Memoire: Triumph over Adversity

"Memoire: Triumph over Adversity" weaves the threads of my life's tapestry, reflecting the values that guided me from humble beginnings in picturesque Kodagu, South India. Born into poverty, I harnessed hard work, compassion, and humility to shape my dreams against challenging odds.

Throughout my journey, I faced daunting obstacles with unwavering resolve and a commitment to education. From teacher to mentor, my roles attest to the power of determination. This memoir resonates with those embracing hope amid adversity, inspiring young minds to chase dreams with persistence.

Beyond words, the book offers insights from consultancy across fifteen countries, guiding those aiming to make a difference. Chapters uncover post-retirement pursuits, painting a picture of enrichment and rejuvenation.

Join me on this literary voyage where "Memoire: Triumph over Adversity" transcends boundaries, celebrating human potential and purpose. It's a shared narrative, an ode to resilience, and an invitation to embrace the essence of being human.

cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/875200

"Man and groups of men are objects of cognition in many other sciences, too, but psychology has its own approach, its own subject-matter. The subject matter of psychology as a science, the qualitatively specific ‘‘aspect”’ of man and human groups which it studies, is the phenomena, laws, and mechanisms of the psychology of individuals and groups. In the study and interpretation of the psyche, Soviet psychological science relies on Marxist-Leninist methodology as the doctrine of the general methods of cognition and transformation of the world. Strict compliance with these positions is extremely important, for psychology, from the very first days of its existence, has been an area of ideological struggle between materialism and idealism, between dialectics and metaphysics, between determinism and chance. A methodologically correct approach to the solution of psychological problems saves one from rude mistakes in theory and practice. Of fundamental methodological significance is the proposition of Marxism-Leninism that matter is primary and_ consciousness, secondary, and that man’s psyche is reflective in nature. The psyche cannot exist either as an independently acting entiry, as asserted by idealists, or as some emanations of the brain, as posited by vulgar materialists. The psyche is not emanated by the brain (as gastric juice is emanated by the stomach, for example) but emerges as a result of the impact of environment on man’s brain; it reflects reality. In recognising that psychic phenomena are caused by physiological processes in the brain, psychology concentrates on the reflective nature of the psyche, which is manifested in the psyche being the subjective image of the objective world. Psychic reflection is not passive reflection, it depends on man’s activity and his specific interaction with reality. The proposition conceming the reflective nature of the psyche is of immense significance for the theory of psychology and for practice, for it explains many psychic phenomena and, moreover, points to the principal mode of the formative and directive psychological actions: the creation of the conditions and objective influence that would produce the necessary psychic phenomena. A logical development of the methodological proposition outlined here is the thesis of the decisive role of social conditions in the formation of man’s psyche, the thesis of the social nature of the psyche. Historical materialism considers personality, group (or collective), and society in their dialectical unity. It has revealed the decisive role of labour and activity in the emergence and formation of man. Man is not a passive product of external influences—he is also the Product of his own activity."

Quote taken from:

The Psychology of Management of Labour Collectives: Guides to the Social Sciences, Chapter 1: The Methodological And Theoretical Foundations of the Psychology of Management of Labour Collectives, 1. 4. The Significance of the Psychological Factor in Management and Its Principal Characteristics, 1. 4, 2. The Subject-Matter of Psychological Science, pg. 60, by Aleksey Mikhailovich Stolyarenko

Escaped from North Korea With a Simphony

In the shadow of Kim Jong Il's oppressive regime, of courage and musical defiance emerges. This dramatic escape saga from North Korea unfolds with the vivid pages of a scorebook, echoing the symphony of resistance composed by an unsung hero. In this symphony, notes and melodies became the weapons of choice, challenging the iron grip of the North Korean dictator.

The composer's name remains unknown to the world, a silent tribute to the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and artistic expression. Their life, like the crescendo of a symphony, swelled with passion and purpose. With each note penned, they risked everything to resist the order of Kim Jong Il and inspire hope among their fellow citizens.

This captivating narrative reminds us of the power of art to transcend borders and break the chains of oppression. It's a testament to the indomitable human spirit, symbolizing the universal yearning for freedom and the lengths one is willing to go to protect it.

As we celebrate the indelible impact of this nameless composer, we are reminded that even in the darkest of times, the language of music can resonate as a beacon of hope, a testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit, and a symbol of resilience against tyranny.

Scrolls count as books, right?

They've managed to find actual words in a two-thousand year-old, burned scrolls from Herculaneum.

The exciting bit? The words they've read so far appear to be from a previously unknown ancient text. And there are over six hundred other scrolls. If we can read more of them, we'll find lost texts. Maybe some we've heard of, maybe some we haven't. Either would be amazing!

From the article:

The Herculaneum papyri, ancient scrolls housed in the library of a private villa near Pompeii, were buried and carbonized by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. For almost 2,000 years, this lone surviving library from antiquity was buried underground under 20 meters of volcanic mud. In the 1700s, they were excavated, and while they were in some ways preserved by the eruption, they were so fragile that they would turn to dust if mishandled. How do you read a scroll you can’t open? For hundreds of years, this question went unanswered.

I've been reading something spooky/creepy/horrific around this time for a few years now. Does anyone else do this? Any recommendations?

My reads:

• 2023: Perfectly Preventable Deaths by Deirdre Sullivan
• 2022: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
• 2021: Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
• 2020: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
• 2019: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
• 2018: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders & Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
• 2017: Carrie by Stephen King
• 2016: Jekyll and Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
• 2015: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
• 2014: The Shadow Over Innsmouth by H. P. Lovecraft
• 2012: The Call of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft
• 2009: Dracula by Bram Stoker
• 2008: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A question of Morality: A reflection on The Brothers Karamazov

I found that this book is philosophically dense, emotionally evocative and thought provoking. And it is a page turner in addition to being a whodunnit!. Now one of the things I love about this book and of other Dostoevsky books that I have read, is the brilliant characterisation. The brothers in the title refer to Dmitri Fyodorovich (Mitya, Mitka, Mitenka, Mitri Fyodorovich) the eldest, Ivan Fyodorovich (Vanya, Vanka, Vanechka), and Alexie Fyodorovich (Alyosha, Alyoshka, Alyoshechka, Alexeichik, Lyosha, Lyoshenka), the youngest. Alexie is frequently referred to as Alyosha and Alyoshka throughout the book. The major conflict in the book is the tension existing between Dmitri Fyodorovich and his father Fyodor Pavlovich as a result of a love triangle between them and Grushenka; and also due to money matters. There is also something of a love triangle involving Dmitri, Ivan and Dmitri’s fiance Katerina. Now Fyodor is somewhat of a colourful character, to say the least. He is a landowner with a particular reputation of being a “muddleheaded madcap” (but not stupid) and a sensualist. He was quite notorious as a husband and a father. His first wife got fed up and ran away with someone else, abandoning the three-year-old Mitya, while his second wife died soon after giving birth to Ivan and Alyosha. He was known to openly engage in orgies with other women in his home even when his wife was present. As a father, Fyodor promptly forgot about the existence of his sons, both after his first wife left him and when his second wife died. In fact, it was because of a faithful servant Grigory taking care of Mitya, that he didn't starve and had clothes on his body.. Ivan and Alyosha were also taken care of by Grigory, but they were later taken in by distant relatives of their mother’s benefactress. A few lines about the benefactress’ actions after their mom died: "They say that the moment she saw him, without any explanations, she at once delivered him two good, resounding slaps and jerked him three times by his forelock; then, without adding a word, she made straight for the cottage and the two boys. Seeing at a glance that they were unwashed and in dirty shirts, she gave one more slap to Grigory himself and announced to him that she was taking both children home with her, then carried them outside just as they were, wrapped them in a plaid, put them in the carriage, and took them to her own town." (just included these lines because I think it is hilarious). As a result, both Ivan and Alyosha received some amount of care and education, unlike Mitya who was transferred from one place to another with his education remaining incomplete. When the action starts, we come to know that Mitya is back in the village, demanding his father should give him his money left by his mother. Here it is to be noted that his first wife had money, while his second did not. Therefore, Mitya has grown up with expectations of getting his mother’s money. Now Ivan is also in town, visiting Fyodor, while Alyosha is a novice in the village monastery. There he has grown closer to the elder Zosima, who is his greatest friend and guide at this point. Zosima’s health is declining, and he may die soon. Now, Mitya has another complication in his life. He has fallen in love with a woman called Grushenka, who is known to be the merchant Samsonov’s kept woman while being engaged to another woman called Katerina. Mitya’s father Fyodor is also in love with Grushenka and is actively pursuing her for her hand in marriage. And Ivan is in love with Katerina. When Mitya is first introduced, he seems to be an irresponsible, passionate wastrel lacking impulse control. However, as I got to know him better, he came across as someone who is self aware enough to know his own faults and issues and wants to do better. Initially, he doesn't come across as someone I would be able to respect much, but he turns out to be a complex human being with his heart in the right place. In the first scene where Grushenka is introduced, she comes across as this typical “vampish” other woman who we later get to know as this wonderfully complex woman who has her own thoughts and agency. This is one of the things I love about this book: the characters feel like real living, breathing people I care about. Another character worth mentioning is the lackey Smerdyakov, who is rumoured to be the illegitimate son of Fyodor and lives as the cook in the house. He is sly, manipulative and always tries to make people believe he is a fool while trying to outsmart them in the meanwhile. As the action progresses, simmering tensions start to build up and slowly lead to a boiling point, culminating in a gruesome murder.

Some of the themes explored in the book are the conflict of faith (or a lack thereof) and the question of morality and free will. This is portrayed by the contrasting aspects of faith and unbelief in the persons of Alyosha and Ivan, Zosima and the Inquisitor. In the tavern conversation in the first half of the book, Ivan opens up to Alyosha and tries to explain to his “little brother” his beliefs. Very endearingly he tells him that "I want to get close to you, Alyosha, because I have no friends. I want to try." He explains that it’s impossible for him to believe a merciful, benevolent God can create this world with all its sufferings. Ivan refuses to accept that all sinners with their "villainy" and "animal cruelty" are ever redeemable. He says: "Tell me straight out, I call on you—answer me: imagine that you yourself are building the edifice of human destiny with the object of making people happy in the finale, of giving them peace and rest at last, but for that you must inevitably and unavoidably torture just one tiny creature, that same child who was beating her chest with her little fist, and raise your edifice on the foundation of her unrequited tears—would you agree to be the architect on such conditions? Tell me the truth.” He posits that the established religious order is corrupt and no longer serves God, but the devil, through the allegory of the Inquisitor (it is a long story that I am not repeating here). He further goes on to say that mankind in general cannot deal with free will and free conscience; they need someone to tell them what is right and what needs to be done, which is what established religions provide them with. So, as there is no God and no life after death, he says that, ‘If there is no immortality of the soul, then there is no virtue, and therefore everything is permitted.’ Now this tavern conversation has left quite an impression on me since I, too, do not believe in the existence of any God, singular or plural and a lot of what Ivan says also resonates with me. However, I have never thought that there is any connection between the existence of God, virtue and morality. I do understand Ivan’s point even though I do not agree with it. I wonder what do people who believe in God think of morality? Is morality contingent on the need for being virtuous? I believe morality should be unconditional and not dependent on the necessity of being virtuous. Anyways I loved that this book made me think so much.

The ending of the book is bittersweet to say the least. The book is well-paced right till the end. However, there are parts (just a few) of the book where it feels as if it's slightly going on a side track. To reiterate, I loved this book and it is now one of my favourites. I will definitely reread it in the future.

Recently, I came to a sad conclusion. I no longer feel interested in fantasy.

I was an avid reader of the genre, started my reading days with it, actually.

My favorites stories, in the beginning, were "realistic" stories. I dove into magic ridden worlds, but that didn't have such a "naive" feeling into it.

That's what 15-year-old me liked. It was a classic good versus evil, but with little seasoning. Books like Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time and Harry Potter never appealed to me.

Then time passed, and even those worlds lost it wonder to me. I cherished more a book with a good "lore" than a whole new world, one of the reasons IT by Stephen King hit me so hard when I first read it.

But my world changed with two stories. I like to say they made me fall out of love of fantasy, but not in a bad way, but they got so deep into things I didn't even know I liked - no, loved! - yet that everything else paled in comparison. Those stories were A Song of Ice and Fire and, the one that got me the most and changed everything I thought I knew about my love for fantasy, Berserk.

I ate those stories up! Couldn't stop reading it, searching about it, thinking over it. When I was done with it all, I started to look for similar stories. Tried Malazan Book of The Fallen, Prince of Nothing (this one is almost there, though) and even some Brandon Sanderson books I hadn't read yet.

Every time I see some magic being used - and I say magic as in classic magic, such as making fire out of nothing, lighting coming from nowhere, LOTR type of magic - or some non-human race come up I lose interest completely. Tried The Bound and The Broken series but couldn't even finish chapter 1, the second an elf appeared all other sentences felt heavy and I dropped out.

My solution, for now, has been to read historical fiction. I really like the medieval setting, so decided to read about our own. I'm diving into War of the Roses by Conn Iggulden, The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell, and I am waiting for The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet to arrive. And I am also rereading Berserk.

Have any of you had this to happen? Things that used to be held so dear becoming sour and all that love getting thinner and thinner over time.

Currowan: a Story of Fire and a Community During Australia's Worst Summer

A moving insider’s account of surviving one of Australia’s worst bushfires – and how we live with fire in a climate-changed world

The gripping, deeply moving account of a terrifying fire – among the most ferocious Australia has ever seen

The Currowan fire – ignited by a lightning strike in a remote forest and growing to engulf the New South Wales South Coast – was one of the most terrifying episodes of Australia’s Black Summer. It burnt for seventy-four days, consuming nearly 5000 square kilometres of land, destroying well over 500 homes and leaving many people shattered.

Bronwyn Adcock fled the inferno with her children. Her husband, fighting at the front, rang with a plea for help before his phone went dead, leaving her to fear: will he make it out alive?

In Currowan, Bronwyn tells her story and those of many others – what they saw, thought and felt as they battled a blaze of never-before-seen intensity. In the aftermath, there were questions: why were resources so few that many faced the flames alone? Why was there back-burning on a day of extreme fire danger? Why weren’t we better prepared?

Currowan is a portrait of tragedy, survival and the power of community. Set against the backdrop of a nation in the grip of an intensifying crisis, this immersive account of a region facing disaster is a powerful glimpse into a new, more dangerous world – and how we build resilience.

A City of Flames: The Miami Story

Dive into the heart of a city in turmoil. In this gripping nonfiction work journey back to the explosive events of the 1980 Miami riots. Uncover the untold stories, the unspoken truths, and the raw emotions that ignited a community’s struggle for justice. Through vivid narratives and in-depth research, this book sheds light on a pivotal historical moment, revealing a tapestry of courage, conflict, and resilience. Prepare to be captivated by the voices of those who lived it, as you embark on a powerful exploration of a city at the crossroads of change.

Going Postal

Going Postal" is an emotionally charged novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the turbulent world of the United States Postal Service, marked by twenty-seven devastating mass shootings from 1970 to 2021. But this story isn't just about violence; it's a profound exploration of what drives a person to the brink of despair and what it takes to claw back from the edge.

Author R.J. DiPerna offers a unique insider's perspective, revealing the cracks in both individuals and a massive governmental agency grappling with its own flaws. This gripping narrative unearths the raw truths of mental illness, addiction, abuse, and the intricate web of human relationships, from friendship and romance to betrayal and revenge.

Enter the lives of Gemma and Dani, two women seeking a fresh start, only to find themselves embroiled in a bitter battle for their livelihoods. Their unwavering determination pushes them to extreme measures as they fight for their secure jobs, forming alliances and sowing chaos among coworkers, management, and the union. The indomitable spirit of these women ignites a chain reaction, forcing five characters to confront their breaking points, with vengeance on their minds.

Author R.J. DiPerna, a former USPS employee, infuses her narrative with authenticity and a poignant message. "Going Postal" isn't just a novel; it's a catalyst for change. It urges us to recognize the subtle signs of despair, extend a hand of friendship, and dismantle the negative stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction. Through her own diverse life experiences, DiPerna demonstrates the power of resilience, sparking a conversation about empathy and support. This Suspense Thrillers novel is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for redemption and transformation

The Debt Slaves Of The Student Loan Empire

The book is a nonfiction work that addresses the dysfunction of the student lending system. It draws on the author's personal experience and work as a blogger and uses a range of online articles as source material to support its arguments. The book is grounded in reality but is also polemical in nature, advocating for the restoration of student bankruptcy rights. Overall, this book sheds light on an important issue and offers a compelling case for change.

African American Experience During World War II

The book provides a historical perspective of the 1.2 million African American service members' experiences on the unit and personal level serving in a segregated U.S. military and for an American society that denied them equal opportunity and basic civil rights. African Americans served in every military branch (Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, and Marine Corps). Besides serving in segregated units, they were assigned menial tasks, provided inferior training and resources, denied opportunities to serve in combat units, and faced racism despite fighting for liberty, justice, and freedom abroad while being denied those platitudes at home. Basically, they battled for liberty and freedom on two fronts. home and abroad.

I wanted to tell a story of service and experience that has not been ignored by American history books, news media, and the entertainment industry. I wanted to tell the story of African Americans fighting on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, on the islands of the Pacific against imperial Japan, and during the desperate days of the Battle of the Bulge. And, how they also had to face and battle the hypocrisy, racist beliefs, and attitudes of a military that operated segregated combat and support forces to deliver on FDR's four freedoms.

Elevate Your Life: A Guide to Personal Growth for Teens and Young Adults

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the quest for personal growth and self-improvement is a journey many embark on. "Elevate Your Life" is more than just a book; it's your personal guide to unlocking the potential within you and taking those crucial first steps towards becoming a better, more empowered version of yourself. Targeted at teens and young adults, this self-improvement handbook is a treasure trove of wisdom, distilled from a wealth of valuable life and business experiences.

The pages of "Elevate Your Life" are filled with lessons that transcend age and are universally applicable. These invaluable life lessons offer a roadmap to developing essential interpersonal skills, increasing your personal value, and nurturing a positive outlook on life. While the book serves as your guide, the journey of transformation is yours to undertake.

By embracing and practicing the lessons found within "Elevate Your Life," you have the opportunity to make a profound impact on your life's trajectory. It's a testament to your willingness to cultivate personal growth and navigate the path to becoming the best version of yourself.

One of the striking aspects of this handbook is its emphasis on action. The words on these pages are not meant to be mere philosophy but practical guidance for daily life. The difference lies in your decision to put these lessons into practice. As you begin to apply them in your interactions and experiences, the positive changes you'll witness in yourself will be undeniable.

Imagine the conversations with friends and family when they start to notice the newfound positivity, confidence, and wisdom radiating from you. "Elevate Your Life" empowers you to be the driver of your personal transformation, steering your life towards success, fulfillment, and happiness.

So, whether you're a teenager on the cusp of adulthood or a young adult navigating the complexities of life, "Elevate Your Life" is your trusted companion on the path to self-improvement. It's a handbook that not only imparts valuable life lessons but also encourages you to take action and elevate your life to new heights. Your journey to a better you begins here.

Trump Unleashed: A Satirical Take on the 45th President

In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, there emerges a book that dares to take a unique and satirical perspective on the 45th President of the United States, Donald J Trump. Aptly titled "Trump Unleashed," this book is a rollercoaster journey through the often eccentric actions and statements of one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary politics.

What sets "Trump Unleashed" apart is its unapologetic use of satire as a lens through which to view the tumultuous political career of DJ Trump. As readers delve into this witty and comical narrative, they are presented with a delightful, tongue-in-cheek commentary on the various facets of Donald Trump's tenure, particularly during his days as the commander-in-chief.

The book takes the reader on a humorous voyage, navigating through the intricate maze of Trump's policies, tweets, speeches, and headline-grabbing moments. With a knowing wink and a dash of irony, "Trump Unleashed" dissects the various episodes that made headlines and raised eyebrows during Trump's presidency. From Twitter tirades to unconventional press briefings, the satirical lens uncovers the comedy hidden within the political landscape.

"Trump Unleashed" invites readers to sit back, relax, and enjoy a satirical journey through the era of Trump's political career. Through witty anecdotes and clever scenarios, it casts a spotlight on the absurd, the outlandish, and the unbelievable moments that unfolded during those turbulent times. It's a satirical take on Trump, a contemporary statesman whose actions and decisions were nothing short of unprecedented.

So, if you're looking for a unique perspective on the political circus that surrounded the 45th President, "Trump Unleashed" is your ticket to a satirical ride filled with humor, jest, and an astute understanding of the absurdity that was the Trump presidency.

cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/810038

I'm trying to get more people to subscribe to this person.

I really feel that they're doing their best and I want to help 'em out. Besides, I like the reviews, though the choice of books are a bit trite, I think. Too much of the same recs, I feel, that you see everywhere else.

cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/810038

I'm trying to get more people to subscribe to this person.

I really feel that they're doing their best and I want to help 'em out. Besides, I like the reviews, though the choice of books are a bit trite, I think. Too much of the same recs, I feel, that you see everywhere else.

Curious to see what the Lemmings are reading this year.

I'll say my favorite this year was "The People of the Deer" by Farley Mowat, a novelization of the authors time spent in the Canadian North.

An incredible read with some wonderful prose.

I've just finished Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam and was incredibly impressed. I haven't read anything in a while that captures what it might actually be like faced with the collapse of society.

The book looks very different from the upcoming film but with Sam Esmail directing and an amazing cast, I can't wait for it.

I loved the book, it was a very fun fever dream. Do the sequels have that same sort of frenetic energy?

Also, I'm not sure if I ever actually saw the movie or just saw clips of the movie in parodies and what not, does the movie at all follow the insane beats of the book?

All I recall is the futuristic plastic world, none of the crazy stuff in the book, which is leading me to think that maybe I haven't actually seen the movie.

My go-to writer in bad times and good times and all the times in between. If you love witty humour, try it. Or start with the TV show with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie (although there are so many funny things in those stories that can't be done on screen)

cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/778494

Is anyone else also into "BookTube" or "BookTok"?

Just discovered this person randomly, kinda by accident. I saw his video, saw that he had only a few views at best, and decided to watch. I try to patronize YouTube channels that are "new" (not sure of anyone really does the same). I wanted to also promote it as well to help him out.

On another note, does anyone feel that YouTube algorithms are somehow "better" now? Compared to where they were before? I'm actually discovering interesting stuff now.

O, then I see Queen Mab hath been with you.

She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes

In shape no bigger than an agate stone

On the forefinger of an alderman,

Drawn with a team of little atomies

Athwart men's noses as they lie asleep;

Her wagon spokes made of long spinners' legs,

The cover, of the wings of grasshoppers;

Her traces, of the smallest spider's web;

Her collars, of the moonshine's wat'ry beams;

Her whip, of cricket's bone; the lash, of film;

Her wagoner, a small grey-coated gnat,

Not half so big as a round little worm

Prick'd from the lazy finger of a maid;

Her chariot is an empty hazelnut,

Made by the joiner squirrel or old grub,

Time out o' mind the fairies' coachmakers.

And in this state she gallops night by night

Through lovers' brains, and then they dream of love;

O'er courtiers' knees, that dream on cursies straight;

O'er lawyers' fingers, who straight dream on fees;

O'er ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream,

Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues,

Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are.

Sometime she gallops o'er a courtier's nose,

And then dreams he of smelling out a suit;

And sometime comes she with a tithe-pig's tail

Tickling a parson's nose as 'a lies asleep,

Then dreams he of another benefice.

Sometimes she driveth o'er a soldier's neck,

And then dreams he of cutting foreign throats,

Of breaches, ambuscadoes, Spanish blades,

Of healths five fadom deep; and then anon

Drums in his ear, at which he starts and wakes,

And being thus frighted, swears a prayer or two

And sleeps again. This is that very Mab

That plats the manes of horses in the night

And bakes the elflocks in foul sluttish, hairs,

Which once untangled much misfortune bodes

This is the hag, when maids lie on their backs,

That presses them and learns them first to bear,

Making them women of good carriage.

This is she...

16k page .PDF, so it may take a bit to load through the web interface. Here's some alternative file formats from Anna's.