The Attractor Factor by Joe Vitale is a guide for working with the law of attraction to create wealth or anything else for that matter. The author takes the reader through 5 main steps with stories as examples for each step and exercises to apply the knowledge.
Vitale goes through each step, utilizing his experiences and those of others as examples of how each step works and proof that it in fact does work. He begins with an interesting story of how the book actually came to be, thanks due in large part to another long time contributor to the self help industry, Bob Proctor. He has included a very interesting quiz for the reader near the beginning of the book called the prosperity quiz which is very useful for determining where some of your beliefs about money and success currently reside.
He goes into great detail about the steps beginning with what he refers to as the springboard. Here the author gets the reader to evaluate where they are currently and how comfortable they are at this point in their lives. The point of determining what they don’t want before moving forward is the key here. The next step is determining what you want or dare something worthy as he calls it. Here the reader is asked to dare something that exceeds where they are today. Clearing yourself of limiting beliefs or the missing secret is the next step Vitale takes the reader on the path to creating wealth. As a personal note, I found this part of the book the most important because if you can’t clear yourself of limiting beliefs then the rest will not work as well as it should. Nevillize your goal is the next step, a process of feeling that you already have what it is you want, the emphasis here being feeling the experience, not just thinking about it. Finally let go. The final step is the most simple to understand but perhaps the most difficult to do. Here Vitale looks at the idea of wanting something and letting go as compared to needing something and obsessing over it, which he argues will push it farther away from you.
This book is great for simplifying the essentials for creating anything worthwhile. It is written with many stories and exercises to get the point across which result in it being both entertaining and helpful, especially if you take the time to do the exercises. At times in certain chapters he does tend to go on a bit longer and more detailed than required but overall achieves a good balance between entertainment and knowledge.
May 18th, 2012
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Despite a massive assault by its critics, Engines of Creation is a truly revolutionary work, and Eric Drexler should be commended for launching a worldwide discussion on the topic of molecular manufacturing (MM), or molecular nanotechnology (MNT), as some refer to it. First of all, this is a book that needs to be updated, as the opening chapters deal in-depth with protein design and a later chapter tries to paint a picture of a future network of information known as “the Internet”. But the remainder of the book is timeless. (Update: Since this review, Engines of Creation has been updated and replaced by “Engines of Creation 2.0″)
The true merit of Engines of Creation comes not from the argument of whether or not manipulation of individual molecules is possible. We already know that it is. Our bodies are filled with nature’s own molecular machines. But the true worth of this book stems from its assumption that such technology will develop into a worldwide enterprise and will have enormous consequences for the human experience. The importance of the examination and study of those consequences cannot be overstated, and Drexler formed the Foresight Institute in an attempt to grapple with many of these issues. (Although personally, I recommend The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology as the best “think-tank” on molecular manufacturing’s benefits and dangers).
The power to thoroughly and inexpensively control the structure of matter will effect every aspect of the human experience, and although it is a worthy endeavor to speculate on the implications for medicine, space exploration, ending poverty, etc., none of these benefits will be realized if we fail to work out a reasonable system of governance once molecular manufacturing becomes reality. The development of this technology will lead to the creation of new weapons of destructive power, possibly give rise to demagogues, and provide the conditions necessary to precipitate a dangerous, and possibly world-threatening, arms race between competing MM-enabled nation states. Although we have faced these concerns since the dawn of the Nuclear Age, it remains unclear as to whether or not the same principles of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) will still apply. Engines of Creation sparks the debate on how we will deal with the new problems that arise from man’s ability to manipulate molecules, and in doing so, it provides an invaluable service to the human race.
Those concerned about our future and the world in which we live should read this book, because molecular manufacturing will define our future.
May 18th, 2012
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If you are a stock broker, work as a financial planner, analyst, banker or securities regulator, then you must have knowledge of the market and know a little bit of the history. The other day a young man was studying to take his securities license at Starbucks and was very interested in getting started as soon as he passed the test, which I am sure he will ace, he knew his stuff down cold.
Nevertheless, there is a big difference in studying for government tests for securities licenses and understanding the inner workings of Wall Street and how the industry actually operates, so I ran home and grabbed some old books off my personal business library to give to the young man, as he said he would be there for a few hours.
Sure enough when I got back he was still there studying away with the same intensity and dedication and so, I gave him a few books. Perhaps these books are of interest to you if you are getting into the securities industry or looking for work as a financial planner, the first book is:
“The Wall Street Gurus – How You Can Profit from Investment Newsletters” by Peter Brimelow – 1986.
How do you pick the best financial advice newsletters? The Author discusses actual newsletters of 2-decades ago, things have changed a bit of course, with the Internet, day trading websites and all the online information now available. So, how do you pick a winning Financial Guru and how do you pick the best newsletters, Blogs, or Ezines for hot stock picks, bonds, commodities or mutual funds.
Knowing where to get information and what information is worthy is very important. Another book of interest was one about what happens when Wall Street Warriors Unite – what’s it all about? So I recommend this book to you:
“Takeover – the new Wall Street Warriors – the men, the money, the impact” by Moira Johnston – 1986.
From the Oil Industry to the Airline Industry, no major industry was spared from hostile takeovers, leveraged buyouts and the 1980′s craze of mergers and acquisitions. Perhaps you recall the headlines of the day with names like T. Boone Pickens and Carl Icahn, and all the men and money behind them and others as they raided companies, bought and sold assets and made billion dollar deals during lunch.
Think of all the arbitragers, brokers, investment bankers, lawyers, proxy fighters and government regulators all running around working their PR teams to woo Wall Street and fight it out, in a no holds bar game. This book is full of intrigue, dark secrets and battles that are still talked about today at the largest business schools. Next I think you need to know a little bit so you have some understanding of Bond and Money Market Investments, so go check out this book:
“The Dow Jones-Irwin Guide to Bond and Money Market Investments” by Marcia Stigum and Frank J. Fabozzi – 1987.
This book from its front flap cover tells us that it can answer questions that investors wish to know about bond and money market investments such as:
- What are these instruments?
- How do they measure up in terms of risk, liquidity and return?
- How are they bought and sold?
- How can they be used in a program for personal investing?
- What are long-term and short-term debt securities?
The book goes through risks, returns, liquidity and investment characteristics of debt securities. There are chapters on Certificates of Deposit, Treasury Bills, Commercial Papers, Money Market Funds, Notes and Bonds, Tax Issues with Bond Trading, Federal Government Securities, Municipal Securities, Corporate Bonds, Convertible Bonds, Mortgage Pass Through Securities and strategies when swapping and trading.
After you get through with these books, well drop me a note and I will give you three more to read. You can never stop learning in the financial industry, and the past is almost as important as the future. There are things you need to know, beyond the license.
May 18th, 2012
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A memoir with a twist, “Switched at Birth: My Life in Someone Else’s World” by Frederick J. George examines the coincidences of life and the sense of humor of fate. Placed in the wrong bassinet in the hospital, Frederick didn’t confirm the switch until he was 57, and the parents he had grown up with were already passed on; his birth mother the only parent left to embrace in this deeply moving time.
His father had always been suspicious, even accusing Frederick’s mother of having had an affair. He always looked a little bit different than his siblings in the family photos, and had slightly different interests, but Fred had tried to fit in. Fate also tried, making efforts to step in, crossing the paths of both boys and their families over the years. Fred’s brother was even friends with the switched boy, Jim. Ironic is the word that comes to mind, almost unbelievable is the tale.
Fred shares the histories of both of his families and how he came to understand them. He opens up, telling readers of his relationship with his birth mother, as it began so much later than it possibly should have, and his relationships with his plethora of siblings. Discovering an additional family history helps Frederick to find out who he really is and who he might have been.
The writing is reminiscent of the passed down family legend, purely memoir, remembered and shared in honesty. This is an interesting book about a twist of fate.
May 18th, 2012
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Once you finish reading the book, the author Marcus Buckingham clearly demonstrates he has some pretty interesting insights into finding your strengths and using them, though his propensity to cover those with his websites and other seminars are what distract the readers no end. Apart from those distractions, rest of the book titled Now, Discover Your Strengths is extremely interesting and capable of standing on its own feet.
Focus On Self Evaluation
The main focus of the book is mostly on self evaluation. The question faced by most professionals these days is what strengths do they bring to the table once they join an organization? These aspects might be useful in your life because that’s precisely what sustains you in the workplace. The first chapter of the book talks about case studies that are easily recognizable as successes to the whole world. Take the example of Tiger Woods who is so good with driving and putting that he built an illustrious career around it. He takes risks other players don’t even think of. Warren Buffet is just great at spotting bargains and he went on to become one of the richest men of the world.
How to Build a Team?
The author Marcus Buckingham further says if we can find out the natural talents of people, and describe them well, we can easily create a team which works together very well, irrespective of the background of the team members. The team thus formed will work well together because the talents of people would complement each other. In the book Now, Discover Your Strengths, the author says if you spot a person with public speaking as strength, you are actually witnessing a combination of skills and talent.
Skill Can Be Learnt, Talent Is Natural
Skill is something which can be learned, for example a person may enroll in course and gain a skill though there is no guarantee he or she will become great at it. On the other hand, the talent is something that you do not gain in a class or course, it comes to you naturally. The author also runs an online StrengthsFinder test which helps you find out what are your strengths. There is another option for you though; you can just go through the Chapter four, ask some questions to yourself and you will easily figure out your own strengths.
What Do Your Instincts Say?
The key to finding out your real strengths are noting down your instinctual reactions to various situations and tabulating them. Ultimately, you will notice some patterns emerging, directly telling you what your strengths are. But, if you can really conduct a self critical honest self analysis, you wouldn’t need the tests at all, it’s for them who can’t do that.
May 18th, 2012
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The Day Job Killer is an e-book written by Chris Mcneeny. This e-book is catered to affiliate marketers who have a decent level of knowledge on Google AdWords. It is a step by step guide that will teach users the secrets of affiliate programs. The Day Job Killer will teach the users not just the common techniques used in Google AdWords but also new techniques to generate more revenue.
It was launched in 2007. Therefore, this e-book is said to have the most recent techniques used in affiliate marketing. One of the most important techniques discussed in the Day Job Killer is how to find keywords that will convert more than others. Others consider Chris Mcneeny’s approach to be brutal and wrong, but his method is very effective and profitable. The e-book encourages users to advertise products through direct linking.
Other people are skeptical to use his method because they consider his method to be dead, it might have worked in the past but now it does not. However, the author revitalizes the method with a new and modern twist. This e-book caters to affiliate marketers who do not know HTML and who have no idea how to cloak links. Users of this e-book do not need to create landing pages. However, before deciding to use this program, users should keep in mind that this method needs patience and money. The ratio of successful campaign to a failure is 1:2. This method’s approach is very aggressive and brutal, some might find it very forceful. Another thing to keep in mind is that this method focuses on real time money making than creating websites that will give you income for an extended time. It focuses on making quick money and building quality lists.
May 17th, 2012
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“Little Boy Broken” is Jeremy Todd’s story. This is a case study of a victim of child abuse and the long-term impact on his life. This is not simply a story of a dysfunctional family. It is a story of unimaginable and unspeakable brutality to a young child. It is all the more appalling by the shocking acts of abuse, physical, verbal, and sexual over a period of twelve years.
The story begins as Jeremy tells of awaking from a nightmare screaming. He goes on to introduce his family and develops a picture of his father’s background, demand for dominance, and cruelty to his children. This background gives credence to the story that follows.
Jeremy was a top student always doing his work until the day he was molested by his father. His grades dropped, his behavior changed. His teacher badgered him instead of looking for the root cause for this change in behavior. The school principal joined in the cycle of abuse by getting permission from Jeremy’s parents to punish him by “paddling” for his uncooperative conduct.
Educators, teachers, and school administrators did not recognize the symptoms of abuse and the traumatic devastation this played on a child’s mind. The haughty school administrator missed or intentionally ignored the signs of physical abuse and “stole” the one thing Jeremy had left, the solace and peace he found through his school classroom and his friends.
Twenty-one years later Jeremy visited a mental health expert, a therapist, Dr. Sam Donaldson. Through the dialog between Dr. Donaldson and Jeremy as he revealed his story, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of child abuse, and a hope for the future. Jeremy learned that the feelings of shame, pain, and embarrassment he endured could be transformed into personal strength through these new insights he began putting his life back together again.
Dr. Donaldson helped Jeremy understand that his flashback experiences as well as hearing voices were a result of blocking out painful childhood experiences. Dr. Sam explained these as symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and disassociation resulting from the images burned in his memory, stored away to be revealed at another time.
Jeremy has been accused by his family of fabricating his story based on an alcohol-induced fantasy. Although Jeremy turned to alcohol to find momentary peace he remained optimistic throughout his ordeal. For a time he lost faith. He later identified his life with the sufferings of Job of the Old Testament.
Jeremy has been encouraged by therapists for years to share his experience in writing to help others face their issues.
The story of Shawn H, a fifteen-year-old boy, kidnapped by a pedophile predator at age 11, was the motivation Jeremy needed to publish his story. Shawn was put through the same brainwashing Jeremy had experienced. Jeremy identified in Shawn “an uncommon will and inner strength” to face each new day.
This true life story reads like a novel. The characters are well developed and become the real people they are. The bitter truth is horrific and unbelievable; however, it is repeatedly happening all around us. “Little Boy Broken” is an important book for parents, educators, counselors, mental health therapists, pastors, and first responders, to family related emergency calls. Heart wrenching!
Modern History Press (2008)
ISBN 9781932690712
May 17th, 2012
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Personal finance is hard enough as it is. It’s absolutely daunting to doing the whole thing by ourselves, especially if we’re not very well-versed in keeping logs of earnings and expenses, calculating our own net worth, reducing debts, and managing our finances by ourselves We could all use a little input from experts, especially when it gets really confusing and we don’t know where to start. Here are several finance book recommends:
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey is a great material for looking up information about personal finance. There are hundreds if not thousands of people who are inspired to get their finances straight all because of the Total Money Makeover book.
The book also tackles debt reduction by giving great advice on how best to approach this problem and gradually take shed off the ball and chains to their finances. It is especially for those who are just starting out.
The unique thing about Dave Ramsey’s book is that it includes Christian thinking and values, as well as bible teachings that he relates to money. If you’re the person who isn’t bothered by religious thinking seeping inside a finance book then this book is for you. There are Dave Ramsey fans accumulated over the years, sticking by to what they learned from the publications to help them get over their financial difficulties.
Five Years to Financial Freedom by Morris Kaplan
The book is unlike any other because it presents a somewhat clearer and more defined rule on how to
fix your finances over time.
It helps you answer the questions you ask when you find yourself in a financial constraint. It tackles how people spend more than they earn, how to change jobs, how money affects your relationships. This book helps you realize several aspects of your life that money plays a part of.
It doesn’t promise that you’ll get rich overnight, but what it does is give you a huge resource of information on how to clear all bad debts, paying for mortgage, start investing, branching out, looking into tax benefits and saving money.
The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton
Some people have noticed that this book is one of the most well-loved finance books of all time. The Wealthy Barber provides sensible advice, deep insights into finances how it affects our lives. It is incredibly easy to take in as the book is written like a story or a short, light novel.
The book is always recommended for those who are venturing out in understanding personal money management, because even if you don’t have much background on finance and accounting, it will not be difficult for you to understand.
The Wealthy barber guides the reader to implement the steps in managing their money by thinking of what we truly want in life and how we can get it. It also has a great chapter on getting rid of materialistic thinking, getting spending under our control and minimizing our debts.
For the Young, Broke and Fabulous by Suze Orman
Suze “Suzy” Orman is a famous household name. You can see her in the news, hear her name on the radio, and her face is plastered on countless publications. She is famous for her personal finance books that are sold worldwide and known for her straight-talking and no-nonsense approach to money and debt.
The book “For the Young, Broke and Fabulous” has garnered a lot of following because the message hits the younger generation, targeting their lifestyle and giving out advice on getting started in the workforce, making the best out of your first few years on the corporate ladder, and following your dreams without sacrificing your future. Suze Orman discusses how the young generation has so much potential in them and how they can save, eliminate debt, and have enough to experience life at its fullest.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
The book has changed thousands of its reader’s outlook on how they lead their life. Rich Dad, Poor Dad is all about acquiring financial knowledge and know-how. It illustrates to us how our perspectives about what it takes to be successful in our own rights. It provides practical guidelines including how to build wealth and buy assets, avoid debt and liabilities, planning for the future while living your life today, and how to go rich by living within your means.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad is full of amazing insights about money in general. Learning about your next step, and knowing the difference between an asset and a liability.
May 17th, 2012
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Romantic works that touches the heart are worth reading. They make you look at your own relationships (or relationships to be). Nicholas Sparks is the best popular romantic writer out there. He has been rather prolific in the last few years in writing various books including, “The Last Song”, “Dear John”, “Nights at Rodanthe”, etc. Two of my favorite works of his are: “The Notebook” and “A Walk To Remember”. These books are well-written and have translated well into the movie screen. They are truly inspirational and memorable.
If you enjoyed reading “The Notebook”, you should enjoy reading “A Walk To Remember”. Normally, I read the book first before watching the film. But, I did not do that with this book. Initially, I thought (and, even assumed) that the film would go down the familiar path of most teen-age dramas but that was not the case. The film took the high road and made the characters likable and the story sweet. Also, it was good to see the transformation of both characters to the better especially the character of Landon Carter. He was able to upgrade his life to the better because of the unlikely relationship with the minister’s daughter.
Not everyone likes romantic works or books. If that is the case, then this book is not for you. It is difficult to imagine that there is someone (e.g. a reader) out there who does not have a romantic bone in their body.
There is something about stories where transformation takes place especially when it is to the better. Stories such as “The Christmas Carol” and “A Walk To Remember” have transformations that make the characters better people. Any relationship especially with your spouse or significant other will make your life better or worse. In this story, it makes them better. There is a synergy and energy that encapsulates the reader to reflect on their own lives. Do they want to become better because of a new found love or rediscovered love? Do they want to make the other person’s life better? Those questions occurred to me upon reading and even watching the movie,” A Walk to Remember”.
Love changes everything. Loyalty is the bond that makes their lover enduring and endearing. These two qualities make the book a good and worthwhile one to read. It made this book a hidden treasure to dig up and read every now and then.
May 17th, 2012
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Some people simply breathe the air; others savor the aroma and fragrance in each and every breath. Some people look out at a landscape and see mountains, fields and streams; others see minute details of weather, life, beauty only a trained eye such as the curator of a museum would depict from a masterpiece. Some people would say “Hi” and smile at a stranger in passing, others lock eyes and share grinned greetings forming an intimacy and thus getting to know the person during the encounter.
To Robert W. Howe, the latter comes naturally, instinctively, and passionately. In his book entitled Yours, from Wyoming he ardently comprised scores of life’s observations, meticulously articulated, in letters he wrote to others over years past. He weaved his experiences into a fabric of a description of humanity with almost divine grace and understanding. A fabric that can be woven into a poncho, draped over a cowboy mounted on horseback, to keep the chill off from the prevailing winds in the wilderness.
Categorized in seasons and months, his book brings the reader into his life, his world, his beliefs and most impressively as seen through his eyes. More so than most authors, Mr. Howe’s excellent writing and skilled observations create a voice in a reader’s mind of a humble man of extraordinary genius, a follower of God’s teachings, a master of communicating, and a deep romantic lover of people. His unpretentious skill of gaining respect from others by giving the utmost respect transcends just humans, but in a cowboy sense cascades to horses, livestock, pets and the wildlife he encounters. With the honed skills of a mountain man, he is a polished gentleman just the same. A person the reader will want to get to know, whilst reading begin to know, and when finished remember him as a friend they knew.
I found this book to change me, perhaps the highest compliment I could give to a literary piece. It made me appreciate so much more by slowing down time, and undoing knots of confusion and pressures one faces to get to a pace of cowboy time, shepherd time, wildlife time, seasonal time, or even geological time. Uniquely printed using a landscape binding with portrait pages imprinted, yielding 4 pages per view, its published style somehow physically reminded me of trips to the wide open vistas of mountainscapes, fields and plains, rivers, and large sections of sky. The writing is gilded with a beautiful portfolio of illustrations by Vel Miller.
Like a song or a scent can trigger memories, for me landscapes now will trigger in my mind’s eye a higher appreciation of the minutia of details, thanks to my new wonderful mentor, Mr. Robert W. Howe.
Title: Yours, from Wyoming
Author: Robert W. Howe
May 17th, 2012
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