Senin, 14 Maret 2011

Add Years To Your Life With Whole Grains

Recent studies conclude that whole grains can boost weight loss, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes and cancer, and increase overall heart health. In addition, over 600 new products containing whole grains were introduced by food companies in 2005-a sure sign that the whole grain revolution is upon us.

Yet a recent study from the Whole Grains Council found that 68 percent of Americans are unaware that they should be eating three daily servings of whole grains. Forty-seven percent said they were looking for practical ways to incorporate whole grains into their everyday diets.

A new book called "The Whole Grain Diet Miracle" (DK Publishing, $24.95) may help. Written by Dr. Lisa Hark and Dr. Darwin Deen, it explains whole grains-and how to easily add them to your diet-in an understandable way. The book provides scientific facts, easy-to-understand overviews of the "16 miracle grains," a two-week jump-start menu, four-week whole grain diet and 50 delicious recipes.

The book advocates what its authors refer to as a sensible eating plan that promotes better health without deprivation. Instead of telling readers to stop eating a whole category of foods, Drs. Hark and Deen encourage them to eat more whole grains by providing a number of whole grain food options. For instance, readers are encouraged to experiment with the more exotic (but still readily available) grains such as amaranth, quinoa, and millet, while basic cooking instructions and simple recipes help even the most skittish cook take the whole grain plunge.

The result, according to the authors, is a "pain-free" way to improve overall health, lose weight and stave off disease.

In addition, the book answers some basic but common whole grain questions including: What are they? Where are they found? What will they do to my body? How much do I need to eat to get the health benefits? Are whole grains "good carbs"?

Dr. Hark says with the book's help, readers will find it easy to fit in the three servings of whole grains recommended by the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

Minggu, 13 Maret 2011

Living in Darkness - Book Review

Award winning author John Roynesdal, is a retired English teacher who has written for more than 15 years and produced 3 books for his Phillip Michael Carnegie Mystery series. Throughout the series, John focuses on issues that prevail on mankind: greed, prejudice, poverty, dysfunctional families and the conflict between traditional and modern societies. Living in Darkness, a 265-page mystery novel, is the third book in this series.

Here, we have a serial killer at large. Detective Carnegie and his coworkers Paul and Nick are out to solve the case. Clues point to many possibilities and keep the team working hard. Is it the work of a homophobe? Or a case of mad revenge? Or pointless youth rage? Juliana, their insightful and caring friend has often aided in cases in the past – and this one is no different. Inspired by the work of another man, Juliana is attempting to open a safe house for runaway gay children but she is obstructed by zealous religious leaders.

The boss, "Fats", wants to see the serial killer case closed and it seems that it should be – but Detective Carnegie feels something is not quite right. He continues the investigation without consent and stumbles on some clues that change everything.

This book promotes freedom and a willingness to live and let live regarding sexuality. Good points were made about prohibition making various sexual urges into something secretive and devious. I felt that John did a wonderful job depicting the stresses of the homosexual. Readers are shown the stigma that is placed on them as soon as they are known as "gay". The reaction of employers and family was interesting and the prejudice homosexuals endure was enlightening. The story line definitely brings awareness to the hateful and disgusting crime of gay-bashing.

ISBN#: 1411626702
Author: John A. Roynesdal
Publisher: Lulu Press

Sabtu, 12 Maret 2011

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii - Review

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii is the third book of a children’s series written by author Bettina Bathe. One of the very first striking aspects of this book is the illustrator’s use of bright colored fish and birds, a flowery helicopter, tropical scenery and agriculture within the Hawaiian Island region. The illustrations by Barbara Fortin (www.bellocchioillustration.com) also reveal lush forest and wildlife scenes including a myriad of creatures that dwell in the waters surrounding the islands.

This adventure begins when two Hawaiian youth, Kimo and Malia, request a scenic tour ride in Violet’s purple helicopter. As always, safety comes first for Violet, and they spend a few moments discussing air currents and looking at maps before starting out.

Violet and her passengers are accompanied by as they fly above tropical forests, a beautiful waterfall, interesting volcanoes and agricultural fields. The adventure is interrupted when they are called upon to help rescue a baby whale. Thanks to Violet’s confident pilot skills and her loyal animal and insect friends, the frightened whale is returned to her pod. These unlikely heroes arrive to their destination safely and celebrate with a Luau and a feast. This is no ordinary feast – the table is laden with all kinds of Hawaiian foods. And later, they are entertained by Hula Dancers and Violet plays her Ukulele.

The author incorporates real life terms in her books, yet she is able to explain things in a way that young people can clearly understand. The last page has an illustration with all three of the flags from the countries Violet has worked in so far. These could be excellent teaching and memory tools for the reader to use with children. However, Violet the Pilot in Hawaii offers more than entertainment and education - the author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Canadian Red Cross. Additionally, Bettina’s website (www.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers for her young readers to enjoy.

ISBN#: 0-9738290-1-X
Author: Bettina Bathe
Illustrator: Barbara Fortin
Publisher: Violet the Pilot Enterprises, Inc.
Published: January 2006

Jumat, 11 Maret 2011

Buddha in the Boardroom

Recently chosen by Writer’s Digest magazine as one of the best new self-published books of 2005, ‘Buddha in the Boardroom’ is a clever and entertaining blend of business challenges and Buddhist philosophy.

“What a charming book! MacConnell and Mosher have successfully juxtaposed wonderful, simple Buddhist wisdom with the everyday ordinary, focusing on work life. Indeed, why not have a Buddha in the Boardroom. For that matter, simple Buddhist wisdom is helpful anywhere…This is an easy, very pleasant read - with great substance.”

Writer’s Digest magazine

Learn the secrets of the original self-help Guru. Over 2,500 years ago The Buddha shared with his followers what Western medicine has realized less than 200 years ago: emotional suffering can be just as painful and debilitating as physical suffering.

Buddhism teaches us that if we learn to handle our relationships properly our life will be easier. Learn how your chaotic and stressful workplace environment is really a series of relationships, whether it is with your boss, co-workers, customers, salesmen, competition, or suppliers. Each chapter shows how by learning to handle these workplace relationships properly, you not only increase your chances of success, but your job can actually becomes less stressful and more enjoyable.

“You will see yourself and everyone you know in the chapters of this book.”
Heather McGough

Sometimes funny and sometimes serious, discover for yourself why ‘Buddha in the Boardroom’ has been called ‘the business book that is inspirational.’ Chapters include: competition, conflicts, controlling anger, risk taking, ethics, handling change, teamwork, goal setting, time management and many more in 30 chapters and 138 pages.

Buddhism is universally accepted because it is not in conflict with any religion nor with science. See for yourself why Buddhism is not for everyone, it’s only for those who want to live a happier and more productive life.

Kamis, 10 Maret 2011

Pumping Your Muse - Book Review

Pumping Your Muse is a 136-page non-fiction, self-help writer’s manual that is conveniently available in both electronic and print format. The hardcopy is coil-bound – perfect for an inviting workbook.

Published just recently in June 2005, this book belongs on every writer’s reference bookshelf. Donna Sundblad’s goal for her manual has certainly been met, as Pumping Your Muse is able to stretch the readers’ creativity beyond their normal limits by developing skills and focusing creative energies in new directions.

The author focuses on the ability to build worlds through a variety of exercises including reflections, perspectives, balance, using multiple sensory tools and expanding thinking patterns. Readers will learn about tracking implements such as cards, journals and maps that help develop a detailed world for the reader and make the book a whole experience.

Following every exercise like a home-school class will take several weeks and will definitely improve creative writing skills. Pumping Your Muse could also be used as a refresher course, a tool during the proofreading processes of a manuscript, or to get past writer’s block.

Donna Sundblad keeps the continuity flowing at an interesting pace and has allowed space for notes at the end of every chapter. Her useful manual also includes a number of excellent writer’s resource websites.

I recommend that readers review the entire manual and then return to chapter one before they actually begin the program. In this way, the reader will be more familiar with the reasons and goals for each exercise. I’ve been anticipating my return to chapter one since I began the reviewing process of this book and have no doubt that my skills will be improved because of the exercises in this manual.

ISBN#: 0970863578
Author: Donna Sundblad
Publisher: ePress-online.com ~ Writopia, Inc.

Rabu, 09 Maret 2011

How to Write a Summary

Read the paragraphs carefully. Determine its structure. Identify the inventor's resolution in literature. (This will help you to distinguish between more worthy and less high-ranking word.)

Reread, label, and underline. This time division the piece into sections or time of held. The author's use of will often be a suitable influence. Label, on the corridor itself, each section or time of said. Underline key way of thinking and terms.

Write one-sentence abstract, on a autonomous sheet of paper, of each of alleged.

Write a thesis--a one-sentence summary of the unqualified growth. The thesis express the crucial idea of the part, as you have resolute it from the preceding staircase. You may find it effective to keep in mind the material limited in the lead sentence or column of most newspaper stories--the what, who, why, where, when, and how of the matter. For winning passages, digest in a sentence the essayist's conclusion. For colorful passages, show the follower of the report and its key countryside. Note: In some assignment a apposite thesis may before now be in the original passage. If so, you may want to citation it clearly in your summary.

Write the first waft of your summary by (1) combining the thesis with your list of one-sentence abridgment or (2) combining the thesis with one-sentence digest plus important facts from the channel. In either case, abolish repetition. Eliminate less crucial statistics. Disregard secondary details, or generalize them. Use as few text as conceivable to take the main point of view.

Check your summary against the original enactment, and make whatever correction are essential for exactitude and completeness.

Revise your summary, embedding provisional dispute and expression where necessitous to ensure unity. Check for style. Avoid succession of short, shifting condemnation. Combine judgment for a easy, commonsense flow of ideas. Check for right exactness, punctuation, and presage.

Selasa, 08 Maret 2011

Cremator's Revenge - Book Review

Author, Margaret LeNois demonstrates excellent story-telling capabilities in her 272-page fiction novel, Cremator’s Revenge.

The title was perfect choice for the book. Here we have a very disturbed serial killer working as a cremator at the very graveyard where his beloved grandmother lay. Obsessed with her death, a twisted kind of religion, a benevolent hate for destitute people and being a loner, took a toll on him. It seemed, for a while at least, that refuge could be found in tending his beautiful gardens out in the Florida sunshine.

The author is brutally realistic and shows a true understanding of people in less privileged situations and the life circumstances that brought them there. We are shown how street people, or "streeters", survive the elements, avoid dangers and locate food. The huge benefits that the meals, clothes, showers and comfort that volunteers provide is a gift that cannot be measured for those who have no access to these things. The "streeters" creation of tight and protective substitute families, aid against the prejudice within society. And those that aim for greener pastures face huge challenges.

The heart-thumping pace is kept steady with the author’s skilled use of fear, righteous wrath and revenge - emotions that today’s society can relate to and on some level, even cheer. A tense romance triangle between a feisty reporter, a frustrated cop and a destitute military veteran really spices things up. There were sections of such chilling horror that I shivered, but couldn’t break away from reading just one more page.

I absolutely loved reading this psychological thriller and highly recommend it to readers who like a book that is hard to set down.

ISBN#: 0976773201
Author: Margaret M. LeNois
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher