Is Reading a Luxury or a Necessity?

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

Take a moment to think about what reading is for you? A hobby? A way to kill some time? A way to escape from the daily problems into a different world? An entertainment? An addiction? A necessity? Or all of them? For many people reading is a luxury (or at least they think so).

There are people who read every day, others read once in a month. Some people can't imagine a day without reading at least a few pages of their favorite book, for others it is a waste of time. Different people, different reading habits.

There are two types of people who think of reading as a luxury: the ones that don't have time for reading and the ones that don't make time for opening a book.

In the hectic time we are living, many people just can't find time for reading. Many work two full jobs to make a living and in their "free" time they have to care for their families. And above all, books cost some money. Should these people give up reading?

People who love books, but have no time for reading for one or another reason, could "slice up" the reading into parts. Many books are offered as a series. This way, not only busy people will have the time for reading one episode a week, but also much like a favourite TV show, readers can have something to look forward every week.

The other type of people, who think of reading as a luxury are the ones that have the time, but they don't admit that they prefer to spend it by doing something else, different then reading. These people either don't have the need to read or they just don't realize it.

Here comes the next question: is reading a necessity?

Well, we don't need books for our physical survival like food and water. Books are not placed on the bottom of the Pyramid of Maslow next to the physiological needs, that's true.

But we have also other needs like self-actualization and here is where personal growth and fulfillment belong to. Here is where reading books falls. In this sense, reading is a necessity.

We need to read books. They are informative, they can make us forget about our ordinary day-to-day problems; they can transfer us into a whole new world. They can change our perspectives, enrich our imagination, help us get to know ourselves and the world we live in better.

Is the lack of time a reason for people to stay away from books? This is a question that every person should answer for himself.

So, is reading a luxury or a necessity? Reading, at the end of the day, is a matter of priority and a choice.

Senserial Publishing offers e-books that can be read in an exciting series style, with an episode being released every week. This way, much like your favorite TV shows, you will be left hanging off the edge of your seat every week.

Thus, we would like to introduce a new way of reading eBook novels that will encourage people to read more.

An added advantage that Senserial Publishing provides is the affordability of our e-books.

Essential Face Painting Supplies To Get You Started

One of the most popular activities to have at any event or party where children are going to attend is face painting. This is a fun way not only to provide some unique fun for the kids but also helps them explore their creativity through choosing a specific design for their faces.

If you are going to be hosting a party where kids are going to be and you want to have someone on hand to do face painting, it will be a guaranteed hit with the kids. For those individuals that have an artistic side that want to try it out there are a few things to have on hand to do it safely and properly.

Must Have Supplies

- Paints, this is key. Make sure to purchase face paint that is FDA approved for use on the face. Not all paints are created equal. Non-toxic does not mean face painting appropriate. Once you have found the correct paints, pick up a variety of colors unless you want to try your hand at mixing basic colors like red, blue, yellow, black, and white to make other colors.

- Sponges are necessary for covering large areas. Pick up a variety of sizes of makeup sponges to fit all area sizes. If necessary, larger sponges can be cut down to be more size appropriate.

- Pick up brushes in assorted sizes for different design work. #4 is an ideal option for larger details whereas #2 is better for fine details. To paint with multiple colors a 1-inch flat brush is an ideal option.

- For variety and an added touch, purchase temporary tattoos, stamps, and stencils. Temporary tattoos are a great option for those not interested in the paint and can be used on hands and faces. You can use stamps in a similar fashion. Stencils are great for doing designs that you are not confident in painting or if time is limited. Moons, flowers, and hearts are standard stencil options.

- Make it sparkle with glitter! Just be careful to get only the most appropriate size glitter that is safe for use on the face. Face glitter is only made of polyester and is FDA approved.

- Bring a mirror so the child, or adult, can see the masterpiece you have turned them into.

- Keep cleaning supplies on hand. Trash bags, towels, and access to water is required.

- Comfortable and appropriate table and chairs are necessary for you to set up your supplies as well as having a comfortable spot for you to do your face painting. Both you and the child need to have comfortable places to sit.

Face painting is a fun activity to have at any party. To do it properly make sure you have the appropriate and safe supplies to make sure you and those you paint get the most from the experience.

Escaping a 'Maze': Culture and Entertainment in The Hague

The culture and entertainment landscape of The Hague got recently richer with a hip new element. A-Maze Escape Events, a local start-up, presents the idea of live room escape games to the audience of The Hague and surroundings.

The concept may sound a bit strange at first, but this is perhaps just natural when introducing an idea into a new environment. However, the game caught on fast and became widely popular in London, Barcelona and Budapest, where it has been set up in the past two years. Their Facebook pages are bustling with images of the happy teams who escaped, and the twitter feeds are full with positive remarks as well. Indeed, the live room escape game offers a fresh experience for the social agenda. It presents a great substitute for, or addition to a group's usual evening routine.

The game premise is simple, yet challenging. The daring team has exactly 60 minutes to escape from a locked room. The road to freedom leads through a series of puzzles, codes and riddles, which the team has to solve before the time is up. A display shows the countdown ticking through the entire game. With every passing second the pressure and adrenaline rise. When the team cracks the final code and pushes the door open with just seconds to spare, five smiling and excited press through the door.

A-Maze has currently two escape opportunities on offer with plans to expand the selection. The teams can turn into a group of spies and infiltrate a secret KGB hideout, or try to unravel a modern urban mystery.

All in all, the live room escape game is a creative, interactive and exciting activity full of problem-solving challenges. It is a fun event for groups of friends, but also great for team-buildings, as excellent teamwork, good communication, coordination and creative thinking are necessary to master the game and complete the mission in time. There is no outside involvement, nor tricky instructors to influence the game. Deciding on how best to approach the project as well as assigning the roles and responsibilities of the individual members is entirely up to the team.

The games are designed for groups of 2-6 people. Based on past experience the most ideal team size is 5. There is no need to worry for the anxious types either as no scare-tactics are used during the game.