5 comments about Psychic Development for Beginners: An Easy Guide to Developing & Releasing Your Psychic Abilities (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)).

1. Knowing nothing about this subject, I reviewed several books to see which could help me the most. This is the book that had the most straight forward and usful information. I highly recommend it. I haven't finished it yet, but hope to do so soon.



2. the very 1st exercise in the book is a formula for self sabotage and destruction. Hewitt has you take an elevator 'down' to your dark side. he calls it your 'lower self'. he cautions you against getting off on those floors. he has you seal off and lock that part of the building and throw away the key.
   
   First, your dark side is not 'down' or 'lower'. it's side by side with the light side. it's part of everyone's balance or ballast. an essential part of your being. if you repress that and disown it then you are cruising for big trouble. you need to acknowledge and process your dark side. sealing it off and repressing it will give it a life of it's own.
   
   don't take my word for it. Debbie Ford has covered this brilliantly in "Why Good People do Bad Things. How to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy". quoting ... "There are many disowned aspects of ourselves that can and will act out autonomously, whether we want to believe it or not." ... "When ignored, they become powerful forces that can act as independent entities.". that's how we sabotage ourselves. instead accept and process all aspects of your being and use them to make choices. always try to avoid toxic shame and repressed tendencies.
   
   Hewitt is one of those "Make the world a better place" moral authorities like straight out of the silva method. feel free to disagree with him (or me) on those points.
   
   Want to develop your psychic ability? acknowledge it and start using it and trusting it and relying on it. start meditating to calm your mind. your psychic ability doesn't require you to know any secret techniques. make your own.
   **** use your imagination for this. if you come up with your own techniques, they will be more powerful for you than someone else's because they come from inside of YOU.



3. I had been searching for a book that would help me develop my psychic abilities. This one fell into my lap when I was reaching for another book at my local book store. It was an easy read with easy to follow exercises to help develop your psychic awareness. It is a great beginning book to get you started and it only gets better from there. Amazing results!



4. This book didn't help me at all. Maybe it was me. It was well written but I couldn't put what was in the book to use.



5. Anyone giving bad reviews either isn't patient enough or just expects the book to do the work for them! That won't be accomplished with any book. EXERCISING TAKES EFFORT THAT'S WHY THEY CALL THEM EXERCISES!
   I was 16 the first time I tried many of the exercises in this book and while I had a very difficult time with some I found some to be surprisingly easy.
   Yes, it is aggrevating not to be able to see images in a crystal ball the first 40 times you try, but it only took me about 3 tries to develop the magnetic feeling in the healing hands exercise. I can't find my book right now (since I've recently moved) or I'd be able to give the exact name of the exercise.
   
   I bought this book the year it was released. The cover has since fallen off but I refuse to get rid of it. I have many underlinings and notes inside.
   The exercises will work but it takes PRACTICE whether you use this book or any other. This book is my absolute favorite! Please ignore the bad reviews by people who are too lazy to take their time.

5 comments about On Life After Death.

1. This tiny book (only 82 pages) offers the kind of hope all those who have been devastated by the loss of a loved one so often seek and seldom find. It should, of course, be read as an adjunct to Kubler-Ross' later book On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss It is the seventeenth (17th) book about grief and grieving that I have read since my father left this world for the next almost six months ago. I have found it to be the most moving. The author, now deceased herself, was a physician who worked for years with dying adults and children, not only believed but was CONVINCED that there IS life after death and there ARE people awaiting us "who died before you, who loved and treasured you a lot". This theme has been repeated in a number of works about grief including Don Piper's 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life, Don Piper, himself a Bapist minister who actually reportedly died for 90 minutes and came back to life convinced of the existence of a beautiful afterlife.
   A University of Michigan educated Masters level social worker (MSW) for 29 years I STRONGLY recommend this book for all those who grieve and for the mental health and pastoral professionals who work to help them.
   The book concludes with the words "Death is but a transition from this life to another existence where there is no more pain and anguish." This is linked with the author's previous reference to "the death of a human body...identical to what happens when the butterfly emerges from a cocoon....Dying is only moving from one house into a more beautiful one....As soon as the cocoon in an irreparable condition--be it from suicide, murder, heart attack or chronic disease, it doesn't matter how it happened--it will release the butterfly, your soul so to speak....when you die...the connection between the cocoon and the butterfly...will be severed. After this, it is not possible to return to the earthly body. But you wouldn't want to return to it anyway, for after seeing the light nobody wants to go back...Here there is understanding without judging, and here you experience unconditional love....God is unconditional love."



2. On Life After Death
   
   This book was very helpful for me to anticipate and go through the death of my mother. I had read it long ago when my first husband died and had often thought about it since. It was good to have it more clearly in mind to answer skeptics who claimed that what was viewed as the spirit leaves the body was just from a lack of oxygen to the brain, therefore hallucinations. Several interviews in the book absolutely squash that idea.



3. This is a slightly different book on NDE's from some of the others. It's short and has a softer tone in my opinion. And it's from a doctor's perspective. I really enjoyed it. The author had her own experiences and spent many years working with the dying. So she is less a researcher and more of an experiencer, not that either way is better or worse, but they give different perspectives. Don't miss Lessons from the Light by Kenneth Ring. That's my favorite overall, along with this one.



4. An amazing book for those of us who have lost loved ones, and for those of us who wonder what death my be like. This is a great follow up to her book, On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss. While a shorter book, it is more pointed in the message that the death of ourselves and our loved ones is merely a transition into another form of existance. Like her book on Grief and Grieving, I find myself in tears as I read this book with the lovely stories told in these pages.
   
   This book is not written from any specific religion slant, it is written from a more basic human side. She has collected many years worth of personal experience in spending time with those who are dying, and has walked away many points that would help anyone dealing with loved ones who have died, or may be dying. I would encourage anyone to read this book that has open questions about what is it like to die, is death painful, do you die alone, are there near death experiences, and so much more. It is a must read.



5. I lost my husband this past year and have searched for reading material that helps me find my "new normal." I found this book to be most helpful.

5 comments about The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted from NBC's Hit Show.

1. I flipped through this about 5 times, and only about 2 or 3 recipes looked good to me, and I'm not a picky eater--believe me! Stick with Weight Watchers cookbooks, they're way better!



2. This book if far more that I expected it to be, far more than a cook book! It has so much information before you ever get to the recipes it is amazing. It is an overview of how the system works for Biggest Loser. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle!



3. 
   
   6/23/2008
   
   THE BIGGEST LOSER COOKBOOK
   More than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes
   Adapted from NBC'S Hit Show
   
   By Chef Devin Alexander, et al
   
   (picture jacket here)
   
   A review by Marty Martindale
   
   The whole Biggest Loser concept is good, it seems, for these times, in that they have dealt with not only the food and its recipes, but a pyramid, general instruction for good sense and several graded workouts with Bob Harper and students on CD. This is a good program for these times when weight seems a problem for too many.
   
   The Biggest Loser Diet is "calorie-controlled, carbohydrate-modified, fat-reduced and high in protein (which controls hunger.)" They want you to eat three meals and two snacks each day. "The 4-3-2-1 Biggest Loser Pyramid" is four tiers, the base, or largest is fresh fruits and vegetables, the next level is protein foods, seafood, cheese, beans, fish and yogurt. The second from the top level is whole grains, your breads, cereals and wheat pasta. The top level, or "The Extras" are sweets with a 200 calorie daily limit. They have an equation for your calorie quota: if you weigh between 150 and 300, multiply your weight by seven, and this is the number of calories you should keep your maximum to. Some simple pointers: No white potatoes, limit amount of starchy vegetables such as pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes and yams. Avoid dry fruits. Choose whole fruits over juices. Vary your proteins and limit red meat servings to two a week. Avoid processed cold cuts. There's a few more guidelines, but nothing too restrictive, really common sense.
   
   They divide the recipe section into Breakfasts, Hearty Snacks, Sandwiches-Soups-Stews, Sides & Salads, Main Courses and Sweet Snacks. Here's some examples:
   
   MANGO STRAWBERRY BREAKFAST SUNDAE: Calls for orange juice, ice cubes, honey and high-fiber, low-sugar cereal
   
   SUNRISE OATMEAL: Orange juice, oats, blueberries, water and orange extract
   
   BRIAN'S BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE: Green bell pepper, onion, tomato, egg whites, and Cheddar cheese
   
   COCKTAIL-HOUR TUNA TARTARE: Mango, cucumber, lime juice, cilantro, green onions and sesame oil
   
   JESSICA'S "THE RANCH" BLT WRAP: Turkey bacon, wheat tortilla, Galeo's Miso Caesar Dressing, lettuce and tomato
   
   PB & J SPIRALS: Wheat flour tortilla, peanut butter and strawberry all-fruit spread
   
   PAM'S COTTAGE CHEESE MARINARA: Cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese and spaghetti sauce
   
   JEN'S ASPARAGUS GUACAMOLE: Add sour cream, guacamole seasoning mix and tomato.
   
   INDIAN CHICKEN SALAD POCKETS: Mayonnaise, lime juice, curry paste, cucumber, red onion, wheat pita and lettuce
   
   MATT'S GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH: Rye bread, Cheddar cheese and oil spray
   
   PARMESAN-PEPPER SWEET POTATO FRIES: Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and ketchup, if desired.
   
   DANA'S SPINACH AND FETA BROWN RICE: Onion, garlic and feta cheese.
   
   PARMESAN-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER: Parsley, garlic powder and olive oil
   
   FRESH AND COLORFUL JICAMA SLAW: Cucumber, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and red pepper flakes
   
   BROCCOLI SALAD WITH SWEET VINAIGRETTE: Orange juice, plain yogurt, mustard, orange marmalade and red onion
   
   HOT AND COLD BROWN-RICE SALAD: Chicken, broccoli florets, bell pepper, red onion, Italian dressing, and balsamic vinegar
   
   DARI'S PICANTE CHICKEN: Picante sauce, cream cheese and Cheddar cheese
   
   HEATHER'S MEXICAN ROLLUP: Ground turkey, extra-lean, wheat tortilla, sour cream, romaine, tomato and salsa
   
   ANGEL HAIR WITH ROCKIN' RED CLAM SAUCE: Onion, garlic, baby clams, tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, red-pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese
   
   ICED BUFFED MOCHA: Powdered coffee, chocolate soy milk, vanilla yogurt, Splenda, fat-free whipped topping and cocoa powder
   
   RASAH AND EDWIN'S WARM GRAPEFRUIT DESSERT: Add ground cinnamon and bake.
   
   TIFFANY'S CANDIED ALMONDS: Butter spray, almonds, cinnamon and Splenda
   
   In a world where too many are jeopardizing their health by carrying too much weight, the whole Biggest Loser program, the exercises, advice and recipies are well worth considering.
   
   You can reach Marty Martindale at Food Site of the Day.
   
   Special interests: Healthy Living



4. I haven't really tried many recepies in this cookbook. I'm a really picky eater so this cookbook doesn't really help me. But I stil thought some of the recepies had some really good ideas.



5. This cookbook is great and provided me with great stuff for my husband and I to eat. Trying to get Coach D to eat healthy is kinda hard. So if I fill him up on these great dishes, maybe I can keep him healthy. Most of the recipes are easy and quick to fix.

5 comments about Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home and Life.

1. I've read a ton of organizing books. Most have a "process" to get organized that seems reasonable when I read it, but I can never seem to remember the process or to apply it in real life.
   
   In "Eliminate Chaos", Laura Leist, author & genius, sets out her 10-step process and then takes us through seven real-life rooms that she applied it to. She tells us each room owner's "story" and makes the room alive - and then the process come to life in the room as she capably demonstrates with words and lots of fantastic before and after photos.
   
   I know now EXACTLY how to apply this system to my life and can't wait to do it. This is the best book you'll find to help you declutter and organize your home!



2. Laura Leist writes a very easy to use book. She calls upon her professional experience helping messy people like me--giving several examples for each point she is trying to make. I must admit I had thought of or realized most of the observations she writes about--the difference is I now realize I wasn't completely goofy...an expert and I agree on several organizing stratagies! But the depth and breadth of her insight and perspective are well worth twice the price of this book. If I had the opportunity and more income, I would hire Ms. Leist to come into my home and school me a little further. That should tell you how much I appreciate her work. Thank you to the author, and if you're thinking this book might help you, I say, "go for it."



3. It's advertised as a methodical approach to organizing every room of your house. What it turned out to be is mostly examples of the author organizing other people's rooms, none of which are particularly usable in my own situation. She even admits when covering one particularly unusual closet that the readers will probably not be able to use the related chapter.
   
   The one worthwhile thing was a suggestion from her method that you decide on the purpose of the room and what will belong in it before buying any organizing products - I'm guilty of buying organizers in search of a solution. And I got a few ideas from the products used, but actually I could have gotten everything I did from this book by browsing a catalog somewhere.



4. I enjoyed this book. It covered everything and has inspired me to start organizing my home step by step so that I am not overwhelmed.



5. Besides enjoying the company of good friends, family and food at her annual barbecue, Laura Leist likes to "label" all the drinks. While her guests find this quite amusing, they readily acknowledge that Laura has converted this comical practice of organizing and labeling into her successful business, Eliminate Chaos.
   
   Recognized as one of Washington State's 40 Under 40 Entrepreneurs in 2001, Laura's organizational programs have been televised on Northwest Afternoon, Evening Magazine and Seattle Live. She is a regular columnist for The Seattle Post Intelligencer and her strategies have been featured in Northwest Home and Garden, Remodel Seattle, King Country Journal and the Puget Sound Business Journal. Laura's tips have also been broadcast frequently on radio.
   
   Most recently, Laura wrapped up her organizational advice into a book, "Eliminate Chaos, The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life" (Sasquatch Books, 2006) providing easy-to-read and even easier-to-follow clutter-clearing tips to those of us overwhelmed by disorder in and around our homes, workspace and even our computer desktops.
   
   Laura regularly presents seminars on organization at IKEA, the furniture giant, and travels often to share her knowledge with groups around the country. She is also highly regarded by her peers at the National Association of Professional Organizers, where she also serves on its Board of Directors.
   
   "Eliminate Chaos" comes on the heels of two previously published books: "Organizing and Customizing with Microsoft Outlook 2003" and a tips book called "Eliminate Chaos... In Your Home." Laura was also named Safeco Surety Employee of the Year in 1994.
   
   [...]

5 comments about Staying Sober: A Guide for Relapse Prevention.

1. This is an excellent foundation to understanding the complex causes of relapse and their early indentification. It gives good information on indentification of relapse warning signs and constructive ways to abort another sprial into relapse. This book is written to supplament your 12 step program and is most useful when coupled with a relapse prevention support group that is not AA. If you can find or found a relapse group this book will be invaluable and rated 5 stars. Only relapse prone alcholic's need read this.



2. This book offers easily understood explanations of addiction and the relapse process. The book was offered to me through an out-patient rehabilitation program and has been an invaluable tool on countless occasions since. The book offers examples that you can apply to your own experiences. By fully understanding the cycle of addiction can the addict most successfully break the cycle. I strongly recommend this book to anyone suffering from the disease of addiction, the sober family coping with a drug addicted member, or those offering education on the subject.



3. you were very easy for a computer novice (me) to order, pay, confirm, and deliver. thank you so much. look forward to more business with you. rosie



4. Excellent, ease to comprehend book on the prevention of relapse from addictions. Author is well known in the field and this is a must for clinicians library. However it is easy to read for anyone.



5. Great book for the newly abstinent. Describes the difference between not drinking and being sober. Provides a clear framework to identify signs of coming relapse and develop a plan to avoid it. I know this will be useful as I regain a fulfilling sober life.

5 comments about Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism.

1. I feel empowered with information. I can seriously say that for the first time, I am empty of judgement. On the cover it says "A life-saving approach to alcoholism" and that's the point I'd stress.



2. I find this book fascinating. Having worked in the treatment field for a long time and having worked at Lakeside-Milam (which Milam started) I feel comfortable recommending and discussing this material.
   
   I've met Dr. Milam and used to listen to him lecture. Interesting guy, soft-spoken, and full of knowledge. He is a true pioneer.
   
   I've also been fortunate enough to work at Schick Shadel Hospital. If you like the work of Dr. Milam, I would invite you to check out the work from Dr. James W. Smith. Dr. Smith has been practicing addiction medicine since 1960. He is Board Certified in Family Practice and certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
   
   Dr. Milam was a pioneer, Dr. Smith is a legend. Knowing both approaches I'm excited to move forward in my body of knowledge.



3. The author clearly defines the progression of the disease. He describes the scientific physiolgical effects of alcoholism on an alcoholic. Milam describes in scientific detail the neurological impact of alcoholism on the frontal lobe. Race/culture rates are described. If people don't understand that alcoholism is a disease I say, read "Under The Influence". There is no question after reading this book that it IS a disease. The moral/willpower issue should long have been disolved. This book is a myth buster for alcoholism. This is truly an enlightning must read for everybody.



4. I train counselors and counsel families of alcoholics, and when a family member is having a very difficult time (even though she is trying hard) to understand that this is a disease----I refer her to this book. This helps her to see so well, that his rage is because alcohol excites the rage-centers of the brain. And because she now understands this, she knows, then, that the crazymaking coming out his mouth is the disease talking. Does not mean that she is not in pain from his behavior---but this book does help to take the edge off it. And this book helps her to spot the alcoholism in her children, too, because she now knows how very genetic this disease is.
   I see that one of the inside-cover endorsements for this book is by Toby Rice Drews---the author of the "Getting Them Sober, you CAN help" book. Her book is my 'sister book' to Milam's book! Together, these two books are lifesavers in my home. My counseling clients tell me that when they read "Getting Them Sober", their family lives change for the better within three days! I feel that these two books are 'sister' books because Milam (in "Under the Influence") explains the entire physiological body/brain effects from alcoholism----and Drews (in "Getting Them Sober, you CAN help") explains in detail, exactly how to make changes in one's relationship with the alcoholic (whether or not you live with him)------ so that the alcoholic has an 80% better chance to get sober. (The cover-endorsements for the book are by 'dear Abby', Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and Melody Beattie, author of 'Codependent No More', who says that "Getting Them Sober is the BEST book for the family of the still-drinking alcoholic".) Getting Them Sober: You Can Help! (Getting Them Sober)



5. This book is nearly thirty years old. Surely there is a better, more contemporary explanation of alcoholism. The author's thesis is that alcoholism is an entirely physiological phenomenon, caused by the inability of the alcoholic's liver to adequately process acetaldehyde, an intermediate by-product of alcohol metabolism. In the past thirty years, has medical science agreed on this thesis, or has it been rejected? One won't find the answer reading this book.
   
   Certainly, AA has not accepted the two recommendations made by the authors: (1) that AA reduce its emphasis on a moral inventory that includes the alcoholic's behavior while drinking and (2) that AA stop recommending the use of sugar and sweets. AA continues to promote a moral inventory -- and the use of sweets (not to mention coffee and smoking) is widespread in AA. Anyone reading this book before going to AA will be very surprised and perhaps put off.
   
   Also, the author's thesis does not really explain the more recent observations that alcoholics appear to be more susceptible than other people to other addictions, not only to drugs, but also to behavioral addictions like gambling, sex, food, and shopping. Authors like Patrick Carnes (on sex addiction) and Kay Sheppard (on food addiction) note this connection.
   
   We need a better book to provide the background to people who are encountering alcoholism in themselves or their loved ones. This book is a classic, but it's best left as a historical artifact, not as the last word on the subject.

5 comments about Do It Tomorrow and Other Secrets of Time Management.

1. 
   This book is easy to read, informative, well written, fun, short and practical. Buy it immediately!! If I had had to pay $500 for this book, it would have been worth it. The book addresses the nuts and bolts of getting through the day easily and with grace. . The author understands that most of us have a misguided sense of urgency and teaches us how to be selective in terms of declaring what is urgent so that you can stay on track with what you planned for the day. The book helps you get everything done you are committed to, so that nothing falls through the cracks. Your kitchen floor is just as important as the report due on your boss's desk. How you can get both the mundane and the big projects done day by day is the meat of the book. Project work due in a week, or a month becomes a piece of cake-because you learn to start it right away and keep going in little steps. I already feel more relaxed since I have started followed his suggestions, and am getting more done. I can see that it would be possible to be on top of everything, which would make life a pure delight. I had never seen that possibility before even as a time management consultant! There is nothing like it out there as much fun, doable and original in the time management field. Once you try some of his suggestions you will truly be in a position to go for your dream life. But on the other hand by doing what he suggests, you may already find yourself living it. If you are always struggling to get a grip on time like most of us----this is the book for you.



2. "Do It Tomorrow"
   
   Although I don't like the title of the book at first glance because of the tendency to think that procrastination is occurring, the depth of the book and the usefulness of it make it one book that I will never loan out.
   
   This book is about the combination of skills including drawing a line in the sand with backlog work and creating what's called a "closed" list of daily work. The unique benefit of creating a closed list is that you truly learn what you are capable of doing within one day. This, of course, helps you determine when and if you should hire an assistant and what work you can possibly delegate to them to increase your own productivity.
   
   When I use the principles from this book combined with the classification of work as described by D. Allen in Getting Things Done ("at computer", "phone", "waiting for", etc.), I'm actually getting more things done with less stress!
   
   I wrote the author when he first started teaching these skills in seminars over in the U.K. a year or two ago. Unable to travel to the UK, I kept sending an occasional letter asking for a book. I'm glad I waited for two reasons:
   
   1. The material is unique in many ways. It is because of flipping something on its head that allows me to enjoy some INCREDIBLY productive days that leave me filled with energy about accomplishment knowing I did the best I could possibly do with my time.
   2. The material is something I can use to teach my employees how to better manage their time in an office that doesn't always have the ability to work completely off a closed list, due to emergencies and procedure/process execution.
   
   I'm still working out some kinks, but have found his online blog help very useful for answering questions related to the book.
   
   This book is 5 star on useful information!



3. 1st edition (2006), 203 pages
   
   Do It Tomorrow is only the fourth useful book on time management that I've come across (the other three are The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch, The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker and The Management of Time by James T Mackay - the last two of which were published decades ago).
   
   Most standard time management dogma seems to involve advice about how to cram ever more of what you are currently doing into your day. I have been deeply suspicious of this approach for a long time now. It never worked for me and I've not seen it working for other people either.
   
   I'll quote a paragraph from the beginning of chapter four (`The Problem with Time Management') which gives a good flavour of Forster's style and approach to his subject:
   
   "The two things I want to examine are the concept of prioritising by importance and the frequently used tool of making a to-do list. Both of these tend to be the sacred cows of time management, and I believe both of them are fundamentally wrong. The reason is the same in both cases: they tend to make us do more of what gave us the problem in the first place."
   
   It is a great shame that it is so rare for an author to pay close attention to the evidence, even if it leads to conclusions totally opposite to conventional wisdom on the subject. Mark Forster is one of those authors and I strongly advise reading his terrific little book - you won't be disappointed.



4. Mark's book is amazing, and following his principles has changed my life. He gives concrete ways to work -with- our natural resistance to whatever we might need to do.
   
   For example, most of us use to-do lists. Mark recommends closed lists. Instead of our to-do list being a never-ending story - you finish what you're doing.
   
   His method of dealing with backlog is killer. No - it doesn't involve throwing it out or ignoring it. Instead it makes the backlog entirely managable. Imagine coming back from a month long vacation and being relaxed about what you need to do?
   
   A lot of people like David Allen's "Getting Things Done" and I do too. But even David needs to be listening to Mark. Want proof? After he wrote Getting Things Done, he put out his newsletter VERY sporadically and always apologized for it. I'm sure he now has systems and people in place now to get the newsletter out the door - but if his system worked - he'd have it together. He didn't.
   
   The two books together are a good combination, but "Do It Tomorrow" definitely comes first - by far.



5. I have been following the precepts laid down in this book for the last three weeks. By adopting Forster's methods, I have seen my productivity soar 30-40%. By accomplishing more, I am experiencing a qualitative improvement in feelings of well-being and contentment.
   
   There is no magic to improved productivity. You have to do the work. No system will do the work for you. But there are experimentally validated, proven tricks for getting oneself motivated to do things instead of procrastinate. Forster is a master of these tricks and he lays them out in clear, simple language in his book.
   
   The key insights are almost laughably simple. So simple, it's all too easy to reject them as childishly simplistic. But they work if you give them a try. And if you have substantial, difficult, and complex goals that still remain to be accomplished, you owe it to yourself to give Forster's method a test.
   
   The fundamental fact of human nature that underlies Forster's system is that we crave completion. Forster criticizes conventional to-do lists because we can add new items to them throughout the day, impeding us from ever completing them. Forster's solution is to create a list of items to do tomorrow, and then draw a line under those items. If you complete everything above the line, you've succeeded.
   
   Of course you never know exactly what will come up tomorrow. Things are going to demand your immediate attention and you will have to do them as well. But those new things are things you add below the line of the list you made up yesterday. As much as possible, you try to avoid doing today incoming new tasks that came in today. Your goal is to complete today all the items that you wrote down yesterday for today.
   
   You can't imagine how powerful a motivator it is to complete today's list until you try it. The mind does crave completion. If it's getting near the end of the day and I still have a few items remaining on my list, I will move heaven and earth to get them completed. If there are still two hours left in the day and I am almost done with my list, I will complete those items. Then I will spend those two hours doing whatever I want. Maybe I'll do some more work. Or maybe I'll goof off. If I choose to goof off I will do so totally guilt-free. I know that I've done what I've set out to do and I know that I deserve the time off.
   
   I've been following David Allen's Getting Things Done system for more than five years. I have found that adding Mark Forster's list-making system to Getting Things Done has been a boon to my productivity.

5 comments about Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior--Anytime, Anyplace.

1. There is no significant insight to this author's offering other than right and wrong means nothing in the legal process-and of course, you can make money from a legal travesty-buyers should'nt waste their money-I did



2. I'm a "human behavior junkie" so I read all of these types of books, This one is not too bad. It for sure has some interesting insights. I much prefer Lieberman's YOU CAN READ ANYONE. That book is very practical, and as is his style, not filled with any fluff or psycho-nonsense.



3. You might want to read the last 3 chapters first if you are looking to find the more useful info about READING PEOPLE. The author covers her tracks well by often mentioning that there is no guarantee in reading people. Let's say it's not an exact science. She does give good basic insight if you are YOUNGER. If you are an older person then there is not too much can be added to your repertoire.
   
   For the cost conscious: get this one used and you can find which category of reader you fall into more economically. This is a book that can't do you harm or waste your time. Who knows - you might learn something about people. Get it.



4. I have enjoyed reading this book very much. I am somewhat disappointed with some of the reviews. This book is like a text book; you're going to have to re-read the book several times with each time picking up something that you missed. You must next apply what you read and then re-read the book to interpret your findings.
   
   I have found the book very useful in understanding people around me. I have applied the lessons in this book to my work to help me interpret actions by people including my boss. It has at times helped me to understand the hidden meaning past events of other people's actions with me and others.
   
   It is not a quick read. Do not expect to be able to in "5-minutes" learn the secret meaning of people's actions. It is a good book that deserves several re-reads.



5. After reading this book, I realize the complexity of the art of reading people. There are many factors to consider. This book is not meant for a surface reading. But, it brings to the forefront the observations one should take in before making a judgment call on anyone. It is also helpful as a self exam. You start to pay attention to your own conversations and interactions with others no matter where you are.

5 comments about The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency.

1. This book is the perfect book for people who want to gain more control over their lives and live healthily in cooperation with the environment. You'll learn everything from rearing cattle, growing onions, harness natural power and furnishing a dairy. The perfect starting point for a better life away from the grind. And the best thing is that it's written in a very introductory manner so you don't have to be raised on a farm to understand it.
   
   It changed my life..



2. Sometimes, when I'm having a particularly bad day, I take down this book and open it up to the section on how to arrange your self-sufficient farm on 1 or 5 acres. "All we would need," I beg my husband, "is five acres! And then we could keep 2 cows! One to milk and one to eat." His response? "You're a vegetarian."
   
   Ahem. Anyway.
   
   I love this book. It's a DK book, so it's well written, with short chapters/descriptions based on specific subjects. This format makes it easy to flip through for fun, or to find the information that interests you. There are lots of illustrations, drawn in the style that appears on the cover. It includes information on growing crops, keeping (and butchering) animals, cooking, weaving, energy, water, building... basically everything you need to know to do everything you need on your own.
   
   Is this a total fantasy for most people? Yes, of course. But this is still such a useful book, even if you just want to learn the information in it without using it. Most everything in here used to be passed down from parent to child, and it was what people needed to know to survive. It's all information that's being lost and forgotten. And who knows, maybe soon enough we'll need to remember it?



3. I love this book. I doubt I'll ever slaughter a pig, shear a sheep, or make my own cowhide shoes but this book covers nearly everything - most of which is actually very useful to the average person - including a lot on gardening. He outlines how to be self-sufficient on the "one acre holding" and the "five acre holding" in pretty darn good detail.



4. I've owned several editions of this book...and it has molded my relatively self sufficient life over 3 decades...for all of you wishing to escape from the 9 to 5, materialistic world...you can't go wrong with this book in your hands.
   
   I also recommend "Living the Good Life: How to Live Sanely & Simply in a Troubled World", by Helen and Scott Nearing.
   
   Peace on all your homesteads, and justice on earth in our lifetimes.



5. A great read and an excellent beginners manual for the new homesteader. It handles a little bit of everything as it relates to the homestead, not as detailed as the TODAY'S HOMESTEAD series of books,Today's Homestead: Volume I but still, amply sufficient for the homesteading newbie. It holds a dedicated spot on my book shelf and is a great addition to any homestead library.

5 comments about All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

1. Robert Fulgram's book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is now more than 15 years old and has been updated in a new version. The book became an instant classic with its wise statements and gentle humor. The essence of the book is the following set of statements:
   Share everything.
   Play fair.
   Don't hit people.
   Put things back where you found them.
   Clean up your own mess.
   Don't take things that aren't yours.
   Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
   Wash your hands before you eat.
   Flush.
   Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
   Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
   Take a nap every afternoon.
   When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
   Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
   Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
   And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
   We learned most of these ideas as children, but as adults we often forget or discard them as no longer relevant. Yet they remain as the truly important things in life. The trick is not only to remember them but also to use them in an adult context. Maybe we can't take a nap in the afternoon any more, but we can relax and get sufficient rest so that we can work efficiently; we know better than to hit people, but political and personal violence is still a major part of life in the United States. Living a balanced life is something many adults have difficulty achieving. My own advice is to post this list someplace where you can see it every day. And it wouldn't hurt to read this small volume over and over again.
   
   I rate this book at 5 stars. The other reviews seem for the most part to be either 5 or 1 stars. The negative reviewers miss, in my view, the main point of the book--that simple things are the most important and simple ways of saying things are the best means of communication.



2. This book kindly brings us back to the basics of life and shows us to 'keep it simple' once again. His thoughts and writing skills kept me engaged while teaching me a refreshing perspective that I once had learned.
   
   Great addition to any readers loves!
   
   Merna Throne
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!



3. This book contains all the lessons we need to know to lead a successful life. It is a reminder that we learned long ago the lessons we need in Kindergarten to be successful at whatever endeavor we choose. I recently used those lessons with my high school graduating seniors. It is worth repeating because I feel we have forgotten the lessons. Arthur L. Williams Ph.D. Principal Ann Arbor Huron High School.



4. An easy and touching read. great stories that warm the soul. made me want to share the book with those i love.



5. Adorable! I mean, with a title like that, how could I NOT get this book? Even though some of the stories didn't apply to me, they were still great to read, and there were tons that did apply and just gave me that warm happy feeling. Everyone should read this book, this is what true inspiration is :D One thing though, it seems that at the beginning, there was some of the Kindergarten-ness, but then, it lost it. What happened? Those were my favorite parts, the connections, and then they died and the book lost a lot of its charm. Sadness. Still, cool read, I'm probably going to post it back for swapping so someone else can enjoy it, too!