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.
(to complete the email address replace '(at)' with @)
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* .
(to complete the email address replace '(at)' with @)
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.
email the web master Mick Pearson:
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