Z Books

Futuristic Leadership A-Z
Ever since I had read the book, 'G-Forces: The 35 Global Forces Restructuring Our Future' by Frank Feather during the early nineties, I had been impressed by the work of this author.

What I liked most about this wonderful book was the author's ingenuity of using the alphabet system to illustrate twenty six key action steps to help one prepare for the future. 'To prepare' means to 'see' & 'map' the future.

I may not have agreed with his selection: for example, instead of 'Justify' & 'Uplift' I would have preferred 'Juxtapose' & 'Understand', which make more sense, if one is ready to anticipate the future. Nevertheless, I had found all the author's illustrations of the twenty six action steps to be highly illuminating & personally meaningful.

I reckon, the best way for readers to get a glimpse of the intellectual relevancy, is for me to take the liberty of reproducing the author's preface of the book here:

"Futuristic leaders ACHIEVE results because they truly BELIEVE a different future is possible. They CHANGE their own and their organiza­tion's behavior, habits, and culture, in order to obtain their collective DREAM.

Futuristic leaders fully EXPECT to reach their goal -- and also fully "expect the unexpected" along the way -- because they unswervingly FOCUS on that goal.

Aware that reaching the future requires that they and their organizations GROW -- both mentally and spiritually -- futuristic leaders HEAR things: they listen intently for clues and pieces of vital information that will guide them in that growth.

Futuristic leaders vividly IMAGINE what the future will be like, what needs to change to get there, and how the charted course might need to vary along the route.

They JUSTIFY their mission, not only based on profitable returns, but in the proper ethics and values that will bring it to fruition.

Futuristic leaders KNOW both what they know and what they don't know, and what more they and their teams will still need to know in the future. They const­antly LEARN, day by day, decision by decision, as they move forward.

Futuristic leaders MOTIVATE themselves, and inspire those around them to do the same, to adventurously NAVIGATE previously uncharted territory. They ORGANIZE and optimize every available capacity and resource to help them PERSEVERE until every part of the mission is accomplished.

Futuristic leaders always QUESTION their advisors, their information, and themselves. Then they can best RESPOND to challenges and opport­unities in ways that STRATEGIZE the most responsible and best possible future outcomes.

Futuristic leaders TEACH everything they know to the highest-qualified teams of individuals. They UPLIFT them to VISUALIZE and drive towards their collective future.

As well, in today's "webolutionary" Internet Age, futuristic leaders encourage their teams to literally WEBIFY their organizations into value-creating networks, or "biznets."

Futuristic leaders also XEROGRAPH themselves: they "clone" or duplicate their own abilities and processes in others, to ensure ongoing growth and continuity through yet another generation of futuristic leaders.

Finally, futuristic leaders repeatedly YIELD consistent and spectacular results, and ZOOM their organizations speedily to ever-succeeding peaks of success."

I am always fascinated by the subject of futuristic leadership, especially at the personal level.

To explore, anticipate & prepare for your future, this book is a really good field guide. There are only twenty six steps, but you have to put them to work.

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Every once in a while a book comes along that presents a subject in a completely new way that takes the topic to a new level. This is such a book.
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The material is so simply structured that any serious student of management will immediately view leadership in a different way than before. Rather than trotting out well-worn leadership traits, the author looks at leadership through a futuristic lens. He explains how leadership in uncertain times demands new action-oriented characteristics that constantly focus on the future.
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While some might think the A-Z treatment of the 26 characteristics to be a tad corny, the chosen 26 verbs flow naturally and are treated brilliantly. He redefines each of the 26 words, explaining in a few cryptic sentences exactly what they do and don't mean for furturistic leadership. Then he presents a page full of quotes from world-recognized leaders and spells out the basic principle of the particular word under review. Each word is then examined in detail by referring to exemplars of that word (either well-known individuals or organizations) and describes how the characteristic should be applied.
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All of this is accomplished astonishingly well in only 4 pages per word, and concludes with provocative questions to ask yourself about this verb. The author concludes by recommending that you "take one verb daily" by reading up on it before you start your daily routine.
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All in all, this is a truly remarkable little book which will have a big impact on all who read it.
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Psychologists tell us that most people either believe that the future is out of their control . . . or that they can make a positive future occur. I've seen that division in practice at a college reunion where half of a group sat around waiting for someone to save them while the others were out figuring out how to save the world. That's fine as far as it goes, but what about people who want to go from passive to active. What can they do?

My suggestion is that they get a copy of Futuristic Leadership A-Z and begin studying the 26 verb lessons in this book. With enough repetition, I think many people will find themselves understanding the frame of mind that creates positive results due to intention and action. Think of Futuristic Leadership as a more practical version of that classic, Think and Grow Rich, that has guided so many people.

Frank Feather picks up on the famous Peter Drucker quote in his introduction:

"You can't manage change. You can only be ahead of it." Feather's comment is that "You can only manage 'what hasn't happened yet.'" He's right.

Most of the 26 sections in this book are four pages long. You can read them in a few minutes . . . and learn from them for a lifetime.

Let me give you an example.

T stands for "Teach" in Futuristic Leadership. He refines the word into its futuristic meaning: "To impressively impart future-relevant skills or knowledge to others." He then provides synonyms (such as counsel, coach, instruct, inform . . . .) and opposites (ignore, leave to founder, confuse . . . . ). That's followed by a page of inspiring quotations. My favorite is "I talk in order to understand; I teach in order to learn." Robert Frost is credited with that fine wisdom. Then there's a futuristic leadership principle: "Teach that which supports your goals; eliminate what hinders your progress." Then there's a page-long example. In this case, the example is built around mentoring someone, harking back to the Greek counselor, Mentor. Peter Drucker is also used as an example. The example ends with the observation that we tend to model ourselves after those we admire. "The key is to emulate not imitate, by remaining true to yourself." The section ends with questions to ask. My favorite question in this section is "With whom should I share the knowledge I have gained over the years?"

As you can see, this is a book of highly distilled wisdom that draws on centuries of human progress, many different cultures, and adds many helpful perspectives. It's a book so heavy in wisdom, it'll keep you from being blown away by the winds of fashion. Yet it's so light that you'll feel comfortable keeping it with you for daily inspiration.

Go ahead: Create the future!

Assalamu Alaikum;

I like this collection because it has very relevant and interesting subject matters which the Hadiths fall under. I reccomend them because the array of sources are numerous and sahih, of course. Some of the wording of the translation can be a bit tricky, but is quickly understood if read again with patience and effort.

An assorted selection of ahadis on various disciplins. It is a useful book, thought provoking, consisted of wise directions of the Holy Prophet of Islam ( PBUH)

I have seen a few editions of the riyad as-salihin translated into English the worst of these being a 2 volume translation I think published by Kazi of which the English is so poor it is unreadable. This edition is by far the best. Easy to read and flowing, the only downside is that there is no side by side Arabic which is usual in Hadith books translated to English.

It is difficult to review this work as it is far to easy to inadvertently slip in a spoiler here and there. This is a scary, disturbing thriller and once the story takes off, it is difficult to put down. I am not at all sure if a movie was ever made of this one, but it would be a great theme...on the other hand, movies so often mess up the original work that maybe it is best to leave this one along. The authors character development is quite good, you really feel for the people. As I indicated above, it takes a few pages for the story to really kick in, but once it does, it is a page turner. Recommend this one highly.

This is the book of the 2002 movie version. A vampire-type terror tale. At first, the story feels a little sluggish, a couple in the city finding an apartment. But soon screams and dreams add to curious events. All isn't so cozy.

I loved this when I originally read it in 1979, and I loved it again in98 thanks to amazon.com. I wish it were a movie. I also whish Brooks Stanwood would write a sequal or other fiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed the great photos, and the interesting stories in this book. It's rare to find a golf book this entertaining, and well-researched.

I loved the photos, and thoroughly enjoyed the stories of Hollywood's elite. For golfers like me who play the local municipal course, I wish I could tee it up on these great courses, and swing away with the stars!

Terrific. A sleeper. Full of intriguing Hollywood golf lore and L.A. land history. Captivating photos, but what kept me up late was the text that brings the pictures alive. I found this a surprisingly substantive, well researched piece of work: a topical history of L.A. from an oblique angle--the conception, building and peopling of the city's great golf courses and golf clubs. On top of that it's an eyeball on the entertainment world through the leveling prism of golf: Stars, producers, directors striving to shine or at least //look// good at the maddening game. Easy, amusing writing. Who is the scratch-handicap actor who plays with his shoelaces untied so as not to overswing?

Le travail colle a cause de l'organisation sympathique aux lecteurs et soucieuse de l'essentiel. L'essentiel c'est tout d'abord le titre qui attire les lecteurs et resume le travail. L'essentiel ce sont ensuite les premieres frases qui identifient les idees de l'auteur. L'essentiel ce sont aussi les paragraphes suivants qui justifient le parti pris de l'ecrivain. L'essentiel ce sont enfin les toutes dernieres frases qui resument le precedent et impressionnent les lecteurs. En fait, mieux connaitre les gens et les idees, mieux faire son travail, mieux attirer les lecteurs et mieux gagner de l'argent! Pas mal, ca.

A great book for grammatical reference, especially well done in terms of organization by alphabetical order. It gives you descriptive explanations about some obscure things we use all the time in speech without knowing it. Things such as jargon, euphemisms, morphemes and phonemes are covered in addition to the classic grammatical necessities. Highly recommended.

A paper sticks together with a good organization that is easy for readers to follow and that pays attention to the important points; repetition of key ideas and terms; a tell-all title; and a thesis statement or topic sentence that leads into a tightly organized discussion all the way to a logically convincing ending. All this comes about by identifying and sticking to who to write for, why write and what to write about. Perhaps most important of all is knowing who the readers are: the better you know them, the better you know what to tell them. Martin Steinmann and Michael Keller's GRAMMAR WITHOUT GRIEF helps with just about every writing problem around. It fills the shelf with Mary Jordan Meiser's GOOD WRITING!, James A. Reinking's STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL WRITING, and William Knowlton Zinsser's ON WRITING WELL.

Crystal and gem collecting has been my hobby since 1981. Michael Gienger has written some of the best books on using crystals that I have ever come across. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook Healing Crystals: The A - Z Guide to 430 Gemstones. This new book is another "gem". His explanations of everything from cancer to insect bites is clear and insightful. The crystals he recommends most are some of the most affordable and under-rated stones, such as heliotrope and agates. This is a very practical hands-on book. Gienger tells which 24 healing crystals would be essential in a travel kit, adds another 24 (48 total) to make a good small home kit.
Finally, he adds another 42 (90 total) healing crystals that comprise a large home kit. Included are clear color photos for each crystal.
I have tried some of the remedies and they have worked very well.
I am especially grateful for his simple method of relieving neck pain and tension with an amethyst druse. My neck felt better than it had in years. The three simple treatments I did myself in few minutes one evening, lasted over a week.

He is logical, scientific and spiritual!!! I wouldn't like to write too detailed since it's irritating for some people like me to read on and on a review. This book and his "Crystal power, Crystal healing" are deffinitely recommended. When I want to try crystal healing, first thing I do is refer to his books then may be many other healing books I own...
This book and his "Crystal Power, Crystal Healing" is still the best crystal healing books out of many in this field I bought in past!

An extremely useful and well written guide to treating specific health problems using minerals and crystals. I consider this text to be one of the best references in my library on "New Age" therapies. The author's approach to this subject is refreshingly scientific compared to the many previously written books on crystal healing, that contain mostly "New Age" fluff. I highly recommend this book on crystal healing by Michael Gienger.

Tom is not only a great herbalist, but a wonderful speaker as well. He was the keynote speaker at the North Carolina Herb Association's (www.ncherbs.net) summer conference in 2002. He was entertaining, and very generous with his knowledge. He led several very educational herb walks through the NC mountains (with his baby on his back, no less) and I learned so much. His book is full of great information, and is right on target. I highly recommend it...it's educational without being a dry read. He illustrates from his life, and he lives what he writes about.

I checked this out at the library and decided I had to have a copy! I have referred to this book many times and it has been right on the mark (for me,at least). It's most interesting and fun to read.The recipes and instructions are fun and quite effective. Pat F.

I admit I was skeptical about the power of folk medicine, but I'm a longtime fan of Lauren David Peden's literature, so I decided to pick it up. (Read her book on Donna Richardson, and you'll turn into an exercise freak!) I wasn't disappointed. I had chronic eczema, and with the herbal remedies the book recommends, my rashes are almost gone! And my night sweats are a thing of the past. I'm sold.

Okay, so apparently I am a pathetic loser for reading this book and enjoying it as much as I did-- which was very much! I first became interested in the book after a newspaper review, and thought it would be interesting to read some of the stories.

I had no idea that the brief histories behind random letters on hills could be so fascinating and addictive. I actually found myself profoundly touched by some of the stories.

It's well-organized and informative, telling a good summary of noteworthy hills while still keeping notes on those that did not quite merit their own section.

It is obvious that Corning was fascinated by these letters, and sadly I am now too.

I live near a few, but now I want to build my own.

I highly recommend this book. We have thoroughly enjoyed Hillside Letters. I keep this book in my businesses waiting room. My clients love it. Everyone has found a hillside letter in this book that has special meaning to them. They love seeing the history and stories behind the letters. It has been used so much that I had to order another copy.

There are hundreds of letters which have been carved into mountains across the country overlooking towns and schools from Arizona to the East Coast, and HILLSIDE LETTERS A TO Z: A GUIDE TO HOMETOWN LANDMARKS charts these letters, exploring the origins, customs and meaning of mountain landmarks. Color photos of the letters accompany lively local history perfect for travelers who are interested in local oddities and local history.

I don't know where this book has been for 10 years as I just found it at the library. I didn't even know Janet Leigh wrote novels, but boy can she. Almost everything in this wonderful story of a loving family turns out the way you would like it to.
I had my doubts when I read the synopsis, I thought I don't know-a story about tinsel town? But it rivited me to it. My only disappointment is that it didn't cover more of Penelope and Jude's life together and gave minute detail to all the years before, but it was worth hanging in there. Find a copy and read this for sure.

Screen legend Janet Leigh takes you into the world of classic Hollywood with a story that spans many decades. Small town idealism collides with the fragile world of Hollywood to create a wonderful, moving story.

Basque worker Jude Abavas strikes up a friendship with up and coming movie idol Wade Colby at a resort in Sun Valley, Idaho. The two venture back to Hollywood to join forces and create their own destinies, hence the title.

Ms. Leigh writes with the authority of someone who knows what it's like to be thrust from a small town into the glamorous world of Hollywood (try to find a copy of her autobio "There Really Was A Hollywood"). She vividly sets the stages for the characters to come together from the immigrant backgrounds to the world of high society and egos.

Amidst some deaths, laughs, loves, and human reflection, Ms. Leigh writes a story in which everything turns out alright and people are given second chances and happy endings.

Curiosity prompted me to read this book, but I was soon immersed in the plot and interested in the characters. The historical information was facinating, and the people were very real to me. I cared for these people (well, some of them). I felt Jude's desire to "go and do", I was pleased that he was willing to deal with his "mistake" in an honorable manner; I felt his loss, and then rooted for him when he and Wade began in the film industry. I desperately wanted Matthew to come home safe from the war. I wished for a Mama and Papa like the Abavas. I was facinated with the twists and turns of the story - never a dull moment! I will not only recommend this to friends who love to read, as I do, but I know that I will also re-read this book sometime in the future! Way to go, Janet Leigh!!!

This book is marvelous! We have used it in our family for vacations and weekend trips and it has pointed us to many interesting places that we never would have heard of otherwise. The book describes places clearly, with no hype--the way a friend would tell you about a place they had visited. Things that sound interesting turn out to be so, and the Hunts don't lead you to expect more than what you actually find. The Hunts describe natural features, parks, towns, museums, shopping, interesting businesses--I'm sure that almost anyone could find something of interest in this book.

Anyone who has discovered the wonders of under-rated Michigan will want to keep this frank and comprehensive guide handy on vacation. The big attractions as well as the often-missed backroad oddities are highlighted. Rather than keeping a narrow focus, this book manages to zero in on something for everyone--but without sounding like the brochures every chamber of commerce hands out to the gullible. I know because I live in one of Michigan's premiere tourist towns (at least, according to our CVB hand-outs...) and what the Hunts' book says is right on the money. And speaking of that, unlike some guides, this book talks alot about free attractions and gives prices for admissions, etc.. There's plenty of family-oriented info, too. I really can't say enough good things about how valuable a resource this book is for people who like to explore when they travel. Go buy it

I keep buying this book and giving them to our friends and family from Michigan and across the country. We don't go anywhere without our Hunt's. The descriptions are honest and comprehensive and we've never been disappointed. This is a must buy for anyone who visits or lives in Michigan.