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With first-chapter allusions to martial arts, "flow," "mind like water," and other concepts borrowed from the East (and usually mangled), you'd almost think this self-helper from David Allen should have been called Zen and the Art of Schedule Maintenance.
Not quite. Yes, Getting Things Done offers a complete system for downloading all those free-floating gotta-do's clogging your brain into a sophisticated framework of files and action lists--all purportedly to free your mind to focus on whatever you're working on. However, it still operates from the decidedly Western notion that if we could just get really, really organized, we could turn ourselves into 24/7 productivity machines. (To wit, Allen, whom the New Economy bible Fast Company has dubbed "the personal productivity guru," suggests that instead of meditating on crouching tigers and hidden dragons while you wait for a plane, you should unsheathe that high-tech saber known as the cell phone and attack that list of calls you need to return.)
As whole-life-organizing systems go, Allen's is pretty good, even fun and therapeutic. It starts with the exhortation to take every unaccounted-for scrap of paper in your workstation that you can't junk, The next step is to write down every unaccounted-for gotta-do cramming your head onto its own scrap of paper. Finally, throw the whole stew into a giant "in-basket"
That's where the processing and prioritizing begin; in Allen's system, it get a little convoluted at times, rife as it is with fancy terms, subterms, and sub-subterms for even the simplest concepts. Thank goodness the spine of his system is captured on a straightforward, one-page flowchart that you can pin over your desk and repeatedly consult without having to refer back to the book. That alone is worth the purchase price. Also of value is Allen's ingenious Two-Minute Rule: if there's anything you absolutely must do that you can do right now in two minutes or less, then do it now, thus freeing up your time and mind tenfold over the long term. It's commonsense advice so obvious that most of us completely overlook it, much to our detriment; Allen excels at dispensing such wisdom in this useful, if somewhat belabored, self-improver aimed at everyone from CEOs to soccer moms (who we all know are more organized than most CEOs to start with). --Timothy Murphy
Book Description
In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effective productivity and unleash our creative potential. In Getting Things Done Allen shows how to:
€ Apply the "do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it" rule to get your in-box to empty
€ Reassess goals and stay focused in changing situations
€ Plan projects as well as get them unstuck
€ Overcome feelings of confusion, anxiety, and being overwhelmed
€ Feel fine about what you're not doing
From core principles to proven tricks, Getting Things Done can transform the way you work, showing you how to pick up the pace without wearing yourself down.
Download Description
"""The personal productivity guru"" (Fast Company) delivers powerful methods that vastly increase your efficiency and creative results-at work and in life In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effective productivity and unleash our creative potential. In Getting Things Done Allen shows how to: Apply the ""do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it"" rule to get your in-box to empty Reassess goals and stay focused in changing situations Plan projects as well as get them unstuck Overcome feelings of confusion, anxiety, and being overwhelmed Feel fine about what you're not doing From core principles to proven tricks, Getting Things Done can transform the way you work, showing you how to pick up the pace without wearing yourself down."
Customer Reviews:
If you have deadlines, you need this book.......2007-10-03
I have an associate who can't meet deadlines. I give him a deadline and set it two weeks before the project is needed. Doesn't matter. He won't make it. So I bought him this book. "No more projects until you read this," I told him.
He read it. He's not missed a project deadline yet.
People who have their own businesses, generally have deadlines and projects. Things have to be done by a certain time. If nothing else, we have to have our income tax in by midnight April 15 in the U.S.
But many people put things off and that creates stress. Stress for the person who procrastinates and stress for those who depend on him or her. We all need a time management system.
This book will help you to clear out your clutter. It will help you to know how to handle a project, to break it up and work at it in a way that's effective for you.
Highly recommended.
Read the full version first, use abridged audio for review.......2007-10-01
While the abridged audio CD version of Getting Things Done makes a perfect refresher tool for those who read the full book originally, too much detail and background is missing for this to be someone's first introduction to the GTD method of time management. Unfortunately, the unabridged audio won't be widely available until 2008.
Overall, the GTD system has a lot to offer. It's "open source" and "platform-independent," meaning you can use as much or as little of it as you want and adapt it to whatever organizational system you already like or are forced to use by circumstance--Outlook, FranklinCovey, 3x5s, whatever. Yes, it pretty much comes down to making a to-do list, but GTD's approach adds the subtle differences that make the lists actually effective reminders and trackers, rather than an overwhelming mess o' stuff to get done. If you've ever written something down on a list and then never looked at it again, give GTD a try.
This book will change your life.......2007-10-01
I first bought this book about 6 months ago, and it has improved my life incredibly. Even if you don't follow every one of his suggestions, or choose not to employ David Allen's GTD system, at the very least you'll gain a much greater understanding of stress-free productivity, effective workplaces, and the bottlenecks that prevent people from achieving their full productive potential.
It certainly took longer to set up my system than the "2 days" Allen continuously mentions in the book, but even while you're setting up and fine-tuning your personal system, you begin to get a sense of that "stress-free productivity". Now, my system is running smoothly, and I've been able to control my numerous projects with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Most importantly, having a system in place will enable you to focus on your greater goals. I work in two startup companies, but I've always had a dream of being involved in local politics; now I'm also helping coordinate a grassroots political campaign in addition to my 9-5 commitments. You may want to spend more time with your family or significant other, go golfing, start a new business venture or take up a new hobby. This book can give you the system and the structure to allow you to pursue whatever life goals you have, and I consider it an invaluable life resource. I've recommended it to many of my friends and family, and they've experienced similar results.
I love David Allen's teachings!.......2007-09-29
I like this book, but I particulary loved his second book, "Ready for Anything," which I consider a potentially life-changing book. Actually, read both...more than once!
Possibly a life changer.......2007-09-23
Allen's methodology works like magic. I finished reading the book a week ago, and I can say it had a great impact on the way I organize my life. This is much more than how to organize your time, It's about a very subtle technique - along with technology support - that helps you manage your ideas or projects and have them executed with much less effort. You would need a PDA and the Microsoft 0utlook add-in for GTD (Getting Things Done) to experience the full benefit.
Book Description
The horrors of the Tribulation are over, and Jesus Christ has set up his perfect kingdom on earth. Believers all around the world enjoy a newly perfected relationship with their Lord, and the earth itself is transformed. Yet evil still lurks in the hearts of the unbelieving. As the Millennium draws to a close, the final generation of the unrepentant prepares to mount a new offensive against the Lord Himself--sparking the final and ultimate conflict from which only one side will emerge the eternal victor.
Customer Reviews:
Just one more book in the all-encompassing, enthralling, and utterly absorbing Left Behind Series.......2007-09-13
From the very first letter of the alphabet that my eyes looked upon inside this series of books, until the very last period of the very last sentence, I was hooked. Each one of these books absorbed my attention like no other book has ever done in my life. Biblically sound, theatrically entertaining, and brilliantly written, the Left Behind books will inspire you to dig into God's word and take the pieces of news from your T.V. screen and match them right smack-dab up with the prophecies of the Bible. Your hair will stand up, your heart will race, and you will find yourself helplessly caught in the suspense. Once you finish one of these books, you will desperately race to your computer screen or your local library to pick up the next one!
Carrie Lynn Jones
Author of It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers
Kingdom Come - worth reading.......2007-09-11
I enjoyed this book. I read the entire series over the past few months, and this was the way to end it. It's more of a bible study than the other books in the series. Not as exciting, but if you read the story up until now, you should read this. Gives a good description of the last days.
Potter is Hotter!.......2007-08-29
As a work of fantasy, the Left Behind series is third-rate. It lacks the humor and exuberance of the Harry Potter books; the magical acts it portrays are quite simply boring. It lacks the sparkling darkness of language that makes the His Dark Materials books a delight to read. It lacks the sweep and grandeur of the Lord of the Rings series. Note please that I'm reviewing Left Behind merely as escapist fantasy literature. As theology, it's too contemptible to need reviewing. As a morality tale, it's even more contemptible, an interminable drone of bigotry, sexism, self-righteousness, and exploitation of the decent folk who congregate in America's churches.
Final Stand.......2007-08-18
The entire series was written in such a way that every new book had its own plot. A series well done. Thank you for the eye opener.
great transaction.......2007-08-14
My husband loved the book and has already finished it. The item came quickly and in great condition as promised
Book Description
The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban's backyard
Anyone who despairs of the individual's power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan's treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson's quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.
Customer Reviews:
A change your life book.......2007-10-02
This book was required reading for all incoming freshmen in Montana's university system this year, and my book club chose it last spring. At first I had a hard time "getting into" it. The first 50 pages or so I considered not finishing it...there were so many foreign names and places that half the time I couldn't put the letter sounds together to make words I could even understand...BUT THEN!
This book really grasps your soul. Every time I sat down to read I felt a wave of goosebumps over my excitement with this story.
This book is very motivational also. Everything you'll read makes so much sense about changing the world through education, but you'll also find yourself finding lessons and motivation for your own life as well.
I ABSOLUTELY loved this book. I've recommended it to everyone and I've passed my copy on to a friend. I also had the honor of hearing Greg Mortenson speak at a small community library, and he told his story to us like we were friends and family. It was wonderful!
You must read this book!
Buy it, read it, pass it on, give as a gift.......2007-10-01
For everything else that has already been said about this book. I agree. I also have to add that it is a page-turner. I had a hard time putting it down. I didn't expect that. I expect to be inspired and then, be unable to finish this worthy book. Instead, I was fascinated, enthralled, encouraged and rooting for Greg. I'm not finished the book yet, but I came online to order a copy for a friend. I highly recommend it.
Three cups of tea.......2007-09-30
I rated this book 5 stars. I had no idea who Greg Mortenson was until my
wife recommended his book to me. My only familiarity with Pakinstan and
Afhganistan was what I read about these countries in the news about the
Afghanistan-Iraq wars. I have a totally different concept of the people of these two countries after having read Greg's book. They are peaceful, loving, caring, intelligent people interested in the welfare of their children, whether male or female, and intent on educating them and
preparing them for the rest of their lives. I was so glad I read this book. It really opened my eyes.
If only we all took the step to reach out.......2007-09-30
Magnificient! If only we all took the step to reach out and make this world a better place for each unique human being on this earth. I couldn't put this book down because Greg is actually doing it on an amazingly large scale. If only each child in the world had the opportunity for education.....we can erase if only
A true inspiration.......2007-09-30
Greg Mortenson deserves a Nobel Peace Prize and this book tells the story of a real hero. I could hardly believe one person could be so devoted, brave, lucky, and true! It also tells of the Muslim people as generous human beings - the other side of the terrorists we read about in the papers all of the time. It's also another reminder of how fortunate we are in this country - especially the women
Book Description
The million-copy bestseller, revised and updated with new investment strategies for retirement and the most current research into behavioral finance.
Updated with a new chapter that draws on behavioral finance, the field that studies the psychology of investment decisions, here is the best-selling, authoritative, and gimmick-free guide to investing. Burton Malkiel evaluates the full range of investment opportunities, from stocks, bonds, and money markets to real estate investment trusts and insurance, home ownership, and tangible assets such as gold and collectibles. This edition includes new strategies for rearranging your portfolio for retirement, along with the book's classic life-cycle guide to investing, which matches the needs of investors in any age bracket. A Random Walk Down Wall Street long ago established itself as a must-read, the first book to purchase before starting a portfolio. So whether you want to brief yourself on the ways of the market before talking to a broker or follow Malkiel's easy steps to managing your own portfolio, this book remains the best investing guide money can buy.
Customer Reviews:
Quarterlife Finance says, "A Classic that Every Investor Should Read".......2007-10-03
I recently finished reading the 9th edition of Burton Malkiel's classic text A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition. First published in 1973, this book is a classic text that deserves a place on any investor's bookshelf.
Malkiel presents two possible security valuation models - one based on a firm foundation of value and one based on finding a "greater fool" to sell your speculative buys to. He analyzes the history of investment bubbles from the Dutch tulip mania some two hundred years ago all the way through the tech stock bubble of the late 1990s. He discusses fundamental analysis of stocks and thoroughly trashes technical analysis. Finally, Malkiel presents a strategy that virtually guarantees that your investments will keep pace with the market with minimal investment of time.
I enjoyed and recommend this book for several reasons. First and foremost, it blows the whistle on many common "beat the market" strategies, including all manner of technical analysis. As a relatively young investor, I was always intimidated by the chartist strategies (moving averages, buy points, etc) but after reading Malkiel there is no cause for fear. Those strategies simply do not work.
Moreover, I found the book to be an easy read relative to many texts on investment. While he covers different types of stock analysis, modern portfolio theory, the efficient market hypothesis, and asset allocation in detail, the book is not weighted down with too much heavy terminology. His writing style, use of historical anecdotes, and ability to challenge your beliefs again and again keeps you riveted to the book.
Finally, I believe that the strategies presented in the book are clear, concise, and can be employed by anyone to their immense gain. Too many people pay for poor investment advice, make mistakes by chasing gains and paying for active portfolio management, or even pay absurd 12b-1 fees on underperforming mutual fund investments. By reading this book and taking Malkiel's advice to heart, I believe that just about anyone can end up with more dollars in hand.
On the other hand, the book does delve into financial topics that may be intimidating for someone completely new to the investment world. The basic message (buy and hold a well-diversified portfolio of extremely low-cost index funds) could be expressed much more succinctly. However, I wouldn't change a thing with this book...just be prepared for a wild ride that challenges everything you thought you knew about investing.
not a fan........2007-10-03
This book was not what it was trumped up to be, as far as I am concerned. It's a gloomy, negative, pessimistic, unending drivel of known and common sense information and data presented in a much more complicated manner that they are in real life. After reading this book you may be inclined to start taking anti-depressants and definitely stay away from the stock and other securities markets. Weeooogh!!
Excellent Message. Sweeps some exceptions (particularly those noted herein) under the rug........2007-10-02
Particularly in a day and age where mutual funds are often touting themselves on the television, this book has an excellent, largely unbiased message for the average investor: buy low cost index funds and stay in them for the long haul.
The book is exceptionally well written, covering most of the lessons of an introductory to intermediate finance course in a very accessible format (i.e. all the right *ideas* without the confusing math). He utilizes dozens of powerful examples and good data to show that his basic premise, despite now being 30 years old, is sound. Due to its theoretical strength and accessible style, this book could be of particular value to Undergrad Business and MBA students who find the professor's academic approach to an Introductory Finance course confusing. Get the big picture here, making the math just that much easier to follow. (5 stars for making difficult financial concepts readable and interesting)
Despite my strong recommendation for both his message and style, the book does have some drawbacks. Number one is that he has clearly taken a side on the issue and has thrown impartiality to the wind. Regularly, the author depends on "transaction costs" (the cost to trade) to ensure that a trading strategy cannot beat his preferred portfolio (implying that it would have succeeded without the transaction costs). This "sweeps under the rug" several clear counter-examples to the basic efficient market thesis in order to reinforce his index-investment message. While I understand his reasoning for doing so -- a desire not to encourage investment in high cost funds or heaven forbid day trading -- it does lead to some skepticism about his willingness to admit any possibility that his thesis has weaknesses. To that end, I would discourage readers who are familiar with CAPM and efficient-markets from reading the book (2 stars as a brush up).
In the end, however, I think the message is sound. Rather than cite trading costs, I think the message can effectively be said another way: If you spent 5h a day investigating stocks, what are the odds that you can beat a professional manager? If a manager has a staff of 20 that invest 8h per day investigating stocks, what are the odds that they're going to beat the whole financial services industry? If the whole industry is taking advantage of every opportunity to profit from small deviations, and you're going to pay a manager most if not all of that profit anyway, investing in an index basically gets you the benefit of thousands of mutual funds and investment bankers without the cost of any of them (or of your time to do research).
With qualifications to the highly technical reader, who should pass on the book, I can't, in good conscience, fail to give this book 5 stars for a profoundly valuable message targeted at the individual investor.
Best guide ever.......2007-10-02
A good informative writing on the handling of your finances in regards to investing. I found it to be quite basic but I have been investing since a club in the 1960's. It still gave me a lot of information and ideas that I knew a little or nothing on. I would recommend it highly to any and all that wish to have anything in the future for their retirement.
Still the Best.......2007-09-10
I first read this book in its seventh edition. I was great then. I recently purchased the ninth edition as a "refresher." It's still a great book and the one I recommend to prospective clients or other investors prone to believe all of the active management garbage out there. Burton Malkiel does a masterful job of dismantling all of the Wall Street hype and laying out investing in a simple, straight-forward, and long-term approach.
If you read this book and still believe in the Wall Street gurus then you're hopeless. And, you deserve every bit of the bad advice you're following.
Average customer rating:
- I'm in love with Clare and Henry!!!
- One of My all Time Favorites
- A book that will keep you up all night!
- Unique romance
- One of the worst 5 books I've ever been given.....
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The Time Traveler's Wife
Audrey Niffenegger
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
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ASIN: 015602943X |
Book Description
A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant.
An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come.
Customer Reviews:
I'm in love with Clare and Henry!!!.......2007-10-03
My best friend, who is a bookworm, gave me this book to read. I can usually tell within a few pages if I'm going to like it and sure enough, after the first few paragraphs, I was hooked.
This is a love story; not a science fiction story. The fact that Henry has this condition that catapults him back and forth in his and Clare's past, is very important to the story, but not enough to make it a sci-fi story.
After reading how much Henry loved Clare and how tender and carful he was when he met her while she was a child, I found myself wanting to *be* Clare and have some love me as Henry does her. The author writes a truely awe inspiring love story that leaves me gasping for more.
This book has become my addiction over the past week; I find myself counting the hours until the kids go down to bed at night so I can curl up and read as much as I want without being interrupted. I've found myself laughing out loud, and crying...and I might add, I'll be finishing the book this evening. I'm saving it. I know it ends sadly and I've already found myself welling up with tears at the prospect of Henry's and Clare's fates.
When I am done with this book, I will give it back to my friend and I will get my own copy so that I may read the tale of Henry and Clare over and over and over. And I'm sure that each time I read it, I will get something else out of it that I missed before.
Someone on a blog about this book posted a comment about the author possibly doing a sequel. That would be awesome...perhaps they could call it "The Time Traveler's Daughter"...
This book is nothing short of beautiful. The characters are so real; I felt as though I knew them personally. I have visions of how beautiful Clare is with her long, copper hair and of how handsome and distinguished Henry is through all the stages of his life from young boy to man. I will miss them once I read the final pages this evening. You have to slow down and read this book, as there time changes and changes in location and year. It goes back and forth between Henry and Clare. You really do have to sort of just slow down and read, and sometimes re-read but it is SOOOO worth it...
One of My all Time Favorites.......2007-10-03
This book makes the top ten in my all time favorites! Such a cool story! Very different thats what makes it so great.Don't understand the bad reviews here.
A book that will keep you up all night!.......2007-10-01
I love, love, loved this book! Could not put it down. The characters are very compelling and it is a beautiful story about life, love, loss and everything else. It made me laugh and cry!
Unique romance.......2007-09-28
Could not put this down. I was sad when it was over. The story is captivating; don't think about Journeyman or Quantum Leap; think a Wrinkle in Time...
One of the worst 5 books I've ever been given............2007-09-27
I know a lot of people love this book and it was given to me by someone who loved it. I might have agreed--all the way up to the end. The ending ruined the rest of the book, and left me shaken and angry. I really felt cheated. I don't want to synopsize the book, nor ruin it for someone else who might love it, but I felt as though the author didn't know what else to do, or ran up against deadlines...it was a cheap ending to a marvelous story. But that's just my opinion.....
Book Description
Between 1993 and 2000, a series of groundbreaking experiments revealed dramatic evidence of a web of energy that connects everything in our lives and our world—the Divine Matrix. From the healing of our bodies, to the success of our careers, relationships, and the peace between nations, this new evidence demonstrates that we each hold the power to speak directly to the force that links all of creation. What would it mean to discover that the power to create joy, to heal suffering, and bring peace to nations lives inside of you? How differently would you live if you knew how to use this power each day of your life? Join Gregg Braden on this extraordinary journey bridging science, spirituality and miracles through the language of The Divine Matrix.
Customer Reviews:
Such fools these mortals be........2007-10-03
If there was a "Divine Matrix" allowing everyone to wish what they deeply desired into existence do you think a just and sane "Divinity" would let a bunch of somewhat evolved apes loose with such an ability? Thank God I do not have such power because I know in all honesty that I am not evolved enough and wise enough to use it well. But those who want something for nothing, those who are still infants at heart wishing their mere wish and every need to magically be granted by Parent in the Sky or latest pseudo-scientific mumbo-jumbo hash of how reality is will flock to buy this latest mystical puff-piece. When it doesn't work for them they will blame themselves or look for the next similar work that claims they can have everything without any real effort beyond believing and tuning themselves. Yes, inner attitude makes tremendous difference. But it must be matched with well planned action and lots of it to accomplish anything in this world.
You Have the Power!.......2007-10-02
"The Divine Matrix" by Gregg Bradden reveals insights into scientifically verifiable universal energy that connects and affects all aspects of our lives.
The central message in this book is that each person has the power to speak to this universal energy/force and thereby create a more peaceful and joyful life for oneself and ultimately transform the planet.
An inspirational read, especially with the central message that our true power for life transformation comes from within!
Some more of the best New Age books that I've found lately are:
The Secret
Nexus: A Neo Novel
Does Verify Quantum Science.......2007-09-03
"The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles and Belief" by Gregg Braden, is firstly about discovering the Divine Matrix and revealing the mystery that connects all life. Secondly, the book goes on to describe how the Divine Matrix works, and brings insight into bridging between imagination and reality. Finally The Divine Matrix explains how to successfully work with healing in Quantum Awareness, which includes insight and messages from the Divine Matrix.
Also, the Divine Matrix is scientifically verifiable in terms of the latest findings in Quantum Science...and interestingly the hologram is a perfect analogy to ideas presented in this book.
Most highly recommended.
If you like Divine Matrix then you'll be fascinated with a recent New Age novel I've discovered that is also about connectedness, spirituality, and life transformation:
Nexus: A Neo Novel
Best "Consciousness Research" book I've Read to Date.......2007-08-05
I've read many, many books of a spiritual nature over the last several years and, over & over again I would read that we are all connected somehow and that we impact, or co-create, our reality. But, until reading Braden's "The Divine Matrix", I didn't really understand these ideas.
This book is so powerful because Braden doesn't just tell readers how to "intend" a different future, or make the statement that we are all connected, but instead he explains how & why these statements are true based on new scientific evidence. Plus, although the scientific concepts he discusses are quite complex, he has the ability to make them easy to understand for people who, like me, have no physics background.
The overall concept is that there is a web of energy where all things begin and all possibilities exist. It's this "web" that connects us to everyone and everything, and through which we bring possibilities into existence (co-creating our reality through imagination, prayer, judgement, expectation, etc...). What a brilliant design!
An awesome "bonus" is the "20 Keys to Consciousness" he includes at the end, where he outlines how to use the information he provides to create the life you want to live. You may want to type these up, print them out, and hang them somewhere that you'll see them everyday...
In addition to the scientific concepts and research discussed in "The Divine Matrix", Braden also shares some personal stories reflecting his journey of discovering, understanding, and using this information - providing a really nice balance between the science & the personal.
Overall, I would HIGHLY reccomend "The Divine Matrix" to anyone interested in how science is beginning to prove the truth of ancient spiritual concepts, as well as those who'd like to co-create a better future. It's insightful, profound, and an "easy read" (when compared to other books of this genre).
Consciousness Tools.......2007-07-31
Thank you Gregg for helping wake people to the matrix of energy we all share.
There is no escaping that "all is one". Anyone interested in books that search quantum physics/science for an explanation of the Divine, Spirit, unifying energy of One will enjoy this book. Caryn Colgan, Ancient Pact
Book Description
Chaisson/McMillan's writing style and pedagogically driven art program are recognized as being scientifically accurate yet accessible to non-science majors. The integrated media program contains the market's only E-book. It provides readers with innovative and interactive tools to learn and test their understanding of astronomy concepts. Topics covered include Astronomy and the Universe, Our Planetay System, Stars and Stellar Evolution, Galaxies and Cosmology, and more. For one or two-semester introductory astronomy course.
Customer Reviews:
New Book that was NOT a new Book.......2007-06-08
Simply put - I purchased this Astronomy book through Amazon because the price was the same as elsewhere but I would save on shipping. I expected a NEW book but received a Used Book in good condition.
The Book itself so far seems well laid out and interesting but the course I am taking has just reached the 1/3 mark toward completion.
For the Non-Science Major.......2007-03-08
This book is designed to be the astronomy book that non-science majors would use to meet their one-year of science requirement as part of their undergraduate degree. As such it is written without the mathematics content that would be normal in a course aimed at astronoly or physics students. In addition, this particular book has several advantages. To identify just a few:
1. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on teaching the scientific method. This area has been strengthened in this edition because (I'm guessing) the current attempts by the un-intelligent design people to disparage scientific theories.
2. Revised to include the latest discoveries being made by the Mars rovers and the down grading of poor Pluto to a minor planet.
3. Updating the current theories regarding dark matter and dark energy.
In summary this is a well written, well illustrated text, ideally suited for the non-scientists.
Astronomy Today 5th edition.......2006-03-11
I have had a lifetime love of Astronomy but have lacked the mathmatical background for a thorough understanding. Most popular books on the subject rarely cover the field in the manner that I desire. Astronomy Today is a textbook for a beginning course in astronomy at the college level and does, in fact, cover a great deal of information without the need for mathmatical knowledge. The authors express their ideas and information in clear, concise language and clearly manifest an enthusiasm for their subject. I have enjoyed the book immensely.
A Paradox of Blind Astronomers!.......2005-06-23
This is an excellent textbook, but I deducted one star (from a possible five-star rating) because of the absurd comments made by the authors in the beginning of the book. In this fourth edition of Astronomy Today, a textbook published by Prentice Hall for college students, the authors open the very first chapter with the following statements:
"Of all the scientific insights attained to date, one stands out boldly: Earth is neither central nor special. We inhabit no unique place in the universe. Astronomical research, especially within the past few decades, strongly suggests that we live on what seems to be an ordinary rocky planet called Earth, one of the nine known planets orbiting an average star called the Sun, a star near the edge of a huge collection of stars called the Milky Way Galaxy, which is one galaxy among countless billions of others spread throughout the observable universe."
Huh!? Earth isn't special? Compare the other planets in our Solar System to Earth and tell us it isn't special. And Earth is "...an ordinary rocky planet..."? It's the only planet we know of with vast oceans of liquid water, a breathable atmosphere, lush vegetation, and a spectacular collection of life forms. The authors of this textbook must have been "out to lunch" when they wrote that trite introduction, or... this is just another deliberate attempt by "philosophers of gobbledygook" to strip the Earth of its special place in the universe and to squash any special characteristics that may differentiate it from everything else in the cosmos. I strongly suspect the latter viewpoint is the correct one.
The fact is the Earth is indeed a very special place, and the Sun is a very special star. In fact, the Sun-Earth relationship represents a very special arrangement that permits life to thrive upon our planet. Mercury, Venus and Mars may be nothing more than ordinary rocky planets, but Earth is truly unique from all the other planets in our Solar System, and may be truly unique in all the universe.
I stand by my initial rating of the textbook: 4 stars and an excellent read. I just have a wee bit of a problem with blind astronomers.
A joy to read!.......2005-02-18
This book is really outstanding! It contains 757 pages of text (not counting the preface and appendix), about 480 (mostly quite smallish) photos, some 400 drawings/figures/illustrations and almost 50 tables. The writing style is very clear, not at all dry or overtly technical. It is a joy to read this book. I know of no other book that clarifies all kind of astronomical subjects as thoroughly and understandably as this book (and I did read many books on astronomy.....). Highly recommended!
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Hilarious Novel for Learning Management
- fast and cheap
- Solid read applicable to business and beyond
- The Goal
- Theory of Constraints explained and its wide applications revealed
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The Goal
Eliyahu M. Goldratt , and
Jeff Cox
Manufacturer: North River Press
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0884271781 |
Book Description
Over 2 million copies sold! Used by thousands of companies and hundreds of business schools! Required reading for anyone interested in the Theory of Constraints. This book, which introduces the Theory of Constraints, is changing how America does business. The Goal is a gripping, fast-paced business novel about overcoming the barriers to making money. You will learn the fundamentals of identifying and solving the problems created by constraints. From the moment you finish the book you will be able to start successfully addressing chronic productivity and quality problems.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Hilarious Novel for Learning Management.......2007-10-03
"The Goal" is a hilarious novel but with a serious business message particularly with respect to production/operations management. The author expertly wove an intricate story about a plant manager (Alex Rogo) whose factory and marriage are failing into a compelling and convincing explanation about how to deal with constraints and bottlenecks effectively, not only in business but also in everyday life. This is a good captivating read particularly for those who find reading business and management books to be dry and having a soporific effect.
Alex Rogo's life is made very difficult by bottlenecks, constraints, excess inventories and pressure from management that demands efficiency in the factory operations. However, through mastering the theory of constraints (TOC), the appreciation of a business as a system, the effective use of industrial engineering techniques as well as common sense, Alex and his team overcome the problems.
This is an enlightening book that is easy to read and understand for people particularly those who a new to managing an organization. You will learn about the goal of an organization, waste (and how to avoid it), cost structures, team utilization, supply chain bottlenecks, identify improvements, work prioritization and enhance efficiencies.
You will get the most from this book if you also read the Toyota Production System which can fix many of the problems highlighted in this book. Among the highlights of the Toyota Production System are the Just-in-Time inventory system, production leveling, multi-skilling, the pull method of production planning which provides a more comprehensive approach to manufacturing operations. Another useful investment is to get a copy of the classic book "The Fifth Discipline" by Peter Senge (if you have not yet read it). Senge proposes the "systems thinking" method to help companies to become "learning organizations" that integrates all personnel levels and functions (such as production, human resources, finance etc) to increase the ability of the organisation to be more productive and effective.
In summary, this is an outstanding book packed with insightful wisdom that I recommend to employees at all levels in an organization as well as students studying business.
fast and cheap.......2007-09-12
I received this product in good time and condition. Brand New. Saved quite a bit of money over the campus book store price.
Solid read applicable to business and beyond.......2007-07-29
The Goal is a well-written book, broadly applicable to anyone in business and to an extent life in general. It is a no-nonsense novel, utilizing and exploring real-life situations and personalities. What I liked most about the book is the integration of "scientific" approach to business, how assumptions are constantly questioned, explored, and reformulated, and how the human element is, albeit slightly, interwoven.
While the most benefit clearly is in manufacturing context, I find the book to be useful and I work in professional services. I akin the Theory of Constraints ("bottleneck management") to Stephen Covey's example of "moving big rocks", hence the applicability to life in general. Said another way, I believe one must focus on the things that are most constraining (the boundaries), and this method of thought is explored in The Goal. The book also interweaves personal experiences into the "core" business theme, which allows for some examination of life outside of work and of course personalizes the story.
Overall, great book and a suggested read for sure.
The Goal.......2007-06-08
If you told me that a story about cost accounting in a factory would be interesting I would say you are nutts. However this story is extremely will written & entertaining thru the first 80%. The finish concerning philosophy could be left off.
I would listen to the book until I reached the end of a chapter because it was interesting even when I had arrived at my driving distination.
I do have an accounting background so that may affect my opinion.
Theory of Constraints explained and its wide applications revealed.......2007-06-03
The Goal is a fascinating book about the Theory of Constraints which was introduced to the world by Eliyahu Goldratt. I must admit the title didn't appeal much to me, but bought it anyway because it was recommended highly. After reading it, I realized that the title was perfect since it plays well into the questioning that needs to take place in order to identify the constraint or bottleneck in an organization. The book is written as a novel, which makes the book a lot easier to read and also a lot more entertaining
Alex Rogo is a plant manager and at the beginning of the novel is greeted at his plant by the VP who informs him that his production numbers need to improve or they will be shutting down the plant. Of course, during all this mess Rogo is also going through a rocky marriage and throughout the book the reader is taken through the struggle of both issues.
Alex seeks advice from an old Physicist from Israel named Jonah. Jonah takes Alex through the Socratic method of analysis which is the way Alex then communicates with his management team to solve the issues causing the low throughput in the factory. The conversations that take place between Jonah, Alex and the entire management team are extremely interesting and informative. I wonder how often this level of discussion actually takes place, but it sure makes for interesting reading.
A lot of the applications of the theory of constraints, although they take place in the factory, could be easily implemented in all industries.
Mr. Goldratt has written a business book that will remain relevant for many years to come. I highly recommend this incredible business book. Anyone who does business consulting and does not read and use the information on this book is doing his/her clients a great disservice.
Customer Reviews:
Judgment suspended.......2007-04-22
I wanted to update my 25-year-old Rand McNally International Atlas, and based on various reviews, it seemed that the Times Comprehensive 11th ed was the top of the line, so I purchased it. Imagine my disappointment when the first thing I looked up in it was missing. A friend had taken a recent trip to see the temples at Bagan, Myanmar, which is that country's number one tourist destination. However, none of the 7 plates in the Times Comprehensive 11th ed that depicted the central Myanmar region where Bagan is located actually showed that important site. By contrast, my old Rand McNally atlas has only one plate depicting Myanmar, but Bagan is on it. Based on this initial disappointment,and given its high price, I would need to gain a lot more positive experience with the Times Comprehensive 11th ed before I would recommend it unreservedly to others.
Disappointing but still the Best.......2007-03-18
I bought this edition to replace our family copy of the 5th edition, which dated from the 80s, and preceded the collapse of the Soviet Union, the new boundaries of Eastern Europe, etc. and so was due for replacement. In terms of quality of the maps, and the detail of the information they convey, this edition is inferior to its predecessor. However, considered in isolation, without reference to its superior predecessors, this Atlas is a wonderful work of art and reference.
I get the sense that there was an effort to produce the work to a 'price point' and I wish the publishers had aimed a little higher, since if I only buy one of these things every 20 years or so, I can afford to pay up. Like an encylcopedia, since the explosion of the internet an atlas is an odd form of reference work. It is bought out of very mixed motives. I suspect the genre will be re-engineered one of these days, and volumes like this one will seem as antiquidated as an oil painting.
I could have met my basic needs with something cheaper, but wanted something better. I am not a map junkie the way some of the reviewers of this volume, and I would defer completely to their superior knowledge (or, at least, passion). But compromise in luxury goods is a dicey proposition, and that's what this is.
The most complete.......2007-02-26
I own various atlases and periodically I buy a new one for the updates.Previously I bought both the Oxford and the DK Millenium edition. While investigating for an updated version I came across this atlas and based on the reviews at Amazon and my comparisons I bought it.
This is the best by far even though it is pricey. The quality of the print, the details, and the fact that the middle of the page does not affect the maps make a huge difference. The only observation is that there are not the flags of the nations which could make it even more complete.
Amazing.......2006-09-21
I have always been a fan of atlases and I received this atlas a birthday gift. Absolutely amazing. This atlas has the most comprehensive index I've seen in a world atlas. Also the coverage of the Antarctic continent is very thorough, something that almost all other world atlases lack. 5 stars, excellent atlas.
A downgrade from previous editions.......2006-06-16
The Times Atlas made its reputation by being the best atlas in the English Language. In previous editions, its detail and scale was as good as you could get(except for the briefly available and slightly less comprehensive Book of the World from Macmillan). This latest edition may still be better than anything else out there, but I haven't bought it even though I'd like to update. I've looked it over in stores, and the user who noted the reduced scales is right on the mark. I think all of the map scales have been reduced somewhat from earlier editions. He's probably also right about the clarity of the cartography. All in all, I'd say they had poor judgment in downgrading. This was the atlas for people who really knew maps, wanted the best and were willing to pay for it. Now it's a disappointment.
Book Description
Do you want to get ahead in life?
Climb the ladder to personal success?
The secret, master networker Keith Ferrazzi claims, is in reaching out to other people. As Ferrazzi discovered early in life, what distinguishes highly successful people from everyone else is the way they use the power of relationships—so that everyone wins.
In Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi lays out the specific steps—and inner mindset—he uses to reach out to connect with the thousands of colleagues, friends, and associates on his Rolodex, people he has helped and who have helped him.
The son of a small-town steelworker and a cleaning lady, Ferrazzi first used his remarkable ability to connect with others to pave the way to a scholarship at Yale, a Harvard MBA, and several top executive posts. Not yet out of his thirties, he developed a network of relationships that stretched from Washington’s corridors of power to Hollywood’s A-list, leading to him being named one of Crain’s 40 Under 40 and selected as a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the Davos World Economic Forum.
Ferrazzi's form of connecting to the world around him is based on generosity, helping friends connect with other friends. Ferrazzi distinguishes genuine relationship-building from the crude, desperate glad-handling usually associated with “networking.” He then distills his system of reaching out to people into practical, proven principles. Among them:
Don’t keep score: It’s never simply about getting what you want. It’s about getting what you want and making sure that the people who are important to you get what they want, too.
“Ping” constantly: The Ins and Outs of reaching out to those in your circle of contacts all the time—not just when you need something.
Never eat alone: The dynamics of status are the same whether you’re working at a corporation or attending a society event— “invisibility” is a fate worse than failure.
In the course of the book, Ferrazzi outlines the timeless strategies shared by the world’s most connected individuals, from Katherine Graham to Bill Clinton, Vernon Jordan to the Dalai Lama.
Chock full of specific advice on handling rejection, getting past gatekeepers, becoming a “conference commando,” and more, Never Eat Alone is destined to take its place alongside How to Win Friends and Influence People as an inspirational classic.
Download Description
Do you want to get ahead in life?
Climb the ladder to personal success?
The secret, master networker Keith Ferrazzi claims, is in reaching out to other people. As Ferrazzi discovered early in life, what distinguishes highly successful people from everyone else is the way they use the power of relationships–so that everyone wins.
In Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi lays out the specific steps–and inner mindset–he uses to reach out to connect with the thousands of colleagues, friends, and associates on his Rolodex, people he has helped and who have helped him.
The son of a small–town steelworker and a cleaning lady, Ferrazzi first used his remarkable ability to connect with others to pave the way to a scholarship at Yale, a Harvard MBA, and several top executive posts. Not yet out of his thirties, he developed a network of relationships that stretched from Washington’s corridors of power to Hollywood’s A–list, leading to him being named one of Crain’s 40 Under 40 and selected as a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the Davos World Economic Forum.
Ferrazzi’s form of connecting to the world around him is based on generosity, helping friends connect with other friends. Ferrazzi distinguishes genuine relationship–building from the crude, desperate glad–handling usually associated with “networking.” He then distills his system of reaching out to people into practical, proven principles. Among them:
Don’t keep score: It’s never simply about getting what you want. It’s about getting what you want and making sure that the people who are important to you get what they want, too.
“Ping” constantly: The Ins and Outs of reaching out to those in your circle of contacts all the time–not just when you need something.
Never eat alone: The dynamics of status are the same whether you’re working at a corporation or attending a society event&mdash “invisibility” is a fate worse than failure.
In the course of the book, Ferrazzi outlines the timeless strategies shared by the world’s most connected individuals, from Katherine Graham to Bill Clinton, Vernon Jordan to the Dalai Lama.
Chock full of specific advice on handling rejection, getting past gatekeepers, becoming a “conference commando,” and more, Never Eat Alone is destined to take its place alongside How to Win Friends and Influence People as an inspirational classic.
Customer Reviews:
Never Eat Alone.......2007-09-28
What a wonderful read!
At the core of this entertaining book are Keith's suggestions how to build a powerful network of friends and acquaintances. He starts out reasoning that you won't make it (or at least have a real hard time) in today's business world without contacts. What makes him really likeable though is his twist on the motivation and how to approach it. It is clear that he despises the calculating networking jerks that are just out to take something from a new relationship, but are not willing to give anything. On the contrary, his advise is to stretch out to others and offer your help, your advise where you have expertise, and your existing contacts to do the other a favor, and not ask and not even expect anything in return. He argues that return favors will come automatically and plentiful, without you asking for it (through your network, not necessarily from every person you ever helped).
As a personal advise to anybody's development, he offers a three step plan (sounds familiar). Only in the last step he suggests to actively look for people who can help you achieve your goals, and start networking so that you get to know them.
All throughout the book Keith parts with his incredible wealth of knowledge how to handle the most common situations on your mission to create your network, like dealing with the secretaries of powerful people (the gatekeepers), how to warm cold calls, following up, or the art of small talk. I have to say that I discovered many interesting tips that I had not heard or read before. Meanwhile, Keith is really entertaining, and this pearl never gets boring. There is so much information contained about how to start relationships, how to maintain them, and on principle how to be a people attractor that it will take quite a while for anybody to put all these principles to good use.
I admit that some of it may be too intense, and if you are not necessarily inclined or motivated to become a Fortune 500 CEO, some of the material sounds like overkill. Nevertheless, there are many aspects presented and advise given that apply to regular human interactions as well, and if studied and applied should help you become a better communicator and people attractor.
Tip of the iceberg for building relationships.......2007-09-27
Excellent read. Fast read that sets-up a lot of tangible strategies through heartfelt experiences of success and failure. Some great references to other texts that have also turned out to be fantastic reads.
Underwhelmed..........2007-09-23
After significant media PR, I went out and bought this book. Like that great movie your friends (the media) say that you have to see, this one is a pass. After you cut through the fluff, there are two important concepts to be taken away from this book: 1) always be networking and 2) the most effective way to network is to think about how many ways you can give value, provide leads, or be of service to those in your professional network - this goodwill granted will come back to you in spades.
The Gold Standard of Books on Connecting with Others.......2007-07-30
I found this book as I was perusing the aisles of my local bookstore and have recommended this book to all of my friends who are interested in becoming better or sharpen their "networking" (I prefer the word "connecting") abilities. As a recent college graduate who is just starting out my career, I feel that his book is extremely helpful by providing a solid outline of specific tools and tips for those just starting out and even for those well-seasoned careerists.
In addition, I enjoyed how he wrote the book in a way where both extroverts and introverts could benefit from reading the book. I liked how he used personal examples in his book (which uses his tip of having a certain level vulnerability when communicating with others) which really opens him up to his readers.
Finally, I would highly recommend people to either attend one of his seminars (if possible) or simply watch the short clips of Keith Ferrazzi readily available on YouTube.
helpful book, good ideas.......2007-07-04
This book was useful to me as I transitioned from employed geek to independent consultant. Networking is a crucial skill, and Ferrazzi has some solid ideas on how to do it well, and with respect. His win-win attitude is compelling.
More at: A geek "gets" networking: The strange magic of connecting with others
[...]
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