If you are into writing fiction or would like to start writing this will be a great opportunity to learn from a published author.

Just the last few seats are now available. Get yours booked soon.

Go to www.openmindworkshops.com/book

You need not have written a single line of English literature to participate. The only requirement is a desire to write and to write well.

Some have also asked me if this workshop is for school children. It is appropriate for both adults and school children of grades between 8 and 12. We are encouraging school children participation because starting to write at a young age is a huge advantage.

I attended Ashok’s workshop held in September (in Colombo) and it was such an eye opening experience. It pushed me to finally sit down and write fiction.

This really is a golden opportunity for any aspiring writer – to learn some great techniques about writing, dealing with lack of inspiration, writers block, the dos and don’ts and learn how to get published – not to mention to rub shoulders with like-minded people (and know that you are in good company).

So get cracking. Book your seat now at www.openmindworkshops.com/book

…and I hope to see you there.

Ashok has written and published 3 books of which 2 are compilations of short stories. Both of them were short listed for Sri Lanka’s prestigious Gratiaen Award. His first novel, Serendipity, was shortlisted for the State Literary Award in 2010.

At the workshop Ashok will share his experiences and knowledge of the English writing craft. If you are into writing or simply want to learn more about what it takes to write short stories or a novel then this workshop will be valuable to you.

For more information check out www.openmindworkshops.com or like workshop’s page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/writenow2011

For him, as it is for so many good artists, that journey started many years ago.

He went from just being able to draw this in 2002:

To finally producing masterpieces like this in 2010:

This wonderful journey has been chronicled and it is an absolutely fascinating to see. There is nothing quite like the relentless nature of the human spirit.

Check out the full thread here.

Find him on Twitter or visit his website.

I own several pairs of headphones that cost below $100. For me anything more expensive is just overkill unless you are ready to invest quite a bit on, not just the headphones but, headphone amps as well.

So here’s a list of 5 of the best headphone for less than $100. These are by no means below average headphones. These are audiophile quality. It is just made for our budget.

Grado Prestige Series SR80i Stereo Headphone

This is an very comfortable pair of headphones. It performs very well on the bass sounds and I like that. Overall this headphone would be ideal to have connected to a good quality soundcard on your computer as your primary listening device (while not using the speakers, of course).

Beyerdynamic DT 235 Headphone

If there is a headphone I love for the crisp sound as well as being one of the cheapest ($60) audiophile headphones available it is this one. This is a good pair to carry around when you are on the move. It is so light and comfortable to wear. In fact, the head strap design makes it easy to adjust .. requiring almost no fiddling around to get a comfortable fit.

Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones

Sony makes some really nice headphones that sound excellent and are within our budget ($65). Over the years I owned several Sony headphones. This is before I got access to online shopping. So back then most electronics shops would carry only Sony headphones. Among them, this one, the MDR-V6, is by far one of my favorites.

It is an over the hear headphone so it cuts down on outside noise tremendously. It is excellent in busy shopping malls or fast food restaurants (I know they are big but who cares about looks when you are enjoying such good sound?) In that way this Sony headphone is probably your best choice. Take it to your college or camp and enjoy hours of self-indulgent sound.

On the downside, for me, the coiled cable can be a nuisance sometimes.

Grado Prestige Series SR-60i

You really cannot go wrong with a good pair of Grados. They just make superb headphones. This one is no exception.

I had these for 2 years before one of my kids did a stunt on them and now, sadly, it rests in a box. The sound quality is awesome on these. The only let down is that if you are looking at wearing this for extended periods of time (1 hour of use for me) then it get a little uncomfortable. Not the sound but the headphones themselves. At $79 bucks…this is magic.

Sennheiser HD-280 PRO Headphones

I consider these my introduction to headphone music nirvana. I bought these from a friend some 7 years ago. They are still kicking and produces great sound. For about $80 you cannot get this kind of durability, quality of build and sound.

These are over the ear type headphones so they are good for privately enjoying music on your own without being disturbed.

Well that’s it. Enjoy your music!