You Should Read This History Book Before You Die

I am currently reading A People's History of The United States by Howard Zinn. It is an amazing book. If you only read one history book before you die let it be Howard Zinn's masterpiece. It goes into detail like no other history book I have ever read.  Until reading the book I didn't know that Christopher Columbus captured Indians for slavery, and yet we celebrate Columbus day because many have been misinformed that he discovered America. It paints Christopher Columbus as a ruthless, money hungry, man who loved genocide. 

Interview With Dave The Antique Dealer

This evening I had the opportunity to sit down with my good friend and neighbor Dave Coster. Dave is the owner of Adell's Antiques. He has been in the antique business for years. His shop is in Old Central City at 14th Street West. I encourage you to stop buy and see what a wonderful store it is. You're sure to find something.

What made you want to get started in the antique business? 

"I like dealing with people and I am profit driven but definitely not greedy."

How does someone go about starting a successful business? 

"A successful business of any kind requires knowledge, focus, and follow up. If you don't know your products your perception is going to be distorted." 

How did you get started in the antique business? 

"I used to clean apartments and deliver t.v.s for a man. a couple tenants took off and abandoned everything in their apartment. We had to report to the Sheriff that they were missing and explain the situation before we could auction the contents of the apartment off. After the Sheriff's approval the owner of the apartment complex encouraged me to bid. I bid 15 dollars on the contents of the apartment and won everything for 15$. I have since made contacts and never looked back." 

How do you deal with fads?

"I don't buy too many things that will go out of style quickly, for instance; Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Avon, and telephone insulators." 

How do you determine whether a customer is honest? 

"I go by the customers reputation, their history within the community, and I have them present to me their I.D. I also get the history of the product from them. I learn everyday and always tell the truth no matter what." 

How do you deal with competitors? 

"I welcome them because competition attracts customers." 

Swiss Made Watches

If you buy a watch that says Swiss Made on it you just might have found a treasure. However, there are a few things you need to know before buying that watch that says Swiss Made at your local jewelry or department store. 

Some watches that say Swiss made are made in China and then shipped to North America. The Swiss Made label is permitted to go on the wrist watch if it was made in Switzerland regardless of what kind of parts were used. As sad as it may sound there are some quality watches that are made this way but they're not considered the best of the best. 

Giving

One day I was downtown and a man who looked to be in his early 20's approached me. He said that he wanted money and that he was hungry. I explained to him that I would rather not give him money but I would be delighted to buy him something to eat. He was thrilled. I took him into Five Guys and bought him a burger. He thanked me and said that he would like to take a walk. I agreed and he told me the story of how he became homeless and how his father was verbally abusive and no longer wanted anything to do with him. He then asked if I was a Christian. I explained to him that indeed I was. He then proceeded to tell me that while he was walking downtown a few months or so back he encountered two women and asked them for food. They sarcastically said that they were homeless as well but that they wouldn't buy him food. He said that they were dressed in designer clothes and that they didn't appear to be homeless. He stated that they started talking to him about the Bible and how they were Christians and all this other stuff. I will end with a quote from the Bible. "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?" (Matthew 25:37). The next time someone asks you for something don't turn them away, give them the benefit of the doubt. 

Coming Soon Interview With An Antique Dealer

A good friend and neighbor of mine is an antique dealer and has been for many years. I will be interviewing him on what it takes to run and start a successful business and the joys of owning an antique store. His name is Dave Coster. Dave is the owner of Adell's Antiques on 14th street west in Huntington WV. The atmosphere is friendly and the prices are low.

Top Three Reasons Why I Quit Smoking

I would sit for hours on end smoking cigars, and I can't believe how much money I wasted on them (I would sometimes smoke a cigar a day which would total anywhere from 5-10$ a cigar). If you're ready for some cold hard facts keep reading, what is written below is backed up by the National Cancer Institute along with a statement supported by the National Library of Medicine. I know this article is going to ruffle a lot of feathers but it's worth it. People need to know what harm they're doing to their bodies and how they can stop doing it. I have also provided a link at the bottom of the page for those who feel that they are addicted to nicotine. Though I don't think cigar smoking is a sin I clearly think that it is bad for your health.

1. Cigars are not safer than cigarettes. 

Even if you don't inhale you are exposing your mouth to toxic cancer causing chemicals. Not only are you exposing your mouth to them but you're also exposing your throat and larynx to them as well. Also, cigar smoke puts off more chemicals than cigarette smoke. 

2. Cigars are addictive. 

A single cigar can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes according to the National Library of Medicine. While cigarette smokers mostly get their nicotine from inhaling the smoke into their lungs cigar smokers get it through the lining of their mouth if they do not inhale. I am living proof that they are just as addictive as cigarettes because I used to smoke both, and cigars were even more difficult that cigarettes for me to quit. 

3. Cigars stink. 

I have heard several people say they like the smell of cigars. Then why is it that all your friends said "have you been to the cigar store today?" It was because they made you stink to high heaven. If the smell of carbon monoxide rings your bell then carry on with it. 

Before you walk away from this article hating me please know that I am only trying to help. 

4. Cigars are a waste of money. 

This is one of the most important reasons why I quit smoking. Cigars range in price from 2 dollars a cigar all the way up to 20 dollars or more a stick. I could have done a lot of good with the money that I spent on cigars. I could have fed a homeless person, gave to the local mission, or donated to my church. But what did I do? I burned my money. 

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/tobacco_industry/cigars/#effects 

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cigars-fact-sheet

http://drug.addictionblog.org/can-you-get-addicted-to-cigars/

http://smokefree.gov/

What I Spend Money On

I have a confession to make. I have an obsession with wristwatches. I know I shouldn't spend money on watches but it's what I like to do. Why? I like watches because they are a joy to wear. I like to wear something that time has went into. Especially Swiss made watches because they are mostly made by hand and they reek of craftsmanship and style. There's also a rumor that I collect Japanese made watches. That rumor is true I like them and some of them give the Swiss a run for their money. Here's a quick list of a few watches I own and watches I think you'd enjoy owning as well. To take a look at some of the watches I own click on the links below the titles please. The last one is a Cartier Women's Santos that I purchased for my mother for her birthday. I don't think it's the exact one in the picture but it is similar.

1. Invicta Pro Diver 89260B Automatic Watch. 

  

http://www.amazon.com/Invicta-8926OB-Stainless-Automatic-Bracelet/dp/B000JQFX1G/ref=sr_1_1?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1429544275&sr=1-1&keywords=Pro+Diver

2. Jorg Gray 6500 Series Chronograph

http://www.amazon.com/Jorg-Gray-6500-Chronograph-President/dp/B002C40I18/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1429544343&sr=1-1&keywords=jorg+gray+obama

3. Pulsar Stainless Steel PXF277

http://www.amazon.com/Pulsar-PXF277-Dress-Silver-Tone-Stainless/dp/B001L1RZUU/ref=sr_1_40?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1429544416&sr=1-40&keywords=pulsar+stainless+steel+watch

4. Pulsar PXDA84 Gold Tone Watch

http://www.amazon.com/Pulsar-PXDA84-Gold-Tone-Stainless-Leather/dp/B001L1RZSM/ref=sr_1_16?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1429544492&sr=1-16&keywords=pulsar+leather+watch

5. Cartier Santos W20012C4

http://www.amazon.com/Cartier-Womens-W20012C4-Santos-Stainless/dp/B00280N3KE/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1429544552&sr=1-3&keywords=cartier+santos

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Happiness

In today's society many people think they have to chase after happiness to attain it. They're always looking to buy the latest gadget, the best car, or the 200 dollar pair of sunglasses they spotted their friend wearing. Some of this has to do with the way we interpret happiness. Many individuals read the declaration of independence and think that in Thomas Jefferson's day the word pursuit meant to chase after. This is not true. In Thomas Jefferson's day pursuit meant to practice. We all have the write to practice happiness there's no need to chase after what we can have right in front of us if we only practice it. With a supposedly 70 percent of Americans on prescription drugs, many of them anti depressants, this post couldn't be more relevant. However, I do know what it's liked to be depressed and anxious. I live with anxiety and depression on a day to day basis and take Zoloft to treat my depression. I continue to remind myself each day that all I have to do is practice happiness. I don't have to buy something to be happy or make me happy. I don't have to have a girlfriend to make me happy I just have to practice happiness. So readers my advice to you is that you practice happiness. You can be happy right where you are. Don't listen to the media's prescription on happiness, take it from the Dalai Lamas book, The Art of Happiness. And what does he say the purpose of life is in his famous book? Happiness. 

1. Practice happiness. 

2. Think positive. 

3. Don't dwell on the past. 

4. Seize the day. 

Writing a book and stuff

I am currently working on a book titled Love and Loss and should be available for you to buy in August of 2015.  It is centered around mental illness. The book is fiction. Together we can make it a bestseller!

Green Tea

Tea is said to have originated in Yunnan China when early humans found tea leaves to give them the extra energy they needed to hunt for food. Years later many emperors of china began consuming it. Before you know it in the 17th century the English began drinking tea too. It is a well known fact that green tea can improve your overall health and wellness. I began drinking green tea after quitting smoking to hopefully put up a guard against various cancers and I swear by it that it has contributed something to my efforts to quit smoking. 

Green tea really is amazing for you. It can reduce your risk of lung cancer, clogged arteries, and even protect you against developing Parkinson's disease! Drink green tea. Now the more cups of green tea you drink a day the better your chances of fighting against the above diseases and conditions so slam em down! There are also studies that show that green tea can reduce your risk of a heart attack. 

The Worst Advice I've Ever Heard About Wealth

I've heard some really awful advice when it comes to wealth so here's a few of those pesky little lies.

1. Just keep living paycheck to paycheck and one day the lottery ticket of life will come.

This is absolutely the number one worst thing I've heard about how to get rich. You can't just keep living paycheck to paycheck and expect to get wealthy it just doesn't work folks. You have to invest and save those are the two keys to becoming wealthy. You've heard the old saying it's not how much you make it's how much you save, well it's true.

2. Play the lottery and you'll win eventually.

You are more likely to get struck by lighting than to win the lottery. It's a waste of precious time and money to keep playing and hoping you will win. Also, people that win the lottery often end up POORER than they were before they won!

3. If you aren't born into a wealthy family you aren't going to be wealthy.

This is one of the worst pieces of advice you could ever hear that just crushes your dreams on becoming wealthy one day. You don't have to be born into a wealthy family to achieve wealth and fame. What you do have to do is save your money and invest it wisely. Oprah Winfrey was not born into a wealthy family and she is a billionaire today!

Why you should read

I am a firm believer in education which is why I try to read a book a week. I think that it is important to reach for the stars and you can't do that without knowing how to get there! How and the world does someone get an education though if they don't have the money you might say? The local library. Libraries are treasure troves for those who can't afford to buy books retail and you can often check out as many as 20 books at a time! If you don't like to read you might try audio books. 

A few books to get you started:

Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill. 

The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama. 

On the origin of species by Charles Darwin.

The Art of The Deal by Donald Trump. 

Becoming a Person of Influence by John Maxwell. 

Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman.

Welcome

Well hi there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I write to live and live to write. It all started with a dream. A dream of bringing writing to the masses. A dream where everyone's voice is heard. This blog is going to be the writers corner I can just see it!