Books Blog

The world has always been our playground, or so we’ve been told from a rather young age….but how often do you think about tomorrow? I don’t mean the day after today, I mean the tomorrow of future generations? Will the world as we know it be here in all its glory and splendor? Or will it only survive as a distant memory held in the hearts and minds of former youth?

In “A Sense of Urgency” by Don Bongaards, you are exposed to the realities of the energy crisis as it exists today. Without the proper preparations, it is made abundantly clear that we will soon be facing a shortage of our non-renewable resources on a magnitude we can barely begin to comprehend. We’ve all seen recent moves to “greener” products and although every little bit helps, the larger, more widespread effects have yet to be felt. One field that has just begun to be adapted to this new lifestyle is that of the transportation industry. Be honest, we almost all have at least one car in our households….how many of them are hybrids? Many of us would love to be able to get one of these vehicles and do our part, but unfortunately in our minds, the cost to our own pockets still outweighs that of the effects on the environment.

To aid in conquering these obstacles, many forms of fuel resources have and are being looked into. These include everything from oil sands, to fission nuclear, and even methane gas. Although many of these options have their pros and cons, one that is just starting to be understood is hydrogen. HINDENBURG! Admit it, it is the first thing that came to your mind, and if not, good for you, you are already thinking like a conservationist. The Hindenburg disaster was massive…massively deceptive. It wasn’t the lightning strike igniting the hydrogen that caused it to go up in flames. The lightning actually ignited the paint coating on the exterior of the “blimp” and then eventually spread to the gas within. The fact that it was filled with hydrogen actually aided in the largest part of the fire burning out quickly as the gas escaped into the atmosphere whereas the gasoline fires continued to burn for many hours on the ground.

Hydrogen has come a long way from the days of old, but are we ready to use it as a portable power source? According to Mr. Bongaards, we are. Advances have been made to this technology which would allow it to be created for no more than, in fact in many cases less than, your average gas fill up of today. The suggested method of use has it being made into a liquefied form for easier transport to centralized stations where certified technicians would fill up your vehicle of choice. The options for that said vehicle would be almost limitless as the new smaller tank designs would allow for a “skateboard” design chassis that allows the owner to choose a new body design on a whim. With further research, fill up stations could eventually be making their own fuel for their locations, or even move to hydrogen in gaseous form.

If you are ready to learn about the fuel options of tomorrow today, take a moment to read this eye-opening book and see what scientific advances may have in store for the coming years. Who knows….if a change is made effectively to the transportation industry, the effects may trickle down to other areas and provide for a greener tomorrow.

Book Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sense-Urgency-Don-Bongaards/dp/1436374065/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236781588&sr=8-1

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I assume that you have either read the first novel (you big girl), or that your girlfriend forced you to watch the movie with her. Either way, you are now a “Twi-Guy”, welcome to the club.

In the first book, we saw Bella Swan exile herself to the dreary town of Forks expecting the small town to be just as dull as the weather. This is before she meets the local vegetarian-vampire heartthrob Edward Cullen. Falling in love with a vampire obviously has its drawbacks and everything goes to pieces when a group of “normal” vampires decided to visit Forks (Yeah, I’ll admit, I am using the word “normal” rather loosely here). James decides that killing Bella would be good fun and after an elaborate game of cat and mouse, he manages to lure Bella into his clutches. Edward and the rest of the Cullens intervene in the nick of time and manage to save Bella. James isn’t so fortunate and is killed by the Cullens.

New Moon kicks off on Bella’s 18th birthday, much to her dismay. All Bella wants for her birthday is for everyone to pretend that it’s not her birthday. Unfortunately for her, there is a family of vampires that have not been able to celebrate a human birthday in decades. She gets forced into attending a party at the Cullen house and that is where everything goes to pieces.

Bella cuts her finger while opening a gift and Jasper loses control and attempts to attack her. The Cullens decide to leave Forks and Edward tells Bella that he doesn’t want her anymore. He goes so far as to erase all proof of his existence from her life and she spirals into depression.

Despite the hurt it causes her, Bella clings to her memories of Edward and she starts hearing his voice when she does something dangerous. This leads her to buy two broken old motorcycles and she turns to her friend Jacob Black to help her repair them. Jacob slowly starts to fill the gap that Edward left in Bella’s life and all is going well until Jacob suddenly starts avoiding Bella.

Bella tries desperately to cling to her friendship with Jacob as it is all that keeps her from falling back into depression. Bella thinks that a cult is responsible for Jacob’s behaviour but she soon learns that the Cullens aren’t the only mythical friends she has as Jacob and his friends have mythical qualities too. Mythical qualities that come in very handy when Victoria and Laurent return to Forks to avenge James by killing Bella.

Amid all the danger and confusion in Bella’s life, Alice unexpectedly appears in Forks and suddenly Bella has to choose between losing Jacob and saving Edward’s life.

Much like Twilight, New Moon starts off at quite a slow pace and the action increases dramatically towards the end. Despite the real action only occuring towards the end of the book, I still struggled to put it down. I couldn’t help getting caught up in Bella’s day to day life. Nothing about it is mundane and I needed to satiate my thirst by barrelling headlong into the book.

In the beginning Bella is so worried about her birthday that you would swear she was turning 30, not 18. As usual, Bella is worrying about trivial things that don’t make sense to us guys and the interaction between her and Edward is highly amusing. However, that is where the fun ends. Remember how I said that one really connects with the characters and their emotions when reading Twilight? Well, unfortunately Stephenie Meyer doesn’t disappoint on that front with New Moon.

If you are wondering why I said “unfortunately”, fast forward to the break up. Oh yes. If you have ever had your heart broken, then reading the next 100 pages or so won’t be fun in the least. It felt like I was having my heart broken as opposed to it happening to Bella.

How could you do this to me Edward Cullen!? After everything we’ve been through!? How!?

As annoying as the whole thing is, deep down you know Edward is only leaving because he thinks it will protect Bella. Which is even more annoying because you feel like smacking him around a bit to make him come to his senses. Either way, you know he’ll be back.

When Bella later turns to Jacob it feels like she is cheating on Edward and that opportunistic little mongrel Jacob jumps at the chance to cosy up to Bella (Yeah, I don’t like Jacob much. If you’re on Team Jacob, then bite me). Needless to say, Stephenie manages to evoke many strong emotions with her writing. While the majority of the book will make you want to put on some Dashboard Confessional and reach for your razor blades, there is a slight reprieve later on when Bella abandons Jacob to run off and save Edward. Yes, unlikely as it may seem, bungling Bella will save the superhuman Edward.

I think over all New Moon is the the book I enjoyed least out of the series. Don’t get me wrong, it is very well written and Stephenie really does convey the emotions of the characters flawlessly, but the first half of the book literally made me depressed for a whole day, whereas the other books did not. The lack of “Cullen-ness” in the book was also definitely evident as it lacks many of the inside jokes I have come to know and love.

Don’t let that deter you though. It is an excellent book and well worth the read. It’s not Stephenie’s fault that she is just a bit too good at her craft. If it’s any consolation, there is a huge fight scene in Eclipse and none of the story will make sense unless you read New Moon first. So get cracking!

Graeme Du Toit

http://graemedt.wordpress.com/ - For more reviews, news and rants

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Absolutely splendid work. Inspiring,gripping, intriguing,revealing; a mixture of pain, tears, love and the joys of salvation.

The poems in this book reveal the struggle of a former drug addict as he tries to remain drug free after rehabilitation. Reading these poems one experiences the ups and downs (one step forward and 2 steps backwards) as he relapses; the deep pain and suffering of the writer at this critcal moment in his life.

The author also reminds us of the pain and agony he inflicted upon his family by his unfortunate situation. He faces up to his addiction with dignity,as he warns us that one must face the consequences of his actions.In other words, there is always the day of reckoning to be faced afterwards.

A must read for all and an excellent support for those dealing with addictions and the challenges they face during and after recovery. The author seems to have attained some level of Spiritual Awakening. Throughout this book he pays tribute to his wife Antoinette,for her unfailing love and support.He also pays tribute to his children and to friends who stood behind him during his incarceration and eventual freedom, both from jail and from the strongholds of Satan.

One glimpses God’s intervention at work throughout the writer’s struggle.

These poems bring us to the realization that no one is a lost cause. There is hope for everyone who may find himself in similar situations.

We see here the Power of love at work. Michael brings the reader to the point of self evaluation with a determination to strive to keep on the straight and narrow path towards salvation, and he also tells us how important it is to love and cherish the people around us especially those closest to us.

Review by Margaret Okubo. Author/Poet.

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Rarely do I re-read a book. Time is so precious, and I like to invest it in new learning. However, occasionally, there is the rare exception where I have found such value and inspiration from what I have read that I will re-read it. In reviewing the books for this ezine, the ones that made the list were all underscored and marked heavily (a good indicator of their impact). This is my list of re-reads that you can add to your library (or to your Christmas stocking).

1. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
Anything Deepak writes is advanced both spiritually and intellectually. This little book is the perfect handbook for remembering basic but profound principles for living harmoniously and authentically.

2. The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden
This is an astonishing read about the power of deliberate creation and consciousness. If you struggle with explaining the law of Attraction to your science-oriented friends, then this book will help.

3. Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
Martha has a delightful and powerful style. Her model for personal growth and change is simple and profound. This is a great self-coaching resource.

4. The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder
First published in 1962, this text pre-dates the Secret and many other volumes by decades. It is filled with strong examples of the power of positive affirmation and command. A simple and brilliant handbook for taking control of your mental outlook.

5. Money and the Law of Attraction and Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks
These are my two favourite publications by the Hicks and Abraham trio. The simplest messages are the most profound, and these books certainly deliver that. If we simply followed their instructions for getting in alignment with our desires, then all sorts of peace and prosperity would flood the planet. In my opinion, these are MUST READS for any Law of Attraction students and fans.

6. The Attractor Factor by Dr Joe Vitale
This is one of the few books that actually shows you HOW to change beliefs (the linchpin in making quantum shifts in your experience). The book has some terrific exercises that will produce results for you, you just need to do them!

7. A New Earth by Eckart Tolle
This is the book Oprah shot with wildfire fame in her ground breaking webcast earlier this year. And for good reason - the book is fantastic! Though it can be a little heavy-going intellectually, it is full of strong spiritual content for connected living and manifestation.

8. Busting Loose From the Money Game by Robert Scheinfeld
This is one of the best explanations of the Law of Attraction through the research of quantum physics, without boggling your brain with too much jargon. It’s a little weird, but it does have some good practical processes in there too.

9. The 7 Mindset and Manifesting Secrets of Multimillionaire Entrepreneurs by David Neagle and Ali Brown
When people ask me who I am studying as my mentors and role models, I refer to Ali Brown for information marketing and internet business building, and David Neagle for contemporary, cutting edge spiritual manifestation practices. This program in particular is incredible. I have already listened to it twice and am incorporating its techniques daily. - alexandriabrown.com/products.php

10. The Three Pillars of Personal Power by Zoe Routh
Yes, this is my program. However, I really feel this is one of the best practical, and comprehensive self-development programs out there to get REAL results through application of the processes. It’s been developed out of my 20 years of experience in the personal development industry that was put to the test when I went through cancer in 2005. You’ll get fantastic personal shifts using this program!

That’s my re-read list for 2009. Have you got something to recommend? Drop a note on the blog!

Law of Attraction Block Buster Coach Zoe Routh helps busy professionals and business owners turbo-charge their personal effectiveness. Zoe has paddled 30 weeks by canoe, run 6 marathons, hiked hundreds of kilometres in Australia’s outback, bellydanced at festivals, written a book, survived cancer, married a fair dinkum Aussie bloke, and wrestled a 6 meter crocodile. It’s all true, except for the crocodile part. Sign up for more Law of Attraction Block Busting Tips and your free Law of Attraction Checklist in Compass Bearings at http://www.lawofattractionchecklist.com

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“A space cannot be truly beautiful unless it functions in harmony with who we are…it’s about pleasure: discovering what pleases us and creating an environment that will celebrate those qualities and sustain us.” - Clodagh

According to Clodagh’s vision statement, total design is about serenity and simplicity, open spaces and clean contemporary lines. YOUR HOME, YOUR SANCTUARY, published by Rizzoli New York, is a newly released book from world acclaimed designer Clodagh. In the book, Clodagh utilizes the “4 C’s” that she outlined in her first book, TOTAL DESIGN, to guide her readers through the process of Contemplation; think of where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’d like to go, Cleansing; perform a huge edit to get rid of clutter that you don’t need leaving only things that bring you joy, Clarification; clarify its use, and Creation; create a unique space to help them achieve joyful, comfortable spaces in their home, hotel, or spa. Clodagh believes her new book will “provide ways to shape indoor and outdoor space into a tranquil environment that will free the mind, nurture the spirit, and embrace the body”. The second book was penned in order to share the information “…that I’ve learned that is valid in today’s world and the future”.

Clodagh notes her “consistent care for the environment” and use of environmentally friendly materials in her designs. She incorporates Feng Shui principles and natural elements such as wood, metal, fire, water, and earth into all of her designs. “A designer’s responsibility is to affect peoples lives in the most positive way, and not only their lives but the environment that they live in”, notes Clodagh. With the increased prevalence of childhood ailments such as allergies and asthma, Clodagh feels that “parents will continue to be very strong supporters” of the green movement.

Clodagh was born in Ireland, where so got her start as a dress designer in Dublin, at the age of 17. She traveled to Spain where she studied environmental design and worked with solar and wind energy. Spain was the initial launch site of her interior design career. Clodagh then moved to New York City and established her design and architecture firm, where she quickly added product design to her list of offerings.

Her first key project was designing the interior of the Primerica Building in New York City, which won her international acclaim. Though Clodagh’s largest project to date is The Caledonia Condominiums in New York City, the scope of her work stretches from domestic to international locales. When asked about her most rewarding projects, Clodagh points to her many philanthropic projects around the world. “I’ve been very blessed. I’ve traveled to ninety countries and have had a varied career”.

Presently, Clodagh runs three divisions from her studio in New York City. Clodagh Signature is the product design group that works with licensees. Clodagh Collection is her showroom highlighting Clodagh as well as selected home furnishings and accessories from around the world. Clodagh Design is comprised of her architectural and interior design practice. Clodagh Design maintains a staff of twenty eight people split into teams, each of which have significant involvement from Clodagh and a Feng Shui master. Clodagh’s staff allows her to take on multiple projects throughout the year, thus minimizing a significant wait for her clients. Acceptance of a project is not based on size. Clodagh Design’s completed projects range from a 400 square foot apartment to a 16,000 square foot house.

In 2008 Clodagh celebrated her 25th year in design. Her offerings include residential, commercial, spa, and hospitality design. She has garnered international design awards over the course of her distinguished career including induction into Interior Design Magazine’s Hall of Fame in 1997. She has also been honored by “World’s 100 Leading Interior Designers, The AD 100″ from Architectural Digest in 2005, Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle for lifetime achievement in the hospitality industry in 2005, and “40 Top Interior Designers” from Robb Report Luxury Homes in 2007. She has been included numerous times in the “top 100 Interior Designers in America” by Interior Design Magazine. She has had numerous spa honors bestowed upon her for work involving Nemacolin Spa in Pennsylvania, Sasanqua Spa in Kiawah Island, and White Horses Spa, Doonbeg, Ireland.

Clodagh notes her approach to interior design allows her client to “use their brain and not just their pocketbook.” She strives to “make the client extraordinarily happy” with the results. The result is an environment that celebrates the “experience of living” and is “truly timeless, life enhancing, sensual and low maintenance”.

By Brian J. Mellett

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Acai berry has become very popular nowadays as the internet is full of various informational websites on this fruit. Wikipedia is one of the finest websites to search any information or topic in detail. However, in case of acai, wiki does not provide all the details. While it gives us the scientific and geographic compilation of the fruit but does not contain the health benefits and its processing details.

Acai berry is used by the South Americans for over 200 years to get rid of their digestion issues. It also helps in the prevention of various day to day ailments. They also owe their zeal & energy to this dark purple fruit.

Here are some of the points that can be added to Acai Berry articles on Wikipedia:

Health Benefits of Acai Berry:

· It controls the appetite naturally.

· It detoxifies the colon & the bowel area.

· It controls the blood pressure and the cholesterol levels.

· It reduces the waist line.

· It enhances your energy quotient.

· It keeps your digestion system in perfect shape.

· It prevents you from having colon & stomach cancer.

· It keeps you mentally alert and physically more active.

· It works as a true natural anti aging diet supplement.

While choosing the Acai Berry diet supplements consider the following tips:

· The acai juices & pulps must be purple in color owing to the fruit’s own color.

· The fruit must be freeze dried not spray dried.

· It must not comprise of acai Seeds.

· It tastes like a blend of chocolates & blue berries.

. The supplements should not contain the white species of acai.

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Robert Allen tells in his book, Multiple Streams of Income, how you will learn to play the money game and win. It not only teaches you a simple system for controlling your finances and how to invest your surplus funds, it gives multiple suggestions for setting up multiple streams of income for life.

In his book Multiple Streams of Income there are some real eye openers starting in the first chapter. There is a chart that shows what will happen at age 66 if you’d invested a dollar a day starting on the day you were born. A dollar a day grows into $1 billion by normal retirement age. Is that financial freedom? After seeing that it made me think of the $2.75 I spent yesterday for a Starbucks in a whole different way.

In Chapter 3 Robert Allen explains the difference between linear income and residual income. I worked 19 years in my computer business for linear income. Linear income is where you get paid only once for every hour you work. With residual income, you work hard once and it unleashes a steady flow of income for months or even years. You get paid over and over again for the same effort. That is how I get paid in the Network Marketing business I am now in.

Allen goes on to explain the importance of launching one new income stream each year and how to do it. In chapter 4 he gets into what he calls different “mountains”. These are the Real Estate Mountain, the Investment Mountain, and the Marketing Mountain. Chapters 5 thru 14 actually get into 10 different income streams in each of these 3 areas.

Finally in Chapter 16 he gets into shielding your Multiple Streams of Income. Once you have made the money, you don’t want to loose it. He suggests things like Nevada Corporations.

In summary, I would say this book is well worth the read.

James Alan specializes in teaching visionaries like himself how to create multiple streams of income in many areas of interest with part-time efforts. James has owned several successful businesses for the past 25 years, including ones you start on your own. He now has chosen to share his knowledge with others

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