Bombadil Publishing is back to stay in Ahuachapán, El Salvador!

On St. Valentine ’s Day) Bombadil Publishing hasd a delegation in the beautiful El Salvadorian city of Ahuachapán near the border to Guatemala. We got an invitation to celebrate the local festivity at this warm and peaceful city; the invitation was extended by ASCARA , an Art and Culture Association and our two mentors in Ahuachapán: Mr. Guillermo Galicia and Mr. Marco Antonio Lima who had arranged a big meet attended by a good crowd.

Our host gave us a very warm welcome when we arrived early in the morning and we met of a lot of important people of the city, writers, a magnificent theater group, poetry readers and many others.

I was given the honor, as Executive Director of Bombadil Publishing, to introduce myself to the Ahuachapán society, which has a lot of young writers writing a book for Bombadil Publishing. There are three young writers whom are in the final process of editing their books. These young writers are: Luis Guillermo Ibañez, 15 years, (who unfortunately was sick) with his book “El gran día de Al-Zaidi”, Ricardo Rodriguez, 14 years, with his book “Fábrica Literaria” and Mauricio Zepeda, 15 years, with his book “Los Cuentos de la Montaña”

I proudly introduced those young writers not only to Ahuachapán but to the entire world. I was delighted to be able to introduce Bombadil Publishing to many others young writers to our big Bombadil Family. They are wonderful and spirited and transmit the Bombadil Publishing feelings all around the world, those feelings which are inspiring the young writers to write their ideas, their passions, their future to the world, as a heritage to the future generations.

Our gratitude to the young Alex Deras for his magnificent collaboration which was an important part of our visit to Ahuachapán,
We thank to the All Ahuachapán community for the medal we got as “Merit Visitors” And to the beautiful owner of the Restaurant “El Rincon” for her tasty and delight food.
Come young all over the world and join to the Bombadil Publishing revolution!

YOUTH2YOUNTH!
Melvin González

Welcoming our new CEO

We are delighted to welcome Robert S. Friedman as our new CEO. Bob is based in Virginia, USA. Bob's appointment is one of many changes to the Bombadil management team and global structure, changes that have been implemented due to the company's very fast growth. We are delighted to see how the overall plans are coming together, and even more delighted that we now have more than 100 000 young people in our network. The Bombadil world is increasing and youth authors are becoming an important part of the future.

Here is a brief bio of Bob. We have kept i short, though there is so much more to write. Bob is an amazing, wise and talented man who will help bring Bombadil on its journey to truly reveolutionsing the world of publishing. Welcome Bob!

Robert S. Friedman was born on February 15, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, attended Woodrow Wilson High School and the University of Virginia, where he earned a B.A. in English in 1963. He has an M.F.A. in Writing (1966) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and two years graduate study at the University College of Swansea of the University of Wales (1968-70).

He taught English at East Carolina University from 1966 to 1968. He worked as a free-lance photographer in Atlanta from 1970 to 1972, then moved to Virginia Beach, VA in 1972. He was managing editor of Metro Hampton Roads Magazine from 1972 to 1974, when he left to found The Donning Company/ Publishers. He was president and publisher of Donning from 1974 to 1989. The company published a variety of books, including over 400 pictorial histories of counties, cities, and states. He started the first trade paperback line of science fiction and fantasy in 1978 (Starblaze Editions) with ten-time Hugo award winner, Kelly Freas. He created and marketed the first four-color graphic novel, the bestselling Elfquest series, and pioneered the first chain store distribution of the genre, followed by several other graphic novel publications which led to the thriving genre on the shelves today. And he initiated a series of metaphysical titles, many of which are still in print.

He and Frank DeMarco founded Hampton Roads in 1989, and the company's book publishing program has focused on cutting-edge books with a self-help or non-traditional spiritual orientation, publishing over 800 books in eighteen years. Among early bestsellers were books by author Mary Summer Rain. Later successes included the trilogy of Conversations with God books by Neale Donald Walsch, all of which became New York Times bestselling books. Book 1 was on the list for 132 weeks. And he acquired bestselling books such as Lynn Grabhorn's Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting, which has sold over 600,000 copies; Barbel Mohr’s The Cosmic Ordering Service series; Richard Bach’s Messiah’s Handbook and Hypnotizing Maria; George Beahm’s Muggles and Magic; and many others.

He is the co-author, with Eckhart Tolle, of a children’s book entitled Milton’s Secret: An Adventure of Discovery Through Then, When, and The Power of Now.
Recently retired from Hampton Roads, he is co-producing a documentary with Neale Donald Walsch entitled iGOD, and now lives in Faber, Virginia.

Too much to bear the life!! Why?

Recently, shocking digit of suicide cases has drawn my attention to cast my consideration on the issue. Why to load demands on these innocents’ embryonic age? Why not to emancipate them from materialistic philosophy of elders?

What parents need to understand:
Peer pressure of malcontent parents seems innocuous on destitute soul but latter occurs with drastically inimical results-‘suicide’. The plethora of depression on parent’s extensive expectations hinders them from blossoming and before flourishing they decimate their lives. Parents are the chief support for their offspring; they should comprehend that everyone is not exceptionally academically gifted. They ought to edify their children to pursue their dreams and the trajectory of success.
I have also noticed parents comparing their children either with the first boy of the class or some ideal figure which is completely worthless. Everyone can’t secure first position in a class comprising of 50 or 60 students; therefore, comparison is hollow or flimsy which leads them nowhere.

Why to clap only on their accomplishments and why not on their axis performance? To attain success one has to learn how to fail first.

....Alex

Happy Valentine's Day

Despite solemn conclave, murky grieves of bomb blast, meddling of some self proclaimed moral police, the kindred spirit, compassionate ambience and fresh cascade of love frolicked generously around the capital, Delhi.
Fresh mauve-colored rose, festooned florid flowered bouquet, heart-shaped balloons, large-sized teddy bear, dazzlingly bedecked greeting cards and finally, Cadbury chocolate’s delight adorned the lover’s heart. It seemed spring mettled lovers steps and debonair ushered their heart to take them into the paradise of love. Restaurants, coffee shops were packed for romanticizing the valentine’s dinner. Teenagers frittered so much money away on expensive and luxurious consumption to exceed the last extent to convey their affection. Jubilation in concomitant of jocund deluged the metropolis with love.
I didn’t miss the slightest slice of chance of washing away in enjoyment with my husband and five months old son. The day melted faster but…
“I am overwhelmed to see my city in merely heavenly love keeping aside all hindrances or destroyers”

"Happy Valentine's Day"
...Alex

The Regret City

Dear Bombadilians!

Today, I’d like to share a story with you. I really don’t know who wrote this but the story has a great lot deal to learn from. Most of us, apparently, seem to be living in present; but in reality, we are lost somewhere in past. We have hundreds and thousands of reasons to justify our sadness, our anxiety and what not. Please spare time and read the following:

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. This is my annual "Guilt Trip."

I got tickets to fly there on "WISH-I-HAD" airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my "baggage," which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was loaded down with a thousand memories of "what might have been." No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the "Last Resort" Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event -- the annual "Pity Party." I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the "Done" family; you know, "Should Have," "Would Have" and "Could Have." Then came the "I Had" family. You probably know old "Wish" and his clan. Of course, the "Opportunities" family; "Missed and Lost," would be present. The biggest family there would be the "Yesterday's."

There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. Of course, "Shattered Dreams" would surely make and appearance. "It's Their Fault" family would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in their life. Each story would be loudly applauded by the "Don't Blame Me" and "I Couldn't Help It" committee.

To make a long story short, I went to this depressing party, knowing full well there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that this trip and subsequent "pity parties" COULD be cancelled by ME!

I started to realize that I did not have to be there. And I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as being encouraging.

Knowing this, I left Regret City immediately, and didn't leave a forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no way to undo them.

So, if you're planning a trip back to Regret City, please cancel all those reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a nice place called: "Starting Again." I like it so much that I made it my permanent residence. My neighbors, the "Been Forgiven" and the "We're Saved" are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around the heavy baggage anymore either. That load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. But don't take my word for it, find out for yourself.

- Alex

Back Again

Dear all,
It’s really long since I last wrote contributed my part on Bombadil blog. A couple of unforeseen things, pretty unfortunate actually, took place but thank God things are under control now. Hacking etc. was not the stuff Bombadil had ever anticipated, we’d lost our .com domain and even lost the password of this blog. “Feeling relieved to get back to all of you.”
Last couple of weeks have been rather cold, in fact colder weeks in many decades. The entire Europe is shivering under the thick sheet of snow. Things have also been fairly unusual in India: many calling it the coldest winter after 60s. Fog and mist crippled almost everything—Airplanes, railways, buses all ran either late or got delayed for uncertain time. Like the rest parts of the world, we are also discussing whether global warming indeed is a potential threat on our lives. The plummeting barometer has defied dozens of popular conceptions. Whatever, we are enjoying this season to the fullest: mostly by working and not going outside :-(
Today, all of a sudden, there is a bright sunny day :-) and it seems we have directly landed in spring. I hope it stays and prolongs for months.
Yours,
Alex

INDIAN DRUMS PART-II

A Journey With the Knowing of Devotional Musical Instruments

Prevalent Indian Drums-Structure and composition

Leather instruments are mainly called as ‘Anabadha’ or ‘Abadha’ playing instruments.
In India there are several types of instruments.The significant names among them are Pakhawaj,Tabla,Khol,Dhol,Nakkara,Mridangam,Dvil,Sudha Maddalam,Chenda,Urumi,Pambai,Udukku,Tumbakanari,Huduk,Tilima etc.

The descriptions are as follows:-(Leaving out Tabla and Pakhawaj)

Khol:-
The other name of ‘Khol’ is ‘Mridangam’ but it should be confused with the ‘North Indian ancient Mridangam’ or ‘Pakhwaj’.The whole body of ‘Khol’ is made with burnt clay. The middle portion is higher and has two slanting faces on either side.The two face are made of leather and the middle of each face has a black portion called ‘Gab’.The right face(maxm. size-2/3 inches) is smaller as compared to the left face. The specialty of ‘Khol’ is there is no need of adjusting ‘sur’ or scale as in the case of tabla. ‘Khol’ is usually used with ‘Kirtans’, Devotional songs and ‘Kirtananga Rabindra Sangeet’ .It is also used with Manipuri dances.


Dhol:-
The body of a Dhol is made of wood and the faces are of leather. Normally a ‘Dhol’ is 18’’ to 20’’ inches in length and 12’’ in breadth. The two sides are fitted with strong ‘Rojju’ which are given through small round rings. The rings are used to adjust the scale of the instrument. They are played with free hands or sometimes with the help of sticks. They are mostly used to accompany folk songs.


Nakkara: -
‘Nakkara’ is one the most significant ancient musical instruments. ‘Bheri’ or ‘Dundubi’ can be considered just as different types of ‘Nakkara’. Usually ‘Nakkara’ is made of Bronze or Brass and its shape is much like the ‘Bayan’ of a tabla. The face is made of leather and is tightly fitted by ‘Rojju’. Its height is approximately 2’1/2 feet to 3 feet. ‘Nakkara’ is played with the help of sticks but with the ‘Sanai’ of North India ‘Nakkara’ is played with hand only.


Mridangam:-
The North Indian ‘Pakhawaj’ is called as ‘Mridangam’ but it has certain dissimilarities with the ‘Mridangam’ of South India. The size of a ‘Mridangam’ is less than that of a ‘pakhawaj’ and whereas the left face of a ‘Pakhawaj’ is played with open palm ,in case of ‘Mridangam’ it is played with fingers like that of a ‘Bayan’ of a Tabla. The length of a ‘Mridangam’ is approximately 1’1/2 to 2 feet. It is usually played with heavy classical music and songs of North India.


Tabhil: -
The shape of a ‘Tabhil’ is much like that of a ‘Dhol’ Its right face is played with fingers while left face with strong wooden stick. This instrument is used with classical musical instruments of North India.

Suddha Maddalam:-
It’s a North India musical instrument and resembles much like that of a ‘Mridangam’ but much bigger in size than ‘Mridangam’ and its ‘gab’ is also much thicker and larger.It has a much heavier sound wave than ‘Mridangam’. This instrument is indispensable for the Kathakali dance of Kerela.

Chenda: -
‘Chenda’ is a type of ‘Dhol’ with length 2 feet and breadth 1 foot. It is played with the help of two sticks in two hands. It is also used with Kathakali dance of Kerela. It is also used with the folk dances of Northern and southern India.

Urum:-
It is also like ‘dhol’ in structure and the two faces are made of leather.It is played with the help of a 1’1/2 inches long curved stick.

Pambai:-
It has been made by uniting two 1 foot long ‘Dhols’ together. The upper part is made of brass and the lower part is made of wood and both faces are of leather. It is played with hand and stick. It is usually used with folk dances of the Northern India.


Udukku:-

It is about one foot long with a thin middle part and shaped like that of a ‘Dugdugi’. It is either made of wood or mud. It is held in left hand and played with right hand. It has limited use in some folk songs of Tamil Nadu.



Tumbakanari:-

It is the Kashmiri ‘Dholak’. It is shaped like a water pot. The lower part is made of leather. It is help below the left arm and played with the right hand. It is a very popular instrument of Kashmir.

Hudukku:-

It is like a ‘Dumru’ but much larger in size. Its both faces are made of leather and are held together by strong rope. It is suspended with a rope from the left shoulder and played with the right hand. It is popular in the ‘Gharwal’ AREAS.



Timila:-

It is also a type of dholak. It is suspended with a rope from the left shoulder and the upper part is played with both hands. It is used in devotional songs of temples of Kerela.

by Sonnet Mondal.