5 comments about No Apology: The Case for American Greatness.

1. During the 2008 presidential primaries, I always felt Romney's proven management and turnaround expertise were exactly what we needed in a US president. Unfortunately, in most of the debates and speeches, Romney seemed intent on reciting platitudes and positioning himself as an ultra social conservative. It was almost as if one of his advisors told him he was too smart for the general public, so you'd better dumb it down. Consequently, to much of the American public, Romney came across as inauthentic and oversimplified.
   
   Since then, I've had my doubts about Romeny--Not about how he would perform as president, but about whether he could win a general election.
   
   This book resolves many of those doubts. It seems like Romney pushed aside the advisors and focus groups and said "I'm going to say it like it is and let the chips fall where they may."
   
   What we get is wide-eyed view of the military, economic, and education challenges America faces with a healthy dose of optimism for what it can achieve. While some topics receive brief treatment due space constraints, none come across oversimplified or superficially analyzed.
   
   The book conveys Romney's love of data. The question isn't whether it's a Republican or Democrat idea, but whether the data supports the policy. Romney is even bold enough to question age-old assumptions, like smaller class sizes = better education (the data does not support the correlation). He brings an economist's eye for unintended consequences--recognizing that good intentions do not always result in good policy, and sometimes they can prove highly counterproductive (like welfare policies that discourage work).
   
   Contrary to many reviews, I didn't see the book as simply positioning Romney for another presidential run. If that were the case, I think he would have been a lot more careful to avoid any statements controversial with the Republican base (for example, he reiterates that we should increase immigration quotas for well-educated individuals, and he also presents some ideas for reducing greenhouse gases). There are a lot of quotes his opponents might try to slip into sound bites to try to make Romney seem like he's "Not a true Republican."
   
   Rather than simply setting the stage for 2012, I think Romney was sharing practical ideas he felt could be applied by whoever happened to win the presidency. Some of the ideas--such as those on health care--were very "middle of the road." But it was refreshing to here those topics analyzed in light of the incentives they create and the real const/benefits that could be expected.
   
   Romney will never be able to turn a clever phrase like Mike Huckabee, and he won't ever stir the passion (both pro and anti) of Sarah Palin. But no one can match him on thorough analysis and deep understanding of the economic issues of our day.
   
   After four years of Obama, I suspect the nation will be a little tired of stylish "Yes we can" speeches. A nerdy data-hound may be just what the nation is looking for. For that reason, I'm really hoping the intellectual Romney of "No Apology," rather than the "I'm-more-conservative-than-you" Romney of 2008, is the one that shows up between now and election day in 2012. If that's the case, then Romney's innovative ideas and top-to-bottom analysis will benefit the country no matter who ultimately wins the election.
   



2. The book points out a vision of an America that embraces personal responsibility. We need some real answers to solve our problems. America is the place where others look to see what freedom looks like. If we don't all chip in, true freedom may be in jeopardy.



3. I absolutely loved this book! It's very informative (without being boring) about a lot of issues that I knew little of. If Mitt Romney doesn't run for president in 2012 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will gladly take him back as our Governor!



4. I was supposed to be studying for an engineering midterm but this book kept me up into the AM. Romney has effectively lowered our chances of climbing the global education ladder by writing No Apology. People won't be able to put it down and our GDP will drop accordingly. But it's all for the greater good because Vulcan-grip Mitt surely intends to come out of stealth mode and take the Presidency in 2012. If he can achieve even 5 of his 64 "promises" set forth in No Apology than I'd be happy. I actually believe he can do it too.
   P.S. This is a pretty convincing read so stay away if you don't want to be persuaded.



5. I found the book to be insightful and most importantly, PROACTIVE. Governor Romney is not afraid to 'call out' special interest groups for what they are: disruptive forces in a free market economy that hold too much power in the name of helping their members. He admits that they do accomplish good, but is not naive to the damage that they do... Rarely will you see a politician that brave. It is a breath of fresh air.
   
   He is also brave in that he offers specific solutions to be scrutinized by all. He has nothing to hide. I recently heard him speak, and in response to the risks of offering specific solutions and calling out special interest groups, he said (paraphrased), "If it ends up hurting a potential future campaign for me, then so be it... These things need to be said".
   
   Enough political rant. The book is well written, and Gov. Romney provides a nice mix of personal experience, pertinent history, and plausible solutions to the current ailments for America. I would recommend it to anyone.

5 comments about How to Win Friends & Influence People.

1. I'll keep it simple. The book is told from a perspective that always believes that self is right. Sure it's got some truthful points, but it's all told from a perspective that treats all exterior forces as being in the wrong. This writer has no humility, and I'm afraid that anyone who reads this book will believe that the world is at fault, that self is always right, and that you have to be sly and manipulative in order to overcome the obstacles of all the dumb people out there. The truth is that everyone has a story. No one is trying to be malicious. This book would almost be good if it weren't told from the perspective of self-righteous know-it-all.



2. I love this book. It is a must-read for every salesperson. I'm not a salesperson, but I immensely enjoyed this book. I borrowed it so many times from the library, I decided to buy a copy. I loved all the old stories about Lincoln and other famous figures that may have been common knowledge when this book was written (in the 1930s) but I had never heard them. This book changed my son's life. In one day, he got the phone numbers of all the people who sit at his lunch table - just by following the advice in this book. It has certainly rocketed him to success in high school. (All this popularity didn't do much for his grades though.) I can't say enough good things about this book. Oh, one more thing - the guy who reads it has an excellent voice.



3. It's a great book, but 8 CD's is overkilled. Actually, 1 CD could do the job.



4. Wonderful book. I wish I had read it 50 years ago. It should be the textbook for a class in high school.



5. I rarely write reviews. But I felt a need to voice serious and strong objection to many of the stories used in this book, particularly in the Leadership section of the book. Many examples are rife with passive aggressive behavior in which the author suggests readers should prefix what essentially is a command or expectation with flowery praise somewhat related to the coming edict. The result is a passive aggressive slap in the face.
   
   As a manager or friend or family member or employee or what ever, you don't need to build someone up to ask them or tell them what you need. And you don't need to bury a request within a flowery suggestive praise in a passive aggressive manor. If someone used some of these tactics on me, I would react very badly and state "if I am not performing as required, just come out and tell me what to do better or differently, thank you."
   
   While the author says to never use a "but" in the sense of building someone up with praise before tearing them down, it is still a "yea, but" but any other name or wording. This is really terrible advice even if you stress not to use the "but". You will not earn friends nor influence people including coworkers and directs by using this "yea, but" type methodology and the afore mentioned passive aggressive approach.
   
   There are even a few occurrences in the book which suggest that telling a lie is acceptable. That you can tell a little white lie and win friends and influence people! The text does not out right say you should lie nor does it state that you should do so. But it is an obvious implication if you read the stories in a certain way. Essentially, read this book with a critical eye. The author provides sage advice but often follows that sage advice with examples of poor delivery which occasionally include deception!
   
   The author's best points are made early in the opening pages of the book. Urging readers to consider that every person always believes they are in the right, even if the entire world thinks that they are an evil person. The author also makes good points in that knowing and using names is important. The conversational tone of the book utilizes stories from people and the sums up the stories with a conclusion. The stories are likely rare hits and a world full of misses. Good points mostly but too drawn out and full of stories that don't hit home and seem unrealistic. Maybe they worked in a different time but many come across as phony 75 years later.

5 comments about Behind the Wheel - Spanish 1.

1. The first thing this course does is give you phrases and sentences to memorize. I have a great deal of trouble learning by memorization. I prefer the Pimsleur method, in which you're told the meanings of the words and a brief explanation as to why they're put in that particular order. I learn by understanding what I'm saying rather than memorizing sounds.
   
   If you prefer the memorization method, then you'll probably like this course. The speakers are very clear and the pacing seems about right (not too fast or too slow.) If you're like me, however, you should look for a course based on the Pimsleur method.



2. I bought Behind the Wheel - Spanish 1 a few weeks ago as a complete novice without ever having previously studied Spanish. I have a long workday commute so this has been an excellent way to gain a basic understanding of the language, but more importantly, to practice speaking essential phrases to use in common travel, dining, and business settings in Spanish speaking countries.
   
   The first CD quickly dives into learning some basic verbs and vocabulary to allow a learner to communicate common 2 and 3 word phrases which become useful building blocks for the rest of the material. Luis, the native Spanish-speaker from Peru, is outstanding with his enunciation and cadence when sounding out each syllable. The English speaking narrator presents the English phrase and Luis repeats the Spanish translation twice slowly with a break after each phrase so that you can practice.
   
   The audiobook comes with 8 CD's and while a lot of material is covered, there is plenty of review and repetition on each CD. The information builds on itself and by the 4th CD you will be learning how to put together complete 5-8 word sentences for basic situations as mentioned above.
   
   While this is an outstanding value for less than $35 new--there is a reason this series does not cost hundreds of dollars. Were it not for the following flaws, I would have given the product 5 stars. For a few phrases, the speaker is inconsistent in translation and if you are paying attention you will notice. This appears to be derived and republished from an older audiobook so there are a few overdubs in places. 98% of the material is spoken by Luis who is fantasic, but the other 2% is spoken by a woman who falls into the stereotypical female Latin TV spokesperson. Her phrases are rattled off so quickly and the syllables so slurred that if you are new to Spanish you will not be able to understand any of it. Fortunately, she was used very little for this Edition.
   
   Overall, this product is an outstanding way to begin your journey in learning Spanish. I have no hesitation in giving it 4 stars and recommending it.



3. The Behind the Wheel Spanish is very well laid out and I have found it conducive to rapid learning. It has helped me to redeem the time when I drive.



4. Rosetta Stone is much better, but the price is outrageous. This is spoken repitition and difficult to use in traffic...better for long trips.



5. I wanted to try to learn spanish in the time I usually waste driving. I figured that I would give Behind The Wheel Spanish 1 a try and I have not been disappointed, The Cd's are very well done. And the main teacher seems to be very good at explaining things. I am actually starting to pick up some spanish. I would recommend these cds to beginners who want to learn spanish.

5 comments about Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power and Deception in American History.

1. Enjoyed reading parts of this book like "All men are created equal" because it showed how cruel America was back then. It also showed how we were able to over some major times in history in order for everyone to live decent. I would recommend that all students read this book because there are a lot of young people that are being misinformed about the history of our country. I also think that once you read this book you will want to know about our country.



2. A truly honest book filled with a ton of information about the federal government's deception.



3. Judge Napolitano is a very smart man who has written a truly enlightening book that everyone will enjoy regardless of what party you belong to. He calls the government out on its hypocrisy in a very factual manner, it's hard not to be impressed. This book is a must read.



4. The subtitle for the book is "Myth, Power, and Deception in American History", and with that subtitle you would think the book should be stashed away with the conspiracy theory books in the back of your local book store. However, that is not the case with Lies the Government Told You.
   
   The book has listed in it, 17 "lies" told to us by our government, and goes into great detail in each of those chapters in explaining where the lie comes from, how it has been misinterpreted, how the media presents it, and the author, Judge Andrew P. Napolitano's take on the matter.
   
   The lies that we have been told range from rights that have been granted to us in the constitution (all men are created equal), to political media slogans (the war on drugs), and even has a chapter devoted to one of the best satirical quotes from a U. S. President I have ever heard, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help".
   
   Keeping with the book's tradition, I won't lie to you. The book takes a while to read, and can sometimes get confusing, especially to an average Joe like myself, but the author does try to keep things simple and intelligible. Some of the chapters made my blood boil when I began to think real hard on the subject, and many times I put the book back down as quickly as I picked it up! But, I am glad I had the chance to read it. It has opened up my eyes in more ways than one, and raised my blood pressure to boot.



5. This book should be required reading of anyone interested in American History, and especially by those who believe in the US Constitution.

No comments about Game Change CD: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime.

5 comments about Idiots Unplugged.

1. Yes, Glenn is a comedian, and he's very good at knocking down the liberal straw men his idiot friend sets up for him with humor and facts.
   
   Actual liberal arguments are usually a tiny bit more nuanced, though not much. Sometimes they actually have a point, though they then proceed to make an argument that shows their priorities are usually way out of whack.
   
   But the absolute best part of this was when we were going to Philly for a concert, and my wife's (Obamabot) sister-in-law and brother decided they just had to ride with us instead of driving their own car.
   
   We're in the front seat laughing and from the dead silence of the back seat you could almost see steam wafting forward. I don't know which was funnier between the audio and the reaction of those two dweebs.
   
   It's fun to both have post-doc studies under our belts and have our liberal relatives try to pull their 'intellectual superiority' act with us.
   
   We usually just play along and let them think their deep thoughts have never occurred to us before, when we both have mulled their 'solutions' and dismissed them because of unacceptable unintended consequences.
   
   I'm convinced your average liberal is more motivated by his heart than his head, and advocating huge spending policies that will wreck this nation makes his heart feel good, so when you point out the bad consequences it makes his head hurt and he changes the subject.
   
   That's usually how it works. It was sure that way when they used to argue about 'well, Bush did thus and such,' and my wife would say, 'and we conservatives were mortified and argued against it.'
   
   So how does the fact that the GOP averaged yearly deficits of a shocking, bank-busting $104 billion dollars during their time in the majority make it okay for the Dems, now in power, to average $1.1 TRILLION deficits annually during their time in the majority, then point to Bush as if he voted those budgets in the House so the deficit explosion is somehow his fault? We're talking about a deficit increase of A THOUSAND PERCENT since the Dems took over the Congress compared to when the GOP was running the place, and they still try to blame Bush.
   
   News flash: Congress controls the purse strings. Bush could have vetoed those budgets, I guess, but the Dems in Congress would just have passed them over his vetoes.
   
   It is our debt, our deficits and the corresponding need for crushing taxes in the middle of economic armageddon that is driving unemployment now, along with the uncertainty of 'what business rule is Obama going to change next?'
   
   You can't make plans when the rules are constantly changing, so you don't hire.
   
   My parents both voted for Obama.
   
   They both tell me, if they'd known then what they know now, they would have voted McCain, though they dislike the man. I think that is probably the case with millions of independents not only in Massachusetts but all over the country.
   
   Note to Democrats: if you want to turn the United States into Venezuela, you must first overturn the law that says we have elections every two years. Then you can do whatever you want.
   
   But try to turn the USA into a Socialist Workers Paradise like Cuba or the old Soviet Union without taking the voters' rights away first, and you're gonna get beaten like a rented mule come election day.
   
   We the People have caught on to your radical schtick.



2. I keep this in my car. Traffic got you down ? Kids screaming in the back seat ? Husband telling you how to drive ? Turn on Glenn and drown out the idiots. Unplug with Unplugged. You'll love the ride.



3. GREAT TRANSACTION!
   
   FAST DELIVERY!
   
   THANK YOU!



4. essentially a rehash of Beckisms. I agree with Glenn on almost everything, but this was for me a disappointment since it was the same old, same old



5. I would recommend this audio to any person who likes or loves Glenn Beck! I laughed so hard that I cried! It's amazing how he states things that are FACT in a way that makes you remember them. Well worth the money!

No comments about Shamanic Meditations: Guided Journeys for Insight, Vision, and Healing.

5 comments about The Secret (Unabridged, 4-CD Set).

1. This book is very inspirational. I like to think of the universe that it refers to as God, and I feel it is very biblically oriented. I loved it so much that I sent it to all my daughters.



2. The Secret
   Do you want to lose weight? Have a great love life? Be successful in your job? Get rick quickly? According to Rhonda Byrne, we can all have everything we want, by living the rules of life, given to us in her novel ¬The Secret. The Secret was written in 2006, and has become a worldwide phenomenon. With Oprah as a supporter and testimony giver of the realness of the secret, people all over the world are reading, and trying to learn how they too, can have all the things they have ever wanted in life.
   In her book, Byrne focuses on teaching the reader about the power of the mind. She explains that with constant positive thought, we can steer our lives in the direction that we want them to go. She believes and teaches that humans are eternal energies, constantly emitting and attracting energy, whether it is good or bad. The book teaches the reader that by focusing on only the good things in our lives, and the good around us, we will only attract good. She explains that thinking bad thoughts about others or about situations does nothing to hurt others, but it in turn, attracts negative energy towards us. Through the power of thought, Byrne attests "There isn't a single thing that you cannot do with this knowledge. . . . The Secret can give you whatever you want" (p. 11).
   The Secret gives many examples of how living this way of thinking has helped many people throughout history. Byrnes herself came across the secret to life, when she was having a hard time in her life. She began practicing positive thought, and began willing good things her way. After many instances of her positive thoughts coming true, she began to write down her experiences. These written experiences have transcended into the phenomenon that is "The Secret."
   This book has been very helpful to me in my life. Not only in attaining the things I want to attain within my family and my business, but also to help me live a happier life. With the help of this book, I have learned to become more "Zen" and less stressed out in daily life. This in turn has helped me to become a better father and husband.
   Don't get me wrong, I did not agree with everything Byrne teaches in the Secret. From a religious standpoint, I find some of what she writes to be very blasphemous and sacrilegious. She claims that we should thank ourselves daily for our lives, where I feel we should thank our Father in Heaven for our lives. On page 164, Byrne states "You are God in a physical body. You are Spirit in the flesh. You are Eternal Life expressing itself as You. You are a cosmic being. You are all power. You are all wisdom. You are all intelligence. You are perfection. You are magnificence. You are the creator, and you are creating the creation of You on this planet." I struggled with some of the contradictions to my beliefs that were listed in this book, but was able to change the wording in my head, to fit my own beliefs as I read it.
   Despite the contradictions to my religious beliefs, I feel that there is something to be said for positive thinking. The Secret, if followed closely, and practiced, truly can change your life. I have become a better family member, a better business owner, and a better friend, because of the secret. I would recommend reading this book to learn how you can have money, friends, and success, when and how you want it.



3. I love that the book was in great condition and the price i paid was a steal! thanks!



4. I saw the movie and wanted to give the book as a gift. It was very much appreciated. "A good read" I am told. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to make changes in their life.



5. God is a pinata. Naive optimism is the broom stick. This book (less than $20) removes your blindfold, so you can get candy, cars and supermodel dates to fall from heaven (ahem...I mean...the "universe"). Tell that to the teenager dying of stage IV cancer, the mom whose child is strung out on dope, and the guy whose job just got out-sourced to India. You have to be dumber than driftwood to believe any of this junk, let alone to pay $15 to have Rhonda prey upon your wishes for a better life. The sequel should be "Psst...You're REALLY Dumb for Buying More Snake Oil". Ask Rhonda how much $$$ from her millions in book sales she donates to charity? After all, the 'universe' stands ready to re-fill her bank account. Right???

5 comments about Spanish For Dummies Audio Set.

1. everything seems to be scratch-free, and it was just what I was looking for. :)



2. I am just starting to use it and so far I am learning, not as fast I would like but I am not spending a lot of time on it.



3. This is a good product. I was specifically looking for cd's that i could listen to in the car (rather than having to sit at the computer)while traveling for work, and this offered me the ability to do such. I like it!



4. I picked this up because of the "Dummies" brand name and the cheap price. I was very happy with the sound quality. Some language courses have terrible sound quality. The course is very, very basic which is fine and it is a good place to start. My only regret is that the CD's that I purchased use the pronounciation found in Spain and not Latin America. Because I know the difference I do not pronounce the words as they are given, but as I know them. All in all a good purchase and no real waste of money given the price.



5. I ordered Spanish for dummies to refresh my knowledge for a second Spanish course and this helped tremendously. I was happy to learn quickly all that I had forgotten.

5 comments about Mindfulness for Beginners.

1. Excellent introduction for new comers and a quick review for people who are already familiar with Jon Kabat-Zinn's work. If you want a whole package of on "how to live" the eastern or yoga way, get Sunil Sheoran's Mylife Framework: A Model For A Successful Life Based On The Yoga Principles. The book doesn't talk only "mind" or "thinking" pieces but will really get your ready to get started on a meaningful life - in a VERY simple and disciplined way!



2. I attend a group meditation and my psycologist recommended this in conjuction with our group session work. Since the group only meets once a week, this CD is very helpful in guiding a beginner, like myself, through mindful meditation. I use this on the days when we don't meet. Personally, I find Jon's voice to be soothing and comforting, but every person is different. Just about everyone in my group session has purchased Jon's CDs and have been throughly satisfied. All you can do is give it a try and see if it works for you. That's life: trial and error.
   
   Mindfulness for Beginners



3. If you have tried to meditate only to discover that it's extremely difficult, this CD can get you going on the right path. If you are an experienced meditator, you may find this CD unnecessary.
   
   The package includes two CDs. In the first CD, the author starts by explaining what mindfulness is: "paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, as if you life depended on it, non-judgmentally". It explains how the mind is always busy thinking about one thing after another, incessantly. I have listened to this CD more than once, and every time I get something more out of it.
   
   In the second CD the author gives you several guided mindfulness exercises that allow you to quiet the mind in a progressive way. This is perhaps the most valuable aspect of this CD, that it guides you, through baby steps, down the path of meditation.
   
   The author leads you first to focus on a simple task: eating a raisin. As you discover that you can focus on that, the CD then takes you to focus on other things like sounds, and sounds only. As you do the sound exercises, you begin to witness your thoughts, how you judge the sounds, how you interpret the sounds and so forth.
   
   The last exercise is mindfulness as pure awareness. You no longer focus on anything but experience life by witnessing everything: sounds, thoughts, emotions, and anything else that comes in and out of your awareness. This step has the odd effect of giving you extreme peace of mind.
   
   I have bought other products by the same author: a book called "Wherever you go, there you are", "Coming to your senses" and a "Mindfulness Meditation" CD. I recommend getting the Mindfulness for Beginners first and if you find it useful, then read these other books and get the meditation CD. I have also bought several copies of this CD as a gift to friends and family, not everyone has taken to it, but those that have spent the time going through the exercises have told me that the exercises have helped them become more relaxed and "at ease in their own skin".
   
   On my end, mindfulness has completely turned around my life. I went from worrying about the future, worrying about what people thought of me, to enjoying life as it unfolds. Kabat Zinn was recommended to me by an organizational consultant that saw me stressed out worrying about my job and my life in general. Up until then, I had tried meditation multiple times by focusing on my breathing, but I failed miserably at it. When I started listening to this CD, I began to break through a wall of thoughts, thoughts, and more thoughts, circling in my head.
   
   If you have been curious about meditating but struggled to do it, this CD can get you unstuck and on a journey of self discovery that will completely transform your life.



4. I have read the author's book on Mindfulness. It was great. I was hoping the CD was something I could use with my therapy clients and family members who need an intro to Mindfulness. The material on the CD is way over the head of the average person - not for beginners, in my opinion. He uses a lot of unfamiliar words, phrases and concepts that the 'beginner' would not know. Maybe this would be useful for someone who had already been exposed to mindfulness and needed some encouragement to practice it.
   
   I returned the CD and got a refund.



5. I am a therapist and coordinator of therapeutic activities for an intensive psychiatric service team. I run a lot of DBT groups and was hoping I could supplement them with this resource. I was really disappointed after listening to it. I found the exercises to be overly intellectual and cerebral. This was so different from the experience of the author's books. It felt as though the author was filling a need to hear his own voice! This incessant talking left little space for observation. While I would highly recommend his books I would not recommend this CD for someone beginning mindful practices.