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Can we learn to be optimistic and 'unlearn' pessimism?  According to one of the world's leading psycohologists, we can.

By Geraldine Royds

 

'Optimism is hope,' says Dr Martin Seligman. 'It is not the absence of suffering.  It is not always being happy and fulfilled. It is the conviction that though one may fail or have a painful experience somewhere, sometime, one can take action to change things.'

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Blek Le Rat has elevated graffiti to a genuine art form says Geraldine Royds

 

 

A legendary figure in street art, French Graffitti artist Blek Le Rat was born Xavier Prou in Paris in 1951. His unique, complex and intelligent work first began appearing on the streets in the 1980s, and began with thousands of rats scampering through the centre of Paris before invading other French cities.

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The advantage of a book over a computer screen is that you can take it to bed with you.

 

 

Books inform, entertain, edify, divert, thrill, enlighten and inspire. Crammed between their covers we find great truths, great lies and enthralling fantasy. As Somerset Maugham said, ‘To acquire the habit of reading is to construct yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.’

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Camila Batmanghelidjh was born in Tehran into fairy-tale privilege.  She now works with underprivileged children in London. Vida Adamoli charts her journey.

 

In the midst of dazzling opulence nine-year-old Camila became aware of a desire to help children less fortunate than herself. The Islamic Revolution destroyed her privilege, condemned her to exile - but focused her mission.

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How do you put a face to people who don’t exist? Living in the shadows of the world are millions of men, woman and children who belong to no country. Stateless, they are legal ghosts lost in limbo.  By Geraldine Royds

 

A professional photojournalist, Greg Constantine has devoted his life to documenting the lives of people living on the margins of society.

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'The resilience of kids astounds me constantly. They are so brave. They're so loyal. More loyal to parents than parents are to them, let me tell you.' So says Barbara Holborow, a battling champion for Australia's disadvantaged kids.

By Geraldine Royds

 

There's not a lot Barbara Holborow hasn't seen when it comes to young criminals and abused kids.   As magistrate in the Children’s Court in Sydney, Australia, her compassion and outspokenness were legendary. Although her days as a magistrate are over, her passion for children in need is as strong as ever.

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Dr Geehee is a 'laughter professional', a Special Clown bringing fun and jollity to sick children in hospital. She's a therapeutic jester hell bent on spreading the infection of smiles.  

By Vida Adamoli

 

Laughter, it is said, is the best medicine. It's the 'wonder drug' that combats stress, relaxes muscles, reduces pain, boosts the immune system, gives hope and helps create a positive emotional environment. 

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