Birth Of The Cosmos (1971 - Age 24)

  

 BIRTH OF THE COSMOS
Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
By Michael Woodhead
Copyright 1971, 2025

 

Biblical Freedom From Religious Oppression

K Scott Schaeffer
Albireo Publishing
2009
ISBN: 978-0-9819315-1-7
Religion, Christianity, Bible Study

During the past thirty-six years, and from my own studies, I’ve noticed that, many times, a church doctrine or belief has been based on a single scripture verse from the Bible.

For example, many Christians often use the verse that contains the admonition that the body is a temple (I Corinthians 6:19) to condemn those who smoke, or drink, or eat the wrong kinds of foods, or even meat. However, even a cursory look at the context of the verse (in order words, the verses before and after it) reveals that it has to do with avoiding sex with prostitutes.

This book is the author’s response to such things as taking scripture out of context and using it to support a particular dogma. He wants to show that the Bible can free the reader from:-
1.    religious rules that create misery
2.    man-made rules that limit freedom
3.    religiosity, bondage, legalism and oppression

Schaeffer does so by addressing such issues as creationism, alcohol, entertainment, sexuality, politics, divorces, friendships with non-Christians, and others. 

Using what he’s termed the ‘every-verse method’, Schaeffer brings into a subject all the verses pertaining to it, and then analyzes each one in context, showing how they relate to the other verses, and then how they all relate to our personal, social, and spiritual lives. 

The author structured the book into four basic sections:
1.    Why does freedom matter?
2.    Required by the Church, but not by the Bible
3.    Forbidden by the Church, but not by the Bible
4.    Committed by the Church—Opposed by the Bible

The ultimate goal of this book is to show that “Christians must be forever vigilant in separating man-made doctrines from the truth of the Bible, so that God’s people may continually realign their behavior with His will”.

Book Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2009

Better Than Lennon

The Music and Talent of Paul McCartney
John Cherry
Peppertree Press
2009
ISBN: 978-1-936051-40-3
Entertainment


“I have fed you an immense amount of information, opinions and statistics so far…”

So writes the author at the beginning of his closing chapters. And that’s no exaggeration. Over ninety-nine pages of facts and figures in the author’s attempt to prove that Paul McCartney is more superior at songwriting than was John Lennon.

Quite frankly, I don’t think the average reader would really be too interested in who was better; nevertheless, those who have followed the Beatles’ career will certainly find the information fascinating.

Cherry’s done a remarkable job at pulling together statistics on who wrote which song; how many McCartney songs and how many Lennon songs were on each album; how many hit singles each one wrote; and even which ones made top of the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The author also briefly draws from previously published sources to offer others’ opinions of McCartney’s songwriting and musical talent.

Not only does Cherry offer statistics on the recordings, but each chapter also looks at various times of their lives, and how albums came about because of what was happening in their personal lives at the same time.

Overall, this book is an interesting and insightful look into the creativity of two of the world’s most influential songwriters.

Book Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2009

Believe Me (1967 - Age 20)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright 1967, 2023
Graffiti Pop

Can I get you to believe me
When I say that I love you
When I miss you, don’t deceive me
Please, don’t find somebody new

Believe me, I love you so
Darling, can’t you see
I want you to believe me

Can I get you to believe me
That I want to marry you
If you say that you won’t leave me
I will never make you blue

Believe me, I love you so
Darling, can’t you see
I want you to believe me

Being Like Water

Charlie Fox
Charlie Fox
2010
ISBN: ID 7597328
Religion, Christianity

Charlie Fox is an insightful young man. With this book, he brings together ‘six years worth of thoughts, dreams, considerations, realizations and points of discussion’ which center around the Christian life.
 
Fox’s presentation, however, is quite different from the usual books that contain Christian lifestyle teaching. Rather, its approach is to show and explain why the good news of Jesus Christ is ‘the most effective way of adapting to the world and events in your life’.
 
There is no straightforward narrative here; no quoting of scripture; no condescending or holier-than-thou attitude. Just some personal observations that make a lot of sense.
 
The author covers a number of different topics—the crucifixion; grace; sowing and reaping; morality; atheism; the occult; truth; and he even touches on the ever-controversial politics and religion: ‘Politics is group first, individual second. Spirituality/personal religion is individual first, group second’. (That’s why they shouldn’t mix)
 
As I interpret it, the title of the book paraphrases martial artist Bruce Lee in that the Christian life should be like water—flowing through the world, adapting to it without actually being affected by it, gradually wearing down any wrongful influences, and giving new life to dry places.
 
Being Like Water is a small, but powerful book.

Book Review by Michael Woodhead 
Copyright ©2010

Behind the Mask

 

The Mystique of Surgery
And the Surgeons
Who Perform Them
David Gelber
Riffian Press
2011
ISBN: 0-9820763-5-5
medical, surgery

Behind The Mask takes more than a peek into the life of a surgeon. With a touch of humour, and a down-to-earth manner (with the occasional interjection of medical terminology), the author looks at four areas of concern to the surgeon and the patient.

I Preoperative
 One of the most important times a patient can have before surgery is the first talk with the surgeon himself. Oftentimes, the patient will only see the surgeon once or twice, so the more honest facts the patient can give at this time, the better. The author also introduces the reader to various aspects of the human body that can often affect the surgical procedure -- germs, infection, poor healing, blood complications, and so forth

II Intraoperative
The author now takes us inside the operating theatre to give the reader a look at what goes on in there. "Sometimes in the practice of surgery it is necessary to work very quickly". This does not mean, of course, that things are done in a haphazard manner; rather, judgement calls may need to be made on the spot and the surgeon but be able to do so without hesitation. The life of the patient may depend on it.

III Postoperative
Recovery is just as important as the surgery itself. Once again, the human body is really the thing responsible for healing. certainly, antibiotics can be given, as well as bandages and stitches, but in the end, it is the body itself that heals (or doesn't heal) itself. Therefore, as a word to the wise, the author reminds the readers to make sure they keep their bodies in very good health.

IV The Lighter Side
No doubt, some patients have met rather dour surgeons, but all is not complete seriousness. There are many surgeons with a sense of humour. The author is one of them, and he shares several funny anecdotes and articles (for example, surrogate surgery, where chimpanzees and orangutans are being trained to perform minor surgeries...)

Overall, Behind the Mask is an enlightening look into the mystique of surgery.

Book Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2011, 2019

Before You Say Good-bye (1967 - Age 20)

 

Beautiful Girl (1969 - Age 22)

  

Written, Composed 
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1969,2021
(Age 22)
 

Beach of Bones (1968 - Age 21)

  

 BEACH OF BONES
Written, Composed
Arranged & Performed
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1968, 2021
(Age 21)

Be Who You Want to Be (1965 - Age 18)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1965, 2023


If anybody asks you
Who do you want to be
If anybody tells you
What do you want to do

Be who you want to be
Do what you want to do
Go where you want to go
See what you want to see

If anybody forces you
To be what you dread to be
If anyone coerces you
To do what you hate to do

Be who you want to be
Do what you want to do
Go where you want to go
See what you want to see

Be Mine, All Mine (1966 - Age 19)

Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1966, 2023

Maybe you will call me today
I really hope you do
Maybe you will soon hear me say
I really love you true
So be mine, all mine everyday

Surely you know what you can do
Just tell me, I'll be there
Surely you know that I love you
And that I really care
So be mine, all mine, and be true

I'd never hurt you
Nor send you away
I'll always love you
No matter what they say

I can hear you calling for me
You say you need my love
I can hear you saying you'll be
My one and only love
Now you're mine, all mine, I can see

Bamboo Blue (2008 - Age 61)

Chasm
Sticks & Stones Music
2008


Chasm offer  a lively assortment of rhythmic tunes that are sure to keep your feet tapping, or your body bouncing in time to the beat.
With a light jazz feel and an almost minimum number of instruments, Bamboo Blue evokes visions of a dimly-lit Mediterranean night club where the songs seem both controlled, and yet improvised.
    96 Coconuts almost has a Beatle-ish pop-style to it; Now What? answers its own question with a rollicking, driving rhythm; and A Balance Of Extremes adds a slice of vocals to an already-delightful mix.
    Sit back with a drink or three, relax, and enjoy this new musical set by Chasm which, I'm sure you'll agree, even at fifty-three and a half minutes, will seem far too short.

TRACKLIST:
1 Bamboo Blues
2 Close To Earth
3 Potamus Walk
4 Orangutan Tango
5 Soothsayer Swing
6 Andy Goes To Havana
7 96 Coconuts
8 Laguna De Luna
9 Now What?
10 Spice Island
11 A Balance Of Extremes 

Music Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2008

Bad Girl (1965 - Age 21)

Written & Composed by Michael Woodhead
Copyright 1965, 2023
(Age 18)

You’re a bad girl and I’m sad, girl
Cause you went away without a word today

You’re a bad girl; all I had, girl
Until today when you went away from me

You’re a bad girl; I’m a cad, girl
Cause I never stopped you when you left me blue

You’re a bad girl; call your dad, girl
Just tell him that I’m out to get you, now

Babylon Confidential

Claudia Christian 
with Morgan Grant Buchanan
BenBella Books
2012
ISBN: 978-193785606-9
memoir, autobiography, addiction

Claudia Christian pulls no punches as she reveals her stormy battle against the monster, alcoholism.

Throughout this riveting memoir, the reader goes from page to page hoping and praying for a miracle for Claudia. But none comes until the very last pages of the book.
In between bouts of addictive behavior, Claudia searches for sobriety through her personal relationship with numerous lovers (some famous, others no so famous); waiting for the phone to ring that would hopefully herald a new role for her to play, one in which she could focus all her energy and attention in order to keep the 'monster' at bay.

Although primarily known for her role as Commander Susan Ivanova in Babylon 5, Claudia has also appeared in a score of other motion picture and television productions.
Ultimately, Claudia overcomes her alcoholic demon through what is known as 'The Sinclair Method' and is now a major spokesperson for this alternative and obviously effective treatment for addiction to alcohol.

With evocative descriptions of life behind-the-scenes of many of the productions she's been involved with, of her often tumultuous family and personal life, of her alcoholic binges and recoveries, as well as her own humorous and verbal approaches to life -- this book is a must-read not only for fans, but for those who also struggle with an addiction to alcohol.

Book Review by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©2012

Babyland (1968 - Age 21)

 BABYLAND
Written by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1968, 2019
Fantasy Folk
(Age 21)

I waken in far Babyland 
Where children play in the roses 
And the sky is blue 
And the water, too 
And round about me children sing 

So I walk with them 
And I talk to them 
But they tell me I am unknown 
So I follow them 
To the hidden glen 
Where only more children are known 
 
And sleeping in far Babyland 
A princess, charming and fair 
That I seek to wake 
So that I might take 
Her lovely form unto my own 
 
So I enter, then 
And I smile again 
And I say that I will be true 
So I kiss her lips
And an apocalypse 
Then happens upon we two

Away From Me (1969 - Age 22)

  

AWAY FROM ME
Written, Composed
& Arranged
by Michael Woodhead
Copyright ©1969, 2017
Graffiti Pop
(Age 22)
 

Atlantis (1967 - Age 20)

 

As Such I Thought Of You (1964 - Age 18)

 

Artemis (1969 - Age 22)

 

Ares (1969 - Age 22)

 

Arcturus (1970 - Age 23)