Book Description
Like Freakonomics, here is a book that combines counterintuitive thinking with stories from everyday life to provide a striking new view of how our world works. Ever since Einstein's study of Brownian Motion, scientists have understood that a little disorder actually makes systems more effective. But most people still shun disorder--or suffer guilt over the mess they can't avoid. No longer! With a spectacular array of anecdotes and case studies of the useful role mess can play, here is an antidote to the accepted wisdom that tight schedules, neatness, and consistency are the keys to success. Drawing on examples from business, parenting, cooking, the war on terrorism, retail, and even the meteoric career of Arnold Schwarzenegger, coauthors Abrahamson and Freedman demonstrate that moderately messy systems use resources more efficiently, yield better solutions, and are harder to break than neat ones. A Perfect Mess will help readers assess what the right amount of disorder is for a given system, and how to apply these ideas onto a large scale--government, society-- and on a small scale--in your attic, kitchen, or office. A Perfect Mess will forever change the way we think about those unruly heaps of paper on our desks.
Customer Reviews:
A Perfect Mess.......2007-10-16
A very interesting point of view. It explains why being tidy is not an efficient use of your time. A must read.
Disorder at its best........2007-10-09
I love this book it has shown me that it is ok to be disorganized, to a point. I bought it with a passing interest and the more I read the more I was able to line up the themes in the chapters with aspects of my life, which was rewarding and sometime eye-opening. The concepts in this book could prove to be useful to all types of people, but I mostly found myself examining the many examples as they related to my own business.
Great book!
TOTAL UNADULTERATED GARBAGE.......2007-09-14
I've reviewed a lot of books on Amazon; this may be the single worst. As a former "clutterholic", I know how clutter can literally destroy your life. Believe me, there is NOTHING good about clutter, and being a contrarian for its own sake, or to hawk books, is doing a disservice to the readers who are sincerly looking for help. You don't tell a person with a serious eating disorder that he/she is alright the way he/she is, and you don't tell a person with a serious clutter problem that he/she is alright the way he/she is!
So you don't have to be a neatnik after all!.......2007-06-09
The inside flap of the book says, "Ever Since Einstein's study of Brownian motion" scientistshave understooed that a little disorder can actually make systems more effective. But most people still shun disorder-- or suffer guilt over the mess they an't avoid! No longer do you have to be a neatnik to be PERFECT...a little mess goes a long way to creativity. The biggest surprise is that the authors show that strategic planning for corporation is not as effective as being nimble and responding to change. There are 13 chapters -- note not 12 -- just a bit messy, right? And they range from "The Cost of Neatness" to "The Aesthetics of Mess" . Written by Eric Abrahamson, professor of management at Columbia Business School and David Freedman, contributing editor and the tech columnist for INC magazine this is a highly readable and informative book. BUT don't think it's going to let you off the hook for being a clutter bug. Cluttering is just one aspect of "mess" and 'neatness'. Alas no rules for managers abougt how much mess and what kind of mess to include. Seems every manager that uses some degree of mess seems to do it differently. So I can't summarize it all for you hear. Plus I don't know why you're reading this. Me -- because I tend to collect clutter in my office. And then I put it in boxes and have to sort it out. EEKS...but I almost NEVER lose anything....same when I had a real office in a corporate environment. Even though I'm in high tech, I tend to use low-tech systems that don't take up much time in my busy and ever-changing world of consulting. Plus, I don't have to pay extra for people who work for me to just keep things NEAT....although now and then I do bring in people to help sort out supply closets etc and then I'm able to keep them in order for 6 months or so. You'll find your own rhyme and reason in this book. Plus it finally gives you a retort when people say you're office is 'messy' -- so was Einstein's and Edison's and more.
Don't buy this book if you count your paperclips.......2007-06-02
Despite the title, this book doesn't advocate disorder, at least not in the dictionary sense of the word.
For example, a neat-freak's desk, and one used by someone like me were compared.
The neat-freak has an "orderly" desk, with all paper filed out of sight. To get at any paper, the neatnik must take time to access the filing system: generally a matter of walking to a filing cabinet, opening a drawer, and riffling through folders.
The other desk is covered with piles of papers and folders. More often than not, the 'disorganized' worker has the paper he or she needs at or near the top of a pile within arm's length.
The point is that having the sort of rigid, non-priority-oriented, organization that many workplaces use isn't as efficient as a sort of ad hoc organization based on use and needs.
Even if you don't embrace the book's approach to organization, reading it will be an anodyne to the alphabetized drumbeat of advice from the compulsive pencil-arrangers of this world.
Book Description
A contributed volume of readings on using sociology to create practical social and organizational change.
Applying Sociology: Making a Better World is a book about putting sociological ideas into action. The editors, sociologists and educators, who are active in both government and private sectors, have assembled a collection of readings by contributors who bring a wealth of practical experience and innovative ideas to the field.
For anyone interested in Sociology.
Average customer rating:
- Good Stuff, but Nothing New
- 1001 excuses for becoming or being a vegetarian
- Life Changing
- This Book Will Change How You Think About Your Food!!!!!!
- If you care about the world around you, this book will change your life.
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The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World
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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
ASIN: 1573247022 |
Book Description
Here, the man who started the "food revolution" with the million-plus-selling Diet for a New America, boldly posits that, collectively, our personal diet can save ourselves and the world. If, according to chaos theory, the beating of a butterfly's wing can cause a hurricane in another part of the world, try this out for chaotic cause and effect: monarch butterflies are dying in droves due to genetically-engineered corn growing in the Midwest. There is also a direct correlation between the Big Mac in your hand and the mile-wide river now running across the North Pole. Learn the truth about foods we are eating that are, in Robbins' words, "unsafe on any plate."
Customer Reviews:
Good Stuff, but Nothing New.......2007-10-08
This is a good book, interesting, even if, at times, it sounds a bit preachy. For someone new to the subjects discussed, this will probably have some eye opening spots, but for anyone who has been concerned about their health, the planet's health, and the way our diet affects the two, there is really no new information presented here.
1001 excuses for becoming or being a vegetarian.......2007-10-03
- If you haven't heard about genetically modified crops (GMO) - yes this book has some information.
- If you did not know what factory farms do to your average supermarket meat - yes this book has some information.
There are books with better information on these topics however.
The focus of this book seems to be "why you should be a vegetarian and eat organic non-GMO veggies" but there seems to be no mention of hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, bleached flour or high fructose corn syrup. Reducing or removing these from your diet can make a huge difference in your health as well.
This and other vegetarian books don't really take into consideration diets that include meats from animals that are raised properly, just those meats available in most supermarkets. To me this is key. I was vegetarian for... maybe around a year. I was not happy, I was not healthy. I've also known people who were once vegetarian who have become healthier by eating at least small amounts of organic meats (and in some cases a fair amount of meat.)
I personally accept that there are some people who need LESS meat than others, I wish the vegetarian community would accept that some people need more meat than others.
There ARE vital nutrients available in meat.
Think grass fed cows, chickens that actually get to roam decent sized areas of land and eat bugs, wild fish that swim free in the oceans... Meat free of antibiotics, growth hormones, and pesticides. Also slaughtered in a quick and humane way instead of cut apart alive.
I wouldn't have had such a problem with it if vegetarianism hadn't been the main focus of the book. If I wanted a book on vegetarianism, I would have picked up a book on vegetarianism.
I would bet that the majority of the statistics in this book did not do studies on people who ate quality meat instead of meat raised on factory farms pumped full or hormones and antibiotics and fed crap.
If you are a vegetarian already or part of PETA, you will probably love this book.
I was however extremely disappointed.
Life Changing.......2007-05-16
This is one of those books that changed my life so much that I feel bad for people who have not read it.
This book will remain, for all time, the best $10 I have EVER spent.
This Book Will Change How You Think About Your Food!!!!!!.......2007-05-13
This is an incredibly well researched book, and will change forever the way you relate to food. After reading this book I will NEVER put another bite of non-organic meat or dairy in mouth EVER. And my appetite for meat in general is pretty diminished. What you will read in this book is so important, it should be taught in schools. It should be mandatory reading for everyone. This is not an "anti-meat" book, it simply lifts the veil on "factory farming" and Big Agriculture for the general public to get an idea of what our supposed "farms" are up to in this country, and it is truly disturbing. Not only are there moral injustices happening that you would not believe possible, but the health implications of what is going on should make everyone with any sense in their brain stop eating meat unless they know where it comes from. What this book gives us that the original "Diet for a New America" did not is more information on genetic engineering, and the ever-increasing efforts of industry to get bigger, faster, cheaper...at what price?! Be an informed citizen and consumer! Read this book! Read this book, and then make up your mind. I guarantee you will never feel the same about food.
If you care about the world around you, this book will change your life........2007-05-10
Every once in a while, I come across a book that impacts the way that I think. This is one of those books.
Book Description
All across America, people are knitting for peace. In yarn shops and private homes, churches and synagogues, schools and even prisons, they meet on weekday evenings or weekend afternoons to knit afghans for refugees, mittens for the homeless, socks for soldiers, or preemie caps for AIDS babies. The tradition goes back as far as Martha Washington, who spearheaded knitting efforts for the soldiers of the Revolutionary War, and has seen a recent flourishing in what is nowadays called “charity knitting,” “community knitting,” or “knitting for others.” And whether it's for world peace, community peace, or peace of mind, today's various causes have the common goal of knitting the world into a better place one stitch at a time.
Knitting for Peace is an exceptional book that celebrates the long heritage of knitting for others. It tells the stories of 28 contemporary knitting-for-peace endeavors, and features patterns for easy-to-knit charity projects such as hats, socks, blankets, and bears, plus a messenger bag emblazoned with the Knitting for Peace logo. Enlivened by anecdotal sidebars and quotations from both knitters and peacemakers, this inspiring book also includes everything readers need to know to start their own knitting-for-peace groups.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful book.......2007-08-11
This is a great little book listing charities that you can knit for. The projects in them would also make nice gifts for your loved ones. The price of the book is so inexpensive..would make a great gift of any knitters that you know.
Gift yourself and a friend.......2007-07-27
After all the online searching I did for charities to knit for - I found this book which covers everything and more. Start here and buy this book. I purchased 6 copies for friends including new friends in my knitting KAL (knit along blogs). The book itself is beautiful with cloth binding and wonderfully worked art on every page. Good for you and Great for a gift too!
Knitting for Peace.......2007-07-03
Inviting and inspiring. Challenges me to knit for others besides myself and my family and makes me believe I can make some small difference in the world.
Interestingread, but it is NOT pattern book.......2007-05-28
I enjoyed the content of the book, but this is a book about charitable knitting, along with a dozen or so patterns... not a book of patterns in the traditional sense.
Knitting for peace.......2007-05-12
This is a well put together book with lots of good info re knitting projects with addresses and what's needed, etc. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in charity knitting.
Book Description
This is the only comprehensive guide for socially and environmentally responsible consumers available. It contains over 15 years comprehensive research distilled into a pocket-sized, shopping-friendly format, ranking every product on the shelf from A to F - turning your grocery list into a most powerful tool to change the world.
Customer Reviews:
Essential Shopping Guide.......2007-10-19
This shopping guide is thoroughly researched and easy to use. All of the many family and friends I've given copies to have found it unique and useful. When one of my sisters, who works for San Francisco MOMA, took her copy to work it was so well received the Museum decided to order it and carry it for sale in their retail store.
excellent effort and a great start for anyone with a concience.......2007-08-11
I loved this book. I use it constantly and recommend it for everyone! Wow, that corporation Altria that owns about a hunrdred familiar brands is so evil! I do wish it had more information on the comapnies it does list. And I would also have loved it if it included much more names than it did. I couldn't find most of the brands I'd like to know about in there. Still, it's better than no info and it's a great portable guide during shopping trips.
Green Living Easy.......2007-07-20
This book can help people who want to spend their money in the right direction toward environmentally conscious and socially responsible business'. It's easy, fun, self-fulfilling and educating.
Everyone needs one.......2007-06-30
This little book is the best thing I ever purchased. It makes it so easy to make informed shopping decisions so I can support the principles that are important for a company to have. It has opened my eyes to the business/corp. world to help me use my dollar to vote. It also offers lists such as where it is most important to pay attention to the grades (ex. choosing an "A" bank will have a greater impact than say an "A" brand deoderant). I an planning on buying a ton of these books as stocking stuffers this year for friends and family. Spread the knowledge!
Let Your Money Talk.......2007-03-31
Money Talks, and nothing speaks louder than which products you buy. This book will help simplify your buying choices.
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
If ever there were a prescription for longevity, the folks of Okinawa, a collection of islands strung between Japan and Taiwan, have found it. Considered the world's healthiest people, residents of this tropical archipelago routinely live active, independent lives well into their 90s and 100s. Their rates of obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, memory loss, menopause, and breast, colon and prostate cancer rank far below the rates for these illnesses in America and other industrialized countries. In fact, researchers believe many Okinawans are physically younger than their chronological ages. In essence, the Okinawans have found a way to beat the clock.
How do they do it? In The Okinawa Program, Bradley J. Willcox, M.D., D. Craig Willcox, Ph.D., and Makoto Suzuki, M.D. reveal the islanders' age-defying secrets. Of course, there are really no surprises here: a low-fat diet, exercise, stress management, strong social and family ties, and spiritual connectedness--the same things experts have been recommending for years--all play key roles in keeping the Okinawans youthful. But in this fascinating read, which is peppered with inspiring anecdotes about these remarkable people, the authors provide concrete evidence that adopting these healthy habits pays off significantly in terms of tacking more productive years onto our lives.
Based on the authors' 25-year Okinawa Centenarian Study, this extraordinarily well-written book demonstrates that genetics provide only so much protection against disease. Indeed, the authors often remind us that when younger Okinawans pick up Western habits, their rates of obesity, illness, and life expectancy start to match ours as well. Clearly, when it comes to longevity, healthy lifestyle habits will out. That said, the major message of The Okinawa Program is that we can easily adopt the life-lengthening strategies that have served the Okinawans so well for generations. To that end, the authors pack chapters with suggestions for following "The Way," from eating a low-fat, low-calorie diet packed with fiber and complex carbohydrates (cooking up the book's more than 80 recipes is a start) and learning tai chi to finding time to meditate and relax, developing one's spirituality, doing volunteer work, and building a solid network of friends and family. Rounding out the book, the authors pull their key recommendations into a comprehensive yet doable four-week plan that's meant to get you started. Following "The Way" isn't a free shot at immortality, but it certainly helps stack the deck in your favor. --Norine Dworkin
Book Description
There is nothing more universal than the desire to slow down the aging process, to live a long, full life with health, energy, and independence.
The Okinawa Program presents the first evidence-based program to make this possible. Authored by a team of preeminent medical and scientific experts, this breakthrough book documents the diet, exercise, and lifestyle practices of the world's healthiest, longest-lived people and reveals how readers can apply these practices to their own lives.
In Okinawa, the occurrence of heart disease is only one fifth that of American levels. The rate of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers is less than a quarter of American levels. And the number of centenarians per hundred thousand is six times that of the United States. Most important, Okinawans have the world's longest disability-free life expectancy.
Concluding a long-term, collaborative scientific study,
The Okinawa Program clearly and expertly explains the reasons for this remarkable successful aging phenomenon. With a realistic four-week Turnaround Plan for diet, fitness, and psychological well-being, this book offers nearly one hundred easy, fast, and delicious recipes, as well as a moderate exercise routine derived from the former island kingdom's unique martial arts. The authors introduce the cognitive and spiritual practices that have emerged as crucial to the overall health of Okinawan elders and also include resources and an extensive reference section for further information.
Accessible, authoritative, and comprehensive,
The Okinawa Program can help readers minimize their risk for heart disease, breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease, as well as maintain healthy body weight, reduce stress, and develop more satisfying personal relationships.
The Okinawa Program is a life-changing guide to increased health and youthful vigor at any age.
Customer Reviews:
An Escape from America's Toxic Lifestyle.......2006-09-18
America isn't a very safe place to live.
I'm not talking about crime rates, but about death rates, or more specifically health expectancy rates, which is the length of time a person can expect to live in good health, living independently and productively with a sound mind and body.
The United States ranks 24th, dead last among all developed countries.
Why? What is so toxic about the American lifestyle?
Well, the old saying goes, if you want to spot a counterfeit, go study a genuine dollar bill.
Likewise, if you want to spot what's wrong with America, why not go study the healthiest people on Earth?
Well, that's what two brothers, one a physician and one an anthropologist, have been doing for the past decade in the islands of Okinawa, studying over 400 centenarians--people over 100 years old. And not decrepit, demented shells over 100 either-- people still living in their homes, gardening, walking to market daily, chatting with friends.
Why are they living so long? Why are their bodies on almost every biochemical measure 20 years younger or more than equivalent American bodies?
That's the subject of the book The Okinawa Program, and a fascinating read it is. The authors both try to describe the health and lifestyle of the Okinawan culture, try to explain what is healthy about it, and then how to incorporate it into our lifestyle.
The distinctives that the authors bring out chapter by chapter are a healthy primarily vegetarian diet, regular exercise, a low-pressure lifestyle, use of meditation and other forms of stress-reduction, a close supportive social network, and their "spirituality" which is mostly positive and optimistic in nature.
The book itself is well-written and documented as far as this genre goes. It's only downfall (also common to the genre) is tunnel-vision. The authors' enthusiasm for all things Okinawan rarely points out anything negative at all about the culture, to the point that you wonder how objective they really are. Beyond that, they often downplay the very tenuous nature of drawing conclusions about looking backwards and trying to figure out why things are a certain way-- you can use common sense and a little science to make a good guess that eating foods high in flavinoids may extend life, but limited science plus common sense has led us down the wrong path many a time before.
Another major point to be made is that these non-Christian authors cannot perceive the difference between mere religion (which they apparently believe is generically good for both its placebo like effect on the human body and possibly tapping into some generic higher power) vs. a genuine relationship with the genuine God.
Of course, this draws a rather brutal line in the sand for those of us who do name the name of Christ. If our lives have truly been touched by the living God, then why are we dying by the droves in our gluttony and physical laziness and frantically paced American lifestyles, while people who do not know the true God over the ocean are living lives which I suspect more closely model what Christ would have us live? Food for thought, and a worthwhile book to read and ponder.
Tay Gay.......2006-08-10
Wonderful Insight to Change Lifestyle and Live a Healthy Long Fulfilling Life.
as advertised.......2006-01-15
as advertised
Proof that lifestyle matters when it comes to longevity.......2005-11-25
This has got to be one of the most well-researched books on health and longevity that I've read in a long time. Based on a landmark study on the people of Okinawa (Japan), the authors outline the preventative lifestyle techniques that keep the elders of Okinawa healthy well into old age and with lower rates of disease and disability than here in the West.
Also highly recommended is the book The Okinawa Diet Plan, as this is more specifically geared towards those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight. Definitely two books that belong in the home library of anyone seriously interested in health and longevity.
My Dad's a Cook.......2005-08-02
Hey, just wanted to join in with my dad and say that fast food is gross, greasy fat.
I'm majoring in Computer Science in order to be a programmer. I should know, having gained 20 pounds eating pizza while sitting in front of the computer entering code.
Amazon.com
Scary fact: Business information doubles about every three years. In other words, if your job is complex now, in three years you'll have twice as much noise to sift through just to get your work done. Bill Jensen makes no bones about it: Making a job simpler is very hard work, and it's getting harder all the time. But he believes it's possible, and in Simplicity, he lays out concrete steps for managers to follow. For example, he offers a five-step process for launching a new project: Know which few things are important; consider how people will feel when you move forward on these things; use the right tools; create expectations and then manage those expectations; and create a "teachable view" of what you're trying to achieve.
If you consider all five of these building blocks before launching a new project, you should be able to overcome one of the biggest problems workers have with their jobs: too much information, with too little filtering. In fact, Jensen says, about 80 percent of business communication--meetings, e-mails, presentations, whatever--has a major problem: the information doesn't require action, or it requires action but there are no consequences of doing nothing. These building blocks can be applied to every form of communication and, most important, can be used as a formatting device to describe projects from start to finish quickly on a single sheet of paper. That'll get anyone's attention, from the boss on down to the people who actually have to do the work the project requires. It doesn't get any simpler than that. --Lou Schuler
Book Description
How to thrive in an age of information overload by learning to do more of what matters and less of what doesn't. Drawing from a study of over 2,500 people in 460 companies, Simplicity has been hailed as " a breakthrough in the design of understanding," a book that "outlines the future of leadership." It's a powerful guide to working smarter, not harder, and, in the process, creating more flexible and productive organizations, more compelling experiences for customers, and more fulfilling work for everyone.
"Jensen's observations about today's business world are dead on, and his core message is simple to understand. From the first page of the book, Jensen reveals that his 'Simplicity Manifesto' is rooted in a keen observation of the price we have all been paying for trying to thread efficiency onto chaos via management-by-nuancing-around." -Tom Brown, Across the Board
Customer Reviews:
Occam's Razor for hi-tech--start shaving!.......2006-10-24
Hi-tech work seems to get more complex every year. Do more; do it faster. Need fancier tools to do it. The information explosion -- deal with it !
Bill Jensen takes the opposite direction. His goal: "To make it easier to work smarter -- a lot easier."
How? By simplifying the work. Getting rid of clutter. Set up systems that generate or gather the useful information rather than just filling up your inbox.
This book is not just theory. Jensen writes a real how-to manual that's applicable to any industry, including ours.
Simplicity is Complex.......2006-10-11
This book offers a five-step process for communicating change:
* Know which things are important
* Consider how people will feel when you change these things
* Use the right tools to communicate
* Create expectations and then manage those expectations
* Create a "teachable view" of what you're trying to achieve
The concepts in the book are valid. Unfortunately the execution of the book with cluttered layouts, and use of too many fonts falls short on delivering on the promise: Simplicity.
In response to Mr. Jensen (Author of this book)........2006-09-01
This is not a discussion forum. This is a opinion board and it's posts are by readers, for readers. If the book is the sacred space for the author to express his opinions and worldviews, this boards are or at least should be the sacred space for the readers. Sacred.
There's no such thing as talking trash about a book just for the sake of trash talking a book. Someone read the book, liked or didn't like it for whatever reason, argument given, point taken. As simple as that.
I did read the book and it did have a couple good things but that's not the point. My point is that the author posting about his own book, in the way he did it, is a insult to the community. It taints the objectivity of the board, therefore undermining the usefulness and good will of all of the other reviews.
You said: "Thankfully, most of you ignore those kind of reviews when making a purchasing decision". I ask, thankfully for you or thankfully for the readers?
If I had never read this book I wouldn't do it, I'd feel dirty trying to assimilate a book which author's made his own integrity so sketchy.
My $.02.......2006-05-15
I saw this book at my company's library and was drawn by it's title. The description on the back and the introduction to the book gave me hopes of a refreshing read -- one written with distinct style and offering insight.
The saying is true -- don't judge a book by it's cover. I found this book to be annoying because Jensen is repetitive and offers no significant insight. He spends the first section of the book drilling the same ideas, making generic declarations and offering minimal real life examples. Worst of all -- not one "aha" moment, which is what he calls this section. Of course simplicity is better -- I realize that and it's why I picked the book up -- but repeating this a lot is not necessary.
I had to stop reading the book halfway. I agree with one of the reviewers who referred to the book as unreadable. I can't read a book that generalizes what everyone is always doing wrong, and then tells me what to do "based on research." Little data is offered to back up the claims.
All in all -- I wasn't inspired by the book, wasn't impressed with its style, and wasn't instructed by its content (its first half is all I read).
Recommendation: Your money and time could be better spent elsewhere. If the book is at no charge, and you are curious, try reading the first section to see if you feel the same way.
What One Author Learned from YOU.......2005-06-25
This is a story about the power of you. Keep doing what you do even when authors don't like it. Especially when we don't! (Exception: Those reviews that trash a book just for the sake of trashing it or just to promote the reviewer's agenda. Thankfully, most of you ignore those kind of reviews when making a purchasing decision.)
Simplicity was my first book. I got a few things right. And its sales and most of its reviews reflect that. (Thank you!) I got a few things wrong - very wrong - and the biggest critiques consistently reflect that. So I've tried to learn from you and bring those lessons into my future work. For example:
* The biggest, dumbest mistake I made in Simplicity was that Form Did Not Follow Function. I thought it was cool to have a layout that looked like a bulletin-board - where you could jump here and there, reading small snippets of text at a time. Most of the reviews that are negative focused on this obvious-to-all-but-me flaw. A couple of examples: "Great idea in a tough to navigate format."..."Not simple to read: This book did not live up to the title - the page layout and design is complex..."
You guys were right. I was wrong. Big time. Mea culpa. In my next efforts, I have paid a lot more attention to the Form Follows Function Dept.
* Especially in business/personal effectiveness books: Readers want How-To's! You're thinking "these ideas are great for all the people featured in the book, but how do **I** put them into practice?" The other cluster of critiques targeted this area as a weakness. I did put tools in there, but, for some, there weren't enough specific examples and how-to's: "This book never got past the 'whats' and 'whys' of simplicity...", "Too much mumbo jumbo."
Again, for some-but-not-all of you, I could have done a better job on guiding you through the how-to's of practical application.
At least, on this point, it wasn't too late to learn! Ben50 wrote in his one-star review: "The only way i would switch for a 5 star, if the author read this (and i believe he is very competent) is that he rewrites a second book or this book with a lot of case studies and clear explanation of why it works.... With this, the book could be a must."
Ben, I heard you! And to everyone like him, check out The Simplicity Survival Handbook: 32 Ways to Do Less and Accomplish More. This is that follow-up book! (In my humble-yet-biased opinion, much better than Simplicity for how-to's cuz that's the Handbook's entire focus!)
*** BOTTOM-LINE: While it's not always fun for authors to learn in a very public forum like this, the Power of You is amazing! This kind of open and transparent feedback loop improves our work and informs what's available to you. Of course, there are caveats I'd love to throw in...(some reviews of my work and of other people's books I've loved seem like the reviewer never even read the book or paid attention to the author's intent)...but that's just normal personal-justification creeping in. (One final mea culpa for occasionally being semi-normal.) Overall, I am thrilled that we all have this forum, that you have taken some of your valuable time to contribute to the debate, and that - if authors are willing to listen and learn - you have created a most amazing Virtual School for Authors! Thank you!
Amazon.com
Occasionally a book comes along that you want to take outside, shove into the hand of every passerby, and say, "Read this and be enlightened." The Dalai Lama's latest collection of lectures is like that. As you read, you begin to think what a wonderful world it would be if everybody thought like the Dalai Lama. Though the highest ranked leader of a world religion, the Dalai Lama insists that some of the most important aspects of Buddhist practice are nonreligious, particularly the training of the mind. This he sees as essential to cultivating basic decency in the day-to-day life of all people. To understand the motivations of others, to rein in negative emotions, to examine one's own motivations--these are the steps to living peacefully and responsibly in the world. On a deeper theoretical level, the Dalai Lama also introduces the importance of seeing through reality to the two levels of truth as well as exploring karma and the nature of existence. Impromptu question-and-answer sessions round out some of the lectures, giving the listeners a chance to pose their own questions. Read this and be enlightened. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Imbued with a friendly tone and pithy wisdom, this handsome handbook to approaching life "in a better way" includes six of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's most accessible and inspirational public lectures. Following each talk are the original question-and-answer sessions in which His Holiness opens himself up to his listeners and-now-to readers everywhere. His characteristically candid guidance on living fully and responsibly, especially at the start of a new millennium, focuses on specific themes that range from religious tolerance to compassion and nonviolence. The book also includes a practical and highly readable introduction to Buddhism and the Dalai Lama's own spiritual heritage, written by the renowned Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.
Compiled and edited by Renuka Singh.
Introduction by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.
Customer Reviews:
Totally disappointed .......2007-10-05
The book came directly from Amazon with the back jacket torn and ripped. So this is a review FOR Amazon, not the book itself.
Good Basic Teaching.......2007-02-14
I listed to the book on tape, and it is the first book I have read by the Dalai Lama. He teaches very simply, and it is easy to understand his concepts. He gives a good overview of Buddhism, and the different types of Buddist teachings. On the Book on Tape I really didn't care for the person doing the reading, but that is a minor point. All in all, I got alot out of it.
Good Book on How to Live Your Life Meaningfully.......2004-02-19
"Pay attention not only to the cultivation of knowledge but to the cultivation of qualities of the heart, so that at the end of education, not only will you be knowledgeable, but also you will be a warm-hearted and compassionate person."
That's merely a brief excerpt from this book filled with whimsical and charismatic anecdotes from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The book is in effect a decade's collection of teachings he has given throughout his life, condensed into a book for our benefit. This collection of talks he gave in the 90's plainly lays out his viewpoint about how to follow the pathway of one's inner self. This is one of those books that you know you won't be able to put into practice flawlessly, but there are things here you will discover that can help you feel better about how you are living and benefit others.
Very Good.......2003-11-21
I enjoyed this book very much. I am not a student of the Dalai Lama but I did enjoy this work. I thought the lectures gave the novice a good idea about Budahist thought.
I would suggest this book to those of different faiths who are curious but do not want a deep thelogical work. This particular work is more like a set of sermons from a Christian preacher might be. While it does not give you the full picture it does give you enough to have a pretty good idea about what is going on in the faith.
I liked very much the discussions compassion. The idea that compassion not only leads to enlightenment but a happier existence here is something all of us no matter what faith we are could follow.
Simply great.......2003-06-20
Hey, read this book! All stuff from Enlightened beings of every religion, philosophy, social caste, skin colour, etc. such as Dalai Lama, Jesus Christ, Jahve, Osiris, Druids or maybe your silent and smiley neighbour are always a good reason to buy, read, listen, etc. their acts and activities!
And is always a pleasure to read/listen/whatever, so may they can infect us with their wonderfull enlightened and happyness virus!! I wanna be infected!
I haven't finished to read this book though, but I can say that it is simply a demonstration's of Dalai Lama's Wide Open Brain! Impermanence is the right word that resumes this book to me => What is eating meat, beans, grains, fruit, milk or vegetables but simply feed the food's need of anyone? Is that really important? Really? Who we are to judge anyone for doing this or that? When we, short of brain humans' may understand?
When are we going to start doing simpler stuff such as being happy and infect people around with this happyness, so everybody can only have to time for joy instead of violence in any of its forms?
Yeaps, I have read some "deeper" books, but hey, what is deepness?
Is "high intellectual" stuff better than having peace inside, and live in happyness with all our surroundng people/sentient beings/wanna-be-sentient beings/or things?
(: Smile :)
Life is short and we all have a lot of things to do!! Read this book and use it for your growing purposes!!
Luz Shiva Futten
Amazon.com
One-size-fits-all diets and exercise programs don't work because each of us has unique genetic programming, or a Body Code, that determines our body build and dictates the best food and exercise plans for us, explains Jay Cooper, wellness director of the Green Valley Spa in St. George, Utah. Cooper is a marathon runner, triathlete, and cancer survivor who was given only months to live in 1990--and has been cancer-free for nine years as of the book's publication date. According to Cooper, your Body Code includes your anatomical type (mesomorphic, ectomorphic, endomorphic), which determines how much and what type of movement is best for you; your glandular-metabolic type (thyroidal, adrenal, pituitary, gonadal), which determines what kind of diet is best for you; and energy type (vata, pitta, kapha), which is the "meeting between mind and body." He puts all this together into genetic types he calls Warrior, Nurturer, Communicator, and Visionary. Each type has its own best diet and exercise plan, and he describes each in detail, complete with a progressive movement program and suggested menus for each type. If you've tried diets and exercise regimes that felt wrong or didn't get you to your goals, this book may give you a new perspective and a solution. --Joan Price
Book Description
If you've ever tried a trendy new diet and found it impossible to stick to.... If you've wondered why the steak-and-salad regimen that worked miracles for your friend actually put three unwanted pounds on you.... you're about to find out what will work. You can lose weight and achieve optimal health by unlocking
The BODY CODE
At the renowned Green Valley Spa, nutritionist Jay Cooper has developed a remarkable quartet of customized wellness plans, with amazing results for thousands of satisfied clients. Now you can embark on a food and fitness program that is as individual as you are.
WHICH TYPE ARE YOU?
Jay Cooper explains how to ear and exercise for each of the four human genetic types:
- The WARRIOR TYPE: rectangular or chesty build; extroverted, energetic, and practical
- The NURTURER TYPE: curvy, pear-shaped build; compassionate, selfless, and magnetic
- The C0MMUNICATOR TYPE: lanky or rangy build with long limbs; lively, creative, and unpredictable
- The VISIONARY TYPE: naturally thin, youthful build; calm, reserved, and intellectual
Once you've identified your type (by simply answering a series of questions about your body shape, exercise tendencies, and preferred foods), you can begin a lifetime of energy-balancing strategies and diet solutions that are just right for you.
Discover the exclusive breakthrough plan from the Green Valley Spa -- and enjoy the rejuvenating powers of Jay Cooper's expertise -- with The Body Code.
Customer Reviews:
excellent plan .......2005-03-28
OK, so I am going against eveything I believe in and writing a review for a book I have not read. However, I was able to meet Jay Cooper in real life at the Green Valley Spa several years ago + was lucky enough to have him "code" my body + give me suggestions as to what to eat + how to exercise based on his formula + IT WORKS. I have been incorporating many of his suggestions for both eating + working out + have seen great results and also feel like I can maintain this for life. I don't know how easy the book is to fiqure out which type you are objectively...but if you can, I suggest giving it a shot.
A "be- careful" submission..........2002-06-10
This book woos with unique suggestions geared toward four diferent types; one cannot help but feel they're being talked directly to. Some of the methods work in theory, but beware of the example menus! Certain meal plans offer almost no fat. This seems to be an editing goof rather than the author's philosophy. Read the rest of the book and you'll understand.
It makes sense.......2002-03-23
It makes sense. Other metabolism books i read suggested to eat high fat and protein diets, yet I've always had a cholesterol problem. This book told me the types of food other books were recommending were dangerous to my health and suggested the foods that would make sense for me to eat for my body type. I've also lost ten pounds in 1 1/2 months and lowered my cholesterol with the help of this book. I highly recommend it.
Too too vague.......2002-01-04
This book doesn't work for everyone, that being me. It gives solid advice for general healthy eating, but the premise isn't watertight--there aren't four body types in reality. I didn't lose weight on this diet because I tried it several times (with lapses in between), each time failing. Why? I was unable to properly diagnose myself. Cooper mentions that there are sometimes "mixed types", types which do not quite correspond to any of the four. Great, just great. Check on the website--he mentions that also, and when you're a mixed type, that's a whole new ballpark. If you do manage to be one of the four, you are in luck. But then, there's those like me who aren't and we're unable to really use the book. It's a pity--Cooper's prose is not condescending and is in fact very reader-friendly. Give it a go, but make sure you can return it if it doesn't quite pan out.
Okay I guess.......2001-10-18
I bought this book after I rented it from the library, and long story short, it flew off the top of my car onto the highway. So I bought it to replace the one I broke. After that I kind of lost interest in reading it. I followed the plan for a while but saw no changes in my body so I gave up. Maybe too soon.
Book Description
One of Dr. Jensen's most important works, this doctor-patient handbook shows readers how they can conquer chronic diseases with his eleven-day detoxification regime. Also featured is an explanation of the connection between the colon and other organs and a comprehensive diet and exercise plan.
Customer Reviews:
Always Right.......2006-03-20
I purchased this book some time ago because I already owned a number of other books written by Bernard Jensen, only to find out I needed this books advice when I found out I had leaky gut syndrome. The book makes not mention of the disease as it hadn't been diagniosed when it was first written, I was going to do a full course of 12 Colonic Irrigations and spend a fortune on naturopathic supplies, i'm not totally cured but I am 100% better i.e. the sugar/alcohol cravings are gone, memory is better, energy levels are better etc
He knows what he's talking about.......2005-10-08
This book was very helpful. I was goint to spend $600 doing a detoxification, including supplements and hydrotherapy. But I decided to buy Dr. Jensen's book and try the 11 day detoxicification he writes about on my own. It was a great success. I feel healthier and learned a lot about my body. I also lost 14 pounds and look foward to staying on this healthy path.
death begins in the colon.......2001-01-09
Dr. Jenkin's new book is excellent reading for anyone who wants to get on the right road to good health and healing. On the last page of chapter 1, Death begins in the colon, Dr. Jenkins makes a powerful statement about your digestive track and why you should be proactive in taking good care of it. If you want to live a longer and healthier live, I recommend you read this book to get started down the right road to good health.
Books:
- A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- African American Childhoods: Historical Perspectives from Slavery to Civil Rights
- African American Literature: Voices in a Tradition
- Alibi: A Novel
- American Mourning: The Intimate Story of Two Families Joined by War, Torn by Beliefs
- And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since: From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress
- Baseball's Great Experiment: Jackie Robinson and His Legacy
- Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
- Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant
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