By John Amato and David Neiwert
http://www.amazon.com/Over-Cliff-Obamas-Election-American/dp/0982417179
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
When I picked up this book I had no intention of reviewing it; however, once I read it, I changed my mind for one reason: being a follower of politics, I think Amato and Neiwert (two outstanding writers) have accurately chronicled the politics of this moment (May, 2011).
Of course it’s true that both writers are biased. Look at the title! And, too, both writers write from a liberal-progressive slant. Amato has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Forbes. Neiwert has been featured in the Washington Post, Alon, Seattle Magazine, and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Report. Also, Neiwert does online reportage for MSNBC. What would you expect from these writers?
If you follow politics closely, and if you listen to MSNBC on a regular basis, some (not most!) of the information in this book will not be new. There are many insights and ideas that are new since both writers have access to information not readily available to political junkies and their search ranged widely as they sought to provide information for this book. It is clearly well-researched! Also, both writers closely follow (just to write a book like this!) the rantings, ravings, and lunatic assertions and assumptions of the American right. Personally, I wouldn’t waste my time. Just the mention of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Lou Dobbs, Ann Coulter, Patrick Buchanan, Michael Savage, Newt Gingrich, or Charles Krauthammer (among others) is enough to turn my stomach. Although I have the same political leanings as both writers, I would not have wanted to pursue the research to write this book!
I thought that part of the paragraph on page 113 that represents Republican thinking (as well as the Koch and Coors families and FreedomWorks) pretty much sums up my problem with current politics and my issue with the right wing agenda. Their goal is “to propagandize vulnerable Americans [especially the blue collar, uneducated, and barely literate right wing!] into believing that the fault for their tough economic times lies not with conservative governance (cutting taxes to corporations and the wealthiest Americans, demolishing regulations that protect the working class) but with minorities and welfare recipients—people, they were told, who are just lazy and don’t want to work for themselves and whose laziness is enabled by liberal policies. It is, fundamentally, the practice of the politics of resentment, using cultural wedge issues to pry working-class people away from progressive politics” (p. 113).
The book is well-written (as you can tell from this quotation), to-the-point, and very well reasoned. If for no other reason than representing the way that politics have come to be in the present day, this is a valuable and worthwhile book.
Over the cliff: How Obama’s election drove the American right insane can be purchased at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Over-Cliff-Obamas-Election-American/dp/0982417179
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
In the plex: How Google thinks, works, and shapes our lives
By Steven Levy
http://www.amazon.com/Plex-Google-Thinks-Works-Shapes/dp/1416596585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304432165&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Just looking at this 387-page (of text) book, sixteen pages of notes, with only seven parts and meekly marked chapters within each part, with a heavy amount of verbiage on each page, no pictures, no special boxes, or any interferences of any kind, one can be easily intimidated. Reading the book, however, will change this perspective quickly and directly. Levy is a terrific writer; his stories are interesting and, indeed, engaging; and the narrative is well-organized, and meaningfully and purposefully driven.
For technophiles, and anyone else who might be interested in the etymology, history, maintenance, and continuing evolution of one of the most influential and indispensable aspects of daily life, this book is a “must buy.”
Because of Levy’s unprecedented access to Google, you not only get to look into its headquarters (the Googleplex), but you also see Google from the vantage point of its employees. Levy interviewed “hundreds of current and former Googlers and attended a variety of meetings in the company” (p. 6).
How does Levy know all the in’s and out’s of the workings of the company? The meetings he was allowed to attend “included product development meetings, ‘interface reviews,’ search launch meetings, privacy council sessions, weekly TGIF all-hands gatherings, and the gatherings of the high command known as Google Product Strategy (GPS) meetings, where projects and initiatives are approved or rejected. I also ate a lot of meals at Andale, the burrito joint in Google’s Building 43" (p. 6).
The inside information Levy obtains, the incredibly detailed operations, the decisions that had/have to be made, the thinking that takes/took place, the numerous and exacting quotations, and all the various and intricate movements of this company are told in a fascinating, even riveting, narrative that keeps your attention from beginning to end.
One personal story here merits comment. In the sixth edition of my college textbook (written with Saundra Hybels), Communicating Effectively (2001), I introduced readers to the AltaVista search engine every time I discussed the use of the Internet as a research tool. At that point, Google was not mentioned at all. It was in my seventh edition (2004), that I made a complete switch from discussing AltaVista—which now had one mention (p. 421) —to Google, which, in my seventh had more than a dozen pages as listed in the index. In the very next edition, my eighth (2007), AltaVista was not discussed (even as an alternative search engine), and Google became so predominant, obvious, and accepted that it was no longer even selected for special mention in the index—and it was a prominent fixture throughout the book. Communicating Effectively, now in its 10th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2012) continues to discuss Google alone when it comes to Internet searches. I have grown as a writer along with Google, and in the essays, books, and speeches I write, I depend on it (almost solely) as my immediate and invaluable research tool.
For me Levy’s book is outstanding for its comprehensiveness and depth. I recommend it highly and without reservation.
In the plex: How Google thinks, works, and shapes our lives can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Plex-Google-Thinks-Works-Shapes/dp/1416596585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304432165&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Just looking at this 387-page (of text) book, sixteen pages of notes, with only seven parts and meekly marked chapters within each part, with a heavy amount of verbiage on each page, no pictures, no special boxes, or any interferences of any kind, one can be easily intimidated. Reading the book, however, will change this perspective quickly and directly. Levy is a terrific writer; his stories are interesting and, indeed, engaging; and the narrative is well-organized, and meaningfully and purposefully driven.
For technophiles, and anyone else who might be interested in the etymology, history, maintenance, and continuing evolution of one of the most influential and indispensable aspects of daily life, this book is a “must buy.”
Because of Levy’s unprecedented access to Google, you not only get to look into its headquarters (the Googleplex), but you also see Google from the vantage point of its employees. Levy interviewed “hundreds of current and former Googlers and attended a variety of meetings in the company” (p. 6).
How does Levy know all the in’s and out’s of the workings of the company? The meetings he was allowed to attend “included product development meetings, ‘interface reviews,’ search launch meetings, privacy council sessions, weekly TGIF all-hands gatherings, and the gatherings of the high command known as Google Product Strategy (GPS) meetings, where projects and initiatives are approved or rejected. I also ate a lot of meals at Andale, the burrito joint in Google’s Building 43" (p. 6).
The inside information Levy obtains, the incredibly detailed operations, the decisions that had/have to be made, the thinking that takes/took place, the numerous and exacting quotations, and all the various and intricate movements of this company are told in a fascinating, even riveting, narrative that keeps your attention from beginning to end.
One personal story here merits comment. In the sixth edition of my college textbook (written with Saundra Hybels), Communicating Effectively (2001), I introduced readers to the AltaVista search engine every time I discussed the use of the Internet as a research tool. At that point, Google was not mentioned at all. It was in my seventh edition (2004), that I made a complete switch from discussing AltaVista—which now had one mention (p. 421) —to Google, which, in my seventh had more than a dozen pages as listed in the index. In the very next edition, my eighth (2007), AltaVista was not discussed (even as an alternative search engine), and Google became so predominant, obvious, and accepted that it was no longer even selected for special mention in the index—and it was a prominent fixture throughout the book. Communicating Effectively, now in its 10th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2012) continues to discuss Google alone when it comes to Internet searches. I have grown as a writer along with Google, and in the essays, books, and speeches I write, I depend on it (almost solely) as my immediate and invaluable research tool.
For me Levy’s book is outstanding for its comprehensiveness and depth. I recommend it highly and without reservation.
In the plex: How Google thinks, works, and shapes our lives can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier)
By Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
http://www.amazon.com/Amen-Solution-Brain-Healthy-Weight/product-reviews/0307463605/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Some reviewers have complained that there is nothing new in this volume when compared with Amen’s previous books, and for regular readers or followers of Dr. Amen, that might be a problem (concern!). I admit that I have not seen him on television; I have read none of his previous books, and in no way at all could I be considered one of his readers or followers; thus, I am reviewing this book as if it is a first-time experience.
As one overriding insight, I have to admit that any book that recommends exercise and eating right—especially one written by an acclaimed medical doctor, much less a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain imaging expert—is all right by me. To motivate our obese (overweight), lazy, Alzheimer’s prone, depressed population will certainly take more than one enlightening book, but any contribution should be heralded and exclaimed. That is especially true when the prescribed plan is based on a brilliant combination of scientific findings, Amen’s original research, clinical experience, and, of course, common sense.
As a second overriding insight, I must admit that one of the reasons I may not have read or seen Dr. Amen is a simple one. I do much of what Amen recommends. I exercise regularly (and heavily); I watch my weight; I eat highly nutritious meals; I do not snack between meals; I do not eat fast food nor junk food; I think positive, reinforcing, encouraging thoughts; and I am constantly concerned about good health (both body and brain). Am I one who needs an Amen Solution? Probably not—at least not as much as the majority of our population (most of whom will not read this book!).
There are ten chapters and 270 pages of text. Then, in addition, there are 8 appendices, references and further reading suggestions, and a complete index. Perhaps the most important theme throughout the book (and supported as well in his previous books) is for people to understand: “ . . . their brain and weight are intricately connected and that if you boost your brain you can have a better body” (p. 2).
There are a number of things I liked about this book. First, it is well-written. Second, it is well-organized. Third, it is practical and to-the-point. Fourth, it is encouraging and motivational. Fifth, each section is short and easy-to-read. Sixth, he includes short sections, “Get Smart to Get Thinner,” that are quotes from advocates that increase the motivation. Seventh, he incorporates great stories throughout that are fun, interesting, and full of attention-getting detail. Eighth, the photographs dispersed in many chapters are helpful and interesting. Ninth, the scientific findings are incorporated gently and without technical jargon. Tenth, Amen talks directly to his readers in a plain, simple, and direct manner.
I am not saying that Amen’s solutions are earth-shattering (“Physical exercise is a powerful brain booster” (p. 189) revelations about which readers have never heard of previously. But he offers great reminders, wonderful, practical exercises and activities, and a comprehensive examination of the whole range of things people can do to boost their brain and body functioning.
I highly recommend this book without hesitation or reservation; however, I think instead of the title, The Amen Solution, it would probably be more accurate to say, Amen Solutions.
The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier) can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Amen-Solution-Brain-Healthy-Weight/product-reviews/0307463605/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Some reviewers have complained that there is nothing new in this volume when compared with Amen’s previous books, and for regular readers or followers of Dr. Amen, that might be a problem (concern!). I admit that I have not seen him on television; I have read none of his previous books, and in no way at all could I be considered one of his readers or followers; thus, I am reviewing this book as if it is a first-time experience.
As one overriding insight, I have to admit that any book that recommends exercise and eating right—especially one written by an acclaimed medical doctor, much less a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain imaging expert—is all right by me. To motivate our obese (overweight), lazy, Alzheimer’s prone, depressed population will certainly take more than one enlightening book, but any contribution should be heralded and exclaimed. That is especially true when the prescribed plan is based on a brilliant combination of scientific findings, Amen’s original research, clinical experience, and, of course, common sense.
As a second overriding insight, I must admit that one of the reasons I may not have read or seen Dr. Amen is a simple one. I do much of what Amen recommends. I exercise regularly (and heavily); I watch my weight; I eat highly nutritious meals; I do not snack between meals; I do not eat fast food nor junk food; I think positive, reinforcing, encouraging thoughts; and I am constantly concerned about good health (both body and brain). Am I one who needs an Amen Solution? Probably not—at least not as much as the majority of our population (most of whom will not read this book!).
There are ten chapters and 270 pages of text. Then, in addition, there are 8 appendices, references and further reading suggestions, and a complete index. Perhaps the most important theme throughout the book (and supported as well in his previous books) is for people to understand: “ . . . their brain and weight are intricately connected and that if you boost your brain you can have a better body” (p. 2).
There are a number of things I liked about this book. First, it is well-written. Second, it is well-organized. Third, it is practical and to-the-point. Fourth, it is encouraging and motivational. Fifth, each section is short and easy-to-read. Sixth, he includes short sections, “Get Smart to Get Thinner,” that are quotes from advocates that increase the motivation. Seventh, he incorporates great stories throughout that are fun, interesting, and full of attention-getting detail. Eighth, the photographs dispersed in many chapters are helpful and interesting. Ninth, the scientific findings are incorporated gently and without technical jargon. Tenth, Amen talks directly to his readers in a plain, simple, and direct manner.
I am not saying that Amen’s solutions are earth-shattering (“Physical exercise is a powerful brain booster” (p. 189) revelations about which readers have never heard of previously. But he offers great reminders, wonderful, practical exercises and activities, and a comprehensive examination of the whole range of things people can do to boost their brain and body functioning.
I highly recommend this book without hesitation or reservation; however, I think instead of the title, The Amen Solution, it would probably be more accurate to say, Amen Solutions.
The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier) can be purchased at Amazon.
Monday, August 6, 2012
101 ways to promote your web site, 8th edition and 19 ways to survive: Small-business strategies for a tough economy
By Susan Sweeney
http://www.amazon.com/101-Ways-Promote-Your-Site/dp/1931644780/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311878960&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a simple, forthright, well-planned, easy-to-follow guide/resource that included not just planning your web site, but designing it to be search engine friendly, ways to keep visitors coming back, permission marketing, spreading the word with viral marketing, how to reveal great content, explanations about landing pages, developing a pay-to-play strategy, email and signature files, autoresponders, consumer-generated media, establishing private mailing lists, developing dynamite links, winning awards, online advertising, maximizing media relations, increasing traffic through online publications, marketing through blogs, social media, facebook, linkedin, twitter, YouTube, video-sharing sites, Flickr, mobile marketing, interactive mapping, the power of partnering, and web traffic analysis.
Why did I go through all the subjects covered in the book? Because it shows the comprehensiveness of the book. This is a truly remarkable book for all that it contains. Also, Sweeney writes in a very comfortable, understandable style. The sections are short and conversational, there are numerous bullet-pointed lists, figures to illustrate topics that are covered, and a minimum amount of technical language and computerese.
For those just starting out, Sweeney’s book offers not just a great introduction, but a resource to refer to over and over again as one continues the process of building and maintenance.
As an author of five popular books with a website to support each of them, I must admit that my son and I have used many of the suggestions Sweeney offers. They are effective and useful. I highly recommend her book for both its clarity and comprehensiveness.
101 ways to promote your web site, 8th edition can be purchased at Amazon.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
By Lynn Spry and Philip Spry
http://www.amazon.com/19-Ways-Survive-Small-business-strategies/dp/1551808919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304380761&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
I found this 163-page book quite similar to 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site by Susan Sweeney for a number of reasons. First, it is simple and to the point. Second, it is well-written and well-organized. Third, there are short sections, numerous bullet-pointed lists, and a great deal of practical advice.
I regret that there are no footnotes, notes, bibliography, or index. There are 20 chapters (averaging 8 pages per chapter) in a 8 1/4" x 10 3/4" format. Chapters cover how to make your business a success, complying with all government rules and regulations, taxes, eliminate the financial obstacles, understand the financial health of your organization, understand your industry to become a leader in your field, ask for support and assistance, take stock of your supplies, focus on your target market, keep your customers and clients happy, motivate you employees, manage your problem employees, document your critical processes to ensure consistent, quality customer service, train your employees to increase sales and improve profitability, turning your store into a showplace, adapt to changing market conditions, compete effectively with big businesses, take advantage of barter opportunities, protecting your business from theft and fraud, enuring that the functions critical to your business are stable, backed up, and insured, and the final chapter (#20), “Now That You Know the ‘Ways,’ Continue to Search for New Opportunities.”
I list the subjects, once again, to help readers know the comprehensiveness of this book.
I enjoyed spry and Spry’s additional sections they scattered throughout the book: “Lifesaver” gave direct advice about things readers should purchase (like a day planner), pay attention to, or do. Sections titled “Warning” keeps readers abreast of things to be cautious about, and sections called “Moneymaker” offers specific ways to bring in new clients and customers or, if they have visited and not purchased anything, ways that will bring them back. “Moneymaker” also offers ways to create new revenue streams.
It should be clear that this is not rocket science. Anyone who is setting up a new business probably knows most of the information in this book (or should), but it is, first, a great starting point with suggestions and reminders, second, an elementary resource book that may offer a few new ideas and can be referred to again and again, and, third, a checklist to make certain that all readers’ bases are covered.
19 ways to survive: Small-business strategies for a tough economy can be purchased at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/101-Ways-Promote-Your-Site/dp/1931644780/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311878960&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a simple, forthright, well-planned, easy-to-follow guide/resource that included not just planning your web site, but designing it to be search engine friendly, ways to keep visitors coming back, permission marketing, spreading the word with viral marketing, how to reveal great content, explanations about landing pages, developing a pay-to-play strategy, email and signature files, autoresponders, consumer-generated media, establishing private mailing lists, developing dynamite links, winning awards, online advertising, maximizing media relations, increasing traffic through online publications, marketing through blogs, social media, facebook, linkedin, twitter, YouTube, video-sharing sites, Flickr, mobile marketing, interactive mapping, the power of partnering, and web traffic analysis.
Why did I go through all the subjects covered in the book? Because it shows the comprehensiveness of the book. This is a truly remarkable book for all that it contains. Also, Sweeney writes in a very comfortable, understandable style. The sections are short and conversational, there are numerous bullet-pointed lists, figures to illustrate topics that are covered, and a minimum amount of technical language and computerese.
For those just starting out, Sweeney’s book offers not just a great introduction, but a resource to refer to over and over again as one continues the process of building and maintenance.
As an author of five popular books with a website to support each of them, I must admit that my son and I have used many of the suggestions Sweeney offers. They are effective and useful. I highly recommend her book for both its clarity and comprehensiveness.
101 ways to promote your web site, 8th edition can be purchased at Amazon.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
By Lynn Spry and Philip Spry
http://www.amazon.com/19-Ways-Survive-Small-business-strategies/dp/1551808919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304380761&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
I found this 163-page book quite similar to 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site by Susan Sweeney for a number of reasons. First, it is simple and to the point. Second, it is well-written and well-organized. Third, there are short sections, numerous bullet-pointed lists, and a great deal of practical advice.
I regret that there are no footnotes, notes, bibliography, or index. There are 20 chapters (averaging 8 pages per chapter) in a 8 1/4" x 10 3/4" format. Chapters cover how to make your business a success, complying with all government rules and regulations, taxes, eliminate the financial obstacles, understand the financial health of your organization, understand your industry to become a leader in your field, ask for support and assistance, take stock of your supplies, focus on your target market, keep your customers and clients happy, motivate you employees, manage your problem employees, document your critical processes to ensure consistent, quality customer service, train your employees to increase sales and improve profitability, turning your store into a showplace, adapt to changing market conditions, compete effectively with big businesses, take advantage of barter opportunities, protecting your business from theft and fraud, enuring that the functions critical to your business are stable, backed up, and insured, and the final chapter (#20), “Now That You Know the ‘Ways,’ Continue to Search for New Opportunities.”
I list the subjects, once again, to help readers know the comprehensiveness of this book.
I enjoyed spry and Spry’s additional sections they scattered throughout the book: “Lifesaver” gave direct advice about things readers should purchase (like a day planner), pay attention to, or do. Sections titled “Warning” keeps readers abreast of things to be cautious about, and sections called “Moneymaker” offers specific ways to bring in new clients and customers or, if they have visited and not purchased anything, ways that will bring them back. “Moneymaker” also offers ways to create new revenue streams.
It should be clear that this is not rocket science. Anyone who is setting up a new business probably knows most of the information in this book (or should), but it is, first, a great starting point with suggestions and reminders, second, an elementary resource book that may offer a few new ideas and can be referred to again and again, and, third, a checklist to make certain that all readers’ bases are covered.
19 ways to survive: Small-business strategies for a tough economy can be purchased at Amazon.
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