Jumat, 31 Desember 2010

Star - Book Review

Tom Peters crafted a moving, educational animal adventure story in his novel Star. This is a dog-lover's fiction - written for a young adult audience. Any young person who loves animals, or wants to own a dog should read this book.

Without preaching, Tom enlightens humans to the plight of dogs. He brings understanding to how they see things and why they behave the way they do. The most moving moral to the story for me was shown through the main character (a dog named Star) whose owners had school, work, play and friends – while Star has only them. It really puts their world into perspective. I was torn and sorrowed by the incidents in the kennel and animal shelter. I definitely feel for the plight of animal shelters and because of this book, I feel compelled to try and do a little more to help.

Star is a courageous, loving lab-rottweiler cross who goes through many adventures from being ‘rescued’ from a puppy mill, abandoned in a forest, being stolen by a trucker and used by jewelry thieves. Star ensures a place in the readers’ heart through his self-less rescue of a little boy and his generous, loving heart.

I do not think a reader could put down this book without being moved by the great heart that Star displayed repeatedly. There are many lessons here for young adults from the dangers in the world, to the plight of pets and the strength of love.

ISBN#: 1553521927
Author: Tom Peters
Publisher: Tree Side Press

Kamis, 30 Desember 2010

Unspoken Dream: Book Review

Carol Bennett writes a stunning mystery-thriller. Her chilling entrance is one I have encountered only rarely in a book. Here, we have a victim who looks like he had been swarmed by bees in the middle of a storm, but the reader is lead to believe that it was something much more ominous and that it is about to get worse.

There are many characters in the tale, but a group of teenagers that are about to graduate from high school (Mike, Jack, Jared, Jenny, Tracy, Dana, Alan) and Sheriff Nate are the main characters. The lead character, Mike, is more like a father figure for the group in that he concerns himself with the needs of his friends and becomes a compassionate leader to his community during an emergency. His girlfriend Dana, as a sweet and supportive character, gives him strength. Shy, Jenny who is blooming into a beautiful girl has a crush on Mike’s friend Jack, which sends Alan into a jealous frenzy. Though James and Tracy are dating, their buddy Jared holds a secret fondness for Tracy.

Carol did a wonderful job in portraying the characters in Unspoken Dreams. I was so involved in the story that by the time Mike finally broke down in grief for his friends’ death, I had tears running down my cheeks – this was less than 2 dozen pages into the book! Mike’s humorous relationship with his parents had me laughing aloud. And I felt real pity for Alan’s situation.

An excellent read for those who love a good thriller with a solid rate of tension throughout the book."

ISBN#: 1413767397
Publisher: Publish America, Inc
Author: Carol Bennett

Rabu, 29 Desember 2010

Sweet News-Strawberries Are Part Of A Heart-Healthy Plan

The road to a healthy heart runs through the kitchen. Just ask Joe Piscatella, who had coronary bypass surgery at the early age of 32. Told that he wouldn't live to see his two young children graduate from high school, Joe decided to take a crash course in heart-healthy eating and learned a few things along the way.

Thirty years later, Joe is now the President of the Institute for Fitness and Health and best-selling author of "The Road to a Healthy Heart Runs Through the Kitchen." Full of facts and sound advice, this book is an easy-to-follow lifestyle plan that combines the newest guidelines from the USDA with 300 easy and delicious recipes.

Joe knows the importance of eating foods that you love and explains how to include them in a heart-healthy diet. Take America's favorite fruit: the Strawberry. Strawberries are a superfood that Joe recommends to increase levels of folate, a B vitamin important for heart health. Studies have shown a reduction in artery-damaging inflammation and lower blood pressure after eating a serving of strawberries every day for eight weeks. Luckily for your heart, fresh, sweet strawberries are available year-round from California!

According to Joe, "This book is easy to follow and will engage your head along with your stomach in the quest for a lifestyle that will really make a difference."

Spinach, Strawberry and Walnut Salad

4 servings

4 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves

1/4 cup wine vinaigrette

1 cup thickly sliced California strawberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup walnut halves, chopped

Toss spinach with vinaigrette. Add berries and walnuts. Toss again.

Nutrition Note: The antioxidants in strawberries and the omega-3 fatty acids in the walnuts help keep artery walls healthy.



You can include the food you love in a heart-healthy diet.

Selasa, 28 Desember 2010

Fabulous After 50

For women in this day and age, hitting 50 doesn't automatically call for breaking out the knitting needles. Today's mature woman has the verve and style of a much younger person, yet she emanates the power and wisdom that can only come with those extra years.

While life may not exactly begin at 50, it doesn't have to lose speed either. Women wanting to keep their lives glamorous, confident, sexy and successful can find a bonanza of experience and advice in "Fabulous After 50: And Sexy at 60!" (Plume, $13).

Co-author Judy Steinberg, an attractive, vibrant woman who is often mistaken for someone decades younger, was utterly shocked when she first experienced age discrimination. At that moment, she vowed to share her frank and funny insights with older women everywhere.

With great panache, Steinberg offers tips and tricks on everything from diets and exercise to interpreting what a man is really saying and the importance of female friendships.

Whether one is suddenly single or simply looking for some sisterly advice, Steinberg navigates the course by addressing issues specific to women who are old enough to remember "Sex and the Single Girl."

The book is a salute to a new generation of vital, successful and gorgeous older women.

Senin, 27 Desember 2010

The Dark Side Of Camelot

What if that magical world of Arthur had really existed? What if we only had part of the story? What if Camelot still existed? No longer in the hands of Arthur or his knights, but in the hands of Morgen le Fey and her court who are determined to reconstruct the Round Table and use it for evil? It would be the ultimate tale of good versus evil.

That is just what Kinley MacGregor, medieval historian and New York Times best-selling author (writing as Sherrilyn Kenyon), does as she exposes the dark side of one of literature's most beloved legends in her upcoming novel, "Sword of Darkness" (Avon Books, $6.99). "Sword of Darkness" is the first novel in her much-anticipated new series, "The Lords of Avalon," which marks a complete departure from MacGregor's lauded works of medieval Scottish romance, and the first instance in which she introduces elements of the paranormal, for which her alter ego Kenyon is famed, in her pantheon of works with Avon Books.

In "Sword of Darkness," Camelot is not ruled by King Arthur and his sword of Excalibur, but by Kerrigan, champion of evil, and his sword of Darkness. Kerrigan is the male counterpart to Morgen le Fey, the magical enchantress who presides over the creatures damned by the Celtic god Balor, and who pursues the one thing that would eclipse good from Camelot once and for all. This compelling new novel from beloved author Kenyon is truly a remarkable retelling of one of literature's most beloved legends.

Minggu, 26 Desember 2010

Give a Little - Book Review

This 310 page saga is Scott Underhill’s second superbly written novel. I have had the pleasure of reviewing both of his books - and they are equally outstanding, yet profoundly different pieces of fiction.

Give a Little certainly provokes empathy for each of its characters. It is an emotional roller-coaster ride for the reader, while the family members in the book heal old wounds and the father battles alcoholism.

When the back cover states "Come meet Jaden and Simmeon Randel, two brothers you won’t forget" - they were not exaggerating. These two identical and opposing twins are the main characters in this novel.

One boy is a handsome football star that shares a love of the sport with his father. The other boy is portrayed as a deformed shadow. Both twins are struggling to find out who they are as individuals, and where they wish to take their lives in the future. Both make heroic sacrifices out of love for one another.

Never rivals (except for their father’s love), Simmeon and Jaden depend upon each other for their successes - until they fell for same girl. Events unfold that help these boys to see each other as individuals and as an inseparable entity. Give a Little portrays the deep connection twins feel through deep level psychic connections where they can actually feel when the other is distraught or in pain.

Get this book – you won’t regret it.

ISBN#: 0975357182
Author: Scott Underhill
Publisher: WordPro Press

Sabtu, 25 Desember 2010

Lethal Option - Book Review

This has to be one of the best detective novels I have read in some time – right up there with Lawrence Sanders! P.J. Lawton is far from new to the world of writing and he displays excellent story-writing skills in Lethal Option. He shares much of the same history as his main character, giving the detective more depth than could be achieved otherwise.

I think I would classify this book as a ‘thriller-mystery’. The reader is taken on a roller-coaster ride from one seemingly unconnected crime into another. The main character is a Private Investigator who has a loyal heart and honestly tries to make wrongs right whenever he can. Along with his military history and police experiences, the PI was aware of and listened to his sixth sense, which allowed him to detect when things were not quite right – a lethal combination. In his private life his heart is beginning to awaken after many years of slumber and he is faced with a decision that he is not sure he is ready to make. Eventually the PI encounters something so great that it changes his destiny, and possibly his character, forever.

I sincerely enjoyed reading and reviewing this book. Honestly, I could not put it down and I have already begun a second read – this time for pleasure. I will be found pacing the floors until I can get my hands on book #2 to see what happens next! I give this book the highest rating possible and recommend it highly to readers who love a book that makes you think."

ISBN#:1413779301
Publisher: Publish America
Author: P.J. Lawton

Jumat, 24 Desember 2010

Fading toward Enlightenment - Review

Fading Toward Enlightenment by Wayne Wirs is definitely a well made book of excellent quality – it will certainly endure multiple readings. I loved the feel of the pages as I turned them. I would classify this book as a useful, inspirational, self-help tool for those searching for inner peace. Wayne shares his personal experiences while he searches to come to turns with himself and life in general through this beautiful work of art.

Wayne is truly a seeker of understanding. I was reminded occasionally of Joseph Campbell throughout the book, as the two focus on similar themes. Wayne shares his journey towards understanding that takes him through vigorous studies of mystic and myths, traveling into himself and then out again. He dreams of being able to reach beyond the ego.

Attractive, attention-demanding black and white photographs are enhanced by the deep-thinking quotations and the author’s excellent discussions. Each stage in his journey is accompanied by the exquisite photos, and the photos add depth to the text – feeding each other. I found that I would read a sentence and then look at the photo; back and forth - each page a slow and rewarding process to savor. Written to inspire others to delve deep into discovering who they are, Wayne asks us (as he asks himself) "Who are you behind those busy thoughts?"

The question and answer interview at the end of the book was quite helpful in finding out more about the author’s personal side and his particular views. He also includes a list of resources to aid the reader interested in furthering their journey."

ISBN#: 0976358107
Author: Wayne Wirs
Publisher: Missing Man Press

Kamis, 23 Desember 2010

Song Of Cy: Understanding Grief – Review

Are you a step-parent, parent, sibling, grandparent or friend of a deceased person? Then this book is for you!

A delicately written and moving piece of work that is electrically charged with Katlyn Stewart’s love and grief for her daughter. Join in the celebration of life through Katlyn’s tale recounting her daughter’s life and learn about the grieving process.

Katlyn discusses the loss, grief, comfort and understanding that one encounters in their journey through grief. She shows how even the smallest of moments in daily living is greatly altered. The author tenderly reveals the loss of identity one experiences and the necessity of finding support and re-evaluating what is important. Very difficult times in the grieving process are heightened during a variety of holidays and Katlyn walks the reader through paths that help to ease the pain.

Startling facts are also discussed. For instance, did you know that 80% of grieving couples divorce after the loss of a child? Or that employers typically allow only three days for an employee to grieve? Have we ever stopped to consider the differences between how children, teens, men and women grieve? Are you feeling at a loss for what to do for a grieving family? All these issues, and more, are within the pages of this book.

I shed huge crocodile tears as I experienced my own loss during the reading of Song of Cy. I know I will draw strength from its content when dealing with the loss of my ailing parents in the near future. The author has developed an excellent book that deserves very high ratings.

ISBN#: 1-5937-4349-1
Author: Katlyn Stewart
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Rabu, 22 Desember 2010

Her Backyard - Book Review

Her Backyard by Doreen Lewis is an adventure, romance novel that depicts a career woman in the middle of self-discovery. It is about making choices that may not be so easy to make and complex relationships between co-workers, siblings and friends. I am certain that many readers within the age group between 30 and 40 will find a connection with Audrey, the main character.

Audrey and her sister Ava have a touching, close – sometimes tense, other times humorous – relationship. Their mother died when they were young and now they were facing losing their beloved father. Audrey returns home for the funeral and meets up with an old flame that helps her come to terms with what is missing in her life. Office politics were wearing thin and career hungry co-workers were beginning to both irritate and consume her.

She begins to question her choices in life and is faced with desirable options that play tug-of-war with her mind. Finally, exhausted and emotionally wrought she is given the opportunity to choose the path of content happiness. Audrey learns to make a decision based upon her needs, rather than trying to live up to the impossible lifestyle society encourages.

Her Backyard definitely has a story line that I think many women can relate with. Career women have to make many sacrifices and there are times when one wonders if this lifestyle is truly full filling all their needs. I think Doreen Lewis has written a fine book portraying this conundrum.


ISBN#: 0976091941
Author: Doreen Lewis
Publisher: Helm Publishing

Selasa, 21 Desember 2010

The Bubblegum Babes’ Guide to Sixth Grade – Book Review

This is one book that I would have cherished as a little girl. The Bubblegum Babes’ Guide to Sixth Grade is the first in a series designed for young people growing up in today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world. Doreen Lewis wrote it so that each chapter can be read as a complete story on its own - perfect for pre-teens that like to read small sections at a time. An award winning author and mother of two, Doreen writes with clarity and energy and draws upon her life for inspiration in her work. Her own personality is revealed nicely in the Acknowledgement and About Author sections in the book.

The main character, Kelly, takes the reader through adventures with her three best friends. They dub themselves the Bubblegum Babes after an evening of giggles and make-up. The four girls experience and discuss many things that aren’t easy to talk about in everyday life. Excellent advice is interwoven into each tale from how to maintain friendships, the mysteries of menstruation and the complexity of discovering an interest in boys.

Starting with their nervous beginnings in a new school year right through to the graduation dance, The Bubblegum Babes will have you wishing you were one of them.

ISBN#: 0976919303
Author: Doreen Lewis
Publisher: Helm Publishing

Senin, 20 Desember 2010

Secrets to Diet Success

In the struggle to lose weight and keep it off, the best advice may come from people who have been there and done that-winners in the battle of the bulge. A new book offers advice and plenty of frontline tips. The book, "How to Lose 9,000 Pounds or Less by 516 Dieters Who Did" (Hundreds of Heads, $13.95), contains hundreds of interviews with real people across America.

This book isn't like so many other diet books that promise a "quick fix" for readers who follow a rigid plan. Instead, it gives hard-won, down-to-earth advice from hundreds of real people who have tried every kind of diet, found what worked for them (and what didn't work), and lost weight. The tips range from simple adjustments to more elaborate lifestyle changes. For example, one dieter found that she could stop sugar cravings by eating a pickle. Another dieter lost weight by using the trunk of her car as her refrigerator. In winter, she made herself walk outside barefoot every time she wanted something to eat.

The book includes the best tips and secrets on choosing a diet, motivation and avoiding temptation, exercise, keeping weight off, and enlisting the support of family and friends. With real-world stories from successful dieters and expert advice from nutritionist and special editor to the book, Joan Buchbinder, RD, readers can make more informed choices about which diet is best for them and start losing weight.

Minggu, 19 Desember 2010

A New Year. A New You.

If you're trying to take off some extra pounds in the new year, two new books may help. Tips and recipes, as well as proven weight-loss strategies, may help you reach your goal weight quickly.

The lo-carb trend is over and people are realizing that what the experts have been saying all along is true: The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to cut calories and get exercise. "Low-Calorie Dieting For Dummies" (Wiley, $21.99) by nutrition expert Susan McQuillan is a no-nonsense guide that shows readers how to consume fewer calories than they burn and provides a delicious and safe low-calorie plan that's easy enough to follow for life. The book includes tools to improve eating and exercise habits, cope with stress and boredom, assess progress and live a healthier, happier life.

For 5,000 years, yoga exercises have been used to get in shape. Adding weights offers another dimension that's explored in "Yoga With Weights For Dummies" (Wiley, $21.99). All the physical benefits of traditional yoga-muscle toning, balance and flexibility-come faster because yoga with weights is more intense and dramatic than regular yoga. The book divides exercises into several different workouts and offers expert tips to help you succeed.

Sabtu, 18 Desember 2010

Traci's Story - Book Review

Tracie’s Story: Book Review

Tracie’s Story, by Marguerite Ashton, had sucked me into the story right from the start, and I had difficulty tearing myself away from the book all the way to the end. This is very a moving tale that is based on a true story of a woman brought up by an alcoholic single mother.

As a child, Tracie bravely accepts the barrage of difficulties, disrespect and responsibilities of handling a helplessly drunken parent – but it leaves her emotionally scarred. While driving under the influence, the thoughtless mother inflicts a permanent and visible disability on her child that serves as a constant reminder of her past. Every mirror, every pair of eyes reflects her abnormality and this becomes a torment for Tracie. As an adult, she struggles with her inner demons and the mind-numbing addictions to both alcohol and her work.

Marguerite Ashton uses a direct and simple writing style that envelops the reader in Tracie’s world so deeply that the real world fades away for a little while. The ending left me with a feeling that the book is not finished. Yet, because I was thinking about it for days, I would have to say the ending was quite effective.

ISBN#: 1-4137-7386-9
Author: Marguerite Ashton
Publisher: Publish America

Jumat, 17 Desember 2010

Your Mental Energy Sphere - review

Author Shyam Mehta is far from new to the world of writing, as this is his 16th publication. The main focus of all of Shyam’s work is helping others to find happiness in their lives and within themselves. Dedicating his life to what he believes in, Shyam is currently the founder and operator of the Loving Heart Center and an informative website (http://www.lovingheartcentre.net/) where Bhaki Yoga or Karma Yoga is taught.

Your Mental Energy Sphere is his latest work, and could qualify as a novelette - in that it is less than 20,000 words. Yet, to fully make use of this self-help guide, readers must allow space and time to contemplate what he is saying. Readers will benefit by reading this book slowly, at times when there are no distractions. Each sentence is valuable – no word is wasted, here. Using realistic tools such as deep introspection, evaluation and deduction, Shyam coaxes individuals to find their true happiness. Though Shyam provides the tools, he makes it clear that readers will have to take the steps that will ensure their own satisfaction in life.

Your Mental Energy Sphere is certainly an upbeat and educational publication. I recommend it to anyone looking for something that they just can’t quite reach. For any seeker of understanding, any person that is reaching for contentment in life – this book may bring the inspiration they need.

ISBN#: 1-4121-5165-1
Author: Shyam Mehta
Publisher: eBooksLib

Kamis, 16 Desember 2010

American Theocracy, a Book Review

In his two most recent books, American Dynasty and Wealth and Democracy, Kevin Phillips has perhaps rightly earned the prestigious moniker of America's premier analyst and critic. Now, in his new release, a doom and gloom tome some 480 pages long, Kevin Phillips assails three overlapping, growing, forces that threaten to rain on the parade of the American way of life. Actually, American Theocracy : The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century, at $26.95 retail is still a great value because it is really three books in one, with just enough threads woven between the very different but often interrelated fabrics to help illustrate the upcoming perfect storm.

Kevin Phillips, as a former Republican strategist and observer for over 30 years, has a keen sense of the current political and economic landscape. When contrasted against his commanding historical perspectives, the author is aptly able in his book to show how past world powers, from the Roman to the British empires, have faced and failed the same critical circumstances the United States currently faces at the beginning of the 21st century. American Theocracy demonstrates that essentially every world dominating power is lured by the sirens of global over-reach and ultimately falls into the traps of resource depletion, runaway debt and the wars of militant religion.

In Part I of American Theocracy, Kevin Phillips looks at the ramifications of our preocupation of oil, past and present. The book maintains that American supremacy was derived by our exploitation and effective use of a newly useable form of energy on the world stage. While other nations were trapped in their inertias of coal, wind and water infrastructures, America quickly realized the versatility of this black gold and leveraged a nation around it. In fact, with only roughly five percent of the world's population, Americans still consume over 25 percent of the world's oil. But supply of this precious resource has always been a concern. American Theocracy points to World War II especially, which was waged by Japan and Germany to secure their hold on this vital fossil fuel for modern economies. The book takes care to explain that America itself has been heavily involved in its own petro-imperialism over the last century. Moreover, the life blood of our economy is becoming more difficult to find and extract even as the world economies are demanding more. One little know fact in all of this, as other Middle East supplies are being exhausted, is that Iraq is the last large pool of oil on the planet. And all of this still virtually untapped, near the surface. American Theocracy describes how Iraq has never been able to pump much of its oil, with U.N. sanctions in the 90's, war with Iran in the 80's and so forth. With the thinly disguised cloak of spreading democracy and fighting terror, it is of little surprise, given our history of petro-imperialism in the Middle East, and the fact that there is an estimated one trillion dollars in estimated profits for the (American) companies who will pump it, that we found ourselves with troops in Iraq.

Complicating matters further, Part II of this book explores the unprecedented rise in evangelical religion and its surging influence in American politics, especially under the presidency of George W. Bush. Kevin Phillips believes Republicans view the world in apocalyptic terms and endeavor to shape domestic and foreign policy around fundamentalist religion. This undue influence of faith over fact, and religion over (prudent) reason has resulted in inept policies, which only serve to weaken our respect, prestige and effectiveness in the world. This zealous underpinning has put us on a collision course with much of Islam, swelling the ranks, ironically, of terrorists, not to mention many other miscalculations, putting us in peril of a self-fulfilling prophecy. American Theocracy describes how we are endangering our future, as virtually every war is fought over resources or religious ideology. We seem to be running out of the former and have an over abundance of the latter.

In Part III, American Theocracy contends what is the traditional hallmark of an overextended world power: over consumption and massive public and private debt. Huge trade deficits, trillions of dollars in national debt and financial speculation, made worse by the influence of big business and Wall Street on Washington only serve to exacerbate the problem. The Republican Party, once the icon of sound fiscal policy, has discarded its ideals by mortgaging our country's financial health and future to the whim of other countries in order to fund and maintain our status quo around the world.

American Theocracy : The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century is not without its critics. Many feel Kevin Phillips is biased and bigoted in his view as he tackles the concerns he has for the Christian right and their influence in America today. Others may feel he is not always accurate in his facts. But this is to be expected by stirring the pot and necessarily not always being politically correct. Having said that in view of the import of the thesis presented in no way detracts nor dismisses these vital problems all Americans face.

Rabu, 15 Desember 2010

115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety – Book Review

Mike Marcoe writes from first hand experience in his book 115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety, providing advice from the view of one who has traveled the road of anxiety for a long time, undergoing therapies and combing through mountains of research. His experience has resulted in this self-help guide to people looking for ways to manage their condition in a proactive and healthy manor.

Mike has a passion for non-fiction educational and self-help genres. He has attained a BA in English and has been in the writing industry for a number of years performing as an author, copy editor, proof-reader, a database guardian and has also worked for a newspaper.

115 Ways to Prevent Anxiety will provide readers with wise nutritional advice, herbal remedies that may ease anxiety symptoms and plenty of positive, proactive attitude enhancement skills. The author provides excellent tools for getting peace from anxiety disorders.

News to me was how dehydration plays a part in nervous disorders – something I will be much more aware of in the future. I am completely curious about how philosophy can play a part and I intend to investigate this possibility when I have more time. Also, I am encouraged by having it confirmed that taking up a variety of activities - drumming, living an active life, regularly doing meditative and breath enhancing yoga, walking the dog and gardening – has been a good step in the right direction for me. I truly feel like I am on the right track to taking the power into my own hands to live a life free of anxiety.

There are no wasted words here. At only 88 pages, the text can be considered short and sweet. The author’s intent for his book is to entice readers to delve deep inside and discover what triggers their anxiety, why this happens and learn how to prevent reoccurrence.

Individuals can reap rewards from this self-help, non-fiction guide – however, educators would certainly benefit in using this as a workbook in anxiety support groups. This book is also available in print and electronic formats to fit a variety of needs.


ISBN#: 1-59113-872-8
Author: Mike Marcoe
Publisher:

Selasa, 14 Desember 2010

52 Homes In 52 Weeks

The door is open for anyone interested in acquiring a real estate fortune, thanks to a new book that shows how.

To counter the suggestion that great deals are the exception and not the rule, best-selling author Dolf de Roos and Gene Burns challenged themselves to buy one home every week for an entire year. They acquired these properties using a variety of financing and acquisition techniques, which they document in "The Insider's Guide to 52 Homes in 52 Weeks" (Wiley, $16.95, paper).

The book doesn't just chronicle what they did and how they did it. It also shows readers how they can take these techniques and apply them to their own acquisition program, whether they want to buy one house a week or just one a year.

In the beginning, the authors looked for pre-foreclosure homes and then feverishly tried to find tenants for them. Towards the end, they signed up tenants and then found houses for them to move into.

Topics in the book include how to determine your strategy and getting started; learning to ask for help; finding the right location; lease options; owner financing; pre-foreclosure and many more.

Dr. de Roos, PhD is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author.

Senin, 13 Desember 2010

'Shape-Shifting': The Bane of Women Everywhere

"Shape-shifting" is something most women know about all too well. As the years pile on, so do unwanted pounds that-even among those who remain relatively slim-can literally change the body's contours.

"One may go from an hourglass to more of a shot glass," says Dr. Pamela Peeke, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, best-selling author and creator of the "Body For Life For Women Workout" DVD (rodale store.com). "Aging gracefully is all a matter of girth control."

Not to mention understanding women's hormones.

It's Peeke's assertion that recognizing what she calls "women's unique hormonal hard-wiring" is key to achieving and maintaining a peak body for life. There are four hormonal milestones involved:

• Teens and Twenties. This is when estrogen production rises. Women who were skinny teens may suddenly find weight going to their breasts, hips and thighs. This is the time to build a strong fitness foundation that can last the rest of your life. It's also a good time to build muscle tone and minimize body fat changes.

• The Reproductive Years. Science shows that if you enter pregnancy healthy and fit, you'll have a healthier nine months and a healthier baby. Whether you have children or not, this is the time when your metabolism begins to slow down. During this period, you should add resistance training-weights-to keep your metabolism as hot as you can.

• The Forties. This is a time of shape-shifting. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels lead to a three- to five-pound potbelly, or menopot, for many women-on top of which toxic stress levels boost your food cravings. You need to regroup, ramp up your physical activity, examine your lifestyle and put things into balance.

• Menopause. Once you've reached this milestone, it's important to exercise the mind and body so that you stay sharp and keep fit. Keep learning. Make the effort to add resistance training and cardio-revving walks every day. Your goal is to live a long and indepen-dent life by taking good care of yourself.

Whether you're 20 or 50, Dr. Peeke's new DVD, "Body For Life For Women Workout," can help you.

Minggu, 12 Desember 2010

Voice Changer Software In The Market

- Hey, it seems that Britney Spear is online voice-chatting!
- Wow, that’s a funny cartoon with lot of animal singing voices. You have to pay much money and time to collect them, don’t you?
- What a lovely and surprising gift, darling- a CD of my voice chatting with music background and also a sweet kiss’ cover!

Do you say “yes” to the first question? Do you think same with the answerer in the second? And don’t you feel surprised if you know that we can do the third by oneself?

“Yes”- if you don’t know anything about software technology, especially voice changer software. And “No” if you think many people ask for help from this modern and convenient software. Catching the demands and interests in changing voice of people, especially youth, many software companies begin with the market of voice changer’s. It’s about 6 years since this branch of software technology has gone to the market and developed rapidly. We can list out some famous names such as Blaze Audio, Vir, Triple Bit, Avnex…

With a diversified prices from $30 to $100, the large numbers of functions and effects, Voice Changer Software can help us to change the voice from many source (online or offline), adding sound effects, recording, mixing music,… We can use this simple and convenient software to begin our business- a movies or cartoon maker, a DJ, a music recorder, a CD designer and maker, storyteller, a lecturer… Spending an amount of nearly $100, you can own a AV VCS Diamond 4.0, one-person voice dubbing studio to create thousands of interesting gift for friends, relatives, family; you also can be a super and “pro” chatter of others in the ways using voice chatting; you can earn money from such creative works.

Easy to adapt with many audio files, supporting a lot of nickvoices and effects, best sound quality solution, these are some of advantages of Avnex products that you can Free Download a trial one at www.audio4fun.com.

Let begin to discover a voice changer software or update your current one by an easiest way.

Sabtu, 11 Desember 2010

Digital Video Recorders

Digital video recorders (DVR) are recording equipment that can record and store digital video on a computer. These can record audio as well as video data from multiple sources.

A DVR is basically a hard drive that can be connected to the computer and to other video sources such as a VCR. It has a tuner which captures the signal using a cable, antenna, or a satellite. The analog signals are compressed and converted into digital signals, which are then stored on the hard drive. A built-in MPEG-2 decoder converts the digital signal back into analog signal when it has to reach the television for viewing. Each DVR has an operating system within the hard drive.

There are several advantages to digital video recorders. They do not require a recording medium like tapes, as the data is stored on the DVR itself. Another main advantage is that the recording and playback can be done at the same time. Using this, even a live program on the TV can be paused, in the sense that the program can be recorded on the DVR and then viewed instead of the live program. However, the space within a DVR is limited, which is its main disadvantage. DVRs also have a live-TV buffer that keeps them in a constant recording mode for an hour or more.

Another interesting feature of DVRs is their search tool, which allows searching of a particular program by name of the program, name of the actors, or even by keywords. Some DVRs can be programmed to record some programs that have certain words in them. DVRs have recording capacities ranging from thirty hours to 320 hours. This also depends on the quality of the stored files.

The main categories of digital video recorders are TiVo, ReplayTV, and UltimateTV. Some of the top manufacturers of digital video recorders are LG, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, RCA, Samsung, Sonic Blue, and Sony. Prices range from $600 to $1,200 or more, depending on the brand, the model, and the options provided.

Jumat, 10 Desember 2010

Digital Voice Recorders

Are you a busy professional with so much going on in your working day that you often forget important dates, times or information if you do not write everything down? Well, throw away your pencil and paper and start keeping that important information by using digital voice recorders. These new digital voice recorders are not only wonderfully compact, and tape free, but they are capable of recording for a phenomenally long time.

For example, one of these great digital voice recorders is capable of recording for an entire day and a half, which is an unsurpassed, sixty-four hours of recording time. Unbelievably, these wonderful little digital voice recorders are only four inches by one inch by one half inch, so it easily fits in your purse, pocket or one of those tiny compartments in your car.

One of the great things about these particular digital voice recorders is that you can set it in voice activation mode and even though it is on, it won’t record until it actually detects audio activity. But more importantly, because these digital voice recorders are digital, they begin recording after only one tenth of a second once sound is detected. And with its great 8kps voice sampling rate, these digital voice recorders are highly desirable to private investigators. They record and play back with stunning clarity and accuracy.

These digital voice recorders can be operated on two “AAA” batteries, but they also come with and external DC power supply. They also come complete with USB cable and software for downloading into your computer, variable playback speed, text to speech conversion features, fast forward and rewind control and much more.

Kamis, 09 Desember 2010

The Best PSP Game Download Websites Reviews

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Website: All PSP Games
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Rabu, 08 Desember 2010

LCD Televisions - Technology uncovered

LCD is one of the biggest technologies in television at the moment, set to go head-to-head against plasma screens for the future of TVs.

But what do LCD televisions mean to you? Well, to begin with, the picture you get is a lot sharper. By now you’ve probably replaced your old bulky computer monitor with a flat, LCD one, and you’ve no doubt noticed the difference in picture quality and clarity. Now the companies behind LCD want it to do the same for televisions, making them flatter, clearer and altogether better.

Another thing to note is that the rise of HDTV (high-definition television) is linked to the rise of LCD televisions. HDTV allows the original TV signal to be broadcast in even better quality than a DVD, and digital LCD TVs can then display the signal perfectly.

It really makes TV as we know it today look ridiculously primitive by comparison – and if you’re willing to splash out on an LCD TV and an HDTV subscription, you can have it today. Every year, LCD screens are decreasing in price and increasing in size, making them an ever-better competitor against other screen technologies.

When you buy an LCD television, the main things to look for are size and price, although there are also more technical features you might be interested in, like colour depth (the number of colours the screen can display). Response time is one that is often considered important, as LCDs with a long response time can produce a blurring effect when showing pictures of something that is moving quickly. There is also a measurement called dot pitch, which roughly indicates how sharp the picture produced by the TV will be (lower numbers are better).

As a final word of advice, if you do decide to buy an LCD TV, make sure you see it in use in the shop first. You should watch to see how it handles different kinds of pictures, and what the display is like compared to other LCDs, as well as compared to plasma screens.

Selasa, 07 Desember 2010

Buying a Plasma Television

With televisions getting bigger and bigger Plasma Television technology has become a front runner in the big screen race.

A few years ago a plasma television was well out of the financial reach of the average man with the smaller televisions costing upwards of $8000. But with steady competition from the LCD technology these prices are steadily coming down as time goes by. Now is the chance for the common man to purchase a big screen plasma television.

There are several sizes when it comes to plasma televisions. They range from 25 inch up-to 60 inch. All delivering high quality picture. But what do you look for when purchasing a big screen plasma television?

There are several things to look for. Firstly don’t go for the biggest one there. This will be the most expensive one and dropping a size or two below the biggest will get you the most value for money.

The second thing to look for would be the brand. Go for the most trusted brand. Some well known brands include Panasonic, LG and Sony. Sony plasma televisions tend to be more expensive than the other brands.

Thirdly you will need to look for a plasma television that suits your needs. Meaning one that has a remote and interface that is simple to use, and has all the connections you need for your surround sound system or DVD player.

Picking the right plasma television need not be a difficult task. You can ask friendly staff at any of the major electronics stores for suggestions and recommendations. In the end the choice is yours. The choice of which brand you want to buy, which color, which size etc. It depends on your personal taste and of course your budget. These days a 60 inch plasma television will cost you around $6000. Of course this is for a huge screen that most of us will not need. The more modest 42 inch screens will only set you back around $3000.

Senin, 06 Desember 2010

Hidden Digital Video Recorders on the Move

There are many reasons to own and use hidden digital video recorders. You may need them to keep an eye on things around your home, office, warehouse, or other places of business. You may even need to have one to protect your mobile home, vacation home or barn where you keep your valuable horses. But there are also times when the need for hidden digital video recorders goes beyond watching some place stationary. Sometimes you need hidden digital video recorders to be as mobile as anything on four or more wheels. When you do, you may want to consider a mobile security VCR.

These types of hidden digital video recorders are especially necessary for use with police forces. We’ve all seen numerous accounts of traffic violators on film, being pulled over for speeding, reckless operation, drunk driving, but hidden digital video recorders can also be a critical factor in the prosecution of criminals, who have been involved in robberies, kidnappings and other types of felonious activities. These hidden digital video recorders are also great for private investigators.

Other types of agencies can also benefit from the use of hidden digital video recorders. They are great for use in buses and taxis as well. Can you imagine how beneficial it would be if, for example, a taxi picked up a suspicious character for a fare. Then later when questioned by police, there would be a perfect video record of the person in question, which could be quite beneficial for identification purposes.

Minggu, 05 Desember 2010

ViewSonic Plasma Consumer Reviews of the VPW4200 42 inch EDTV-ready Television

One glance at the ViewSonic VPW4200 42 inch plasma TV will send shivers down the average consumer’s spine. This fantastic plasma television has so many attributes that it is hard to fit them all in one small article. A collaboration of ViewSonic plasma consumer reviews will enlighten the reader to the many benefits related to the purchase of this plasma TV.

Important Aspects of the VPW4200

This model has a 852x480 pixel resolution and brightness level of 1000 cd/m2. These specifications show the consumer that the ViewSonic VPW4200 plasma TV will produce a wonderful picture to aid in your viewing pleasure. Another important aspect of the VPW4200 is the large quantity of input/output capabilities that this plasma TV has. Composite video input and output features are present as well as audio input and output jacks. This allows for the VPW4200 to work alongside other electronics in the home.

The pros of this brand of plasma television include brilliant picture and clear sound. As for the cons of the VPW4200 ViewSonic plasma consumer reviews have yet to cite any particular ones. The approximate price range for this specific ViewSonic plasma TV is around $2,000.

When looking at the price and beneficial aspects of the ViewSonic VPW4200 plasma TV, few would think twice about purchasing this particular make and model. If the components are what you are looking for in a plasma TV purchase, then the VPW4200 just might be the perfect plasma television for you and your family.

Sabtu, 04 Desember 2010

Digital Body Worn Cameras

What is small than a credit card, takes up to eighty quality digital photos, can be used as a web cam and carries your keys, as well? This is simply one of the best body worn cameras available on the market today. It is a keychain digital camera. When you leave the house, do you ever go anywhere without your keys?

Probably not, so why not take along a great little body worn camera with you and use it to catch all of the action and memories that you would have lost had you not had this digital camera keychain with you? It has sixteen megabytes of memory and operates on a “AAA” battery. Then when you are ready, just download your photos and you are ready to roll.

Want to know about another great little digital body worn camera? This little gem looks just like a cigarette lighter, a great innovation for all of you smokers. But not only does it take great digital photos, it can also be used to send live video across the Internet. Imagine using a lighter to talk face to face with your friends while you are online.

And it works with most windows based programs. You will get great pictures every time with this camera’s automatic exposure and white balance features. So that regardless if you are a professional photographer or a rank novice, you will get the kinds of photos that you desire. These are perfect body worn cameras for private investigators, too. The lighter camera is capable of take up to 104 VGA pictures or 30 SXGA pictures.

Jumat, 03 Desember 2010

Digital Voice Recorders for Your Busy Lifestyle

Using digital voice recorders in every day life has become so commonplace that most people do not even give it a second thought. There are dozens of reasons both professional and personal to use digital voice recorders, whether you need to record important business conversations or just want to have a good time with your friends.

One of the smallest of the digital voice recorders also happens to be one of the largest capacity voice recorders on the market. It is capable of recording up to one hundred-forty hours continuously. And the features on the great little unit go on and on. Not only are they digital voice recorders, but they have a stereo FM radio, and a time and date stamp, Plus they are voice activated, have a flash memory, and can be used as a cell phone recording detector and they also have a land phone recording connector, just to name a few. There is even a dot matrix LCD with blue back light and automatic microphone sensitivity. Couple all of that with a lapel microphone, stereo earphones, and a USB connector cable and you will have everything you need for many hours of great digital recording.

All of this operates on just two “AAA” batteries. Another great feature on these digital voice recorders is that you can timer record up to three programs by day, by week or by date. They also have three speeds in which to play back your recording. What more could you need or want?

Kamis, 02 Desember 2010

What Is An iPod

What is an iPod? Who are you, my mother? Well, it’s a reasonable enough question. Chances are that you are probably aware that it’s an iPod is a little gadget that your grandson wants for his birthday and that its costs a lot of money and what wrong with this transistor radio anyway? What’s wrong? Everything.

You want to know what is an iPod? It’s a product created by Apple. Depending on which version you have its possibilities for functionality are seeming to approach limitless. Lets assume that you’re going to pick up the new 5th generation for the grandkid, because if he’s like most kids nowadays, he’s probably rude, disrespectful and ungrateful…unless he gets exactly what he wants; which is a 5th generation iPod.

When he opens it up and starts it up he’ll be looking at the possibility of storing up to 15,000 songs, and oddly enough he will too. He’ll be able to load his iPod up with 25,000 crystal clear color photos. His new best friend has the capacity to store up to 150 hours videos or movies that all have the same quality as the photos. And he can roam the mean streets of your quiet town for 20 hours before this thing runs out of batteries.

So aside from everything that should have tempted you to buy the kid one long ago, excellent quality, great capacity, podcast possibilities, etc; you’ve got every reason in the world to push aside your concerns. The new iPods are smaller, lighter, and have more options than one could reasonably want. The new 5th generation iPod does so many things that you won’t be asking what is an iPod, but what isn’t an iPod.

Rabu, 01 Desember 2010

Watch DVD Movies On Your iPod

An iPod or other portable MP4 media player is easier to carry around than a portable DVD player, but it can't play DVDs directly. However, it's still possible to watch your favorite DVDs on your iPod. All you need to do is to convert the DVD to an iPod compatible format.

If you search the web for "video conversion software" you'll be overwhelmed by the choice of products available. Many video conversion products are general purpose tools that require you to know details of the formats you want to convert between, and baffle you with jargon about things like codecs.

Such products may be very good, but if you want to be sure that the copies you are making are optimised for your iPod, or you simply want to make the task as easy as possible, it's best to choose a dedicated DVD to iPod converter.

Using a DVD to iPod converter really is simplicity itself. You launch the software, insert the DVD in the drive, and the title screen appears in a window. Using the mouse, you select the episode or feature you want to see from the DVD menu, just as with a DVD player.

When the movie starts to play, you click a Convert button and select a folder for the output. The amount of time conversion takes depends on the power of your computer. On a modern computer it can be faster than real time, but using an older one it may actually be slower.

After conversion is complete, you are offered the option to start iTunes and upload the converted movie to your iPod. That's all there is to it! Give it a try, and you'll soon be watching your favorite movies on your iPod media player.