Non Fiction – Page 2 – John H Manhold

January 18, 2022January 21, 2022

A Fox in the Lion’s Den

A Fox in the Lion’s Den ISBN: 978173609000 Beverly Hills Publishing. Story and copy right by Dr, Hal Bradley DD. Text Jennifer Myers, on behalf of Story Terrace Design Copyright © Dr. Hal Bradley.

The actual story begins by introducing the protagonist as a blue eyed, blond teenage boy in the spring of 1969 riding a burro he had acquired for transportation around the mountain trails of a part of Mexico under control of a cartel dominant in that part of the region. No problems were likely to occur because he was “a kid from America protected by the controlling cartel.” Home actually was Seattle, Washington where he had been thrown out of school for six months for being caught smocking “weed”, a standard procedure for school at the time. He had been shipped to work on the properties owned by a friend of his mothers who acted in desperation hopefully to ‘save’ the wayward youngster. The story as it unrolls, is a fact-based fictional account of his gradual involvement with the cartels but also his slowly developing empathy with those affected by the drugs and slow emergence from his involvement. HE spent a period in prison for his actions with the cartels but emerged to cooperate with the DEA and ultimately work with the often destitute victims of desperation, drug abuse and the rest.

Discussion/Summary: This book might be referred to as a ‘memoir of sorts’. It is a remarkable story that presents sections of the author’s life in chapters in an uneven pattern. However, owever HHHHHhhhhhthe ‘whole’ makes a fascinating picture and provides glimpses of the activities in which the author was involved along with hints of how the cartels function as well as the DEA. It also provides glimmers of inner prison activity as well as vague descriptions of his activities after ‘accepting God and entering into his ministries’. There is much redundancy although in large part probably understandably excerpted. So to summarize, there is much to learn from this book that as a whole presents an interesting and most unusual read, but is not for everyone.

4* 5* material; -1 possibly 2* for presentation.

January 5, 2022January 6, 2022

The Tidings

THE TIDINGS ISBN: 9781648036682 Westwood Books copyright and written by Nick Mezins.

Sub-titled “Further Extracts From The Book Of Tidings of the Almighty and his Spirits to Humanity. Volume One November 1943 to January 1945”, a short “Forward” provides the source and manner in which this unusual material originally was discovered, and brought to light along with the revelations that further appeared at a much later date. An Introduction to Revelations follows along with a number of chapters covering these from a period beginning with 1943. Reading and understanding the “Forward” and “Introductions” is a necessity in order to correctly and completely comprehend the “Tidings” delivered “not of human origin”. (It has been through the human mind in the language of Latvia and meticulously translated to English.)

“The material in this book originated from The Almighty, from God, from the chief spirits and the other spirits and has been passed on to humanity on the planet Earth by these chroniclers. They are the Almighty’s heralds to the planet Earth, appearing outwardly as ordinary human beings.” These Heralds wrote the material in longhand, it was typed and several copies made. Errors were corrected and the material distributed in particular bracketing styles and other peculiarities to compensate for differences between Latvian and English word usages. Following these explanations, another “Introduction” is offered from the original publisher in 1992 serving as background for the author’s description of his organization of this and the books to follow. Now, the reader is presented with the book’s contents, chapter by chapter.

The chapters follow a somewhat rambling pattern that this reviewer finds quite difficult to follow, some ranging from sayings of a sultan, the German Nazi party, the Almighty, who also includes Satan as his vengeful portion, and other strange messages delivered by purported spirits of importance with certain facts: “I am not allowed to reveal that to you”. Also: “The spirits do not talk with everyone, but only with chosen ones, and those who believe in them.” Spirits further are described in appearance, duties and means of travel.

Certain known facts also occasionally are interspersed; e.g. “What was a miracle at the time of Christ is no longer a miracle. Science performs miracles. The day will even come when science will liberate man from all diseases and labors and will transport him from one planet to the next.”

Further on in the book the ‘tidings bearers’ offer more explanations by way of vignettes of persons in longer messages, but one seemingly prominent feature is the apparent desire not to offer any specifics with respect to the number, structure and hierarchy of the saints, and it even is difficult to ‘get a firm hold on’ the overall position/activities of “The Almighty”.

The admonishment is offered that you no longer are in Latvia, but you are in the world which is where the Almighty rules. And with respect to miracles? The statement that man is not a prophet in his own land presents Christ as a perfect example. He was simply the son of Joseph the Carpenter from Nazareth and known to many. Thus, he required miracles to convince people of the Power of God.

Discussion: The main theme seemingly being provided in this book of Tidings or Messages is that man is incapable of understanding things beyond what his mind is able to absorb and is the reason God and Jesus spoke in simple words and provided simple stories. Not a single word written by Christ remains and those of the Apostles are carelessly written words of “common people” and are ‘remembrances’. None kept diaries. Also transcription errors exist in abundance.

Thus, it would appear that these “Tidings” have been set forth to provide the true picture of “The Almighty’s” relationship with man and a closing statement that most cleverly covers all aspects of the apparent incomplete explanations, descriptions, answers and other missing features has been set forth. To provide the statement would be a disservice to the author as well as the prospective reader who will recognize it immediately when he reaches its opening portion – “Anyone who has read a book without striving to delve into the writer’s thought, . …. …”.

3* 4* probably challenging read for the curious mind.

December 23, 2021

The Roar of Ordinary

The Roar of Ordinary ISBN: 9781734629015

Published, copyright and written by J. C. Foster.

A coming of age story set in America during the twentieth century, this is an expression of love that focuses on brothers and sisters from a supportive family that has resulted from the merger of residents mostly of the northeast portion of the U. S. with immigrants from Italy who face numerous personal ordeals, predominantly a product of the time. Recognizable family life evolves while on a collision course with the randomness of war, the Great Depression and other problems of the twentieth century. Close siblings find themselves in an era of challenging circumstances with life and death tied to their decisions, as fate hovers to devour the unlucky. This is a memoir setting forth an account of growing up in the embrace of a loving family with a sometimes ‘difficult to determine’ demonstration of that basic passion by a person of shifting moods and in a period of time overshadowed by wars followed by the fallout that combat brings. It’s a tale of introspection, hope, and redemption in the aftermath of loss while it scrutinizes the Vietnam War and identifies lingering governmental actions that exhibit forgetfulness regarding the lessons of Vietnam as well as those of other world conflicts. Along the way Jack, the protagonist dreams of what brought him to the here and now. He realizes that family, though an ordinary one, has provided required incentive, privilege, and opportunity as events, experiences, faces, and conversations appear. But he also sees that his individual decisions and those of his relatives and friends are what influenced fate to place each of them where they presently dwell.

Discussion/Conclusion: The author has presented in much detail the large number of activities in which an intelligent, active child, adolescent and young adult would engage while growing up in neighborhoods offered children of this era. Many may seem outlandishly ridiculous to today’s readers but assuredly were not beyond the thought patterns of those growing up in the early and middle parts on the 1900s. And the descriptions of the changes in thought patterns evolving in the mid-century are particularly well remembered and presented. The resultant conclusion is that in spite of some of the unevenness and redundancy exhibited, this is a book that describes in great detail the era of the 1900s as viewed from the perspective of a thoughtful young person gradually maturing under the guidance of a warm family environment with enough breadth to mitigate the perhaps harsher elements.

5* excellent portrayal of coming of age in the last century.

November 17, 2021

Chase Greatness

Chase Greatness ISBN: 9781642251890 Advantage Media Group copyright and written by Rajeev Kaper.

The usual forward material is followed by ten chapters and concludes with the author’s list of Rules by which to successfully operate a business of the nature discussed. Following in a very scholarly but easily read presentation with one hundred and nine very pertinent references included at the end. Between these ‘book ends’ the author sets forth a rather new aspect of operating a successful business in the new milieu that has begun to development accompanied by ‘workers with a different’ attitude. Gradually advancing his thesis chapter by chapter, he first explores where you’ve been and where you need to go. Then proceeds into the importance of the new social movement and how today the American workplace is more diverse with younger people much more comfortable with their individual identities and teaches that leaders must be comfortable as well and must accept these changes in both sexes and all races. All must be allowed to make and learn from their own mistakes, within reason of course. New kids are at home with social media- twitter, Instagram, etc. Most managers are not. They grew up with TV, arcades, movie theaters. You must remember and strive to create Commitment!! He points out that Millennials want to be loyal to their companies. According to surveys, most would like to stay with them for at least 5 years but, they want to be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that should extend to every level of the company. They love to see diversity at the top and need exposure to people different from the usual top level; also, if there is too much focus on “the Bottom Line”, there actually is an overall decrease in it. How diversified are you in your interests, acquaintances, thought patterns? You must think long term, not short. To create an enlightened company today, you must respect your people and motivate them to greatness. Culture is the critical component where employees must be happy at work and feel appreciated. And a company must be tailored to the employees’ specific abilities. The author provides an excellent personal example of being required to build a successful company structure in China, a country that went from Communist to part capitalistic and changed to importance of cash, credit cards. Country club, etc. He offers other examples of India, where personal status is top priority. He emphasizes that employees must feel secure, valued and even lucky to be working at that company – maybe because it as simple as being “the town or section in which to work”. Further stressed are the need to develop excellent communication skills and by all means, be sure that your personal behavior lives up to the image you have portrayed.

Discussion: This book should be a revelation for any individual entering the business world of today. It provides a remarkable look at today’s corporate structure as well as many thoughts about why so many businesses are struggling so desperately. This is a munt read and besides his final presentation of Rules by which to operate, one other comment that at least to this reviewer is a gem set forth stating: “People buy people, not products.

5* Must read!

October 18, 2021

Beyond Balancing the Books

Beyond Balancing the Books by George Marino is provided with a more complete title following several relatively brief, but pertinent “Words of Praise” written by individuals respected as knowledgeable within this area of endeavor: The new entire title, Beyond Balancing the Books Sheer Mindfulness for Professionals in Work and Life, is followed by a rather lengthy disclaimer including (“The information in this book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers” and more…) ISBN: 9781736380208 (e) “Published in conjunction with One Heart Coaching, LLC.” Then in turn, is an invitation to Download Your Bonus Companion Guide to Beyond Balancing the Books which is a nine-page bonus guide to aid you in applying the book’s principles to your daily work life. The following Table of Contents consists of a listing of introspective analyses with respect to work as a CPA and evaluating individual elements of various aspects of personal health gradually moving into Chapter structure with #1 Getting Started with Mindfulness Practice beginning an incorporation of Meditation and other ‘helpers’ to achieve incorporation in its totality so as to find it ‘as not something you do, but rather becomes a way of life you live completely’. It will help you manage stress along with breathing exercises, ability to learn how to recognize your present, how to begin, and steps to follow. to attain the level of relaxation you wish to attain (How to get to the “Deeper Level” experience, you need to focus attention and for this you must choose how you will focus – by visual, auditory or tactile senses.) Also you must develop your Acute Sense Perceptions so you can focus on the present moment and acquire an open awareness- of what is going on in your mind and body. But at the same time be sure it is a not judgmental.

The rest of the ten chapters follow the same path of instruction until a final presentation About the Author and Appendices provide an extensive list of reading for each chapter and bring the book to its conclusion.

Discussion: The author has put together a distinctly different instructional book concentrating on business accounting, accountants, and a projected manner in which they may survive the tensions encountered in its pursuit and enjoy the resulting ‘fruits of their labor’. The unusual opening structuring of the presentation, combined with the trend set forth by the comments made by the opening series of comments and the unusual, specifically directed disclaimer provide the instant recognition of the book’s direction. However, it is not until the reader begins to absorb the author’s message that it is begun to be absorbed. Basically, it is one advocating constant introspective analysis with evaluation of the messages received and incorporation of the better portions discovered while employing “Core components of mindfulness attention and noticing, open awareness, acknowledgement of an acceptance, detachment, conscious choice, and the necessity to create ‘quiet time.’” Often necessitating use of whatever form of meditation the person finds to be effective.

Summary: The author has offered a book that from this reviewer’s perspective is markedly unusual for readers of this area of endeavor. However it deserves far more than a passing glance because of the myriad pertinent ideas the author has set forth from his extensive association with his profession and the many associated activities thereof.

4* 5* for concerned readers and important suggestions for all. .

September 13, 2021

What if one and one is not two?

What if One plus One is not Two? by daniel r. mcmullan

From the very opening the author has provided a rather unusual book. It begins with a pre-pre-introduction “to provide definitions of writing-related words and clarity the “nonstandard” aspects of the format of writing that I will be using to write this book. If you are a human that reads writings in the English language “often”, then I recommend that you skip the pre-introduction, begin reading the introduction and simply refer back to the pre-introduction for writing-related word definitions and writing-format clarifications as needed. His explanation is that he will be providing definitions of many words and sets thereof that he thinks might be defined in a different way that he prefers to use and perhaps a manner that may introduce a ‘different’ manner in which to observe them. He provides examples in detail. These instructive chapters are followed by the main theme of questioning the world on various levels from his perspective of examining the veracity of the premises under which we live and whether they really are correct? Or are we accepting what we believe to be realities when actually they are not based on proven fact? Or do we really wish to live in this manner?

Discussion: The author has set forth a most interesting theme and discussed it from numerous aspects. Admittedly, transition from one’s ‘normal’ way of reading to adoption of the author’s concept takes time and admittedly is cumbersome in many ways as well as ‘over-simplified” in others. Some may well enjoy such seemingly ‘deep’ philosophical discussion, while other, perhaps more pragmatic individuals, will look upon this book with a certain amount of distain. Thus, and understandably, it is a book that probably will be read and assigned a widely ranging level of acceptance.

3* as discussed.

September 1, 2021

Crisis Averted

CRISIS AVERTED PR Strategies to “Protect your Reputation and the Bottom Line” ISBN: 9781642252576 Published by Advantage Media, copyright and written by Evan Nierman.

The author opens the book with an introduction: A Crisis Averted Followed by PART I: An Introduction to Crisis PR, and four chapters; PART II: Bad Things Happen to Everyone with 3 chapters; PART III: Crisis Control and 4 more chapters. An Afterword closes the presentation.

“This profession centers upon high-stakes and high-profile situations that are hard to forget but are often best handled quietly without the world ever knowing or truly understanding what took place behind the scenes” and explains the procedure employed here. The author explains that good crisis management requires an empathetic individual who is cognizant of all the possibilities involved in all aspects and is a master of nuances when dealing with the situation. “Your client’s success can often hinge upon those subtle distinctions in the way you frame arguments, describe situations, and talk about companies.” You must know your subject matter!!

You also need to be willing to go help even though the call comes in the middle of a family reunion, or other you’re enjoying. You need to be able to converse comfortably with a high profile CEO as well as a blue collar worker and if the guy you’re trying to bail refuses to listen to you be willing to walk away. You also take the job because you believe in the guy who needs help and be willing to fight nasty opponents including reporters.

“A crisis is anything that is going to give people an inaccurate negative view of you or your company. If that is the situation in which you find yourself, then you had better not retreat into your shell, because it is not going to protect you. Instead, take a positive step toward keeping your reputation intact and discuss your circumstances with a crisis counselor.” No longer can you simply tell the truth, you must press for the truth!!! You often must think fast, act fast and even talk fast.

The number of people you are going to physically meet is a finite number, but with internet the number is billions and you are going to be painted as they wish, unless you PRESS for the truth to be seen AS YOU WANT TO BE SEEN! “Share with care and Post with Purpose”

Before facing any crisis situation, “formulate a clear and positive message”. Without such a clearly defined message it is “impossible to communicate powerfully without clearly articulating a primary message!”

Discussion: The author has set forth a book on how to deal with an unexpected crisis in a straightforward, easily understood manner that has gained kudos from numerous CEOs as well as individuals in other positions of importance in need of Crisis Control. The book is heavy on the importance of what the author’s particular team can offer that may be superior to that provided by others. However, in this reviewer’s estimation, it is a justifiable emphasis because of the breadth of his experience in a large number of areas and situations that crises frequently occur. This particular book is well worth reading for anyone and a must for anyone who has the misfortune to be involved in this situation.

5* Highly recommended read for all; a must for anyone involved.

July 30, 2021

The End of an ERA

The END of an ERA, Diverse Thoughts From 100+ years of LIving ISBN: 9781636925639 Newman Springs Publishing copyright and written by John H. Manhold.

For readers who regularly visit my website, I am sure this is something different than what you expected to find. Specifically I should like to alert you to the imminent publication of this author’s latest book, The End of an Era. Final print copy is scheduled to be released for distribution and sale in print (soft cover) by next week, followed by an e-book, and an audible version shortly thereafter.

Briefly, it presents comparative observations of various aspects of life as it began shortly after WW I and progressed through the multitudinous changes that evolved as the years crept by “in there petty pace from day to day” through the year 2020 and the early part of 2021. The century’s changes overall have been accumulating for millennia – only recently the rate of acceleration has changed to a pace even faster than during the Industrial Revolution. The past one hundred years has moved from a time when a man’s handshake was binding, and a resident of the then United States of America was free to indulge in, and could attain top-level accomplishments in any number of fields, to the present era where an amazing amount of control is occurring. In 1919 there was no TV, Jet flight, DNA, Cloning, computers, huge technological companies attempting to correlate and direct an individual’s thought pattern and direction. Even general ownership of radios did not exist (my father, an electrical engineer, built our first ‘Crystal Set’). But perhaps on an even more personal level. What has happened to empathy? How frequently do you encounter understanding of a problem? Instead, is your boss or other “uncaring” person too occupied to even listen to what you are saying? Or if the person listens, how much is he/she really hearing? The last study of attention span of humans I found was 8.1 seconds, which is comparable to that reported of a goldfish. Have you noticed how rapidly advertisements change on TV? How rapidly people speak these days? When answering the phone, you immediately are addressed by a recorded message? What has happened to loyalty? Whom do you really believe you personally can trust?

Dependence upon machines, computers, and artificial intelligence is our way of life. Its pace and the quantity of material required to be gathered and stored has grown far beyond existing capabilities. Regrettably, no choice exists but to continue while opening our lives to any and every one because no computer made to date is immune to hacking.

The 1919–2021 period of change has been of sufficient magnitude even to be equated with the now almost forgotten Renaissance, an era of total upheaval in the mores of society was occurring that escalated to almost unimagined levels in communication, transportation, housing, clothing, morals, matters of entertainment, patterns of thought—everything. Amusingly perhaps, also a time that has been compared with my unusual, highly varied life activities and often accompanied with suggestions—actual pressure—to publish them.

Until now, I have refused. Producing another exercise in self-serving egocentricity that few other than family and a few acquaintances might like to read always has seemed gauche until recently a young intern remarked that the opportunities I was offered no longer existed. I was fortunate in that my career developed during a period when investigative opportunities were numerous and ability to meet and exchange ideas with notable people easily occurred. The conversation began an introspective progression of thoughts that led to my reconsideration and although I have not acquired any status as a celebrated professional athlete, revered statesman, honored warrior, or even received extensive media coverage as a celebrated stage or cinematic performer, I have gained a certain level of recognition in several areas that have provided me with an opportunity for worldwide travel and intimate time spent with people of many different cultures. Thus evolved the intention here to describe my serendipitous journey in an obvious and/or easily verifiable manner, and as it occurred with observations on the era differences and an intent to offer impressions gained through these years spent with many people of different, or possibly similar but somehow “different” mores as they change with time. Also, I should like to impart some of the insight (?) gained that could offer takeaway thoughts for others.

Generally speaking, there is little interest in the past. Few read history with the lessons that it teaches, and even historical novels are passé. This book sets forth a contrasting picture between the 1900s and the present century. It is one man’s story by a man who has lived through those 100+ years and set forth in his words as the events are remembered and written with obvious and/or referenced substantiation. You might discover features and/or circumstances that elicit personal thought(s).

John H. Manhold

July 15, 2021

Dude Where’s My Walking Stick

Dude, Where’s My Walking Stick? Assumed published, copyright and written by Kevin Moore.

This is a tale by the author of a journey he undertook that covered the entire, extremely difficult walking trail “Te Waipounamu South Island, New Zealand”. The trip began on December 12 on the Te Araroa, or The Long Pathway: New Zealand’s national long distance trail and 70 days later completed “more than 3,000 kilometers, through countless trails that traversed colossal mountain ranges, forded too many rivers to count, crossed innumerable valleys, and cut through scores of breathtaking forests from the top of North Island to the bottom of the South.” The book chronicles the daily details of the journey,

Discussion: the author, although not physically prepared for a walking trip of this severity, attempted and finished the extensive journey fraught with challenges of great proportions for persons with much superior physical conditioning. Much was accomplished in his case almost completely through almost complete reliance upon mental tenacity of purpose. As such, the story sets forth an aspect of this individual that, more generally speaking, would not be expected from a mental picture one gains from self-descriptions and actions provided by the man. Description of the terrain, sky, birds and beasts is extensive and provides fascinating images for anyone having encountered anything similar and enough to generate an interest in any person not having seen anything similar. Admittedly, verbal presentations do offer a certain amount of redundancy/repetition that would have been relieved with inclusion of pictures. Overall, this is a book that devotees of travel will find to be riveting. Probably lesser interest to other readers for reasons they will recognize.

4* 5* for travel enthusiasts; -1* for others as described.