What are the odds?

Two Men, One Name, Two Books, One Message.

Two people named Jim Parkes who have both written books who live in the West Midlands. Two people who have never met, whose family trees are not linked and whose books both focus on peace but from two different directions. One Jim Parkes lives in Halesowen and the other in Erdington. Both give talks to community groups across the Midlands.

A few days ago the two Jim Parkes met for the first time to explore these amazing coincidences. The outcome was a plan to combine lifetime experiences in support of the United Nations International Day of Peace on Friday 21st September in front of the newly restored Birmingham Town Hall. The Day of Peace in 2006 was celebrated in 200 countries with 27.6 million people directly involved. All United Nations member countries will celebrate the 21st September as a day of a Global Ceasefire, as a Day of Peace and non-violence in our homes, our communities and between nations.

Halesowen’s Jim Parkes has already written to the Birmingham City Council Leader Mike Whitby suggesting the staging of a one minutes silence at 12 noon on Friday 21st September. The silence would be followed by a joint presentation by the two Jim Parkeses who would present the United Nations message of the need to create a more peaceful, just and sustainable world - one heart, one family and one community. This venture would put Birmingham in a prominent position on the world peace map. Further details of the International Day of Peace can be found on www.internationaldayofpeace.org .

In terms of their personal appraisal of peace the two authors approach from different directions. Erdington’s Jim Parkes approaches peace from a negotiating perspective through his book “adventures of an Urban Explorer - The 100 Country Challenge”. Over the past 47 years and visits to 114 countries he has confronted examples of Government and media manipulation. By visiting current war zones and hot spots such as Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, etc. he has been able to research the political, economic and religious influences that sustain war and current terrorist activities. By creating an imaginary space visitor and placing them in areas of conflict worldwide it has been possible to evaluate the good and bad influences of religion.

Positive comment about the above book has been received from HRH Prince Edward. “I had no idea what a colourful life you have had! Congratulations for surviving for as long as you have!!”. Radio WM interviewer Paul Franks said “A fascinating book - a superb read”. Enquiries or requests to obtain copies of the book should be directed via email jim.parkes(at)virgin.net *. Brewin Books on the website www.brewinbooks.com or telephone 0121 682 5838.
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The approach to peace from by Halesowen’s Jim Parkes is through individuals. His book “Seriously, are you taking the Peace?”, is an amusing story that gives hints and tips on how we can all have a more peaceful life. It seems we can buy almost anything today and yet those fundamental feelings of happiness, contentment and peace are more elusive than ever. Follow the amusing tale of how one man’s humdrum life is transformed when he finds “peace in a box” at the local supermarket. Discover how, by learning to “take the peace”, you can create a remarkable life for yourself and the people you love.

Positive comment about the book comes from Brian Tracy, Author of “The Way to Wealth”. “This book will help you get the most out of yourself and others, for the rest, and the best of your life”. Mary Collin, Past President, Professional Speakers Association (Midlands). “This is essential reading for all peace takers everywhere - are you ready to take the peace?”. Enquiries or requests for copies of the book see the website www.peacetakers.com or by email to jim (at) jimparkes.com* .
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The twin approach of the two authors creates an interesting area of debate. The macro approach by Erdington’s Jim Parkes focuses on political, economical and religious issues that affect millions whilst Halesowen’s Jim Parkes offers the micro focus in the search for inner peace of individuals. World citizens who have demonstrated their inner peace would surely included Mahatma Gandhi, (India), Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu (South Africa), Tony Blair (Northern Ireland) and Mother Teresa (Worldwide). Those without compassionate inner peace would surely include Hitler, Mao Tse Tung, Stalin and Pol Pot. Millions of people died because of these four people.

Although approaching the concept of peace from two different directions both authors are totally committed to peace across the world.

For further information contact either Jim Parkes at the contact addresses featured above.

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