Bøker av Aaron Brachfeld

As modern day Northern Colorado grapples with the reintroduction of wolves to their forests, an intrepid old west Marshal and her brother, the Huntsman, must join forces with woodland creatures to track down a wolf and rescue the young daughter of a local rancher who went missing. Set long after Red Riding Hood graduated from Colorado State University, this whimsical and enchanting retelling of the classic bedtime story shows there is a greater danger than you might have imagined from those who would "cry wolf." For older readers, this book also contains the history of the myths that formed the modern story: beginning in ancient China, countless cultures around the world have used the story to impart timeless lessons. From the lore of good (Christianized) and bad Irish werewolves to the empowering story of a German girl who didn't need rescued, and even modern American role playing games and halloween costumes, discover how Red Riding Hood has become one of the world's favorite tales - and helped shape the legislation which returned wolves to Colorado. Includes in Appendix: A history of the story of Red Riding HoodA history of Proposition 114The earliest English translation of Red Riding HoodThe earliest French transcription of the oral myth of Le Petit Chaperon rougeLore of the Irish WerewolvesModern examples of Red Riding Hood adaptations to games, memes and more!

There is a lot of stupid research out there. And many stupid questions remain. This book surveys, then builds upon the work of Cipolla, Dunning, Kruger, Peter, Murphy, and other luminous minds to explore the fascinating behaviors of Stupidity, Idiocy and Foolishness...and in doing so discovers the dangerous Villains who would make fools of us all, and a tenuous hope for our own Heroism. Would such heroism be brave ... or stupid? The easy and fun way in which this book simplifies mathematically challenging concepts lets you explore the latest advances of qualitative reasoning and computer science to see those seeds of common sense currently being planted in artificial intelligence, and glimpse an end to stupidity. Don't merely marvel at morons: easy-to-use detection systems are included in these pages to accurately measure the stupidity surrounding yourself at home and work - and prepare you to not only predict this dangerous phenomenon, but prevent it as well! CONTENTS: Introduction: the Village Idiot Mathematically Defining, Scientifically Observing and Methodologically Analyzing Idiocy, Stupidity and Foolishness Definitions and Observational MethodologyAxiomatic Definition of StupidityFIGURE 1: HUMAN STUPIDITYAxiomatic Definition of IdiocyFIGURE 2: HUMAN IDIOCYFIGURE 3: MORONIC FOOLISHNESSAxiomatic Definition of a Moron or FoolMaking Fools out of Intelligent PeopleQuantifying Measurements of Stupidity, Idiocy and Foolishness Quantifying Stupidity, Idiocy and FoolishnessRelative Measurements and ObjectivityWhy Objectivity is a Cause for Intelligence, ImplicationsMeasurement of Ignorance is Always SubjectiveSystemic MeasurementsStupid AssumptionsIdiotic and Foolish AssumptionsFoolproofing: the Game of IdiotsApplications of Game TheoryLogical Fallacy of the Premise of Free ChoiceFoolishness is Sometimes Unavoidable and Maliciously InflictedMethods of Inducing StupidityIntelligence is Also Sometimes Unavoidable and May Be BestowedThe Game of Idiots: FoolproofingFallacy that "A Fool and His Money are Soon Parted" Fools are Not Nor Do They Become Resource-PoorRelevance of Overplacement and Overestimation Bias to the Cause and Nature of StupidityBias of Overplacement and Overestimation: the Dunning-Kruger EffectBias is Inevitable Due to the Way Competence is ObtainedA Measure of Competence: toward Quantitative Reasoning and Common Sense through MetacognitionMurphy's Law and the Persistence of FoolsThe Peter Principle and the Logic of DespairQualitative Reasoning as a Consequence of MetacognitionMagnitude of the Dunning-Kruger effect is variableFallacy of Quantitative ReasoningQualitative Reasoning, or "Common Sense"Hanlon's RazorQuality ControlGlimpses of EvilVillainy FIGURE 4: INCREASING COSTS OF VILLAINY OVER TIMEAxiomatic Definition of VillainyThe Intelligent VillainFunctional SicknessWhy "Do No Harm?"Progression and Regression of VillainyLosing and Gaining TrustPreventing Attacks of Villains and Bandits Disguised as FoolsWeaponized IncompetenceSabotageHate Crimes versus Terrorism: True VillainyHeroes: Brave, or Stupid?Conclusion - The Fool's Journey: Ending Human StupidityDesigning Defensive Systems Against Stupidity and VillainyA New Management SystemProfound KnowledgeThe Limit of FoolishnessSuggested Further Reading and Bibliography

Children and adults alike will enjoy reading about the Stone Tiger, the Pardoned Prisoner, King Rinda's White Horses, the Turtle Under the Ocean, the Calligrapher's Son and the Merchant Who Became a Horse: these captivating stories were originally told in ancient Japan to illustrate the challenging concepts of the Lotus Sutra, yet present enduring relevance even centuries later to a now globalized practice of Buddhism. Today, Nichiren's stories remain as entertaining and controversial as ever. And in a search for symbolic, mythological and cultural context, six of these stories have been modernized, and placed side by side with background for context, presenting meaningful and useful insights today, tomorrow and for a lifetime.

Children and adults alike will enjoy these amazing, entertaining and fascinating stories from The Lotus Sutra. Originally told to illustrate the challenging concepts of the Buddha's most important lesson, they easily stand on their own and will quickly become family favorites, presenting meaningful and useful insights today, tomorrow and for a lifetime. Read the exciting adventure of how children rescued themselves from a burning house, the rags to riches story of how a Janitor became CEO, how treasure hunters found a City of Dreams, how a man thought he lost everything because he didn't check his coat pocket, the tale of the dying Doctor who saved his poisoned children before he himself died and come to understand for yourself the profound lessons of The Lotus Sutra, and glimpse at what lies beyond nirvana, and enlightenment. Contents: Lotus Sutra Chapter 3: the story of the Burning HouseLotus Sutra Chapter 4: the story of the Lost SonLotus Sutra Chapter 5: the story of the Desert RainLotus Sutra Chapter 7: the story of the City of DreamsLotus Sutra Chapter 8: the story of the Pocket Full of MoneyLotus Sutra Chapter 16: the story of the Dying DoctorConclusion: the Bodhisattva VowNotes on Translation

Rather than provide an encyclopedic account of the world's theistic, non-theistic and atheistic religions and traditions, comparing and contrasting them, or even detailing the essential facts concerning them, this book instructs on the theory and methodology of translation and interpretation - not only of the written word, but of ritual and belief.Beginning with an ambitious exploration of the word of "God" in the world's theistic, atheistic and non-theistic practices, the rituals of "prayer" and "sacrifice" are placed in proper context through guided practice in several theistic, non-theistic and atheistic traditions. This introduces dogma, creed, and the debatable differences in religious authority - to raise the necessary question why religions evolve both to become more authoritarian and extreme in their belief and practice, and also why some become more tolerant of difference, and different faiths.Ethics and morality are in this way framed as applications of logic, and the impact of a person practicing monotheism, polytheism, non-theism and atheism - and the impact of a systemized practice of ethics and morality in the evolution of a religion, to cult and eventually a culture is understood. Both globally, and locally, in our society - to lend relevance and meaning to that very crisis we face today.Questioning the fundamental nature of our own faith and role in society, our very culture, we may conclude that improvement is possible, and perhaps come to understand for ourselves the importance of tolerance to the vitality of our own personal practice. Contains excerpts from religious texts around the world and through the ages, as well as guided practice

These books of the dead represent two religious traditions which are very much alive: learn about the ancient and modern practices they describe to better understand how the living religions of Tibetan Buddhism and Kemeticism view death, life and the way these two faiths have come to impact religious practices around the world in nearly all of today's major faith practices. Contents: Survey of Practice Community Worship Resources: Survey of PracticeUNDERSTANDING BY OBSERVING PRACTICEComparison of Texts The Adoration of Ra - or Journey Through DuatTWO BOOKSEFFECT OF MEDIAThe Means of LiberationTRUTH IN DEATHTITLEPURPOSE AND STRUCTURESPECIALIZED CHARACTERSComparison of Death LIFE WELL LIVEDTIME OF LIFE AND DEATHJOURNEY THROUGH DUATJOURNEY TO LIBERATIONComparison of Modern Impact METHODOLOGYTHEORY OF CONNECTIONCOLLABORATIVE RATHER THAN ORIGINALQUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONADORATION OF RA/JOURNEY THROUGH DUATQUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: THE METHOD OF INFLUENCEEXAMPLES FOR DISCUSSION: BLENDINGKemeticismSG1 - 1:29Naming CeremonyAppendix A: Adoption and Rejection of Kemeticism in Meroe History of the KandakesAdoption of Kemeticism and the 25th DynastyRetreat to Meroe and Adoption of ChristianityInfluence on Egypt and legacyAppendix B: Greco-Roman Adoption of Kemeticism Appendix C: Adoption of Buddhism by Americans

Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple, and our faith and the story of the oil that lights our menorahs is well known. But what is less well known is the story of the coins the Maccabees made afterwards, and understanding the history and reason we play Dreidels with chocolate gelt will deepen the meaning of the season. Make and play with your own chocolate gelt this year - if you don't eat all of your coins before the game begins!

The greatest Hanukkah miracle is not the renewal of the Temple, nor the oil that burned 8 days. Nor can it be found in any history book, or through archeological digs. Yet it can be easily seen in the windows of Jews around the world on winter nights as they remember the faith of Alexander the Great, Messiah of the Jews and the victories of that famous Warrior Priest, Judah Maccabee - and continue their joyful defiance in defense and renewal of their faith today......by enjoying eggrolls and jelly donuts with Hanukkah Harry under the Hanukkah Bush.By reading myths and legends you will learn to read the prayers spelled out by each fall of the dreidel; by understanding how and why to ignite each flame in the Menorah, the history and present urgency of that ancient Jewish revolt is understood.Hanukkah has always been a controversial holiday, and its joyful celebration is a necessary act of defiance to conclude Rosh Hashanah: by a courageous defense and renewal of Judaism Jewish faith is given meaning, for it is thereby possible to today learn about the history, legend, and faith in Hanukkah.Contents: FolkloreAlexander MessiahRise and Fall of SeleucusBooks of MaccabeesJudah MaccabeeHanukkahMenorahDreidelHanukkah in Americ

The modern cookie was (quite literally) shaped by allegations of murder (dismissed upon forensic evidence!), fraud (or rather, a "marketing" strategy?), mass incarcerations, and lawsuits (with pointed observations written on cookies for the judges) - quite as much as communal ovens, the pride of noble houses, and humor. Would it surprise you to learn the "lucky numbers" in fortune cookies are actually lucky, or that the cookie has had profound cultural and religious meaning? It's a lot to chew on - so after reading this book, try out some of its authentic and original recipes for your favorite Jumbles, Oatmeal Raisins, Chocolate Chips, Hamentashen, and Pizzelles! Contents: Cookie History is a "Jumble"Historical Recipe: "January Jumbles" CookiesOatmeal "Raisin" the StandardHistorical Recipe: Fannie Merritt Farmer's First Oatmeal CookiesChipping Away at Chocolate ChipHistorical Recipe: the Original RecipeUnfortunate Fortune CookiesHistorical Recipe: Tsujiura SenbeiHistorical Recipe: the Fortune CookieHamentashen: Sweet JusticeHistorical Recipe: Modern Traditional Hamentashenthe Noble Pizzelle: Food for the godsHistorical Recipe: Pizzelle

Placing proud warrior queens of Gonder and Shire side by side with the Jewish pirates of the Caribbean, Bollywood stars next to American gangsters, or even perusing the vast list of Jewish Messiahs (from before Alexander the Great to long after Napoleon) helps to also illustrate the ongoing philosophical and theological differences between Rabbinic and Non-Rabbinic Judaism, and even the reasons why some Jews consider a cheeseburger Kosher, or why some Jews rely on Priests and others on Prophecy. Discover the actual location of the Ark of the Covenant as well as new Jewish cuisine, learn about how Jews rescued the Chinese Emperor and how the patron Saint of Crypto Jews who is also secretly a Jew, or the way the Yemenis utilized antisemetic propaganda to secure their Jewish state and you will come closer to understanding the forces that continue to shape Jewish practice today. The complex relationship between Judaism and Buddhism, and even Christianity, can be explored through the identity crisis of modern Arab Jews - or the reasons why the European Jews developed the Seder plate. This book also highlights some of the newest Jewish communities that have formed in Africa and Asia, and traces their development back to tribal Judea, celebrating how the origins of the Star of David led to the rising of a constellation of Judaism worldwide. And it comes complete with a rich resource of Appendices and full bibliography. This fun and educational exploration celebrates the diversity of Jewish practice worldwide in the context of its historical evolution and future development through both a presentation of history and archeology as well as biographical highlights of the some of world's most famous Jews, past and present. Judaism is commonly described as Mosaic. Yet when so many communities of Jews predate Moses, and so many others have evolved and grown beyond Mosaic law, it may be concluded Jewish communities have formed a complex tapestry of practice rather than anything so monolithic that it may be easily described as Mosaic in nature. Rather, it is more appropriate to understand Judaism as a kind of mosaic. And that in all its varied forms and practices, it is worth discovering! Judaism is so much more than about Israel and the holocaust, or even about Hannukah.

Step right into gum's sticky history, and learn how the favorite flavors of the stone age burst into the modern bubble gum! Gum has been scientifically demonstrated to treat numerous mental and physical medical conditions, and can help in the recovery of colon surgery as much as improve the mental acuity of soldiers on the battlefield. It seems like there isn't anything gum can't do: yet from gums that administer medicine to those that improve your jawline, to those used in public art, the modern challenge for gum is in fact... criminalization! Learn how gum enthusiasts risk jail, how it's recycled into useful plastics, the gruesome story of the baseball trading card, and even how top chemical scientists discovered the answer to that most pressing question: does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight? Contents: the Sappy Story of Ancient Gum 4Stepping into Modern Gum 12Bubblegum: Not So Tacky After All 21Health Effects of Chewing Gum 30Mental Health 30Dental Health 37Colon Surgical Recovery 44Illegal Gum 47Recycling and Reusing Gum 55Marketing Gum 58Share Your Gum 71Conclusion: Whether or Not Chewing Gum Loses Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight? 74

Choosing between bronze, silver, gold and platinum plans seems simple, but reveals a more challenging choice and not so obvious solution. Understand not how you can make this decision for yourself this coming Open Enrollment...and whether this tiered system of insurance truly fulfills the intentions of the American Affordable Care Act. Contents: What are the Metal Tiers?BronzeSilverGoldPlatinumHow to ChooseDo Metal Plans Actually Help American Consumers? Are Bronze Plans Effective? What is Included in Preventive Care Benefits for Adults Special Preventative Care for WomenSpecial Preventative Care for ChildrenUnderstanding Insurance Terms: Deductible, Copays, Coinsurance, and Out of Pocket Maximums DeductiblesCo-paysCo-insuranceOut of pocket and coverage maximumsPractice examplesBeyond Metal Plans: Plans of the Past and Future Gap PlansIndemnity PlansLife InsuranceA Simple Choice, After All

Let's face it. Some things are NOT worth dying for. And a large life insurance payout is not one of them. But what if you could use life insurance to live a better life? To not only retire more comfortably, but achieve your dreams?In this book, you'll read stories about families who did just that. Even confirmed bachelors and bachelorettes who did just that. And along the way come to understand in easy to understand language the technical aspects of life insurance to help you make this difficult decision today. Written by a real life insurance agent, you'll gain decades of perspective to see why life insurance is very much a tool best used for living by those of us wanting to live fuller, happier lives. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction: Happily Ever After?1. Story Time Examples! (Spoiler Alert: Everyone in These Stories Lives Because No One Wants to Hear ANOTHER Story About Someone Dying to Use Their Life Insurance!) The Martinez Family Moves Across the Country to A Dream Job with a Universal Life Insurance PolicyThe Li Family Survives Breast Cancer with an Protection Indexed Universal Life Insurance PolicyThe Patels' Repair their Home with an Accumulation Indexed Universal Life PolicyBenjamin Brown, a Bachelor with no Beneficiaries, Uses a Whole Life Policy to Enjoy His LifeWhy the Kelly Family Chose to Convert their Term PolicyThe Abara Family Saves for the Future with a Term Life Insurance PolicyJane Suzuki Preserves Protects Her FortuneJoseph Kohen Helps His Grandchildren2. Understanding Exactly What Permanent Insurance Is: The Life Long and Long Life OptionWhole Life InsuranceGuaranteed Death BenefitCash Value ComponentDifferent TypesUniversal Life InsuranceTraditional ULIndexed ULGuaranteed Universal LifeProtection Indexed Universal LifeAccumulation Indexed Universal Life3. Understanding Exactly What Term Insurance Is: the Temporary Option Several Kinds of Term InsuranceLevel TermDecreasing Term4. Typical Riders What If You Don't Die? You May Want A Return of Premium RiderFor Injuries, Sickness, Disease and Disability You May Want Living BenefitsConversionLong Term Care5. How Much Coverage Do You Need? Making Sure You Are Not Overinsured or Underinsured 57Conclusion: Everyone Can Use Life Insurance While Alive Even Confirmed Bachelors and Bachelorettes can Use Life Insurance While They Are Alive As an Investment Tax Advantaged Emergency and Retirement Funding Assisted Living (even at your own home!) and Nursing Homes When You're Old Self Sufficient to the End LegacyBabies and Children Need Life Insurance Too Death or Disability of a Child For When They Are All Grownup: Financial IndependenceDon't Forget Life Insurance for the ParentsYes, You Do Need Life Insurance!

There are many reasons to get an HSA, but one reason why people don't is because they are complicated to set up and use. This book makes it easy and presents all you need to know about how to set up and use an HSA: complicated subjects like how to use an HSA to reduce your tax burden, how to use an HSA as a retirement vehicle, how to avoid tax penalties when using it, how to calculate your share of major medical expenses and what records to keep and how are presented. The author is a licensed insurance agent in the State of Colorado, with additional State certification in the Insurance Marketplace and decades of experience who teaches on the subject at Western Colorado Community College. Contents: 2 Kinds of HSA'sWhy Get an HSA? Tax Benefits2 Kinds of HSA Bank Accounts3 Parts of an HSA Insurance PlanWhat Can You Spend Your HSA Money On?What Happens When You're Older than 65?How Much Can You Contribute to an HSA?What Preventative Care is Included for Free?How to Use the HSA'sRecord Keeping and Tax FormWhere Can You Learn More About HSA's?