The 12 Days of Christmas Wisdom

The 12 Days of Christmas Wisdom

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The 12 Days of Christmas Wisdom 

With 12 days left before Christmas, this is my version of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Elias Tobias

On the first day of Christmas my true love said to me…
In the eyes of children we find the joy in Christmas, and in their their hearts we find its meaning.

On the second day of Christmas my true love said to me…
There is no greater gift at Christmas than to have everything you want before you open the gifts.

On the third day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Christmas has a beauty, lovelier than the world can show, and is love with all the trimmings.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Christmas is not as much about open our presents as opening our hearts.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Today’s Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
The nutcracker sits under the Christmas Tree, a guardian of childhood stories.  Feed him walnuts and he will crack open a tale.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Mankind is a great and immense family.  This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make everyday a holiday, and celebrate just living.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Christmas is not what presents you get, but who is present at Christmas time.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
As long as we know what Christmas ought to be, it is.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Carol singing, church bells ringing, once more Christmas time is here.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love said to me…
Remember, this December, that  love weighs more than gold.

For More Words of Wisdom, there are more two more posts here.

Read “The Start” as the poem of the Month for December here.

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July 2011 Newsletter

July 2011 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

Smoky Mountain Vacation

This month, Patty and I went to Pigeon Forge in the Smoky Mountains for a week-long family reunion in one of those large cabins that had plenty of room and bathrooms for everyone, along with the game room which had arcade games, another TV and a pool table, two Jacuzzi’s and a hot tub, plus three decks and a great view.  Too bad they were all stacked like apartments on the steep hills.  Once inside, we had the pleasure of seeing almost all of her family  and a few friends at the same time.  We had a Christmas in July with stocking stuffers. I liked my Cowboy poetry book.  The location afforded opportunities for photographs away from the cabin, and the results are posted in the Saturday photos this month.  Also  Patty and I had another Old West photo taken, an update of one taken about 10 years ago.  This gunslinger has aged a little in that time as you can see below. Click on the photo for the large view.

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Vote for your top ten poems in the blog

Around September 13 years ago, I began an experiment by starting The World of Words by Elias Tobias.  The technical and creative components have changed, but the original concept of making a place to put my work out for others to enjoy has continued and will continue.  However, I will stop regular weekly  posts after September 2011, a retirement of sorts.  Occasional posts will be made, and the personal blog in the Fan Club Link will continue on a regular basis.

The humble beginning of one of thousands of new poetry sites in 1998 has become more than I ever anticipated, and reaction from readers around the world has been impressive. This highly rated site has flirted as one of the top 200,000 sites in the U.S. and maintained a place in the top million sites in the world.  This achievement is going to be celebrated in the next few months before the regular posts end.

First, readers are encouraged to select the top 10 poems, written or submitted by Elias Tobias or members of the Lambda Sigma Chi, or poems sent in by other readers.  Readers may submit their responses to eliastobias2002@yahoo.com until Aug. 17, which happens to be my birthday.  This month’s poems are eligible along with posts to Aug. 17.  The Top Ten Poems of the World of Words by Elias Tobias will be announced in the September 2011 Exponet newsletter, the last newsletter for the web blog.

Also in September, the annual LSC unofficial fraternity reunion , usually scheduled for December, will be moved up to the end of September in Indianapolis.  Plans are being made so that the LSC members and their families to gather at the new J.W. Marriott for a weekend of fun and festivities.  By then most of the members will have had their last poems published on this web blog along with their photos and comments about the end of regular posts on the World of Words by Elias Tobias.

I can’t express enough of my appreciation to the readers over the years who have made this experiment of mine a success, and I hope it has become something for everyone to enjoy.  There should be plenty of material for reruns while I continue to write at my own pace. I thank you for your support.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

Paradise One

I can feel your love for me,
but you keep it inside.
You aren’t sure of love,
and you try to hide when
you really want to
hold me by your side.
You’re afraid that nothing
lasts in this society,
and you don’t want to
screw up plans in your life.
Your fears are founded,
but why not roll the dice.
No matter the combination
I’m sure you won’t throw twice.
You will like the first roll,
and we’ll have a great time.
From that day on, I know
our love is right.

There are many posters which can be downloaded for free, and you can find them here.

May 2011 Newsletter

May 2011 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

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As a person with several college degrees to my credit, I have learned one thing – just because someone has a degree, the learning process does not stop.  In many  instances, there is no direct educational benefit in the application of a certain degree to a kind of job.  In my life, working in a group home for adults really didn’t require a teacher’s license, but it helped, especially with the mentoring aspect of the job.

In the spirit of this continuing education concept, I have created the Elias Tobias Academy.  If I had millions of dollars to play with, some of it would go toward creating a physical location with hired instructors and dorms and buildings and staff and things that go with a regular private institution. I don’t have that kind of money, but I would like to help other people learn things so that their lives can be enriched just to know something else or for a better job.

Until the time I have a physical Academy, it will have to be a virtual one, using free on-line classes currently available through other colleges, universities and websites.  No certificates can be granted through the Elias Tobias Academy, but perhaps a certificate from another source offering the courses is available. Diplomas aside, it’s the application of the knowledge gained that counts.  In a world that is constantly changing in demands for skills, knowing how to do something new will help keep your job or find a new one.

The spirit of learning is the what the Elias Tobias Academy is all about.

The Academy is set up by major links which go into more detail. It’s just that easy and it’s free. Start by clicking here or on the ETA logo to get to the courses.

e-mialbutton.JPG  Stay Connected

Have something to say about the World of Words by Elias Tobias or to Elias Tobias? Send an e-mail to contact@eliastobias.net.
As an alternative to the the comments link under each post. the poetry blog has another source to connect with the World of Words.

Yahoo! has two ways to plug into the web blog.

First go to another e-mail, eliastobias2002@yahoo.com, and leave a message

or  you  can go to Yahoo! Messenger to send an instant message.

It’s just that easy.

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World of Words by Elias Tobias Reader’s Bill of Rights

1. Readers have a right to a new blog posts as scheduled.
2. Readers have a right to quality original writing and photography on the posts.
3. Readers have a right to respond to the posts quickly and easily.
4. Readers have a right to participate in the poetry blog by various interactive means.
5. Readers have a right to a site that is easy to navigate without broken interior or external links.
6. Readers have a right to a minimum of advertising which is always secondary to content.
7. Readers have a right to be informed of changes in the operation of the poetry blog through newsletters, press releases and static page posts.
8. Readers have a right to a professional-looking poetry blog with a minimum of typing errors and a variety of technical capabilities, such as videos and podcasts.

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Popular poetry blog begins videos of author reading favorite poems

The video experience on the World of Words by Elias Tobias is expanding with a new series, The Poetry Corner, where poet Elias Tobias reads his favorite poems in short segments.  There is already a 20-video library on the poetry blog ranging from a visual biography to various photographic projects.

An initial set of 13 videos have been produced to be broadcast on the Elias Tobias Channel of You Tube on weekly posts beginning March 14, 2011. The posts, set for every Monday, will include links to written versions of the poems so readers can get the best of both experiences.

The World of Words by Elias Tobias has recently risen to the top 150,000 sites in the U.S and well above the top million sites in the world, according to Alexa.com.  Changes in the 14-year-old poetry blog now also include a Yahoo! Messenger connection for improved communication with readers along with an alternative Yahoo! Email for messages.  The personal blog on the site’s Fan Club link is updates at least once a week, too.

Get a peek at one of The Poetry Corner videos by clicking here.

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Save Pull Tabs For Ronald McDonald’s House

I believe in recycling things like paper from the copier at work (in secure shred of course), taking newspapers to the church or school collection box, and pull tabs from cans.

The World of Words by Elias Tobias officially endorses this last effort. Over a year ago, when I was teaching college part-time, there was a collection box for pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald house on a table in the snack room next to the soda machine.

I began putting soft drink tabs in an old glass Ball jar and eventually when it got full, I  took the tabs in a plastic bag to work for the collection box. Other jobs have come and gone since then, but I still collect the tabs.  Kids can collect them on string or large key rings.  This can a fun activity for everyone, and simple, too.

Unlike the urban legend states, pop tabs do not support medical treatment of any kind including chemotherapy or dialysis; however, pop tabs do support the operations of Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. This popular fundraiser benefits seriously ill children by helping provide a place for them and their families to stay while they are out of town for medical treatment.

Recycling the tabs generates proceeds to donate to a local Ronald McDonald House. The tabs do not pay for treatment or night stays – only house operations. One house that collected enough pop tabs in a year to put $8,000 toward operational costs.

Pop tabs are small and convenient to collect. Hundreds of thousands of pop tabs have been collected to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses.  Did you know that:
1 pop tab is approximately 1 inch long
1,267 pop tabs make 1 pound
1 pound of aluminum can be sold for approximately 40¢

For more information about how you can help, click here.

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Photo series features Love and Couples

The photo series this month features people in love. May is a time when more than wildflowers bloom and more animals are seen emerging from the cold winter months.  May is is time when love grows and fuels summer marriages.  This is a series of images from a clip art disc that symbolize personal portraits of a young love blooming in the spring. Enjoy.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

The Secret

I have a secret I share with myself.
I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone else.
Honesty is the best policy.
I would never tell a lie, and
Besides I crossed my heart
Or swore I would die.
This creates a problem.
I don’t know what to do,
Except to scream it out loud…
I love you!

There are many posters which can be downloaded for free, and you can find them here.

April 2011 Newsletter

April 2011 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

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Popular poetry blog begins videos of author reading favorite poems

The video experience on the World of Words by Elias Tobias is expanding with a new series, The Poetry Corner, where poet Elias Tobias reads his favorite poems in short segments.  There is already a 20-video library on the poetry blog ranging from a visual biography to various photographic projects.

An initial set of 12 videos have been produced to be broadcast on the Elias Tobias Channel of You Tube on weekly posts beginning March 14, 2011. The posts, set for every Monday, will include links to written versions of the poems so readers can get the best of both experiences.

The World of Words by Elias Tobias has recently risen to the top 150,000 sites in the U.S and well above the top million sites in the world, according to Alexa.com.  Changes in the 14-year-old poetry blog now also include a Yahoo! Messenger connection for improved communication with readers along with an alternative Yahoo! Email for messages.  The personal blog on the site’s Fan Club link is updates at least once a week, too.

Get a peek at one of The Poetry Corner videos by clicking here.

cantabs.jpg

Save Pull Tabs For Ronald McDonald’s House

I believe in recycling things like paper from the copier at work (in secure shred of course), taking newspapers to the church or school collection box, and pull tabs from cans.

The World of Words by Elias Tobias officially endorses this last effort. Over a year ago, when I was teaching college part-time, there was a collection box for pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald house on a table in the snack room next to the soda machine.

I began putting soft drink tabs in an old glass Ball jar and eventually when it got full, I  took the tabs in a plastic bag to work for the collection box. Other jobs have come and gone since then, but I still collect the tabs.  Kids can collect them on string or large key rings.  This can a fun activity for everyone, and simple, too.

Unlike the urban legend states, pop tabs do not support medical treatment of any kind including chemotherapy or dialysis; however, pop tabs do support the operations of Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. This popular fundraiser benefits seriously ill children by helping provide a place for them and their families to stay while they are out of town for medical treatment.

Recycling the tabs generates proceeds to donate to a local Ronald McDonald House. The tabs do not pay for treatment or night stays – only house operations. One house that collected enough pop tabs in a year to put $8,000 toward operational costs.

Pop tabs are small and convenient to collect. Hundreds of thousands of pop tabs have been collected to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses.  Did you know that:
1 pop tab is approximately 1 inch long
1,267 pop tabs make 1 pound
1 pound of aluminum can be sold for approximately 40¢

For more information about how you can help, click here.

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Photo series features Indiana barns

The photo series this month features five of the photos taken by Mike Hall last year as a special project to document the different kind and styles of barn in Central Indiana.  Enjoy.

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Join the International Poetry Link Exchange

To be a success in any venture, it helps to know people, the insiders. The new International Poetry Link Exchange at the World of Words by Elias Tobias may help those promising poets the initial exposure needed.

Thousands of people around the world have their own poetry blobs or Web sites.  Most cable companies or providers that provide Internet service have a part of the service which allows customers to create at least one personal Web site. Independent hosts have free or low cost web site opportunities what are create to be poetry Web site.

This page is dedicated as an international poetry link exchange to create a network of links for those who have poetry Web site or other link exchanges.  Readers are offered a free opportunity to have other appropriate links on this Web blog in exchange for placing a link for the World of Words by Elias Tobias on their Web blog or site.

This Exchange is a companion page to the existing Poetry Links Page on the World of Words at eliastobias.net.

To get started with the International Poetry Link Exchange, all that needs to be done is simply send an e-mail to contact(at)eliastobias(dot)com and request a link exchange.  Include your name, and the name of the site along with the link to be exchanged.  Also include at attachments of art, photos, or logos to go along with the exchange link.  The site will be checked out, and if approved, will be posted on the Exchange page.

That’s it, except to post the link on the other Web blog or site once the site is on the exchange page. The sites are listed on the linked page.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

Candy Kisses

After a little while in bed,
she looked, up to me and said
she wanted to have a family.
I couldn’t afford it financially.
I told her I would give her my love,
but that wasn’t good enough.
She left, and I never saw her again.

There are many posters which can be downloaded for free, and you can find them here.

March 2011 Newsletter

March 2011 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

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Who is Elias Tobias?  The real interview excerpts

By an independent Internet publisher

Click here for the entire interview.

IIP:  Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to talk with us today.

E.T.:  No problem. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the web blog.

IIP:  There has been a recorded dramatic increase in the ranking of the World of Words? Why has this happened?

E.T.: I don’t know. My web site hasn’t changed much over the last year or so, I am surprised at this.  For three years, I had a daily post and remained in the low 6 million world ranking. Now that I have reduced the number of the daily posts and wanted readers to look at what I have developed of the years, the monthly percentage has increase more than 1500 percent. I hope it continues. The challenge now is to make the web blog appealing to maintain the numbers, I suppose.  Do I change much or anything just to keep up the ratings?  Does it really matter? I started this thing with the hopes I would get noticed and someday get invited by a publisher to put together at least one book of my on poems, instead of contests that publish an anthology of many authors.  I just wanted people to read my poems.

IIP:  What do you say to those who don’t like your style of writing?

E.T.:  There are as many styles as there are writers, and there are at least 50,000 to 100,000 poetry web sites around the world. I am pleased that people like my work, but I know somewhere, someplace, a younger writer is starting his or her own blog.  I encourage that.   If people don’t like what I do, then they can start their own poetry site. I have an article on the World of Words that tells them how to do it.

IIP:  Why do you write, then, and what is your inspiration?

E.T.: At first I started writing because it was easy for me to do, and I could express how I felt about things around me, but that sort of thinking is destined only for diaries.  There came a point when I wanted people to enjoy what I wrote. So I went away from the very personal nature of writing to a more public style, and names mentioned were not real people, but symbolic composites of people I knew.

IIP:  What is your inspiration, then?

E.T.: Anything and everything.  I may do a certain task over and over and realize something special about it, or I see something in a different way even though I’ve passed it 100 times before.  The media is my inspiration: music, TV, things I see and hear I react to them. My friends… my wife, Patty, is often an inspiration when she throws out a one-liner in conversation and it stick with me.

IIP:  Do you have any advice for those poets just starting out with their own web sites?
E.T.:   Yes. Be yourself. Try to create a sense of self…a brand of sorts, so people can recognize your work.  This can be done by certain marketing and technical practices, but ultimately, it’s the words that carry the web site to its destiny.  Once a poem is out in cyberspace, it is free child, and you can’t control it really.  In a sense I have more than 200 children out there, not biologically or course, but symbolically. The poems are a part of me.

IIP:  Thank you for your time. Elias.
E.T:  Thanks for letting me tell the world who I am, and perhaps people can better understand my work.

Fourth anniversary of move to WSI celebrated

The move to the Consulting of WSI Internet & Education as the new host of the World of Words by Elias Tobias happened four years ago on Feb. 12, 2007. Things have changed for the better. The new host allowed for more flexibility and expansion in a simpler format, and that has made the difference.  The process to make the move took at least three months to complete the transfer all material from the free host (see press release).

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Personal Blog on Fan Club Web site reactivated

Even though the number of daily posts for the main part of the blog is changing (see below), there is one part of the web blog that is new and fresh.  The personal blog on the Fan Club Web site  has been reactivated as part of a personal resolution for at least two entries per week.  Check it out and read what the latest bit of information there is in the life of Elias Tobias.  The blog is part of the Elias Tobias Fan Club, another free aspect of the Elias Tobias World of Words.

World of Words on Yelp

The World of Words by Elias Tobias is now part of the Yelp information web site, and to see the page, go to www.yelp.com and search for Elias Tobias web blog.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

Tongue Twisted

I wish I could talk as fast as I
think because my words
stumble and my lips are out
of sync.
I wish I could talk like a deejay
on a radio show because  I would talk clearly
and everyone would know what I want them
to hear,  but I can’t speak well on
my feet and I have reason to fear if
I don’t tackle the issue now, my
problems will get more severe.
I should get a magazine and
read the articles out and my mouth
will move better.
I could step away from under this dark cloud.

Hear Elias Tobias read poems from the Love Note collection, and download the podcasts

February 2011 Newsletter

February 2011 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

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Fourth anniversary of move to WSI celebrated

The move to the Consulting of WSI Internet & Education has the new host of the World of Words by Elias Tobias happened four years ago on Feb. 12, 2007. Things have changed for the better. The new host allowed for more flexibility and expansion in a simpler format, and that has made the difference.  The process to make the move took at least three months to complete the transfer all material from the free host (see press release).

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Personal Blog on Fan Club Web site reactivated

Even though the number of daily posts for the main part of the blog is changing (see below), there is one part of the web blog that is new and fresh.  The personal blog on the Fan Club Web site  has been reactivated as part of a personal resolution for at least two entries per week.  Check it out and read what the latest bit of information there is in the life of Elias Tobias.  The blog is part of the Elias Tobias Fan Club, another free aspect of the Elias Tobias World of Words.

Changes coming to poetry web blog

The New Year will bring changes to the World of Words by Elias Tobias.  No regular schedule of posts will happen.  Also, the contract for the column by Rev. Abernathy will end, and he said the experience has been good.  Since he is getting busier, he has decided not to continue the column, All Things Considered, for another year.

The supply of poems has been rapidly used after three years of daily posts.  I would like to keep the newer poems by the brothers on the site, especially as the unofficial fraternity has expanded.

As the creative spirit moves in to my world, I will have other posts, both poetic and photographic, but not on a regular basis. There are more than 300 poems and other features of this web blog to read, so those who have not had a chance to catch up on a daily basis will have plenty to read.

World of Words on Yelp

The World of Words by Elias Tobias is now part of the Yelp information web site, and to see the page, go to www.yelp.com and search for Elias Tobias web blog.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

Finding the Future

I can’t figure out the future,
since I dropped and cracked my
crystal ball.
It’s not as reliable as it used to be.
The visions are harder to see.
and I’m unable to get another one.

I have to live now like everyone else,
plans for the future, but still
take one day at a time.
The future is something I’ll find
while I go on my way.
There’s not much else to say, except
I should have bought replacement
coverage for that useless cracked
glass.
Material things can’t last forever.

Do you have a start of a poem, but the words just aren’t right? Go for help at the Poetry First Aid.

December 2010 Newsletter

December 2010 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

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Annual LSC Reunion set for weekend of Dec. 17

As a result of the success of last year’s reunion event, plans have been made this year to keep the reunion as an annual get together.This year’s meeting place will be the Embassy Hotel in Indianapolis, and Elias Tobias will be the host of the family reunion.  The families of the members are coming, which will make it even more special.  We will have the rooms for the families all on the same floor with one room as LSC Central.  One of the highlights will be the chance for all the LSC members to meet the newest member of the unofficial fraternaty, Levi Jacobs.  The LSC members will also have a Secret Santa gift exchange.

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Changes coming to poetry web blog

The World of World by Elias Tobias is back on the Internet after a few weeks of absence in September, and the Mexican consulting company taking the space was only temporary.  The down time was a result of a technical difficulty compounded by the late discovery of the problem due to the last three weeks or so of moving into a new apartment.  The cable was off for a while, and time to maintain the site was lacking after reconnection. I’m back now.

The disappearance of the poetry blog resulted in a decrease in world ranking by Alexa.com fro around 6 million viewers to more than 10 million. This difference will probably be temporary, like the time down. However, the change in viewers reaction is the reason for the next announcement.  After December of this year, the daily posts scheduled now will end  and the Lambda Sigma Chi poems will be the only featured poems each week. There are several reasons for this, and one is not that I’m going into retirement.

First, the contract for the column by Rev. Abernathy will end, and the experience has been good.  He is getting busier, and not elected to continue the column, All Things Considered, for another year.  Second, the supply of poems has been rapidly used after three years of daily posts.  I would like to keep the newer poems by the brothers on the site, especially as the unofficial fraternity has expanded.  Another reason is my time, and the new employment is demanding attention on my part. As a result the foreign language poems will be ending, too, along with a regular Friday photo selection.

As the creative spirit moves in to my world, I will have other posts, both poetic and photographic, but not on a regular basis. There are more than 300 poems and other features of this web blog to read, so those who have not had a chance to catch up on a daily basis will have plenty to read. By making this announcement early, and repeated until this month, the shock of the changes won’t be as sudden at what happened this year.

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Words of Wisdom ready for your use

There are phrases that are often repeated that have information that make us wonder why we do things when we do them, and these are called words of wisdom. Here is a collection of such phrases in several categories that were gathered by the staff of this website for your interest. Click here or on the above graphic to see the full list and seem wise beyond your years.

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Christmases Past

The photos this month will be all taken by Mike Hall and will reflect on the common themes of Christmases past.

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Poetry First Aid can help your poetry sparkle

Sometimes the words don’t seem right, no matter how long you have thought about the feelings to be expressed in a poem, or you have not used the right tools to get the poem in a final form. Here is where I can help. With Poetry First Aid, a poem written by someone other than myself can be submitted to contact(at)eliastobias.net  to Poetry First Aid. I’ll work with the original text, help edit it to be a better poem, and the result may be a better poem.  The new poem belongs to the original writer, with all rights reserved.  It’s free.

“Christmas time” Theme for December

The theme of poetry for the month of December 2010 is “Christmas Time” for all daily posts,

Who is Elias Tobias? Go to his biography that is also in Spanish.

November 2010 Newsletter

November 2010 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

Changes coming to poetry web blog

The World of World by Elias Tobias is back on the Internet after a few weeks of absence in September, and the Mexican consulting company taking the space was only temporary.  The down time was a result of a technical difficulty compounded by the late discovery of the problem due to the last three weeks or so of moving into a new apartment.  The cable was off for a while, and time to maintain the site was lacking after reconnection. I’m back now.

The disappearance of the poetry blog resulted in a decrease in world ranking by Alexa.com fro around 6 million viewers to more than 10 million. This difference will probably be temporary, like the time down. However, the change in viewers reaction is the reason for the next announcement.  After December of this year, the daily posts scheduled now will end  and the Lambda Sigma Chi poems will be the only featured poems each week. There are several reasons for this, and one is not that I’m going into retirement.

First, the contract for the column by Rev. Abernathy will end, and the experience has been good.  He is getting busier, and not elected to continue the column, All Things Considered, for another year.  Second, the supply of poems has been rapidly used after three years of daily posts.  I would like to keep the newer poems by the brothers on the site, especially as the unofficial fraternity has expanded.  Another reason is my time, and the new employment is demanding attention on my part. As a result the foreign language poems will be ending, too, along with a regular Friday photo selection.

As the creative spirit moves in to my world, I will have other posts, both poetic and photographic, but not on a regular basis. There are more than 300 poems and other features of this web blog to read, so those who have not had a chance to catch up on a daily basis will have plenty to read. By making this announcement early, and repeated until December, the shock of the changes won’t be as sudden at what happened recently.

Claiming your homestead on the wild frontier of the Internet

For serious writers, there comes a time when various types of contests, open poetry nights,  and sharing works to friends and family are just aren’t enough.

Publishing a book with a traditional concept, even with publishing-on-demand companies on the Internet, still takes some sort of cash investment.  Self-publishing is how many great writers received their start, and it remains an option, if money is available.  Like the open ranges of the Old West, the Internet offers alternatives to getting published without great costs for writers.
One option is to start a free poetry blog, and it can be done in three basic steps.  First, decide what kind of blog will be created. Then get a free quality host that offers an independent e-mail option, and then third, maintain and promote the web site through personal and online network techniques.

To read the entire article, click here.

“Winter’s Haze” Theme for November

The theme of poetry for the month of October 2010 is “Winter’s Haze” for all daily posts, including the Poem of the Month below. There is a song by Simon and Garfunkel, which is really a poem set to music, that has a line referring to “The hazy shade of winter.”  Like October, this is a time of transition, and the mornings are a little colder. Final preparations for the winter need to be accomplished where seasons change drastically.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

November Morning

I’m here resting in my bed
with two homemade quilts over my head
When I should be at work instead.
I don’t want to get up on this cold
November morning. I’d rather stay in bed,
but I’ve got bills to pay and work brings in the bread.
I should get up and see what the new day will bring,
but I’d rather wait here for the soft days
of the spring when songbirds start to sing.
I don’t want to get up on
this cold November morning.
I’d rather stay in bed, but I’ve got bills
to pay and work brings in the bread.

There are many posters which can be downloaded for free, and you can find them here.

October 2010 Newsletter

October 2010 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

Changes coming to poetry web blog

The World of World by Elias Tobias is back on the Internet after a few weeks of absence, and the Mexican consulting company taking the space was only temporary.  The down time was a result of a technical difficulty compounded by the late discovery of the problem due to the last three weeks or so of moving into a new apartment.  The cable of off for a while, and time to maintain the site was lacking after reconnection. I’m back now.

The disappearance of the poetry blog resulted in a decrease in world ranking by Alexa.com fro around 6 million viewers to more than 10 million. This difference will probably be temporary, like the time down. However, the change in viewers reaction is the reason for the next announcement.  After December of this year, the daily posts  scheduled now will end  and the Lambda Sigma Chi poems will be the only featured poems each week. There are several reasons for this, and one is not that I’m going into retirement.

First, the contract for the column by Rev. Abernathy will end, and the experience has been good.  He is getting busier, and not elected to continue the column, All Things Considered, for another year.  Second, the supply of poems has been rapidly used after three years of daily posts.  I would like to keep the newer poems by the brothers on the site, especially as the unofficial fraternity has expanded.  Another reason is my time, and the new employment is demanding attention on my part. As a result the foreign language poems will be ending, too, along with a regular Friday photo selection.

As the creative spirit moves in to my world, I will have other posts, both poetic and photographic, but not on a regular basis. There are more than 300 poems and other features of this webblog to read, so those who have not had a chance to catch up on a daily basis will have plenty to read. By making this announcement early, and repeated until December, the shock of the changes won’t be as sudden at what happened recently.

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World of Words by Elias Tobias Reader’s Bill of Rights

1. Readers have a right to a new blog posts as scheduled.
2. Readers have a right to quality original writing and photography on the posts.
3. Readers have a right to respond to the posts quickly and easily.
4. Readers have a right to participate in the poetry blog by various interactive means.
5. Readers have a right to a site that is easy to navigate without broken interior or external links.
6. Readers have a right to a minimum of advertising which is always secondary to content.
7. Readers have a right to be informed of changes in the operation of the poetry blog through newsletters, press releases and static page posts.
8. Readers have a right to a professional-looking poetry blog with a minimum of typing errors and a variety of technical capabilities, such as videos and podcasts.

Write your own poem
Like a package of dehydrated foods, all a poem needs are words, and you create a poem instantly about any color by Here is a sample poem from the website.

Purple

a bruise on your leg,
bunches of grapes in a bowl,
a sweater that goes great with black,
the sound of power,
fruit juice poured into a glass
a school bell ringing, ringing
Grandma’s rhubarb pie.
cold medicine served up on a tablespoon
squishy cough drops,
velvet covered cushions
pointy tip Pentel markers,
the sky before lightning starts
Purple can take you for a sweet ride.

Now go to Instant color poem to get started. Make a copy the poem that you write to contact@eliastobias.net  and get them published at the World of Words by Elias Tobias. It is as simple as that.

How do I Contact Elias Tobias?

Elias Tobias may be reached through e-mail with the following address:

contact@eliactobias.net.

“Summer’s End” Theme for October
The theme of poetry for the month of October 2010 is “Summer’s End” for all daily posts, including the Poem of the     Month below. The schools have begun as a new routine has emerged from the summer months. Things are started and plans are being made for the next months.  Some people, like me, are changing where they live, and the temporary limbo of new address means using lawn chairs for living room couches, and the notice of who you think you know of a new location.

The posts for this month will be in transition, both reflective of the recent past, as the summer wildflower photos, and forward thinking of what is expected to happen (or what endings up happening in the mean time.)  One thing about life is change, even it’s  the change of seasons.

write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

Phases

Please don’t take advantage of me,
and my new vulnerabilities.
It won’t last forever, though, and
strange feelings are only temporary.
I’ll get better; just wait and see.
Then I’ll be better than I used to be.

There are many posters which can be downloaded for free, and you can find them here.

September 2010 Newsletter

September 2010 Newsletter

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Newsletter for the World of Words by Elias Tobias

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Words of Wisdom ready for your use

There are phrases that are often repeated that have information that make us wonder why we do things when we do them, and these are called words of wisdom. Here is a collection of such phrases in several categories that were gathered by the staff of this website for your interest. Click here or on the above graphic to see the full list and seem wise beyond your years.
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Mike’s Book Café has free books online
The gift of reading is a gift that keeps on giving, long after the Christmas presents have been opened.  The best presents are free and there are hundreds of books online for no cost from a variety of sources.  So when it’s cold outside, and you have time on your hands, fix yourself a cup of coffee and then pick up a book or anthology of poems and relax.

If you just want the latest news from your own hometown to the nation and world, go to Topix at http://www.topix.com/. The type in the name of your city or town in the search box and get information from your neck of the woods.
Here is a set of links from Mike’s Book Cafe:
1. Thousands of books available through http://www.readbookonline.net/
2. Turn page after page at http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/
3. Read and print books for free from http://www.readprint.com/
4. Want a romance novel? Choose hundreds at http://www.publicbookshelf.com/
This is just a start of what can be found for free.  Reading in fun-damental.

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The World of Words by Elias Tobias has a series of 26 podcasts from the Love Notes book. You can listen to the recordings and download them for free to your favorite IPod device. You will need a program to hear them, so if you do not have a program, you can click here for a free QuickTime program. Find these and other love poems in the Love Note book. Use the search box to find the text of a specific poem.

“Lines of Life” Theme for September
The theme of poetry for the month of September 2010 is “Lines of Life” for all daily posts, including the Poem of the     Month below. This is the title of of one of my favorite poems, and it has also been published before and during the time this poetry blog began.  This months work will explore snapshot of life in lines of poetry and photographs.
write_on1.jpg Poem of the Month

Life is Like a Lottery
Life is like a lottery,
and the numbers change daily,
Success and popularity
are a matter of fate and destiny.
The odds change with
effort and ability.
Angelic assistance is heavenly.
There are insurance companies
who determine life expectancy
like the odds of a lottery
based on age and activities.
Life is like a lottery.

Have you read the childrens’ story, The Peasant Princess? It is in English, French, Spanish, German, and Arabic.