Business & Investing

Start Over, Finish Rich: 10 Steps to Get You Back on Track in 2010 Decide Now

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

Start Over, Finish Rich: 10 Steps to Get You Back on Track in 2010 i saw a commercial on tv with author David Bach talking about this book and it inspired me to purchase it. if you have ever gotten off trace with your budget this is the book for you i sat down after going thru the book and redid my spending habits and made those tough choices to achieve financial freedom i will get there not today but will in a much shorter time than i thought possible the road is going to be tough but worth it i advise anyone with money problems to get thisGet more detail about Start Over, Finish Rich: 10 Steps to Get You Back on Track in 2010.

The Art of Public Speaking Right now

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

This video is quite possibly the worst public speaking resource I've ever seen.
Even in the examples, speakers make eye contact for no longer than one second, read from cards continuously and have no stage presence. Speakers do not move from their spot and not a single one spoke passionately about anything in my opinion. This is horrible. The videos looked like a group of thirteen year-old children reading a paper aloud.

The study resources are rote: providing the mechanical logical part of memorizing the science of speaking,but teach you nothing about actually speaking.

I would seriously buy something else.Get more detail about The Art of Public Speaking.

Lowest Price The Collapse of the Dollar and How to Profit from It: Make a Fortune by Investing in Gold and Other Hard Assets

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

This book, like many others written in recent years, documents the problems currently facing the U.S. economy and the U.S. dollar; the reasons behind them; and the rationale for the almost inevitable collapse of both that economy and the dollar. And, like the others, this book offers a number of recommendations as to what its readers might be able to do to protect themselves from these eventualities. But this book is different in one happy respect.

It tells this economic story as a historian might tell it, in simple easy to understand language. Presented in this way: The major domestic and international economic decisions which led to today's crises can be seen to have been quite logical at the time and to have quite naturally followed one another. When placed in their proper context in this way, the decisions made down through the years and the rationale for those decisions are much easier to grasp. This makes it possible for the average reader to easily see how the United States in particular, and the world at large, got into this dreadful mess and why. The book is so well written, in fact, that, before checking to see what the authors' qualifications might be, I had almost concluded that they must surely be professional writers, and most likely historians, rather than experts in the fields of economics and investing. I was wrong.

After checking them out, I recalled something I'd learned years ago: When someone attempts to write about something about which he (or she) knows too little or is in doubt, he will invariably go into inordinate detail in an attempt to explain it; but when that same person writes about something he fully comprehends, he can capture the essence of the subject without resorting to great detail. Knowing their subject well, these authors have clearly captured the essence of America's economic and the U.S. dollar's troubles with few large and no wasted words. Their resulting recommendations, particularly those concerning the intricacies involved in investing in gold and precious metals miners, are likewise just as well reasoned, in-depth, and easily understandable.

A few things, in particular, caught my eye while reading this book. Perhaps they'll catch yours too. Here are some of them: (pg. 42) One gram of gold today buys roughly the same amount of wheat as it did in the Middle Ages. (pg. 57) In 1883, Germany became the first welfare state (instituting national health insurance, followed by social, accident, and unemployment insurance). It was soon followed by much of Europe, but the United States held out. [until FDR, LBJ, and then BHO came along] (pg. 62) From the time the gold standard ended in 1971 to the time this book was published, 2005, the U.S. dollar lost 90% of its value. [I.e., a 1971 dollar is now worth less than ten cents] (pg. 87) One of this book's authors derived an indicator, termed the "Fear Index," which, using "M3," the government reported money supply, as an element, was able to predict turning points in the gold exchange rate (up or down). [Note: According to the book "Crash Proof 2.0," for unexplained reasons, the federal government ceased reporting M3 in 2006.] (pg.89) To conceal the fact that the dollar's value has been declining, the U.S. Treasury and the world's central banks have systematically dumped gold on the market over the years to suppress the gold exchange rate, but their remaining reserves are thought to be no longer up to the task. (pg. 147) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) may not be all they're cracked up to be. [Caution is advised] (pg. 191) As the chart on this page clearly shows: Although the price of oil has skyrocketed in dollar terms, except for minor fluctuations it has remained relatively constant in terms of gold since 1945. (pg. 214) The author's hold out hope for a rational return to a gold standard, perhaps by means of "digital gold," but fear that the United States may become a dictatorship with the possible confiscation of gold as was done by President Roosevelt in 1934.

The authors of this book are obviously bearish on the U.S. dollar and on the American economy and, based on the material they present, well they should be. They may be wrong, and let's hope they are, but as you will discover in reading this book, they're much smarter than the average bears.
Get more detail about The Collapse of the Dollar and How to Profit from It: Make a Fortune by Investing in Gold and Other Hard Assets.

Low Price Second Sight (The Arcane Society, Book 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

I really enjoyed this book. Venetia is a talented photographer and aura reader. She is hired by the Society to photograph artifacts. In fear of spending an eternity alone she seduces Arcane Society member Gabriel. Gabriel and Venetia have an instant connection, which they both reciprocate. Something happens that forces them apart. Distraught at his disappearance and forced to work in a mans world Venetia adapts into to the role of Gabriels widow. Unknowingly endangering herself and her family her "husband" comes back to protect her. They dance around the new role as husband and wife quite well. This book was face paced, witty and intriguing, along with the murder suspence of the plot. Gabriel and Venetia are an adorable couple. Gabriel also interacts with her family quite charmingly.Get more detail about Second Sight (The Arcane Society, Book 1).

Save Salesforce.com For Dummies

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

Salesforce for Dummies is a very handy user tool. I keep mine right next to my laptop. It helps me take full advantage of all the features of Salesforce.

DanaGet more detail about Salesforce.com For Dummies.

Discount A Tale of Two Cities

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

Everybody Loves Lucie
In psychology, a theory called Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs explains the steps to reach self actualization which is a state similar to nirvana. The prerequisites are steps of "love or belonging" and "esteem". "Love or Belonging" refers to caring and having a stable relationship with friendship and family. The step "esteem" explains that one has confidence, respect by others and selfless character. Though Charles Dickens was not a psychologist, he created a set of characters that proved Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs more plausible. Furthermore in A Tale of Two Cities, Doctor Manette, Sydney Carton, and Mr. Lorry were evident characters who reached self actualization through resurrection by Lucie.
Once Lucie helped resurrect her father, Doctor Manette consequently became more alive and aware of life. Doctor Manette returned from the dead, after eighteen years in solitude prison. Doctor Manette was described to have "sunken cheek, cadaverous colour, emaciated hands and figures", which illustrated how dead he became through those years. His social skills were lost and he easily isolated himself from society as shown through his acquaintance with Mr. Lorry. When Mr. Lorry asked business questions to Doctor Manette, "the faintness of [Doctor Manette] was pitiable and dreadful" as he replied to Mr. Lorry. Accordingly, he cannot continue conversations and also draws from society by making shoes. However, Doctor Manette shows the life he most likely had before imprisonment when Mr. Lorry introduced his long lost daughter, Lucie. Contrasting to the indifferent responses from Doctor Manette in Mr. Lorry's conversation, Manette has "some pleasure in the mere sound of his daughter's voice, and invariably [turns] to it when she spoke". As life becomes more valuable to Doctor Manette with his daughter in his life, the gloomy shadow upon his face gradually faded. He finally has a family to care for and loves, and consequently cares for others as he was "thus steady and confident" to defend Charles Darnay in his second trial. Also his mysterious work of shoes ended which connected to his dead and isolated experience in prison. In the end, Doctor Manette reached self actualization in effect of his resurrection with the help of his daughter's presence.
In addition, an alcoholic lawyer, Sydney Carton, is resurrected from a self centered and jackal life to a life in self actualization. Sydney Carton had no purpose in life regardless of his superior educational and occupational background. He lived with a firm belief that he cares "for no man on earth and no man on earth cares for" him. Obviously Mr. Carton lived in a self centered life and cared not for a social life. Charles Dickens not only illustrates Mr. Carton as a lonesome and emotionally insecure man, but as repetitious. Due to the lack of aspiration, Carton is "an amazingly good jackal, and that he rendered suit and service to Stryver in that humble capacity". As Mr. Carton silently works for Stryver, Mr. Carton seems as he does not control his life completely. Along with his negative characteristics, he is inept to fit with society socially. Mr. Carton stood alone excluded from the circle when the men congratulated Darnay outside the court even though Darnay's release was made possible by Mr. Carton's help. Fortunately, Carton revitalizes his life when he is acquainted with Lucie. Regardless of Stryver's advice about marriage, Sydney Carton finds love that ultimately allows him to arise from his lifeless years. He changed from being self centered to "embrace any sacrifice for [Lucie] and for those dear to [her]". In the end, Carton chooses what he truly wants for himself, which is not his repetitious routine, and takes a risk to save Darnay. All in all, Sydney Carton, who initially was lifeless being self-centered, repetitious and a jackal, was resurrected to a true life by his love for Lucie.
A similar character to Mr. Carton, Mr. Lorry, a man of business, found self actualization through resurrection, which made him selfless as a character. Mr. Lorry could be interpreted to have a dead life, unlike Doctor Manette with physical appearance, but more similar to Mr. Carton, who had internal conflict. His problem was as confessed his character as "a man of business" and therefore he "has no time for them, [and] no chance of them". Throughout the beginning and even the middle of the novel, Charles Dickens emphasizes the business characteristic of Mr. Lorry. Even when he shares a conversation with Lucie, his business character shows and excludes emotions. Dickens portrayal of Mr. Lorry as a robot who is too involved in his work suggests a way of life that is undesirable. Eventually, the relationship between Mr. Lorry and Doctor Manette along with Lucie resurrects Mr. Lorry from his insignificant life to a life full of purpose and selflessness. Evidently, Mr. Lorry makes "arrangements to absent himself from Tellson's for the first time in his life" to supervise Doctor Manette, which shows his interest in people, not business. Mr. Lorry, whose thoughts were all about work for Tellson's Bank decides to devote his time and attention to Doctor Manette and Lucie. Therefore, Mr. Lorry surpassed his selfishness and business character by resurrection with the help of his relationship with Lucie, and in effect found self actualization.
Though the early lives of Doctor Manette, Sydney Carton, and Mr. Lorry are considered undesirable because of their fatigued physical appearance or self centered, selfish, isolated characteristics, they changed to have a enhanced life, measured by the stages of Maslow's Hierarchy theory. The characteristics in the early lives of the characters are closely related as if they were dead, because of their undesirable traits. However, Lucie helped resurrect Doctor Manette, Sydney Carton and Mr. Lorry to realize the value of life.Get more detail about A Tale of Two Cities.

Cheapest Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Applications (6th Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

The book was still in its plastic sleve. Brand New. It was worth the money I paid for it.Get more detail about Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Applications (6th Edition).

Cheap The Ivy Portfolio: How to Invest Like the Top Endowments and Avoid Bear Markets

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

This book offers a straightforward and disciplined strategy for investing in the market. It allows the investor to be aggressive but with some level of downside protection. Most importantly, it offers a way for the investor to separate himself from the emotions of a volatile market. Faber writes about a topic that is confusing to many, but even those with only a basic knowledge of finance and investing will be able to follow his logic and understand his research. I truly believe that this book will change the investment landscape and steer people more towards a disciplined strategy using ETFs versus speculating in individual stocks, buying high-priced mutual funds, and using other more needlessly elaborate products. There are some similarities between the work of John Bogel and Mebane Faber, so anyone who enjoys reading Bogel will like this book, too. Even true buy-and-hold investors should check out the Ivy Portfolio to at least gain a new perspective on a changing investment landscape.Get more detail about The Ivy Portfolio: How to Invest Like the Top Endowments and Avoid Bear Markets.

Buying Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life (Gawain, Shakti)

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

Creative Visualization is definitely a helpful book when it comes to practical tips and techniques on how to set goals and objectives and how to use meditation and visualization to achieve or - as the suggested terminology goes - `manifest' them. I found the book easy and entertaining to read and consider the practical techniques explained in Chapter IV particularly useful. For those who believe in and practice the Silva Method this book is certainly a recommended reading since it provides useful tips on how to make the method's mental programming exercises even more effective and successful. If the number of books allowed to be taken to that proverbial deserted island would be limited to one in every topic then this would certainly be the one on visualization...Get more detail about Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life (Gawain, Shakti).

Buy Come Into My Trading Room: A Complete Guide to Trading

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

I just finished reading this book for the second time and it's awesome. I read it back in 2003 and remember thinking the same thing. In the technical analysis section, I really like how the author not only explained the theory behind each indicator, but also included the formula used to calculate it. This book teaches you how to keep good records and also how to manage your losses using a 2%/6% stop-loss method.

You can tell there was a lot of thought put into this book. It was very well written and everything was explained in detail. The psychology of trading was included in each and every one of the chapters. You learn the thought process of the traders behind the market(s) and also what to think about when creating your own indicators. The author shares two of his personal indicators, "Force Index" and "Elder-Ray" and why they were designed the way they were.

There's a lot that both beginning and advanced traders can learn from this book. The lower reviews that I have read on this book seem to be due to lack of material or applicability for/to day trading. The author does not focus much on day trading in this book, but even though I am not a day trader, I think a lot of the concepts could be applied to any type of trading (day trading included).
Get more detail about Come Into My Trading Room: A Complete Guide to Trading.

Purchase The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

I was familiar with Collier's work and those that he takes on (Bill Easterly, Jeffrey Sacks) for some time before finally picking up this highly acclaimed book. It didn't disappoint. The Bottom Billion is an accessible summary of Collier's work which focuses on the peculiar problem of development for the poorest countries in the world. Collier distills the volumes of technical analysis that he and his colleagues have conducted over the years and provides readers with an enjoyable narrative regarding the path forward (and backward, unfortunately) for a fifth of the world's population.

As he eloquently demonstrates, the old terms of First World and Third World really no longer apply. Rather, the majority of the world is either highly developed or moving significantly in that direction. However, there is a portion of the world, about 1 billion people, whose countries are on the outside looking in when it comes to economic development. Collier's work, and this book, offers an explanation as to why the countries that make up the bottom billion have failed to develop and what can be done about it. Books of this nature typically stake out a position along one of the ideological poles and hammers away at the other pole for three-hundred pages or so: Aid is bad and does nothing but fill the coffers of corrupt leaders and make the population dependent and lazy! Capitalism is the enemy! Rich countries use their power to exploit the labor and resources of these countries for profit, therefore protectionism and transfers of wealth from the developed world are needed! As it so often does, the truth can be found in the middle.

Collier lays out various "traps" that countries can find themselves in: conflict, resources, geography, and governance, all of which provide extensive barriers to economic development. All of these have been hypothesized by others, but Collier & Co. tease out the specific ways that these traps work. For example, while landlocked countries generally find themselves without realistic alternatives to growth there does appear a way out--development by their neighbors (particularly in terms of infrastructure) leads to increased growth for the landlocked country. Understanding that geography is a powerful variable, but does not equate to fate, leads to various policy prescriptions that can credibly be applied to these particular cases. It also highlights the friction that is politics. Collier acknowledges the powerful role of politics in both his explanations and his prescriptions for the least developed nations. Countries and leaders are generally self-interested, and this makes political solutions difficult to come by when dealing with the poorest countries in the world. Collier has a few ideas, some of which have been adopted by leading countries and organizations. However, it is too early to tell if they have the kind of effect he hopes they will.

My one complaint is that Collier does not provide a graphical summary of the numerous hypotheses that he confirms and nullifies. Nor does he provide a summary guide to the additional theories and mechanisms that he proposes. The book is stuffed with propositions and results that after a while it was hard to remember just what was proven and falsified, what mechanisms Collier suggested that may explain the peculiar relationship between, say, aid and coups. Now, I read the Kindle version, so maybe such graphics were available in the dead-tree version.

Overall, Collier's book was well worth my time.Get more detail about The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It.

Order 12: The Elements of Great Managing

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

This book was referenced in a discussion post with the 12 elements identified. I couldn't wait to read the book. I really appreciate the content of this book and have shared its importance with others. Thank you for such a great read.Get more detail about 12: The Elements of Great Managing.

Where To Buy Chronicles of Avonlea: Library Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

I loved this book as a child and really enjoyed it again as an adult. Received it very quickly at a low cost.Get more detail about Chronicles of Avonlea: Library Edition.

Shop For Key of Valor (Key Trilogy)

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

The book arrived in escellent condition. No one would have ever guessed that it was used.Get more detail about Key of Valor (Key Trilogy).

Get Off Your "But": How to End Self-Sabotage and Stand Up for Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

Sean Stephenson is smart, great psychotherapist with great sense of humor. His book is MUST read if you want to change your life for better.
For me this book is not only inspiration, motiwation, but it is step by step lesson about how to improwe my life.
I studied all 6 lessons with Sean's "Get of your BUT" and I learned how to get off My BUT. I'm really happy.
Thanks Sean!
Get more detail about Get Off Your "But": How to End Self-Sabotage and Stand Up for Yourself.

Who: The A Method for Hiring Review

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

This is a great book - easy to read, understand and apply. I would recommend it to hiring managers, HR professionals and candidates too. You can read it in one plane/train ride of 5 hours or more.Get more detail about Who: The A Method for Hiring.

How to Talk to a Widower Top Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

I'm a fan of Nick Hornby's work and I was taken in by the paperback's prominent People-provided blurb that states "there a touch of Nick Hornby in this winning tale." Having concluded this very enjoyable book, I agree with that assessment. Hornby's talent (at least in his first three books) was his eerie ability to get inside the head of man-as-still-adolescent. Jonathan Tropper does the same thing here. Having experienced the sudden death of his beloved, eleven-years-older wife, Tropper's protagonist Doug Parker is left in the grief-stricken position of being a twenty-something widower. Not only is he unsure how to handle it, others in his circle are as well.

The book picks up one year after Doug's wife's death. Doug remains mired in his grief. Family members are trying - one way or another - to get him to move along. The next few months of Doug's life - the focus of this book - prove to be very messy indeed. The book is equal parts grief and comedy.

I'm surprised that 'Widower' hasn't been made into a movie. At many points in the novel, it reads more like a screenplay. I have to think Tropper wrote the book with a screenplay in mind. Most notably, I imagine every teenage actor in Hollywood itching to play Doug's 16-year-old stepson, Russ. Of note, is the scene where Russ (gaining courage from some furtively imbibed drinks) lays his heart on the line for Doug's younger sister, Debbie. It's a page-long toast that Russ gives at a wedding rehearsal dinner. It'll be the knockout highlight of the film adaptation.

I did do some scratching around and found out via IMDB that there's a related film project 'in development' with a 2011 target date called "After Hailey." I won't count my chickens here though: Tropper signed this deal in 2006 and Scott Frank (Minority Report [Blu-ray]) mentions it as his 'next project' in a 2009 article. It doesn't yet show up in Frank's 2009 IMDB profile. [Though I'll note that the details of projects 'in development' are something IMDB keeps behind a paywall.]

Get more detail about How to Talk to a Widower.

The Law This instant

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:12:00 +0000

The Law by Bastiat is one of the best little books on economic basics. The BN Publishing paperback edition of this classic is a rip off - even at three bucks. I read it a couple of years ago and felt there was something fishy with the text. I went to the Mises Institute site where they have a PDF collection of Bastiat's writings and sure enough, tons of typos in the BN book - even a whole missing section!

I highly recommend you check out a version put out by the Mises Institute. Personally I own the Foundation for Economic Education published paperback edition of "Essays on Political Economy" and have read both The Law and What is Seen and What is Not Seen and have not found any problems of typos or missing text. It also contains about 7 other essays by Bastiat.

Beware of these bargain publishers who rip incorrect versions of old books off of websites and fail to proofread it before they cheaply print it.Get more detail about The Law.

The Fair Tax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS Immediately

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

This may be the most important book I have ever read. It could save our country, our way of life, and solve all of the financial problems we currently face.The Fair Tax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRSFairTax: The Truth: Answering the CriticsGet more detail about The Fair Tax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS.

Enterprise Architecture As Strategy: Creating a Foundation for Business Execution Best Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

"Enterprise Architecture As Strategy: Creating a foundation for business execution" presents a compelling case for adopting, advancing, and maturing Enterprise Architecture as a key component in the business strategy. This tightly-written book provides actionable guidance without being overly prescriptive. Jeanne Ross, Peter Weil, and David Roberson base their guidance on extensive business research, academic study, and statistical analysis of real-world business results. The authors illustrate their findings through readable business case studies that business professionals will appreciate.
The authors make a clear case that companies adopting enterprise architecture to build their foundation for business execution can achieve stellar results, and avoid the undesirable consequence of agility-favoring natural selection in the marketplace. They provide a concise and understandable framework for building the foundation for business execution, and remind us to apply patience and provide support while we build architecture maturity and learn from each step in the framework.
The authors set the high-watermark for enterprise architecture books. They reveal how enterprise architecture is at the nexus of business and technology, and how it can and should be used to align IT with the business operating model. This alignment builds synergy throughout the organization. Though not said in as many words, the point is clearly made that even professionals in the IT department must consider themselves as business professionals first and foremost. They are business professionals who know and apply information technology to enable business capabilities.
I highly recommend this book.
__Joseph StarwoodGet more detail about Enterprise Architecture As Strategy: Creating a Foundation for Business Execution.

Start Your Own Business Get it now!

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

I had absolutely no knowledge of business or how businesses work but after purchasing this book i can say it really opened my eyes as to what is involved in starting and running a business. I feel this book is a crash course that covers everything in business and will also be used as a reference when needed and where to find even more info.

This book was exactly what i needed for a manufacturing start-up and i now have a 40 point to do list to get things of the ground.

AND even got a bonus out of this read. The financial chapter was the best part of it all. i buy stocks and options and this solidified my understanding of financial statements that are mandatory when investing in companies in the stock market.

I highly recommend this book.

Get more detail about Start Your Own Business.

The Adventures of Sally: Library Edition Buy Now

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

Wodehouse has written a very interesting book with the Adventures of Sally. In this case, the interest is created by Sally herself, as her story unfolds, even though she is surrounded by most every mundane stock character available during that time period. Yet still, Sally shines as an entirely human beacon of life, light and hope, in a world that seems doomed to be run with comedic austerity. Quite a unique perspective.

You can almost feel the Great Depression looming ominously beyond the horizon, as the Sally's tale begins with dreamy plans for financial gains and burdens of familial financial loss. Almost immediately, Sally is whisked away to a less widely known vacation spot in Roville, France, where she meets love interests Mr. Two and Mr. Three (already engaged to Mr. One). Sally's sparked interest in Mr. Two, lets call him Ginger, begins the basic premise for the plot. The rest of the book involves rejection from Mr. One in favor of Miss Two, and offering scorn to Mr. Three in reponse to his offers of love, predictably because he was immediately and always disliked. This is all sandwiched between the financial adventures of Sally's brother Fillmore as he competes for financial independance by taking up multiple ludicrous failing schemes.

Now, while unpredictable, the plot offers little in intrigue directly itself, but it does offer us something that few plots do: a feeling of reality. The repeated financial failures of friends and family members do happen, and seeing it portrayed here does a lot for the emotional involvment in the story. A nagging depression is the offshoot of this approach; always knowing that things are not going well, cannot go well, and will not go well does that to you.

During these traumatic events, we see Sally, as she is portrayed as a real flesh and blood human being. Still trapped in the mannerisms of the day, the etiquette that covers up much of her true feelings, but also alone and dismal. One scene stands out to me more than anything. Sally receiving that 'Dear Jane' letter from Mr. One, knowing what it must contain, sitting on the floor in the bathroom and burning it. But not just burning it, but throwing a lit match at it and letting it burn on top of it, and repeating that process until it was nothing more than a dirty spot on the floor. Very memorable.

While the basic plot, as I've outlined it seems simple, it is actually more complicated. There are reasons why each of the three love interests are considered and of interest, at least for a short time, and this is an example of the plot's creativity. Also, spicing up the plot, is the basic itinerary, which includes London, NYC, Chicago, Detroit, and the already mentioned Roville, France and these diverse locations add much to the flavor. Combine that with including three main characters of British descent, and you have a recipe for intrigue.

Other story elements of interest include thetrical productions, boxers, and dance instructors (think Tina Turners 'Private Dancer' and you get the picture better). These so fit the persona of urban America at the time, and if you like any of these bits of Americana, this book would be considered a must read. As with most of the "classics" there are bits of historical flavor which make them real gems.

Overall, a very good book from a very good author who has a very unique style of writing you are sure to find refreshing.

Recommended.Get more detail about The Adventures of Sally: Library Edition.

Reading Financial Reports For Dummies Order Now

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:12:00 +0000

I bought this book to try to figure out what the companies were sending me in their annual reports. Knowing that they gloss over their business matters I am well aware that they also gloss over their financials. This book gives someone like me, a novice at analyzing their financials, a good starting point as to where to look for more detailed information on their financial health. I thought it was well done.Get more detail about Reading Financial Reports For Dummies.

The Way of Peace Decide Now

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

A beautiful meditation about truth vs. the self. Allen discusses 5 things to consider during meditation which I write below in order to remember.

1. Love - even your enemies
2. Pity - compassion for all human beings in suffering
3. Joy - rejoice and share in the joy of those in the world experiencing it
4. Impurity - how those little things about the "self" and the need to immediate pleasure stop us from the truth
5. Sereniity - bring yourself above love & hate, tyranny and oppression, above everything toward truth

A very accessible, beautiful dreamy peace on exploring truth in the philosophical sense.Get more detail about The Way of Peace.

Now What?: The Young Person's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career Right now

noreply@blogger.com (Petch) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:13:00 +0000

This book has good intentions -- it wants to help college students make sure they don't end up in a dead end job they hate. However, what the book doesn't take into account is that sometimes to survive in life you have to take the job presented to you--even if its not your job of choice. Real life situations happen all the time that make us deviate from what we prefer to be doing--family emergencies, the economy goes sour, someone gets sick, etc. The job/career hunt will ultimately reflect this, but the book doesn't take this into consideration. It does however provide some useful exercises and activities to help you learn about yourself as well as what you would like out of your career.Get more detail about Now What?: The Young Person's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career.