<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:cc="http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/creativeCommonsRssModule.html">
    <channel>
        <title><![CDATA[Stories by Vincent Varbaro on Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Stories by Vincent Varbaro on Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
        <image>
            <url>https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/fit/c/150/150/1*ZqdC2Z0IeWRWGnOvu62BuA.png</url>
            <title>Stories by Vincent Varbaro on Medium</title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
        </image>
        <generator>Medium</generator>
        <lastBuildDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:40:06 GMT</lastBuildDate>
        <atom:link href="https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
        <webMaster><![CDATA[yourfriends@medium.com]]></webMaster>
        <atom:link href="http://medium.superfeedr.com" rel="hub"/>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[What is real?]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/what-is-real-ffc3eaf095b9?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/ffc3eaf095b9</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[existentialism]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[discussion]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[deep-thoughts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[reality]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:56:05 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-04-25T13:56:05.313Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is real to me and what is real to you are two completely different things, but does the opinion piece of it take away from the existence of the tangible thoughts?</p><p>I want to be able to actively decipher what is real to me in my everyday life. When I say “real” I don’t mean physical material items or even proven scientific facts. I want to focus on what matters, what is important to my live through my own perspective and what are true feelings of desire, motivation and creation, and what are just fleeting emotions which come about based on how we live our lives and what society has created around us.</p><p>Being able to identify what matters to me, I believe will help me focus on the things I need to and not waste valuable energy towards thoughts and issues that are irrelevant. Although I believe in moderation, and being able to let the mind wander into sometimes darker thoughts, unnecessary vices and actions in which may seem to have no purpose. Everything has a purpose. Everything in every moment, in some shape or form has a responsibility to emotion and the essence of who we are as humans and spiritual beings. Every thought of darkness, happiness, selfishness, greed, gratefulness, love, anger and everything in between are parts of an entire being. One action, thought, or response do not justify classification into any singular category, but the body of work from start to finish are what encompasses us and creates the layers of the onion of the person we are.</p><p>I want to work towards bettering myself, being able to identify what I want and how I want it are things that I may never be able to accomplish. I believe our purpose on this plane of reality we are experiencing, is to work towards a never ending goal of finding happiness and inner peace and fulfillment, sometimes this seems easier said than done and sometimes we may feel like we have accomplished this goal. The human consciousness is something that is ever growing and evolving, in a way that gives me hope that the universe is apart of something bigger and all interconnected in some way.</p><p>Are these thoughts just my fears forming into something that I am trying to create in giving myself some sort of relief that my life and actions matter and have a purpose?</p><p>Everyday is a new opportunity to add upon the density of my being. I am hopeful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, whether the light be eternal happiness or fulfillment and the tunnel be this life we are currently living, or the end of the journey that continues on after we leave our physical bodies and let our atoms rejoin the planet Earth.</p><p>Never give up, there is always something that will come next and it will always be an opportunity of greatness or a test of strength.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=ffc3eaf095b9" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Review off Nintendo Switch OLED Model]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/review-off-nintendo-switch-oled-model-0f16c1dc92ca?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/0f16c1dc92ca</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[nintendo]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[nintendo-switch-oled]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[gaming]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[boredom]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[game-consoles]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:26:40 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-02-19T14:35:25.749Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/48mkrx9"><strong><em>Get this product here before it’s gone!</em></strong></a></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*LLHYJM6GOVgCtVF0.jpg" /></figure><p>Display and Design:</p><p>The OLED model has a slightly larger 7-inch 720p OLED display than the 6.2-inch screen on the base Switch. Playing in handheld mode is significantly improved by the OLED display, which is a major upgrade over the original Switch.<br>Compared to the screen on the basic model, the new screen appears much better. The display finds a sweet spot that increases the motivation to carry it with you everywhere you go.<br>Accurate colors and flawless blacks are provided by the OLED. When compared to the LCD panel of earlier panels, the display significantly enhances the console’s visuals.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Zg9Vy1wth0tMcdtwi6K_Gw.jpeg" /></figure><p>Audio:</p><p>Playing games sans headphones is made much more enjoyable with the improved speakers on the Nintendo Switch OLED. The console’s audio quality is unquestionably better than that of its 2017 equivalent.<br>Keep in mind:</p><p>Storage:</p><p>With 64GB of overall storage, the console has twice as much capacity as the Nintendo Switch Lite and original Switch. But since Switch games are often much smaller and the system has a Micro SD card, you can always expand at a reasonable rate if necessary.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*tGl2Cc_FDtnC7TgseYmrrw.jpeg" /></figure><p>In docked mode:</p><p>The dock of the system has been redesigned, with softer edges, extra space, and even a LAN port for online gaming enthusiasts. However, the OLED is disappointingly lacking in this vital area.<br>Though not good enough to convince most Switch users to upgrade, the Switch OLED does enough to be the current Nintendo flagship.</p><p>Price:</p><p>The cost of the Nintendo Switch OLED model is approximately $349.99.</p><p>Conclusion:</p><p>Although it’s a welcome improvement, the Nintendo Switch OLED pleases more people than it impresses. For those who haven’t purchased a console yet, this is the greatest version.</p><p>This is without a doubt the model to purchase if you’re a first-time Switch customer, although the enhanced Switch OLED will mostly help users in handheld and tabletop modes.</p><p>Some critics are indifferent due to the dock’s lack of major enhancements and the internal specs remaining unchanged.<br>Because it doesn’t have the mid-generation performance improvements that we now anticipate, it is much harder to justify the upsell.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/48mkrx9"><strong><em>Get this product here before it’s gone!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This product review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=0f16c1dc92ca" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Review of Antarctic Star Nugget Countertop Ice Maker]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/review-of-antarctic-star-nugget-countertop-ice-maker-0e426125f4d8?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/0e426125f4d8</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[ice-maker]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[ice-maker-machine]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[drink-recipes]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[bartop]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[drinks-recipes]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2024 18:31:20 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-02-09T18:32:13.957Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/4bw3ZNO"><strong><em>Get this product here before it’s gone!</em></strong></a></p><p>With its small size and portability, Antarctic Star’s nugget countertop ice maker can create up to 44 pounds of soft, chewable ice per day. It features an LED display, a big ice basket with a scoop, and a self-cleaning feature. A drain pipe and a water filter are also included. It can be used outside, at home, or at a workplace. Customers who purchased Antarctic Star’s nugget countertop ice maker on Amazon gave it mixed reviews.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*yQS3e__0zZvfFdMd.jpg" /></figure><p>Some of the positive aspects of the device include:</p><p>It makes a lot of ice quickly and quietly.</p><p>It has a simple and elegant design that fits any countertop.</p><p>It has a large water tank that can hold up to 2.2 liters of water.</p><p>It has a transparent window that allows you to see the ice level.</p><p>It has a touch screen panel that is easy to operate.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*8VG4knBB-m1h844N.jpg" /></figure><p>Some of the negative aspects of the device include:</p><p>It is not very durable and may stop working after a few months.</p><p>It is not very energy-efficient and may increase your electricity bill.</p><p>It is not very easy to clean and may accumulate dirt and mold.</p><p>It may leak water or produce small or irregular ice cubes.</p><p>It may have a plastic or metallic taste or smell.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/487igxn"><strong><em>Get this product here before its gone!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This product review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=0e426125f4d8" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Review of Apple iPad Air 5th Generation with M-1 Chip]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/review-of-apple-ipad-air-5th-generation-with-m-1-chip-5ec9dce4049c?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/5ec9dce4049c</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[technology-review]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[ipad]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[ipad-air]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[apple]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:46:58 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-02-09T17:48:11.015Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3UCKqNI"><strong><em>Get this product here before its gone!</em></strong></a></p><p>The most recent iteration of Apple’s mid-range tablet, the iPad Air 5th generation, was introduced in March 2022. It has the same M1 chip as the iPad Pro, which offers 5G connectivity on cellular devices in addition to quick performance and graphics. Along with these features, it sports a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a USB-C connector, a 12-megapixel back camera, a 12-megapixel front camera with Center Stage, and support for both the Magic Keyboard and the second-generation Apple Pencil. Silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and sky blue are the five colors available. 64GB of storage costs $599, while 256GB of storage with cellular service costs $879.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/882/0*hsUGLuuS4e_NW3yS.jpg" /></figure><p>Both reviewers and consumers have given the iPad Air 5th generation high marks for its attractive appearance, potent performance, and range of useful functions. The fifth generation iPad Air is remarkably similar to the iPad Pro, however it costs less, according to many reviews.</p><p>Some of the advantages of the iPad Air 5th generation over the previous model include:</p><p>Faster and smoother performance with the M1 chip, which can handle demanding tasks such as editing 4K videos, gaming, and multitasking.</p><p>Better video conferencing experience with the Center Stage feature, which automatically adjusts the front camera to keep you in the frame as you move around.</p><p>More connectivity options with 5G and USB-C, which allow for faster data transfer and compatibility with more accessories and devices.</p><p>More storage options with 64GB and 256GB, compared to 64GB and 128GB on the previous model.</p><p>Some of the drawbacks or limitations of the iPad Air 5th generation include:</p><p>The front camera is still located on the side when the iPad is in landscape mode, which can result in awkward angles and perspectives.</p><p>The lowest-priced model only has 64GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users who need more space for apps, photos, videos, and files.</p><p>The iPadOS still feels limited compared to macOS or Windows, especially for productivity and creativity purposes.</p><p>Some features and apps are not optimized for the iPad, and some tasks are easier to do on a laptop or desktop.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3UCKqNI"><strong><em>Get this product here before its gone!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This product review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=5ec9dce4049c" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Summary of “Where the Crawdads sing” by Delia Owens]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/summary-of-where-the-crawdads-sing-by-delia-owens-8af99ff8b425?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/8af99ff8b425</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[southern]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[fiction]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mystery]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:49:54 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-02-08T16:51:36.520Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3SRQHUE"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p>Delia Owens blends mystery, romance, and nature writing in her book Where the Crawdads Sing. It narrates the tale of Kya Clark, a little child who, after her family abandons her, grows up by herself in North Carolina’s marshes. She watches and gathers the natural wonders around her to learn how to survive, but she also yearns for love and human connection. She is the main suspect in the murder of Tate, one of the two men with whom she had intimate involvement, and Chase, the other.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*ITVuwMwSNn7DkOOCcbtGnQ.png" /></figure><p>There are forty-three chapters and two sections to the book. Kya’s early years and youth, from 1952 to 1969, are covered in the first section. Throughout this time, she battles prejudice, poverty, and loneliness. She becomes friends with Tate, a little child who teaches her how to read and write, and Jumpin’, a compassionate black man who owns a bait store and petrol station. She also meets Chase, a charming and well-liked male who pays her attention and flirts with her. The second section focuses on Kya’s adult life from 1969 to 1970, when she was confronted with the trial for Chase’s murder and the fallout from her decisions. Along with learning the truth about her history and family, she also finds her authentic voice as a naturalist and writer.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*g722JHu2FQLo7gcZ7evcaw.png" /></figure><p>The book was chosen for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and became a bestseller after receiving both critical and financial success. Its beautiful prose, detailed depictions of the marsh, nuanced characters, and gripping story have all received accolades. Inaccuracies in history, improbable plotlines, and clichéd representations of black people and Southern culture have also drawn criticism.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3SRQHUE"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This book summary contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=8af99ff8b425" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Summary of “Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/summary-of-iron-flame-by-rebecca-yarros-a2a2bca7f872?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/a2a2bca7f872</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[dragon]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[magic]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[romance]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:33:08 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-01-25T18:34:35.575Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3uhfRlQ"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p>The second book in the romantic fantasy Empyrean series is called Iron Flame. It tells the story of Violet Sorrengail, a dragon rider who enrolls in a harsh military academy and learns secrets about the conflict against the evil, dark magic-wielders that pose a threat to the kingdom of Navarre. In order to save her loved ones and her dragon, Andarna, from the vengeance and the corrupt rule of King Riorson, Violet must contend with treachery, peril, and heartache in this tale.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*ygNnVxxtZyNGwvPfi46d9g.png" /></figure><p>There are 66 chapters in all and two sections to the book. Violet’s recovery from the attack on Athebyne, her reunion with her rebel brother Brennan, and her choice to join the rebellion and enter Basgiath War College with her lover and the king’s son, Xaden, are all covered in the first section.</p><p>In the second section, Violet returns to the academy, where she encounters fresh difficulties, adversaries, and allies while also discovering more about the origins and powers of her dragon.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*-RdEJ_xaLg4N7ZPtvdQo_w.png" /></figure><p>The book ends with a climactic battle at the academy, where Violet and Xaden must make a sacrifice to save Navarre from the venin.</p><p>Both fans and critics have given the novel favorable reviews, praising its compelling characters, twisted turns, fast-paced plot, and moral ambiguity. A few reviews also mentioned that real-life con artists and grifters served as inspiration for the work.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3uhfRlQ"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This book summary contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=a2a2bca7f872" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Summary of “48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/summary-of-48-laws-of-power-by-robert-greene-2e18e207744e?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/2e18e207744e</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[power-dynamics]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[control]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[history]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:48:45 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-01-25T16:49:37.177Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3OcfK1F"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p>A nonfiction book called 48 Laws of Power examines the origins and mechanisms of power in human society. The author, Robert Greene, is a historical writer and consultant who has researched the techniques and lives of numerous historical characters, including Sun Tzu, Napoleon, Machiavelli, Louis XIV, and others. Using these instances, he demonstrates 48 laws that he feels are necessary to gain and hold power in every circumstance.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*cHxTvupC2K1w8M9tYV7Z0w.png" /></figure><p>The book is divided into 48 chapters, each covering one law and explaining its origin, application, benefits, drawbacks, and examples from history. Some of the laws are:</p><p>Law 1: Never Outshine the Master</p><p>Law 2: Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends; Learn How to Use Enemies</p><p>Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions</p><p>Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary</p><p>Law 5: So Much Depends on Reputation — Guard It with Your Life</p><p>Law 6: Court Attention at All Costs</p><p>Law 7: Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit</p><p>Law 8: Make Other People Come to You — Use Bait if Necessary</p><p>Law 9: Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument</p><p>Law 10: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky</p><p>The book also forewarns readers about the risks of breaking these laws, including losing one’s position of authority, earning the enmity and hatred of others, and becoming the target of betrayal or retaliation. The book gives readers advice on how to recognize both their own and their rivals’ strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it exhorts readers to use their authority with adaptability and flexibility in response to shifting conditions.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*5zTPNETT3C1Oe_Gc0AyEFA.png" /></figure><p>Both critics and readers have given the book mixed reviews, praising its thought-provoking insights into power dynamics and human nature while criticizing its lack of historical accuracy, moral relativism, and practical advice. A few reviews also mentioned that the book drew inspiration from actual con artists.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3OcfK1F"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This book summary contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2e18e207744e" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Summary of “A Creative Act” by Rick Rubin]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/summary-of-a-creative-act-by-rick-rubin-0e94ab0da8e1?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/0e94ab0da8e1</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[mindfulness]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[creativity]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:28:02 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-01-25T15:29:10.239Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3SfFtru"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p>A Creative Act is a nonfiction book that delves into the artistic identity and creative process. Author and well-known music producer Rick Rubin supports artistic expression. He imparts his knowledge and understanding on how to live as an artist in the world, break free from self-imposed constraints, and access the infinite source of creativity.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*CfsXvBN0UGAO-pgEzHE0Xg.png" /></figure><p>The book is divided into 78 areas of thought, each covering a specific concept or theme related to Rubin’s creative philosophy and practice. Some of the topics include:</p><ul><li>Creativity is universal: How everyone has the potential to be creative in their own way, regardless of their background or circumstances.</li><li>What is an artist? How being an artist is not about producing or selling material products, but about sharing glimpses of an inner landscape that transcends our understanding.</li><li>Every idea has a time: How every idea has its own moment and purpose in the world, and how we can align ourselves with it.</li><li>Creation is not about commerce: How we should not create for the sake of pleasing others or making money, but for our own satisfaction and fulfillment.</li><li>The creative act is a way of being: How we should embrace creativity as a way of life, rather than as a hobby or a skill.</li></ul><p>The book also incorporates knowledge and firsthand accounts from Rubin’s extensive career as a music producer, which included collaborations with artists from a variety of genres, including System of a Down, Adele, Jay-Z, Kanye West, The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Strokes. In order to provide himself with a theoretical framework and essential terminology for his own thoughts, he also draws on Zen Buddhist philosophy.</p><p>The goal of the book is to encourage readers to pursue art as a regular practice that is guided more by mindfulness and an open, joyful way of being than by chasing trends. It provides useful advice and activities to help people develop their creative potential and get over everyday obstacles including fear, uncertainty, procrastination, perfectionism, criticism, and self-doubt.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3SfFtru"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*oKaP4njme-Hdlz6Rsik1Ug.png" /></figure><p><em>This book summary contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=0e94ab0da8e1" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Summary of “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/summary-of-first-lie-wins-by-ashley-elston-985d848499d3?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/985d848499d3</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[thriller-novel]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[free-book-promotion]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:37:14 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-01-22T18:37:57.467Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3vLkCVh"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p>The suspenseful book <strong><em>First Lie Wins </em></strong>centers on Evie Porter, a con artist employed by Mr. Smith, an enigmatic boss. Ryan Sumner, a young businessman who inherited his grandparents’ companies, is Evie’s most recent target. Evie pretends to be Ryan’s new girlfriend Lucca in an effort to get to know him better and learn his secrets. But while she works on her job, she begins to feel something for Ryan and begins to doubt her commitment to Mr. Smith.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*XK8tHEhuVW8Bfgwvi_6_Hg.png" /></figure><p>Ashley Elston is an American novelist who has produced multiple books in a variety of genres, including fantasy, thriller, and romance. She has been highlighted in a number of media sites, including The New York Times, USA Today, and Goodreads, and she is a member of the Reese Witherspoon Book Club.</p><p>The book was released by Pamela Dorman Books12 on January 4, 2024. Both fans and critics gave it favorable reviews, praising its compelling characters, complex plot, moral complexity, and quick pacing. A few critics also mentioned that real-life con artists and grifters served as inspiration for the work.</p><p>There are 384 pages in the book, and Goodreads users have given it an average rating of 4.5 stars.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3vLkCVh"><strong><em>Get this book for free here!</em></strong></a></p><p><em>This book summary contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission after you click on any one of these links.</em></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=985d848499d3" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Anxiety to me]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@varbarovincent/anxiety-to-me-51f3fb8d6be0?source=rss-5aaf4d71cdce------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/51f3fb8d6be0</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[self-help]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[thinking]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mentality-shift]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Varbaro]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:42:52 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-01-25T16:51:37.000Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*pQNB1nT52FUI14agnkR4ow.png" /></figure><p>This is a short writing I did back when I moved from Michigan to Los Angeles, I moved at the age of 24 and I was in a dark spot in my life. I had just ended a relationship with a girlfriend of a year, only a month after we moved in together. I was at a job where I was struggling physically working 6–7 days a week, and mentally defeated and felt like there was no way out.</p><p>I visited Lost Angeles for the first time to attend a music festival. I fell in love with everything about the area, the beach, the mountains and the liveliness of everything around me.</p><p>After moving to L.A. I stayed with the same company and found myself struggling mentally again. Here is my interpretation of anxiety at the time:</p><p>Anxiety is crippling, it makes me nervous, it makes me angry, it makes me scared, it makes me feel like nothing is right and everything could fall part any minute.</p><p>I do not want to feel anxiety anymore. I just want to be happy. I want to be able to fully feel like I can everything in my life and I feel selfish and ungrateful for not realizing everyday I have some amazing blessings in my life. I am truly blessed and lucky to have everything I have.</p><p>I need more consistency in my life, I feel as tho every other day is a whirlwind of emotions, or I can have a good week then a bad week. I wake up sometimes with terrible stomach aches and feeling as tho I want to die or never get out of bed, and it infuriates me because I know I am better than that and I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to and be able to conquer any task or responsibility I have or want to do.</p><p>Everyone has anxiety, stress, fear, anger, jealousy but the important thing is being able to get through it and push past it and not over think and actually work on it daily.</p><p>Something I think of as a problem within yourself that you know isn’t the right thing to do but there is still some kind of driving force pushing you to do the action.</p><p>Dealing with internal struggles makes me feel like they are vices and things we are meant to have but to overcome. Does giving into the vices and internal struggles mean you have been defeated? I think absolutely not, giving in doesn’t mean giving up. Balance is important however what are the mental pathways you carve when giving into temptation and desire of things you know aren’t right or aren’t healthy or aren’t productive.</p><p>Rest, relaxation and recuperation are some of the most important activities to participate in I believe, the time to meditate and recharge your batteries is very important to me and to be able to sift through my thoughts and try to decipher the wrong to right and whats real and whats not.</p><p>Dealing with internal struggles is something I deal with daily, insecurities, stress, anxiety, fear, jealousy, anger, trust, and addiction. I can beat all these and I will defeat each one of these vices and internal struggles that I put myself through, nothing will conquer my mind.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=51f3fb8d6be0" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
    </channel>
</rss>