to celebrate romantic love is sweet indeed. After all, from romantic love is born a family; romantic love creates a healthy space where children are raised; a healthy family creates a strong family; and a strong family unit contributes to the well-being of society. Rethinking that gift, are you… Read More A Valentine’s Day Special: Applying the Lessons of Romantic Love to Other Relationships

General

Compliments of the Insistent Self

I noticed that a recurrent topic in Baha’i circles is that of compliments. Many have a tough time receiving compliments graciously, that is, with a simple, heartfelt thank you. Instead, we recoil; we shrug, chuckle, and deny the good others see in us – typically, by pointing out something negative about us, shedding light on… Read More Compliments of the Insistent Self

General

From a Whack-A-Mole to a Three-Headed Dog: The Insistent Self is a Tough Beast to Overcome

I have been participating as a tutor in a Ruhi Book 5 study circle for over a month now. The book, Releasing the Power of Junior Youth, is a study in who we would want to be as youth/what kind of youth we would want the junior youth we are serving as animators to become,… Read More From a Whack-A-Mole to a Three-Headed Dog: The Insistent Self is a Tough Beast to Overcome

General

The Curious Case of Being Needed and Being (Easily) Replaceable

I have been a part of the Bahá’í community for a long time, and a curious phenomena has had me intrigued all these years: while the strength of the community is completely dependent on each one of us doing our best, we are, each one of us replaceable. It’s like each one of us is… Read More The Curious Case of Being Needed and Being (Easily) Replaceable

General

Pushing the boundaries: Going beyond the current definition of Edward Cullen-obsession

Remember the insanity that is (was?) Twilight? The release of the fourth book, Breaking Dawn, the release of the first movie in theaters, the lines of screaming girls, the requests to Robert Pattinson to be bitten (he’s going to need therapy if people don’t let go of that one)… It all seems to 2008, doesn’t… Read More Pushing the boundaries: Going beyond the current definition of Edward Cullen-obsession

General

More Obsession with Edward and Harry Obsession: after Fan Fiction here come Fan Reels

OK so it doesn’t sound as snappy as ‘fan fiction’, but more and more fans are turning to short videos to release creativity inspired by current obsession. Twilight Trailer Spoof: Twilight, the cheaper puppet version: And here are a couple of my favourite Potter Puppet Skits Nagini has a weeny Voldemort needs love

General

Harry Potter versus Snape: who was bullying who?

The title of this post is an obvious attempt at grabbing your attention. If you’re reading this, it means it worked. I don’t think we need to talk about who was bullying who when it comes to Harry and Snape, do we? Bullying by teachers is an unfortunate reality, but fortunately enough steps have been… Read More Harry Potter versus Snape: who was bullying who?