Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Low Price Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life


According to the author, none of these reviews mean anything since they are our "personal evaluations". Nevertheless, here it goes. I really hate it when someone lifts the work of numerous authors before them and tries to present it as their original work, usually by trying to coin a name for it such as the author did here. I read about 60 pages of this book then skimmed through the rest of it and realized I was wasting my time and had read it all before. Unless you have never read the first book on anger-management, group communications, interpersonal relationships or even a basic primer on Cognitive Therapy, you will not learn anything from this book. It has it points that have been well taken from all the original works that have gone before this and if you can get past the self-aggrandizing stories, you can get to the basic information. However, Rosenberg has done a great disservice not crediting the works of original authors on this subject that has been covered in better books over the last 30 years.Get more detail about Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life.

Save How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of Intangibles in Business


Once in a while you come across a book that contains a single sentence that is worth its list price. This is such a book, and its definition of measurement is such a sentence.

I have the honor and privilege of leading seminars and classes for senior software design engineers in test at Microsoft. When I ask for a definition of measurement I have yet to hear anybody offer the one that's at the center of How to Measure Anything, and I have yet to see a single person not smile when I share the definition Douglas offers in his book.

Invariably, the smiles grow to grins when I suggest that by seeing tests as sets of observations that reduce uncertainty, and by incorporating the other mathematical tool Douglas explains in the book, Bayesian inference, testers are now capable of seeing the effect a single test result has on the joint probability distribution of uncertainty for the entire test run.

From this new foundation we are able to incorporate the work of other researchers to produce a measure of the relative value of individual tests selecting those that most reduce the overall uncertainty that the product is fit for service. This ability to measure relative value, then, enables testers to add ever more effective tests to the suite so we can measure the incremental change in overall uncertainty. What are the odds that the end result of this simple definition of measurement armed with Bayesian inference would be so profound? For in a word, we can now model and measure, not merely the software itself, but the judgment of the tester, as well. Management loves it, the development team loves it, and the tester loves it.

If only Douglas had written this book ten years ago...
Get more detail about How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of Intangibles in Business.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Discount How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of "Intangibles" in Business


Once in a while you come across a book that contains a single sentence that is worth its list price. This is such a book, and its definition of measurement is such a sentence.

I have the honor and privilege of leading seminars and classes for senior software design engineers in test at Microsoft. When I ask for a definition of measurement I have yet to hear anybody offer the one that's at the center of How to Measure Anything, and I have yet to see a single person not smile when I share the definition Douglas offers in his book.

Invariably, the smiles grow to grins when I suggest that by seeing tests as sets of observations that reduce uncertainty, and by incorporating the other mathematical tool Douglas explains in the book, Bayesian inference, testers are now capable of seeing the effect a single test result has on the joint probability distribution of uncertainty for the entire test run.

From this new foundation we are able to incorporate the work of other researchers to produce a measure of the relative value of individual tests selecting those that most reduce the overall uncertainty that the product is fit for service. This ability to measure relative value, then, enables testers to add ever more effective tests to the suite so we can measure the incremental change in overall uncertainty. What are the odds that the end result of this simple definition of measurement armed with Bayesian inference would be so profound? For in a word, we can now model and measure, not merely the software itself, but the judgment of the tester, as well. Management loves it, the development team loves it, and the tester loves it.

If only Douglas had written this book ten years ago...
Get more detail about How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of "Intangibles" in Business.

Cheapest Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage


We are reading this book as part of a newlywed small group with our church.

There is definitely some good stuff in this book, and overall I would say it's opened our minds to what marital sex should really be about (serving your spouse!). Our sex life has improved after reading this book - so for that I give it a good review.

However, a lot of the ideas this author proposes are downright silly, and way too many pages are devoted to them.

This author also seems to believe every man and woman fit into the stereotype of the man always wanting it, the woman always denying and being unadventurous. He acknowledges a couple of times that this is not always the case, yet he does not devote any time at all to couples whose sex life problems don't fit the stereotype.

With my pregnancy, my husband and I have had some issues of him being not as interested in the bedroom department. I was downright offended when the author stated that the solution for this problem was to drop your towel on the way to the bathroom to give him a little eye candy. Seriously? That's your ingenious solution??? I couldn't believe that was the only advice offered for this problem.

So not a great book - but enough good stuff that it should at least help most marriages. And if you're a wife who's always denying her husband, or if you're a frustrated husband with a frigid unadventurous wife - well then this book was definitely written for you.Get more detail about Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Cheap Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems


I have always been a Dog Whisperer fan, but now after reading this book I am a total admirer of Cesar. A wonderful man, a wonderful cause, and a wonderful book. He is an excellent author and tells his story well.Get more detail about Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems.

Buying How We Decide


This book eloquently and effortlessly covers the psychological dynamics of the mind. It is a gripping glimpse inside the thought process, or lack thereof, behind our actions. It is not weighed down with useless jargon or inaccessible theories foreign to the non-expert. Instead it is a concise and incredibly informative read. Certainly worth your time.Get more detail about How We Decide.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Buy Leading Change


Leading Change gives the reader the eight steps believed necessary toward creating change in an organization. From the steps given, they are plausible and realistic.
While the author gives the steps for change, the premise of the book is based on the fact that before you can create change you have to have a Vision that your organization subscribes too. Therefore, while you may want to create change in your organization, don't even bother that effort unless you have a specific Vision for what you want the organization to become.

My challenge with the book is the Vision concept. Working in the government space where I want to create change, it is unknown as to what Vision the organization should adhere too. I think if I were to apply this book to the campaign theme of President Obama which was "Change", this book would not help, since Vision is the key to the change.
"
The end of the book gives the reader a chapter on leadership. I believe a chapter should have been dedicated to Vision. After all, the author encourages those at the top to embrace the change, but yet left out the road map to get there with Vision.

If you have a vision, and want to instill it in your organization, Leading Change will offer you the steps to get there.



Get more detail about Leading Change.

Purchase Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality


We bought just about every baby book out there... and this was by far the best. Very informative but not too long a read. Not too many author opinions. I'm going through our books now that our son is one year old and this is the only one I want to keep!Get more detail about Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Order Crash Proof 2.0: How to Profit From the Economic Collapse


As an economic major and owner of successful businesses, I can truly say this is an outstanding book. Peter gets to the point without making the book so technical that the average person cannot understand. I highly recommend the book as it is not a bias opinion nor it is propaganda. It truly outlines the sad reality of what has happened in the world and what will continue to happen due to the government intervention, political pressures and the turning of backs from our economists to the real problems that face our nationGet more detail about Crash Proof 2.0: How to Profit From the Economic Collapse.

Where To Buy Reluctant Swordsman


Combine stephan donaldson with orson scott card and then step down to reflect a new writer and you can get a sense of what this book is like. Not going to be a classic, but certainly highly recommended.Get more detail about Reluctant Swordsman.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Shop For Take Three


**A few minor spoilers***

I might be the only person who has read her books who feels this way, but so be it. I have read from the Redemption Series to the First Born Series to the Sunrise Series and on to this Above the Line series. I know all about the Baxter Family and their story and I really liked all of the first 3 Series. (Otherwise I would not have read all 14 books :) )

Now, with this Above the Line series. I am not sure if my explanation will come across as I intend, but here goes. I think she is starting to take it to far. It is almost too "preachy" for me. Any character in the book that doesn't have the confidence and conviction of Bailey Flannagin's character is always having bad things happen to them. It really started to get to me in Take 2, but especially in Take 3. And I really didn't understand the story line of Chase's wife wanting to eat candy or feed her kids Mac and Cheese and feeling like dirt because of it and that being part of the reason she loses some of her faith. I understood completely her feelings on being separated from Chase and his seemingly initial lack of real concern when their daughter got hurt, but I was really confused about her grabbing a few m&m's and then feeling depressed for hours.

I was really disappointed in the way she handled the Andi Ellison story line. I seemed to just get more irritated as the book went along. She seemed to use the fact that Andi has questions about her faith to throw every possible bad thing that could happen to her short of dying. She isn't 100% in her convictions and man does she pay the price by making one bad choice after another throughout the entire book until the end. I don't agree that because someone isn't 100% sure of their faith or has questions, that they will just make nothing but ignorant decisions. I found myself not even wanting to read the parts that were from her perspective.

I loved the faith and spiritualty of the Baxter Series books, but in my opinion, and I may be a lone ship here, I am not really a fan of the way this series is going. I will probably read take 4, if only because I have read all of the books up until now, but I am not really anticipating it.

Get more detail about Take Three.

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex


This book came very highly recommended so I bought it. I am happy with the condition of the book which is all I am reviewing here since I have not yet read the book.Get more detail about Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness Review


The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, former civil rights lawyer, now an academic scholar. Alexander is uniquely qualified to convincingly compare the former Jim Crow era with a present-day phenomenon. Be prepared for Alexander's eye-opening, jaw dropping comparison and insight. She begins with the idea that "felon" is the new "N-word" and makes a very good case.Get more detail about The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Presentation Zen This instant


A great book that reminds every would-be presenter to keep it simple (stupid). Lots of real-world examples. If you have to give a presentation this is required reading.

Having said that, it does not address handouts in detail (nor should it). Pages 66-67 are dedicated to basic dos and don'ts on handouts, but you'll need to look elsewhere for advice on that aspect.Get more detail about Presentation Zen.

God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World--and Why Their Differences Matter Immediately


Professor Prothero pointed out very clearly in his previous book, "Religious Literacy", how lacking most of us are in our real understanding of religions, both our own and others. Happily, this book takes us on a wonderful journey through the "great religions" of the world in an interesting,knowledgeable and often fun manner. He is articulate and thought provoking without making one feel they are being lectured at or uninformed. Prothero speaks both of the similarities and the differences between all of these religions and makes us pause to consider all the possibilities they present us toward living and working in this multi-religious world.

We will each be ready and able to help find peaceful solutions to a great many of our world problems after first understanding what others believe and why.

This book is written for "everyone". I recommend "Read It".

LWBlanchardGet more detail about God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World--and Why Their Differences Matter.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Decoding Reality: The Universe as Quantum Information Best Quality


$17.79 for a Kindle book that's not even 300 pages?? Not to mention it's only $2.00 cheaper than the hardcover. WTH??Get more detail about Decoding Reality: The Universe as Quantum Information.

Food Inc. Get it now!


I put off watching this Documentary film because I was afraid they'd use shock footage to indoctrinate the masses to a certain POV. In actuality I think they made the points that needed to be made about the Corporate takeover of the USA food supply and used the appalling visuals of "no so happy life on the farm" to interject the horror of the heartless bottom-line-means-all.

The sad reality is that many families are forces to continue purchasing this abomination because mom and dad work for other Evil Corporate institutions and with downsizing, off shoring and cut backing now have less income to go to many of the upscale markets where uncontaminated, unprocessed commodities can be purchased.

Frightening! bg
Get more detail about Food Inc..

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter, and Poorer-And What You Can Do About It Buy Now


I put off watching this Documentary film because I was afraid they'd use shock footage to indoctrinate the masses to a certain POV. In actuality I think they made the points that needed to be made about the Corporate takeover of the USA food supply and used the appalling visuals of "no so happy life on the farm" to interject the horror of the heartless bottom-line-means-all.

The sad reality is that many families are forces to continue purchasing this abomination because mom and dad work for other Evil Corporate institutions and with downsizing, off shoring and cut backing now have less income to go to many of the upscale markets where uncontaminated, unprocessed commodities can be purchased.

Frightening! bg
Get more detail about Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter, and Poorer-And What You Can Do About It.

The Critique of Practical Reason Order Now


The 'Critique of Practical Reason' is the second volume in Immanuel Kant's major Critique project. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is considered one of the giants of philosophy, of his age or any other. It is largely this book that provides the foundation of this assessment. Whether one loves Kant or hates him (philosophically, that is), one cannot really ignore him; even when one isn't directly dealing with Kantian ideas, chances are great that Kant is made an impact.

Kant was a professor of philosophy in the German city of Konigsberg, where he spent his entire life and career. Kant had a very organised and clockwork life - his habits were so regular that it was considered that the people of Konigsberg could set their clocks by his walks. The same regularity was part of his publication history, until 1770, when Kant had a ten-year hiatus in publishing. This was largely because he was working on this book, the 'Critique of Pure Reason'. He then published this second installment, 'Critique of Practical Reason', seven years later.

Kant as a professor of philosophy was familiar with the Rationalists, such as Descartes, who founded the Enlightenment and in many ways started the phenomenon of modern philosophy. He was also familiar with the Empiricist school (John Locke and David Hume are perhaps the best known names in this), which challenged the rationalist framework. Between Leibniz' monads and Hume's development of Empiricism to its logical (and self-destructive) conclusion, coupled with the Romantic ideals typified by Rousseau, the philosophical edifice of the Enlightenment seemed about to topple.

The foundations of this text (a much briefer one than the first Critique) can be found in the short volume 'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals'. Whereas 'Groundwork' sets out some short, basic principles, the Critique is a more synthetic text - it takes these principles and combines them with experiences, then presenting them 'as the structure of a peculiar cognitive faculty, in their natural combination.'

According to translator and scholar Lewis White Beck, this second Critique has two functions - it affirms concepts 'without which moral experience would be unintelligible or impossible' while it negates dogmatism and fanaticism that claims unique ultimate insight into metaphysical realities. Kant does make his argument for the existence of the immortal soul and for God in this volume, but these are considered lesser areas of Kant's competence. His discussion of freedom and autonomy, carried forward from his discussion in 'Groundwork', is much more studied and used in today's philosophical circles.

Get more detail about The Critique of Practical Reason.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

The Critique of Practical Reason Decide Now


The 'Critique of Practical Reason' is the second volume in Immanuel Kant's major Critique project. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is considered one of the giants of philosophy, of his age or any other. It is largely this book that provides the foundation of this assessment. Whether one loves Kant or hates him (philosophically, that is), one cannot really ignore him; even when one isn't directly dealing with Kantian ideas, chances are great that Kant is made an impact.

Kant was a professor of philosophy in the German city of Konigsberg, where he spent his entire life and career. Kant had a very organised and clockwork life - his habits were so regular that it was considered that the people of Konigsberg could set their clocks by his walks. The same regularity was part of his publication history, until 1770, when Kant had a ten-year hiatus in publishing. This was largely because he was working on this book, the 'Critique of Pure Reason'. He then published this second installment, 'Critique of Practical Reason', seven years later.

Kant as a professor of philosophy was familiar with the Rationalists, such as Descartes, who founded the Enlightenment and in many ways started the phenomenon of modern philosophy. He was also familiar with the Empiricist school (John Locke and David Hume are perhaps the best known names in this), which challenged the rationalist framework. Between Leibniz' monads and Hume's development of Empiricism to its logical (and self-destructive) conclusion, coupled with the Romantic ideals typified by Rousseau, the philosophical edifice of the Enlightenment seemed about to topple.

The foundations of this text (a much briefer one than the first Critique) can be found in the short volume 'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals'. Whereas 'Groundwork' sets out some short, basic principles, the Critique is a more synthetic text - it takes these principles and combines them with experiences, then presenting them 'as the structure of a peculiar cognitive faculty, in their natural combination.'

According to translator and scholar Lewis White Beck, this second Critique has two functions - it affirms concepts 'without which moral experience would be unintelligible or impossible' while it negates dogmatism and fanaticism that claims unique ultimate insight into metaphysical realities. Kant does make his argument for the existence of the immortal soul and for God in this volume, but these are considered lesser areas of Kant's competence. His discussion of freedom and autonomy, carried forward from his discussion in 'Groundwork', is much more studied and used in today's philosophical circles.

Get more detail about The Critique of Practical Reason.

THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON Right now


The 'Critique of Practical Reason' is the second volume in Immanuel Kant's major Critique project. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is considered one of the giants of philosophy, of his age or any other. It is largely this book that provides the foundation of this assessment. Whether one loves Kant or hates him (philosophically, that is), one cannot really ignore him; even when one isn't directly dealing with Kantian ideas, chances are great that Kant is made an impact.

Kant was a professor of philosophy in the German city of Konigsberg, where he spent his entire life and career. Kant had a very organised and clockwork life - his habits were so regular that it was considered that the people of Konigsberg could set their clocks by his walks. The same regularity was part of his publication history, until 1770, when Kant had a ten-year hiatus in publishing. This was largely because he was working on this book, the 'Critique of Pure Reason'. He then published this second installment, 'Critique of Practical Reason', seven years later.

Kant as a professor of philosophy was familiar with the Rationalists, such as Descartes, who founded the Enlightenment and in many ways started the phenomenon of modern philosophy. He was also familiar with the Empiricist school (John Locke and David Hume are perhaps the best known names in this), which challenged the rationalist framework. Between Leibniz' monads and Hume's development of Empiricism to its logical (and self-destructive) conclusion, coupled with the Romantic ideals typified by Rousseau, the philosophical edifice of the Enlightenment seemed about to topple.

The foundations of this text (a much briefer one than the first Critique) can be found in the short volume 'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals'. Whereas 'Groundwork' sets out some short, basic principles, the Critique is a more synthetic text - it takes these principles and combines them with experiences, then presenting them 'as the structure of a peculiar cognitive faculty, in their natural combination.'

According to translator and scholar Lewis White Beck, this second Critique has two functions - it affirms concepts 'without which moral experience would be unintelligible or impossible' while it negates dogmatism and fanaticism that claims unique ultimate insight into metaphysical realities. Kant does make his argument for the existence of the immortal soul and for God in this volume, but these are considered lesser areas of Kant's competence. His discussion of freedom and autonomy, carried forward from his discussion in 'Groundwork', is much more studied and used in today's philosophical circles.

Get more detail about THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Lowest Price The Critique of Practical Reason


The 'Critique of Practical Reason' is the second volume in Immanuel Kant's major Critique project. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) is considered one of the giants of philosophy, of his age or any other. It is largely this book that provides the foundation of this assessment. Whether one loves Kant or hates him (philosophically, that is), one cannot really ignore him; even when one isn't directly dealing with Kantian ideas, chances are great that Kant is made an impact.

Kant was a professor of philosophy in the German city of Konigsberg, where he spent his entire life and career. Kant had a very organised and clockwork life - his habits were so regular that it was considered that the people of Konigsberg could set their clocks by his walks. The same regularity was part of his publication history, until 1770, when Kant had a ten-year hiatus in publishing. This was largely because he was working on this book, the 'Critique of Pure Reason'. He then published this second installment, 'Critique of Practical Reason', seven years later.

Kant as a professor of philosophy was familiar with the Rationalists, such as Descartes, who founded the Enlightenment and in many ways started the phenomenon of modern philosophy. He was also familiar with the Empiricist school (John Locke and David Hume are perhaps the best known names in this), which challenged the rationalist framework. Between Leibniz' monads and Hume's development of Empiricism to its logical (and self-destructive) conclusion, coupled with the Romantic ideals typified by Rousseau, the philosophical edifice of the Enlightenment seemed about to topple.

The foundations of this text (a much briefer one than the first Critique) can be found in the short volume 'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals'. Whereas 'Groundwork' sets out some short, basic principles, the Critique is a more synthetic text - it takes these principles and combines them with experiences, then presenting them 'as the structure of a peculiar cognitive faculty, in their natural combination.'

According to translator and scholar Lewis White Beck, this second Critique has two functions - it affirms concepts 'without which moral experience would be unintelligible or impossible' while it negates dogmatism and fanaticism that claims unique ultimate insight into metaphysical realities. Kant does make his argument for the existence of the immortal soul and for God in this volume, but these are considered lesser areas of Kant's competence. His discussion of freedom and autonomy, carried forward from his discussion in 'Groundwork', is much more studied and used in today's philosophical circles.

Get more detail about The Critique of Practical Reason.

Low Price Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World


My wife read this book and found it to be amazing. She used the book as the basis for what she thought was the best meeting she has ever had with her GSA troop.Get more detail about Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Save The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos


Anyone can take a picture but this book shows people how to develop an "eye" for great photographs which is applicable for many artists as well.Get more detail about The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos.

Discount Why Men Love Bitches


I have bought this book for quite a few of my closest friends. This book is candid, funny, frank and insightful. It really helps to put things in perspective when feelings make situations appear cloudy. This book comes highly recommended. You'll love it!
Although I would recommend that you "Read with Caution." Never let your guy see this book. Ever...Get more detail about Why Men Love Bitches.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Cheapest My Man Jeeves (British Humor)


Jeeves is the latter day fairy god father. Who wouldn't want such an unflappable resource with answers to all questions at one's beck and call? Even when it looks as if Jeeves might be wrong, he has all in hand, it all turns out well. This is a restful collection of Wodehouse's short stories. Wodehouse was an adept storyteller, long or short from, and while this is not a collection of his very best shorts, it's quite a good sampling.Get more detail about My Man Jeeves (British Humor).

Cheap My Man Jeeves


Jeeves is the latter day fairy god father. Who wouldn't want such an unflappable resource with answers to all questions at one's beck and call? Even when it looks as if Jeeves might be wrong, he has all in hand, it all turns out well. This is a restful collection of Wodehouse's short stories. Wodehouse was an adept storyteller, long or short from, and while this is not a collection of his very best shorts, it's quite a good sampling.Get more detail about My Man Jeeves.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Buying My Man Jeeves (with linked TOC)


Jeeves is the latter day fairy god father. Who wouldn't want such an unflappable resource with answers to all questions at one's beck and call? Even when it looks as if Jeeves might be wrong, he has all in hand, it all turns out well. This is a restful collection of Wodehouse's short stories. Wodehouse was an adept storyteller, long or short from, and while this is not a collection of his very best shorts, it's quite a good sampling.Get more detail about My Man Jeeves (with linked TOC).

Buy Winston's War


Max Hastings seems to put out military history at a rate of a book a month but for this WWII biography of Winston Churchill he does rise above the normal WWII histories and provide an in-depth analysis of what Churchill was able to achieve especially during the darkest days of the war when Britain stood alone. What is also admirable in my opinion is that, unlike a lot of Churchill biographies, he is willing to paint Churchill in a negative light. Not just some quirky genius but as someone who had identifiable shortcomings which in some circumstances caused unnecessary problems and hurt England's standing among the Big 3.

If I can find one fault it is one that is common in Hasting's writing as well as in the writings of other British WWII historians. There is the idea in this work that the American's provided a mass of men and material but poor leadership. FDR is portrayed as a man of lesser intellect than Churchill and someone more naive about the Soviets. I will give Hastings his due for pointing out shortcomings in British leadership and among British troops.

This is a very interesting book and I do recommend it to any student or WWII history buff.Get more detail about Winston's War.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Purchase Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability


I bought this book to help me with a project at work. I'm not an IT person but have somehow managed to get involved in an IT development project that requires me to focus on the user experience for a new system we're developing. We all know - on some level - what annoys us when we're searching the internet, but we don't always know why it's annoying. Or we don't always recognise why some sites are almost a pleasure to browse. This book has helped me understand some of the fundamental, common sense practices that make the difference between a good browsing experience and an annoying (or downright bad) one. It's an easy read that uses practical screen samples to demonstrate what it's saying. I've found it very useful and it has definitely made me look at my project in a different way.Get more detail about Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability.

Order Ina May's Guide to Childbirth


My midwife suggested this book when I was overwhelmed by all the horror stories I was hearing. While you have to get past the hippie stuff, these women are truly an inspiration for all women that questions the amount of interventions in most hospitals.Get more detail about Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Where To Buy A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity: A Memoir


When i read this I found it both funny, sad and entertaining. I highly recomend this book. It also reminded me of my early schooling, Since i to went to a school with nun/brothers. Well done BillGet more detail about A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity: A Memoir.

Shop For Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind


Wow this book is eye opening, it shows you a whole new way of looking at life, and why the way you think, can change the way things happen in your life. It explains that there is a whole other spiritual world out there that is very real, and the thoughts we allow to consume our minds are the very thing satan uses against us.

She also explains why its so important to let God consume our thoughts and mind, because what controls our mind controls our lives. This book will keep you reading with out a concept of time, you just wont want to put it down.

Lori Ann Libby
Author of
The Adventures of Henry Hamper and the Flying FishGet more detail about Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Strength in What Remains


I very highly recommend this book, more as a commentary on immigration and humanity than on genocide, but also as an enjoyable read. Truth can be more interesting than fiction when well told, and that is the case with this story.Get more detail about Strength in What Remains.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures Review


I am a pharm D. student and had this book assigned for one of my classes. I have to admit I was dreading having to read this book. It was a mandatory read... an I am really glad that I read it. This book while think in content is really well written. In Fish-Soup style, as the Hmong would write, it is rich in detail and not only tells the story of Lia Lee, but also gives a political, cultural, and historical account of the Hmong which was surprisingly interesting in itself. It is written in a non-linear fashion, interjecting Lia's story with relevant historical material that could be a novel in and of itself.

We live in a culture, western society, which has evolved this feigned sense of moral superiority over all else. This book is not just about the Hmong but it gently prods the reader to question our own biases, beliefs, and prejudices. The book teaches us about morals, values, dignity, compromise, love through the story of Lia and its historical account. It makes you question our past political decisions in the Vietnam war, our current immigration laws. Most importantly, for the health care professionals, it asks us whether scientific objectivity and sterilized medicine is the best approach to treat all. We have been raised in a culture that enjoys putting numbers, statistics, names and probabilities on things. In medicine this evidence-based medicine has resulted in stripping away emotional, human aspect of "treating" a patient and in the end has its consequences.

This should be a must read for everyone, not just health professionals, we all need a new perspective on the world every once in a while.Get more detail about The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Shop For Living Organized: Proven Steps for a Clutter-Free and Beautiful Home


There is not real constructive advice in this book, just rehashed theories with no real advice. It takes a great deal of reading ( 50% in fact ) to get to any methods and then they are only a few pages long, then it's back to the silly stories theories. Save your money.Get more detail about Living Organized: Proven Steps for a Clutter-Free and Beautiful Home.

Order Spoken from the Heart


I am a reader of woman biographies and autobiographies; I found this one to be very compelling. It held my attention throughout! It is well thought out and written. This is not a political novel - it's a story of one woman and how she dealt with all the trials and tribulations of life. She did so gracefully. I admire her candor, wit and the decision to do this book. She shows respect for her family, friends and all of us in the USA. Please take the time to read it, prior to writing a review it will surprise you.Get more detail about Spoken from the Heart.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Where To Buy Snow Melts in Spring


I really give this book 3.5, it was interesting enough and the plot was good, but overall it was just average to me.Get more detail about Snow Melts in Spring.

Purchase Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough


As one who has been fortunate to never have had to look long for work until recently, I found this book a source of practical advice on how to approach job hunting. There is nothing easy, consistent, or predictable about job hunting. It can be a messy and frustrating business. How do you reach the hiring manager? How do you approach persons you do not know to learn of opportunities in your chosen profession? What do you say when you manage to get audience with a contact who knows the hiring persons to make the most of the conversation? The book provides a workable method and tool to assist. Is the book for everyone? Maybe not. But if you want to do more than respond to posted jobs which is how the fewest number of jobs are realized, and the networking concept is foreign to your nature and a pattern to follow would help, then this book is an excellent reference. Based upon research of what successful job hunters do and how they conduct themselves, the chapters are purposely short to focus on each factor and to provide an example of how it might manifest.

Job hunting is work. There are no short cuts here. But, there are constructive ideas of how to go at the goal of getting back to gainful employment and suggestions for supportive activity to reinforce your hirability.Get more detail about Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Buy Grace Notes: Daily Readings with Philip Yancey


Philip Yancey always provokes me to think and sometimes reexamine my long held beliefs. This book of readings from many of his writings is stimulating and I look forward to enjoying it through the year.Get more detail about Grace Notes: Daily Readings with Philip Yancey.

Buying The First Drop of Rain


This was a light-read, and yet a very personal memoir at the same time. In brief, vignette-style chapters, Leslie Parrott explores a seemingly endless selection of metaphors of rain/water/weather. The only other Parrott book I had read was "Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (Inspirio/Zondervan Miniature Editions)" - which I read in my pre-marriage counseling! This certainly wasn't as deep or as instructional as that, but it was a nice little collection of devotional-type pieces.Get more detail about The First Drop of Rain.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cheapest Oprah: A Biography


The only reason I can can figure that Kitty wrote this book was to dish on Oprah. Yes, she positively seemed to be joyful about spilling all the juice on Oprah. Of course Oprah has her problems but most folks do and the mega rich always seem to get their quirks dished on the most. But I wonder how many 'stars' have worked as hard as Oprah on her charities, benefits and foundations? Who cares if it also benefits her ego in some way--the good she does outweighs the bad by far. I also wondered why in the world would Kitty ingratiate herself to Oprah's family knowing that it would further damage those already tenuous relationships? That seems downright cruel to me. And you really have to wonder about the character of a person that would obviously do alot of schmoozing to get Oprah's own family to talk about her. I don't think the book was particularly intriguing or well written so it was just so-so reading. I won't read anymore of Kitty's stuff #1 because it's boring #2 she seems to have a real cruel streak.Get more detail about Oprah: A Biography.

Cheap The Minister's Wooing


I read this novel for the purpose of completeing a summer assignment for my AP US history Class. It had a decnet plotline and is by the obviously reputable Stowe. A very interesting historical novel that kept me entertained enough to finish and wirte a paper about. Focuses on slavery in new england and the love between a minister and the daughter of the woman with whom he is residing.Get more detail about The Minister's Wooing.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Save This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection


I grew up watching the Carol Burnett show and spent many nights laughing to good wholesome clean comedy. This book only confirms all of that. Carol Burnett is truly a warm and caring person and is in my opinion in the same category with Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, and Katharine Hepburn. The book was one of those that once started I could not stop until the end.Get more detail about This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection.

Discount The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin


Ben is one of my favorite historical persons. One needs to have a dictionary to hand to read this as he uses real English words which aren't often used today. A wonderful read...and free, too. Thanks Ben.Thanks Amazon.Get more detail about The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Low Price Outliers: The Story of Success


The book came within the timeframe mentioned. It was new and intact, however, some of the latter pages were creased at the top, probably from some other weight being placed on top of it. The pages weren't ripped nor was the actual content impaired, but still. All in all, it's a good and interesting book, and for that price, it was good enough.Get more detail about Outliers: The Story of Success.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Lowest Price The Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer


. . . . . . As the only living direct descendant of Ms Amy Archer--great grandson-- I've got to say that since the publication of this book, enrollment in my family-owned christian day care center has dropped precipitously!Get more detail about The Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer.

Samuel Adams: A Life Decide Now


Ira Stoll gives us a proper perspective on Sam Adams, one of the first and certainly one of the most influential leaders of the American Revolution. This carefully crafted biography excels in revealing Adams's character: honest, consistent, highly moral, loyal to friends, practical, and surprisingly tolerant of the opinions of others. He was a devoted family man, a devout believer in the existence of a loving, guiding Supreme Being, and an enthusiastic warrior for civil liberties. He was an excellent writer, an incredibly hardworking politician, and a nonbeliever in the value of accumulating material wealth. He avoided federal office, preferring to remain at home with his wife in his beloved Boston. But the high regard in which he was held throughout his life by his fellow citizens finally found him serving as lieutenant governor, followed by four terms as Governor of Massachusetts.


Stoll exhaustively documents his case that Adams was a true hero at several stages of this country's founding. As one example, Adams initially opposed the new U.S. Constitution because it seemed to be another layer of government over the people that would duplicate much that should be done at the state level, but he was persuaded over time to support it. It's good that he did, because his strong popularity in Massachusetts swung enough votes to ensure its passage at a critical time in the national fight for its adoption.

Ira Stoll deserves our gratitude for reminding us of the very real and important contributions Sam Adams made to the creation of our country. As I read the book, I began to see Adams as a direct-speaking, flesh-and-blood man of strong convictions with an undying passion for self-government. We could use him in public office today.Get more detail about Samuel Adams: A Life.

Friday, August 6, 2010

StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths Order Now


I was so looking forward to reading StrenthsFinder 2.0 after seeing on the Bestseller lists for so long, and yet I find myself so disappointed that I wanted to share a review and provide another perspective on why this book fails, in my opinion, to provide true value for the reader.

The book itself is more of an outline of the Gallup Organizations 34 Key Personality Traits than an insightful overview, which was disappointing to me. In addition, the book is supported by an online test that is designed to, through 177 questions, help you to assess the 5 Traits or Qualities that are your true Strengths. I don't disagree with the assesment that the survey made, but I'm shocked by the lack of actionable feedback based on such strong data. If I wanted to "Know Myself" better, I would have spent the time and money in Meditation Lessons, not trying to capitalize on my innate strengths, as the book purports to assist with.

Perhaps I was expecting too much from a book, but I found StrengthsFinder 2.0 to be full of a lot of hype and very little substance.Get more detail about StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Three Cups of Tea Buy Now


Three Cups of Tea tells the true story of Greg Mortenson, a man who started out as a mountain climber and ended up as an international agent for peace in the Middle East. As a young man, Mortenson was addicted to mountain climbing. A registered nurse, he'd work stateside until he'd saved up enough money for his next big climb. He'd climb until his money ran out, head back to the U.S., get a job, and start the process again.

However, after losing his way on the way down from a climb in Pakistan, Mortenson found himself in a small mountain village with no school. The kids there met in a cave, only had a teacher three days a week, and still found the will to keep studying. Mortenson promised the village leaders that one day he'd return and build them a proper school for their children.

That promise began a long and arduous journey that has led Mortenson to build fifty-five schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has also allowed him to forge a rock-solid relationship with many people in two countries where, it has been said, the citizenry thirsts for American blood.

Mortenson's story is amazing. It proves that one person really can make a difference. He saw a need and wanted to help fill it. In the process, he's gone a long way towards improving not only the image of Americans in the Middle East, but the lives of a good number of Middle Easterners.

Worth reading.Get more detail about Three Cups of Tea.