"The Art of Managing" by Jane Treber Macken - Book Review

The Art of Managing: How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationshipsby Jane Treber MackenInfinity Publishing (2007)ISBN 9780741439338Business Guru Jane Treber Macken calls on her 36 years of acclaimed expertise in the business field to put together her first book, "The Art of Managing: How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships." Her vast knowledge in both business and psychology bring a holistic flow to her methods, making her strategy a natural marriage between the two fields. "Bridging business and psychology will assist you not only in managing your workplace, but also in managing your personal life. Both are really about successfully managing relationships.""The Art of Managing" is the enlightened manager's guide to a more effective management style. It teaches and sharpens skills in successful communication based on personality types and levels of ability and motivation. By positively exploiting certain character 'flaws' and traits and knowing another's behavior style, managers can boost both individual vision and group interoperability. Macken utilizes specific examples from her background and upbringing to illustrate her points. She also brings in plenty of descriptive charts, exercises, and bolds key phrases that can be used as a management mantra. "The Art of Managing" is a quick read while easy to digest and emulate.Macken does a superb job bringing her technique full circle while bringing in the importance of a foundation of self-knowledge, continual personal growth, and unwavering ethics throughout. "The Art of Managing" is perfect for those established and aspiring managers hoping to be more effective leaders by building work environments full of trust, honesty, and open communication. I also think the book would serve those interested in bettering their own interpersonal skills. Whether or not one is a "manager" per se, the book offers valuable information on how to get to know oneself on a deeper level and improve your interaction experiences with people of other personality types."The Art of Managing" is definitely a positive alternative for those who have become frustrated with other methods of management. Jane Treber Macken's style is motivating and insightful, bringing a fresh take on employee mental well-being while keeping the ultimate goal of a successful business in focus. "People who continue to learn are better able to implement and manage continuous change, meet customer expectations and needs, and lead an organization to success in the competitive economic environment." dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Interview With Jane Treber Macken, Author of "The Art of Managing"

Interview with Jane Treber Mackenauthor of The Art of Managing: How to Build a Better Workplace and RelationshipsInfinity Publishing (2007)ISBN 9780741439338Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is joined today by Jane Treber Macken, author of "The Art of Managing: How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships."Jane Treber Macken is a highly acclaimed business consultant, who has served as manager with companies in the energy and mortgage brokerage fields and served on the faculty at John F. Kennedy University. Her new book "The Art of Managing" discusses the attributes of successful people and teaches how to use these attributes to be successful in business and relationships.Tyler: Welcome, Jane. I'm happy to have you here today. I understand in "The Art of Managing" you explain that there are three key attributes to success. Would you begin by telling us what those attributes are?Jane: The three key attributes to success are caring and compassion for others, serving the community, and working on Self which means mind, body and spirit. These key attributes are responsible for building successful businesses, lasting relationships and a more balanced life.*Caring and compassion mean showing a deep sympathy and empathy which is an intellectual and emotional identification with another person; there is mutual understanding; and, especially an ability to share another's ideas and emotions. Successful leaders show patience and connectedness to others, including expecting no more or less from others than they were willing to do. In talking with their employees, they had high qualities of trust, a sense of fairness and were extremely patient. It's like, "They are able to put themselves in the other person's shoes."*Serving others and the community means engaging in some role in the community - service or charity. Leaders growing up in small towns or large families usually have a great sense of community. Everyone knows everyone else's business and there are few secrets. But, when you need help and support, the community or family is there for you. These trusting relationships carry over into these folks' adult lives and often result in genuine caring for others. Even if not raised this way, you can develop these skills through community involvement or mentorship.*Working on Self means paying attention to your mind, body and spirit; that includes expanding your knowledge through travel or education, eating the right foods, exercising, getting enough rest and meditating (sitting quietly, pondering, letting thoughts percolate up). Working on Self is really about honesty; honesty with ourselves...truly understanding ourselves. Honesty builds relationships. Our shadow fears dishonesty in Self. Our shadow causes us to REACT emotionally rather than RESPOND to others. When we react emotionally, it is part of our hidden shadow. It takes a lifetime to work on these emotional reactions to rid yourself of your shadow.These are the blind spots we all face. However, once you rid the shadow, you respond more frequently. Think of your shadow as a toy box. From the time you are born, all the negative messages you put in the toy box. All these emotions (fear, anger, sadness, guilt, rage, shame) are in this toy box. Something a person says or the way he/she looks at you may evoke an emotional reaction. Reflect and go back in time to when you first remember a similar word, situation, person, or incident. Work through the original incident by replacing those memories with what should have been to make you feel okay. By replacing negative messages with positive ones, we overcome negative programming and become more in harmony with our relationships and environment.Tyler: Thanks, Jane. In other words, we all bring our shadows, or maybe we could say "emotional baggage" with us into the workplace. A manager needs to understand we all bring our personalities to our jobs. In "The Art of Managing", you talk about how we can apply psychology to business. Would you expand a little on how that idea works?Jane: "The Art of Managing...How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships" is a book that bridges the worlds of business and psychology. The business world is about tasks and activities, and the psychology world is about getting to know ourselves, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. Leaders learn how effectively and successfully to manage their relationships, have lasting relationships and a more balanced life.*Learning and understanding how to form teams, how groups develop, how to motivate employees, and how to analyze an organization for effectiveness and efficiency will help their business prosper.*Gaining insights into themselves and becoming better leaders and team players will benefit them personally and professionally.Managing the workplace is really about managing relationships. People are still the most important asset.Tyler: What do you feel is the biggest management mistake that managers tend to make?Jane: In my opinion, the biggest mistake that managers tend to make is not being honest with themselves and others. They may not honor their true feelings/beliefs and do what they believe others want them to do. This builds resentments within and folks truly know when someone is not acting authentically. Managers must embrace honesty with themselves...truly understanding themselves. Honesty builds relationships.Tyler: Jane, could you share with us a success story that happened as the result of using the ideas in "The Art of Managing", either by your own application of them in the business world or the application of one of your readers?Jane: I am certified to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) which is a personality preference instrument that has been used by businesses world wide for more than 60 years. When becoming part of a leadership team, it is important that you understand your preferences as well as the preferences of others.In Chapter 8, Effective Teams, pages 61-66 talks about the ability of the leader to observe and influence a group/team at many levels and understand the team dynamics. This application was truly a success story in that the team began functioning at a higher level. The group dealt with the basics of communication and was able to work effectively as a group in problem-solving and decision-making roles.Using the MBTI tool for team formation has resulted in successful business results.Tyler: Would you give an example of how the personality preference instrument works? Are managers supposed to use the tool to understand the personalities of their employees so they can better manage them?Jane: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) instrument defines sixteen types of people. The MBTI types are based on Jungian theory that we all have natural, inborn preferences for doing certain things. For example, if you are right handed and you write your full name with your right hand, it feels natural. But, if you are right handed and you write your full name with your left hand, it feels unnatural. We are all born with natural preferences for the way we do things.The MBTI preferences fall into four categories: extraversion/introversion (where we get our energy), sensing/intuition (how we gather information), thinking/feeling (how we make decisions and solve problems), and judging/perceiving (what our orientation is).*Extraverts tend to focus on the outer world of people and external events and get their energy from others. Introverts tend to focus on their own inner world of ideas and experiences and get their energy from within.*Sensing people prefer to take in information through their eyes, ears, and other senses. Intuitive people prefer to take information in by seeing the big picture, focusing on the relationship and connections between facts.*Thinking people tend to make decisions by looking at the logical sequences of a choice or action. They try to mentally remove themselves for a situation to examine it objectively and analyze the cause and effect. Feeling people tend to consider what is important to them and to other people. They mentally place themselves in a situation and identify with the people involved so that they can make decisions based on person-centered values.*Judging people process in the outer world and tend to live in a planned, orderly way, wanting to regulate and control life. They make decisions, come to closure, and move on. Perceiving people process in the outer world and tend to live in a flexible, spontaneous way, seeking to experience and understand life, rather than control it. Plans and decisions feel confining to them; they prefer to stay open to experience any last-minute options.
The MBTI provides a straightforward and affirmative path to self-understanding as well as understanding of others. It offers a logical model of consistent human behavior, including emphasizing the value of diversity and uniqueness, especially when forming teams and groups.It is my opinion that effective leaders use the MBTI as a tool to understand their employees' preferences so they can better manage them.Tyler: You talk a lot in your book about motivating people. What do you think are the major reasons why employees are not motivated?Jane: The major reasons why employees are not motivated are the lack of leadership skills of the leader. Motivation is the leader's ability to urge action in others by influencing their inner drive. Leaders must adopt different leadership styles depending on the situation and understanding his/her employees. If an employee is not motivated, it can be either professional maturity or psychological maturity. It is up to the leader to determine.*Professional maturity is the ability or capacity to do the job. Does the employee have the knowledge, training and experience to do the job?*Psychological maturity is the motivation or willingness to do it. How does the employee want to be recognized or rewarded; does the employee show confidence and good self esteem?Tyler: What advice would you give to a manager to increase the motivation among his or her employees?Jane: Once the leader understands the professional and psychological maturity of his/her employees, he/she can influence the desired or wanted outcomes. For example, if the person is new in the job and doesn't appear to be working at speed, it may be a lack of training. Once additional training is given, performance should improve. Conversely, if it is determined that an employee has the skill and appears to be wasting time during the day, the employee may lack the will to do the work. It is then up to the leader to redefine the gap in the job expectations, such as, this is where I want you to be versus this is where you are. By understanding and working with the employee to close the gap, the leader will be setting up the environment for motivating the employee.Tyler: Can any employee be motivated, or are there just bad apples it is better not to hire or to fire before they spoil the group?Jane: Through years of experience and application of the motivation module, I believe that if the leader defines the professional maturity and psychological maturity of an employee, the leader can motivate the employee to the desired outcome.The one exception is when an employee is under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. This is another issue that needs to be resolved through EAP intervention and/or termination.Tyler: In other words, everyone has something to contribute. To give a practical example, what should a manager do, say with an employee who is constantly late to work and returns late from lunch. The employee's work is fine, but his behavior is creating low morale among co-workers? How would "The Art of Managing" help a manager with such a situation?Jane: Even where the work is fine, when someone takes advantage of the norms in a work situation, such as being late to work and returning late from lunch, this behavior creates low morale among co-workers and is a performance issue.Chapter 2, Organizational Effectiveness, emphasizes shared values as one of the seven S's for organizational effectiveness. Shared values refer to the guiding concepts and dominant values, beliefs, and assumptions. Some of the attributes include trust, integrity/truthfulness, accountability. There must be congruence between individual values and organizational values for the company to continue to grow and prosper.Chapter 4, Caring and Compassion, says that successful leaders demonstrate caring and compassion for people by showing deep sympathy and empathy/concern for others. A leader would ask the employee what was causing the lateness and handle the response with understanding. Once the leader determines the cause of the lateness, he then makes the employee aware of how his/her behavior is negatively impacting co-workers, resulting in low morale as indicated by higher sick leave and turnover in the organization.The leader can then motivate the employee by defining the "gap" between what is the desired behavior versus what the employee is doing. Once the leader and employee agree to the behavior change and the change occurs, the leader should recognize the behavior change and continue to monitor. If the old behavior continues, there should be consequences (positive discipline, disciplinary leave).Tyler: Of course, "The Art of Managing" would be useful for the workplace, but how can its techniques and ideas be carried over into our personal lives and relationships?Jane: Through my learnings and experiences, I saw many ways that people can be more effective in their daily lives, and consequently, much happier both at work and personally. The book shows how you can develop the three key attributes to successfully manage your work and personal life and offers tools for forming effective teams and motivating people. The theory and examples in the book have helped me and I know they will help others.Tyler: Would you provide us with an example from the book of how a person can manage their personal life by applying the principles you teach?Jane: Chapter 6, Developing of Self, provides an example from the book of how a person can manage their personal life by applying the principles. To develop Self, work on the mind through continuous learning, the body through exercise and proper nutrition, and the spirit through quiet time such as meditation, contemplation, reflection or relaxation. Quiet time helps you define where you are, where you want to go and what you must do to get there.When people are striving to improve Self, they are more open to learning and more energized by opportunities to learn. The payoffs can be increased commitment, higher levels of energy and enthusiasm, sincere dedication to success and a general positive effect on many people's lives. By setting challenging goals for ourselves, we can expect to develop the drive and ambition to move forward in our lives. As we develop Self, we will have a better understanding of creating the lives that we most desire for ourselves. As you begin to understand yourself more and more, you will respond positively to more and more situations and relationships with understanding and compassion.There is nothing more powerful you can do than to encourage others toward the lifelong process of working on Self.Tyler:Jane, what do you feel sets "The Art of Managing" apart from all the other books in the market today about business management?Jane: My book is different because:*It bridges the worlds of business and psychology. Managing the workplace is really about managing relationships. Basically, people are still the most important asset.*It provides insights on how to develop the three (3) key attributes that make leaders successful in managing the workplace and their personal lives.Tyler: Jane, "The Art of Managing" also talks about the history of management theory. How do you think management theory and styles have adapted and changed from say a generation or two ago to our current and more technologically advanced age?Jane: As the needs of society and the environment change, history reflects the changing leadership and organizational needs of society. In the last generation or two, companies are taking a more "holistic" or "organic" approach to management theory. The next generation has emerged with better education and skills, including being raised to excel and achieve. This generation will come into the information age significantly contributing to the knowledge-value/based economy.Progressive companies are embracing transformation, examining their businesses in the areas of operations, policy and strategy, project management, accounting and finance, and sales and marketing. Transformation embodies change management, performance improvement, and reengineering. There is a deep fundamental assessment of every process and every organization. The culture is focused on teamwork and attempting to eliminate the silos that occurred in the 1980s. Some of the pressing issues are customer satisfaction and employee dissatisfaction.Customers expect more for less. Employees are disillusioned with management. Transformation has led to not only looking at processes, but also to valuing the employee.In the 2000s, employees' values and beliefs are now a focus after years of neglect. Employees provide a product and/or service. Managing the workplace is really about managing these relationships.Tyler: Thank you so much, Jane, for talking with me today. Before you go, would you please tell our readers where they can find out more about "The Art of Managing" and where they may purchase a copy?Jane: To find out more about "The Art of Managing...How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships" go to my web site: http://www.JaneMacken.com My web site talks about the book, author, excerpts, testimonials, press release, blogs (includes a book review).Tyler:Thank you, Jane. You've offered managers and employees both, lots of great advice, and I wish you well selling "The Art of Managing." dr seuss cat in hat history

"IM" by Rick R Reed - Book Review

IMby Rick R. ReedQuest Books (2007)ISBN 9781932300796"IM" by Rick Reed is a fast-paced page turner that I could barely put down. The title is the abbreviation for "Instant Messaging" but in this case, the instant messaging results in instant murder. While it is a mystery concerning a series of crimes against gay men, and featuring a gay detective and a questionably gay killer, the plot twists, character development, and suspense make it a story any fan of mystery or crime fiction will enjoy.The story is about Timothy Bright, a man sexually abused as a teenager by his aunt's boyfriend. He now seeks revenge upon the gay world, as well as his aunt and her boyfriend. He preys upon gay men who log onto Men4HookUpNow.com, instant messaging them and getting them to invite him over for a night of hot sex. Once they let him in their homes, he murders them. Chicago Police Department detective Ed Comparetto, who happens to be gay himself, investigates the crimes. Ed soon becomes convinced Timothy Bright is the murderer, until he learns that Timothy Bright actually died years before. Complications ensue as Ed seeks the killer and the truth behind the real identity of Timothy Bright. Several attempts to catch Bright fail until Ed puts not only himself, but his boyfriend, Peter, in serious danger.What I found most interesting about "IM" was how Reed used different point-of-views to achieve his effects. The primary story takes place in the present day, detailing Ed Comparetto's investigations in third-person. However, the author also uses diary entries from Timothy's aunt, discussing Timothy's childhood and how she came to realize he was mentally unbalanced. Most daringly, Reed creates chapters told in first person by Timothy Bright to explain how Bright became a killer. Reed manages to pull off these first person sections magnificently, not making Timothy completely repulsive to the reader, yet staying away from making him a sympathetic villain. Timothy's first person narration is bold and allows him to flaunt to the reader how clever he is that he can get away with his crimes."IM" has many gruesome scenes which make it unlikely the reader will pity Timothy. Because of the highly descriptive sexual encounters and the repulsive murders that result from them, I would caution readers to stay away from the book if they cannot stomach blood and violence, yet the violent scenes are not simply for gratuitous shock effect, but to help the reader better understand Timothy's evil nature and the sexual revenge he is set on committing.Rick R. Reed has written several other novels and short stories. Fans of mystery and suspense may want to explore his work further. At the end of "IM" are several pages of his upcoming vampire novel "In the Blood" which gives a taste of his work in other genres. If his other books are as fast-paced and well-developed as "IM" I would read them as well. I may, however, think twice before I ever instant message anyone. dr seuss cat in hat book

Interview With Rick R Reed, Author of "IM"

Interview with Rick Reedauthor of IMQuest Books (2007)ISBN 9781932300796Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is joined by Rick R. Reed, who is here to talk about his new novel, "IM".Rick R. Reed's horror fiction has been referred to as "a harrowing ride through cutting-edge psychological horror" (Douglas Clegg, author of "The Attraction"), having "a knack for presenting the gruesome lower depths of a soul" ("New City") and "brutally honest" ("Fangoria"). "Unzipped" magazine, in its October 2006 issue said, "You could call him the Stephen King of gay horror..."Tyler: Welcome, Rick. I'm happy to have you here today. To begin, would you briefly tell us what "IM" is about?Rick: "IM" is a suspense/horror novel about a serial killer who uses internet "hook-up" chat rooms to lure his victims. The title stands for instant message, and it is through these instant messages that the killer seduces his victims into inviting him into their homes for what they think will be an evening of romance, but what turns out to be an evening of brutal murder. The twist of the book is that the killer himself may be dead, a victim of a similar crime to the ones now being perpetrated. It takes a recently out and ousted gay Chicago police detective to try and discover the truth and to stop the killer--dead or not--before he kills again.Tyler: Where did you first come up with the idea for "IM"?Rick: I guess I must have been thinking about the potential peril gay men, especially, put themselves in by using these online hookup services, like Adam4Adam, M4M, etc. There's a whole slew of them and finding sex online nowadays is as easy as ordering a pizza. And I'd be lying if I said I had never availed myself of the opportunity. But the thought crossed my mind at one point, "What if one of these people you're inviting over wants to do you harm? Or even kill you? Who would know? How would anyone trace any connection from you to the killer?" That "what if..." is a big question for writers and it started me on the course for writing "IM".Tyler: A book like "IM" could not have been written even twenty years ago when the internet was not widespread. What advantages do you feel advances in technology have created for storytelling?Rick: Well, I think the internet has many possibilities for storytelling. A while back, I read an excellent novel called "I.D.", which was about a woman whose identity is stolen. I also believe there's a young adult novel out told entirely in IMs. The cyberworld is a whole new setting!Tyler: I know you've set "IM" and some of your other novels in Chicago, and you live in Chicago. Is there a reason why you choose to set the books in the town where you live?Rick: Actually, Tyler, I lived in Chicago for eighteen years. In October of 2006, I moved to Miami, FL with my partner because of a job relocation/promotion. But to get back to your question, I set so much of my work in Chicago because the city was a true inspiration to me. I knew it so well it was easy to visualize the locales as I wrote. And the hardiness, the people, the beauty, and the vitality of Chicago all contributed to making me want to set what I wrote there.Tyler: I have also read your book "Penance" which I enjoyed, but what really made "IM" stand out for me by comparison was your use of multiple first and third person narratives, and you allowed the serial killer to speak in first person. Why did you choose to alternate points-of-view and what did you feel were the benefits and drawbacks of doing so?Rick: I like using different points of views first because it helps me get inside the character's head and feel what he's feeling, thus bringing it alive for the reader (sometimes I go to some pretty dark and dangerous places!). Second, I like to do it because I think it brings the reader much closer to the character I'm writing about. You know the scene in the movie "Halloween" where the little Michael Myer is going to kill his sister? You see this through his Halloween mask, and hear him breathing beneath the mask...and I think that's what makes it more personal and terrifying for the viewer. In "IM", we get to see things "up close and personal" from the killer's and his victims' perspectives. I like having that immediacy and bringing readers right into my own little nightmare world.Tyler: One thing I found interesting about the serial killer in "IM" is that you gave the reader background information on him and why he became who he was. Even with showing his motivation, however, I'm not sure he ever became sympathetic. Did you feel sympathy for him at all?Rick: Yeah, I do feel some sympathy for Timothy. You've read the book, so you know he endured some pretty horrible abuse growing up. I don't really expect anyone to feel sympathy for him, but I hope they can at least have some understanding why he became the way he is. I think of people in terms of shades of gray and I think that makes them a lot more compelling as characters than one-dimensional stock villains or heroes.Tyler: Rick, do you ever receive negative criticism about your novels because of their violent or sexual subject matter? And if so, how do you respond to those critics?Rick: It's interesting seeing some of the reviews for "IM" and how almost all of them warn that there's pretty graphic sex and violence, yet all of them say it's not gratuitous and it has to be there to advance the plot. That makes me feel good because I never put graphic stuff in simply to shock...it always has to pass the test: does it need to be there? Could the story work without it? I think my answer is always, "Yes, it has to be there."Tyler: That's an excellent response, Rick. I agree it's important that such elements as violence are used to advance the plot. Do you feel there is too much violence today in books, films and television? I am always surprised by the number of crime shows on television today. How do you think your books or such programs reflect American viewpoints today?Rick: It's hard to gauge how much is too much. I think the test I mentioned above is a good one: is the violence necessary? I think movies like "Hostel" and "Wolf Creek" take it over the top and for me personally, they go a little too far. The gore and violence just seem like they're there for their own sake (remember that sentence for the correct usage of variations on "there"!).Tyler: Do you feel your works exaggerate reality by being sensational, or is that the fun of writing within a horror or suspense genre?Rick: Most of my stuff is the kind of horror that can really happen (save for a detour into the world of vampires occasionally), so I would say that I don't think the crimes and the suspense are exaggerated. I think what makes them terrifying is that they could really happen. I have always been a true crime buff and it fascinates me how people can bring themselves to do horrible things (which I could never do). Writing about these things is a way of examining crime more closely.Tyler: What really strikes me about your works and especially "IM" is that they focus on gay characters, and yet those gay characters are victims of sexual crimes. Do you feel your books reflect some sort of homophobic feeling that still exists in America, or perhaps the fears of the gay population about not being accepted by the mainstream?Rick: I don't think I consciously set out to write anything themed that way. As I've said before, I just set out to write a good page-turner, not a "cautionary tale" or to hold a mirror up to society. I suppose, though, if you peel back the layers of "IM", there is an element of self-loathing that some gay men have and that's what causes them to seek out highly risky behavior, even sometimes at the expense of their own lives.Tyler: Why do you choose to write gay horror? Why not just a gay coming out story?Rick: Gay is just because I am; I know those people best. I think my "gay" books could just as easily be straight ones...my first concern is with the human condition. My characters' sexuality makes them more alive to me as I write them and hopefully more alive to the reader. Horror is because I have always been fascinated with the dark side of things and always loved the delicious tingle you can feel from fear (the kind of safe fear you can have between the covers of a book or on a movie screen, though!).Tyler: How did you feel about "Unzipped" Magazine calling you the "Stephen King of gay horror"? Do you think that's a fair comparison?Rick: I love the marketing angle that someone comparing me to King has given me. And I love the comparison because he's always been a favorite. I've been reading him since I was a boy and have read almost everything he's written. That said, no, I don't think we're alike at all. Our styles, subject matter, and perspectives are very different. "Unzipped" picked King because he's probably the most recognizable name in horror, not because we are actually all that alike as writers.Tyler: You mentioned the film "Halloween" and of course, Stephen King. Which writers and/or films have been influences upon your writing?Rick: Some of my favorite horror movies are "THE HAUNTING" and an Asian film called "AUDITION. In both of those, the sense of dread is pervasive and, at least with the former, much of the chilling stuff that happens occurs off-stage, which makes it even more frightening. As far as writers who've had an influence, the three that come to mind would not be classified as horror writers, but I really love their sense of suspense and the grotesque: Flannery O'Connor, Patricia Highsmith, and James Purdy. I think they have all influenced how I write characters.Tyler: How difficult was it for you to publish a novel with gay characters in it? Being gay yourself, did the thought of becoming famous make you nervous?Rick: It's taken me a long time to accept myself as a gay man (I didn't come out until I was 30) and now I'm happy with who I am and don't care who knows it. I would be happy to be known as a "gay author" and be famous for it. Our community needs more "out and proud" people standing at the forefront, so people can see we come in all different shapes and sizes. I started out writing straight horror books and I was very lucky to have the first two picked up by a huge NY publisher like Dell and I suppose I could have continued down that path. But I wanted to write what I wanted to write and now I'm very comfortable publishing with a small GLBT house.Tyler: How would you yourself describe your work? Is it horror, suspense, thriller, gay fiction, or do you prefer some other term?Rick: I prefer the term, "good story." I'm a storyteller and hope that the main thing I can avoid is boring people. If I can give them a couple or three hours of entertainment and escape from their usual world, I'm happy. If I can make them think a little along the way, that's a bonus. I leave the labels to publishers and bookstores. They use them to make me easier to find. But I suppose if pressed I would say my work is suspense/horror, in that order.Tyler: I understand your next novel will be about vampires. Are you leaning more toward writing horror?Rick: No, if anything I'm leaning more toward suspense/mystery. But people often assume books are written chronologically in the same order they're published. I wrote "In the Blood" some time ago, based on a short story I wrote even longer ago (and that was published in an anthology of historical vampire fiction called "Dark Destiny"). I love the whole romantic, savage mystique of vampires though and expect I'll get around to exploring them more in my fiction.Tyler: What do you feel is the attraction in recent years surrounding vampires in horror literature? Why does the vampire figure speak to modern audiences?Rick:I don't think the attraction for vampires is recent; it goes way back. I think we've always been fascinated by the possibility of immortal life...and I believe that's what's at the core of the appeal of vampire fiction.Tyler: Thank you so much for being here today, Rick. "IM" had me on the edge of my seat all the way through and I definitely recommend it. Can you tell our readers where they can find out more information about your books and where to purchase a copy of "IM"?Rick: Sure. From Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Starcrossed Productions, Lambda Rising, and other online booksellers. It's also available for order from any good bookstore.Rick:Thank you, Rick. We'll certainly be looking forward to your next book. dr seuss book collection

"Dance of the Heart" by James L Therrian - Book Review

Dance of the Heartby James L. TherrianJames Therrian (2007)ISBN 9780615135007"Dance of the Heart" is a quick-read novel of only 118 pages, however, there is so much more to this story than one would expect. First of all, Therrian does a fantastic job of setting up the scenes, the characters, and the beginning. It was very clear to me who the characters were and what role they played.Michael Baldwin is successful and flourishing. He is well-balanced in his career as a successful professional dancer and home life with a longtime partner, David. And, they just built a beautiful home on Lake Michigan. All goes well until his lead partner, who is morbidly disliked, accidentally dies.Michael has mixed emotions over her death but even more so, mixed emotions when a new dance partner, Elizabeth, replaces Margo, the dead lead. Michael, acknowledging being gay from as long as he can remember, is extremely attracted to Elizabeth. The drama continues as Michael struggles with his emotions and ultimately discloses his feelings to his partner David.Of course, David, as any partner would be, is crushed and reacts accordingly. In the meantime, Elizabeth, being only a temporary replacement for Margo, returns to her home. Michael, with all intentions in place, was going to tell Elizabeth how he felt, however, she left before he was able to do so. This results in more mixed emotions for Michael."Dance of the Heart" is appropriately named, because there certainly is a lot of heart dancing in the book. Does Michael ever tell Elizabeth how he feels? Can a gay man actually fall in love with a woman? Was Michael's infatuation with Elizabeth real or a fantasy? Does David move on to other lovers?What a wonderful story! "Dance of the Heart" is an account that proves how complicated love can be. Therrian's story shows how we, as human beings, can spin ourselves into a hole of confusion when we don't follow our true feelings. Michael's mother, Sally, summed it up best by saying "You can't choose who you fall in love with, but you can choose what you do with it. In the end, it's all up to you." seuss book collection sets cat hat

Interview with James L Therrian, Author of "Dance of the Heart"

Interview with James L. Terrianauthor of Dance of the HeartJames Therrian (2007)ISBN 9780615135007Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to be joined by James Therrian, author of "Dance of the Heart."James Therrian was born in Michigan and spent most of his early years in the rainy Northwest before following the sun to Maui, Santa Fe, New Mexico & California. An avid writer, James has attended workshops with Lew Hunter of the famed Screenwriting 434 class at UCLA. James currently lives and writes in San Diego and works with the University of California San Diego.Tyler: Thank you, James, for joining me today. To begin, would you briefly tell us what your new novel, "Dance of the Heart" is about?James: "Dance of the Heart" is a love story and a story about attractions. The main character Michael is a successful professional dancer who has a happy settled life, which suddenly changes after the death of his dance partner Margo. Her replacement Elizabeth is totally opposite from Margo, who was a nasty bitter woman. Michael is mesmerized by Elizabeth and falls head over heels for her the minute he lays eyes on her. The problem is that Michael is a gay man in a long-term relationship with his lover, David.Tyler: James, are you a dancer yourself?James: No I am not a dancer, but enjoy the ballet and performing arts.Tyler: Where did you come up with the idea for "Dance of the Heart?"James: It was an idea I came up with for a creative writing class I took years ago. I wanted to show that everyone is the same when it comes to the heart; no matter who we are or whom we love, we all have similar challenges and choices to make in life.Tyler: Of course, the book is not just about dancing in its literal sense, but about love and how love can change. I am especially struck by the fact that the main character, Michael, is gay and has a lover, David, but then begins to fall in love with his female dance partner, Elizabeth. Do you think it is possible for a person to fall in love with people of both sexes?James: Yes I do. Many of us have feelings for people who are inappropriate, be it the same sex, someone who is married, or someone we know the people in our lives would not accept, so usually we just keep our feelings hidden. In Michael's case, the question isn't whether he has feelings for Elizabeth, it is can he change who he is for love?Tyler: In the novel, Michael doesn't just question whom he loves, but his own sexual identity and preference. Do you think Michael truly is gay or that a person's sexual preference can change over time?James: For some people a sexual identity is a choice. For instance, some people live their entire lives not being who they are because they are afraid to declare themselves. Many live double lives, but that's an entirely different conversation. Michael is gay, but attractions can make us all question what we want at times.Tyler: One of the characters, Michael's mother, Sally, states, "You can't choose who you fall in love with, but you can choose what you do with it." Would it be fair to say that is the theme of the book? Was the exploration of that statement why you wrote the book?James: "Dance of the Heart" does explores the theme that sometimes love has surprises for us all. What we do with them is the choice we have to make. I also wanted to show that when it comes to affairs of the heart, we are all the same, no matter who we are or how we choose to define ourselves.Tyler: How have readers so far responded to the novel and especially its themes of love and sexual identity?James: I have had very positive feedback from the readers I have talked to. Michael is a gay man; however, "Dance of the Heart" is a story about love and attractions. One reader told me that she thought it would be a good book for her teenage daughter to read in school as a part of her diversity studies. I was pleased to hear this because I purposely wrote the story to appeal to all readers. It is a funny and wholesome story and has reminders for everyone about the lessons we have to learn in life."Dance of the Heart" twists a familiar genre with the fact that the main character is gay, but thinks he may be in love with a woman. I think many readers can relate to Michael's plight as we all do silly things when we fall in love.Tyler: James, what can we expect next from your pen?James: My next book, which I am currently working on, is an instructional book on how to self publish a book. I have also been working on a book about what Americans will need to do to thrive in the future as well as leave a livable planet for our children.Tyler: More and more authors, myself included, are self-publishing these days, yet self-publishing still retains a certain stigma. How would you respond to the critics of self-publishing?James: It's the familiar old boys club story in my opinion. There are thousands of stories out there that merit being published; however, getting a publisher to pick up your book can be challenging given the way traditional publishing works. It's not impossible to find a publisher; however, it can feel like the proverbial needle-in-a-haystack for most authors. After comparing how traditional publishing and self-publishing worked, I decided to self publish as it allowed more control of my work. Through my self-publishing journey, I actually took the time to learn the skills to do my own typesetting, layout and cover. My next book will be much easier to publish as I now have software, knowledge and skills to truly self publish. Essentially I have become a publisher in addition to an author.There are definite advantages to being with a large publishing house as they have marketing departments, industry connections and contacts, but I believe that the industry is changing with self-publishing becoming more prevalent. It is similar to the old Hollywood studio system and the advent of independent filmmakers and the affects it has had on the movie business. Self-publishing is very similar to the independent film industry. There are many excellent self-published books out there and I think in the future many authors will choose to self-publish.Tyler: Do you think self-publishing will continue to be the trend and ultimately be dominant in the market over the books of traditional publishing houses?James: I am amazed with how many people have approached me telling me they have story they always wanted to publish. I encourage them to go for it as it can happen if they have the commitment to see it through. Personally it has been an extremely satisfying life accomplishment for me to publish "Dance of the Heart" and the fact that it is being well received is even more rewarding.I do see self-publishing continuing to gain market share. The biggest challenge for self-published authors is of course promotion. This is the advantage of being with a traditional publishing house. They have the resources to get the word out. Most authors are simply writers and have no idea how to promote their book. I recommend finding a professional to help get the word out, because you could have the best story ever written, but if people don't know about it, they won't have the opportunity to read your work. This is a good investment, as not only could you sell some books, you may eventually find a traditional publisher who is interested in picking up your book.Tyler: You also mentioned you are writing a non-fiction book about how Americans can thrive and yet leave behind a livable planet. Could you tell us a little bit about your past writing? Have you written both fiction and non-fiction, and what do you see as the special difficulties or advantages of writing each kind of prose?James: I enjoy all kinds of writing and am not afraid to jump into a new genre. I have written both fiction and non-fiction pieces in addition to doing travel writing while in Hawaii. My first audience was a group of coworkers at a bank I worked for years ago. Everyday, I filled in for the receptionist while she went to lunch. During that hour, I wrote installments to a suspense thriller, set on the Oregon coast. I shared my story with the other assistants on the floor who eagerly awaited my new chapters. Years later, I moved to Hawaii and sent a series of stories of my adventures to my friends on the mainland, which I called "Memos from Maui." Living on Hawaii is kind of like living in a foreign country and I had fun sharing my observations of life on a tropical island. "Memos from Maui" was well received and I knew then that I was hooked; I had to do something with my writing. Both fiction and non-fiction have their own advantages and challenges, but non-fiction commentaries I find are easy to write. Fiction takes more thought and imagination, but where you go with it is totally up to you. Having said that, I think a good writer isn't afraid to take on a new challenge. I also write poetry which I have had published as well.Recently I was involved in a playwriting workshop, which was a great learning experience. Part of the workshop involved writing a 10-minute play to be directed and acted by professionals on stage. I took three chapters from "Dance of the Heart" and was able to see a part of my story acted out on the stage. It was an insightful process and I grew as a writer from the experience.Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, James. Before we go, can you tell our readers where they can find out more about "Dance of the Heart" and where they can purchase copies?James: "Dance of the Heart" can be purchased on-line by visiting http://www.danceoftheheart.net. It can also be ordered through any bookstore from Borders to your local bookstore. Thank you, Tyler. dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Stewie Griffin Depicts the Winter of Spengler's Discontent

Oswald Spengler predicted a protracted winter in The Decline of The West. Spengler wasn't alone in his depiction of a distopian society where fashion reigns over utility, luck is dominant, bureaucracy squelches progress and the rich have a firm hold on the reigns of an incipient global culture. Spengler was one of the first to be taken seriously.Stewie's Guide to WORLD DOMINATION [sic] is a ray of sunshine for a winter day of our decline. In Spengler's seasonal taxonomy of decline, winter is the final phase. Spengler writes that one cue of a culture in winter is an increasingly authoritative government. In an authoritarian government, clearly stating your perception is not a fiscally sustainable option."...if I were to confess to knowing that the entire enterprise is a sham, then that delicious stream of cold, hard cash that appears under my pillow following the loss of a tooth gets suddenly cut off, doesn't it?"
--Stewie Griffin
Transcribed by Steve CallaghanSpengler separates culture from civilization. Yes, the two are intertwined, but culture reflects the people while civilization reflects the aspirations of global domination, requiring increasingly authoritarian leaders who represent power rather than being powerful on their own. A culture of war masks itself in fashion and subverts education into specialized academic philosophy with obvious discrepancies from reality.Stewie calls out that the basis of American education, the three Rs doesn't represent three Rs: Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. Stewie suggests that we might be better served by the acronym W.A.R."There's no country that likes 'W.A.R. more than our own...blame the Boss Hoggs of the world who got the whole enterprise off on the wrong foot with this 'thre Rs' nonsense."
--Stewie GriffinSpengler predicted a focus on lavish sport entertainment as the final cues of the closing of culture and the domination of civilization, where work looses meaning for the affluent as sports becomes the substitute for meaning in one's life. Stewie deftly reveals both of these cues at once as he discusses a typical civilization workplace."you are rotting your brain...find yourself having to alternately ask and then answer the terribly probing and provocative question, 'Did you have a nice weekend?' forty-seven different times. And let's face it: Despite the fact that most of the replies should fall along the lines of, 'Well, I spent most of Saturday and Sunday trying to ignore the loveless marriage and spoiled brats I've surrounded myself with while being tranquilized by the narcotic of back-to-back-to-back NFL football in order to keep myself from pondering the very real possibility that I might be gay.'"
--Stewie GriffinStewie is a ray of light, warming our winter day. Spengler holds that winter is devoid of symbolic art. In a civilization's winter art is replaced by a meaningless fashion dialogue. Stewie staves off the meaninglessness of our encroaching civilization by disseminating symbolic art about our civilization in Stewie's Guide to WORLD DOMINATION, Helped into print by Steve Callaghan; Perennial Currents, 2006. dr seuss cat in hat history

What Happened to the Creatures That Didn't Make it Onto Noah's Ark? A Fantasy Book Review

This is a book review of a new novel called The Bestiary. It is a fantasy tale about the pursuit of a secret book called The Caravan Bestiary, which catalogued the mythical creatures that were denied access to Noah's Ark.The movie Evan Almighty has spurred a lot of interest in the story of Noah's Ark. We all know the story, and The Bestiary, written by Nicholas Christopher, tells a different side of this story. Did you ever wonder what happened to the unicorn or the or the dragon?The Bestiary tells us that these creatures are not mythical, they really existed and their extinction was due to the fact that they were denied access to Noah's ark. But we still know of them because they were all carefully catalogued in a mysterious book called The Caravan Bestiary.This book is a tale of one man's pursuit of this mysterious book. It is a scholarly sleuth that is reminiscent of the DaVinci code. We travel the world and haunt some very old places in our pursuit of the book but this novel goes beyond the normal fantasy sleuth tale and takes you on a trip somewhere else.There is a message in this book. It is a reverent look at the creatures of our world, both mythical and real. And it is a warning message about the path of extinction that is currently being taken by many of the special creatures that now inhabit the earth. It asks the question: Shouldn't we do something? Before too many more beautiful creatures are added to the list of mythical creatures that once maybe existed? This is a thinking persons fantasy novel that, even though is fantasy, it is very relevant and important to the world we live in today. It is currently available by pre-order only and scheduled to be released in July 2007. dr seuss cat in hat book

Ship of Fools by Richard Paul Russo - A Science Fiction Novel

The story is told through the eyes of Bartolomeo, a prickly fellow born deformed and raised by adults whom he assumes knew his parents. He lives on a starship that has been wandering throughout the galaxy for centuries. All those on board had been born there. The purpose of their voyage remains elusive, and the archives that would give the passengers a sense of their past have been destroyed. It has been 14 years since the ship called the Argonos has visited a human habitation.As the story begins a signal is detected from a nearby planet. Bartolomeo leads a team to explore an area of the planet that looks to have once held a human colony. Now, though, it appears deserted. In a deep cavern beneath an odd star shaped building the team discovers the remains of the colonists and are sickened by the hideous manner of their deaths. Hours later the Argonos intercepts another signal, this one coming from deep space. The source is a barren, alien spaceship at once fascinating and frightening.I read this book about 3 years ago and the story stayed with me. I recently read it again, and the last hundred pages held me enthralled even though I knew what was going to happen. The characters and plot are very well developed. Yes, there are unresolved issues as some critics have pointed out. The aliens remain an elusive mystery, but that is part of what makes this novel ring true. Like real life some questions are never answered. dr seuss book collection

Book Review - Three In A Bed by Deborah Jackson

It was six months before Beth came in to bed with us. For all our diverse views regarding our children and health issues, on the matter of co-sleeping we were both pretty much influenced by the orthodox thinking, convinced of the dangers. Ours would be the sharp intake of breath, the incredulous shake of the head, when we heard of anyone sleeping with their baby.I don't know what caused me to pick up Three In A Bed by Deborah Jackson - curiosity possibly - but I found a book that was warm, tender and compassionate, and extremely compelling. All the concerns were addressed and answered with understanding and empathy.It is full of reports from other countries and cultures - thought-provoking evidence from countries whose children give signs of being more calm and peaceable, and less prone to violence and angry outbursts, generally appearing to be more secure and content; there are refutations of particular studies and arguments; alternative views are offered along with calming personal experiences.I brought the book home with me from the library, and Beth was in bed with us that night, and from then on. Things are progressing pretty much as Jackson suggested: Beth is now in her own small bed beside ours - she has occasionally gone to sleep after us - and she talks about going in to her own bedroom when it is ready.When we have more children they will be in with us from the start. We'll handle any expected jealousy issues as they arise, and I'm sure there will be times when we are four in a bed!It is curiously comforting being head-butted into a three inch strip down the edge of the bed, or being woken up at four in the morning by baby feet tap-dancing on your head - although it is ironic that after choosing this path, the girl would merrily force us both out of the bed by stretching herself out sideways, and then she'd contentedly sleep til noonday! seuss book collection sets cat hat

Harry Potter and the Book Banners

The objections raised by some fundamentalist Christians to the Harry Potter books continue to make the news.The Christian attacks on the Potter series aren't an attack on witchcraft and magic, so much as an attack on the imagination and freedom of expression - and by extension an attack on literature. The Harry Potter books aren't 'How To' manuals on witchcraft, nor is the author, J.K. Rowling, advocating the practice of witchcraft.The themes in the Harry Potter stories pit the good against the dark side. Magical themes happen to be an effective way to play out the drama in a manner that is engaging, especially for younger readers.Professor Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster, is clearly the personification of good and urges Harry to use the power of love when dealing with the dark side personified by Lord Voldemart. On one level the Potter books are morality tales that happen to take place in a make-believe world that is magical - but then a lot of literature contains magical themes, including books by famous Christian authors.C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein are examples of Christian authors who created magical worlds with plots that at root are moral and even Christian in philosophical intent. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by Lewis creates an intermediary zone between the real and imaginary worlds using a prop - the magical wardrobe. Enchantment and make-believe allow the 'other world' beyond the wardrobe to become a possibility. Similarly Tolkein in Lord of the Rings invokes the powers of wizardry and magic. But it is used as a device to enable characters and events that couldn't feasibly exist in the 'ordinary' world. This doesn't mean that either Tolkein or Lewis were promoting magic or attempting to 'corrupt' the minds of young readers.The problem with the criticism coming from a section of the evangelical community is that their interpretation of the books is much too literal. They seem to think that young readers are incapable of divining meaning and truth beyond the trappings of the tale. They get hung up on the trappings themselves rather than probe the deeper meaning of the stories. When they do look a little deeper, they often misconstrue the author's intent and try to spin the plot as evidence of literary evil doing. Fortunately, a few leading voices in the evangelical community have had the good sense to take a more objective view of the content, and have resisted the temptation to try and subvert a fictional fantasy in order to smoke out the devil.In attempting to ban the Harry books or in other ways suppress them, the detractors ironically succeed in adding to their allure and power. When something is 'forbidden' it becomes a lot more tempting. When the D.H. Lawrence novel Lady Chatterley's Lover was banned, it did more for the sale of the book than any promotional campaign could ever have done. The same went for Ulysses by the great Irish writer James Joyce.Moreover when you consider the amount of material on magic and witchcraft that is freely available in book stores these days, on the internet, in magazines, via certain video games or just by word-of-mouth - it makes it almost absurd to try and suppress Harry Potter books.If Harry Potter gets banned in the bailiwicks of the offended - what's next on the list? Grimm's Fairy Tales? Rupert the Bear? Teletubbies? We live in a society in which diversity of opinion is an integral part of our fundamental freedoms. People who for personal or religious reasons attempt to create a chill by pushing for a ban of material as innocuous as Harry Potter, cater to a mean spirited approach that diminishes us all. Objectors can refuse to buy the books or have them in their home, and that's as far as it should reasonably go.We are talking about tales for young readers after all - not Anton La Vey's Satanic Bible. dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Is Email Ruining Your Life?

Recently I started reading a book with a seemingly improbable title, "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferris.In the book, Ferris makes a number of assertions about how we all, whether employed or self-employed, can work less and enjoy life more through leverage.He makes some excellent points and I'd encourage you to read the book.A couple of pages in the book, however, caused me to re- think one specific activity I engage in on an almost hourly basis -email!Though I've tried to "tame" the email tiger in the past, I always seem to slide back into the habit of whacking the "send / receive" button every 15 minutes and getting side tracked.But, this book reminded me that I really need to start living (again) by the rules I suggest for everyone else.Rule #1 - Only Check Email Twice Daily. It amazes me how many people tell me they go out of town or on vacation and only check email once daily and the world keeps on turning. If you can do it on vacation, why can't you do it at home? Only check email two times daily. I've chosen 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. as my times and plan to cut that down to just once a day at 4:00 within the next 60 days.Rule #2 - Separate Business and Personal. Operate with a different email box for both your business and personal email. This keeps personal crisis from spilling over into business and vice versa. That way if you must "cheat" a little because of a special project, you reduce your chances of getting derailed with an email that could have waited if you never saw it.Rule #3 - Eliminate Customer Support Email. Never handle customer support via email, especially if you handle your own customer support. Always route every bit of customer support through a help desk system that tracks each "ticket" and communication with the customer. Also, this enables you to manage people's expectations about when they'll receive a reply since you can place hours of operation on a help desk.Rule #4 - Not Every Email Warrants Response .Somewhere along the line, many of us adopted the belief that every email message needs a response from us. NO! If an email needs to get deleted with no response, do it and don't feel guilty about it.Rule #5 - An Empty In-box Equals Bliss. Never, ever, under any circumstances leave email messages in you in-box to handle them later. You won't handle them later and it just leaves you with a general sense of uneasiness about leaving things incomplete. At the end of the day, take one of three actions on every message in your in-box: delete it; refer it to someone else; file it in an email folder.Supposedly email would make all our lives better, but that little dream train ran off the tracks for me back in 1997. Don't let email dictate everything from your work hours to your general mood, or even whether you have a "good" day or not. Take control of email and use it as a tool, not as an excuse to feel productive when all you really succeed at is wasting time. dr seuss cat in hat history

Stop Sweating and Start Living E-Book Review

Does the e-book "Stop Sweating and Start Living" managed to live up to its bold claims? Mike Ramsey, the creator of this e-book, claims that his simple three-step plan has proven to be effective for 96% of those who have tried it. Ramsey who also once suffered from excessive sweating believes that his all-natural plan can help to stop excessive underarm sweating in less than two weeks. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, the only way to find out is to purchase the "Stop Sweating and Start Living" for myself. In this guide, Ramsey provides a natural treatment which is very practical and unique. It is simple, made up of three steps and takes less than one minute a day to complete. This process is purported to get rid of a person's excessive underarm sweat problem for good.He manages to outline the problem succinctly and the reading is easy to follow. However, as I have managed to control my excessive sweating problems through other means, I needed someone else to support this claim.So, I contacted my cousin Jason who is also suffering from hiperhidrosis. Although he is not exactly overweight by extreme measures, he sweats a lot from time to time, even without engaging in any strenuous activities.Now, Jason himself has tried a lot of other treatments before. Reluctant at first, but as I told him that there are no side effects and this process is easy to incorporate into his morning or evening routine, he relented.Four days later, Jason called me and he said that he is starting to see some change in his overall condition. I was quite surprised that he actually went through with the treatment diligently.He also said that his clothes were less-stained than before after a day's work. He also seems to have a newfound respect for Ramsey and his "Stop Sweating and Start Living" guide. I was still a bit skeptical and told him to continue using it for 2 weeks and see if the treatment really lives up to his claim.During the following week when we had our family barbeque session, Jason came up to me grinning from ear to ear. "Hey cuz, I think that guy's treatment really works! I never thought it could. Thanks a lot dude. I owe you one big time!"My cousin, Jason has indeed managed to control his excessive sweating problems provided by Mike Ramsey in this e-book after all. Along with more than 7,000 others who have tried the all-natural plan in the "Stop Sweating and Start Living" guide. Now, I am impressed. dr seuss cat in hat book

Google Money Pro ('GoogleMoneyPro') E-Book Unbiased Review

Google Money Pro
(the author prefers 'GoogleMoneyPro')
is an E-Book that deals with earning money using Google AdWords. It is not at all affiliated with Google Inc. Coming to the book, it is filled with more than 120 pages of content embedded with videos and flash presentations. The author of 'GoogleMoneyPro', 'Steven Holdaway' is an AdWords Professional certified by Google. This makes a lot of sense to the screen shots that surprise you in his website. Many people doubt them, but he gave some great examples which really prove those screen shots. The book is mainly focused on beginners, illustrating everything right from the base. I should agree that, it is never an easy job to write a book that satisfies everybody, but this book is an exception. The techniques illustrated in this book satisfy both professionals and beginners.Advantages:1.Step by Step illustration keeping beginners in mind.2.Videos and Flash Presentations.3.Excellent examples are used for demonstration.4.Explains some core features of Google AdWords. (Even I am also new to those features)5.No frills and hype.Disadvantages:1.Too lengthy. It took me more than 2 hours to read.2.Poor Presentation. The graphics should have been better.3.Deals only with AdWords.Conclusion:'GoogleMoneyPro' is definitely a good guide to start with. Though there are many E-Books that are focused on AdWords, it has a very different approach. The author also responds to most of the emails from his customers. Individual guidance definitely helps the marketer to achieve better results. But, 'GoogleMoneyPro' is based only on AdWords. If the author had covered other aspects of Internet Marketing, then 'GoogleMoneyPro' would have been the best resource available so far. Anyway 'GoogleMoneyPro' is a sure buy for many aspiring Internet Marketers. You can make 'GoogleMoneyPro' more productive by adding some small proprietary E-Books which are not disclosed by professionals. dr seuss book collection

Networking, a Must for Every Marketing Plan

Endless Referrals written by Bob Burg is one of the best books ever written on networking. It is a complete networking reference book for both the novice and practiced networker. His book starts from networking basics and builds to networking professional. You will find this book provides a great plan for using networking to put leads in your sales funnel.Top take away points -

In this book Bob defines networking as an arrangement of people crossed at regular intervals by other people, all of whom are cultivating mutually beneficial, give-and-take, win-win relationships with each other. This is reflected in the fact that we are all interdependent on each other. Networking helps you to begin to establish the opportunity for people to know you, like you, and trust you. People like to buy from and refer people they know, like, and trust.
It's your questions that will make you a successful networker. Your questions open the door to establishing a relationship. Ask questions about the other person: how they got in the X business, what they enjoy about the X business etc. The most important question to ask is, "How can I know if someone I'm speaking with is a good prospect for you"?
Networking is work. You are there to meet new people and connect with them. Spend your time talking about the other person not you. Get the other person's business card. Remember their name. Don't let wall flowers suffer the sidelines. Act as the host and introduce them to others.
Follow up your contact by sending the person a thank you note. Then keep in touch every few months. The best way to get business and referrals is to give business and referrals. Follow up on referrals with a thank you.
Superstar networkers are givers and connectors. Genuine networkers are constantly referring business. They give actively without expectations of receiving.
Help others to help you by helping them to understand and recognize when someone is a good prospect for you. Be able to communicate your benefit to the person using your services in 7 seconds or less. The best way to ask for referrals is to help the other person realize where they may be regularly encountering the people you work with and then ask them to help you connect with that person.
The internet provides several opportunities to expand your network.
Position yourself as the expert and only logical choice in your field. Go where your clients go. People are usually involved in activities based on their work (associations, professional societies, unions etc.), what they do for recreation (clubs, activities, leagues, events etc.), and their special interest activities (charities, family, religious, ethnic).
Buddy up with someone focused on the same target markets as you and cross-promote each other.
Ask your clients for referrals and get testimonials.
The 6 rules of networking etiquette: don't ask for immediate repayment, be respectful of mentors, be respectful of others time, follow through on your promises, handle referred prospects with care, and thank your referral source.
Start building a know you, like you, trust you relationship through an attraction marketing system. The 7 steps of the attraction marketing system are: determine your markets, craft your message, select your market's media outlets, launch a multi-step marketing system, measure your results, maximize your outcomes, and maintain your new sales machine.
Start your own networking group.
You must truly care about others needs so they will in turn want to care about your needs.
Don't wait until you have your skills perfected, start networking now.
The author does a great job providing the skills, etiquette, and knowledge needed to become a proficient networker. He helps you to realize that networking is yet another tool in your marketing and sales tool kit that has a huge potential. He also helps you to realize that networking isn't an immediate pay back tool. It takes time and you need to network with the right philosophy to obtain the long term potential that this tool provides. Finally, he does a good job of helping you to understand how networking fits in your marketing and sales funnels and how to pull it all together.There isn't anything about this book that isn't good. There may be some parts that are a little above your skill set if you are a beginner, but that is a great thing as you can refer back to the book as you grow in your abilities and keep on growing. The only not so good thing is that you may not take action on the information that has been provided to you. That is an unfortunate truth about readers. Frequently you read a book, get all excited and motivated, and then fail to do even one thing that you have learned. Don't make that mistake. Make a commitment to yourself to take action on at least one thing. Get that skill down and then come back and pick another thing. Continue this process until you are a networking machine. seuss book collection sets cat hat

Increasing C Level Sales

Selling to VITO the Very Important Top Officer written by Anthony Parinello is a sales classic. Anthony Parinello is recognized and respected for his ability to access the top officer in any organization and make high dollar sales in those organizations. If you are dreaming of getting access to and making sales to the top official of big corporations this is a must read for you. Anthony will give you ideas and tools to build your confidence and get you in the door.Top take away points -

VITO's have the power to say yes and there biggest concern is a directly measurable return on investment from whatever you have to offer.
VITO's pay attention to things that add value to them, so position yourself and your offering from a value added proposition. When you call on VITO you are really on a job interview proving that you have the best solution. Position yourself as a business ally committed to making things happen for VITO. Identify ways you can help VITO increase shareholder value through increased revenues, increased efficiencies and effectiveness, lowered operational expenses etc. Also look for ways to add value for VITO that don't necessarily include you.
Five key qualities you will need to work with VITO: unshakable confidence, willingness to develop synergy, ability to build rapport, unlimited desire to succeed, and unlimited energy. Ten behaviors to avoid: small talk, overstating or understating anything, criticizing anyone's efforts, sharing confidential information, assuming business rapport extends to personal rapport, being late, procrastination, speaking negatively of others, saying you know something you don't, and asking for an unearned favor. Ten desired behaviors: making a good first impression by knowing something about VITO, exceeding expectations, making yourself an appreciated asset, your ability to become indispensable, apparent self-improvement, always have a positive attitude, dress for success, speak with an appropriate vocabulary, become a useful team player by being a giver, and listen intently.
VITO must perceive you as being of equal stature and as someone responsible for making things happen and delivering results. You must understand their problem and have a solution in the form of a benefit.
Do your research before contacting VITO by mail, find out as much about VITO's company as possible.
Draft your VITO letter. Start out with a specific detailed benefit laden headline statement that focuses on measurable results. Keep your letter to one page. Develop an opening paragraph that follows the theme of your headline and ties into the benefits that you list. Develop a closing paragraph. Include a P.S. letting VITO know the exact time and date that you will call. Make sure your letter is industry specific and experience based.
Make the call. Your opening statement should encourage VITO to interrupt you and must sound conversational. The structure of your call should look like this: open by using Mr. VITO's name, indicate your respect of the value of getting to speak with VITO, create a conversational bridge to link your opening to why VITO should give you the time of day, prepare a hook sentence similar in nature to the headline statement of your letter, introduce yourself, and end with a question that gets VITO to do the talking. Let VITO drive the conversation.
Get around the Gatekeeper by treating the gatekeeper with respect and developing a relationship.
When you meet VITO face to face don't sit until invited to do so, don't treat VITO's desk as community property, and don't get in VITO's space. Listen for VITO's learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, auditory digital) and communicate in that style.
In the book you will find templates that you can use to just plug your own information into and have at least a starting point. The author gives some good example letters, phone conversations, and phone messages. If you are ready to move to the top instead of trying to work your way up from the bottom, which is a really bad plan, this book is a good read for you.It is a rather old book so any VITO that you are approaching today has probably been exposed to this approach previously and may have a better idea of how it is supposed to work than you do.The authors approach is more hard sell than is appropriate for starting a long-term relationship. Just make sure that you don't set yourself up for never by leaving the door open for not now. All in all you will come away with some good pointers and ideas as it provides a very basic marketing approach that is at least one step better than many sales people are using now. dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Tunnels By Gordon And Williams - The Next Harry Potter Book?

Tunnels -- This book has been discovered by Barry Cunningham, the discoverer of J K Rowling and her enormously successful series of books about Harry Potter.
Gordon and Williams self-published 2,500 copies of this book - under a different title: The Highfield Mole. This was two years ago because they thought they would not have success with mainstream publishers. Recently, a hardback copy was being offered on Amazon for £1,500. The authors have so far earned advances of £500,000 by selling orders with major chain worldwide.
JK Rowling's multi-million publishing sensation will leave an enormous niche in the market for children's books, once the seventh and final book is published in July 2007.You will be able to buy Tunnels sometime early on in July 2007.46 Year old Roderick Gordon, who is a father of 2, was made redundant as an investment banker in 2001.
Brian Williams, 48 years old, who studied art at The Slade in London, has worked as an artist, in films and as an actor.
They have been friends since being students and have always been fascinated by archeology.Recently, Barry Cunningham, the publisher, JK Rowling discoverer, was in New York considering film offers from three Hollywood studios for Tunnels - even though its publishing date is after July 2."I have never had so many film people trying to get hold of me," he said.Brian Williams was reported to say "The idea of a secret world underneath our feet hit us in an instant and after that, Rod and I never looked back. We couldn't write fast enough."The book features a teenage boy archaeologist who discovers a new world under London by digging into tunnels below the city. It is a fast moving adventure that really stirs your imagination and completely absorbs you into the depths of the book you are reading. dr seuss cat in hat history

The Complete Startup Guide for the Black Entrepreneur

This book review and me is mentioned in Untapped Wealth Discovered -Best Home Business Coach Untapped WealthI would recommend this book to anyone wanted to learn more about starting and or growing a home based business - small business. Technology provides small, one-person operations with many of the capabilities of Fortune 500 companies.He shares when it comes to selling your products and services, the only color that should truly matter is green. This book is designed to hold your hand and lead you step by step through the process of gathering the information, and understanding needed to organize and manage a successful home-based business. No two businesses are the same. This book is a guide. He shares focus on your strengths. Don't try to be all things to all people.Word of caution: A venture capitalist, is an opportunist. Be careful releasing your business plans to just anyone, regardless of his or her supposed integrity. He's seen good ideas stolen from naive, cash-starved entrepreneurs by those possessing a lack and the wherewithal to capitalize upon them.As technology has grown, some businesses such as Internet Wholesalers, have the potential to become international businesses without ever investing a nickel in a brick-and-mortar storefront.The author's advice is to get informed, get organized, and, as Martin Lawrence would say, "Gits to steppin'!" (or going back a little further, back in the day, as Arsenio Hall used to say, "Let's get busy!") He does share that there are pros and cons of operating a Business at Home - it requires a greater degree of sacrifice.Bill Boudreaux, has worked with small minority businesses for more than twenty years. He was one of the youngest African-American CPA's in the United States at the time of his certification. At twenty-five, he became the treasurer of an international marine transportation firm with offices in the United States, Germany and Brazil. He has a B.S. in accounting and a Masters of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accoutant in the State of Louisiana. He and his wife work with juvenile offenders and other at-risk students. dr seuss cat in hat book

Learning to Think New Thoughts - A Review of "A Different Kind of Teacher"

The book that is the subject of this review is A Different Kind of Teacher, which is a collection of essays and speeches given by the author, John Taylor Gatto, and released in 2001. This is Gatto's follow-up to his previous collection, entitled Dumbing Us Down, and represents a growth of the author's disillusionment with the modern school system of the United States.The essays and speeches are grouped into three main sections, each with their own purpose. The first section," Schoolrooms Speak Bluntly," examines some of the circumstances under which Gatto developed his ideas of school, while the second section, "Analyzing the System," delves much further into the history of schooling as an institution that parents are forced, under threat of law enforcement, to send their children for their entire natural young lives. The final section of the book, "The Search for Meaning," is the author's analysis of how school actually teaches children and its results in society, what really matters in life, and what conversational and critical thinking skills a child should develop and which development school discourages.Gatto displays great skill and passion in his criticisms of compulsory schooling, and suggests that no amount of "reform," money, or other solutions will ever contribute to repairing a system that breaks children. In fact, the more dysfunctional their students turn out, the more proof that school has done its job. These results are contrasted by the author with famous individuals who had failed at school but excelled at educating themselves, such as Benjamin Franklin, as well as with examples of his own students who simply had no time to waste by going to school. These anecdotes, including a short essay written by one of Gatto's students, provide a stark contrast with the author's description of children who have been put through the school institution from start to finish.These children, according to Gatto, are much more likely to be unable to think critically, take responsibility for their own lives, and find themselves with no real meaning in life. The emotional dependency created by the school system encourages this, as children are taught to chase after A's, gold stars, standardized test grades, and other meaningless achievements. They are meaningless because the student is given no opportunity for self-reflection and the grades are based on standards that are a result of research by professional think-tanks who simply practice their theories, untested or not, on unsuspecting children. States, administrators, and teachers are given these standards to enforce with no critical analysis of them and are put under enormous pressure to have their students and themselves conform to these directives from above, and parents are told how angry to be at their children based on these same abstractions.Gatto also sees the roots of social ineptness in the modern schooling system. Because students are alienated from each other and forced by strangers to compete with other strangers in competitions that many of them are simply not interested in, there is little other possible result than the current litigious nature of society, where seventy percent of the world's lawyers make their home in the US. People are forgetting the concepts of family and community life, denying responsibility for their lives and this is a direct result of the irresponsibility that schooling allows its students.There is no solution to these problems to be found in our concept of school as it exits at the present. According to the author, schooling serves a much different and contrary position than does education. A person can always educate himself on any subject that they are interested in, whether it be learning about the history of his family, how to build a house, or how to master solitude. Learning for an educated person is always interdisciplinary, according to Gatto, and so is life. A product of schooling, though, will be dependent on other forms of authoritarian teaching, such as television, to provide superficial compartmentalized "subjects," with no relation to each other and no possibility for analysis. This type of schooling has both the questions and the answers delivered in prethought thoughts designed as pretty packages written by the newest wave of advertising executives and soap opera writers.Possibly the most insightful parts of the book are when Gatto displays his mastery of language and with to get his point across. For example, in discussing the role of school in the economy, he states that "Our own economy requires a managed mass of levelled, spiritless, anxious, family-less, friendless, godless, and obedient people who believe the difference between Coke and Pepsi is a subject worth arguing about." And further in the book is when he brings up the topic of what really matters in life: "The truth is, if we can believe advertisements, what matters to most Americans is personal ownership of machines... Yet here we are, all of us, frantically lost in a tunnel of loneliness, cut off from each other, disliking ourselves, envying those with superior machines"A Different Kind of Teacher goes to great length to explain that the only kind of teacher is oneself. The result of decades of mass forced schooling has been vast numbers of people who are still dependent on others to tell them what to do, even though this makes them less and less happy with themselves and others. As Gatto states in the last essay in the book, "An educated person writes his own script through life;" a schooled person, on the other hand, follows a tragic script given to him by someone he has never met and who cares nothing for him, and he follows this script to its tragic end of constant anger, desperation, and depression. dr seuss book collection

Turbo Jam Workout Videos For Weight Loss

Turbo Jam workout is an aerobics video program based on 11 specific moves. The creator of this fitness program calls these the elite moves. The program promises weight loss up to 10lbs. and 10 inches in ten days, but many studies have proven that healthy weight loss is approximately 2 to 3 pounds per week.The video series utilizes aerobics, and kick boxing videos set to dance music. The series has been made popular by employing television advertising and internet marketing strategies. Most people say the videos are a fun alternative to tread mills and elliptical machines.Turbo jam workout is distributed and marketed by a company called Beach Body. Beach body has many complaints against it, mainly poor customer service, pushy sales people, over charging of credit cards, fraudulent charges on credit cards, and high shipping charges. So be very careful when ordering from this company.The company Beach body also distributes hip hop abs, yoga booty ballet, and the p90x training system. These fitness systems are all marketed through television advertising. We want you all to be aware of any product that promises ten pounds of weight loss in ten days. This is nearly impossible to achieve and the weight you would be losing in those ten days will be mostly water along with some body fat.Do you want permanent weight loss? Then do it the right way. Take the body fat off slowly, with a specially designed weight loss and exercise program. I know you have it within you to make some lifestyle changes for permanent weight loss! seuss book collection sets cat hat

Occam's Razor - An Interview With the Author

A Sci Fi Adventure novelbyMichael James Martineau author of "let's Get Rowdy!" and "SancZOOary"Set deep within the mysterious Bermuda Triangle and Atlantis
areas off Andros Island in the Bahamas, this story explores
the possibility that Atlantis once existed, swirled within a cloak
of clairvoyancy, pyschic connections and water breathing visitors
from another world--all of which set on a breathless,
high sea quest to find the answers to this ageless question....Scince the Occam's Razor movie is based on the novel, the publisher at the time, IBC (Internet Book Company) was able to get an exclusive interview with Michael about just what was involved in making a film of this magnitude.IBC. You told us that nearly half the Occam's Razor novel contains material that isn't in the movie version. Knowing how intense and exciting the book is were you able to maintain the same level of intensity in the screen version if it is only half the story.MJM. Yes, because the movie isn't really half the story. TheIBC. Was writing a screenplay and book that explores the mysteries of the open sea hard to do?MJM. No, because I love the ocean and have no fear of it. Plus, I've been a scuba diver for years, much of my free time being spent exloring the West Indies, Bahamas and The U.S. Virgin Islands where I lived for awhile, once I left show business career agenting rock stars around the world. Incorporating the diving and underwater ex-ploration sequences into the movie wasn't hard once I had the story's premise and where is was going to go locked in my mind.IBC. Having read Occam's Razor it is hard to imagine how a movie with so much action on, in, and under the water is made. Will most of the water action be done with computer special effects?MJM. This is an interesting point that reminds me of a production meeting we had in the early planning stages of this film. With a water movie involving the number of stunts (both land and water) this one has our director of choice has always been Al Giddings. Al's reputation as an underwater cinematographer, producer/director has won him global recognition. His movie credits include: the James Bond water movies, The Deep, The Abyss, and the monster untaking involved in making "Titanic." As a film maker with his extrordinary skills Al is a firm believer that if you can use real vistas and action do not go to the computer. Computer Generated Images are an incredible resource to use as a fall back position when trying to capture impossible shots, but not to be used as a rule of thumb, because 'real' on screen is always better than 'illusion' if it can be done. With this philosophy in mind we decided that two directors would be used to make this movie: an overall director who would be responsible for the final cut, but focus on all water activites and a second director who would be solely responsible for the land portions of the shoot. After making this decision we spoke with Steven Lisberger who had had some experience with working on water, but also had made the computer classic "Tron" with Jeff Bridges.When Lisberger and Giddings got together it was like mixing oil and water. You cannot imaguine what it was like for Lisberger to tell the greatest ocean cinematograper in the world that he wanted to do most of the big scenes with marine mammals inside computers without ever even going near the a drop of water. It was a nail biting creative clash ending with Lisberger heading for the airport and Giddings drawing out technology he wanted to use in this movie that no one has ever seen before.IBC. Well knowing that Special Effects will be held to a minimum with this movie how do you intend to get whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and tons of other fish around all the divers when you are shooting?MJM. I know it sounds hard but it isn't. In meetings with Giddings he suggested that we find a small cove in the Bahamas and net it. By that I mean we would put up a transparent fish net like monofiliment used on fish line, netting both fish and camera lenses can't see. Then, once that is up we would literally fill up the cove with tons of fish and marine mammals, drop in the crew, actors, and cameras, and shoot.IBC. You make it sound easy. Isn't working in deep water dangerous?MJM. Yes. It is totally incorrect to say there is no danger making a movie underwater. However, is certain rules are followed the 'danger factor' is can be cut to a workable minimum. For example, if you dive under 10 meters or 30 feet of water, you do not build up what divers call bottom time, meaning the risk of expanding gases building up in your bloodstream is fairly non-existant. When Al Giddings shot "The Abyss" with James Cameron they worked in 10 meters of water most of the time and Al said there were days when they were underwater nearly 8 hours at a time. The obvious question that comes to mind next is how can you make 30 feet of water seem like hundreds of feet? Simply stated the answer involves being careful where you point the camera. Underexposing film makes daylight look like various degress of darkness and so on.IBC. There are a lot of dolphins in this story. How will you be able to get them to do things in front of the camera?MJM. Believe it or not with a little work most dolphins are easy to work with. Flipper and "Day of The Dolphin" were not pretend stories with rubber dolphins. For example, near our underwaretsite in the Bahamas there is a place called The Underwater Explorers Club where people can interact and swim with live dolphins in shallow water. In the movies "Zeus and Roxanne" and the new "Flipper" some of these mammals were used. Sometimes you can draw a simple pivture on a board with a grease pen, show it to the dolphin and with a little luck and patience they will swim down where the cameras are and do the trick. Where there is a stunt too difficult for the wranglers to teach the dolphins we bring in robotics.IBC. Robotics?MJM. Yes, as in mechanical dolphins exactly the size, shape, and coloring, with the same body language as the real ones. Remember "Splash?" In that movie Oscar Award winner Don Pennington used 6 foot long robotic dolphins to do the swimming and underwater movements, radio-controlled from the surface with the same kind of joy sticks people use in video games. Remember the dolphins cvelebrating the lift off of the mother shiup at the end of "Cocoon?" That was Pennington using free swimming radio-controlled baby dolphins.IBC Are underwater sets hard to build?MJM Not at all. Most of them involve basic wire and wood framing with quick drying foam sprayed on the surfaces, which are then colored with non-toxic paints, sunk and weighted down to keep them from floating. Most of the movies where caves, tunnels or big rock surfaces are involved are foam sprayed molds. If you think about how long it would take location scouts and production mangers to find real caves to fit scripts it becomes humorous.Need to mention barge, underwater lights, interplay of soundtrack dr seuss cat in hat quotes

Christian Books - Susanna Wesley

This book by Charles Ludwig is one of the great Christian books on motherhood. I found its greatest benefit to mothers to be Susanna's single-minded determination to be used of God in raising a family.The twenty-fifth and last child of Samuel Annesley, she desired more than anything that God would use her and make her life count. She succeeded through much determination and much testing. Her favorite Christian books she relied on to help her were her church's prayer book and the bible.Sadly, we seldom see the character and the power of a praying woman like Susanna exhibited in today's society. Great Christian books like this one would help contemporary mothers reverse this trend.Susanna, named after the woman in the bible who helped Jesus and his disciples in Luke 8:3, was born on January 20, 1669 in London, England. Interestingly, this was the same year in which Rembrandt died and in which Stradivari created his now famous violin.I like the way the some Christian books begin by jumping right into an action scene. I admire people who think independently yet try to get along with others, and the opening scene thrusts Susanna into this category. Respecting her dad's scheduled time for reading the bible, she politely awaits its end before nervously revealing her desire to attend a different church. Her dad uses an illustration of deflecting a compass needle to caution Susanna about making sure her own ambition doesn't conflict with God's direction for her life.English history buffs who enjoy reading Christian books loaded with information on the kings and queens and their lineages are in for a treat. While only mildly interested myself, my greatest pleasure was in seeing Susanna's reaction to the various rulers and how they affected her life. Her story made me glad for the freedoms I have to raise my family today.Susanna actually walked on the famous London Bridge. She noticed skulls of people who were executed mounted on the old stone tower and thought it grotesque and unbecoming of her modern age, the turn of the century into the 1800's. To her the bridge was an analogy of Christ in the bible, for as the bridge was the only way across the Thames River, Christ was the only way to heaven.The Great Plague of London in 1665 was followed by the Great Fire in 1666 in which God destroyed the pestilence. This fire, which started in the house of a baker somehow between one and two in the morning burned for almost five days in early September. Though it would be several years later before Susanna was born and still later before she could appreciate its significance, her heart yearned to start a similar spiritual fire in the hearts of people in England that would spread the gospel throughout the world. She believed she would achieve this through her children.Christian books sometimes startle us with coincidences. I was surprised to learn that Susanna was a contemporary of Daniel Defoe. Defoe was the author of Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels. His name was originally Daniel Foe, and he grew up with Susanna in London.Samuel Annesley had taught his daughter, Susanna, the power of method. Every day they did the same thing at the same time. This trait she was to pass on to her own children, and when John and Charles imposed this practice on others at college, they were dubbed Methodists.I enjoyed reading the eight rules of children's behavior she listed in her later years per John's request. While including punishment, she stressed not neglecting to commend and praise right actions. Her method of preventing her children from lying to get out of being punished is one I learned through great Christian books, myself, as a school teacher. I wonder if it originated with Susanna Wesley?It wasn't until daughter Kezziah got saved - shortly followed by Charles and John - that Susanna finally discovered how she could know for sure she was going to heaven. It amazes me that she could try so hard to raise her children by the bible and be so successful, especially with John and Charles, yet not get saved until after she was seventy years old. While the power of a praying woman was evident in raising her children, in the end, it was the indirect means of her own salvation through the gospel. dr seuss cat in hat history