Category: Self-Help

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Africa Rise and Shine

AFRICA Rise and Shine ISBN: 9781945533408 ForbesBooks, copyright and written by Jim Ovia.

This book consists of 30 intensely interesting chapters, notes about the Jim Ovia Foundation Programs and Resources, 2 Appendices and a list of most worthwhile “Recommendations for Further Reading”. It is the story of a young Nigerian boy who lost his father at a very early age but who, through the foresight of a struggling mother and help from an older brother, managed not only to finish his schooling but extend it far beyond. As a result and in true entrepreneurial style, he established a bank with its first office actually in part of a duplex apartment house. From these humble beginnings, it grew to be the leading bank in Nigeria with assets of more than 16 billion. But beyond this, he initiated an internet service where none existed, established a telephone service to replace a poorly functioning government run facility, constructed a new highway leading to his bank, and established numerous other national and international relationships of great worth not only of great value to his bank but to his country as well. A country incidentally that is the largest in the entire African nation.

Discussion: In actuality, there is little more that can be said about this highly intelligent and motivated man. He has exhibited all of the traits of an entrepreneur, but has slanted them in a rarely seen altruistic manner. Additionally, it provides a completely different picture of Africa, than more usually is set forth. Thus, this book not only is highly recommended, but in a manner this reviewer seldom employs. It is one which a reader cannot afford NOT to read.

5*+ A MUST READ!

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Life Unleashed

Life Unleashed, The quiet evolution. Published, copyright by Surging Life, written by Stephan Frost.

This little volume presents “4 Incredibly Simple Techniques That Expand Your Mindpower Exponentially And Transform Your Ability To Manifest The Life You Desire.” The techniques specifically are listed late in the book: “1) Reframing – Shifting Your Focus. II) Zen meditation – Empowering Emptiness. III) Ho’oponopono – Cleansing Your Life. IV) Visualization.” Leading up to the listing of these steps are a large number of individually listed explanations of how one uses them to help “you change your life and become empowered, your altered state enhances the world around you. And that is a beautiful thing.” The presentation begins with a Prologue to this “Life Changing Empowerment” and an Introduction presenting “The First Steps to Unleashing Your Mind” and gradually progresses with the explanations and suggestions through to an “Epilogue and Mathematical Proof to Drive You Forward.”

Discussion: The basic theme of this book purports to explain the importance of reaching a point of ‘mental emptiness’ that provides the ideal place to begin to implant seeds that will mature to fruition as your greatest desires. Meditation is suggested as the most effective way of achieving this state. One particular school of Zen is believed to be best when combined with Ho’oponopono, a Hawaiian version of meditation. The message delivered by the author is a powerfully and repetitively expressed call for development of absolute positive thinking, as well as at least some level of dedication on the part of the participant – the greater the amount, the greater the results. This material should be highly motivational for any reader who requires such a stimulus. Regrettably however, a reader gains the impression that implementing the procedures by ‘self-help’ alone, would be quite difficult. Thus, a mentor’s close attendance in managing the techniques set forth would be almost mandatory. As a perhaps unnecessary aside, readers for whom a certain level of proper verbal presentation is expected (e.g. sentence and paragraph construction and similar), occasionally may be somewhat annoyed while reading the book.

3* 4* for strong endorsement of positive thinking; -1 for self-help restrictions.

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Breathe, Sleep, Live, Smile

Breathe, Sleep, Live, Smile ISBN: 9781599329208 Advantage Media Group, copyright and written by Dr. Lynn Lipskis and Dr. Edmund Lipskis.

Sub-titled “Integrative treatment for TMJ, sleep apnea and orthodontics”, this book sets forth the close interrelationship that exists among these elements and others. It opens with statements by two professional mentors who have provided much inspiration for the authors’ accomplishments and is followed by a forward that is reciprocally complimentary. Then an Introduction describes their “Journey for Answers”. Next, ten chapters describe various aspects of the many problems that may be encountered, as well as the treatments they provide for resolution; a Conclusion; facts “About the Authors”; “Our Services” and finally, a list of 35 pertinent references.

Discussion: This is the second book on this subject I have read recently and believe that this increased awareness of a relationship between the oral cavity and the rest of the body is perhaps one of the more significant and necessary advances to have occurred in dentistry in quite a number of years. This volume has been written by two dental professionals – one who had been a long-time sufferer with TMJ pain; the other, a skilled Orthodontist. Together they read and studied endlessly so as eventually to solve not only the personal problem, but to establish a closely knit group with practitioners in numerous disciplines. The reason for such interaction is obvious but seemingly long ignored by most in the dental profession. Specifically, breathing difficulties, or with the TMJ, a pain in the back, even in one’s feet, may result from, or be interrelated with, oral developmental problems, and as the authors describe, even the reverse can be true. The specialty of their office is to perform orthopedic/orthodontic therapy through non-surgical means that will eliminate/repair distortions of the skull arising from functional problems and/or breathing difficulties that are developing or have developed. Their most important initiating step is to perform a complete examination and evaluation of the patient. With these results in hand and with their wide knowledge of the interrelationship between all body parts and functions, they now are ready to proceed OR to refer them to the proper individual for treatment. These may be sleep physicians, orthopedists, endocrinologists, psychologists, podiatrists, and more.

Conclusion: This is a book containing a plethora of interesting material for the layman and nuggets of wisdom for many practitioners of dentistry, as well as medicine and health workers in general. Judicious editing would have removed the slightly annoying amount of repetition in the presentation. However, this seems to be a regrettable trend that is being encountered more frequently both in fiction and non-fiction these days.

5* Highly recommended for laymen as well as health professionals.

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The Robot and Automation Almanac 2019

The Robot and Automation Almanac 2019 ISBN: 9781946197153, Published and Copyright by Prestige Professional Publishing. Edited by Jason Schenker,

The mission of this book is to offer predictive information “For automation and robotics futurists everywhere.” It consists of several descriptions/analyses/conclusions independently written by prominent individuals considered to be most knowledgeable in their particular field of endeavor. The essays are gathered together by the editor who is Chairman of The Futurist Institute and a man who is one of the most eminent in the field. It is divided into four sections; One – Outlook for Robotics, that offers an ‘overview’ of Automation and AI in 2019 including a look at the vectors for robotics advancement and a coming ‘day-of-reckoning’, and also predictions for the future of AI as well as robotics growth and quantum computing’s future in 2019. Two – examines Socializing Robots where various aspects are analyzed from the viewpoint of evolving perceptions, their ability to bridge industry and steam education, the fact that every chatbot now is a voicebot, who’s collaborating with whom and most importantly the need to overcome existing fear with respect to robot/human interoperability and labor replacement fears. Three – examines Socializing Robots from the perspective of how these factors will power innovation, be it in transportation, construction or the advent of “smart cities” and also the further advance of Blockchain and automation in the financial services sector. Section Four – Robots in the Supply Chain examines/ analyzes/ predicts the effects that will result from advancing innovation in this necessary section of the economy. Relatively brief material About the Futurist Institute, About the Author, About the Publisher and Disclaimers terminate the book.

Discussion: The selection offers an interestingly varied view of these rapidly advancing technologies by several individuals prominent in their respective areas. As quoted above, the selection has been offered to update “futurists everywhere” with what is transpiring to treat the environmentally unsustainable and thus totally disastrous worldwide “tsunami of data” that “is expected to consume one fifth of the world’s energy use by 2025.” A few of the more interesting suggestions from this reviewer’s perspective: discussion of the fusion of the physical, digital and biological world by this “fourth Industrial Revolution”; the manner in which robot-human interrelationships will be developed for greatest gain and little actual loss in human man-hours; the growth of presently functioning “smart pilots” into fully developed “smart cities”. However, generally speaking and most regrettably from this reviewer’s perspective, this book provides a rather superficial overview with a considerable amount of repetition, Further, there often is a seeming suggestion that each essayist and/or the approach offered can provide the most authoritative answers. Thus, judicious editing and perhaps greater essayist coordination would seem to have eliminated considerable portions of both problems, although having read several of the editor’s books, a similar inclination also seems to pervade his writing. But perhaps his impressive qualifications and positions make his stance more acceptable.

3* Interesting, but rather superficial discussion/predictions for 2019 technology.

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Do Good to Lead Well

DO GOOD to LEAD WELL ISBN: 9781946633026. ForbesBooks, copyright and written by Craig Bowden, PhD.

Subtitled, The Science and Practice of Positive Leadership, the book opens with a quite extensive list of persons acknowledged to be helpful in the author’s journey followed by an admission that he always has been “fascinated by how people related to one another and how that differed so much from person to person, even when faced with the same situation”. Resultantly he majored in psychology “to learn more about the perceptual and emotional elements of human behavior”. An introduction to industrial-organizational psychology resonated particularly well because “Although people have personalities that are fascinating and diverse, organizations also have personalities (i.e. cultures) that are just as complex.” Studying the two simultaneously presented an irresistible challenge that led to extensive study and culminated in his eventual establishment of “a firm focused on supporting clients in achieving leadership and organizational excellence by leveraging the science of peak performance.” The substance of this volume provides the basics upon which he believes this achievement of excellence rests. Specifically, 6 Pillars – Self-Awareness, Civility, Humility, Focus on the Positive, Meaning and Purpose, and Empathy – each of which he discusses at length with supporting evidence gained from numerous scientifically designed and validated tests. An Appendix provides valuable assessment details of the meaning of scores obtained on selected tests; then an extensive list of references follows and the book concludes with a few notes About the Author.

Discussion: The author has published another in the increasing number of books to provide help to companies, their CEO’s and their various team members as they attempt to stay abreast of their fast moving and rapidly changing work environment. Many have provided valuable material. This particular volume would appear to provide a much greater quantity of helpful material than the others, however, simply because it is not based on one person’s discoveries. Instead the lessons provided here are based on well-designed tests repeatedly given and re-analyzed until results could definitely be validated. On a personal note, two features discussed here were most interestingly presented – the fact that Empathy can be learned and that the Golden Rule might be re-examined from a different perspective; viz. Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you might not be compatible with what they believe is what they might want. One example provided was a manager who thrived on recognition might not be providing a thoughtful ‘award’ by bringing a person who preferred to be more reclusive to a prominent stage to receive the ‘award’.

5* Important must read for every ‘thinking’ person.

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Health-Wealth

HEALTH-WEALTH for You ISBN: 9781642250817, Advantage Media Group, an e-book copyright and written by Dr. Josh Luke.

The book opens with a Forward by Dave Chase, Cofounder, Health Rosetta who explains that he has been working with the author in sharing a “passion for reducing unnecessary spending by thousands empowering people to take responsibility and restoring the American dream by instead (of spending unnecessarily on health care) investing money saved to education and communities. Between Dr. Luke’s first book and Health Rosetta, Businesses have the tools to do their part. Now, it’s your turn.” Next presented are the reasons why the time is now to take charge of your health care and reduce the cost. A Preface then explains the advantages of becoming an EHC, (an Engaged Healthcare Consumer) from lessons learned from past experience and providing suggestions on “How to read and apply health-wealth for you.” The main substance of the book then is provided in 3 parts. Part I examines “Healthcare in America: Where Capitalism went wrong” and consists of 3 chapters – The affordability crisis, A culture of greed; A system broken beyond repair; a 4th examining the effect Millennial Culture thought-patterns have provided to healthcare. Part II contains chapter 5 explaining the importance of becoming an EHC and 6 concerns creation of a health-wealth family culture. Part III provides the sets forth “11 Steps to Save Big and Live Healthy. A Conclusion. A Health-Wealth Personal Loss Assessment Sample and 24 references conclude the book.

Discussion: The first part of the book is virtually a shortened version of much of his book Ex-Acute which he mentions several times here in his discussions. The second part is an expansion of material also set forth in Ex-Acute. Part III is the actual ‘meat’ of this entire presentation and sets forth 11 steps include enrolling in an Alternate Insurance Model and employing the multitude of additional methods developed that produce better health and associated cost reduction. Much depends upon an “integrative and functional approach and include such items as Genome Sequencing, DNA testing, AI, Blockchain, Telehealth, Remote Monitoring Services and more.

Summary: Part III of this book is a must read for anyone living anywhere in today’s world and requiring any healthcare assistance from the chaotic offerings available. And I mean anywhere. Great Britain’s record is poor as is that of most other countries in Europe. Interestingly, even Sweden’s top listed health system is again changing because it has been found to suffer the exact problems encountered in the U.S. and Canada’s system is nowhere as adequate as that provided in the United States. So, from this reviewer’s perspective, the only disappointing feature of this presentation is the same as that found in his preceding book – introduction of a particular form of government, capitalism, as the culprit to which he repeatedly shunts the blame for healthcare’s inadequacies. The author most assuredly IS correct about the importance of ‘the-bottom-line’ to many individuals as being rampant in the present system. However, because human nature NEVER will allow much more than a modicum of altruism to exert itself regardless of the method of health care being provided, and individuals always are going to ‘find a way to beat any laws established’ it would seem to be an error to blame the ‘system’ whether it be capitalistic, socialistic or some other provider. My concern with blaming one form of government as totally responsible for the multiple problems encountered is that readers may fail to concentrate on the importance of his message. Instead, many may pounce upon still another element to add to the growing belief in the need within the United States for a more socialistic form of government. Cuba, Argentina and other South American countries and more recently Venezuela, have shown this form of government has not demonstrated any improvement in healthcare for their countries. Health care under the Russia regimes has been abominable and above I have just pointed out European countries’ problems. Thus, if nothing better is available, that which is provided appears to be better than others touted. Furthermore as the author discusses, better healthcare models gradually are evolving but fails to mention the ever rising costs needed simply to develop the myriad programs. So, to petition the prospective reader, PLEASE do not permit your attention to be redirected to a political theme, when the problem is one with which every form of government has been forced to accept and attempt to manage. So to somewhat paraphrase the conclusion rendered for the author’s last book, this truly is a MUST read for anyone and everyone in the United States who has, is, or will require any level of healthcare. I hope the reader as well as the author will understand and accept my apologies for my reaction to his repeated mentioning inadequacies of one manner of governing as the main culpable reason for the country’s healthcare problems. I sincerely believe that such placement of blame can only add to the horrendously and dangerously chaotic political situation now rampant within the country – one that certainly is not ‘healthy for the country’ nor those living there.

3*    5* Recommended Read; 3* required sincere caveat.

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Interconnectivity: Flow and Balance

Interconnectivity, FLOW and BALANCE ISBN: 9780578202662 Organizational Soul, Ltd. copyright and written by Yvette Bethel.

Sub-titled: A Values Based Framework for Achieving Sustainable Growth in Uncertain Times, this book, after an Introduction explaining who can benefit from this book and how to use it to get the most out of it, is written in 3 major parts containing eighteen chapters. Part I contains seven, presenting the basic components for understanding her Interconnectivity, Flow and Balance (IFB) Model. Part II, is comprised of chapters eight through eleven and provide the material necessary for Establishing Your Pillar of Trust. Part III, contains chapters twelve through eighteen that provide the essential elements required to formulate IFB BY DESIGN. A Bibliography, End Notes, a Glossary of terms used, About the Author and a list of Other Products by Yvette Bethel conclude the book.

Discussion: The author is a Fulbright Scholar who has progressed to be recognized as an “advanced emotional intelligence practitioner” and who, after twenty years’ service in a Fortune 500 Company, founded her own consulting firm offering help to organizations encountering difficulties in the constantly changing milieu of today’s business transactions. In this book she has examined in quite minute detail the large number of ways emotional elements can affect those involved in business proceedings and in turn, their effect on the proceedings and eventual outcome of a transaction. The material can be of utmost value to numerous business operations. From this reader’s perspective, the only undesirable feature of the book as presented, is the overabundance and repetition of minutia even though frequently couched in different terminology and settings. The basic material is excellent and will provide numerous elements that involve personnel in ways they often may not recognize. Nevertheless, it would seem that judicious editing would provide these important lessons in a more easily read form that would speed an otherwise rather ponderous read.

3*       5* extremely helpful material; 3* for ponderous presentation.

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Mapmaking: Anticipate

Nextmapping: Anticipate, Navigate and Create the Future of Work ISBN: 9781628656190, Motivational Press, an e-book by Cheryl Cran.

Following the usual disclaimer, the book opens with words about the author, a Preface and three individual parts. PART ONE contains 2 chapters, The first explaining that “The Future is NOW” and asks “Are You Ready?” for of the already initiated abundance of robots, drones, AI and the differently evolved thought processes of the new employee population with which you are going to have to deal. Chapter Two – “The Future, Predicting the Future – The Predict Way” describes where you must decide when and how these elements will affect your business. PART TWO contains 3 chapters examining “The Future of Work.” The first (Chapter Three) “The Mindset of a Navigator of The Future of Work” explains specifically what this will need to be. Chapter Four, “The Future is Shared” explains how the mindset of new employees will differ from previous ones necessitating an entirely new approach. Five, “Navigating Today’s Challenges – What’s Next” examines existing and future elements. PART THREE consists of chapters 6 and 7 that explain the absolute requirement for creation of a ‘Culture of Trust’ within the work force to face a very human future with Robots, AI and Automation. A final chapter emphasizes NextMapping to “Create Your Future of Work and Share the Future You Are Creating”. A list of “Resources” and a most helpful Index conclude the book.

Discussion: This is another in the rather large number of books that are appearing to aid business Owners, CEO’s, COO’s et.al. in facing the impact of so many factors. Automation has received the largest amount of attention to date because of the horrendous increase in data that already are a major and ever-increasing problem with several books dedicated to the need to expand Cloud and the possibilities of developing Quantum Computers. A few have focused upon the personal element and involvement of the personality aspects of the differing generations. This author has pulled together much of this latter material, seemingly somewhat more succinctly than others I have read, and explained not only the characteristic differences of the new entrants from those they are replacing in the work force, but their relationship to the fast-growing areas of Robots. AI and automation. As in most books written by frequent lecturers, there is considerable repetition that can be overlooked because of its use ‘to make a point’. All in all, a most worthy contribution to the requirement of increased knowledge for business to survive in this fast changing world. Which brings an interesting thought to mind for this reader. The constant surveillance that will be required by someone in some position of power to assure the trustworthiness of each component of the ‘teams’. With the new teams making the decisions, only one undedicated individual can bring about unwanted results bringing to mind the old adage – A camel is a horse designed by a committee.

5* For targeted audience and interesting material for all readers.

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The Bottomless Cloud

The Bottomless Cloud by Thomas Koulopoulos & David Friend.

Sub-titled “How AI the next generation of the cloud and abundance thinking will radically transform the way you do business” the authors have provided a small book with projections for the future that are as mind-boggling as others in the growing number of similar predictions; i.e., the fact that the world is being overwhelmed with data and that some means of dealing with it is mandatory. It is reported that Japan estimates that if data centers continue to grow, they will consume all of the country’s energy output by 2030. By 2200 “Even with most conservative estimates, we will exceed the capacity to store one bit on every atom that makes up the earth.” Even now, the authors tell us that two-thirds of companies claim data storage costs are their number one data challenge. According to those deeply involved in business, as well as those on the more forward reaches of innovation, the cloud has become a focal point of consideration and, as described by the authors, activities by Google, Amazon and others certainly are going to accelerate the much needed activity so we move quickly beyond the present early phase.

Discussion: This small book offers another interesting projection for the future. It also suggests ways of altering one’s procedures and a corporation must think about “How AI the next generation of the cloud and abundance thinking will radically transform the way you do business.” It provides a short “Cloud Assessment” that consists of two sets of questions believed to be helpful. One is for the ‘business-focused c-level exec (CEO/CFO). The second for the technology-focused c-level (CIO/CTO) as to “how well it is leveraging the benefits of the Cloud.” For the uninitiated with little understanding about the amount of data they are speaking, a table is included that lists “Just how much data is that” and in order defines Kilobyte, Megabyte and down through all 10 levels to and including “sexdecibyte – 10 ^51 Total number of atoms in the earth” with a Note – “Conservatively, the data storage requirements by 2020.”

Conclusion: This is not a book for the casual reader. The authors have presented material primarily useful to individuals involved in commercial and related activities. However, for those not so involved, the book offers another look at what we may be expected to experience much more rapidly than previously thought. Regrettably, and perhaps for some inane reason the fault may be with the older Kindle unto which this book was downloaded, but the format for this reader was one of the most difficult ever encountered. It is hoped others did not or will not suffer the same experience.

3*    5* Specific audience; others to be current; 3* general readership.

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The Blueprint for Back Pain

The BLUEPRINT for Back Pain Relief, Non-surgical Solutions ISBN: 9781590249932, Advantage Media Group, copyright and written by Bradford T. Butler, DC.

This little book consists of an introduction explaining why ”There is a Better Way” for treating the huge number of individuals suffering from various forms of back and associated pain. This is followed by nine chapters, a Conclusion and Final Thoughts and 37 Endnotes of pertinent references. Chapter One explains in detail What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You. Two, describes how the “Real Costs” are emotional with such factors as fear, insecurity, anxiety and more actually resulting in more devastating loses than merely those of a monetary nature. Three, provides cogent reasons with respect to whether anticipated treatment is “too late”. Four, provides a much needed and very well-described description of the anatomy of the back so a patient can obtain the required knowledge to aid a care-taker by more specifically describing the position of the pain. Five, the importance of understanding that conventional treatment methods frequently treat only the symptoms and not the problem, It further explains the phases of degeneration and how other structures/functions become involved. Six, the need to set a goal. Seven, discussion of need for application of more than one therapeutic method at a time. Eight, the importance of indulging in physical fitness to stop back pain from even beginning. Nine, a particularly well done chapter on providing a template for the patient to employ when attempting to find the right care provider.

Discussion: The author has set forth for the layman perhaps one of the most easily read informational books on back pain this reviewer has seen. It describes the anatomy, how changes cause effects, and sets forth a totally rational treatment procedure. He further quite specifically describes much of the problem with conventional medical therapy that has descended to a quite low level where the patient’s health is secondary. Today, hospital/pharmaceutical/medical complexes, administered by individuals who have minimal or no knowledge of medicine or the human body and, aided and abetted by the government, are the health providers for most of the service. Often, initial examination/care even is provided specifically by non- medical personnel. The complex’s mantra is to treat as many bodies, as possible and make sure the bottom line is large. Don’t worry about individuals, or the origin of their symptoms. Just get a large number of bodies in and out as quickly as possible.

5* Easily understandable by all.