Amazon Prime-beware of free trial!

Although you will not have to pay for the service for one month, if you do decide to go for the free trial (as I did), US$99 will flee from your bank account and be refunded who knows when. So let's say, you have less than $99 in your checking account and no line of credit.-You could be owing your bank money for something that was initially "free". I chatted with a customer service representative, and was explained that I did not have to pay this money. But still, Amazon should tell me that they are going to debit my account before they do this sneaky trick. That way, I know my options. So I will never, ever, ever, ever buy anything from Amazon again!

Cast Away for These reasons Economic Jihad

Cast Away for These reasons Economic Jihad by Jo M. Sekimonyo

 

To understand what this book is about, you must first understand what the author is about. He is not just another man on a rant, speaking unintelligibly on his soapbox. No. He is a master thinker with much to teach and share to those who will listen. He has his eccentricities such as listening to vinyl records only, and he takes great pleasure in finding troves such as Thelonious Monk albums (a musician whose work I probably enjoy as much as he does). A common theme in this book is poor distribution of wealth and also the folly of economists. Mr. Sekimonyo is something of an exception in his sociopolitical ideals. I am used to someone who speaks of social injustice and economic inequality as being either Marxist, socialist or communist. And there are those, as he rightly states, that pigeonhole him as such and shut him out. That is most definitely their loss: in fact, the author is none of the above, however he does say that capitalism has some serious problems. Indeed, he writes: "...people fail to realize that Capitalism was part of paradigms based on barbaric social norms and practices." Unlike some economists in their ivory towers. Mr. Sekimonyo ventures out into the world. He will ride Greyhound buses over thousands of miles of highway and fly to Africa, where poverty can be observed in its crudest state. Major problems there were corruption and repression. He makes a poignant observation that problems in Africa are found in the Western Hemisphere as well. As an example, he cites when former Gov. of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich was arrested for trying to sell Barak Obama's vacant Senate seat while in public office. I commend the author for bringing this up because as Americans, we are taught that there are certain events that do not take place in our country, but rather in remote, Third World countries. In the coming chapters, the author continues to show us more examples of social inequality and injustice-always preceded by meticulous research and first-hand knowledge, never taking people or events at face value.

 

I picked up this book by chance, and, normally accepting of capitalism and, I admit, ignoring poverty, though it abounds in my adopted country, Chile, I went through three phases: Phase 1: I didn't believe what the author was saying, I wanted to give counterexamples and shut it out. Phase 2: I kept going, compelled by the author's solid style and well-thought-out arguments, I began to see that he had a point. Phase 3: I saw the light. Even though my ideology is different than his, I saw the need to support the poor, to make a difference, in other words, I answered the wake-up call.

 

I can think of myriad reasons for reading this book and a whole spectrum of people who would be interested in it. The first reason that comes to mind is, no pun intended, to open your mind. We are dealing with a person who, though his ideas differ from those of the majority, explains himself well and captures your attention. Another reason would be to get a good grade (in high school or college) in an anthropology, history or sociology class by writing a book report. I'm sure that you would surprise your teacher/professor. Perhaps you are just a freethinker, someone who isn't quite content with the status quo. In that case, this book will give you material for many, many conversations and discussions to come.

 

To buy the book, for only $3.99, please click here.

Slide Spin

Slide Spin by Subbarao Mukkavilli

Slide Spin

Since this book is full of wisdom, some in the way of famous quotes, I thought I would add one myself: "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."--Benjamin Franklin. In fact, this is one of the underlying tenets of Slide Spin, an e-book on how to prepare business presentations in PowerPoint and other comparable software suites that will make you and your company successful. That is to say, if you prepare for a top-notch presentation with help from this book, the outcome will be more than satisfactory. The book itself is divided into three sections: 1. "The rationale behind creating compelling presentations..." 2. "the core concepts of creating effective presentations." 3. An outline of "… various concepts, ideas and online tools to further fortify our message." Another component of this book that I particularly like is a list of myths about what is needed to create a presentation and the rationale proving them wrong. Here are a few of those myths so that you can get an idea: 1. I am not a creative person. 2. My current job is not in demand of presentation skills. 3. We have very good content on our website, plenty of advertisement material designed by our ad agency… I can include all these in my presentation. 6. Creating presentations is a daunting task but I don't have an expert to help me. Why start something I cannot complete? 7. I'm not an expert in graphic design. I know nothing about creative tools. Here the author brilliantly provides you all the reasons that you can indeed prepare dazzling PowerPoint slides.

Though I am not a business executive, I clearly understand the author's motive and true willingness to help the reader. I am able to project the outcome of a potential presentation by following the book's instructions. One of the best lessons I learned was to focus on the content of the presentation rather than the design, fonts, etc,. What I really like about this book is that it is not written by some lofty professor with little or no hands-on experience; it is written by someone who has been out in the business world preparing and exhibiting his own presentations. In other words, he walks the walk and talks the talk, and he backs everything up with actual slides and tables, so the reader can see for him or herself what it's all about. His tone is lively without being dense. In fact, he employs interesting elements or "spice"- which is yet another incentive to keep reading his book. In addition, there is always something new, refreshing and exciting coming around the bend. I felt compelled to finish the book.

There are many reasons for acquiring this book. Some are:

It will catapult you into a successful career through superb presentations.

It is entertaining. Even if you did not learn anything from the book (which I guarantee you will) you will have fun reading it!

You don't have to enroll in a special course to pick up something new for your career. Sometimes it is enough just to read a book or for someone to give you some sound advice.

It is inexpensive. Only 6 dollars!

Below is are relevant links.

Main Website

Author Site

Amazon Slide Spin ebook

 

Supernatural Hero

by Eran Gadot

 

This is a heart rending novel that no pre-teen and his or her parents want to miss. Andy, the main character, is at that age where he is neither a child nor an adult. Sometimes he tries to do adult things and is treated like a child. Other times, his parents treat him like a child and his reaction is much closer to an adult’s. Andy is a self-declared nerd and is especially good at math but doesn’t play sports. He lives with his parents and older sister, Lynn who only has rude comments for him. She has no qualms about making fun of her brother in front of her friends. Since both Andy’s parents are busy, Andy mostly relies on his grandfather for moral support. They get along great!

 

Andy is especially keen on winning the heart of Zoe, a classmate. He feels that this is impossible because he is a nerd and she is popular. In the meantime, Andy learns that his grandpa has terminal cancer and dies shortly thereafter. This marks a difficult time for the whole family. Something very peculiar happens to Andy—he can see his grandpa’s spirit and talk to him and his grandpa can talk back to him too. This becomes a big issue for his parents and they want to take him to a therapist. Andy tries not to talk out loud to his grandpa while he’s around other people but he is nevertheless overheard on occasion. Andy’s grandpa continues to give him advice, specifically to ask Zoe out on a date.

 

This book touches my emotions. It takes me back to when I was in the sixth grade and had problems like Andy and I wanted to be more grown up, but couldn’t always. It was translated from another language, but I wouldn’t know that if it weren’t stated at the beginning of the book. It reads like a native English text! I’m also drawn to the supernatural issue. Andy’s grandpa cares about him so much that he lingered around Earth to talk to him and give him guidance. That’s amazing. What a brilliant move by the author!

 

This book should be required reading at school because it is both interesting (I couldn’t put it down) and it teaches core values such as family unity and unconditional support. On that same note, parents should read Supernatural Hero along with their children too because it shows them the hidden things that children don’t always tell their parents for fear they won’t understand. Buy it here!

Unplugged

by P.D. Quaver

Technology is everywhere in our lives today. We are forced to use it on many occasions and on others, we just use it over other activities. This teen novel starts out as a group of teenagers from well-to-do families addicted to technology: cell phones, computers and other devices. At their parents' behest, they all check into a boarding school to cure them of their technology addictions. Although they are definitely sequestered from technology and the outside world as they know it, it soon becomes apparent that the school, The Natural Path, has other designs for them. Dr. Zarkov, the head of the program, turns out to be involved in a kidnapping plot. The kids are flown off to a tropical island far away from home. They interact with each other and learn coping skills and share humor with each other despite the circumstances. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. A couple of times, I sincerely thought that some of the students would lose their life—for diverse reasons.

 

I found this book to be a pleasant read. It took me back to when I was the characters' age. There was some technology back then — but of course, nothing like now. I found myself engaging with the hostages in my head, pretending to give them advice and laughing along with them. This is something that happens to me when a book is well-written by a skilled author.

 

Whatever stereotypes might have fit the kids at first (rich, nerdy, living outside the law in the case of the hacker) either disappeared or were fleshed out as the story leaped out of bounds on an endless roller coaster. This is something not a few authors neglect to do—describe characters so they are three dimensional and not just flat, cursory descriptions. Yet another talent of P.D, Quaver’s that comes to light.

 

I recommend this book for any teenager who wants to experience an entertaining story and also contemplate their own personal situation. If their parents are so inclined, they can read it too and have another reason to bond with their children. You can purchase it on Amazon and download it to your e-reader in less than a minute!

Things Fall Apart

by Hillary Neiman

All of us have a before and after in our lives. Sometimes this event can be joyous, like before I was a father and after I was a father. Other times, people are not so lucky. I'm speaking of accidents or death of a loved one or any number of things that can befall us. In the case of Hillary Neiman, it was the loss of her freedom and license to practice law. How devastating! I'm not sure I can make it out of something like that. The worst part about it was that Ms. Neiman was not out there looking to commit a crime, but rather in her zeal to help her clients, intended parents, to fulfill their dreams of actually being parents, she overlooked some technicalities—her intentions were always good, of that I am certain. I'll let you read the book to find out what these were and what impact this mistake had on her entire life. The book continues with Ms. Neiman's lessons learned in prison and then in home confinement. Despite being what could be a humiliating and depressing experience, she was able, partly through her undergraduate education in comparative religion, to become a better person and to make friends with some of the inmates.

I feel fortunate to have read this book. It made me value my life for what it is and also live the moment—because you never know what is around the corner. The author has the rare gift of being able to address each and every reader. I felt like she was talking to me personally, that she was right in the room telling her story, holding nothing back. I couldn't put it down. I found myself putting off chores so I could finish it more quickly. Things Fall Apart should be college-level required reading in Philosophy, Law and Criminology courses. Young people, no matter how bright, should learn about the world they are going to enter after graduating from college and put in place checks and balances in their professional activities so that they do not run afoul of the law unknowingly. And anyone else should read this book to appreciate the life they have as well as to overcome any anguish and frustration they may have. Whatever the motivation behind reading this book, you won't be disappointed! Get your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/Things-Fall-Apart-Hilary-Neiman/dp/0991547802/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1399234543&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=things+fall+apart+hilary+neiman

The Holistic Weight Loss Guide

by Maha Nasr

Both being overweight and losing weight are two issues that concern a great number of people all over the world. With an overabundance of food in many countries coupled with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, no wonder so many of us (myself included) suffer from this problem. The good news is, with the right information and determination, you don't have to be overweight! 

So you think this book is about dieting? Wrong! The book, written by a holistic nutritionist with a medical background I should add, says, "diets are a temporary fix. Most people think of diets is a temporary solution to their problem. Once the weight has been lost, they go back to their old habits." I can vouch for this because once I got down to a very reasonable weight only to gain back the extra pounds once I went off the diet. That is why this book allows you to eat healthy 90% of the time and less healthy or "free" food 10% of the time. I find that reasonable because what's the point of losing weight if you have to be restricted to eating a certain kind of food? The book also delves into why you are overweight. In other words, this is no fly-by-night quick guide to weight loss; hence the title: The Holistic Weight Loss Guide.

I'm excited about how this book deals with some of the same issues I've been told by medical doctors and nutritionists such as drinking more water and eating several small meals and snacks as well as exercising. And the part I really like is the foods that you're allowed to eat but also keep you satisfied. I've always had problems staying full and since I started following this book's advice, I've been more successful at feeling satisfied without raiding the refrigerator.

My message to the person who wants to lose weight and keep the pounds off is to pick up a copy of this book. It is written by a holistic nutritionist with a medical background who specializes in this field and has a genuine interest in helping you. Imagine how good you will feel once you've lost the weight you've plan to lose. Imagine how good you will look, how healthy you will be and how satisfied you will feel on the inside. Surely the price of this book is a very small one in comparison to all you have to gain (or is it lose?) Get your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Holistic-Weight-Loss-Guide-ebook/dp/B00JOYWJQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398824986&sr=8-1&keywords=the+holistic+guide+to+weight+loss