More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong

More Than a Bucket List by Toni Birdsong is an interesting book.  It focus' on establishing dreams, your passions, and building your faith.   It is filled with short stories, positive thoughts, and quotes that center around various themes.  After a few paragraphs of stories or thoughts, the author lists some dreams, adventures, passions, or ways to build your faith.  These lists are not meant as a check off list, but rather a list of suggestions.  The suggestions are broad and deep.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
This is not a sit down are read through book.  It is a book intended to be picked up, read for a little bit, and then set back down.  My wife and I thought this this would be a good bathroom book for those who tend to spend a lot of time in there.  I like the fact that this bucket list book was more well rounded than the others I have read or skimmed.  This one was more focused on the individual rather than things that can be done as a couple.  However, I will say that as I skimmed the many lists on dreams, adventures, passions, and building faith, I found myself writing them down in our Bucket List journal.  This book is definitely worth the look over because it has a lot of unique ideas and suggestions.

AR Quiz:  No AR quiz.

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.

Organizing for Dummies

Yes, Organizing for Dummies is another book from the well known series, ..... for Dummies. If I wasn't so frugal and cautious, I would have invested in this organization and made a bundle. At any rate, Organizing for Dummies is a quick and easy read. It is not rocket science but is packed with practical ideas on ways to get organized. The picture on the front of the book leads you to believe it's focus is on the physical room but there are organizational tips that apply to running a household as well as an organization (or business).

Like the "for Dummies" series, the book is organized in sections (typically 3-6). This book starts out with a brief introduction, chapter one talks about training your mind, chapter two discusses gathering the right tools and supplies to create a practical system, and chapter three talks about scheduling for maximum productivity.

MY TWO CENTS
I really like the "for Dummies" series. They are filled with facts, rich research and a ton of practical ideas. They never claim to be the answer to our problems but they provide an enormous amount of usable information. I have found that these books often times reinforce what I am already doing or painfully remind me I need to change my ways. Organizing for Dummies is a practical book that provides many time tested organizational techniques that can have a positive impact on your professional and personal life immediately.

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 Best Easy Day Hikes in Orange County

The Best Easy Day Hikes in Orange County by Randy Vogel was published by Morris Book Publishing in 1999. This pocket sized booklet is perfect for the novice Orange County hiker. This book provides the reader with a multitude of day hikes that require a minimal amount of physical excursion to hikes that require a great deal of energy. The hikes have been divided up into coastal, foothill and mountain hikes. Some of these hikes are well known areas and others are hidden gems. The booklet is well organized and easy to follow. I plan to use this book as I hike throughout Orange County with my son. As we begin our trek to experience the seven coastal hikes, eight foothill hikes, and nine mountain hikes we will mark off each hike, take scenic pictures, and enjoy hours of conversations.

MY TWO CENTS
It was worth the $6.95 plus tax for two reasons: 1) I was impatient and had to buy the book at full price at the bookstore and 2) this book has all of the local hikes that I either previously enjoyed or always wanted to enjoy. Now that I have The Best Easy Day Hikes in Orange County book, I have no excuse to sit around all day Saturday or Sunday because there is nothing to do. My son and I are ready to begin our twenty-four hike journey.

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.

Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God

Every now and then I find my way into a discussion about free will, grace, atonement, and election. I will be the first to admit, these are deep topics and I usually cower into the corner and let the loudest and most aggressive guy have is day. People are passionate about their beliefs and, sadly, will aggressively defend their belief because they believe they are right. Sometimes these beliefs are not scripturally based but are defended as if they are the absolute truth. At times, these beliefs create divisions among the believers so bad that the faith as a whole becomes damaged.

The book Calvinism, Arminiansim and the Word of God examines the five points of Arminianism, the Calvinist position regarding these five points (TULIP), and what the Word of God says about these five points. Chuck Smith clearly outlines the five points of Arminianism, the five points of Calvinism (TULIP), and what the scriptures say regarding those same five points. The book does not attempt to say who is right or who is wrong but utilizes the scripture to provide the reader with the necessary tools (God's word) to formulate your position.

The "Five Points of Arminianism" include the following: Free will, conditional election, universal atonement, obstructable grace, and falling from grace.

The "Five Points of Calvinism" include the following (TULIP): Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

A scriptural response regarding the following points: Depravity, election, atonement, grace, and perseverance.

In the closing pages of this book, Chuck Smith sums it up beautifully when he writes: " To say what God says in the bible - no more no less - is not always easy, comfortable, or completely understandable. But Scripture tells us that the wisdom from above will be loving and kind toward all, seeking the unity of the believers, not trying to find ways to divide and separate from one another." When examining doctrine it is ok to discuss and to even have disagreements; however, it is not ok to be divisive.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Although some of these topics are way over my head, I find it easier to rely on the scripture and "believe" simply because of God's word. We are all sinners, God chose me, God sent His only son to pay the price for me, God did what He did simply because He wanted to, and I am His forever. I can't explain it, rationalize it, or win an argument about it. However, I can find comfort in the multiple scriptures that support my positions. Above all, I need to seek those things that produce the loving nature of Jesus in my life rather than winning every argument.

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 Pocket Idiot's Guide to Being the Father of the Bride

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Being the Father of the Bride is nothing more than a self-help for the soon to be "father of the bride." This self-help guide was written by Jennifer lata Rung and was published in 2005. This book is nothing more than your friendly buddy sitting next to you and telling you all the things you need to know about your daughter's up coming wedding. The only difference is that this buddy is knowledgable, articulate, and fits in your back pocket.

The nine chapters in The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Being the Father of the Bride covers the basics. The authour talks about your daughter leaving the nest, introduces you to the wedding vocabulary, the planning process, money etiquette, looking good, and your wedding day duties. Each chapter is filled with practical advise and valuable information. The information is straight forward and provides a simple road map for any dad to follow.

I would recommend this pocket book to any dad who has little to know knowledge about this whole wedding thing. It will provide you with some insight as well as help you become familular with the wedding process. However, if you are a dad who has gone through a wedding or two other daughters, this book would only serve as a refresher course or a book that reminds you of all the things you should have done. In either case, you can't lose reading the book. You'll either impress everyone with the wedding knowledge that you have or you will impress everyone on how much you have changed since the last wedding. Either way, you will contribute to the beautiful day your daughter will remember for the rest of her life.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
This book was very informative and actually enlightened me in a few areas I knew nothing about. When I first purchased the book, I thought it was going to releave me from some of the stress I have been encountering regarding the upcoming wedding of my precious daughter. However, I must confess the book did not relieve any stress but only added. As I read through this pocket book, I came to realize that I'm not like the father next door nor like the perfect ones every daughter dreams about. Movies have done us regular Joe dads a disservice buy setting the "perfect" dad bar so high that the only one who can live up to it are those in the minds of our daughters. That aside, I did realize that this is her special day. Her wedding day is the one event, the one day, she has been planning for since early childhood. This day is the one day she has lived for and it will be the one day she will want to remember for the rest of her life. In addition, I came to realize that I am ment to be a stabalizing force throughout the wedding process (i.e. the finances, the planning, the event). Although my daughter's fiance is capable of this (he is a very smart, wise, and carrying young man) it is important that I make myself available to listen and provide a voice of reason "when asked". Lastly, it is ok to begin preparing what I will say during the reception toast (as well as to the guests). This does not have to be a spur of the moment speech but should be well thoughtout, meaningful, and memoriable.

For those of you men who have a daughter getting married in the near future (i.e. 1-2 years), this book is a recommended read. If anything, this book will provide you with the basic knowledge and wedding lingo to make you look and feel like a superstar. Although you may feel it, your daughter might just think you "are" one of those super perfect dads we see in the movies.

The One Minute Manager

The One Minute Manager is one of many "One Minute Manager" books. The One Minute Manager was the runaway #1 national best seller on the New York Bestsell list for two years running. With its simple story line, easy to understand concepts, and practical strategies, The One Minute Manager became one of the most widely used management books in its time. This classic book was written by Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D. and Spencer Johnson, M.D. It was published the year I graduated from highschool (1981).

As with all of the One Minute books, the One Minute Manager has been written like a story. They typically start out with a main character who is seeking advise from a wise sage regarding a pressing topic. In the One Minute Manger, the main character is on a quest to uncover the secrets of a successful manager. Through his research he discovers that most managers do not have time for him or they really don't share any helpful information with him. That is until he meets the One Minute Manager. This manager takes an appointment immediately and begins to share his secrets. In fact, he sets him up withother who share his view.

The main character learns about setting one minute goals, giving one minute praises, and providing one minute reprimands. He learns these secrets not only from the one minute manager but from those who work under hiim. Things work out so well with the main character that he gets a job working with the one minute manager and he soon finds himself to be just like him.

The story ends with an young woman setting up an appointment to talk with the main character about his secret to managerial success.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
I remember reading this book during my early days of college. It made a lot of sense to me and I believe it became a part of the foundation of my leadership style. It makes sense to set goals, monitor your progress towards them, reprimand when necessary, and celebrate when the goal(s) has been reached. This book was worth the reread. It refreshed my memory on the things I should be doing with the people whom I work with.

Outlearning the Wolves

Who ever thought that a simple book about sheep and wolves could unveil the benefits of a learning organization. Outlearning the Wolves: Surviving and Thriving in a Learning Organization is such a book. Through the sheep characters, David Hutchens is able to communicate the benefit and the power the comes with the concept of questioning the status quo. According to nature the wolf eats the sheep and the sheep accept their fate. However, Otto, one of the new sheep, began to question why the wolf had to eat the sheep. Otto began to question among the other sheep and encouraged other sheep to challenge the status quo of the sheep eating wolf. Although Otto died well before his time, he planted the seed of asking questions and seeking out the answer. Marietta, one of the sheep who took his word to heart, gathered the sheep together to resolve the issue of the wolf eatting the sheep. Through the efforts of many members of the flock they discovered why the wolf kills more sheep during the dry season than in the rainy season. Together they devised and executed a plan to solve the issue of the wolves coming into their pasture and taking a sheep for their dinner. In the end, the sheep became a "learning flock".

MY TWO AND A HALF CENTS:

I love parables. The more simple they are the more I tend to benefit from them. The first page of this book only had four words - "This is a wolf." My kind of book! :)

The message is simple: No matter who you are in life, you can outlearn the wolves.

Years ago in the education field our opperating montra was "life long learners". After reading this business management type book the term life-long learners made a little more sense to me. In education and in life we often set in our ways. If the child is failing or if I am failing I all to often blow it off due to variables outside of my direct influence. David Hutchens encourages his readers to challenge the barriers (percieved or real) and ask questions from every angle. Just because someone says it can not be done, doesn't mean it can not be done. In my younger years it was rare that I questioned anyone. If I was told it could not be done or I was not permitted to do it or you will never be able to do it I would accept my fate and walk away. It wasn't until I was encouraged to ask questions and challenge the status quo. Why can't I earn an A? Why can't I become a teacher? Why can't I be an administrator? Why can't all children learn? What barriers are preventing our EL students from mastering ELA standards? What steps do we need to take in order to improve our API score and AYP status? Collectively questioning, seeking answers, adapting, implementing, and revising ones plan are variables on a learning organization. It is my hope that I remain and finetune my life long learning skills. It is my hope that all organizations I work in question the status quo, collect data, generate plans based on data, implement the plan, and then continue to revisit and revise. A person or a group of people who are constantly looking for ways to learn and better themselves (personally or professionally) will always be in the front. These are the leaders who take organizations into places others have only dreamed of. Here's to the Otto's in the world.

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.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind was written by T. Harv Eker and published in 2005. It is a "How to get rich" type of book. It is a book for those who wish to explore the whys they are in their financial state and how they can change their "financial blueprint." According to the author, we are in controll of our financial well-being. We are rich, poor, or inbetween all because of our financial blueprint. Mr. Eker explains to the reader why he/she is in her current financial state (typcially individuals who have purchased this book are already in a financial situation and are looking for a solution) and then proceeds to provide the path of recovery. The book does provide some helpful hints that, I believe, are nothing more than common sense. However, there are also some bits of advise that may put individuals into more financial peril. Like all self-help type books, they offer advise. This advise will work wonders for some and devistate others. All readers should read these type of self-help books with a bit of causion.

Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies

Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies was written by Carol Ann Rinzler and the practicing physician Martin W. Graf, MD. Carol Ann Rinzler use up-to-date health information with a twist of humor to inform her audience about cholesterol and how to control it.

The "...for Dummies" books have been designed to be informative and practical. Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies follows this practical, yet informative format. The book has been divided up into five parts and each part (or section) consists of 3-4 chapters.

Getting Up Close and Personal with Cholesterol is the title of part one. This section deals with the basics. It covers the basic biology of the heart, the good and the bad of cholesterol, and provides a quick self-rating assessment in terms of your cholesterol risk.

Eating Your Way to Lower Cholesterol is the title of part two. The three chapters in this section explains how all of America falls into one of three risk groups for heart attacks, how to build a cholesterol-lowering diet, and how the cholesterol-lowering diet has impacted brand-name diets.
Part three takes the reader through a journey of how to live a cholesterol-lowering lifestyle. These four chapters enlighten the reader a on a short but informative journey on how your cholesterol levels (mostly the bad cholesterol) has a correlation with your weight, exercise, smoking, and drinking.

Cutting Cholesterol with Nutrients and Medicine is the title of part four. The three chapters in this section deal with natural remedies (i.e. vitamins, minerals and other natural items) and prescribed cholesterol medication to reduce one's cholesterol levels. The last chapter in this section also covers the negative effects dangerous drugs can have on your body and cholesterol levels.

Lastly, part five consists of six chapters that expose the reader to important cholesterol web sites, nutritional web sites, deals with the top 10 myths about cholesterol, cholesterol landmarks throughout history, the top ten foods to AVOID, and lastly the top ten current foods to help lower one's cholesterol.

TWO CENTS WORTH:
I want to thank Brenda for being so patient with me. She spent a great deal of her precious time trying to help me understand lipoproteins, what is good cholesterol, what is bad cholesterol, how you should have a high "good" cholesterol count and a "low" bad cholesterol count. I'm sure I drove her to drink that night. Her patience and genuine concern drove me to purchase the one book I knew would explain this cholesterol stuff in a manner I could understand. Although Brenda is not the Nathaniel Bowditch of the cholesterol world, she certainly knows how to steer the boat and put wind in your sails. Without your patience, humor, and willingness to teach the common layman, I would still be adrift out in the sea of high cholesterol and those yummy McDonald's french fries.


This is an excellent book for those individuals who know little about cholesterol and what you can do about it. The book was an easy read. It is a nonfiction book that would meet the intellectual needs of the beginner as well as the "just above" novist(sp). Carol Ann Rinzler provides the readers with multiple resources to build upon the foundation she has set with her book.

How has this book influenced my everyday actions? I now know how to look at the printout the doctor gives me after my annual physical. I actually have a basic understanding of my cholesterol levels (both the good, bad, and total). Now I try to avoid eating at fast food restaurants and those six "small" donuts Saturday and Sunday morning. Also, I have become more aware of the foods I put into my mouth. The bottom line is quite simple, I want to live a long healthy life so I can experience growing old with my precious wife, enjoy my children, and some day grandchildren. On a selfish level, I am pretty confident that having a heart attack would be painful and possibly fatal.

This is a book I will keep on my book shelf and refer to for years to come.

NO AR: :(

Stop, Drop and Roll

Stop, Drop and Roll was written by Margery Cuyler and illustrated by Arthur Howard. This Scholastic book was published in 2001.

Stop, Drop and Roll is a precious story about a young elementary age girl who worried about everything. Her name was Jessica. Jessica worried about homework, spelling tests, and her new steps in ballet class. Fire Prevention month is the month of October. We journey with her as she learns about fire prevention and what to do when faced with a fire. Her teacher asks Jessica to model how to "Stop, Drop and Roll" if your clothes catch on fire. Although she worried herself silly about, little miss Jessica was able to model the correct actions in front of the whole school.

MY TWO CENTS:
I really enjoyed this book for two simple reasons. First of all it takes us through the mind and actions of an elementary school child. As an adult, a fire drill or even a disaster drill is nothing more than practice. As a adults we have experienced many of these type of drills as well as an occasional "real" thing. However, fire drills and/or disaster drills are new and unfamiliar situations for elementary school students. This book written by Margery Cuyler exposes young students to these common drills and lets them know they done for their safety. Lastly, I enjoyed this book because it outlines the actions that should be taken by all in the event of a fire. Our character, Jessica, takes this new information and begins to apply it to her life at home. She begins to ask her father questions regarding fire safety and she takes her little brother along to inspect the house for fire hazards. Jessica models for our young students what they should do both at school and at home.

This is a book I would recommend as a quick read-a-loud followed up with a conversation and/or a lesson on fire prevention. It is an easy, quick, fun, and action provoking read.

NO AR: :(

Why Grace Changes Everything

Why Grace Changes Everything written by Chuck Smith. This book was published 1994 by Harvest House Publishers.



In a nutshell, this book is about God's grace. It has fourteen life changing chapters that talk about God's grace and how it will transform your live into "something rich and beautiful."


The message of grace is simple, yet man has made every effort to make it difficult, complex, and unattainable. Through these fourteen chapters, Pastor Chuck Smith has taken this convoluted concept of grace and explains it in a clear and forthright manner. Utilizing scripture from the new and old testaments, Chuck Smith explains that through God's grace we are forgiven through the simple act of believing in what Jesus said and did. He takes the time to share with the reader that one's salvation is not based on works but rests on the acts of Jesus Christ and God's grace toward man. Jesus completed the required tasks and fulfilled all of God's requirements. Man can not nor will he ever be able to complete or fulfill all of God's requirements through his own efforts. Works will not open the door to heaven, only God's grace toward men/women who by faith trust in Christ. In the last chapter of his book, Chuck Smith states it best, "The message of the New Testament is simple, direct, and unmistakable. We are saved by God's grace through faith alone, not on the basis of any good works we have done. The sole responsibility of a Christian is to believe in the love and grace which God freely offers."

TWO CENTS WORTH:

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of grace as well as its relationship with God, Jesus, and the believer. All of my life I have believed that work was the key to get through those pearly gates. I had to work and tip the scales in my favor so that all of my sins would be over looked when compared to my good deeds. The bible reveals to the reader that our works can not and will not get us into heaven. Yet, through the simple act of believing in Jesus we given the keys to heaven and forgiven of all we've done in the past. Jesus has done all the work required of me in order to be in God's presence. Now all I have to do is believe and accept the grace God freely offers.

This is an excellent book on the subject of God's grace. Why Grace Changes Everything is a book that will meet the needs of the serious scholar as well as the novist (sp). It was an easy read. Chuck Smith used scripture throughout the text as well as real-life experiences. The text was easy to understand, confirm with scripture, and apply to one's personal walk. This is a book I recommend to read.

Alcoholism: The Facts (3rd Edition)

Alcoholism: The Facts is a classic text on one of the most common drugs in the world - alcohol. The book is written for those who share their life with someone who has an alcohol problem and those who have an alcohol problem. The author, Donald W. Goodwin, is a practicing doctor who can skillfully write so that the average layman as well as an up-and-coming medical professional can gain valuable incite into the world of alcoholism.

Dr. Goodwin has organized his book into four major parts: 1) Alcohol, 2) Alcoholism, 3) Understanding Alcoholism, and 4) Treating Alcoholism. Each major part of the book is subdivided into four additional sections.

PART 1: Alcohol - This part of the book introduces the reader to alcohol. It talks about the types of alcohol beverages, how alcohol affects the body, how alcohol influences behavior, and alcohol throughout history.

PART 2: Alcoholism - The author defines alcoholism, provides the reader with explicit symptoms of the alcoholic, explains the typical course the alcoholic travels, and provides in-depth information on women and alcohol.

PART 3: Understanding Alcoholism - Here the author discusses the risk factors related to alcohol, the connection between alcoholism and depression, alcoholism within the realm of heredity, the addictive cycle of alcohol, and several psychosocial theories related to alcoholism.

Section 4: Treating Alcoholism - Dr. Goodwin covers the variety of treatments available for those who struggle with alcohol. Research gathered from treatments in the West as well as research gathered from the East. There was a chapter dedicated to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and one on attacking the problem of alcoholism within the family. The book ends with one of the most widely-used self screening questionnaires for detecting alcoholism. This questionnaire is called MAST or Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. The questions are pretty intense but straight forward.

MY TWENTY DOLLARS WORTH: Typically I loath (tier 2 word) scientific type books with big tier 3 words and pages upon pages of information a doctorate student could only understand. However, this 158 page book on alcoholism was informative, practical, and easy to read. Traditionally, I trudge through non-fiction books especially when they contain a ton of material just to support the author's one main point. This author was gracious enough to trudge through the mounds and mounds of research for us and then summarize his findings. Yes, this book is a summary of Donald W. Goodwin's research. It has been written in a way so that even a lay-person can understand the complexities of alcoholism.

This was a simple read. The book has given me an insight into a world I have chosen to ignore. Alcohol impacts every one's life whether they are the drinker or the non-drinker. Is it good or bad? Is there a good time and a bad time to consume alcohol? Is there a right amount or wrong amount of alcohol one should consume? These are all questions each person must individually resolve within themselves. However, think about this: "If anything (i.e. alcohol, food, pills, lust, etc.) consumes your every thought, find a friend and talk about it. This may be the key to opening the door to a healthier and happier life."

Back in the late 60's - early 70's there was a commercial with an elephant roaming through a house. This commercial seemed to be on every channel, every day, in between every show. The commercial began with the camera zooming in and out of rooms throughout the house. Then the front door opened. A few heads turned towards the door as this huge elephant walked in. As the elephant walked through the house from room to room, each of the family members simply ignored the elephant or moved quickly out of its way. Before the commercial came to an end, the figure of the elephant faded into grey and was replaced with the figure of a man. The picture faded away and some message about ignoring alcoholism was placed on the screen. I wonder how many of us know of an elephant in our house yet chose to ignore it? Or worse. I wonder how many of us are the elephant yet don't realize it or chose to ignore it.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to gain practical knowledge about alcoholism. As I have mentioned previously, it is an easy read and worth the space in your professional library.

AR QUIZ: NO AR QUIZ

The Secret

The Secret was written by Rhonda Byrne and has been a popular topic at book clubs, around the water cooler, and on Oprah. Apparently there is also a DVD that promotes the same concepts in this book. The Secret is a self-help type book that promotes positive thinking, name-it/claim-it, and believe and it will happen concepts. The Secret consists of 198 pages and broken up into ten chapters. The chapters are filled with multiple quotes from past and present day masters of the secret. In each chapter, the author will make a statement or elaborate on a key concept within the secret. Then she has a slue of quotes that support her claim. These quotes are mostly from contemporary "secret" masters as well as some from the past.

One thing I did like about the Rhonda Byrne's book was the summaries at the end of each chapter. It was hard to read her book because of all the quotes. Thus, the summaries were extremely helpful because I could get straight to the point of the chapter.

Rhonda begins her book with an introduction to the secret. The secret is simple, yet powerful. The secret is a concept that when it is put into practice, amazing things can and should happen. The concept is this: "Like attracts like." We all have heard of the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, you are what you think, you are what you read, you are what you practice, you are who you hang out with, etc... If you tend to have a negative outlook on life, you will typically attract others who have the same view. Then that is the only world you see, thus, it supports your belief. It becomes a vicious cycle. The opposite is true also. If you have a positive outlook on life, you tend to attract others like that. Then they contribute to your perception of the world and it becomes a more positive place.

This concept is powerful and can be liberating for many; however, when taken at the levels that Rhonda Byrne suggests, I see it as a destructive and harmful concept. First, according to the author, you must truly believe in the secret for it to work. This sets up an easy out for the author when you have applied the secret and it did not work. If I placed my order with the universe (the author suggests you always consult and request from the universe for whatever you want - wealth, relationships, a job, health, etc...), truly believed I will receive it, it will happen. This type of thinking can be beneficial but overall it is destructive. I have heard of individuals praying for a cure, believing they can be cured, and they were cured. That has happened. But, this is not common place. This does not nor will it ever become common practice among every human being. This is where it becomes destructive and even dangerous. There are many people out there who will read this book and take every word of it as gospel. They will believe that if they simply "place their order with the universe" and believe, they will get their wish. I ask, does that mean the blind man will see, the deaf hear, the quadriplegic will walk? What about all the starving, undernourished, homeless children in America or Africa? Can't we "place our order" so they can all be fed, nourished, or provided shelter?

There are certain natural laws that we can not over come because we are not God. All men have been appointed to death. It will happen some day. The exact day or time I do not know, nor do you. Man can prolong life, heal many illnesses, fix broken bones, feed children, and provide shelter. However, there are things (even with the universe's help) we can not do: grow a limb, cure cancer, remove hunger from the world, remove disease from the world, remove war from the world, remove physical ailments from the world, etc...

Can some of these things happen, absolutely! Our God (not the universe) is a great God and is bigger than any of our problems or situations. However, God's purpose for me in my life is not to grant my every wish or demand.

We can make changes, drastic changes, in our personal life through the simple concept of the secret. However, when one takes this concept to it's deepest levels you may get what you want but at a price you never expected to pay.

ANOTHER TWO CENTS WORTH:

When ever you read a self-help type book, always realize the author and/or publisher are attempting to SELL you a concept. Typically their product will make everything better, make you happier, make you healthier, make you wiser, etc... However, in order for this to happen, you must buy this book, attend this seminar, subscribe to this club, etc... Always try to approach these self-help type books cautiously and look for the bits and pieces that provide help for you. There is no quick fix to any problem or situation. Everything takes time, energy, effort, and determination. Good luck on your journey.

Chemotherapy and You

Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment written by a team of writers working in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This booklet is written for patients who are recieving chemotherapy for cancer. It's intent is provide basic information about chemotherapy, how it may affect a patient, and basic guidelines for the patient to follow as they go through the process of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and You takes the ignorant reader through a knowledge building journey about chemotherapy and the individual. The first section of the booklet provides the reader with a basic understanding of chemotherapy. Then, the reader gains an understanding of what to expect during the chemotherapy treatment period. General side effects are reviewed as well as suggestions on how to deal with them. Eating well and seeking support from others (i.e. friends, family, other survivers, cancer organizations, etc..) were covered in some detail. There were a few pages that discussed therapies that were considered complementary to chemotherapy. Some of those therapies covered were, but not limited to: hypnosis, imagery, massage therapy, muscle tension and release, yoga, and physical exercise. Lastly, the booklet contains a glossary with all of the main context specific words (i.e. tier 3 words). This glossary was a handy reference as I read through this booklet.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Chemotherapy and You is an informative book. It is filled with facts rather than light and airy information. This booklet is an easy read and recommended for anyone going through chemotherapy, knows someone who is going through chemotherapy, or wants to understand chemotherapy and what a person goes through when recieving it.

After reading this booklet I have a deeper respect for ANYONE who has, who is, and who will be batteling cancer through chemotherapy. Using chemicals within one's body to battle bad cancer cells is a battle inwhich there will be a lot of calateral damage (i.e. white and red blood cells). One's inner body becomes one big battle field. However, the body is a miracle machine and it is great to hear many of the successful battles that have been won. Cheers to all of you who are fighting the fight. May your battle be won and the years ahead be joyous, peaceful, and full of life.

If you are looking for additional information on cancer and/or chemotherapy I have listed below a few websites that may be of interest:

www.nci.nih.gov
www.cancertrials.nci.nih.gov
www.cancernet.nci.nih.gov
www.chid.nih.gov/ncichid