Showing results by narrator "Jim D Johnston" in All Categories

It may be human nature to strive for perfection, but flaws and imperfections can bring character and create unique, unrivaled beauty in a league of its own. Old scars, burns, pockmarks, and other so-called blemishes of the like serve as reminders of disasters and adversities one has survived, no matter how grave or trivial.

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia, founded nearly 3,000 years ago. The legendary city was the capital of the Sogdians, a trading people who facilitated the spread of commodities, religions, technologies, and ideas across the Silk Road between China and the rest of Eurasia. Samarkand was a key site along the ancient Silk Road, a place where a number of world cultures from the East and the West met and assimilated.

Of all the great cities in the world, few personify their country like New York City. As America's largest city and best known immigration gateway into the country, NYC represents the beauty, diversity, and sheer strength of the United States, a global financial center that has enticed people chasing the "American Dream" for centuries.

War has always led to prisoners. In ancient times, many were turned into slaves by the victorious armies, while in medieval Europe, they were often returned to their families in return for a ransom, leading to fortune or poverty depending upon which side one was on. By the Napoleonic era, as armies grew in size and professionalism, many were kept in camps for the duration of the fighting, their captors not wanting to restore their enemies' manpower while the fate of nations hung in the balance.

The world we live in is, sadly, one where we feel the need to validate our origins and identity in all the wrong ways. There is now a call for radical change in racist mindsets. It's easy to assume that the only racists to be wary of are those who are outspoken and demonstrate their hatred openly and violently. But what about the not-so-obvious instances of racism?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, notwithstanding its merits as a feat of exploration, was also the first tentative claim on the vast interior and the western seaboard of North America by the United States. It set in motion the great movement west that began almost immediately with the first commercial overland expedition funded by John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company and would continue with the establishment of the Oregon Trail and California Trail. That quest would reach its ultimate expression ...when the last spike was driven into the Union Pacific Railroad.

Ted Geisel: Few Americans are familiar with that name, but as kids, everyone comes across the books he wrote under the famous pseudonym Dr. Seuss. Initially, readers knew Dr. Seuss as a World War II political cartoonist (if at all), and his first attempt at a children's book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street", was rejected over two dozen times by publishers. It was not until the 1950s that Dr. Seuss began publishing some of his most famous and revered titles, including "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Are you tired of looking around, wondering why others are more accomplished than you are? What makes them different from you? Do you want to improve your life, become debt-free, and learn how to freelance using your skills and passions? Then this book is for you! The Hustler's Mindset will lead you precisely where you need to be and unlock that hidden inner power to become your best self.

Although Russia has long been considered part of Europe, it has always had a culture so distinct and a history so different that it is still foreign to Western Europe in many ways. Naturally, this sense of otherness has lent an aura of intrigue and mystique to Russia as people have struggled to understand it. Over the long course of Russian history, perhaps no aspect of the giant country has generated interest quite like Siberia, the easternmost part of Russia that lies in Asia.

Divine Encounters is a collection of inspirational short stories with the full intention of drawing you closer to God, as you discover life and some of its solutions through the characters as their stories unfold before you. Feelings of joy, heartache, amusement, fear, forgiveness and grace are but a few of the emotions captured in the stories.

War has always led to prisoners. In ancient times, many were turned into slaves by the victorious armies, while in medieval Europe, they were often returned to their families in return for a ransom, leading to fortune or poverty depending upon which side one was on. By the Napoleonic era, as armies grew in size and professionalism, many were kept in camps for the duration of the fighting, their captors not wanting to restore their enemies' manpower while the fate of nations hung in the balance.

A short collection of dark poetry about the horrors of war, political folly, nature, the vagaries of life, and twisted introspection.

While the age of the mythical, ethereal musician fades with each new generation, Johnny Cash resided in American culture for more than 40 years as a folk legend. Steeped in the gospel, his tale always had the qualities of prophecy and retribution. Some remember Cash as a slack-jawed ballad master who took on issues like civil rights, sovereignty, and social justice. Others recall his youth as a folk outcast who sang the lord’s music during the day and trashed hotel rooms at night. No matter which way you take it, Cash defined the word enigma.

With a straightforward and down-to-earth introduction to the fascinating world of mobile homes, this complete handbook offers you an easy-to-digest approach to investing in your first mobile home. Ranging from firsthand insights and anecdotes to practical advice on buying, selling, renting, and flipping a wide variety of mobile homes, Mobile Home Investing for Beginners reveals how you can tap into this lucrative market and use it to achieve financial security. This guide will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to begin investing in mobile homes like an expert.

Why can't they just leave Christmas alone? Kris Kringle left behind his mercenary life to atone and accept the responsibility of delivering presents to the children each year. The children will smile on Christmas morning at all costs. Someone has set a trap for Kris Kringle - but the problem is, Kris is willing to go anywhere to get those gifts to the children. Including to his dark place. Be careful, world. You don’t want to piss off Saint Nick.

On Islam and American Democracy is an articulation of Imam Mohammed’s commentary on why America and its ideal of democracy is the best place in the world today for Muslims to live out the ideals and principles of Islamic democracy as outlined in the holy book of Islam, the Qur’an, and the life and example of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed, who lived a little more than 1,400 years ago.

Celebrants of the first Independence Day took little time to ponder the status of equality between the races. Primarily, their attention was taken up with the overthrow of a foreign colonial power, one not accomplished through the will of an overwhelming majority. The bold move shaped by colonial legislators and promoted to the colonies by the founding fathers represented a first-of-its kind emancipation, as no European colony had so completely faced down its mother country in a test of wills.

It’s the mid-1800s, and William Chestnut is thrown into an epic adventure that leads to betrayal, epidemic plague, Indian aggression, and a city on fire. What could go wrong? As he raises his family amidst the St. Louis Saints, William struggles to forgive those who have wronged him.

Attention residential contractors. Ever wonder how to get as many leads and sales as possible from your website? This book is for you. This is the ultimate guide on how residential contractors can make more money with their business by using a smart online presence. You'll find out secrets like how to build an effective lead-generating website, get listed on search engines to start driving leads to your website, and more!

Caring for young children is one of the most challenging tasks a parent will ever face. No matter how much you love your child, there will be moments filled with frustration, anger and even desperation. Over the years the amazing effective strategies of Positive Discipline has helped to raise happy, well-behaved, and successful children. This book will teach you the needed techniques for your children to develop the life and social skills you hope for them...such as respect, problem-solving abilities, and self-discipline.