Ceasar's Way

Cesar's Way was written by Ceasar Millan and Melissa Jo Peltier. Melissa Jo Peltier co-writes many of his books. Cesar's Way is a book about dog psychology. It is a book that clearly identifies the difference between human psychology and dog psychology. Cesar guides the reader into the ways of a dog. He helps the reader deal with a dog from the dog's perspective.

Throughout the book, Cesar talks about the three part formula for a well-balanced dog outside as well as inside the home. Realizing that dogs who live in the wild, typically live in packs. The pack structure consists of an alpha dog who supplies the pack with rules, boundaries and limitations. The alpha is the definer as well as the enforcer. Since dogs have become domesticated, the alpha must be the human in the home. In fact, Cesar strongly encourages that ALL humans in the home (i.e. mom, dad, the children and even the baby) must be looked at by the dog or dogs as the alpha. Rules, boundaries and limitations need to be created and enforced by the alphas in the home. According to Cesar, to help a dog become balanced, the alpha must offer exercise, discipline (rules, boundaries and limitations), and affection.

Cesar dog owners to excercise their dogs with one to two healthy walks a day. The walks can range from 45-60 minutes in length and they need to be vigorous. A dog who has burned energy is more inclinded to receive discipline and follow the recommended rules. Lastly, a dog needs affection. Cesar Millan talks at great length about how here in America we, as dog owners, give our lovely pets too much affection. Rather than follow the three part formula for a balanced dog (e.g. exercise, discipline, affection), we tend to give our dogs affection, affection, affection. This causes an imbalance in our dogs and then "issues" arise. According to Mr. Millan, if you provide your dog with exercise, discipline (rules, boundaries and limitations), and affection (in that order) you WILL have a well-balanced and happy dog.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
No AR quiz. :(
If you own a dog or have frequent contact with dogs, this is an excellent book. It really makes sense to look at a dog as if it were a dog. It makes sense to understand a dog from the dog's perspective and deal with the dog with the mindset of a dog. Human psychology is great for humans but one should not use human psychology to work with or communicate with dogs. Cesar's insight and proven history working with dogs has inspired me to become the alpha within the relationship with our dog. I have to admit, our dog seems content and actually follows my commands. I look forward to reading his other books and applying them to my daily interactions with our new dog. I highly recommend this book to those of you who own a dog.

Brian's Winter

Brian's Winter is one of several "Brian" books written by Gary Paulsen. Brian's Winter is the alternate ending to the well-known Hatchet book. In Hatchet, Brain was rescued from the woods near the end of the summer months; however, in Brian's Winter he lives through the winter and then returns to "civilization". In Brian's Winter, Gary Paulsen takes you through those cold months in the Canadian bush. Brian learns to weather seal his shelter, make arrows from stone, create clothing for warmth and how to hunt. In the end, Brian meets a trapping family, the Smallhorns, who hunt the area in the winter for food. The Smallhorns welcome Brain into their way of life. When the supply plan flies in to drop off supplies for the family, Brian reluctantly climbs aboard and flies back to civilization.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
It's no secret, Gary Paulsen is one of my favorite authors. In fact, the Brian Robeson series is one of my favorite series. I felt that Brian's Winter was a much better ending to Hatchet. In Hatchet, the end came abruptly and I felt as if I was abandoned. Brian's Winter continued as if Brian did not get rescued by the plane in Hatchet.

I love the mountains, enjoy camping, and am at peace when in the outdoors. I have often fantasized about what it would be like to run off and live off the land in some wilderness far away from civilization. Although this is not practical and I probably wouldn't make it past the first week, I have been able to vicariously experience this through Brain Robeson's fictional life. Gary Paulsen has the unique ability to paint detailed pictures with the words he uses to tell his stories. The words become pictures, these vivid pictures become moving pictures in your mind, and soon you are there with Brian, the bear, the moose or even the wolf. He is an amazing writer who pulls you along in his stories. I highly recommend this series for those who love the outdoors, especially hiking and camping.

Read Hatchet before you read this book. Once you complete Brian's Winter you need to read The River, Brian's Return, and Brian's Hunt (in that order).

AR Quiz: 100%
AR Vocabulary Quiz: 100%

The Brian Robeson series

Dunc's Doll

Dunc's Doll is one of many titles within the Culpepper Adventures series written by Gary Paulsen. In a nutshell, the Culpepper Adventures series is about two boys, Dunc and Amos, who seek out and solve mysteries both by calculated and accidental methods. Dunc and Amos visit a traveling antique doll show learn about a doll Charles Dicken's daughter owned. The adventure begins when the doll was stolen. Dunc and Amos set out to uncover the thief and return the doll. The boys develop a plan which includes dressing up like a girl and distracting a guard dog. Dunc's Doll will guide you through their hilarious adventure of solving the crime surrounding the stolen doll formally owned by Charles Dicken's daughter.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
As one of my favorite authors, I eat up anything he writes and publishes. The Culpepper Adventure series has to be one of my favorite series to read. They are short adventure packed books riddled with funny and identifiable moments. Dunc and Amos, the main characters throughout the Culpepper Adventure series, lead you through many engaging and hilarious adventures. Although Dunc's Doll is a book about a collector's doll, it is a book in which boys of all ages will enjoy reading. In fact, I am confident many readers will seek out other books within the Culpepper Adventure series so they can discover what Amos and Dunc are up to.

AR Quiz: 100%

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley was the original author of Frankenstein. As a kid growing up, I saw a variety of movies with Frankenstein but I never picked up the book to read. It wasn't until my son-in-law were having one of our many intriguing conversations about what we were reading or have read when our discussion turned to Frankenstein. Somewhere in our discussion, I told him I wouldn't be interested in the book because its about a monster that was created by a mad-scientist who then kills people. Based upon the Frankenstein movies I watched as a young lad, I had little interest to read the book Frankenstein. My son-in-law assured me that the plot of the book was no where near that of any Frankenstein movie and that the characters in the book had more depth. A week later, Sean bought the book and gave it to me as a gift and assured me I would like the book.

The book sat for some time before I picked it up and cracked the spine. The first few chapters dragged but as the characters developed and the plot thickened the chapters quickly flew by. I found that the "old" language of the 1700 - 1800's slowed me down quite a bit as I read.

As I eluded to earlier, the book was nowhere near any of the movies or built-up impressions I had about Frankenstein. As I read the book, I discovered that the individual who created the living creature from body parts of dead people was actually Mr. Frankenstein. The creature that was brought to life looked hideous mainly because he was created from body parts from a large number of dead or decaying bodies. I also discovered that Mr. Frankenstein was a man who enjoyed learning. I'd say he was borderline obsessive when it came to learning something. Once he set his mind on learning something, he devoted every waking moment uncovering its secret. One of those things he wanted to learn about was what made life. This is what lead him to discover how to create life from death.

Once the monster came to life, Mr. Frankenstein was so offended by its hideousness, he ran away. As time passed, this created creature sought out his creator seeking his acceptance. The creature was rejected by humans and rejected by his creator. The creature then sought out revenge upon his maker to entice him to create a mate who would care for him for who he was. Mr. Frankenstein, the creature's creator, would not concede. Therefore on Mr. Frankenstein's wedding night, the creature killed his wife. Mr. Frankenstein then sought out and hunted the creature in hopes to remove it from the human race.

The last chapters of the book recall the chase. Mr. Frankenstein goes to all ends of the earth (or at least near the northern end of the earth) seeking the monster. Frankenstein dies on a ship up in the Northern Hemisphere. However, before he dies he shares his life story with the captain of the ship. When all is said and done, the story you actually are reading is the life of Mr. Frankenstein as told by the ship's captain.

I really enjoyed this book and will read other classic novels because of this reading experience. Reading this book made me realize how much movies have influenced the way I perceive as well as believe something should be. Lastly, Mr. Frankenstein as well as the creature referred to three books throughout the novel. These three books apparently had a profound effect on the way both Mr. Frankenstein and the creature viewed their world. Those three books were: 1) Paradise Lost, 2) The Sorrows of Young Werther, and 3) Parallel Lives. Incidentally Mary Shelley read these three books prior to writing Frankenstein, thus influencing the development of the characters as well as the plot. In the near future, I plan to read these three books and see how they connect with Frankenstein. In fact, my son-in-law and I will be reading Paradise Lost together over the Christmas break. I'm sure we will have some lively and intriguing conversations. Here's to the journey!

The 4:8 Principal

In 2007 Tyndale House Publishers published The 4:8 Principal. The author, Tommy Newberry, has written several books and is the founder of the 1% Club. His books, speaking engagements and 1% Club utilize the 4:8 Principal to help his readers/clients to maximize their full potential with their family, their personal life, and professional life.

At the core of the 4:8 Principal is the scripture found in Philippians chapter 4, verse 8. It reads as follows:

“Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, kjv)

The book has been divided up into three simple parts. As you read through each part of the book, you get the impression that Tommy Newberry is either sitting their coaching you or he wrote the book specifically for you. He begins by helping your relook at the world around you. Our personal perception has a tremendous influence on how we interact with the world around us. In part one, the reader is introduced to a new way of thinking.

In part two, Mr. Newberry provides the reader with a new perspective on life. We are not locked into misery but we have the potential to have a life filled with joy. Emotions have a lot to do with joy and/or the lack of joy in our life. Most importantly, we do have the ability to control and/or take charge of our emotional life. Lastly, in part two, we begin to understand that those negative thoughts continue to swirl in our minds due to the fact we encourage them to stay and breed.

Part three, the final three chapters of The 4:8 Principal, reviews ways for the reader to protect and defend your heart and mind from a negative mindset. Mr. Newberry provides the reader with strategies to protect your heart, build a healthy mind, and how to live a life filled with genuine gratitude.

MY TO CENTS
I will be the first to admit, this is not a book I would pick up if I were walking through a book store or a library. Many of these types of books found in a Christian bookstore or in the Christian section at the bookstore are a bit too soupy for my. However, at the recommendation of a dear friend, I borrowed the book to read. I reluctantly picked up the book to read and discovered it was difficult to put down.

The 4:8 Principal was easy to read, written for the layman, simple to understand and highly practical. I loved the way Mr. Newberry utilized Phillipians 4:8 as a filter for one’s thinking. All too often I mumble to myself or to a good friend that I need to rebuild or retrain myself in the ways I think. This book not only provides me with the tools on how to alter the ways I think but it provides me with a multitude of practical ways to constructively change my ways of thinking. There was so much valuable information in this book I plan to read it again in two-four months just to check in with myself and make sure I am still on track for a joy filled life based upon the 4:8 Principal.

Highly recommended, worth the space on your bookshelf, and would be beneficial to a friend.

The Last Lecture

Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow wrote the book entitled, "The Last Lecture". The book has been broken up into six parts and reflects much of what Randy Pausch shared with his audience during a lecture series. In the past, this lecture series was called, The Last Lecture and selected college professors were asked to give a lecture as if it were their "last lecture". Throughout this lecture they would share their wisdom, successes, and council to those who attended the lecture. For Randy Pausch, this wasn't merely a frame to build his lecture around, it was reality. Randy Pausch was diagnosed with Pancratic cancer and given a short time to live. He looks, sounds and acts like your average healthy man but he is on the slippery road to death. Throughout the book, he provides his readers with simple, yet profound advise. This book is one I would highly recommend for men. Randy's comments, humor, humility, and humanity brings the reader to the place where things really matter....the moments we spend with those around us, specifically those we love.

Randy past away during the month of July (2008) and left behind a lovely family and a lasting legacy. He is a man who used his last months on earth to make a lasting impact on his family, friends and those still on earth. Continue to dream and seek to fulfill that dream.

If you have not read his book or seen Randy's lecture on You Tube, I highly recommend it. His book and his last lecture will occupy space on my book shelf, occupy space in my computer, and be shared in my leadership classes. May everyone who encounters his book and/or lecture benefit in a life changing way.

A Man Named Dave

David Pelzer's book, "A Man Named Dave" is the third book of his biography triology. The first book, A Child Called It, covered David's life from about five to the age of twelve years old. During this period of time, David was physically, mentally and emotionally abused in unimaginable ways. His inner strength, his dreams, the smiles, kind words and self-determination gave him the strength to survive day after day. At the age of twelve, he went to school with sever chemical burns on his body and it was then when his teacher, the nurse, the principal and the police officer risked everything to save David.

Mr. Pelzer's second book, The Lost Boy, recalled David Pelzer's years between the ages of 12 and 18. He traveled from foster home to foster home and ended up at the Turnbourgh's. Although David was out of the house where "The Mother" lived, her hand stretched out and touched his life on a daily basis. David could not get away from his mother's touch or ice cold touch. He longed for the day when his dad would contact him (i.e. in person, by phone or letter); however, his communication was extremely limited. At the age of 18, David Pelzer joined the airforce.

A Man Named Dave is the third book of Mr. Pelzer's biographical triology. This book takes us through his first marriage, the birth and youth of his son (Stephen), his years in the air force as a cook and pilot, his early years as an inspirational speaker, his divorce, and his second marriage. For those of us who have read the first two books, this book provides the answers to many of our questions about how David Pelzer turns out.

MY TWO AND A HALF CENTS:
I highly recommend these three books in their entirety for all teachers, social workers, principals, school personnel, and any other profession that works directly with children. These books provide the reader a window into the life of an abused child. The books are difficult to read due to the severity and harsh conditions David Pelzer was forced to live through. However, David is an inspiration and provides hope to all who face the unimaginable as a young child.

After reading all three books I am walking away with five main points I hope to never forget.
1. David had a dream, a vision. It was this dream, this vision that kept him focused and gave him hope.
2. David prayed to God regularly. He sought God for strength.
3. Although David was a victim, David did not fall into the victim trap. He did not wallow in self-petty. David knew that if he was going to be somebody or get somewhere, he had to make it happen.
4. The odds were against David, yet, he did not let that stop him. David pressed on despite the lack of encouragement or support. David remained laser focused. David persevered. He did not give up.
5. In order to accomplish a task, good or bad, David broke it up into manageable steps. Although he had is eye on the big picture, he knew the best way to complete the picture was one step at a time.

David, thank you for your courage and willingness to share your life's experiences with those of us who work with children. You have opened the eyes of many and have given hope to many more.

These three books will remain on my professional bookshelf for years to come.

The Control Freak

Have you ever had controlling tendancies? Do you know a meddling manager or a pushy parent? Do you plan the day, the week, and the month for you and your family? What happens when your 15 minute trip to the store turns out to take 45 - 60 minutes because you forgot your wallet along with the list? I don't know about you but typically my heart begins to beat in my fingers, my chest tightens, and thoughts race through my mind. I am a control freak, actually according to Les Parrott III, Ph.D. I am a recovering control freak. Truth be told, I like the sound of a "recovering" control freak better than a control freak in denile. If you have issues with control, work with those who have issues with control, live with someone who has issues with control, or simply want to deal with your own issues of control, then book entitled, The Control Freak by Les Parrott III, Ph.D. is the book for you.

This book is well written and an easy read for the layman. Dr. Les Parrott III organized the book into three basic sections: 1) Who is in control? 2) Taming the control freaks around you, and 3) Controlling the control freak within you.

The first part of the book gives the reader a brief understanding of the need to control, the symbianic relationship between control and anxiety, the autonmomy of a control freak (my favorite chapter), and why control freaks act the way they do.

The second part of the book covers six common control freaks you will either encounter or are. Dr. Parrott III reviews these six control freak types, briefly describes how they evolved, and provides practical tips on how to deal with, work with, or avoid them. The six types of control freaks Dr. Parrott III writes about are: The meddling manager, the coercive colleague, the supervising spouse, the pushy parent, the invasive in-law, and the tenacious teen.

The third and last section in the book talks about controlling the control freak within. Throughout the book, the author provides the reader with self tests and assessments to determine whether they are or the person their thinking of is a control freak. This section is no different. Dr. Parrott III gives you a 13 question assessment so you can review your answers and diagnose your control freak symptoms. In his pragmatic ways, Les provides the reader with safeguards to keep you from spinning out of control, rebuilding damaged relationships, and taking charge without being a control freak.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:

This is an easy read as well as a quick read. Dr. Les Parrott III writes for the average man. He gives hope to those of us who are spinning out of control with our need to control our environments (i.e. home, work, personal, spiritual). I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with personal control issues or those of you struggling with working with others who have the need to control.

I have to admit, I bought this book because my life was spinning out of control. My anxiety was going through the roof. My personal life, professional life, and spiritual life were slipping out of my hands. Every time I jumped to grab the rings, I realized the rings were made of smoke. Through The Control Freak, Dr. Les Parrott III was able to help me understand that I do have an issue with control. The more I control events or things the more stable, the more comfortable, and the more I can do. However, when I begin to lose control (i.e. something does not go as planned) my anxiety begins to rise and my control tendancies kick into hyper-drive. When I am in hyper-drive, life all around me is negatively impacted. Through this book, Dr. Les Parrott III showed me that all control is not bad or counter productive. I also learned that when I or someone I work with has a strong desire to control everything, it is a sure sign that their anxiety is high (for some reason or another) and they need to control so that their anxiety will be reduced. Finally, this book has given me a new set of glasses to wear. Over the last few weeks I have been looking at people and their interactions with one another and trying to determine whether they are a control freak or someone who submits to the control freak. If I have determined they are a control freak, then I adjust my ways of interacting with them so that their anxiety drops as well as mine. Has this been successful? Not every time, but I have come to the realization that our personal and professional anxiety rises when we feel we are out of control. All in all, this book has helped me gain control of my over controlling tendencies.

I highly recommend The Control Freak by Dr. Les Parrott III. It is worthy of one's coveted bookshelf space.

The Claims of Christ

The Claims of Christ was written by Chuck Smith. He is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. In a nutshell The Claims of Christ is a positional booklet. It provides the reader with Calvary Chapel's biblical position regarding the claims Jesus Christ made. Pastor Chuck Smith outlines nine claims and systematically addresses them. His arguments are well thoughtout and scriptually supported.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
This booklet is straight forward and pulls no punches. I would recommend this book to the guy who knows little to nothing about Jesus, I'd recommend this booklet to the guy who has gone to church on and off throughout his lifetime, and I'd recommend it to the guy who has gone to church year after year. The Claims of Christ is a short book (quick read) with a solid punch. The book makes you sit back and think, "Why do I believe in Jesus Christ?" "Can I give another man an answer for my belief in Jesus Christ?"

For years I have attended Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. If you were to ask me if I believe in the claims of Jesus Christ, I'd say yes and I'd go into a robotic type speech and/or explanation. However, if you'd ask me to give you biblical evidence supporting my belief, I would melt like Frosty the Snowman on a hot summer day. Chuck Smith has been a solid pastor and teacher for as long as I can remember. His approach has not changed. This no-frills booklet has hit home and has provided me with the biblical reasons as to why I believe the claims of Jesus Christ.

The Final Act

The Final Act was published in 2007 and was written by Chuck Smith. This book was well written and provides the reader with an insight into the last days of man-kind. Using scripture and current events, Chuck Smith shares with his readers why he believes the stage has been set for the last days, unveils information about the rapture, talks about the great tribulation, and discusses the second coming. Irregardless of the pre, mid, or post position you may hold regarding the great tribulation, this book is one worth reading. All positions that Chuck Smith holds are supported by scripture. I am impressed with Chuck's ability to see God's hand within the scripture, within the current events surrounding us daily, and then share this insight in an understandable and meaningful way.

The Final Act was well written and the scriptural postions appeared to be within context. The Final Act was an easy read (not light reading just easy for layman to read) and did not require years of biblical study to grasp what the author was communicating.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
I enjoyed the book but also was freaked out about it. I struggle with two things: 1) I want Jesus to come and come quickly. I want to be in heaven, be in the presence of God, and sing praises (eventhough I can't sing) day-in and day-out. However, I also want to live a long life and watch my children growup and experience the joy of grandchildren. It is what it is. God's timing is God's timing. The stage has been set and the play has to run its course. Irregardless of what act were are in within this drama, I need to live daily as I am instructed. May all I do bring me one day closer to the master's feet.

The Little Engine That Could

The Little Engine That Could was written by Watty Piper and first published in 1971. This is a story about a train that carrys toys and food for all the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain. The train that typically brings the toys and food items to the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain breaks down. The toys and animals are sad and desperately try to get help. The ask a pompous passenger engine, a studly steam engine, and an exhausted elderly engine. All three of these engines had excuses as to why they could not help the broken down train. Then the toy clown flagged down a little blue engine. This little blue engine had never been on the other side of the mountain. In fact, the little blue engine had never left the train yard. Although small and insignificant, the little blue engine offered his help. With postive thoughts, energy, and pure determination, the little blue engine pulls the train over the mountain to the town with all the good little boys and girls. His montra, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can".

The story took place in the rolling hills. There were several standout characters: a clown, the passenger engine, the steam engine, the old engine, and the little blue engine. The main message of the story is to never give up and always try.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
One of my ultimate favorites. I have read this to students in grades 2-7th, my staff, and to adults in my university classes. The Little Engine That Could can be used for so many reasons: inspiration, determination, writing, plot, leadership, etc... Over the years as a student, as a teacher, as an administrator, and as a parent, I have found myself referencing this story again and again. When the mountain seemed too high or the shore to far away, I recall the sound of the little engine that could, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can". As odd as it sounds, those four simple words said over and over have gotten me over many mountains.

AR QUIZ: 100%

A Leader's Legacy

A Leader's Legacy was written by James Zouzes and Barry Posner. It was published in 2006 by Jossey-Bass. The Leadership Legacy is James Zouzes and Barry Posner's excellent followup to their leadership book entitled, "The Leadership Challenge". If you have read The Leadership Challenge and liked what you read then "A Leader's Legacy" is a book you want to add to your professional book shelf. However, if you read The Leadership Challenge and did not agree with the general premis, then A Leader's Legacy is not the leadership book for you.

A Leader's Legacy is about leaders who believe that to make a difference we need to understand that extrodinary leaders are: 1) leaders who serve and sacrifice, 2) leaders who build relationships (on and off the clock), 3) leaders who look within themselves, 4) leaders build up others to become leaders (it takes more than one person to move the group forward), and 5) leaders who know it takes courage to lead.

If you are a leader who needs to be the only one in charge, the one who demands respect, and the one who leaders with mandates, then this is not a book that supports your style. However, if you are a leader who believes it takes a cohesive team to complete a project effectively, a leader who gives respect when earned, and a leader who builds a shared vision, then this is a book that will encourage you to press on. James Zouzes and Barry Posner utilize twenty-five years of research and real life examples of leaders (big and small) who have made a difference and created a legacy. Their research and real life stories give all individuals the hope, courage, and belief that "anyone" (and that means me) can be a leader who makes a difference in the world in which I live.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
In my opinion, this is a book worthy of anyone's book shelf, professional or personal. If you are a person who has been called to work with people (i.e. school, church, youth sports leagues, etc...) this is the book that will enspire you. If you are the type of leader who believes that it takes the whole crew to run the ship instead of just the captain, then this book is for you. However, if you believe it is my way or the high way, this book is not for you. You will think it is a waste of paper, ink, and time. Every page of this book will contratict your way of doing things.

I highly recommend this book to any person who is in charge of a project and has to work with more than one person. This book has a way of building your confidence and enspiring you to do the best that you can as well as encourage those working with you to step beyond their current position.

Investing without a Silver Spoon

Investing without a Silver Spoon was written by The Motley Fool. It was published in 2000. This book has been divided into two parts. The first part is an introduction to direct investing and the second part of the book is nothing more than a laundry list of companies that permit direct investing. Part one of the book consists of nine chapters and is only a total of 96 pages. Part two has no chapters, lists all the companies in alphabetical order, and is a total of 311 pages. Part one provides the investing layman with knowledge about direct investing. This book provides an argument for investing now instead of later as well as the advantages for direct investing plans. The book also reviews the disadvantages of direct investments and times when not to invest. The authors walk the reader through the enrollment process and covers industries and companies to embrace. This book provides a brief education on how to determine a company's valuation and performance measures. Recordkeeping, portfolio tracking and taxes are also reviewed in part one of this book. Lastly, we all need to know how to sell the stock we purchase through a direct investment plan.

The authors of Investing Without a Silver Spoon take great pride in providing their readers with detailed information on how to start and finish their investing journey in the world of Direct Investing. It is not hard but it requires self-discipline. Although this method of saving for your future may not provide you with a bazzilon dollars but this will provide you with a fiinancial foundation to build upon.

MY 2 1/2 CENTS WORTH

I have been a fan The Motley Fool for years. I have thoroughly enjoyed their financial advise, their professionalism, and humor. Their website has encouraged many financial gun shy individuals to step out into the world stocks and invest wisely in one's own future. I have always been frustrated with the financial world interms of its intimidation factor. The only people who know anything about tend to have lots and lots of money. I on the other hand am a common man with little to know money, yet I need to provide for the future. I have two children who need to go to college, they both will have a wedding (some day), my wife and need to have retirement $, and we will need to have a little spending money every now and again. To do this with little to no knowledge is scary and intimidating. Most stock brokerages prey on the ignorant and cator (sp) to the wealthy. Motley Fool, on the other hand, has become a champion for the little man or I should say for the man with little money. They provide financial information for the layman. They make investing look simple enough even for a layman to do. Their strategy is simple: reduce your debt, research in companies that allow the invester to purchase stock directly from the company, and invest regularly (i.e. weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly). Historically, this strategy has helped many individuals prepare for their retirement years. Personally, I have used this method of savings to save for my children's college, our first automobile, a partial down payment on the house, and a new garage door. Although this is not the answer to everyone's financial woe's (sp), it is a savings path that can help many people get into the stock purchasing game with a minimal impact on their fiancial wallet. Fifty dollars a month is no more than ten Starbucks latayes (sp). That same fifty dollars a month could purchase you 1-2 shares of stock from companies like Edison, Intel, Starbucks, Walmart, or Tyson. In one year you would have spent $600 on special coffee that tasted good going into the body and most like felt good going out of the body. However, that same $600 dollars spent on the stock through the companies direct investment program still exsists in the form of 6-12 shares in the company. An added bonus would be that the stock has gone up and/or the company also provides you with a dividend (sp). Either way you end up with a lot more than the coffee your drank earlier.

I highly recommend this book to those who have little discresionary funds, yet are looking for ways to provide for the future. Although saving for one's future is not easy, this book provides a path that can be implemented by anyone who has some discretionary funds and self-discipline. Here's to investing without a silver spoon.

Lawn Boy

Gary Paulsen has done it again. In 2007, he has released another fictional book that will appeal to young male readers, especially those who have run into the biggest summer delima....no money. Gary Paulsen takes you on a six to eight week summer journey of a twelve year old boy and the business he incidentally started. Lawn Boy is a delightful read for those who love to read, laugh, and learn about money.

Lawn Boy is a fictional book about a twelve year old boy who begins a lawn service, the stock market, and sponsors a prize fighter named Joey Pow. The first problem this twelve year old faced was that he needed some cash to purchase an intertube for his bike. He has no money nor does his parents. Grandma gives the young man an old riding lawn-mower that used to belong to grandpa. As he is cutting his lawn one of the neighbors asked him to cut his lawn and the business began. The second problem the twelve year old had was were to put all the money he earned. Arnold, one of his customers who was a work-at-home stock broker, helped him invest his money as well as build his lawnservice business. A third problem this young man faced was the competition who wanted to extort money from his business and the workers. The last problem our entrepuner faced was how to tell his parents he had earned over $400,000 in six to eight weeks. All of the problems were solved in humorous ways only to create another problem to be solved.


MY 2 1/2/ CENTS WORTH

This is another delightful and enjoyable book by Gary Paulsen. I thoroughly enjoy these types of books. They bring back memories of boyhood delemas as well as inspire individuals to press forward despite one's circumstances. I think every young man with little to no money in his pocket should read this book and uncover the possibilities available as an entrepuner (sp).

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham was the Newbery Medal award winner in 1956. The book is a biography about the man who uncovered and made available the secrets of sea navigation to the common man. Without Mr. Bowditch's efforts and determination, the mysteries of navigation would have remained mysterious and elusive to the common man. Knowledge is power and strength. Thanks to Mr. Bowditch many sailors were given practical knowledge about navigation (and mathematics) and with that knowledge they attained power and strength to become what they dreamed....Captain's of their future.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a detailed biography of the life of Nathaniel Bowditch (a.k.a. Nat). The authors takes you through his childhood well into his adulthood. At an early age, Nat's family realized he would not follow the footsteps of his father and grandfather. A sailor needed to be big, strong, and healthy. Nat was none of those. He was good with numbers but his parents could not afford to have him go to school. His family was poor and struggled to put food on the table and cloth the family members. At the age of twelve, Nathaniel was indentured to two men with a shop in town. He was to be their book keeper as well as work the store for a total of nine years.

During his time as an indentured servant, Nat learned how to use his talent with numbers. His love to learn and discover was the fuel that taught him to read, learn Latin, learn French, learn astronomy, and learn everything there was to learn about ships at sea.

Soon the shop was sold and with it his indenturedship. The new owner kept him through the end of his term. When his service was served, Nat was becalmed. He didn't know what to do. As time passed, he found himself on a ship as the ship's navigator. Soon Mr. Bowditch learned to take lunar readings on the sea. As problems with taking lunar readings presented themselves, he began to resort to the logic's and consistencies math provides. He discovered a new way to take a lunar without occulting the moon. This new discovery continued to fuel the fire of learning new ways to keep sea-traveling men safe.

As Nathaniel travels on the ships, he utilizes the sextant to take readings but during the remaining hours he would study the "Moore" charts as well as teach the deck hands how to take readings. Nat was consumed with numbers and verifying that the charts were accurate. During his voyages he discovered many errors and these discovers bothered him to the core. When Nat was not studying the charts or taking a reading, he was graciously spending his time with those deckhands who "wanted" to learn how to take readings. These men took to learning as a thirsty traveler takes to water. They were thirsty for practical knowledge.

Eventually, Mr. Bowditch gained enough experience to command his own ship. He traveled to ports on the other side of the world to buy and sell cargo. His knowledge of sea routes, navigation, mathematics, French, astronomy, Latin, and deep understanding of human behavior were valuable assets in his travels.

Mr. Bowditch traveled around the Cape and into the eye of a hurricane at sea. He navigated his ship up stream with head winds. He even traveled home in fog thicker than pea soup through areas that have been littered with ships at the bottom of the sea. These feats were all done because of his extreme faith, his extreme belief in the benefit of math. He was a man who saw the power of mathematics. It is consistent, dependable, and reliable. One does not need to see if he/she knows his math. One can simply get from point A to point B if he/she simply follows the mathematical path and does not resort to his/her vision or feelings. Mathematics and the love of learning filled the sails of Nathaniel Bowditch.

TWO CENTS WORTH:

It's no secret, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was a biography of a man who faced a wide variety of obstacles, yet he overcame them humbly and purposefully. Here was a man who could have gave up early in life and many would have justified his actions. At an early age it was already determined he would not follow in the family footsteps of becoming a sailor. His mother passed away and he was indentured at the young age of 12. Nat's talent with numbers was noticed by many influential people but he was never able to attend a prestigious school (i.e. Harvard). His first love married another man, his first wife passed away, his brother's died at sea, and many of the sailors did not like him. All of these things he overcame, he kept pushing forward.

Mr. Bowditch was a master teacher. He took difficult concepts and made them simple and easy to understand. The common sailors, whom were viewed as unable to learn, were his students. many of them learned to navigate and soon became valuable members of other ships. He was a man who knew if he could teach these sailors to understand navigation, he could teach anyone. Soon he wrote down what he taught so that anyone could navigate a ship utilizing the reliability of math. The book is still used today and can be found in many captain's personal as well as professional libraries. The American Practical Navigator or the Sailor's Bible is the name of the book Mr. Nathaniel Bowditch wrote.

This is a book that can be used in the classroom of any math teacher as well as any teacher trying to communicate to their students (especially those who are faced with multiple economic and social barriers) that with dedication, determination, tenacity, and a love of learning will have a positive impact on your personal, professional, and social life.

I highly recommend this book. It is a journey well worth the time and effort to take. May the wind always come from behind and fill your sails. However, if the wind stops and the fog sets in, the laws of mathematics may be your path to safety.

P.S. There were a ton of tier 2 and tier 3 words. As I read through this book, I kept a dictionary close to my side. The tier 2 words were easy to identify and the context in which they were embedded assisted me with their definition. However, the context that surrounded the tier 3 words did not help much. Although the dictionary was opened frequently with some of the tier 3 words, I still had to consult a few sea-worthy individuals to bring those words to life.

AR QUIZ: 100%

The Little Engine That Could

The Little Engine That Could was written by Watty Piper. The original version was printed in 1930 and has been a children's (and adults) favorite story ever since.

The story begins with the mighty red engine pulling the cars full of toys toward the town with all the little boys and girls. The red engine stopped working and could not move forward another foot. A shiny new engine, a passenger engine, and a freight engine all passed by and would not help. They all had personal reasons. Then a little engine came by and offered to help. Although he did not have the recognized qualities of all the other engines he offered his help. The little engine put forth his best effort every inch of the way. Due to his persistence, determination, step-by-step actions, and positive thinking, the little engine made it up and over the mountain top. All the little children in the town woke up to see and have all the toys and good things to eat.

I remember this story being read to me as an elementary school child and then checking it out of the school library. This story has influenced my way of thinking as well as doing. Against all odds and against the cry of one's peers the little engine knew he had to do something. This little engine had a purpose, had a vision, enlisted others, and encouraged others as well as encouraged himself.

During those long periods of times when the road has been littered with obstacles, this story comes to mind. When one believes in the abilities within anything is possible. I have overcome many mountains and have scaled many walls because of the little engine that could.

AR Quiz: 100%