Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... book and 74 minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy)

Book Description

Here's a rich world of blues harmonica instruction and music for beginning through intermediate players.

Inspired by the idea that most music instruction literature is boring and irrelevant to most people most of the time, Rock n' Blues taches improvisational blues harmonica in a way that gets through the even the most instruction-hating, throy-phobic, eye-closed, "leave-me-alone-I'm-jamming" harp player. THE BOOK includes choosing your harp, first sounds, getting sweet tone, playing chords, playing single notes, basic blues riffs, I-IV-V blues progressions, bending, tongue-blocking, octaves and splits, vibrato, headshakes, mics and amps, positions 1 through 6 plus 12, reed tuning, famous cross harp melodies and more. The audio index tells you the key of harmonica you need to jam with the great blues recordings.

On THE CD, Jon plays every major harp technique over an easy-jamming, blues-band background for your C harmonica. Turn off the instruction to hear only the band. Turn off the band to hear only the instruction. This fully indexed 74 minute audio program will be a constant companion as you develop your tone and techniques.

THE HARMONICA is a Hohner Bluesband in the key of C, regularly retailing at $6. It is capable of sweet tone, bending and blues.

Customer Reviews:

Rock n Blues Review.......2007-08-23

I had previously purchased other instructional material by Jon Gindick, so I knew the guy was a good teacher, but this exceeded all expectations. I could see an improvement in myself after listening to the CD the very first time. The book is illustrated and specifically written for us "musical dummies". I would like to mention, however, that while the book is directed towards raw beginners, it takes a great deal of practicing to be able to Jam along with the CD. But, then again, that's probably the idea. If you were already that good you wouldn't need to be buying it. Overall, this is a great product.

Great Product!.......2007-05-23

Yeah--the caveman story line is a little tedious, but you gotta love Mr. Gindicks attempt at making it less technical and boring to study music. The material is great--the CD is wonderful--I've been getting better and better just playing the CD and jamming along--every now and then I even learn something new.

If you want to learn blues harp--this is a great place to start, in my opinion.

Ray

A Harmonica Book that Teaches the Fun Way!.......2007-05-15

If you're new to harmonica, or just want a few tips on how to improve your sound or technique, then this book is worth a look. John Gindick is a super teacher and this book is testament to that. Both entertaining and informing, this book has what the beginner/intermediate harp player is looking for.

Forget all the rest, buy this book.......2007-04-15

I have an impressive stack of "Learn to Play the Harmonica Instantly" books and none of them helped me in the least. This book got me playing the harmonics very quickly. The Caveman aspect of the book is a bit corny, but what the heck, why not? It's just Jon's way of making a unique approach to the music. If you really want to play music on your harmonica, buy this book. If you want excuses for why you don't play harmonica, stay with the others.

Rock n' Blues Harmonica.......2007-02-18

Exellent CD, book is very informative however drawn out with the caveman storyline which I would have preferred that it did not have.

The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients

Average customer rating:

The opinions of an experienced therapist
guideline for new therapists
Great book for beginning therapists
An excellent read for practitioners and clients
Great book

The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients
Irvin Yalom
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060938110
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Amazon.com

Speaking directly to the current generation of counselors, The Gift of Therapy lays out simple suggestions that blend personal experience with professional objectivity. This is a book that will remind you why you entered the field in the first place. With tips on avoiding diagnosis (except for insurance purposes), when to disclose personal information, and why it's important to leave time between patient appointments, the recommendations are aimed at therapists, but they may be useful to patients who want to know what to expect from their counselors. Some references to the DSM-IV may be a little over the layperson's head, but in general the writing is clear and understandable for lay readers as well as professionals.

Each chapter is just a few pages long, a nice format for busy folks whose reading time occurs in snippets. A single topic is addressed in each chapter, and author Irvin Yalom doesn't waste any time in getting to the point. Many of the sections revolve around balancing the "magic, mystery, and authority" that come with the job of freeing your clients of their reliance on you.

From when to offer an occasional hug to finding the perfect time for deeper questioning, Yalom's experienced observations will help you achieve even greater professional effectiveness while avoiding some of the more obvious traps in this HMO-directed age of mental health care. --Jill Lightner

Book Description

Anyone interested in psychotherapy or personal growth will rejoice at the publication of The Gift of Therapy, a masterwork from one of today's most accomplished psychological thinkers.

From his thirty-five years as a practicing psychiatrist and as an award-winning author, Irvin D. Yalom imparts his unique wisdom in The Gift of Therapy. This remarkable guidebook for successful therapy is, as Yalom remarks, "an idiosyncratic mÉlange of ideas and techniques that I have found useful in my work. These ideas are so personal, opinionated, and occasionally original that the reader is unlikely to encounter them elsewhere. I selected the eighty-five categories in this volume randomly guided by my passion for the task rather than any particular order or system."

At once startlingly profound and irresistibly practical, Yalom's insights will help enrich the therapeutic process for a new generation of patients and counselors.

Customer Reviews:

The opinions of an experienced therapist.......2007-09-07

In this book Dr. Yalom gives practical suggestion and guidance to new therapist regarding things to do and avoid during therapy session. The book is written in a simple language making it an easy read. There are 85 chapters each being about 1-3 pages long. For the most part, the chapters are not based on any psychological orientations, except that the "here and now" approach is discussed. Some chapters may be obvious to the reader and others may be considered the opinion of an experienced therapist. Overall, it is a useful book for new therapists, therapists in training, and patients.

guideline for new therapists.......2007-06-09

interesting book if you are considering going into the therapy field. it nis indeed a gift...and very interesting.

Great book for beginning therapists.......2007-06-04

I read this book as part of a practicum course in my clinical psychology doctoral program. While more advanced therapists might find it a bit basic, it's very helpful to beginning therapists, and it is written in a way that makes it very accessible. Highly recommended.

An excellent read for practitioners and clients.......2007-05-31

Yalom shares his insightful and warm views on the practice of existential psychology, writing in an easy and engaging style. This book of 85 short chapters (each about 3 - 4 pages) is easy to read in small doses.

Great book.......2007-02-20

Great for counselors in training and professional counselors. I plan on getting more of his work.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign: The New, Revised and Expanded Edition of the Leading Guide to Planning and Implementing a Capital Campaign

Average customer rating:

Solid Basics, a must for any Board
A must have resource for a Capital Campaign
Capital Campaign bible...
The Best Guide for Plannind Major Gift Campaigns
Useful but disappointing

Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign: The New, Revised and Expanded Edition of the Leading Guide to Planning and Implementing a Capital Campaign
Kent E. Dove
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0787949892

Book Description

"This book is highly recommended for development professionals, as well as board members and administrators who believe that a few million can easily be raised by development personnel in their spare time."--National Society of Fund Raising Executives Journal on the 1st edition

Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign has been the definitive resource on capital campaigns for a decade. Now, in the long-awaited second edition of the best-selling guide, Kent Dove offers an updated and expanded blueprint for planning and managing a successful capital campaign. He not only gives authoritative guidance to every aspect of a capital campaign but also provides new discussions on such important topics as linking strategic planning to fundraising, conducting external market surveys, defining leadership roles, establishing a campaign and solicitation process, and more. Other enhancements include:

A dramatically expanded resource section that includes samples of a strategic plan, market surveys, case statements, financial reports, pledge forms, newsletters, program brochures, a complete volunteer kit, and a post-campaign evaluation
New chapters on technology in fundraising, leadership gifts, and developing lasting relationships with donors
Updated examples and real-world lessons from diverse organizations that have conducted their own capital campaigns
The Dove Preparedness Index (DPI), a unique measurement tool that helps organizations simply and accurately assess their readiness to embark on a capital campaign
The new Continuous Lifetime Giving Program Model, including an analytical and segmented marketing approach to its implementation
A modernized version of the 80/20 rule, addressing the size and number of gifts that are needed to conduct a successful capital campaign

Packed with checklists, formulas, and tables, Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign is sure to make difference in your capital campaign.

Customer Reviews:

Solid Basics, a must for any Board.......2007-08-09

This book provides the fundamental outline to a successful Capital Campaign. It is not a how-to and will clearly state that a seasoned professional consultant should still be considered a vital part of any effort. But, short of that, any Board of Directors should have this book as a guide to understanding the depth of their own responsibilities, how to manage a consultant, the seriousness of the effort and planning ongoing giving programs. I did not give it a 5 only because it does not spell out oversite structures for committees. William

A must have resource for a Capital Campaign.......2007-03-21

I had a copy of the first edition of this excellent book but when I enbarked on a new Capital Campaign I bought the new edition. It is a book which anyone - experience and otherwise - must have if you have to venture into capital campaigning.

Even if you been there and done that, it is excellent as a check to see if you're on track.

The updated version has looked at Capital Campaigns in the light of the changing world of philanthrophy.

In Australia, our Capital Camapigns may not be as large as some in USA but never the less are run in just the same way.

A must have reference and the best one out there as far as I'm concerned.

Capital Campaign bible..........2006-09-21

Kent Dove's book is the bible for how to do capital fund raising. I have been asked as a development officer and consultant to do it other ways, and his is the ONLY way that works. I'm buying the updated book with joy that it has been published.

The Best Guide for Plannind Major Gift Campaigns.......2005-07-21

In the short time I've had this book, I've used it extensivly to plan a forthcoming $25 million campaign in a college within a university. After 15 years of experience in major gift fund raising, I've finally found the book that includes ALMOST everything we need to launch a very successful effort. I deeply appreciate Mr. Dove's efforts to update his work and provide this useful guide.

Useful but disappointing.......2002-11-30

Although there is useful information in this book, I found it disappointing compared with the recommendations that I read.

Part 1, which is about 200 pages, is the text of the book and covers planning and implementing your campaign. Part 2 which is about 300 pages is a collection of about 35 sample documents.

I found the text, which included chapters by other authors, rambling and verbose, giving lists of functions and lists of alternatives without reaching conclusions. I skimmed this part and found little worth reading carefully. (In contrast, I just read Tony Poderis concise and excellent "Its A Great Day to Fundraise" from cover to cover.) The author attempts an academic approach, with unhelpful citations. Examples of somewhat useful items were an outline of a case statement and examples of gift charts.

Particularly weak was a chapter entitled "Technology in Fundraising" which claimed that it was about the single most important support factor in fundraising. We learn that we need a broad team to select this technology; that we need to attend user groups of the system we are considering; that we need to meet current users; that we need to test the system at our site; that the system should be easy to support; that to install the system we need leadership, time, funding, involvement, communication, expertise, testing, training, defined reports, standards, process, etc.; and on and on and on with more generalities. We are NOT told what it is reasonable to expect such a system to do, what features have proved useful, or any other specific information that someone who had actually used such a system might provided.

The sample documents, which were largely from an Indiana University campaign, struck me as examples that I would not want to follow, although I found some useful items.

Average customer rating:

A must read for Boomers and Entrepreneurs

One of the Ten Best Business Books of 2007!

Turning Silver Into Gold

Excellent Reference Guide

The Demographic Buldge Marches Along

Turning Silver into Gold: How to Profit in the New Boomer Marketplace
Mary Furlong
Manufacturer: FT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Boomer Consumer: Ten New Rules for Marketing to Americas Largest, Wealthiest and Most Influential Group

Marketing to Leading-Edge Baby Boomers: Perceptions, Principles, Practices & Predictions

Boom: Marketing to the Ultimate Power Consumer-the Baby Boomer Woman

PrimeTime Women: How to Win the Hearts, Minds, and Business of Boomer Big Spenders

Ageless Marketing: Strategies for Reaching the Hearts and Minds of the New Customer Majority

ASIN: 0131856987

Customer Reviews:

A must read for Boomers and Entrepreneurs.......2007-09-22

With wit and incredible insight, Mary makes a great read, offering common sense advice with her unsurpassed knowledge of the baby boomer market. A boomer like myself with lots of needs still to be satisfied, she recognizes the power that this group possesses in terms of economic, political and social influence. She clearly explains how money can be made by offering needed services and goods to the generation that changed the world. With a concise prose style, this author walks you through a number of stages of adult life coupled with useful solutions and strategies to address the corresponding needs. Once you recognize those needs, you can craft services and products to making a profit while doing good at the same time. Whether it's health or caregiver issues or understanding how to make things happen, Mary is right on target on virtually every topic she hits. Go buy this book!

One of the Ten Best Business Books of 2007!.......2007-07-13

I like to hope that I am well read, especially with regard to business books. I must confess I had never heard of author Dr. Mary Furlong until two days ago when her new book jumped off the shelf and into my arms at a B&N store. Never have I been so pleased to be mugged by a book.

For any business person, this is a "must read" book. If you are already operating a business, that business is likely already being impacted by the baby boomer forces that Furlong understands so well. If you are contemplating starting a business, buy this book to better understand how to tap this huge and important market.

In an era where so many business books are a regurgitation of old wisdom or unsupported hype, this book is a refreshing contrast. Dr. Furlong's academic background comes through with her writing style of backing up her observations with documented facts. The fact she has also been a successful entrepreneur comes through in a fast paced writing style that is in sharp contrast to the tomes often coming out of academia.

I especially liked the way she packed each chapter with examples of both successful companies (referenced as the "elephants") and emerging companies that are validating the points she makes.

I raced through this book on a long flight. Two days later I am rereading again and underlining galore as the book is jam packed with so many nuggets.

This has to be one of the ten best business books of the year. Whether or not the author and publisher choose to hype the book to the top of the best seller lists, worry not, this book will help you as a business owner, investor, or advisor to businesses.

Skeptics of enthusiastic reviews will wonder if I know Dr. Furlong. I don't, but I will make it a point to get to know her. I want her wisdom on boomers to be a part of all my business activities.

Turning Silver Into Gold.......2007-05-19

Mediocre effort and less than mediocre editing. Author and publisher must have been in a hurry to get this out as there are both grammatical and typographical errors that are blatant. Ideas are obvious, author has managed to turn silver into gold, the question is can anyone else who buys this book. Recommended only if you are completely new to this arena.

Excellent Reference Guide.......2007-04-27

Turning Silver into Gold is a judicious investment for intra or entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the lucrative Baby Boomer market. As a business factor expert, Dr. Furlong provides insightful, industry-specific analysis including vital market statistics and trends. This book holds the power to enrich both body and soul.

The Demographic Buldge Marches Along.......2007-03-25

The boomers have been a buldge in the statistical charts since they were born. First there weren't enough hospitals to birth them. Then there weren't enough schools to teach them. Then there weren't enough houses for them to buy, etc. etc.

Dr. Furlong is an expert on the demographics of the boomers. She has spent most of her career in studying them as as academic, and practically as a small businesswoman. She has studied what they want, what they need, their financial situation. And more important, she has taken this information and projected it to what the boomers will want, need, and buy as they continue to age.

Her intent in this book is to tell the businessman, small or large how this demographic buldge will affect them in the future. There was a time when everything was aimed at the youth market. As the title says, the future belongs to silver, the color the boomers hair is turning.

Average customer rating:

Awesome Book for Business Owners!
Cashflow -- for a writer ? ? ? ?
Required Reading for Every Business Owner
Instant Cashflow
Limited value

Instant Cashflow (Instant Success)
Bradley J Sugars , and Brad Sugars
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071466592

Book Description

Discover 282 marketing and sales strategies proven to make more money for you!

A self-made multimillionaire and business development expert, Brad Sugars helps you identify your company's hidden “gold mines,” dramatically boost your bottom line, and get on the fast track to big profits. And best of all, these crystal-clear, bite-sized lessons can be put to work in your business immediately! Discover how to:

Generate hundreds of promising new leads
Increase your conversion rate of leads to sales
Maximize the value of your average sale
Measure your results and fine-tune your best strategies

Get real results right now when you discover all that Instant Success has to offer!

Instant Advertising * Instant Leads * Instant Profit * Instant Promotions * Instant Referrals * Instant Repeat Business * Instant Sales * Instant Systems * Instant Team Building * The Business Coach * The Real Estate Coach * Successful Franchising * Billionaire in Training

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Book for Business Owners!.......2007-09-24

Great book for small business owners who want to learn a wide variety of marketing and selling techniques. Also helps clarify how to convert leads into buyers, and lots of other important details such as understanding ways to improve your profit margin.

Cashflow -- for a writer ? ? ? ?.......2007-07-10

Why on earth would someone who writes cozy cat mysteries want a book that deals with managing a business? [I'm reluctant to use the term "duh!" but it seems to fit here.]

My work as a writer, editor, and speaker, generates income. Ergo, I have a business. Sure, I don't have employees, but so what? The general principles are still the same, despite the common belief that writers must be starving artists until they hit the big time.

Because I've never owned a traditional business, I'm not one to judge whether or not INSTANT CASHFLOW gives valid advice about deductions and such. Yes, there is MUCH in this book that I cannot use. But the story of the mechanic, the encouragement that I can shift my thinking (and my actions) to profitable means, the concept of buying customers -- all these are ideas I can use.

Check back with me in two years and see how well it's worked.

Required Reading for Every Business Owner.......2007-05-14

As anyone in business knows, cash is KING! This book is a "must-read" because it provides a thorough overview of the most important aspect of business--how to keep the cash flowing in. There are literally hundreds of usable ideas and strategies that can be put to work in any business right away, many involving no out-of-pocket cost. Brad challenges the reader with "common-sense" approaches to building your business while providing practical solutions. Keep a note pad handy while you're reading so you can remember the ideas you will want to implement.

Instant Cashflow.......2007-03-31

This is the best business growth book I have ever read. If you are sitting at your desk wondering how to increase your cashflow...buy this book NOW. Oh yea, and you have to follow the advice too!

Limited value.......2007-03-01

This book has three short chapters on theory which are reasonably good. The parable-like stories in Chapter 3 are probably my favorites. Then there are 282 ideas on 150 pages--the bulk of the book. Then six very short and almost useless chapters including one on how you can contact the author to get consulting help.

The ideas are "fluffy"... for each one that I thought was good there are several (even dozens) that were silly, commen-sense, illegal (you cannot legally trade comp time for overtime for non-exempt position in the US), or otherwise unusable.

So the ultimate value of this book is how to make a lot of money writing some very thin material and a monument to Sugars' salesmanship.

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation

Average customer rating:

Ugh
A "Victim"
It's a helpfull book
Perfect for those who grew up with "Teen Witch" (like I did)
Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
Silver RavenWolf
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0738703192

Book Description

The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past. Information is arranged alphabetically and divided into five distinct categories: (1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery, (2) Shadows of Objects, (3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency, (4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment, and (5) Shadows of Daily Life. It is organized so readers can skip over the parts they already know, or read each section in alphabetical order. Selling Features

By the author of the best-selling Teen Witch and mother of four teen Witches A jam-packed learning and resource guide for serious young Witches

All categories are discussed in modern terms and their associated historical roots Includes endnotes and footnotes that cite sources or add clarification A training companion to Teen Witch and To Ride a Silver Broomstick

Customer Reviews:

Ugh.......2007-07-10

I bought this book on a whim to see if it was really as bad as they say. While it does cover a lot of topics, most are glazed over. She also spends pages and pages writing about things unrelated to the subject. It seemed like every sentence had extra words added to it to take up more space. There several instances where for four pages + (this book is pretty large) she typed and typed but managed to say nothing useful at all.

I may be fairly new to this but I'm pretty sure glitter has no place in magick. The book does not talk about the gods and goddess save to provide a rather lame list of deities associated with each pantheon. Over and over again hiding your magickal activities is stressed. While the more important aspects, like being in touch with nature get misplaced behind Acne Removal spells.

This book is definitely meant for teens.

Her use of long repetitive phrases really bothers me because it seems like half the book is just filler. Not to mention the history being off and the almost total omission of deity.

Don't buy this book.

A "Victim".......2007-07-02

This is a review about all of Silver Ravenwolf's "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" and its sequels and her BOS-Encyclopedia book.

Until today, I never realized the ineffectiveness of Silver Ravenwolf's books. I am 16. I have read/owned her books since I was 11. When my (christian) aunt came into my room about one week ago when I was playing with my cousins, my immediate reaction was "Oh no, she's going to think I'm corrupting her children with what she thinks is a 'Satanic, evil' religion." When I reflected upon my reaction, I realized I was judging my aunt, and Christianity, and that I, I was the one who was being judgmental and persecuting her. Silver Ravenwolf's books do slam Christians. I totally bought into her slander. Who doesn't want to feel better than one third of the world, more enlightened than one third of the world? Everyone wants to feel like they know secrets that other people do not. Everyone wants to be "right." I was/am no exception. If you want tolerance, it is not in these books, although they preach tolerance.

I have also come away with a paranoid attitude toward Wicca/Witchcraft. I feel like it is forbidden, hated by society. Silver Ravenwolf encourages teens to hide their practice from people for fear of persecution. Maybe she is right, but I feel scared to even TALK about it. That is not an attitude that anyone should have about divinity or their chosen religion.

Also, if you asked me to define "Wicca" or "Witchcraft" I would give you a very vague answer. I do not know the difference - what have I been practicing?! I could tell you some stuff about paganism, but not Wicca.

Well, I have begun studying ceremonial magic out of "Modern Magic" by Donald Michael Kraig. I have not read any reviews of the book, but I feel like I finally have an idea what I am supposed to be feeling in the rituals I perform. Kraig is very clear about what is factual history and what is mythical "history." With Ravenwolf, spellcasting techniques were so vague that I felt I had no solid base to work from.

The only way to practice a religion is the way it is meant to be practiced, not any way you feel like it. Even Wicca, a new religion, does have core beliefs that need to be adhered to. You can't just study the occult in general and consider yourself Wiccan or a Witch.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER. YOU WILL ONLY GET WRONG AND VAGUE INFORMATION. I WAS MISLED BY HER BOOKS.

It's a helpfull book.......2007-06-30

I love the book.
Some people said that is complicate. But what in the live is not? Is more easy if you read the other book of the author
My firsth language is not english but I don't think that the vocabulary is too complicate.

Perfect for those who grew up with "Teen Witch" (like I did).......2007-06-20

I'm a big fan of Silver RavenWolf, even though many people really like to trash her style. So her historical information may not be completely, perfectly accurate, or she may not write what everyone wants or expects her to write. I can guarantee that no one's book on The Craft is perfect, and Ms Ravenwolf is no exception. But what she never fails to do is to encourage her reader to follow their heart. Although the information in _Solitary Witch_ is mainly aimed at the college-aged group (those who grew up with _Teen Witch_ and now are adults), the information and rituals in this tome are beneficial to practicioners of all ages. I highly enjoy this book, although I believe that it could have been organized a bit better. Overall, it is a perfect book for those who have progressed past _Teen Witch_ and are hungry for the next step up.

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation.......2007-05-29

I admit to being a fan of Silver Raven Wolf. I am enjoying this one every bit as much as her others. There is a wealth of information that is simultaneously mystical and practical.

Angel Investing: Matching Startup Funds with Startup Companies -- A Guide for Entrepreneurs, Individual Investors, and Venture Capitalists

Average customer rating:

more than a Guide
Great book
Good guide for entrepreneurs who need funding
Good Overview of Angel Investing
Place this in your shopping cart now!

Angel Investing: Matching Startup Funds with Startup Companies -- A Guide for Entrepreneurs, Individual Investors, and Venture Capitalists
Mark Van Osnabrugge , and Robert J. Robinson
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0787952028

Amazon.com

According to Robert J. Robinson and Mark van Osnabrugge, so-called business angels--those generally unheralded private investors who usually specialize in high-growth fields and often involve themselves directly in the endeavors they fund--now provide 30 to 40 times more financing each year than their more famous counterparts, venture capitalists. In Angel Investing, Robinson and Van Osnabrugge use personal interviews, anecdotal evidence, and more than 300 research studies to show exactly who these financiers are, how they operate, and where they can be found. Robinson, an international management consultant, and Van Osnabrugge, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, also compare various financing options, explain precisely how angels and venture capitalists function differently, describe proven ways to attract them, and provide relevant resources. "The vast size and power of the business angel market in the United States is not well understood but is of incredible importance to our entrepreneurial sector and, indirectly, to maintaining our economic growth and standard of living," the authors write. They pack their book accordingly with valuable information for serious fund-seekers who have exhausted the traditional three F's (founder, family, and friends), as well as those who are considering entrepreneurial investments of their own. --Howard Rothman

Book Description

They deliver more capital to entrepreneurs than any other source. And they often receive an incredible return on their investments. They're angel investors, some of the most important--and least understood--players in business today. The United States has close to three million angels, whose investments in startups exceed $60 billion per year. Some of our most successful companies were funded by angels--companies like Ford, AOL, and Amazon.com. But until now, little has been written about these angels, due in part to their preference for anonymity. Angel Investors provides an inside look at who these angels are and how they operate. It also shows would-be angels and entrepreneurs how best to find each other.

To learn more about this book, visit its website.

Customer Reviews:

more than a Guide.......2003-11-11

I am the Founder & CEO of a business that within the next 8 to 12 months was seeking to raise between $2M and $5M to fund our expansion. I always thought of going straight to Venture Capital firms or Private Equity divisons of Invmt Banks that I have already been in touch with. This book, Angel Investing, was a truly priceless read to me. The education delivered by authors has helped me re-strategize my approach to inviting external investors and also the amount that I should try to raise and the schedule of funds. What I thought was most helpful was the detailed comparisons between Angel Investors and Venture Capitalist, as well as understanding the psychology behind their thinking and how an entrepreneur seeking outside funds should try to prepare every aspect of their presentation (themselves, their product and overall business plan). The book has given me tools to have most questions covered and more importantly has prepared me to become an angel myself in the years ahead.

Great book.......2002-10-29

This book starts off slowly but when it gets rolling it is very helpful ,giving good infromation where and when you need it.

Good guide for entrepreneurs who need funding.......2002-08-28

If you are planning to go after Angel funding, this book is a must-read. The book contains interviews with a broad spectrum of Angels, who discuss their investment experience, the thinking they go through, and key things they look for, when evaluating an opportunity. This book would serve as an excellent reference for anyone preparing to be in front of Angels.

Good Overview of Angel Investing.......2002-07-22

"Angel Investing" by Mark Van Osnabrugge and Robert J. Robinson gives useful information about angel investors and venture capitalists.

Van Osnabrugge and Robinson estimate that angel investors--wealthy individuals who invest their own money into start-up companies--invest three to five times more money than venture capitalists and back thirty to forty times more ventures, making angel investors the primary source of external capital for entrepreneurs.

But, how do you meet and present your business idea to an angel investor? What factors do angel investors give the most weight to when debating whether or not to fund a venture? How do angel investors differ from venture capitalists when valuing a start-up company?

"Angel Investing" answers these questions and many more. It is stuffed with studies, interviews, and solid advice. "Angel Investing" can be divided into three main categories:

* General background about angel investors and venture capitalists and their relationship and importance to business and the economy.

* Practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking start-up funds from angel investors or venture capitalists.

* Practical advice for individuals considering becoming angel investors and making investments in small companies.

Each topic in "Angel Investing" is well documented. It's a rather formal book, actually. Robinson is a professor at the Harvard Business School and Van Osnabrugge is a former fellow of the Harvard Business School.

I found the section about successful angel investment deals a bit too rich for my taste. For example, we learn that one angel investor who backed amazon.com got a 260 times return on his initial investment of $100,000 making him $26 million. Another angel who invested in the Body Shop received 10,500 times his initial investment. As a new angel investor, don't get overly excited about the prospects! Remember, many angel investments fail dismally. As the authors point out, you must only invest money you can afford to lose!

If you are already a financially successful entrepreneur who considers becoming an angel investor, you might want to read "Angel Investing" to help improve the chances of making successful angel investments. However, the book is not a complete analysis of the due diligence process.

And, of course, from an entrepreneur's standpoint, reading a book won't automatically put you in contact with serious angel investors, and much of the real work in financing a new venture involves finding personal contacts to introduce you to appropriate angel investors. Van Osnabrugge and Robinson note that most funded ventures involve personal introductions.

Maybe, if you're ready to invest $50,000 per company or more (and ready to lose $50,000 or more per investment!), you're tired of investing in public companies (with mystic accounting and lack of reportability to the investor), and you want to add value to your investment by contributing information and contacts to your investment, this might be a good book to help get you started. On the downside, you'll probably have no diversification and poor liquidity with angel investments.

The most important tip from "Angel Investing": Do adequate research before investing in a company. And, it's best if you know the industry and know business.

Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur."

Place this in your shopping cart now!.......2002-05-31

This book is one of THE BEST books on this subject matter that I have read in recent years. Having been in the venture capital industry for many years I was very interested to read what van Osnabrugge and Robinson had to say. I'll be the first to admit that I was a bit skeptical because the book was written by academics. However, after a careful read it became clear that these authors have done their homework and know what they are talking about. This book is an enjoyable read that has some of the most useful information I have found to date. I urge anyone interested in entrepreneurship and investing to read this book. You won't be sorry.

Millennials Go to College: Strategies for a New Generation on Campus, 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Millennials Go to College: Strategies for a New Generation on Campus, 2nd Edition
William Strauss , and Neil Howe
Manufacturer: American Association of Collegiate Registrars
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1578580331

Emerging Worship: Creating Worship Gatherings for New Generations

Average customer rating:

Agree with premise, hate the writing
Four and Half Stars--Must read for those in ministry!
Awesome Questions...dangerous answers
Better than coffee
Challenging and insightful

Emerging Worship: Creating Worship Gatherings for New Generations
Dan Kimball , David Crowder , and Sally Morgenthaler
Manufacturer: Zondervan/Youth Specialties
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0310256445

Book Description

A complete guide to developing an alternative worship service for the younger emerging generation.

Customer Reviews:

Agree with premise, hate the writing.......2007-09-28

Many people are praising this book for its challenging message. I don't disagree with the message.

I was disappointed in this book because it the poor quality of writing inhibits clarity and good argument. Also, because the author believes every gathering must fit its unique context (I agree!), he tries to avoid making specific recommendations. The result is just jumbled ideas and vague quasi-suggestions. If you are looking for a book that will teach you how to start an emerging worship gathering, this is not going to be very helpful.

The best part of the book is where Kimball profiles several different emerging worship gatherings (at the back), and it would have been a better book to start with these, then draw observations about things they have in common. (And it would have been better if such observations were written by a better writer.)

More specifically about the writing, Kimball's problems start with a poor vocabulary. A good vocabulary results in an economy of words and a precision in meaning; a poor one yields vague, shallow wordiness.

For example, he writes on page 172: "Historically, church ministry functions in a certain way and there was a specific approach to looking at the church leadership structure. But Graceland [an alternative/emerging worship gathering] started going against the norms of consistency and church uniformity!" Lots of words, little clarity: it's clumsy and vague.

I found Kimball's avoidance of specific suggestions or guidance for creating emerging worship gatherings annoying. Either he is unable to find common threads in emerging worship gatherings, or he is deliberately obfuscating. I wish he would show a little more faith in his readers, and tell us how each gathering he profiles was envisioned and created. Most of us are bright enough to realize that our situation is unique, and we must be careful in applying the lessons from other gatherings. But more specifics would have made this a much more helpful resource.

Four and Half Stars--Must read for those in ministry!.......2007-09-24

I am an evangelical Christian finishing up my Bachelor's in Music Ministry from an A/G University. The issues presented in this book are issues that I have been wrestling with and for which I have been unable to find very good answers.

I have not read Kimball's more famous book--"The Emerging Church" or some title along those lines--but I read this book quite intensely.

I was quite the skeptic of this book; the term "Emergent" to me has been misunderstood and made to mean a lot of things. In my mind before I read the book, the word "Emergent" meant a segment of Christianity with Epistemological issues (Truth issues) and entirely focused on experience in regard to every matter of faith and doctrine. Although I believe a lot of the "emergent Church" could fall into this boat, Dan Kimball shouldn't necessarily be thrown in with them.

This book became less about "Emergent" thought, or theology, but more about "Emergent" methodology. You see, the post-modern generation has epistemological issues that need to be met with the appropriate ministry methodologies. Some of the Emergent leaders get caught up with their own truth problems when the try to reach post-moderns, and some others like Dan Kimball simply use methodologies with truth-challenged people in mind.

I highly recommend this book to pastors and worship pastors, although it may not be as practical as you might desire. In case you haven't noticed, if you are looking for a "7 steps to do this..." or "21 reasons that..." kind of book you are in the wrong place. Those kinds of books are thoroughly influenced by modernism anyway (like John Maxwell type books). Emergent literature is not a "3 steps to" whatever kind of movement--to them it is all about "The Journey" for the individual and the truths discovered along the way. This book does provide examples of what some churches are doing, but encourages you to find out what will appeal to your community where you live.

I am from the Midwest and live in TX--the culture I am surrounded with is not as advanced in a post-modernistic way as the west-coast culture out in California from where we receive Kimball's insights. Ultimately, Kimball is saying that we have to change to reach people, change according to the culture you are in by finding what works for that culture, and make sure Christ is always at the center of everything we do. That is something that thoroughly impressed my throughout the entire book--it encourages being Christocentric at all times in every ministry endeavor.

Once again--methodology is not theology. Don't confuse ways to reach people solely through the "sacred spaces" and house churches discussed in this book; the Word of God is the only thing that can truly change people.

Awesome Questions...dangerous answers.......2007-09-17

The subtitle reads, "Creating Worship Gatherings for New Generations", which is a worth goal. And I think Kimball has explored and outlined how to create such a service which would be interesting and accessible to the "New Generation." But I really don't feel like he's adequately answered the real question of "Should we?"

He does tell us why he thinks we should - but all those reasons are based more on the fact that more and more of the post-modern generation are not attending church or dropping out of it. I think the real question is not what can we provide that they will be interested in or that will be relevant to them, the real issue is what do they need - not what they want. Children many times know that they are hungry, but more often than not they will desire foods that provide no sustenance.

This is a sequel or follow-up to Kimball's "Emerging Church", and I do think it is a must read for every modern pastor and worship pastor because it is good to wrestle with the issues being raised. And Kimball asks some great questions (for the most part), he just has some very dangerous answers. Church leaders need to explore these issues and understand biblically what is right and wrong with what Kimball is presenting here.

So yeah, I highly recommend this book - though it will be outdated within the next ten years, I believe. Just take it with a grain of salt and know that, though he doesn't have all the answers, he is recognizing many issues within the modern church.

Better than coffee.......2007-07-27

If you like to have your cup of coffee to help get your eyes open in the morning, reading Kimball's book on Emerging Worship will be a stimulating literary cup of coffee! This book rocked my boat. It made me uncomfortable. It stimulated, even agitated my thinking at times. And it was a welcome and needed jolt. If you are burdened about the missing generations in the church and are trying to figure out how to reach them, you will gain a lot of insight from this book. It will switch the lights on in your head and open up new doors of possibility.

Challenging and insightful.......2006-08-13

Where are all the 18-to-35-year-olds? Thy're not in the mainline churches. They're also not in the conservative evangelical churches! Kimball himself comes from that "camp," and I have significant issues with Kimball's theology (particularly his understanding of salvation). However, Kimball points to a disturbing trend.

"I've had numerous conversations with younger people who told me they left their church to be a disciple of Jesus in a way that makes sense to them," he writes on page xii. "They aren't abandoning their faith. Many choose to form small faith communities and meet in homes among friends. They are waiting for the larger, more organized church to change. This is no cop-out, either. Virtually every young adult I have talked to sincerely tried to bring change to their church and brought suggestions to their church leadership before leaving their church. Most volunteered to start something new. But the suggestions fell on deaf ears with a predetermined view of what emerging generations should be like in relation to 'church.' The closed minds in their church leadership eventually made them choose to leave." I'm struck by those sentences because I myself know people who have done precisely what Kimball describes; I know young adults who have tried to change the institutional church, faced a wall virtually made of bricks, gotten discouraged, and left the institution to find a new (and to them, more authentic) way to be faithful to Jesus Christ.

Kimball offers several models for how to reach this generation. These models are based upon a basic assumption: we need to get away from the idea that the fundamental building block in the church is the weekend worship service, and we need to embrace the idea that the fundamental building block in the church is the church's mission of making disciples.

Wait -- what? You mean the Sunday morning worship service isn't the bedrock of the faith community? Yes, that's precisely what Kimball is saying. Chapter 3 -- "Why This Is a Dangerous Book to Read" -- is, for me, the highlight of the book. Kimball wisely points out that if you are not able to shake yourself loose of some basic assumptions about what it means to "be church," you may find this book deeply troubling. It's no small thing to encourage people to accept the idea that everything they've always thought about "church" might not quite be what Jesus had in mind!

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