Balance

At a time when I've been wondering what really matters in life, here comes a book filled with advice from legendary women who really know. I loved reading what Jane Goodall, Cokie Roberts, Frances McDormand and all of those other incredible women had to say. This book convinced me to do what matters most to me -- not to everybody else -- and it literally walked me through the process of change so it won't be so daunting. It made me feel anything is possible, and hit on all of my "hot" issues, including my fear of risk, failure and obstacles. More than anything, Hard Won Wisdom showed me how to feel good about who I am. I'm buying it for all of my friends for Christmas because this is absolutely the best book I've read in a long, long time.

The perfect read for anyone reconsidering what they're doing with their life these days, especially as we're all reminded just how precious each day can be. The wise words from these women are both inspiring and comforting. This book was written long before the attacks, but it's message of "live while you're alive" is so appropriate now. It's nice to know even the most accomplished women have the same frailties and insecurities as the rest of us. It's even better to know none of that should hold us back.

A book every woman needs, especially if your journey is personal power development. It's not just the interviews that empower and connect us it's the authors thoughts which make this SUCH A GREAT BOOK.

This book is BEAUTIFUL from the illustrations to the text to the spiritual journey Michael takes you on. The ancient wisdom in this book will ring true to every human who reads it - no matter where you are from. I love the Native Americian teachings, and this is one of the best examples I have read.

This is a wonderful book - the lessons, the stories, the exercises, all are superb. Through these different avenues/activities Michael Garrett really conveys not only native american rituals (what, how) but also such deep meaning and connection with mother earth (why). Its a fun book to read, very open and honest style that becomes a real page turner. I love the opening poems to the different chapters that set the stage. Here's the oe for the chapter entitled The Rule of Opposites: "The good road and the road of difficulties; you have made me cross; and where they cross, the place is holy." There are wonderful drawings throughout the book as well. This is definitely one of those books that you read and you think about life in its purest sense. The exercises at the end of each chapter give you good real-world things to do to really understand the teaching. I love it!! Highly recommended!

I began my American Indian roots exploration with this book. It is a wonderful book that teaches the interconnection of everything in life. Definitely a good read - I bought it so that I may refer back from time to time.

George Eckes has followed his Six Sigma Revolution with a clear, insightful look at how to take the successes from Six Sigma training into the entire company. The culture of the company and the attitudes of the managers are what ultimately cause any performance initiative to falter, no matter how invested the participants are in the process.

Resistance to change is inevitable, Making Six Sigma Last accepts that fact and shows the reader how to overcome the resistance and win over the resisters. The method of addressing objections on a point-by-point basis with responses was particularly helpful. Most members of Six Sigma teams will recognize these objections from coworkers or supervisors.

Humorous and full of interesting examples drawn from his experiences as a consultant and lecturer, his book is the next best thing to hearing him speak!

Organizations that are serious about being world-class will discover a vital component to their quality initiative in Making Six Sigma Last. George Eckes expertly and courageously tackles the difficult task of getting into the heads of those whose cooperation is essential to a successful quality effort. As he so aptly discussed in The Six Sigma Revolution, any change effort is sure to be met with resistance because of the "cultural" mind-set of those affected. In his simple but powerful formula, Q x A = E, George pinpoints the "A", or the cultural Acceptance of the tactical & strategic elements of Six Sigma as the oft neglected link between the Quality of these elements and the Excellence of the overall results.

In Making Six Sigma Last, Eckes provides tools to help create an awareness of the need for a Six Sigma culture (based on threats and opportunities), identifies the four types of resistance and specific steps that can be taken to overcome them, explains how to mold the vision of a Six Sigma culture, and provides specific tools that can be used to measure the culture of your organization. George also offers experienced guidance in how to change job structures in your organization in ways that can compound your Six Sigma success.

Your time will be well-invested reading Making Six Sigma Last. It is benchmark work. You will be challenged, informed, encouraged, entertained, and very possibly taken to the next level in your pursuit of never-ending improvement.

There are several outstanding books on the general subject of Six Sigma and Eckes has written two of the best. Previously in The Six Sigma Revolution, he examined major corporations such as Motorola and GE in which Six Sigma programs really did create revolutions which continue as I compose this review. These are properly acclaimed successes. Of course, little (if any) attention has as yet been devoted to those organizations which initiated and then later abandoned Six Sigma programs. The reasons for doing so vary, of course, but most can be classified within two categories of resistance to change: cultural and technical. As O'Toole brilliantly explains in Leading Change, it is a formidable task to overcome what he characterizes as "the ideology of comfort and the tyranny of custom." In this volume, Eckes suggests all manner of strategies and tactics by which to overcome resistance and then sustain Six Sigma programs, once launched. Correctly, he stresses the importance to an organization of achieving a "balance" between its culture and its technology. Moreover, at a time when change is (literally) the only constant and occurring at an ever-increasing velocity, its is also a formidable challenge to maintain the proper balance of the two. For many years, I believed that most people fear change. I no longer believe that. Rather, I have become convinced that most people fear the unfamiliar. Hence the importance of constant and effective communication between and among everyone involved. Eckes suggests that this book will show his reader how to "Create the need for Six Sigma" but, in fact, the need probably exists already so there is a need to help everyone recognize that need and appreciate the importance of responding to it. Therefore, Eckes also shows his reader how to "Shape a vision of Six Sigma so that employees understand the desired results and new behaviors of a Six Sigma organization." Also, he shows the reader how to "Mobilize commitment to Six Sigma and overcome resistance" which is inevitable. Only then can any organization change its systems and structures "to support the new Six Sigma culture." Next: "Measure Six Sigma cultural acceptance" and "Develop Six Sigma leadership." All of these components are absolutely essential, difficult to integrate, and even more difficult to sustain in appropriate balance. In this volume, Eckes explains how and he does so with precision and eloquence.

In recent years, I have become more involved in Six Sigma or process improvement programs which vary somewhat in terms of their design and scope but all of which encountered several of the "pitfalls" which Eckes discusses in Chapter 8:

1. Feeling obligated to achieve quick success

2. Clogging up agendas with competing distractions

3. Having unrealistic time frames

4. Ignoring previous quality efforts

5. Conducting poor Six Sigma cultural planning and follow-through

6. Delegating (i.e. dumping) cultural development or seeing it as a one-time event

7. Not having appropriate cultural goals or objectives

8. Not allowing for unexpected interruptions

9. Allowing false or cosmetic positive readings to suggest authentic cultural transformation has been achieved

10. Underestimating resource allocation

Of course, whether or not involved with Six Sigma initiatives, any organization can experience some or even all of these "pitfalls." In this book, Eckes offers sound, street-smart advice on how to avoid them. Time and again, he places great emphasis on the importance of cultural values by which everyone involved in a Six Sigma can be guided and, when under duress, sustained. Herb Kelleher has this in mind whenever he explains what Southwest Airlines competitive advantage is: "Maintaining excellent customer service involves a process of getting people to understand the importance of it to them in their daily lives as well as in others'. We were a little concerned as we go bigger that maybe some of our early culture might be lost so we set up a culture committee whose only purpose is to keep the Southwest Airlines culture alive. Before people knew how to make fire, there was a fire watcher. Cave dwellers may have found a tree hit by lightning and brought fire back to the cave. Somebody had to make sure it kept going because if it went out, there would be serious problems. That cave dweller was the most important person in the tribe. I said to our culture committee, 'You are our fire watchers, who make sure the fire does not go out. I think you are the most important committee at Southwest Airlines.' I really do believe that to be the case." This is precisely what Eckes means by "culture" in this book. For everyone in any organization already embarked on a Six Sigma program or now considering one, this is a "must read."

I first heard about the so-called Mediterranean diet from my doctor, who suggested I try this way of eating to lower my cholesterol and lose weight. I found this book to be well written and easy for the lay person to follow. I am happy to report that after only 8 weeks of following the food principles suggested, I lost 14 pounds without effort, and my "bad" cholesterol dropped 30 points and total cholesterol dropped 35 points. I am very happy with these results. I despise traditional low fat diets and don't think that I could stick with one of them over the long haul. However, this diet is very different because it includes healthy fats and oils. For the first time I have hope that I can follow a healthy food plan for life without feeling deprived. My results are proof that one can lose weight and lower cholesterol while eating healthy fats. After about the third week on this food plan, I also experienced a big improvement in my mood; the effects of a healthy fat diet upon the brain were explained in the text as one of the many other "benefits" of the Mediteranean food plan. This is the first time I have tried a diet and actually felt happier on it than before!

Dr. Artemis Simopoulos and Jo Robinson have written a straightfoward and inspiring book about simple guidelines that produce wonderful health benefits. I have been able to stick happily to their dietary recommendations, because the diet is not only satisfying but has improved my energy and moood. The recipes are simple to prepare and always good, and the shopping advice is helpful and practical. I have been able to lose unwanted weight and mimimize some of my chronic problems, such as chronic fatigue and PMS. Although I've read about the importance of food diaries before, I could never quite bring myself to keep one. But, the way it was presented in this book, with the sample page, led me to give it a try and that has been unexpectedly helpful in determining the best foods for me. The greatest benefit of using the book's ideas on a daily basis, however, is that I feel happier to feel healthier and experience an even mood. I am very grateful to the authors and recommend this book to anyone seeking balanced health painlessly and naturally.

I lowered my cholesterol by almost 30 points in just one month by following the dietary guidelines set forth in this informative book! This book is well-written, using scientific data to back up its claims. Plus the recipes are easy to make, using easy-to-find ingredients, and are delicious as well! This book has completely transformed my eating habits for the better - I feel better, am healthier, and even enjoy cooking (something that has always been such a chore in the past). Thank you, Ms. Simopoulos!!!

Jethri Gobelyn is the son of a Terran trading ship, 'Gobelyns Market'. Inadvertently he gets caught up in a matter of Liaden honor and find himself transferred to the 'Elthoria' as Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin's new apprentice - and the first Terran ever apprenticed to a Liaden trader.

This is an enjoyable new installment in the Liaden Universe stories. It is a change of pace from the previous novels and does not have love matching as the center story. Instead we are taken on a very interesting trip through Liaden and Terran trade methods and customs. This coming-of-age story seems to be set earlier than all the other previous novels and does not feature any of those characters, or even any of the Korval Clan.

In short, this is a very good introductory novel for those wanting to see what the Liaden stories are like and it is suitable for younger readers at well. It is a welcome change of theme that expands what we know about the worlds the Liads and Terrans live in and is a very good read.

I won't pretend I wasn't hooked so many years ago when I first started reading Lee/Miller's Liad books. I was one of those who waited loyally and patiently for the series to continue. They're great Space Opera. Those earlier books had minor flaws, though, which kept me from being quite as enthusiastic as L/M's other fans. With Balance of Trade, I've joined the ranks.

I knew I'd really enjoy this book when I read the language used by the occupants of the human ship. It was a pleasure to finally see L/M hit their stride on this, since in their past novels human speech has been as subtle as a sledgehammer, with the result that all humans sounded like ham handed and stupid yokels. (To me, this was one of the major flaws of earlier Liad novels). Not so this time. All of sudden, their speech flows, with little humorous quirks and rough eloquence (sic?). And, of course, that makes the story flow better, too. Also, (again with the speech patterns), the Liaden's speech in anything other than their own language is quirky too, making you grin a little as you read it. It makes them a little more real and accessible.

The story is just great, with a young man, who is inexperienced but NOT stupid (and how nice THAT is), gaining that experience under the wings of some pretty interesting people.

L/M have come up with a Space Opera with grit and humor and human insight. I'd like to see them keep to this fast and fascinating pace.

Balance of Trade embodies the kind of thematic literature I most enjoy: the youth who develops his/her concept of honor and personal abilities of skill through adversity. I especially find the concept of "melant'i" invigorating. Would but we all follow such a code! The Liaden novels are a must read, and this one fits in quite well as a prequel.

After reading Balance Point, I find myself torn between stating "One Hell of a story!" and "One Hell of a warning!" This is a truly spell-binding adventure tale with an incredibly important message. Usually, I find such books to be lacking in either entertainment value or in proper research. That is not the case with Balance Point. Joe's characters are as real as my next-door neighbor, and his premise is quite plausible. All considered, I find Balance Point to be the best book I've read this year. I hope Joe will crank out another book soon.

Once in a while, a book comes along at just the right time. This is how Balance Point affected me. I had long felt a conflict between the material and the spiritual realities. I'd continuously oscillate between the two, all-or-nothing style. Joseph Jenkins' new book showed me that my conflict was both misplaced and unnecessary. A better approach is to find one's "balance point." Better written than The Celestine Prophecy, the message here is at least as important. Jenkins takes his readers on an entertaining worldwide voyage of personal discovery ... and tells us how to save the planet while we're at it. Fun to read with exotic (but convincing) settings and characters, this excellent first novel is inspiring at the same time. Oh, and for anyone who still needs to know the difference between religion and spirituality, several passages in Chapter 24 define the differences with lucidity.

Every once in a while, a book comes along that earns a "front and center" spot in my library. This is one such book.

One of the hardest things we, as human beings, have to do is to face the man in the mirror. Too many of us have been successfully avoiding it for years. Balance Point makes continuing to do so very difficult. While some may be surprised at the theories presented, one would also be hard pressed to deny the facts behind them.

The message this book sends to the world is not new - we're in trouble and running out of time - but rarely have I seen someone hit the mark so precisely when it comes to characterizing and illustrating the responsibility of the human race for our present dilemmas. The only thing sadder than the fact that we are like a cancer killing it's host [the earth] is that continuing to ignore our mirrors will be our ultimate demise.

Balance Point is a fascinating, eye-opening, educating RED FLAG that should be required reading in junior and high school curriculums world-wide.

I am not a Feng Shui Expert, nor did I have any interest in Feng Shui. However, I was at a party over the weekend and noticed this book on the hostesses coffee table and the title intrigued me. I picked it up and began leafing through it. I did not realize that I had spent over an hour off in the corner to myself going through this book until my wife came to retrieve me.

I went out the next morning and bought a copy of the book for myself.

I had always thought Feng Shui was a complex subject and very difficult to understand. I never gave it my credence as I was under the impression that I would have to hire some bohemian woman to come into my home wearing fluffy skirts and spraying incents to get my home into balance. I was mistaken. Just from looking at the back cover of the book and seeing a picture of the Author, I realized my impressions were mistaken.

I found this book very easy to follow, written in simple terms to explain things that were out of my expertise. I enjoyed walking around my home after reading the sections and looking hard at the placement and balance of my home and thinking of ways to improve upon what I already had. I appreciated the author's perspective that I could use what I already had and enhance, altar or decrease as opposed to completely redoing.

Another plus I found with this book was the author's web page and a link to speak/e-mail directly with a professional on the subject for additional questions I had.

I will now keep this book "Back to Balance" on my coffee table for future parties at my home.

- Howard

This easy-to-read non-fiction is hard to put down. Ms. Fretwell takes a subject that is fascinating to me and puts it into a perspective that I can use in my own life, and in my work as a Realtor. There is such truth and insight into her work. In a very few words she is able to convey large and confusing concepts about feng shui and personality types that come together and have great meaning. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make improvements in their quality of life.

I have lived my life by the Feng Shui practices for many years and frequently pick up new books to explore other avenues of my fascinating art.

I found Back to Balance on Amazon and was impressed by what I saw on the web page and ordered the book. I was throughly impressed with the author's interpretation and descriptions throughout the book and feel that the author has a very good sense of Feng Shui and can explain it to the layperson in simple to understand terms.

I found this book to be right on the mark.

Thank You,

Jenny

Living Your Best Life is a "what-to" manual for building a life that not only feels right but is supported by a solid foundation.
Laura Berman Fortgang has provided all the required tools to escavate the raw materials, that are within all of us, to create a meaningful and productive life. Her book is the perfect guide to finding your own personal wisdom and is full of self-directed exercises to design your best life (worth buying just for the appendix). Laura Berman Fortgang is the real deal. She knows from where she speaks. Her book has had a profound and lasting impact on my life and the people who I care about. What is your dream?

"Living Your Best Life" is a practical guide on discovering what you want while presenting the skills it will take to get it. The foundation of the book is the belief that each person has their own innate wisdom that can be used as a resource. Once you have tapped into that resource, a change in attitute and perspective can help you create the life your wise self desires.

I purchased this book as an informational companion to my role as a coaching client. As someone in the midst of many personal and professional decisions, I found the client success examples illustrating each idea to be energizing and inspiring. Fortgang's perspective is a breath of fresh air in a world that tells you to push for your goals. Fortgang supports allowing your innate wisdom to pull you toward your passion and purpose.

"Living Your Best Life" is not about making lists, or even making plans. It is about knowing what you really want in life, instead of what you think you can have. It is about being who you are so you can do what you are meant to do in order to live your best life.

The chapter on "defining" and "expanding" beliefs is worth the price of admission. So many people I work with as a coach have such definite beliefs about who they are, how they need to do things, and whether they can or can't accomplish something. Fortgang shows us how to move through those limiting mindsets and create new, more expansive thinking that is filled with hope and possibility. The simple act of changing one entrenched belief about something can, and will, create incredible break-through results.

As a women that has been through Menopause Peri Menopause.I was so naive to think this regiment of estrogen and progestins would help me."Wrong they almost killed me.The doctors of course said it was all In my head.I went from one doctor to another.Took every test there was only to find out what I already knew. HRT kills Women.I was well on my way I had every symptom.Headaches,Body aches, Legs got so bad I could hardly walk.Heart palpatations, Edema fluid in body,I searched for a natural way to help my self.I found one doing my own research for 2 years.Progesterone Cream. But It had to be the right one. Do not take HRT. Research for your self ask questions.Read books about HRT and what It does to you. This book Lies to all Women."Hrt Kills Women" I have had 6 friends also 2 relatives who died of some form of cancer In their early fortys or fiftys who took HRT" Do not listen to this Dr he gets paid to peddle pills to women" They all get paid to kill us with HRT" From someone who knows and has been through the whole HRT treatment every pill out there.Doctors only have so many days of medical school to study women and menopause.Then they write a book like this for us to read.Look younger,Stronger,"Give HRT to all male DR's"

This is an amazing book. After going to God knows how many Doctor's and being prescribed Prozac and birth control pills (with horrible side effects!!) this book was a God send. It described all of the symptoms I have been having for the past several years which have only been getting worse and excellent information on how to treat them. I have finally found another Doctor who practices Natural Hormone REplacement and hopefully she will be more compassionate (now the hard part now is getting an appointment early enough). I would recommend all women who are constantly being told that all their tests are coming out "normal" therefore your misery is all in your head to please, please, please, read this book. It is a lifesaver!!

Finally!! After exhausting searches through books and the internet comes a valuable, easy to read book on women's hormones! Every young woman should have the opportunity to be informed of hormones.(Hormone loss starts in our late 20's & early 30's!) We are so programmed to "just deal with" so many female hormonal issues. We are under the guise that we have to stop having periods or have hot flashes before we can benefit from hormones! Oh how wrong! This book makes you feel empowered and SAFE! A priceless education. Every Doctor and woman should read this. I can't wait to get started on Dr. Weiss'recomendations. I now have hope!

I received James Ray's book for Christmas, two years ago. Since that time it has become a trusted friend. It has changed my life. I have read self-help books for over 40 years. This one has done more for me than all the others put together. It is simple to understand but contains all the great truths in a systematic plan that anyone can understand. James has written it in a clear, concise, logical manner. His understanding and grasp of the success fundamentals gives you the ability to see and believe it will work for you. It will do wonders for you. Get the book and let it do its magic.

James Ray has written a very concise, easy to follow and implement "how-to" on making positive changes in your life. Truth is universal, and James explains it in easy to read terms that really allowed me to quickly put into play the laws of success. These are the laws EVERYONE follows to be successful whether they are aware of it or not, and by breaking down what could be overwhelming, into 7 basic laws and explaining how and why each work, I was able to attract success to me faster than I could ever have imagined. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to accelerate their growth both personally and professionally.

James Ray writes beautifully. It's a joy to spring into action! I'm SO glad I'm taking the opportunity to discover why I would bother to spring into action and the most efficient ways to spring into action. James, thanks for your book.