family-economics

Excellent book. Highly recommond for any one who would like to know "What is TPS?". As you see in this book one can try to copy a system but to understand and implement the philosophy behind such a system is very very difficult. Once you start reading it you will not put it down till you finish.

I thought the book was as informative as interesting. I learned a lot about Toyota, and management in general. More impressive was the writing I could not put this book down. It was exiting from start to finish.

This book will open your eyes to the unique story of men and machines in Japan, USA and Europe. There are also accurate accounts of the history of the automotive industry in the early days. You will come to realize a new appreciation for the honor and ethics of the Toyoda family and the companies and systems they founded and developed.

In Corporate Games Alan and Damon describe, in detail, the many faces of the corporate players. They have creatively constructed the book outlining 25 different personality types, with each chapter describing a scenario to help the reader better understand, identify, and deal with each one of these personalities. One of the most valuable sections (found in each chapter) are the instructions for interaction, the partners/alliances and the long term effects.

The book uses humor, images and is filled with a wealth of knowledge on this subject. Alan and Damon are obvious experts in this field.

I work in a small 20 person company. In my career, I have worked for multi-thousand person corporations all the way down to my current employeer's size. Maybe it's the current business environment, but never before have the games been so intense at work. If someone isn't trying to stab me in the back, they are kissing up to the boss or attempting to make another employee look bad in some way. It's a vicious place.

After reading Corporate Games, I feel in control of my situation with a thorough understanding of these players wrecking havoc on my day. The book has small humerous chapters that really depict today's business environment. At the end of each chapter there are several sections designed to assist a reader in resolving and avoiding issues with these game players. This book has become my reference to uncovering and working with these individuals.

Don't wait until you are totally frustrated to get help. Get this book and read it now! Stop the madness at work and put a little brightness in your day.

My workplace is full of games. Every day I wake up and dread going to work and feel totally frustrated at the end of the day. After reading Corporate Games, I am finally understanding some of these personalities who are causing my pain at work and learning to avoid many of the situations which left me feeling helpless.

I recommend this book to anyone in business. It has become my guide to uncovering personality difficulties at work.

DaddyBank: How to Teach Your Child to Handle Money & Avoid Its Pitfalls by Gregory K. Brough (father of three and experienced financial consultant) is an impressively "parental friendly" and highly recommended guide written especially to help fathers and mothers to educate their children about fiscal responsibility. In a world where credit card companies encourage excessive spending and hefty interest payments, where inflation goes ever up, and the stock market is as trustworthy as quicksand, young people need now more than ever to learn smart money tactics ranging from the simple process of spending less than one earns, to comprehending how compound interest and financial investment returns work.

DaddyBank was easy to read, outlining simple steps to take in sharing the world of finances with children. As an expectant mother, I found this book helpful in preparing me to teach my children the fundamentals of understanding budgeting and intelligently spending and investing money. Not only that, but it taught me ways to change my own budgeting as well. I wish my parents had this book when I was growing up!

I really enjoyed this book since it presented great ideas to teaching children about managing finances in a very simple and easy to follow way. Not only does the book provide ways to teach children, but it also taught me the importance of getting my financial condition in order. So as I implement the ideas of DaddyBank with my family, I'm also working to get out of debt and exercising the self discipline needed to ensure a better financial future for all of us.

Networking is a buzzword-and a technique-of the times. As the world shrinks, through improved communication and speed, the more people you know, the stronger you are. You have greater strength to get things accomplished when you "know someone" who can help you down the path. "Six degrees of separation" has become a mantra for some.

John Bennett, a Certified Management Consultant, has put together an easy-to-read-and use-handbook of networking. There's a technique on each page. Simple, direct, not pages of wasted words. Most of the content seems like common sense, though as Voltaire told us, "common sense is uncommon." There is no table of contents, no index, no appendices. Just page after page of things you ought to know, but might have forgotten. It's a good reminder for everyone involved in networking . . . and we all are.

On most pages, the author also provides us with a box entitled "It works." These sidebars are quotes from a wide range of people who, in short statement, validate the value of networking to them. There is no connection between the technique presented on each page and the quote printed on the same page. It's like reading two books at once, a bit disconcerting, but interesting as well. The quotes offer a glimpse into the thoughts of others and provide a list of some of John Bennett's networking contacts. Nice way to honor your friends, colleagues, and clients.

This book would be a good gift for that new graduate or for a protégé as you start a mentoring relationship.

The principles of business networking in an easy-read and understandable format.

If you depend on relationships to generate business for yourself or your company (and who doesn't?!) this book is for you. It includes examples of successful networking activities (including personal stories from professionals) as well as proven action items suitable for the novice or the experienced networker. Highly recommended.

The author managed to clearly and simply explain complicated financial concepts AND keep it fun and interesting for kids -- not an easy task! Topics such as saving, investing, credit, interest, reading stock quotes, history of money, etc are covered in depth. I learned quite a few things myself -- most adult personal finance books should be this easy to understand! The book has lots of games, puzzles and activities as well as some really interesting money trivia. This is a great resource for both the classroom and home.

This book is the best of all possible worlds--fun, factual,practical, and completely appealing to kids. It contains importantinformation on what could easily be a dull subject and presents it in interesting and clear text, accessible to kids of all ages. A really terrific book.

My fourth grader is reading this book, and I borrowed it to stay ahead of him. Everything you ever wanted to know is in here-- even things you didn't know you wanted to know (like why we have piggy banks.) Tough concepts like the Federal Reserve are explained in kid-friendly language, and the book is packed with riddles and games. Great for a classroom, fun to read, fast-paced, yet thorough. Highly recommended.

When it comes to home repairs, I am all thumbs. I've had leaky faucets and toilets for years. Patching drywall, fixing locks, and replacing glass in windows used to require a call for professional help. Until I bought this book. It contains easy to follow, step by step directions with terrific pictures. I've saved hundreds of dollars since purchasing it. Simply terrific!

I'm on my fourth copy of this book. Mine tend to vanish like the morning dew juat as my neighbors begin their spring garage cleanup. . . My bro-in-law has one as well, but he insists that the fact that my name is written in indelible SHARPIE marker on the front is just a tribute to me and my helpful nature. . . This book has more helpful hints in introduction than most do in the first 5 chapters. And it just goes on and aon and on!

With actual real life applications for stuff you'll find lying around your garage (from old buckets to wire to old useless hose), this book is a true boon for anyone looking to clean up their act (and their garage) and make the time they have to spend on projects less of a fight to just keep the cords straight!

I highly recommend this book for anyone that knows they own at least 4 tape measures, but can't find one to save their lives!

Well worth the cost, and as well constructed as the book is, it will last a lifetime!

I recieved my first Readers Digest Helpful Hints five years ago.

I was so impressed, I got copies for my two sons and son-in-law.

It is something I would not want to be without.

It really does have helpful hints found nowhere else.

I thank you for Readers Digest Helpful Hints.

Sam Mallett

Kathy has a wonderful writing style which begs you to keep on reading. Her suggestions are 'doable' and inspire you to get started immediately. For stay-at-home Moms, Kathy adds to your self-esteem. As a working Mom, whose been 'on the other side,' it made me feel a bit guilty (she's got a book for working moms too, though!)

I especially love how Kathy doesn't claim Martha Stewartitis: she recognizes her weaknesses (cooking) and realizes that NOBODY can do it all. A great read for busy mothers of all walks of life.

I felt completely inspired and renewed after reading just the first few pages of Kathy's book. She redefines the role of "homemaker" and gives women (and men) who run their homes the recognition they have always deserved by giving them a more legitimate title-Family Manager-and by breaking down the job of family manager into manageable departments like Home & Property, Food, and Family & Friends. She puts into words what I have felt all along but didn't quite know how to phrase. Her book is a great way to get yourself organized and motivated to be the best family manager you can be.

This is a terrific resource for those who are in charge of the home. Kathy Peel has great ideas and suggestions for home management including finances, cooking, entertaining, home organization. This is not one of those home organization books whose suggestions are so detailed that the average person would never follow through with them! It is great!

This book provides a comprehensive look at Henry Ford's life that is both entertaining and educational. It covers basically everything, his personal affairs, all the little side ventures he took part in in addition to his car company, even relationships with other notable people of his time, namely Thomas Edison, Dodge brothers, etc. It is overall an interesting read and at times I find it quite humorous. Highly recommended.

"Ford: The Men and the Machine" is the most definitive and complete book about the life and happenings of automotive's greatest man, Henry Ford. His accomplishments as cited cannot compare to any other single figure in automobile history (or even business itself).

The book is nothing short of epic: over 800 pages and 36 chapters, plus appendices. It starts off with the author's assessment of Ford's total contribution to life, starting at Dearborn Michigan in 1831. The details are all-inclusive and mind boggling, right down to Henry's Sister's comments about his early days repairing watches. The book moves slowly and steadily through Part One, "The Rise of Henry Ford" to Parts Two and Three, "Glory Days" and "Grass-Roots Hero." Here the reader is given the unbiased account of even the thoughts of young Henry, and how he became so fascinated with what was then the latest thing: the gasoline engine, which he saw in 1877 from a trip to Machinery Hall in Philadelphia. We are given the full story behind Ford's rise to power over other prominent automotive men of his time, such as the Duryea and the Dodge Bros., and particularly Henry Selden. I found it exciting to read about how Ford didn't give in to a greedy, money-hungry individual like Selden who had no real engineering talent, but wanted only to rake in the royalties from his so-called gasoline engine that he patented in 1895 (it didn't even work as illustrated in his diagram, and Selden didn't even have a working model in an automobile until 1904--it went five yards and died!). Ford held out through more than 10 years of court battles over the legal implications of the Selden patent, and won. After that, there was no doubt that Ford had firmly established himself as a "man for the people." The victory over the Selden patent allowed ALL automobile manufacturers to keep their prices affordable.

Part Four, "Henry and Edsel" describes the business relationship with his firstborn son, and their occasional public disputes over company policies and overall business strategies. Henry bitterly opposed automoible financing, for example, but Edsel was all for it. Edsel was right, too, it was the only way to sell cars to lower-income buyers. Of course, the whole story behind the biggest flop in automotive history, the Edsel car itself, is revealed. What happened? How much money was lost? What were the shortcomings of the Edsel that ultimately was its demise? "...The Men and the Machine" will tell you, without room for doubts.

In fact, as part of the research I'm doing for an automotive book of my own, I noticed at least three other authors in my bibliography that referenced this same book, perhaps Lacey's greatest achievement.

Parts 5 and 6, "Henry II" and "Henry and Lee" gradually move more away from the business side of the Ford Machine--but not altogether away--and gradually reveal personal aspects of later Ford generations and their family relationships. Discussed are the development and marketing plans of the Mustang and Pinto which, ironically, were diametrically opposed to each other as complete success and utter failure.

This book is worth double the money. Sometimes I am amazed at the length Lacey went to get his sources, over 50 pages of specific and varied references. I feel fortunate to have a copy that is in good shape. Every time I open the pages, I learn something new. Each page informs, educates and increases depth of thinking, in that sometimes what appears to be a single invention is only a hub to other spokes of development. "...the men and the Machine" actually helps me to think better overall. I can then apply the underlying techniques to all situations in life; consider that one thing leads to another, and if this happens, then it will affect that and that, and so on. If you have even the slightest interest in automotive development, automobile history, American Culture or the person of Henry Ford himself, do not be without this book. Buy it today. My highest recommendation for all readers over 14 (reading level).

For those who want the dish on one of the most dominant yet dysfunctional American family businesses, Robert Lacey's profile of the Ford Motor Company is a must. It's plot is pure Movie-Of-The-Week - a country boy inspired to build a cheap car for the masses, accrues wealth and fame, then has to deal with the giant he created. His lone son, the second generation gives his life for the company, a casualty of the tug of war between a patriarch and his ego. Just as the company is about to crash in corruption and incompetence, the grandson, Henry II enters and saves the day, building the infrastructure of a modern corporation. But, eventually Henry's hat changes from white to shades of grey - the pitfalls of arrogance from never ending riches and successes. It's 650 pages of American history and soap opera, and it was so interesting it could have been longer. A great book for those who appreciate American motoring history. - Leila Dunbar, Mobilia.com

I purchased this book quite a few years ago and I am still using it today. In fact, my daughter is getting married and I am getting her this book so she will be as organized as her mother! It was so easy to organize everything and I can find what I am looking for in an instant. This book tells you what catagory to file your document, when to save in archives and when something can be tossed away. I wish that I could give this book ****** !

The system you wrote is fantastic. I have been rifeing through drawers, boxes, and paper for years. I really didn't think there was a way. But there is. Thank you very much, Mary Martin. I really didn't think it was possible.

I wish I had gotten this book sooner. I have always been a slave to the paper tiger. The thing I like about this method is that it not only showed me what is important to hold on to and where to speciffically file things....but it also shows what NOT to keep and WHEN to throw it away. It sounds simple and IT IS! Thank you to the Martins for a great system.

This is a wonderful book. My wife and I have used it so much it has worn pages. All of the hints we have tried, are great.
We had a riotous laughter session, when we tried one of the hints. It is under: Planning Pet Care / Keeping Cats and Dogs / Adapting Your Home / Discouraging digging, on page 52. It suggests using cinnamon sticks in potted plants to discourage cats or dogs from digging in the pots. We bought some cinnamon sticks to try this. As I was opening the container, my cat, MoJo, jumped into my lap to check it out, and I expected him to run away. The cinnamon stick is now his favorite chew toy.

You can find the solution fast in this book. It is well-indexed, and the pages are laid out well with photos and related tips. Space is at a premium for me, so it helps that this valuable tome is only 1/2-inch thick.

I used my book today to learn how to refresh some stale bread. The book had a separate hint for crackers. Elsewhere it suggested adding a pinch of salt to ground coffee to reduce bitterness - who knew!

This is a great book. I refer to it almost weekly to help with household "problems". These problems become obsolete after following the tips in this book. A great gift idea!