Category: Non Fiction

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Debussy’s Slippers

Debussy’s Slippers First Edition ASIN: B08FJ3NQLS published, copyright and written by Steve Exeter,

After a quote by George Gershwin “Life is a lot like jazz…its best when you improvise.” The book unfolds as a fanciful tale based upon a large section of the lives of George the composer, and his slightly older lyricist brother Ira during the period of their immense popularity in writing musicals for American Theatre during the Jazz period. The plot centers on George’s laissez-faire attitude in writing music, interest in the opposite sex and abundance of use of alcoholic beverages plus his basic but unrevealed feelings of inadequacy with respect to composing music that would survive with the likes of the grand masters of old. As a result, he journeys to Paris to attempt to be mentored by Maurice Ravel, at the time considered the best in France. The story gradually evolves into a distinct confrontational relationship between the two whose diametrically opposite manners of composing became increasingly apparent and lead to a sad experience for them both, each reaching a higher level of performance while performing on the other’s turf.

Discussion:  The well-known British author has set forth a fascinating biography about the Gershwin brothers who were unrivaled in American theater during the Jazz era. A pair that offered Broadway Musicals in abundance, scores for major films, opera, orchestral works and a couple of piano preludes. He then extends his story to include Maurice Ravel, internationally regarded as France’s greatest living composer (along with the older Claude Debussy) who developed a style featuring clarity and incorporating several forms, even jazz, into his repertoire. His “Bolero” probably is his most remembered work. The contrasting manner in which the two virtuosos work – Ravel, a slow, painstaking worker – Gershwin with his tendency toward ‘letting it happen’ – and the interaction between two personal ‘egos’ and the resulting confusion developed within Gershwin’s psyche, makes an intriguing psychological presentation that only adds to the picture provided for music lovers. Amusingly perhaps, the introduction of Debussy’s slippers and their fanciful involvement add an interesting thought as well as providing a psychological ‘prop’.

Regrettably from this reader’s perspective however, a serious caveat must be offered because of implications that may be inferred with respect to George’s death. Actually, he passed away from the failure of removal of a brain tumor. The inference, at least garnered by this reader, was that alcoholism and George’s ‘freewheeling life-style’ were the main cause of his death. While certainly most possibly a contributing factor, it seems unfair to allocate his demise to this feature. Additionally and although opportunities for ‘loose’ sexual arrangements certainly were plentiful, direct accusations as presented would seem to be a little ‘out-of-line’.

3* 5* fanciful Gershwin biography for most readers; regrettably -2* as described.

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Gentleman’s Guide to Flirting

Gentlemen’s Guide to Flirting ISBN: 9781736798409 (print) Assumed published, copyright and written by David Sharpe.

After a disclaimer, the book opens with a short descriptive poem describing for whom the book is written. Following are an Introduction that emphasizes it is NOT a book “for Pickup artists, scammers or players.” Conversely, it describes “a mindset and approaches described here are more effective for boldly meeting and connecting with ladies in high-quality ways while being respectful of them and having fun at the same time.” It literally is an attempt to provide communication skills (tools) to aid guys in attempting to acquire a woman who is equally serious in her desires to find a man with whom she can be totally compatible in a close relationship that shares similar beliefs about personal independence, decision making, money, children and the rest of the factors that must be considered when living together in a close relationship. The work is presented in five parts. 1. Planning and Preparation; 2. Meeting In-Person; 3. Meeting Online; 4 Cultivating & Sustaining; 5. Tools & Links to employ. Especially featured are a list of 10 rules that the author insists must be closely adhered to for successful completion of any serious thoughts you have about attaining your goal. It is well-thought-out and his insistence is justified. The examples he provides for building the readers confidence and initiating the approach to the possible ‘candidate’ are numerous and varied according to a plentiful supply of suggested opportunities. The book closes on a depressing, but thoroughly necessary to understand quote, to which few people give thought in their earlier years of life.

Discussion: The author has set forth a book that probably is much needed at this particular time. Discussion is plentiful with respect to the loss of conversational powers in the present generation and constantly referenced are use of digital intercourse sources even when sitting in close proximity. Furthermore, the result of interpersonal relationship restrictions from appearance of covid-19 have had a devastating effect on any formerly normal methods of meeting and conversing and large numbers of both young men and women have been left stranded with no possible entrée to  the ‘normal’ methods employed. The author has offered a book that may present some seemingly sophomoric suggestions and redundancy is at a high level. However, considering the wide spread existence of the problem and the obvious need to present material usable by individuals whose social/conversational talents are at widely different levels of development, but who are totally sincere persons, the author’s presentation would appear to provide a helpful addition to the literature of today. BUT this factor must be understood and kept in mind by readers from this somewhat more advanced level of social/conversational position. Thus, the rating of this presentation is provided accordingly.

4* Only -1* assuming author’s knowledge of flaws described in greatly needed presentation.

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Can-Do Real Estate

CAN-DO Real Estate ISBN: 9781946633811 ForbesBooks copyright and written by ALI JAMAL.

This volume, sub-titled “Stable Success from the ground up”, consists of 13 Chapters, Looking for an Investment Property, and About the Author. The first chapter describes the author’s beginning moves with a condensed summary at the end of the information presented and suggestions therefrom. Chapter 2 describes his move from “Condo to Career” with again a summary of information and suggestions as does each of the following chapters. 3 is a description of his decision to devise a model for growth potential; 5, its growth, a most interesting presentation of “Personal Lessons” learned from a poorly researched story published related to his business with suggestions how to counter such an occurrence; Chapter 6 how to build a team of workers and supporters: 7, the importance of the “Social Aspect” of the project; next, 8, the action of “Buying Undervalued Assets” to add to your portfolio; followed by “How to buy your first multifamily property’ with the myriad investigative activities necessary and suggestions particularly helpful to succeed; Chapter 10, entitled “Airbnb – How to get started”, is prefaced by a quote from Franklin Delano Roosevelt with respect to purchase and management of a certain type of real estate and, according to the author, is one involving real estate that is ‘particularly situated’; number 11, is about “Asset Diversification” and the need to follow this procedure; chapter 12 offers excellent instruction on “Raising Capital Responsibly”; number 13, “Investment Lessons” presents pertinent information generally required. Following this chapter are 12 references and “Looking for an Investment Property” where the reader is offered to join the author’s group to be part of his company’s innovative investment group.

Discussion: This book would seem to be a must read for any entrepreneurial person interesting in following a similar career. Additionally it is a fascinating tale for anyone intrigued by how other individuals choose and advance careers in any unusual area of endeavor.

5* for readers described in the discussion.

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God in the Details

GOD of the Details ISBN: 9798720151935, independently published, copyright and written by Christian Bandea.

The author is a successful British IT network engineer and developer who has sub-titled his volume “The Scientific Cover-up of Intelligent Design”. It presents his contention that it still is necessary to include the idea of a single Creator, specifically a deity (God), in theories about the origin of the universe in which we live. To support his belief, he discusses the most prevalent of today’s scientific theories, the Big Bang, Darwin’s Natural Selection, the position of Einstein’s Relativity, the existence of Dark Energy in the empty spaces in the universe and more. The basis for his contention simply is the question as to why “universe-from-nothing, accidental-life-from-non-living, randomly-generated-evolution, consciousness-as-byproduct theories (as constructed and set forth) are all more intellectually acceptable than the idea of a Creator of the universe”? Are a series of accidents more believable than faith in a Creator who knew what he was doing with the higher order of complexity that was beyond physical laws, time, and human understanding, to bring all of the small and intricately inter-positioning and interacting atoms, particles, chemical constructions, neurological activities, etc. required to bring the universe and individual organisms into existence?

With respect to Natural Selection, “The irreducible complexity found in various molecular structures can’t be explained through the small steps required by natural selection through adaptation.” Yet, “the hardcore evolutionists are engaged in Procrustean efforts to fit these obviously designed molecular systems into the Neo-Darwinian framework.” They make no effort even to attempt to test evolutionary scenarios at the molecular level by experiment or calculation. And of course, in Darwin’s time, it was impossible to imagine the complexity existing even at the most basic levels of life; e.g., existence of extremely small cilia as a component that would seem impossible to assign other than to individual design – selection couldn’t possibly account for their existence (except by speculation) and there are no supportive mathematical models or experiments that have been done to support their hypotheses and increasing numbers of studies are pointing to the complexity of molecular structure, thus increasing their problems

“Dark energy” (Virtual particles are barely perceptible short-lived quantum particles that flit in and out of the empty areas of space) is the name of a mysterious energy building in these areas described by scientists. It conjures-up the thought of another “Big Bang”? How do we know that our “Big Bang’ is the first? Presently we know nothing about it. An Infinite cycle of ‘Big Bangs’ and ‘appearance of the universe from nothing’ theories “illustrate the high degree of intellectual contortionism required” to dispute the idea of a universe that is the work of a Creator. Next, multi-universes are speculated, and the contra-Creator list continues to grow. The author discusses various aspects of many of the anti-Creator theories and speculations while concurrently submitting his proposed evidence in support of a one entity originator of the universe and man. The last roughly 9 % of his book provides the author’s pertinent bibliographic comments listed in the text.

Discussion: the author has set forth quite an in depth examination of his subject and, from this reader’s perspective, has done reasonably well. He has approached his subject from the perspective of rules set forth by the philosopher Karl Popper in the 1930s that have been accepted and employed since then by the scientific community. Specifically, legitimate scientific achievements must be distinguished from speculations, regardless to the stature and achievements of the proposing scientist(s). None of the ‘theories’ set forth have presented any proof and furthermore, the ‘spark-of-life’ never has resulted when attempts have been made to provide such an occurrence after assembling all of the required elements.

5* In support of a ‘Single Creator’ for origin of the universe and man.

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Captain’s Logbook

Captain’s Logbook ISBN: 9781637350164 Leaders Press copyright and written by John De Silva.

Subtitled “Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7” the story recounts a series of near disaster occurrences while he, as A World Qualified Master Mariner served as Captain in Command of one of the huge merchant vessels that sail the world’s oceans to supply the many items and supplies required by countries in their widely scattered areas. Most of the situations were the result of his leaving his home and family and well-paying managerial position in shipping in his home town, to be persuaded by an old friend (another shipping company’s manager) to return to sea. Granted, it is a constant call with which any and all true lovers of the sea constantly live. However, in this particular situation, the ‘friend’s’ mental attitude had greatly changed. Money and saving it for his company had become paramount. He neglected important basic ship maintenance requirements, as well as hiring properly trained and licensed personnel – matters with which the serving ship’s Commander was forced to attempt to handle, along with important crew members speaking different languages not necessarily compatible with each other’s all while continuing over a several thousand mile route including numerous countries. The author’s ability to survive safely he readily admits to be only by the Grace of God and his belief that his trials were resultant from his ignoring explicit direction he had received from God not to accept the assignment.

Discussion: This is a fascinating description of the shipping industry described by a very credible individual. De Silva was born in Sri Lanka, the post-independent era name of Cylon, moved through the various stages of arrival at the Master Mariner level. The description of details of large ship needs and management and those routines required in each port are especially interesting for individuals with interest in learning about ‘different’ ways of life. Perhaps particularly intriguing is the presentation with respect to the often mentioned ‘under-the-table’ payment expected by various port authorities, especially prevalent in many of the countries described. Certain readers may be somewhat disenchanted by the description of and further discussion pertaining to the training that developed the sincere, deep belief in God expressed by the author. But, it is not the least bit unusual. It is a sincere belief that exists in most seamen as well as almost every individual I know and have known whose life provides, or has provided, periods in which survival has depended upon some superior power.

5* Fascinating, especially if interested in individuals with ‘other than 9 to 5 jobs’.

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Skinny House

Skinny House, a memoir of family ISBN: 9780995877718 Skinny House Productions copyright and written by Julie L. Seely.

In the Forward, the author very adroitly describes this book; “Despite its title, this book is no simple story about an odd, narrow-built dwelling. It’s about the family who lived in the house and the patriarch who built it.” The dwelling referred to is a ten foot wide, three story house among full-sized homes and now on the National Registry list, situated in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The basic story is of an ambitious black carpenter whose entrepreneurial abilities built a successful construction business in the early 1920’s with a grand house and all associated amenities for his wife to whom such ‘arrival’ met all of her expectations, only to have it snatched away by advent of the ‘Great Depression and subsequent devastation that followed well into the late ‘30’s. It follows the loss of the business, the house and all other amenities in a period when everyone was struggling just to survive in a time ‘when black men were the last to be hired and the first to be let go’. It also is of a period of time when ‘the man was the breadwinner, and the woman was the stay-at-home wife’ and a man was ashamed not to be able to work, and a wife should not be in a position to have to do so. The tale also provides quite graphic details of the carpenter’s attempts to salvage his pride and that of his wife, and of the gradual but insidious manner in which it failed and gradually slid into destruction of the family as a whole and to an extent, the individual personalities.

Discussion: Little more needs to be said. The author has used the house, how and why it was built and of what happened to the builder, his wife, children and grandchildren to provide a fascinating tale of a wild and highly explosive period in the history of America, its demoralizing fall-out and the residual effects on a man, his wife, children and grandchildren. The author readily admits her mistake of underestimating a family’s legacy. The lesser importance of physical versus “the colorful tapestry of memories and anecdotes handed down” and “intangible wisdom handed down from one generation to another”; “the spiritual binding”.

5* Captivating family memoir painstakingly, scholarly assembled by a loving granddaughter.

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The Robot and Automation Almanac

The Robot and Automation Almanac 2021 ISBN: 9781946197719 Prestige Professional Publishing edited by Jason Schenker, Chairman of the Futurist Institute.

Sub-titled “Between Robocalypse and Robotopia COVID Edition” This volume is another in the series of Futurists Association attempting to keep readers abreast of the phenomenal yearly development in Robot technology and associated AI advances. It includes a Preface, Introduction. Discussions on “The Year Ahead and Beyond” and “The Future is for Futurists” by the Editor. Following his remarks are succeeding chapters of explanation and discussion of various aspects of the subject, each by ‘authorities’ on their version of the subject with pertinent references at the end of the presentation.

Discussion: This little volume presents a most worthwhile in depth update on Robots, their future, interaction with humans and with respect to the forward movement of artificial intelligence per se for the person not personally involved. From this reviewer’s perspective, one of the most illuminating remarks offered early in the book by one of the contributors was a simple example of how far we have travelled in a short time. Simply stated, he pointed out that today’s smart phone has a million times the memory and more than 100,000 times the processing power of the computer used in the Apollo 11 Mission. Another interesting fact is the belief in the necessity to next proceed to investigate in depth the neural networks in individuals in order to define how small nuances may be discerned and how they may be incorporated. A third point of interest is establishment of ‘boot camps’, along with ‘just-in-time’ learning from random opportunities – coffee break, commuting and similar – result in aptly termed “upskilling”, to provide somewhat knowledgeable people with further training so that often more ‘formal education’ is not required. Further fascinating subjects are extension of robotic usage in numerous different fields is predicted that will physically interact these ‘creations’ with humans directly and safely in a shared workspace. The great need that has been demonstrated for them by the covid-19 pandemic especially in the consumer and ‘cleaning/sanitizing’ areas and, especially in health fields where a true type of intellectual human-robot interaction is required. The book wraps-up with the book’s Editor explaining The New, New Normal; a brief description of The Futurist Institute; About the Editor that presents Mr. Schenker’s extensive qualifications; a list of Institutes’ publications and forthcoming titles;  Jobs for Robots; The Future after Covid; a disclaimer from the Publisher and the Institute and a repeat of the Copyright completes the book.

5* Easy to read, current/future status of Robotics and AI for the interested but uninvolved

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Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind

Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind ISBN: 9781999279479 Pearson Press, copyright and written by Alex Neumann, MSc.

The author’s intent has been to provide a strategy that will lead individuals plagued with anxiety, self-hate and/or lack of confidence to a position of success and happiness. His thoughts and suggestions are set forth in ten chapters and a conclusion. He begins by discussing diversity in general terms and provides examples of individuals who are taught how to control a perilous situation such as a Maasai boy or Khoisan children and follows with other famous persons including famous sports figures, such as Michael Jordan who had made numerous mistakes early in his career that he overcame with perseverance; Albert Einstein who was labeled as not too bright as a child, as was Sir Isaac Newton; Statesmen such as Winston Churchill, and music composer Beethoven. Also included are an author by the name of Richard Bach and his interesting story of a huge number of repetitive rejections through which he persevered finally to publish the book in 1970 that sold more than 7 million copies in the U.S. alone. The narrative continues and with succeeding chapters provides more complete stories of additional well-known individuals who conquered monumental odds to attain true success. The discussion additionally explains the difference between “market successes” and “true (inner) success” and how pursuit of the former can trample attainment of the latter. Again he illustrates with an example. This time with that of a simple fisherman who was confronted by a Harvard MBA who explained how he could grow his business and become wealthy before retiring when he then could do whatever he wished to do – something which the fisherman knew was exactly what he was doing The author’s discussion extends to stress how “marketing success” and what it is doing to the world, its forests, oil, water and its people is an “illusion success” rather than the “real success” that lies within. He further admonishes “Demagoguery is the new norm. Fascists, Nazis, racists, chauvinists, sexual harassers and other such dehumanizing malfeasants have been planted into the highest offices, albeit in disguise.” “Has our society lost its value?” and describes how marketing education is driven by the premium on labor that is based on “market” not “real” success. Instead you should play the game to enjoy. Love what you are doing to attain true success which is composed of four factors: compassionate service to others, a life fully lived, an achieved vision and eternal joy. Often you need to take risks, but if you fail, learn from your mistakes and attack the problem again. Originality often is lost by the time education has been finished. It is necessary to stop whining and start thriving. He describes further a time-frame within intent as being the critical ingredients that may be required to unwind mentally from entanglements in the matters that are causing the grief. He prescribes repeatedly the need to persevere and to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Discussion: The author has set forth a prescription for success that has been presented by many CEOs and entrepreneurs in numerous areas of endeavor. However, he has specifically targeted the individual plagued with anxiety, self-hate and/or lack of confidence. Here, he has suggested steps that such a person can, and actually must take to rid themselves of this overburdening weight that such persons carry. A weight that affects every part of the body both mental as well as physical. His thoughts, suggestions and advice are set forth in a simple straight forward, albeit repetitive manner that in itself may be helpful to the troubled reader looking for a way out of the morass in which he/she abides. Specifically, at least one of the messages with its different approach set forth with even different examples may provide the spark that is necessary to ignite the fire required ultimately to help the burdened person to throw off the oppressive yoke under which they have been carrying.

5* Advice for the angst-ridden; highly repetitive but helpful from different perspectives.

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52 Smart Habits to Manage your Money & Grow Wealth

52 Smart Habits to Manage Your Money and Grow wealth. Assumed published, copyright and written by Joann Lindsey.

Sub-titled “Discover how to improve your Finances in 10 minutes a day”, and after a lengthy disclaimer, the book opens with an introduction and eight chapters that contain 52 suggestions that provide substance to her proposal. A Conclusion, Resources and a listing of “My other books in This Series – ‘10 minute Habits for a Better Life’”, conclude the presentation. The Introduction explains that the first book aimed at achieving a better life and “discussed, in detail, the habit formation process, how your habits influence you, and how and why to form many small, 10-minute habits” to attain health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. It then explains that this present book provides a series of suggestions specifically focusing this process of ‘habit production’ on using money wisely, saving more, investing, getting out of debt, and achieving financial independence. She stresses that it is imperative to achieve financial independence “because it brings forth an enormous amount of freedom in your life”. AND she stresses how important it is to gradually build the right set of habits to achieve your goal. The succeeding chapters provide instruction on how to acquire habits for managing your cash flow, increase your savings, reduce your spending, decrease your debt, improve your investment portfolio and grow your net worth. Specific suggestions include importance of an emergency fund, spotting ‘money leaks’ and how to seal them, admonishments to plan shopping trips so as to not get ‘side-tracked’, importance of shopping alone to avoid ‘impulse buying’ and to wait for 30 days before buying something you want (to see if you still want it as much then as you did originally). Retirement considerations also are discussed as are a number of other, often unthought-of subjects especially if approaching the subject relatively early in your personal career. A short conclusion and number of references concludes the presentation.

Discussion: The author has set forth a set of suggestions that many individuals entering the work force will find to be most helpful. A word of caution with respect to Investing in the present volatile market – Obtain dependable advice!

5* Recommended especially for individuals entering the workforce.

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Independence

Independence ISBN: 9780998386782 Bryson Taylor Publishing copyright and written by Deb Landry,

This is a memoir by the author of remembrances over a considerable number of years of Secrets, Discovery & Forgiveness. It is a story not of physical abuse per se, but of a more subtle and damaging psychological or mental abuse applied to a growing child. It is one of constantly mixed messages of love and hate and shifting rules that offer no opportunity for the child to ‘gain a footing’ on this slippery footing. Generally the family situation appears to be one of normality but wherein ‘something is missing’ and they gradually lose any self-confidence they have been able to generate.  The child constantly believes he/she is wrong with attendant shame and greater desire to please the abuser, something that never can be done because the offending parent feasts upon the humility they cause and the dominence they possess that is an unrecognized need their twisted ego requires. The author certainly has provided an extensive list of offenses she had suffered that provide a complete picture of how such activities proceed and the subsequent effect. She also has set forth the superb manner in which she has ‘risen above’ the years of degradation and has acquired a position of importance that incidentally has derived from the long-standing period of degradation.

Discussion: Regrettably, as is the case with most severely abused children, physical removal from the situation offers little or no actual release. The author has demonstrated this fact with a plethora of examples. She can remember even small details of many features of the incidents she had suffered even in her earliest years.  It is only when the individual discovers some inner strength to face facts, a status usually acquired only with aid from a trained and understanding counselor, that healing can take place. And yet, as demonstrated here, the stories still remain to haunt, even after success and such a catharsis has been acquired.

4* Often sad, poignant, humorous, disturbing tale with ultimate victory.