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Discover America with American Mosaic!

Later, many inaugural balls will be held to celebrate the new president. Two of the parties this year are official government events. But, many other large balls will take place Monday night. And many Americans will hold parties at their own homes, as well.

For more about the presidential inauguration listen Monday to the Special English program THIS IS AMERICA.

Origami Therapy

Origami is the Japanese art of folding a piece of paper. The folded paper can be made to look like anything -- a bird or a boat, a box, a flower or even a face. Some people do origami as a way to ease the day’s tensions. Others are serious artists. But Ken Fowler of Colorado used origami to help himself recover from a mental illness and launch a new career.

Several years ago, Ken Fowler suffered from extreme depression. Anti-depressant drugs were ineffective. The Colorado man felt so sad and unbalanced that he entered a mental hospital.

“I was in a really super-depressed state and it got to the point where I had two doctors recommending electro-convulsive therapy.”

While Ken Fowler was considering that treatment, an art therapist at the hospital suggested he experiment with origami.

“My hands were shaking so much I couldn’t get it. But I just kept persisting and it gave me something to focus on, other than TV. It helped me steady my hands.”

Mr. Fowler decided against having electroshock treatment. His mental condition began to improve and, in time, he was well enough to leave the hospital. He still takes anti-depressants. But he is sure that origami helped him recover.