Taiki Bansei

What an incredible journey! But just how much more can it possibly entail?

I hope my autobiography will captivate you, offering both entertainment and insight. So, join me on this remarkable voyage – one that has been fun, peculiar, overwhelming at times, but always deeply educational. Life has taught me plenty, and along the way, I’ve encountered unforgettable characters – some amusing, some obscure, but all leaving their mark. Their names have been changed to protect both the innocent and those who will never be innocent.

To be brief: I was born in England, raised in northern Italy and Sicily, then found myself in the Bronx. My journey took me across vast oceans, through the war in Vietnam, into the depths of drug addiction, and finally, toward a steady path of rehabilitation. And there is still so much more to tell.

So, ride with me. And don’t let the Japanese title baffle you – believe me, it will all make sense in the end.

Johnny Yesno

There are certain people in life who cannot be denied success, regardless of the conditions of their birth or the circumstances of their upbringing. They just seem to rise to the top of whatever they are doing, somehow defying the odds and using their innate skills as a pathway to success. They also have the ability to utilize the fortuitous circumstances that they find themselves in to their advantage. All in all, such people just seem destined to rise to the top.

This book is about one of these people named Johnny Yesno. While the name Johnny Yesno may not be identifiable among movie buffs, his life is nonetheless worthy of wider recognition. Johnny Yesno went on to star in several movies, most notably the Walt Disney classic King of the Grizzlies; hosted a popular radio program on CBC Radio entitled Our Native Land; and, among other distinctions, was awarded the Order of Canada in 1976.

52 Seconds

For a kid who’s afraid of heights, the idea of going up Niagara Falls’ tallest tower feels impossible. But with his dad’s guidance and a few brave steps, Champion learns that sometimes, courage starts with a single goal.

When his family plans dinner at the top of the Skylon Tower, Champion feels the familiar knot of fear. With knees wobbling and heart racing, he’s ready to give up. Then Dad suggests a simple plan: make a list of tiny goals to tackle one by one. Champion eventually confronts his biggest fear, a 52-second ride up the 800-foot elevator to reach the top of the tower.

52 Seconds is a tale about overcoming the fear of heights, showing young readers that courage isn’t about never being scared—it’s about taking each step one brave second at a time and finding joy in what’s waiting at the top.

From Lady Ralston's Kitchen

Lady Carolyne Lederer-Ralston is a creative cook by nature. She rarely uses cookbooks, preferring to develop her own original, no-waste recipes inspired by diverse sources and cultures, particularly European foodstuffs. Documenting her process with meticulous handwritten notes, some dating back decades, she recreates dishes later in her ‘spirit-filled kitchen’. She keeps copious handwritten notes while she cooks so she can return to the notes promptly to recreate the recipe in proper printed form. Some of her original recipes go back to the 1970s, long before “Gourmet” became the buzzword it is today.

A natural multi-tasker, she balanced a demanding full-time career with preparing full homemade meals daily. Planning and organization (mise en place) are vital to her approach, as is a well-stocked pantry. She includes practical hints within her recipes, and readers often say they feel she’s right there with them in the kitchen – a compliment Lady Ralston cherishes.

Challenge Alzheimer

Therese Truninger (1948) worked as an Activating Therapist in an old people’s home when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in December 2004, at the age of 56. Her husband Kaspar (1945) worked as a sales director for an international company. They got married in 1970 and have two adult daughters and six grandchildren.

In August 2005 Kaspar had to quit his job and started to take care of his love as a caring-husband at their long-time home apartment in Augst, Switzerland. He became a house man and took this new challenge as his own responsibility. In December 2010, the Memory Clinic in Basel, Switzerland concluded that home care for Mrs. Truninger was ‘just about tolerable/possible’.

In view of possible alternatives, the couple had already travelled several times to Thailand for longer periods of time and they had consistently had good experiences with the friendly people (the Land of Smiles) and the moderate cost of living. In January 2011, they emigrated from their home country Switzerland to Thailand.

With the help of a competent housekeeper and a most caring caregiver for Therese, they can still live on their own in their private environment.

Mama—My Favorite Person in the Whole World—Has Something Called Dementia

Sometimes the people we love most in life, change in ways we don’t understand.

Are they feeling anxious or worried? Or really sleepy? Maybe they are forgetting things that they used to remember. Are they feeling confused? Are they unable to do the things that they used to do? This can be very upsetting. You may be feeling sad and don’t know how to help. But you can. Your loved one needs and loves you. Spend time with them. No one likes to be alone. Eat snacks with them. Be kind and loving. Sing their favorite songs with them. Hold their hand. Listen and be patient. Tell them you love them. Learn to comfort them. Tell them a funny story, and make them laugh! That really helps. Laughter makes everyone feel better. Don’t forget to give them a big hug! Give yourself a hug too. Ask for help and support when you need it. Be kind to yourself. Be grateful for the magic moments with your loved one. They do happen.

Meet Leon and Maggie Cobb

Most of us, as children, perceive our parents as perfect. Ah, the confusing age of innocence! Do you remember, as a child, thinking of your parents as though they were born as adults – parents, fully formed – and never considering that they, too, were once children? Now, as the shoe is on the other foot, how often do we reflect on our lives from childhood to adulthood? Can you recall the mistakes you made as you grew up, collecting them as “life’s lessons,” shaped by experiences that molded and defined who you are today? Some of those experiences may have been painful, even traumatic.

But such is life’s grand design. In hindsight, our parents – just as we – never were, aren’t, and never will be perfect, nor should we set such unrealistic expectations for ourselves. It is more than enough to be kind and loving. After all, no one escapes life’s moral challenges, whether they lead to good or bad outcomes. ‘Perfect’ – a word so overrated!

Now, as you reflect on your own life, you may find yourself wondering what unspeakable deeds your parents may have hidden, and who they truly are. For many, it may be too late to ask; for others, it may be fear or respect that keeps those questions unasked.

Meet Leon and Maggie Cobb in this tell-all story!

More than All the Magic in Manhattan

Continuing the imaginative series with More Than All the Magic in Manhattan, Stacey Dixon Phelan wants to again provide families an opportunity to create their own expressions of love to cherish and share for years to come. With the same playful and colorful illustrations, this book will capture any child’s curiosity.

‘I love you more than all the seagulls in Santa Monica’ and ‘I love you more than all the colors in Key West’ will provide families with a chance to explore the United States and teach children about the characteristics of American geography and culture.

Keep playing the game!

Do You Know, I Love You So?

Do You Know, I Love You So? is a quick book about all the little things we do as a parent that let our children know that we love them. It’s in the small seemingly unimportant tasks we accomplish that show this love: doing the laundry, brushing the teeth and just being silly that let our children know we love them every day. Enjoy this simple story and share the love you have for your child with them each and every day.

A Handbook for Improving Student Achievement in Secondary Schools

Democratic values, student achievement, and effective citizenship are intrinsically linked. The research, however, is that students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, have few opportunities to practice democratic citizenship in secondary schools.

Alongside current threats to democracy, this should concern us all: professional learning communities, teacher-leaders, parents, consultants, administrators, school districts, human rights activists, minority leadership, the justice system, local communities, university faculties, state education departments, and citizens in general.

Democratic citizenship is a superordinate goal – a composite of communicative abilities, freedom with responsibility, inclusiveness, career preparation, community mindfulness, evidence-based thinking, collective ownership, distributed leadership, and support for those in need. Student leadership, including school research (their own school and others), not only benefits the school generally, but helps prepare high school students for freedom, responsibilities, and opportunities as democratic citizens.

Such leadership has foundations: student-chosen teacher advisors, daily advisories, collaborative learning expertise, student-led assemblies, self-regulation, leadership credit courses, and virtual/personal connections with student leaders in other schools, districts, and countries.

Expanded contributions are student feedback on teacher performance, student-led (parent-student- teacher) conferences, after-school activities leadership, reciprocal teaching, and participation in school/district decision making. All under the auspices of improved language capability, teacher modeling and encouragement, a learning to learn focus, and gradual release of responsibility.

Endorsements

John Hattie

“There is never a dull moment reading this book. Centred on the principles of democracy, it points to the need for broad participation and thus calls for schools to do more, do better, and do wonderful things to ignite a love of learning. Orchard masterfully outlines seven key theorems to make his case; a compelling roadmap for educators to foster effective learning strategies.”

Professor Emeritus John Hattie, Melbourne Laureate

Michael Fullan

“Jack Orchard’s 'Handbook for Improving Student Achievement in Secondary Schools' is powerful, timely, and an action-packed message for us to get going in transforming secondary schools. Orchard’s Handbook is grounded, urgent, insightful, and deeply practical. Anybody in high schools can act on this agenda. Read this book with others, be collectively inspired, and get down to the excitement and frustrations of engaging in breakthrough change. The good news is that students, teachers (and eventually parents and communities) will be excited to join in and make the long-awaited transformation of secondary schools.”

Professor Emeritus Michael Fullan, OISE/University of Toronto

The Great New Freedom State: How Five Nutcase Geeks Saved the World

This is a story of humanity’s future. Can we find remedies and resources to mend our often mismanaged world? Why do humans struggle to get along? What makes us worthy of heaven? These profound questions rest in the hands of five extraordinary teenagers, just 13 and 14 years old, who take on the challenge of creating a better world modeled after the visionary Great New Freedom State.

Dubbed ‘Geeks’ by their peers, these brilliant young minds are guided by a wondrous God spirit known as ‘Fa.’ Endowed with divine insight, they embark on a mission to devise a plan that could restore the earth to its pristine state.

Faced with the consequences of humanity’s past mistakes – the depletion of resources and the extinction of countless species – these unlikely heroes must find ways to replenish the planet’s bounty. Their journey is a testament to hope, ingenuity, and faith.

May God bless those who love the world, and may God bless the Great New Freedom State.

Hershey the Sweetest Dog Ever

Meet Hershey, the sweetest dog ever!

This heartwarming story follows a lovable, kind, and playful pup who teaches us valuable life lessons about patience, acceptance, and kindness. His unconditional love for both his furry friends and his human family is truly priceless.

Hershey may be a dog, but the lessons he shares are cherished by all who know him. Everyone who meets him falls in love!

Snuggle up and enjoy this delightful tale of love, friendship, and the joy a special pet can bring.