Curated Collection
Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #16 [2nd Christmas Special]
Featuring some engaging stories that you may enjoy as well

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings to all readers and writers! I live in Australia so this is the second day of Christmas for us with lots of joy and blessings. I hope you are having fun as well.
Like countless people, I enjoy celebrating Christmas and New Year with my children and grandkids but like Seda Anbarcı I also look at their flip sides. You may checkout from the attached story to learn about those issues affecting our health, economy, and environment.
I’ve compiled a total of 14 collections of my favorite ones packed with diverse stories for readers to explore. At the end of this post, you’ll find links to the older collections, offering a treasure trove of engaging reads across various topics. There’s a little something in there for everyone’s taste!
Aiden spiced up his collections with a catchy name: “Look What Aiden Found Today.” I find it pretty amusing! I wish I had Aiden’s creative spark and work ethic; he’s quite the dynamo. His Christmas special is quite something with juicy stories. I can’t match mine to his.
Special Welcome to New Writers from the Chief Editor
Our workholic chief today worked several hours to add new writers and welcome them in a special story.
I also added the list of writers our doc processed today. You can give them a warm welcome and connect with them. They will be happy.
This month, I only wrote one story, and it hardly got any views, so I want to use my time for better activities like curating and writing my memoirs.
Today ILLUMINATION-Curators introduced some recently boosted stories. I believe you will find some great stories in that collection. Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V2
As you may have noticed, I became a Medium Friend (FoM). I was reluctant initially but Dr Mehmet Yildiz finally convinced me. I will write about it soon as I still have some mixed feelings. Dr Yildiz wrote an inspiring story about it.
Dr Yildiz finally managed to upgrade his main account and invited our readers to become Medium Friends. His aim is to delight readers by making our writers happier. Celebrating My Reading Anniversary with My Upgraded Subscription to New Medium Friendship
Our friend Aiden followed took the plunge and joined Medium Friends groups. He wrote a funny story about being a FoM. You may find his narration and enthusiasm captivating. I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday.
Please watch out for deceiving and growing scammers on this platform as they act very tricky. Some readers believed them as they sound very confident using writers photos and profile names. Urgent Notice: Beware of Fake Accounts Impersonating Influential Writers
What can we do about scams and spam accounts?
Regarding these scams, Dr Mehmet Yildiz (my mentor and my reason to join Medium) wrote a very impactful, educative, and important story nudging Medium’s senior leadership today. I encourage you to read this story and raise your concerns so that this nuisance can be addressed timely before many readers like me leave this insecure platform. You may also read about the incident of our lovely friend Shirley Willett on that vital story. Scam and Spam Accounts on Medium Are As Bad As Hate Speech and Defamation for Writers
These fraudulent accounts lack followers and haven’t authored any stories themselves. They are non-members with no star or heart icons in their profile names.
Aiden crafted two fantastic story teaching our writers how to create a highly boosted story — I tip my hat to him for that! Today, he began spotlighting yet another highly boosted author. I believe it’s set for publication tomorrow, so stay tuned! Aiden’s research and insights are top-notch.
A story of Dr Yildiz felt tailor-made for me, arriving just as I’ve been contemplating penning my life’s memoirs and seeking inspiration from the ones I’ve devoured. His concise yet impactful narrative has inspired me and provided practical insights to dive into this venture. Interestingly, my first story on Medium followed the thematic memoir style he has detailed, and it’s garnered the highest views to date — a testament to the power of your guidance. Writers and readers cannot miss out on this one.
Today, I have chosen some inspiring, informative, engaging, insightful, memorable, or heart-warming stories from ILLUMINATION publications.
Most of these beautiful pieces are buried under the dust, so I aim to bring them under the light with my humble efforts. I trust you shall derive as much enjoyment from them as I did.
Should any of these stories resonate with you, I invite you to engage with them by leaving supportive comments, highlighting noteworthy sections, and offering a few claps to honor the efforts of these talented writers and inspire them. Your collaboration is greatly appreciated.
If you have time and are looking for more stories, you may also check the new collection created by ILLUMINATION-Curators, listed by Aiden (Illumination Gaming), and posted by ILLUMINATION editors. New Curation Service by ILLUMINATION — Volume 45
I link the previous versions here for interested readers. Our volunteer editors spent significant time curating and compiling these collections. Administrators will put them in a new post soon, which will give us a single link.
Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5, Volume 6, Volume 7, Volume 8, Volume 9, Volume 10, Volume 11, Volume 12, Volume 13, Volume 14, Volume 15, Volume 16, Volume 17, Volume 18, Volume 19, Volume 20
I also introduce new writers at the end of the collections. Please give them a warm welcome.
A Few Quick Updates for New Readers and Writers
If you have seen these bulletins you can quickly skip them but we need to show them to new writers and readers. , you can quickly skip them,
ILLUMINATION editor posted a new newsletter. We also introduced new writers. Announcement of New Writers for ILLUMINATION #27
ILLUMINATION-Curators curated a powerful story on privacy. An Exceptional Story on Privacy Every Reader May Find Helpful
You may also check the list of their boosted stories. Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated
ILLUMINATION editors introduced some great writers. You may check out their profiles and explore their fabulous stories.
Meet Seda Anbarcı, Meet Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi, Meet Jozsef Kovacs, Meet Davor Katusic. Meet Thomas Allen Moon, Meet Sneha Nagre, Meet Zondra Dos Anjos, Meet Ani Vals Meet Ammara Hassan. Meet Sridhar Pai Tonse — Leadgen Coach- Tech Startups Chosen Stories from Omni Essence, Editorial Profile of InYah
If you are into gaming, our friend Aiden’s publication now nominates for a boost so you may share your stories in his cool pub. He wrote a story about it.
Here are the latest collections of Aiden before re-branding them.
And remember to join his exciting Discord server.
Our chief editor Dr Mehmet Yildiz, upgraded our publication accounts ILLUMINATION and ILLUMINATION-Curators, as well as his tech account Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech), making them Friends of Medium. Reading from these accounts will allow writers to earn four times more. While curating stories, we read many stories from these accounts, so it will be great for writers. Details are in his story by Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech)
I liked an interview story by Dr Mehmet Yildiz featuring Luay Rahil, a writer whose tales often set the ILLUMINATION stage ablaze.
I also like this book review of Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi. If you are a book author, you may contact Dr Yildiz as he does great reviews. He even wrote the foreword of my gaming book. Here is his great review today.
Our supportive editor, famous nutritionist, Elin Melaas, created her first collection earlier. Elin also created the Invisible Series.
Our editor Surekha Chandrasekhar also created a new collection of her budding pub ILLUMINATION’s Nutrition which we call our virtual kitchen as it is full of delicious recipes. I plan to post some of my vegemite recipes from Down Undr soon but Aiden calls me silly :-)
Let’s Share the Following Lists First
Please spend a few seconds tweeting them or posting them to LinkedIn or Facebook so that more readers can find these stories. Here is what the share button looks like.

I’ve chosen not to create a list today for a reason: there hasn’t been much engagement or sharing of these lists. Until I witness increased sharing and engagement, I prefer to invest my time in areas that demonstrate higher impact.
Enjoy My favorite stories from ILLUMINATION publications today
I believe you will find relevant and enjoyable pieces from this collection covering many topics.
A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash. Dr Mehmet Yildiz [eye-opening]
A Beginner’s Guide To Cancer and Current Ideas On How To Beat It Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D. [The cancer-related story I read on Medium. Please don’t miss out this one]
Here’s How I Improved My VO2max After My 60s with Persistence and Guidance. Mike Broadly, DHSc
Insights from a Scientist with a Poet’s Soul Pernoste & Dahl [Best memoir]
Meet Top Writers of Medium on YouTube Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
12 Design Tips to Make Your Small Space Look Bigger Marie Grace, Ph.D.
Generativity, Redemption, and Societal Engagement: The Middle-Aged American Narrative Mark Sanford, Ph.D.
Want To Make Fairer Decisions? Think Cake Dr Anthony Thompson
I Took Naval Ravikant’s Tweet Thread & Made $1.55M With It — Here’s How Tim Denning
Poetry and Prose: Rainbow Spectrums. Dr John Frederick Rose
The Dilemma of Immortality Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi
How do Coworking spaces help startups? Dr Abdel M.E
From Martinmas Childhood Magic to Grownup Curiosities Gabriela Trofin-Tatár
Fashion Assistance Series Shirley Willett
Embracing Knowledge Humility: Navigating the Dunning-Kruger Effect in the Workplace K. Joseph
Bombs Don’t Destroy Terrorism. They Create It. Gail McNulty
How ILLUMINATION Publications Support the BOOST Program ILLUMINATION
The Unexpected Lesson Learned From My Alcoholic Father Zacc Rowlands
I Stopped Trying to Be a Good Writer. Deni Sahaya
Holiday Bliss or Blues Rosennab
A Songwriter’s Fine Book Of Finesse; Tales From A Singer’s Crypt — Morning Papers XXIII Joanie Adams
10 Small Yet Powerful Ways to Show Up for Your Mental Health Today Suzanne E.
New Writers Don’t Know the Rules of Medium and Challenge Experienced Writers Tom Handy
Why Everything’s Going to Shit Before Life Gets Any Better Maria Marmo
25 Years of Entrepreneurial Adventure in Information Technology Business Jozsef Kovacs
Back to Writing / Curating Technology, Business, and Leadership Topics Using a New Profile Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech)
From ‘Maximize Your Life’ to ‘Edgy Enlightenment’ Wesley van Peer
Explore the Amazing Tips to Lower Your Body Cholesterol Your Health Master.
One Reason I’m Glad I Joined Medium Darcy H.
How This Game Theory Influences Global Tax System Aditya Narayan
No, Your Child Is Not Trying To Manipulate You Aline S.
10 Expert-approved Tips to Ensure Happy and Healthy Holidays Harmonious Health
“Pottery” Risa Hamada
Rediscover Your Roots: How the History of Months Reveals Our Bond with Nature Elena Vellani
Unfolding Ancient Wisdom: How Ancient Stories Teach Modern Humans about Security and OpSec Officer’s Notes
A Deep Dive Into What Truly Makes Us Happy & Successful David Tighe
A Deep Dive Into What Truly Makes Us Happy & Successful
Decoding Happiness — Part 1: Work
medium.com
People Need To Be More Considerate & Responsible Raveen
More Dead Than Alive — When I Met A Deadly Ill Young Women Markus K
The Day I Realized I am Racist Mirra Esmael
Coffee Grounds in the Garden: Adelaide Girl’s Garden
There Will Always be Regrets. Ajith Balakrishnan Nair
Life is a Waiting Game Alex Elkjær Vasegaard
Consuming This Kitchen Spice Is Equal to Consuming Prescription Medicine Called (Prozac) For… Ali Alzahrani, Editor
Growing Glimmers By Revisiting My Childhood Interests Amanda Jayne O’Hare
Blood Test Anxiety: How I Found my Calm Using this Simple Technique Andrea A
Your Future, Your Choice: Don’t Surrender The Steering Wheel Andrea Feccomandi
Power of Play Allison Bonilla
How to Stick With Writing Long Enough to See Results. Angelica Mendez
Many People Are Living Past The Norm Floyd Mori
Why Do 95% of Writers Fail? They’re Fixing The Wrong Tire Jamil Yousafzai
What is happening in Israel? Annalisa Vibio
New York City Taught Me How to Be a Writer Annie Forbes Cooper
Epic Games Is Making A Questionable Decision For Rocket League Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
Don’t Figure Out Your Purpose — Start Living Instead (the Real Purpose of Life) Basil
Some Birthdays Are Extra Special Bhavnaa Narula
EX- Communication of Our Inner Beast Auri Lynn Thomson
Four Ways to Silence the Shakes Bob King
Cellular Responses to Ketosis: Can Cancer Cells Listen and Behave? Mike Broadly, DHSc
Got Range Anxiety? Get Over It. Brian Rock
Do You Know Where Your Car Is? Brian Dickens Barrabee
Steve Jobs’ Mindset for Success (Adopt it and Achieve the Impossible) C Prakash
Biometric Tech and the Future of Travel Charlene Ann Mildred
Snapchat: Unleash Your Creativity and Transform Your Marketing: A Practical Guide Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
How To Confidently Present God’s Irresistible Offer to Unbelievers Cheryl Watson
Oops, Failed! Now What? Get Over It! Chhavi Kumari
Temporal Bridges in Experimental Biological Interactions Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Sunsets, Cats, Views Of The Lake, And Looking For A New Beginning Chasing Dreams
Build Data Lake Pipelines with Google Pub/Sub Christianlauer
Stephen Crane — The Poet and the Writer — Kryztoff BFL Christopher Harvey
Do This the Next Time You Feel Like a Failure Dale Swackhammer
Homme Fatale: 6 Characteristics of The Male Counterpart to The Femme Fatale Ella Harris
Let’s write something again today Eram Siddiqui
The Incomplete Self: Apotheosis of a Hollow Man? Ed Chunski
Three Unique Habits That Will Make You More Mentally Tough Than 99% of People Francis E
Wikipedia ? Francis Edwards, published writer
Traumatized at Seven by The Blob and Steve McQueen JD Adams ~ Stories From the Mountain
Techniques for Learning Cognitive Subjects More Effectively Gemenetzis Vagelis
10 Hidden Body Language Signs A Shy Guy Is Attracted to You GrowthLodge.Com
7 Principles that Will Change Your Life Guaranteed. Haroon Shauket
In Search of Happiness: Rainn Wilson Gia
Overcoming 5 Unsafe Behaviours for Cognitive Decline and Impairment Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Tools I Use for Podcasting Heidy De La Cruz
Unlocking the Power of Discourse Analysis in Education, Language, and Communication hurea
I Write And Speak Because I Have A Calling James Boylan
Are You Listening or Simply Hearing? Jeannette Seibly
Is This Autistic Burnout or Have I Hit Rock Bottom? Jenn M. Wilson
5 Free Online Courses from MIT University Teaching You High-Income Skills Jerry Keszka
Being Out And About And Why You Should If You Are A Writer. . . Jo Ann Harris, Writer of Daily Musings
Neuroinflammation: Misfire in the Brain Causing Cognitive Decline and Impairment Dr Mehmet Yildiz
From Apple Notes to Polished Pages: Unleashing Your Writing Process with Style and Grace! Jussi Luukkonen — your curiosity guide
Why Donating Blood is Good for You Kate Burdon
The Food Allergy & Sensitivity Success Guide Katie Critelli
My Fifth Poem: Endless Love’s Journey Hasnain A
Lua & Buba: A Story of Love, Loss, and New Beginnings Kelly Serra
Frenemies Kerry Kramer
Why You Can’t Leave Your 9 to 5 Even Though You Hate It. Larissa Lim
The Multispace: our lives in the cables Laura Sabau Tatar
My Background and My Goals as a Writer Lawson Wallace
I Changed Myself. Het Patel
Love Thy Neighbor, Right? Right…? Lila’s Gardener
This Humble Medium Writer Crushes His Goals in Unforgettable Ways Maria Rattray
Anxiety. I lived a life without it until 53 and then it hits me what the hell? Martin Giles
Do You Want To Be The Next Tim Denning, Or Do You Want To Plan Every Step? Maya Sayvanova
A Technique Young Generation Can Use To Be Mentally Strong Avanthi Nadesan
Coming To Terms With His Disability Michael Holford
Health Versus Wealth Ms Fischer
How Social Media Is Redefining Modern Relationships Nathan Chen
7 Things That Will Disappear Sooner Than You Think Mike Lewis
Submit to Peace Nen Nomad
A Moment of Ecstasy Nicola DiSvevia
Why the Church is No Place for Women Nicole Dake
Do You Want to Thrive in Your Midlife? Nidhya Palaniappan
Israel V. Hamas: Why Are People Asking The Wrong Questions? Okwywrites
“Why Won’t You Wear Your Hearing Aids?” Patricia Rosa
Why People with ADHD Struggle to Get Things Done Rachel Anne Helms
Which Books Can Help You Prepare for a Life Abroad? Richa Singh
The Only Child Syndrome Rodrigo S-C
My Life Is A Trigger Warning Ruby Noir 😈
Be a Better Man: The 4 Faces of Manhood Richard Scionti
Cultivating Positivity by Returning Magic to the World Ryan Scott
The Wound Is The Place Where The Light Enters You — The Light That Enters You — Is A Light That Can… S.a.n.a.h
Why I Decided to Start Over After Age 50 Sage Loxlee
Strategies for Building Self-confidence SAJNANI
Secrets in the Capitol’s Shadows: Silent Surveillance of Speaker McCarthy Scarlet Ibis James 🦩
Crafting the Perfect Pitch Deck for Any Startup Sean Michael Lewis
The Ribbon of Love Shawn Bruwer
Bring Yourself Back Into Your Writing Groove! Shiitaal Budhrauj
If History Is Our Teacher What Kind of Students Are We? Soul Dancer, Soul University
Between Doom and Denial T. J. Brearton
He Flipped Burgers Outside While We Partied Inside The One Alternative View
Russia’s Relationship with Israel Clearly Strained Susie Kearley
How To Be a Disciplined Reader TJ Wild
Why Do The Irish Have So Many Words For Sadness? Tree Langdon
The 5 Most Worthwhile Investments In Life tim8888
Writing Prompt: Death of a Dream Warren Brown
4 Skills Writers Need To Survive On The AI (ChatGPT) Wave Waseem Baloch
As usual, want to finish this collection with a topic close to my heart, as I explained in the story. This important piece hardly got any views for unknown reasons. I hope some readers find it through these posts. I lost my hope on Medium’s problematic distribution system, depriving my readers.
Understanding Ischemic Heart Disease and How to Stay Heart-Healthy Mike Broadly
Thank you for reading these stories, engaging with the ones that resonated with you, and sharing them on your social platforms.
Now, Time to Meet New Writers Joining Us Recently

Let’s welcome writers who joined our publications recently. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the stories of these writers and follow their profiles if their content resonates with you. As administrators are unavailable I took the liberty to introduce you these new writers in my post today.
Organic Ukrainist (Kashadoo), Kratika Chetwani, Sunanda, Nov Tech, Christabelle Pabalan, J.O. Phine, Chet Chung, Even Writes, Robbie J, Chris by thebootcode.io, Urvashi J, This Writer, ArtisKev N., Sonali Yadav, Sunanda, Hallel K., Jade Se Tho, Fadi Amani, albert nahas, Mrudali Birla, Nour’s, Nedelcu Alina, Insights by Cristiano Luchini, Wayne Basinger, Miguel Matos, Moloko Creative Agency, *Gently puts my mental health in rice*, Suvan Goel, Sally, J.O. Phine, Susan Fourtané, Dr. Manol Roussev, Derya Gungor, Ph.D., Gary Buzzard, Jade Se Tho, John Clark | The Trek, Bear Kosik, Cheyenne Martinez, Alexandra A. Smith, BSc, Oraorn Srichiangwang, Sheila Rose, Hirad Nourbakhsh, Dipti Rai, Jaydon He (@zen1th.fit), Renny J., John R. Miles, Darin Westly, Graeme Fowler, Joseph Reyes, Jess West, Elzawrites, younghock2, David Brimacombe, David Hayns, Ziqi W., Joseph Dalton, Zhenda Chia, Julian Hale, Background Noise Comics, Ali Griego, Through Opened Eye, Ritika Murarka, Elena Vellani, Nazli Can, Mahesh Chandra, Jan G Sokol, Jinmin Lee, Baris A, JotBeat, Tjahaja, Tari Stenographer, Karo NoiseOfFreedom, — Susan Nnebe, Destiny Pifer, Belinda September, Nabila Asif Life Lesson Writer, — Mayuri Kapoor, Mood Palette, Abdulrazaq, Lilly Health, Wellness, and Fitness, Manthan, Aysia Marcum, wenbenjii, Soumyashree Thapa, Teaching with tech, Kareem Sauvan, Bruno Ewayu, Ruwithma Peiris, Asmae Leghmid, carlos da costa,MOON PIE 🥧🌙.
Please remember to submit only one story daily, preferably as a draft. We don’t accept multiple stories as our focus is on quality to increase your chance of being boosted by Medium.
Change of Perceptions for Expectations
Unlike perceptions, ILLUMINATION editors don’t publish every story. Your stories must be well-crafted and valuable for our readers. Our focus is curatable and boostable stories.
More information about ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium can be found in our onboarding pack.
About Me
I am a retired scientist in his mid-70s and a new writer on Medium, but I am not new to writing. As a giveback activity, I volunteered to be an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many writers recently joining Medium like me.
Connect with Me
If you want to write for these publications, you may send your Medium ID via this weblink. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. If you want to get my stories in your inbox when I post, you may subscribe to my account. I don’t spam anyone and don’t want anyone to do it to me.
Meeting New Writers
You may need to create a BIO if you are a new writer. As an altruistic activity, my good editor friend Aiden compiles these writer bios and promotes them. You can learn from this story. Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies
If you are willing to write for our publications, you may check out our updated submission guidelines.
Recently Updated Submission Guidelines
ILLUMINATION Videos and Podcasts: Submission Guidelines 2023
Publishing and Conduct Guidelines for the Lampshade of ILLUMINATION
Links to My Previous Collections
Please share these so that more people can find these valuable pieces.
Writer applications can be made via our registration portal. Please remember to add your Medium account ID.
Get an email whenever Mike Broadly, DHSc publishes.
If you want to explore more from my life lessons? I compiled the links in a list to make it easy to find for you. Your feedback is important to me.






