No comments about Do I Stay or Do I Go? How to Make a Wise Decision About Your Relationship.

5 comments about The Moral Compass.

1. Loved it! It is a wonderful book that brings the reader back to the basic tried and true values. I love William Bennett, he makes sense of this world and cuts to the core. You can not help but agree with him. The stories told offer insight into many of life's dilema's that may arise from joy, hurt, love, anger, and basically a sense of fair play. At any time there is something to be gained by each story told. It is very well written and attention grabbing. Worth the purchase!



2. This book is supposedly filled with "morals," but how can we expect our children to grow up being civilized creatures with the vile things that garbage, such as this book, instructs us and our children to adhere to. Don't buy this book unless you already have your own firm morals that you can use to judge Mr. Bennet's trash against!



3. A previous reviewer wrote that Mr. Bennett's first two books on morals and virtue were wonderful, and could we look forward to a third serving? If we can it will need a thesis such as moral gambling or the virtue of pulling slots. For all his lecturing to the unwashed about morals and virtue, something is obviously missing. This joker's moral compass pointed him right into the casinos. He has no credibility. Yet this pompous, self-righteous baffoon still has the nerve to show up and lecture us on Faux News. Probably needs the money to cover the latest spread. A suggested title for the next book: The Moral Ass.



4. Save your editorial comments for the Newspaper and don't waste our time here. Liberals are always on the wrong side of history, Why? Because they are wrong. Simple



5. In his many, many, many books about morality written for little boys and girls and clowns and firefighters and landscapers and horse-breeders and fast walkers, Bennett has provided valuable lessons on how to improve your pai gow strategy and how to hide eight million dollars worth of gambling losses from your legions of morality-lesson-seeking book buyers. He also teaches our children an important moral lesson about how aborting potential radio commentators in America would statistically improve living conditions for the rest of us, and then very responsibly and passionately points out that it is merely an intellectual exercise and would be a reprehensible thing to do (for Bennett is an intellectual of the highest order, you see, forever engaging in such highly stimulating intellectual exercises on his radio program).
   
   Although there is absolutely nothing that one can find anywhere on the internet or anywhere else about what Bennett ever did while he was Education Secretary in the Reagan administration (other than something about a Mistress Lee at the Calico Club in Vegas) or how he achieved such a high level of notoriety and wealth, we are indeed fortunate to have a morally superior leader like Bennett to teach our children how to gamble and who should be aborted to make life better for the rest of us.

1 comments about Pills, Bills & Parkinson's Disease: Coping with the On-Off Syndrome.

1. Pills, Bills, And Parkinson's Disease: Coping With The On-Off Syndrome by Paul A. Luscombe is an informative and "reader friendly" guide through the pain and struggle of dealing with Parkinson's disease. Insightfully engaging the reader in the stories from his own past, through his discovery, understanding, and progression through his own diagnoses and his undesired adaptation to his very active life, Paul Luscombe presents Pills, Bills, And Parkinson's Disease as a kind of helping hand for those who are in the midst of their own difficulties in facing their Parkinson's diagnoses. Pills, Bills, And Parkinson's Disease is very strongly recommended reading, most especially to readers with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease for themselves or a loved one.

5 comments about Simplified Magic: A Beginner's Guide to the New Age Quabala (Llewellyn's New Age).

1. Many books on the market today are all about wasting time and going on a tangent that the reader doesn't even understand yet. This book is really straight-forward, honest, and sincere. Putting the ideas in a small bite that the reader can understand, especially if they are a new comer to the realm of magick.

   Ted takes the reader and explains things in a light that is easily understandable and fun to read. This would be an excellent primer to reading any other works by Mathers, Crowley, and Fortune.




2. A wonderful book that gives some much needed basic information to anyone interested in the Qabala from a non-religious background. Ted Andrews shares his wisdom in a practical way that will protect anyone interested in working with the Qabala. He teaches the importance of being balanced and being mindful before starting. It shows a little of his vast knowledge on the subject and is the first of the books he has written on the subject.



3. I do not care for this book, and I am the first to admit that the more I study the Kabbalah; the less I seem to understand.

   However; I do know real Kabbalists, and will say that they never heard of the "Path of the Sword" in ascending the Tree of life glyph.

   According to them; there are 22 paths connecting the 10 sephiroth together; and people may use any of the paths to go from Malkuth and ascend toward Keter (if memory serves the name of the top sephiroth on the tree of life.)

   I encourage questions and comments about my reviews; Two Bears.

   Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)




4. This book is an affront to the ideals central to the Qabala. It diverges greatly from the principal teachings of this system, most notably the Sepher ha-Gilgulim and the Sepher ha-Bahir. It has taken some of the ideas introduced by the Golden Dawn, a system which, I might add, does take proper responsibility for the material it is propagating, and mutates it into something convenient and simple. The Qabala is about disciplined study, not dime-a-dozen charlatanry



5. Ted Andrews presents his introduction to Kabbalistic study and day-to-day practice in his usual bare bones but effective manner. I like his approach to simplifying everyday kabbalistic practice so that anyone can touch upon the Sephiroth without getting bogged down in confusing jargon and concepts.
   There were two gripes I have though with this book: First, he becomes very repetitive with explaining why it is important to access other levels of consciousness - it would be more effective to state your case once (maybe with a restatement later on) and devote the rest of the manual to more practical exercises so the student can discover for themself how important it is (Mr. Andrews seems to be adamantly trying to convince the reader); and secondly, I disagree with the use of Jehovah in place of the traditional and more accurate YHVH with each letter pronounced separately. I understand that each individual must find what works for them (as he presents in his book) but giving out just that one option I thought was too limiting.
   I had occasion to ask Mr. Andrews about this at an Animal-Speak workshop I attended many years ago as he was signing my books. He replied that it was "personal preference". That's all well and good, but I strongly believe that the original and linguistically accurate version should have been presented as well given that many who use this book will be beginners and may not know of the alternative.
   All in all, a nice little introduction to a watered-down Kabala - this is the first of a two volume-series he has written on the topic.

No comments about I Want You to Read This Today and Remember It Forever: Thoughts to Share With a Very Special Person (Forever Series).

2 comments about Aging with Attitude: Growing Older with Dignity and Vitality.

1. I remember thinking sometime in the late 60's as I listened to some acid rock how cool it would be when I reached 65 years old and still listened to Iron Butterfly. Well, I'm in my mid 50's, and I still listen to hard rock, but getting old isn't cool, but it is inevitable, and that requires "attitude."
   
   Robert Levine, M. D. in Aging with Attitude: Growing Older with Dignity and Vitality lays out an entertaining, informative, and logical look at aging. Dr. Levine devotes chapters coving the aging process itself, the various diseases associated with aging, how genes often determine the rate of deterioration of physical ability in different individuals, and how society often writes off the aged. Those chapters may depress you but never fear. Help is on the way. He points out that staying active, whether by exercising or by simply getting involved with a cause can keep the mind and body healthier. Levine also looks at strategies to counter some of the difficulties the aging face. Levine simply says that aging is "the great equalizer". It effects the "rich, powerful, or famous, brilliant or average intellect, middle-class strivers or impoverished welfare recipients..." Finally Dr. Levine gazes at the time horizon and speculates on aging in the future.
   
   All things considered Aging with Attitude is a helpful book to read. It begins to prepare the reader for the natural process of aging. Afterall, to know ones enemy is to be able to defeat him. While I doubt any of us will defeat aging, we can better understand it.



2. This book is written like a student's term project report--little new information and a mostly boring writing style.
   
   For one looking for basic information about aging, the information is fine. But the title of AGING WITH ATTITUDE doesn't deliver.

5 comments about I Ain't Much, Baby--But I'm All I've Got.

1. Have you ever read a book where you felt like the author was right there in the room, connecting with you, there just for you?

   This is definitely one of those books. He speaks to your heart and soul, besides your mind. And he anticipates everything that you might object to.

   Read this book to accept everything about yourself, the good, bad, ugly and beauty, equally. Because it is when you accept all of this about yourself that you naturally enhance parts of yourself that you want to enhance, not what someone else wants you to do.

   And in your self-acceptance, you will become more free to accept others, as they choose to be, without your pressing upon their mind.

   The more you practice listening to your soul, and compassionately responding to your soul, the more you at peace you become.

   Read this book, more than once, with pen in hand, as you note what you are experiencing - And, oh! How humble you will become.




2. Rather you watch Dr. Phil's show, or have seen him on other shows, you may recognize that phrase.

   But have you ever wondered where Dr. Phil has coined that phrase?

   This phrase is in Dr. Jess Lair's 1969 copy of "I aint much, baby-but I'm all I've got."

   Some really wonderful messages from this book tell us, "We are so busy not just building walls, but being the big judge that we don't have time to find, 'Hey, there are a lot of other people just like me out there.'"

   And, "How are you going to teach someone, anyone, if you don't understand that their concerns and your concerns run along the same path."

   One of the biggest lessons in this book, and there are many of them for everyone, is to tell the appropriate person, in the appropriate time, "I love you." You may notice that you will choke over saying those three words.

   You may also notice that you may want to say more than that. But challenge yourself to say just those three words to that person, while you expect nothing in return.

   This will teach you self-acceptance, acceptance of others, trust, love and serenity.

   Also, as part of your "get real challenge," find 5 people who you tell, what you fear, what you are sad about, and what you are worried about. See yourself telling these people this, while you notice your internal voice, and their reactions or responses.

   Make this part of your lifestyle, while you balance other parts of who you are.

   
   When you are able to do this you enhance not only how you experience life, but you also enhance the possibility that the people who you speak heart-to-heart to, just might feel more free to get real with themselves. They may tell you how it really is for them, in a way that allows them to take responsibility for their own lives.

   And although they may not tell you how it really is with them, chances are they will tell someone else how it really is with them - which is great, because the idea is that they decide to be authentic.

   And in giving this gift to these people, you are changing the world, because we all know at least 250 people. When they or you are able to see yourselves accepted, unconditionally, we all pass this on.

   If you find this challenging for you, and you are determined to do this, especially for yourself, I suggest that you read, "Narcissism: Denial of the True Self," by Alexander Lowen, MD; then read, "Healing the Shame That Binds You," by John Bradshaw.

   We are all here to express our unique purpose, and in so doing to make a difference, beyond our wildest dreams.

   To fight that truth is playing God.




3. He has a real way of connecting with readers, telling it like it is! Great effort and I'm sure Jess helped a lot of people who's lives were confused messes. Very easy read and information. Still applicable to relationships in the 21st century.

   Jeffrey McAndrew
   author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"




4. Jess's presentation is one of the most realistic, compassionate treatments of human nature and relationships which I have seen. His stress on being genuine, and on the deep human need for love, is superb.
   
   Where Jess fails is in treating the examples, mostly from his classroom experience, as if the approach he outlines is strictly 'cause and effect.' During the 1970s, when a new generation was exploring being 'open' as opposed to using the conventions of conversation from the past, yet the 'self help' culture had not yet arisen, his approach seemed close to revolutionary. However, reactions other than those of one grateful for love are never presented as possible - and, indeed, one may find that is exactly what one receives.
   
   For example, Jess, whose emphasis on our need to be loved is probably the most honest statement of the century, gives an example of a nurse who phoned her former supervisor, to whom she was grateful, to say 'I love you.' The happy tears of the supervisor are moving - but let no one expect that this was inevitable. Indeed, some people are ill at ease when told of love by close friends.
   
   Regrettably, the current 'self help' culture could spoil the effect of much of Jess's advice. The warmth and affection he suggests could be taken today for a 'violation of boundaries,' or be feared as a technique of manipulation (much as it is not.)
   
   I found Jess's treatment of sex to be wonderfully healthy and refreshing, yet things have changed there as well. He gives an example of a wonderful man he knew who complimented a lady on her figure (saying she had the nicest breasts he had seen), and her wholesome acceptance of this. Indeed, an excellent attitude is shown here - but a man;s compliments on a woman's figure could be
   taken, however wrongly, for some sort of harrassment today.
   The book can be valuable, but with the caveat that the reader must use it with discrimination.



5. I first read this book in college, about 15 years ago. I noticed right away that I was sending out and receiving love from people. It was amazing and real, and eventually my "abilities" wore off. Then I read it again 9 years ago, and the same thing happened, without saying a word, people smiled more and were kinder, and went out of their way to be nice to me. Because I was real and accepting of myself, and it flowed out. But again it wore off. Now in 2005 I think I have grown enough spiritually to "get it", and I hope permanently this time. But it does take five minutes at time for a lifetime. The lessons are between the lines and you won't even realize how much you've changed until you notice how well-liked you suddenly become, really! This book is a must-have for any seeker of personal growth or spritual truth because as I'm learning, they are exactly the same thing.

3 comments about Raising Your Sexual Self-Esteem.

1. This book is excellent! It is well thought-out, easy to read, straight-forward, nonjudgemental, intelligently written, and comprehensive.

   Whether you specifically have low sexual self-esteem or not is immaterial. This book is very helpful because it addresses the core problem of low SEXUAL self-esteem, which is low PERSONAL self-esteem. The writer encourages meaningful analysis in the reader as to why we all have certain sexual preferences and dislikes which we might not have previously understood, and why we don't always stand up for our rights, either in a sexual or nonsexual situation.

   This book goes way beyond sex. It delves into the experiences and traumas which formed or, more apropriately, have misshapen our childhood/adult personalities and gives the reader the ammunition to effectively deal with the the trauma (which works) instead of running away from or burying it (which doesn't work).




2. This book looks pretty good on the surface -- but only the surface. It might have some good tips for those with extremely low sexual self-esteem -- due to childhood sexual abuse -- but doesn't have specific remedies for those suffering from lowered esteem due to rape, date rape, coersion or just day to day pressures from media, society, and so on.

   To make matters worse, Engel takes a critical stance of many alternative sexualities, most notably BDSM, saying that anyone who is into BDSM is acting out of low sexual self-esteem and is only hurting their esteem more by participating in these activities. She also argues that looking at pornographic material does nothing but degrade one's esteem, and that everyone is overweight is that way because of some kind of abuse they suffered in the past. To go even further, she argues that when children see their parents naked, at any time in their lives, it is a form of sexual abuse.

   Perhaps this is the product of what happens when a therapist -- whose only exposure to a vast array of sexualities is among clients who are seeking treatment -- draws from her experiences to make generalizations about the general public. Some of her messages are good, but I found too many of them to potentially esteem-damaging to make use of this book.




3. I found this book to be one of the best and truthfully accurate books on the psychological aspects of human sexual behavior and sexual abuse. Everything she says is accurate and she does it in a non-judgemental way. She is an understanding experianced psychotherapist that has amazing insights. And she is honest and truthful of the ramifications of certain sexual behaviors which rubs some people the wrong way who believe that anything goes in regards to sex. There is information here in her book that is hard to find in other books.

No comments about When Your Best Is Not Good Enough: The Secret of Measuring Up.

3 comments about Low Self-Esteem Misunderstood & Misdiagnosed.

1. As in her first book, Dr. Sorensen reveals amazing insights about low self-esteem that others have obviously not recognized. In fact, her understanding of the issue of low self-esteem could result in amazing and far reaching changes in how therapists and others treat this problem. Hopefully, her insights in both this and her first book, "Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem", will help society finally realize the seriousness of the problem, will help people recognize that low self-esteem is a valid disorder that should be given the attention and validation it deserves, and that people will also recognize that low self-esteem is not easily overcome.



2. Low Self-Esteem: Misunderstood & Misdiagnosed by clinical psychologist Marilyn Sorensen (founder and director of The Self-Esteem Institute) is a candid, straightforward look at what low self-esteem really is, its harmful effects, why it is frequently misdiagnosed and how sufferers can best find the help they need. An excellent book written specifically for people who have tried to seek help and found nothing useful Low Self-Esteem is highly recommended reading, the non-specialist general reader, as well as psychology students and novice therapists seeking more information and perspectives on the chronic issues and problems arising from a condition of low self-esteem.



3. This book is as interesting as her earlier book and it's worth reading if you are suffering from depression,anxiety,anger,loneliness,fear of failure,or negative view of yourself and others. Medication can mask the symptoms you are suffering but nothing will not be solved by medicines if your real problem is low self-esteem built by the experiences from childfood. Before you plan to see a theapist,read this book!