Chapter 1: A Warm Welcome to Episode #103

Greetings, dedicated readers and passionate writers! I’m thrilled to present Episode #103 of our series. Your valuable feedback from previous collections has been greatly appreciated. Although this collection is more concise, it features impactful stories that I believe you will find enriching.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of ILLUMINATION! While I was unable to create a dedicated video this year due to a busy schedule filled with onboarding new writers and managing various editorial tasks, our talented editor, Mike Broadly, DHSc, has crafted a delightful story infused with humor and an Aussie flair that I’m sure you will enjoy.

Happy 4th Birthday, Beloved ILLUMINATION!

Let’s celebrate by blowing out the candles and wishing for many more years of shared success and joy!

We welcomed over 200 new writers into our community today. You can find their introductions at the end of this collection, and I encourage you to explore their work and connect with them.

It’s disheartening to report that scammers have even gone so far as to impersonate Buster Benson, Medium’s renowned director, employing new tactics to deceive users. Mike has penned a brief story urging our community to stay alert.

Beware of Clones: A Call for Vigilance

An earnest plea to our community to guard against scams on Medium.com and foster a safer platform.

In an entertaining twist, our consulting editor, Marcus, also known as Gregory Maidman, has shared a humorous poem about this strange phenomenon, providing us with a few laughs amidst the seriousness of the issue. I’ve personally faced this nightmare of cloning, having been imitated on two occasions, leading to a rather surreal experience.

Catch Us If You Can!

A light-hearted sonnet that showcases the chaos scammers bring to Medium.

Last week, I gathered a selection of boosted stories, and we have 21 new additions to enjoy. I aim to compile another list tomorrow, as more stories have gained traction. My day has been quite hectic, balancing work and family responsibilities.

Weekly Update: 21 New Boosted Stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated

This section links to previously highlighted pieces for newer readers and aspiring writers seeking examples of outstanding storytelling.

If you’re interested in boosting your own stories, the attached article by Dr. Yildiz is essential reading.

Understanding Boosts on Medium: A Guide for Beginners

Since its launch, the Boost initiative has sparked hope among writers. However, it remains in its early stages, and we...

Gamers have reached out to me via Discord and Slack with questions regarding the boosting process for ILLUMINATION-Gaming. To address their inquiries, I created a brief video on YouTube and included it in a related story, complete with transcripts for those unable to view the video. I hope this resource clarifies the essentials of boosting.

Video Presentation: Boost Guidelines for ILLUMINATION-Gaming

Together, let’s craft legendary narratives worthy of the top spot on the leaderboard.

Recently, I penned an article reflecting on my predictions for the 2024 Academy Awards. I’ve also shared my thoughts on the actual winners. I hope you enjoy reading it and look forward to your feedback.

I Was Wrong About My Oscar Predictions, But I Enjoyed the Films

A recap of the winning categories at the 2024 Academy Awards.

Given the significant issue of bulk account suspensions, our chief editor, Dr. Yildiz, has written a piece on this topic. Your thoughts are welcome as he expresses empathy towards the affected individuals while also addressing the challenges faced by Medium.

My Insights on Recent Account Suspensions on Medium

A heartfelt invitation for empathy towards both the victims and the challenges confronting Medium.

I came across a moving account from Dr. Yildiz about Lanu Pitan, one of our editors and avid readers whose account was suspended. A few days ago, we published an editorial bulletin on this suspension issue, and Mike has also provided his perspective.

The Pain of Sudden Subscriber Loss

Understanding the emotional toll of losing substantial subscribers overnight and the need for community action.

I’d like to share a few quick updates for our new readers. Mike has recently introduced some of my favorite writers, including Matt Lillywhite, Genius Turner, Shirley Willett, and Dr. David Mokotoff, MD.

Interviews with Our Talented Writers

• Interview with Matt Lillywhite
• Interview with Genius Turner
• Interview with Shirley Willett
• Interview with Dr. David Mokotoff, MD, a Retired Cardiologist

You can explore his past interviews from this collection. Additionally, ILLUMINATION-Curators have compiled all stories boosted in February, showcasing the effort that went into creating them.

Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V5

I’ve included 13 new boosted stories and linked older ones to enhance our exceptional storytelling, particularly those published on ILLUMINATION-Curated. For interested readers and writers, here’s the link:

Weekly Update: Boosted Stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated (18–25 Feb, 2024)

Dr. Mehmet Yildiz (Tech) has also shared an update on Technology Hits publications, featuring some stories from February.

Technology Hits Updates — February 2024

As a boost nominator, I’ve recently spotlighted Dr. Joan Naidorf’s exceptional stories and am now covering Jozsef Kovacs’ remarkable pieces as part of my initiative to enhance distribution opportunities for our writers. I trust readers will appreciate these compelling stories, and aspiring writers will find valuable lessons within them.

Lessons Learned from Boosted Stories: Episode #4

Our newsletter is now live! It was published by Dr. Yildiz’s tech account on Medium and is also available on Substack. Please help us by sharing it across your social media platforms. These newsletters offer monthly updates and can address many questions, particularly for new writers.

Monthly Updates from ILLUMINATION Editorial Team: February 2024

For those who missed Dr. Yildiz’s heartfelt open letter inviting non-members to join, I encourage you to engage with and share it widely. I hope this message resonates with a broader audience, helping us attract more readers, especially as our views have significantly decreased.

An Authentic Open Letter to Non-Members

Highlighting the benefits of membership for curious individuals, passionate readers, and those seeking global collaboration.

Like me, Mike Broadly, DHSc, enjoys reading interviews and recently compiled a collection of the ones he found captivating. Here’s the link to his lovely compilation.

Exploring the Stories of 50+ Influential Writers Through Their Interviews

This features interview stories that he recently read, which you might also find enjoyable.

As I mentioned earlier, every engagement and share can enhance our collective visibility. Please don’t underestimate the impact of your support for these stories. My collections aim to boost reading times and engagement for these narratives. Choose a few pieces that resonate with you and lend your support to these writers.

You may explore Mike’s captivating collections as a dedicated reader and contributing member of our community.

Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #39

He has also compiled boosted stories he read recently.

I Read 100+ Boosted Stories and Here’s What I Learned

Another diligent editor, The Sturg, has begun curating collections. Be sure to check out his excellent first edition, and I’ll share his second in the upcoming episodes.

I have also updated a piece aimed at inspiring writers to share their bios, as our readers are eager for personal stories, similar to those in this collection. I look forward to reading and promoting your writer biographies.

Meet ILLUMINATION Writers Through Their Personal Biographies

ILLUMINATION-Curators have created a fresh collection for our Reading Club, filled with engaging stories.

ILLUMINATION Reading Club #8

An Invitation to Upgrade for Friends of Medium

I hope many more dedicated readers will consider upgrading their subscriptions. There are compelling reasons to do so, just as I did.

I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday

Why I Became a Friend of Medium

ILLUMINATION editors interviewed Dr. Yildiz about how Friends of Medium can share links on our tailored social media platforms. I’ve tried it, and sharing these stories took just 10 minutes. I hope this strategy brings many new readers to Medium, as we need to attract a larger audience to enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of our platform.

How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories Via Customized Social Media Sites

Our editors and curators have also outlined how we promote non-boosted stories, which comprise over 99% of our content, and I play a significant role in enhancing visibility for such narratives. I appreciate everyone’s support that keeps this incredible journey alive.

During my breaks, I’ve written a few brief stories around three minutes long about technology and gaming, just to keep my writing skills sharp. I hope you find them enjoyable.

New Wolves Arriving in Minecraft

‘Crackgate’ Emerges with Apple Vision Pro’s Surprising Development

Default Female Skins Possibly Coming to Counter-Strike, Thanks to an Open Letter from Pros

IBM Leverages AI to Safeguard Your SSD

Daily Sharing List — Volume 103

I volunteered to compile this collection for easy sharing across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, or Quora. You can find all sharing options in this story link by Dr. Yildiz.

#103 - Look What Aiden Found Today

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Please remember that "these stories combine my favorites and those nominated by our volunteer editors (including writers and readers) on this platform. Thus, the stories in this collection reflect our collective preferences. As a publication, ILLUMINATION maintains a neutral stance on all published works, making it impossible to feature over one million stories. Nonetheless, we strive to amplify as many exceptional stories as possible on a near-daily basis, depending on volunteer availability."

Here are today’s nominated stories! I trust you will discover something that fulfills your reading desires.

Chosen Stories from ILLUMINATION Writers Today

• New Generation Neuroscientists Assert that the Brain Isn’t Triune But Adaptive by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
• The Striking Adverse Effects of Night Light Exposure on Mental Health by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
• How I Improved My VO2max After My 60s with Persistence and Guidance by Mike Broadly, DHSc
• Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life by Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
• How I Have Been Inspired by Japanese Culture by Dr. Preeti Singh

Chapter 2: The Man, The Light, and Amy

The Man, The Light, and Amy

A captivating novella mystery that unfolds on a summer evening, intertwining the lives of seven individuals.

That’s The Botanical Opulence I Grew Up With by Dr. Seema Patel (PhD)

A nostalgic reflection on the plants that filled my childhood yard.

A Bowl of Chili and a Cinnamon Roll Opened My Eight-Year-Old Eyes by Rebecca Romanelli

A cherished school lunch that my brother and I looked forward to every day.

I Have a Dream by Ali Alzahrani, M.Sc., Editor

A contemplative piece on the fragility of dreams.

Say A Prayer for the World — Who Is Going to Save the Children? by Annelise Lords

An urgent call to action for the voiceless children of our society.

4–8–4 Union Pacific FEF Series by Dr. John Frederick Rose

A historical glimpse into the last steam locomotives built for Union Pacific.

Break Free From The Matrix? by Alina Pitt

A reflection on the ongoing tension between free will and societal programming.

Guardian Enchantress — Chapter 1 by Faith Lew

An enchanting start to a getaway fantasy novel.

How Do I Edit My Subscriber Link and Create That Cool Box With My Image? by Tree Langdon

A guide on customizing your message to attract more readers.

The 3 Eights by Adam

A philosophical exploration of balance in life.

Top 5 Tips to Get Your Nutrition on Point by Alexandru Lazar

Five strategies to enhance your nutritional intake before summer.

Harnessing the Brain’s Categorization Power to Rewire Itself — A Possible Solution to Mental Health Issues by Anil Patnaik

A discussion on breaking free from negative thought patterns by understanding the mind-brain connection.

Basic Vocabulary for Everyday Conversations in German by Aurora

An introduction to spark your interest in language learning.

Why Do You… by Ayushi Jain

A thought-provoking piece on self-exploration.

Changing a Light Bulb by Bear Kosik

A brief one-minute play.

3 Things Truly Happy and Successful People Do by Benny Lim

Insights into habits that foster success and happiness.

Dark Passengers by Bradley Stone

A poignant narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world.

Megalithic Mind by CAYVES

A journey of profound learning.

Embracing Discomfort by Céline Libuda

Strategies for becoming comfortable with discomfort.

Pick Your Words Carefully by Céline Libuda

An examination of the impact language has on our thoughts.

Heartstrings in Dissonance, Love’s Awakening by Cheery Adedunmola

A continuation of an emotional narrative.

Beyond the Field by Chinmay Kumar Choudhury

A reflection on the positive effects of football on well-being.

McKenna, Zhuangzi, and Our Lost Connection to Nature by Cristiano Luchini

Exploring the dualities of agriculture.

How to Stop Doubt From Getting in the Way of Your Goals by Dale Swackhammer

Effective strategies to overcome self-doubt.

A Challenge: What is a New, Simple Habit That, If Followed for 30 Days, Would Lead to Many Positive Changes? by Daniel Hall

A personal exploration of habit formation.

Declutter Your Day: Minimalist Habits That Will Save You Hours by Danny Ross

Tips for simplifying your daily routine.

Just Do 50: The Super Simple Method I Use to Stay Consistent Every Time, Everywhere, No Matter How… by Dave Favored

A practical approach to consistency.

Why Doing Nothing Can Feel Like Doing A Lot by David Hip

An introspective look at the value of rest.

Things That Will Instantly Destroy Your Life Just by Doing Them Once by Dr. Christine Dimoff

Lessons learned from poor choices.

Unlocking the Power of the Tool We All Possess by Emerzi

A guide to achieving your goals with the right mindset.

Who is Biden’s Successor? This Red State Southern Governor (Part 3) by David B. Grinberg

An exploration of Kentucky’s moderate Democratic leadership.

?-Hydroxybutyrate: Two Vital Roles of Ketogenesis in the Brain for Dementia Prevention/Treatment by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

Discussing the potential benefits of ketosis for brain health.

He’s Homeless and He’s Hopeless by James Boylan

A poignant reflection on the dual struggles of homelessness and hopelessness.

The Importance of Doing Nothing by Emma Tilbury

A personal account of overcoming productivity guilt.

Revenge Won’t Provide the Resolution You Seek by FirzandHer2cents

A contemplation on the futility of revenge.

Mike Pence Is Showing Bravery in His Comments on Trump by Floyd Mori

Analyzing Pence's courage in the political arena.

Dinner for Breakfast by Frank Ontario

A personal narrative on the joys of breakfast.

A Lion Ate a Little Boy on a Zoo Visit by Fred: Almost Famous

A shocking account of a tragic zoo incident.

7 Incredible Health Benefits of Ginger by Heavens boy

An overview of ginger’s medicinal properties.

Another One Bites the Dust by Heidi Nobel

Reflections on the LGBTQ+ community.

Funny Bone: Famous Writers & Their Drinks! by HERZ magaZine

Exploring the vices of renowned authors.

Your Sexuality Doesn’t Matter! by JamieWrites

A reminder to focus on character rather than identity.

I’ve Flipped 25+ Websites on Flippa — How It Works by Jenn Leach

An inside look at successful website flipping.

We Should Remember We Are Only Visitors On This Planet by John Whye

A call to respect our planet’s resources.

Algorithms, Capitalism, and Your Stolen Thoughts by Joshua

Advocating for action against tech monopolies.

Cracking the Writing Code: Authentic Storytelling in a World of Jargon by Julia Byrd

A defense of genuine communication in writing.

Lesson 13 — Forget Motivation and Be Passion Driven Instead by Kainos

Encouragement to pursue passions over fleeting motivation.

Poetry Poems about Life: A Poem about Stages of Life and Poetry by Kallol Mazumdar

A poetic reflection on life’s journey.

How to Avert Death and Disease in a Positive Style by Kami Koraani

Exploring new beliefs and practices.

Tetris Rewires Your Brain! — The Tetris Effect by Kevin Hamill

Celebrating the cognitive benefits of gaming.

Reading the Library and an Alternative to Cynicism by Kieran

Promoting the value of library resources.

When You’re Lacking Motivation, Remind Yourself: Discipline Now, Freedom Later by Kingsley Asuamah

The importance of discipline in achieving long-term goals.

How Not to Disrupt Plans and Meet Deadlines by Leonid Hass

Advice on managing time effectively.

A Return From The Wilderness by Liam Ireland

A personal journey of rediscovery.