Organizations Books

Being a cardiac rehab nurse and spending a lot of time each day trying to get people to change their lifestyles to create better health, this book caught my eye. After reading it, I found the principles instantly useful for me to use at work. They can help anyone get motivated to get past the barriers that keep them from making changes to improve their health. Additionally, the book is short and to the point which is good for a busy Mom like myself.

This is a great little book. It is written in a light style that makes it easy to read and digest the principles that Jim spells out. If you have ever tried to make a change and been unsuccessful in accomplishing your goal this little book will help you to understand why you failed and how you can increase your chance of success. I found it to be helpful both with my own personal goals and in better understanding what may help to motivate my clients to achieve their stated goals.

This is a great book for anyone to learn about how to motivate yourself or others. It's in a very simple story format without a lot of exercises like other self-help books. Very good book - I highly recommend it to anyone that needs to know more about motivation.

I read this short book within a space of an hour. It is straight to the point, and is written in the style of a story. The author is a Physical Therapist and tells the story of when he was a student and he visited a senior Physical Therapist in a hospital as part of his training. He learned how to motivate someone within 60 seconds to undertake therapy by increasing importance + confidence in the patient. Although this book was essentially about how someone was able to increase his patients' motivation, this can also be applied to other areas of your life - for any goal. It is an easily understandable read and if you are looking for a way to increase motivation quick then look no further than this book.

Like any book in this genre this book will not actually help you unless your "motivated" to change your own behavior. It's simple, easy to read, and practical. It shows you the keys to changing your perspective on on how motivation actually works in yourself and others. I enjoyed it.

"Teaching Virtues" adds to our understanding of the connections between the teaching of virtues and the practice of moral reciprocity within community. -C.A. Bowers, Professor of Education, Portland State University and author of "Educating for an Ecologically Sustainable Future" and "The Culture of Denial"

Here is an educational approach that honors the interconnectedness of the world and helps our young people engage it with wisdom and integrity. The result is a refreshing perspective on character education. -Ron Miller, author of "What Are Schools For? Holistic Education in American Culture" and publisher of "Paths of Learning Magazine"

This book offers a new but ancient perspective on teaching virtues. Like the American Indian people who practiced it for thousands of years, it does not allow us to separate character from content, and by this, makes it possible for us all to "walk the talk." -Sunita Gandhi, President-Worker, The Council for Global Education and Dignity

With clarity and directness, the authors provide an inspiring and practical guide for teachers to infuse character education throughout the curriculum. Their framework adds much needed meaning and integrity to learning and honors the creativity and wisdom of each teacher. -Rachael Kessler, author of "The Soul of Education: Helping Students Find Connection, Compassion and Character at School"

I read this book with much interest. The topics addressed here are of great importance for educational practice, and hence, as the authors rightly emphasize, for the larger society. They approach the issues of character education from a variety of directions, including a highly suggestive American Indian perspective that has been far too little understood in our culture. "Teaching Virtues" is a stimulating and thoughtful contribution. -Noam Chomsky, Professor, M.I.T., and author of "Language and the Problem of Knowledge" and "Manufacturing Consent"

Mr.Gurudas has created a very informative decription of the corruption of america.Bush is not impeached because the coporate state,big and small business do not have to pay tax,or be regulated.This includes anyone who benefits from the selling of america.The supreme court,senate,congress are corrupt and bought by industrialist and commercialist.Big and small contractors less not forget.Free Trade circumvents the laws of the U.S. and the constitution.The senate and congress let this happen.CAFTA fast tract vote.Dubai 6 ports,sell oil company to china,sell technology to china that can be used by military.The coporate state and our representatives are in violation of the constitution they are commmitting treason,violating the security of U.S.Illegal immigration,violation privacy act,and allowing coporate to get around the constitution,also not following constitutional law for the congress resulting in subverting the U.S.for Greed and corruption,blackmail,etc.The war we are in is illegal because there were no weapons of mass destruction.The war is for Isarel,U.S.,England,for security profit and control of oil.Coporates benefit at expense of the people,senate and congress support the coporate state which buys them.This is update since Mr.Gurudus wrote this book.The book title Treason The New World Order is appropriate and the references are available for research 833 foot notes.The statements in this book are true.The coporate state is a thing of the past,but does not know it.They will not succeed in the NWO.Federal Reserve is in violation of constitution,we would not have deficit if the government was in control.We would not be paying interest.The bank of england is a city unto itself.It rules.We have a constitution.Why did they let the feb be private,so
they could ripe us off the elite and rich.it works for them.Thats why.People are affraid to say anything.Power corrupts.The governments need to take back their banks.International bankers need to stay with their merchant banker friend.International bankers are the controlers of the world.They control by shares and front men puppets.

Mr.Gurudas uses term multiculturelism,which means immigration legal,elegal.He states that this is used to destroy our culture.One of the means to overthrow the constitution for the new world order.Education another The U.S. is amoung the lowest in the west in science and math.Student today do not know their history.They do not know who they are.Civis,physical education,english,being proud to be an american are not encourage especially if you are western european.Mexicans say they are taking back southwest.We have foreigners from all over the world telling us what we can do in our country,and the U.S.government supports them,they have more rights than a U.S. citizen.Welfare benefits,school,elegallly working.Protected by police.The tax payer pays.You have company unions,jewish organization,protestant,catholics,bishops,and others crying let them come in even if it cost your job, security,culture,and bankrupts the states.We should be ashame to be western european.

The banana republic are the fault of the coporatesThe coporation exploit these countries so they come to U.S. to work.These people who come here gererate 25 to 35 percent of revenue for their country.You the tax payer subsidize the elegals country,and support them when they need help here.Look at outsourcing by U.S. to boarder towns.At last count there was only 10 million industrial jobs left in U.S.El salvador contra were given green cards and now are worst gangs in LA.Compliments of U.S. governmentThis is the way you destroy the european culture in U.S. and western europe.Immigration.

Back to education.we have to go back to prior 1963.If a person does not have the ability to learn there is no point in keeping them in school.They need to go to tect school or to work.This can be done in government programs age 14 8 years of school.They can work in programs to help the country until 18 yrs.50 percent probably do not have ability to finisn high school.Allowing people to be in school that cannot perform is crazy and a disruption to those who have ability.Everyone has the right to opportunity,and to be treated fair,but,you are born with your IQ,and it will influence your life greatly.This does not mean you have to do demeaning jobs.All should do what they do best.The military uses IQ test,and the have been proved to be a good gage of ability,there are always exceptions,you can retest at a specified later date.

Multiculturelism is not working,and everyone knows it,but greed pravails.Third world people need the world bank and IMF to help them at home.The coporates have to be regulated.We support dictators all over the world.Shell oil in Africa now with uprising of people that shell totally exploited,gave the country nothing.Slave labor.General Butler in thirties stated that the coporates are criminal.It is worst now.Those university grants,and rich families,no wonder the educated are worthless.Brainwash and stupid like the rest of us.They have the knowledge to change the government.Batra The great Depression 1990.Gives method to control the coporations.Alternatve energy,a just distribution of the wealth.Take care of the environment.Did someone say I love those excessive profits to much,let them eat cake.That is what the King and Queen of France said,the aristocracy took a fall too.You know last man standing,with elite every body can go down.

Westpoint Mr.Gurudas hopes you will help us you are suppose to uphold the constitution.The other military schools as well,you are not stupid,you are well educated now.Of course the elites buy those with potential.It could be necessary to kill your family,and friends.Mr.Gurudas says government people a military installations were tested and ask if they would fight for UN ,and do what they were order to do.No UN forces should be in america that have authority over our own military,or for any other reason.The UN will be the international army,and you will do its bidding.Are you getting alot of floride in your drinking water.Marine base San Diego,NOV,DEC 2005 had dangerous amount of lead or some poison in their water,Maybe it help the jarheads.WE need a draft for brotherhood.Let everybody do two years no university exceptions.

Mr.Gurudas wants us to form organizations,join the minutemen,
boycott,have marches,report elegals,form unions,voteout those who support immigration,Free Trade,out sourcing,importing,and selling the U.S.

HR4437 stop immigration and take back america.The coporate say they have to have slave labor,the upper classes need them to,baby sitter, maid in the garden.Do not feel sorry for anyone.The coporate will hurt if it can.It is infantile.It needs to go to the wood shed for a talking to.The gang of four B,C,R,L should be in jail and Blare,straw,Isarel has to stop being on land that is not theirs.Fox guards hen house,bring in U.N. troops .A terroist is a terroist.Stop spying on U.S. Start paying back all that money you owe U.S.POllard,USS liberty.Who is a racist,anti,Dubai.we are racist because we do not want 6 ports.Veto.

Brainwashing police tactics coporate games,NWO end.There are people that imply that we are quilty even if not born.A nation is quilty for what the government of their country brainwashed them to do.These people use this tactic to stop any criticism.There are laws to stop people from talking about the subject.These people commit acts every day that are criminal,yet it is okay.The UN said they were racist they had it remove with help of U.S.What do you see on TV,they say stop the terroist,which ones,which side.No you are not responsible for the past crimes of your country,if that were so we would all be in jail.Human nature is bad,pain is the normal state,pleasure is abnormal,happeness is very temporary.Hobbs said we are liberated in the second we acknowledge our wrong,and are sorry.Hume said character is fixed,and to change it would cause damage,and when you were not on guard,the old self would return,mans nature is one.We are of the same making.Do not expect other wise.WE know that if Hitler was in charge we would do what he said,he would be the authotity.Cornel University,or other proved that people will on a percentage do what authority says.Also they will kill you if you do not do what they want.Would you say kill me,or would you comply.Do you want to go to Russian Front,or be hanged.

Mr.Gurudas talks about government,military experiments.Biologica
l,chemical weapons,radiation exposure.He gives many authenic cases.Aids,smallpox,Gulf war illness,agent orange.LSD,and other mind experiencements.many of these studies were without consent,or they were not given correct information.They also put agents in the air in towns no warning.Hypnosis and drugs to have a fall guy,VA has cause many veterans problems,refusing to acknowledge the problem,agent orange which resulted in many defects,and long term suffering,as did the Gulf war illness that is causing same suffering.Gulf war injection was past by FDA without before full trail was completed.People who did not want injection and refused were in trouble.They did not follow up in many programs so they did not no ramifications to individuals.

Restoring Constitutional government.Democratic socialism is solution.The government has to have power over the coporation,they must be regulated.The people have the right to full empoyment with a decent living wage.Free medical.Government
car insurance,and pensions.The reason why you do not have this now is your stupid.The profits of the coporates and business you would not believe.It an employer cannot pay decent wage he should not be in business.Did you not know that France the work 35 hrs maybe 6 weeks vacation,Germany very good benefits.England and U.S are worst for social benefits,and england has socialize medicalEngland the want them to work long hours.Has anyone wanted to know why germany is doing okay now,but was in a depression.The vote no for EU did the bankers and coporates depress the economy until the no vote.They will do anything.They want slave labor.The elite care nothing for the people,we should treat them in kind.The governments have the money,or they can get it start taxing the coprations and make the rich pay there fair share.Stop free trade,immigration.The coporates will fight,but we will win,if they violate the laws they can go to jail,they can get out of the country and stay out.International Bankers these are not the people we want in our government.

Mr.Guruas talks about the CIA,FBI,NSA,ets These are the police for the elite,Police work for business interest all over the world and do the dirty work.There are no limits.morality does not exist.There is no compassion,explotation is the game.What mr.Gurudas says about them is sufficient,the real world.

Mr.Gurudus would tell you hr4437,stop immigration,no free trade.No compromise,SAVE AMERICA,VOTE THEM OUT

Brilliant synthesis of hundreds of books detailing the Establishment's deadly war against the American people, their liberties, and their families.

My highest recommendation!

This book covers pretty much everything in a well documented fashion. If you only read one book on the new world order, this should be it. The author doesn't just spout out claims and expect the reader to believe him, he backs them up with reliable footnotes that you yourself can use to corroborate his info. This is a far cry from books from people like David Icke, who while he writes interesting books, I just can't take him seriously. This book goes into the Oklahoma city bombing, Ruby Ridge, Waco, the militia movement, CFR, bilderburgers, etc... This is a book written by a serious, entirely sane NWO researcher. If you're looking for UFOs and reptilians, look elsewhere. It's a shame he is no longer alive to write more.

I ordered it 5 months ago, and STILL haven't received it.
It MUST be good!
I'll give it a 5 star rating, since apparently it's inaccessible.
I mean if Amazon can't get ....
THAT tells me something!

Book is a Tour de Force in revelations ! I can understand now why he was executed. This man was a brilliant writer and this book is a crowning achievement. This book triumphs None Dare Call it Conspiracy !, which should be the 1st conspiracy book you read.

10 thumbs up on this one !

If you have a martial arts school or just a club, this is a must have book! Go for it immediately!

If you are a martial artist who wants to make a living full time and not just do martial arts on the side then you NEED this book. You'll learn how to set up a very successful school that you can be proud. Every instructor no matter what should get this book!!

...and this time around it should at least ruffle your feathers!

John Graden, Martial Arts Master Teacher, has gone to the heart of what it takes to be an effective Martial Arts teacher today. Without completely disgarding the training ideas of the past, he instead shows how to build on these ideas, how to use what we know about the psychology of learning, the physics of motion and the economics of the 21st century to create a learning environment that firmly turns it's back on the "Dungeon Dojos" of the last century and creates a modern, safe atmosphere where serious, effective and (dare I say it?) FUN martial arts training can take place!

(Lest any naysayers regard the concept of "safety" and "fun" as somehow being contrary to "real" martial arts training, I refer them to the summary chapter entitled "A School Full of Pooh Bears"--it will open your eyes!)

There are lots of things to learn here, lots of great writing, too. If nothing else, I will always remember Mr. Graden refering to the war-like aspects of the Martial Arts and explaining that this doesn't mean that every class is devoted to destroying the enemy. He explains: "...that our foundation is one of peace through superior firepower."

I like that. Get the book. You'll like it, too.

John Graden has a unique way of showing you everything you need to successfully run a top martial art school in today's age.
He does it with the insight of someone who has obviously "been there and done that".
This new book can be used by any martial arts instructor, regardless of style, as a step-by-step blueprint for everything from how to negotiate a lease for your school up to how to train and compensate an employee/instructor.
No one else in the industry has his superb talents. The martial arts industry will forever owe a huge debt to this man for showing us how to be a professional success without selling out!

The content of this book accomplished two very important things for me, as a martial arts businessman - 1) it re-affirmed what I was already doing in my business and, most important, 2) it provided me with new concepts, methods and ideas that will help take my business to the next level. Awesome resource!

This short and concise book should be on the required reading list for all business school students and faculty,accountants, lawyers,CEO"s,CFO"s, corporate directors and shareholders. It emphasizes thhe view that there are other measurements of corporate responsibility than the "bottom line".

Such ideas as openbook accounting,executive pay for performance,independent outside directors,workforce diversity,and shareholder rights are advocated.

[...]"Value-led".

An extremely thoughtful, timely and portable book, very well documented. Should have been required reading for some very prominent business executives,accountants, investors who lacked perspective on what a value led organization could be. This is also important reading for the person who runs or is starting a small business, or not-for-profit organization. Particularly interesting is the chapter on E Dimension or the role the internet will play in the company's strategies. Carefully computing and comparing the cost benefits of various implementation modes is stressed. Hundreds of important issues are discussed, as for example, the efficacy of having workers tele-commute. Bloxham points out the pros and cons of these arrangements, and notes that a value led organization must weigh these factors before making a decision. Another key area is the discussion on globalization-must reading for a business person hoping to expand across national borders. If the book has a flaw, it is that the topic raised could all be greatly expanded and this reader feels a certain frustration in not being able to contact the author and discuss an issue in depth. But of course the book is intended to be an overview. On the basis of this I would also recommend the book to business students, because it will lead them to fruitful and in depth study of the more important issues facing entrepreneurship today.

Value-Led Organizations, by Eleanor Bloxham is a must for all companys, organiztions and those interested in money management. If corporations such as we have read, and heard about so often in the news these past few months had heeded what is expounded on in this book, we would not be in the terrible mess we now are. A must reading for financial people.

As an engineer I appreciate this well-organized book with its emphasis on the important elements of stewardship. It carefully explains the duties of management required for care over all of the resources entrusted to them. The key concepts of value enhancement and then implementation of the theory are dealt with in detail. Examples and illustrations abound. Yet, the book is short enough to be a good read on a plane trip. Anyone responsible for planning and executing a strategy for business success will find this book an excellent source of inspiration.

Today more than ever, corporate directors must focus their oversight efforts on organizational "value," ensuring maximum long-term returns to investors. As a guide for value-led organizations, this book is a gem: small--yet valuable, durable, bright, and multifaceted. Its 100+ pocket-sized pages compactly combine practical applications, theoretical foundations, and intelligent insights--all from a corporate director who knows how to think like a fiduciary, responding to multiple constituencies (e.g., both stockholders and employees) along multiple dimensions (e.g., both finance and ethics): 25-karat!

We teach what we know and have learned through many life-lessons. But unfortunately, our "words of wisdom" may translate as "war stories" in the retelling. "What's Your Story?" helps keep that from happening. This book helps you frame your experience as stories that can mean as much to your audience as they do to you. Wortmann follows his own formula of teaching by example, using vivid vignettes to dramatize key points. It's great "airplane reading" when you're on your way to make a speech. Keep a pen handy because you'll think of things you'll want to do differently.

Craig Wortmann has an amazing ability to connect with his readers from the very first page to the last. He reveals exercises and tips to help get the creative juices flowing so that we, too, can find our own powerful stories to tell. His acute awareness of the current state of the business world allows him the ability to offer positive steps people can take to get out of their ruts and become more effective leaders. "What's Your Story?" is a must read.

As with many epiphanies in life, this one had to be delivered by, of all things, a book about how stories "ignite performance." I never paid much attention to my use of stories or their power until I read Craig Wortmann's book. Like a new car owner who spots their recent choice EVERYWHERE, I am now gratefully aware of stories and their powerful role in our lives and work performance. I have even a few times chuckled aloud as I witness a story capture an audience or even as I begin one to a few listeners. But more importantly, Craig was spot-on with his thesis that "we become more aware of our stories, and that we embed our stories in our communications, because this is a great way to...manage our information and increase our performance."
Craig makes his argument carefully, taking the reader by the hand. He takes his time stating the problem, and then turns on the overhead light for us just when we need it: the answer to all those bits and bullets and cacophony in our busy lives is...the story. That's right, what has warmed us and kept us safe since childhood is the key communication element in our adult world! Like all great leaders, Craig also models the behavior he is recommending; "What's Your Story" is awash in steady argument, clear communication and story-after-anecdote-after-story. This is a great read for anyone looking for that communication elixir or that missing leadership piece. Great work, Mr. Wortmann. Now you have one more story to tell!

As a new business owner, I found the book to be very helpful. As we grow, I've used Craig's techniques to to develop a unique story that will establish our identity.

This is a great book about a simple concept - which is why it so valuable! Stories provide context that help us all learn. This book provides very helpful suggestions for how to use stories to affect behavior in any organization. I highly recommend it!

Immensely "Readable" guidelines for writing all types of fundraising materials. Barbato has written a timeless, easy to follow handbook that holds a special place on my reference bookshelf.

I took this book, along with many others on fundraising, out of my local library. Though I'm new to raising funds, I've made much of my living writing articles and books; I wasn't sure it would have much to teach me.

This book was so startlingly useful that I had to buy it. It will likely become your most dog-eared fundraising guide.

When I am on deadline and desperately in need of help, "Writing for a Good Cause" is where I turn first for guidance, solace, or inspiration (seeing as how our office manager objects to open containers of alcohol at one's desk). Not only is this book full of incredibly practical writing tips in handy list form, it is also very funny and a page turner.

The heart of the book is a clear guide to how to write a great proposal, but other valuable topics are covered, including newsletters, case statements, interviews, and the like.

In one section, the authors mix genuine examples of great fundraising writing with an imaginary proposal to fund the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. They not only convince you to help build the Brooklyn Bridge, you're ready to buy it.

The bridge is not for sale, but this book is. It is well worth its price of two fast food lunches. Buy it, read it, and be happy.

Not surprisingly, this book provides advice that -- if applied literally -- will assist you in writing excellent proposals to fund your non-profit organization's ventures.

Surprisingly, the advice contained herein -- if made more generic in your mind -- is excellent advice for entire areas of your life. Sounds hokey, true. But honestly, boiled down the advice can be listed as:

1. Identify what the problem is. Do your research until you really understand the causes of the problems and their many effects.

2. Identify how you will know when you have made the problem better. How will you know when the problem has been alleviated? What intermediate steps need to be taken? How will you measure your progress along the way?

3.Identify what tools are available, and which are still needed, to move towards a resolution, or diminution, of the problem. Be specific here. Vague generalities are useless, but the brass tacks of a solution are absolutely priceless. Who has access to these tools? Who can make difficult things easy?

4. If you are asking for someone to help you with this problem, present the whole equation to them in a light that makes the most sense to *them*. This doesn't mean to lie, or exaggerate. It only means to focus your proposal in a way that makes them see it most personally.

5. Proofread what you have written, to be sure it says what you want it to say. Then proofread it again. And again. Get it right, because it is a hard and fast representative of you. This should be true in everything concrete you put out in the world with your name on it.

Now, all of this can be applied to writing a grant proposal. And much of it can be applied to the other things in life. Filling a job position, finding a home, working out a deteriorating relationship, educating yourself or your children ... you name it.

It's so rare that a book directed at an audience of specialists resonates with so much broadly applicable truth ... and it was such a delight to find it. I plowed through this book last night, reading every word, applying its advice mentally to all sorts of issues in my own life. I am pleased to report that it opened my eyes to solutions that had eluded me until now.

Wonderfully written, amusingly told, full of great advice to writers of all persuasive materials, this book is a gem.

Excellent book with very practical tips on writing to get funded. There are many grantwriting books and resources available, but this is one of the better that I've found for writing persuasively for major gifts. Great practical advice on formulating winning proposals, concept papers and other grant writing tools. Definitely recommend to grantseekers of all levels.

Fun romp featuring repo men (and women) of DKA as heroes versus gypsy clans. The king of American gypsies has died, and the clans from around the US are vying to have their leader be selected as the new king. To this end, they are stealing Cadillacs left and right in order to show up in the proper style at the big gathering where the new king will be selected. Lots of fun to be had as Gores skillfully describes scam after scam after scam, both by the gypsies and the repo men. Both groups are sympathetically portrayed for the most part, and the background detail about modern gypsy life is interesting in its own right.

This book is full of heroes on all sides as DKA agents and gypsies strive to outwit each other throughout a very funny story. 32 CADILLACS is the best entry in the entertaining DKA series.

This book explores the world of gypsies, scamps and thieves and the offbeat group of Private Investigators who pursue them.

Always planning the next con, theft or bunko, a band of gypsies in San Francisco pull off a perfect crime. Using four branches of the same bank, slick tactics and phone banks, a group of gypsies manages to steal 32 cadillacs, all in the same day.
Facing a million dollar loss, the bank hires DKA, a local PI firm, to recover the stolen cars. Tipped off that a gang of gypsies was responsible, the DKA operatives, or repomen, start a chase that follows the cars across the US. Using very unconventional methods this quirky band of PIs, who are rejects and misfits, must use their wiles to "outcon the cons."

What makes this story really outstanding is the background tale of the gypsy life, description of how the cons are done and the plotting of the PIs to get the cars back. There is lots of action too including breakneck chases and escapes, including one where a DKA agent must leap into a car while his rear is filled with buckshot.

My favorite character is Ken Warren, a repoman with such a severe speech impediment that he barely communicates. But with extraordinary skills in hunting down and absconding with cars that no one else can get, he earns the respect of his fellow DKA agents.

A fun ride which I highly recommend.

... I found it to be a nice treat.

It was an interestinglook at the workings of the repoman and an enlightning look at the gypsy lifestyle.

The members of the DKA agency were wonderfully drawn characters...very Runyon-esque. The gypsy characters could not have been more colorful. The plots and sidebars were neatly tied together.

There is a lot of humor mixed in with the crime, trackdowns, deceptions, double dealings and repo procedural. This would make a great movie. The action never stops and Mr. Gores does a great job of putting the reader inside the mind of the players.

"32 Cadillacs" was very entertaining and my initial Joe Gores book. I feel like I have discovered a new writer and look forward to more fun reads by Joe Gores.

Why Joe Gores isn't a better known author is a complete mystery to me. Ok, Ok, he's won 3 Edgar Awards and all, but still you don't hear his name mentioned too often when asking for recommendations. His DKA Files series are full of action, humour, cons and scams and in short are pure entertainment. Well, no matter, I've discovered him now and I'm here to tell you that the series, and 32 Cadillacs in particular, is one that's not to be missed.

For the first time, the DKA Agency is pitted in a head-to-head battle with San Francisco's Gypsy community following a Gypsy scam that had netted a grand total of 31 Cadillacs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime job, recover the 31 Caddys for a nicely negotiated fat fee. But the Gypsies are crafty specialists of the long con and are exceedingly difficult to track down, so the recovery process will require the DKA team to use every resource available as well as every underhanded trick in the book.

To give you a head start, I'll introduce you to the central DKA characters. They are, Dan Kearny, Giselle Marc, Patrick O'Bannon, Larry Ballard and Bart Heslip. And two new characters are added to the staff, Trin Morales, a sleazy Latino who failed on his own as a PI, and Ken Warren, the genius carhawk with a killer speech impediment. Both bring tremendous dimension and entertainment to the DKA team.

But the real stars of the book are the Gypsies, colourful in character as well as in their various ingenious scams. Although they're such big thieves that they'd make a kleptomaniac look like a saint, you can't help but like them and hope that every now and then they'll catch a break.

Joe Gores is an author who has walked the walk, having been an agent in the real life DKA Agency. His first-hand knowledge and experience is apparent as his agents work through their cases. Rumour has it that the Larry Ballard could very well be modelled on Gores himself.

As a final word, if there are any Donald Westlake fans out there who have read and enjoyed his Dortmunder book Drowned Hopes, I would urge you to read this one too with a brilliant crossover of storylines. This book was an absolute pleasure to read and, I know it's a much-overused catch phrase but I would term it a "must read book".

I read this book after reading Thomas Ricks' "Making the Corps" so compared to that book, I was a bit disappointed.
The book had some useful information, but didn't tell you that much about boot camp. In addition, there are billions of sections. Almost every two paragraphs is sectioned under a new heading, which annoyed me.
Though it didn't give me quite what I wanted, I did learn some useful information about preparing for boot camp, and the appendix is wonderful! With the phonetic military alphabet, army ranks, workouts, PFT info, useful charts, and much more!

Pretty useful for someone who wants to learn about preparing, but I recommend "Making the Corps"... read about it at: http://www.aaronsinfo.com/makingcorpsreview.html and there's product link to it's amazon page to look at reviews or purchase it.

I purchased this and a another basic guide book for my son before he left for Army basic training. This one by far, is the most easy to read and covers more of what you really need to know. This book is geared for army enlistees and not those of other branches, so if you're going into the marines, etc., you will be disappointed, so buy a different book.

The book answered questions that his recruiter seemed to be unknowledgeable about or reluctant to answer. One of the most significant, that he could earn his first stripe before leaving for boot camp; which he was able to do.

I truly believe this book gave my son a better understanding of what to expect, a better list of what to take and not take with him and how to conduct himself once he arrived at basic. I wish I had a book like this to read before I went through basic years ago, but reading it brought back memories and a lot of a-ha moments.

This should definitely be in every recruiter's library and on every future Army soldier's must read list!

I am SO glad I found this book before I left for BCT this Winter! It had the perfect combination of brevity, subject knowledge, and personal experience. The book contains exactly what you need to know and why you need to know it. He starts out with Recruitment, moves through the entire enlistment process, and then breaks down the current Army BCT experience. I enjoyed reading it, but was only able to truly appreciate the knowledge when I was going through the training. I felt like I had already experienced much of it through the book, and felt much more confident in my ability to handle the change from civilian to soldier.

Since my MOS is the same as his, I sent him an email when I was at AIT. Not only did he respond, but we talked several times over the phone about the combat medic training, and he was able to refer me to some more excellent reference material that made the training much more understandable. He also talked to my younger brother over the phone about BCT (he leaves in June), and reiterated some of the things he talked about in his book. It's nice to have someone put their money where their mouth is.

This book isn't just nice to have; it's a necessity!

As someone who aspires to join the military one day and has read many BCT survival guides, I can proudly say there is no better book on the market than 63 Days and a Wake-up!!! It is intuitive, astounding, and to the point. Specialist Herbert did a remarkable job writing this must have book. It's as if you're already at BCT and know what to expect. Like Don says, he won't give you a 300 page book that contains 40 pages of substance. Every page is of helpful material to get you ready for RECBN/BCT or so you can just have a better understanding of what it's like. Starting with the recruitment process and ending with life at BCT, every single aspect is covered and explained. What I look for in an Army BCT survival guide and have not found in the many I have read are the helpful hints and tips found in this book for while you are in training or in the preparation process. It's easy to see that the Specialist wrote much of this while at BCT. Even if you're not interested in joining the Army, I would recommend this to anyone to better understand the "Army Strong Process" and for anyone seriously considering it, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS BOOK!!!

After reading this book, I immediately e-mailed Specialist Herbert and complimented on it. I also asked him if it would be okay if I could talk to him sometime with questions about the Army I had. He responded the very next day and gave me his phone number. I called him with the questions I had and not only did he answer all of them but he couldn't have been any nicer and insightful with the information he gave me. He is a truly outstanding guy and the best warrior America has to offer. I can't wait and look forward to the sequel to this book coming out soon!!!

As an Army Recruiter I cannot stress enough the importance of being ready, not only prior to training - but before you make the decision to serve. I am going to recommend this book to every potential soldier who walks through my door. It is the best source of information on the "New Army" BCT out there (it's even better than the Army literature). I have shown it to 2 of my Soldiers who just returned from training and they both said the book was right-on. The best way to describe the book is "the kind of information you can't appreciate until you go without it". With just a few pages assigned to each different, but important phase of enlistment (Recruitment, MEPS, Travel, Personal Business, etc..) Herbert does a better job of describing the processes than the Army ever has done - and we own the business!!!
I have been using the book as a tool to help future Soldiers understand what they can expect. I loaned it out to one of my warriors who wanted to know more about BCT before they committed to sign, and he brought it back the next day and was ready to sign-up. The book answered his questions and made him more comfortable in the decision - which is very important!
You should be comfortable with your decision to join the military, and this book will help you make the decision - one way or the other - with confidence.

Workers these days are like snow shovels in a South Carolina blizzard - not enough to go around. Some of the causes are simple statistics: economy up, unemployment down, working-age population falling, employers' demand outstripping supply. But others are cultural. Large corporations, the traditional source of jobs, are often perceived as uncaring engines of depletion, exhaustion, and downsizing. The young are choosing options, from lifestyle to stock, while workplace veterans opt for the dignity of early retirement over the desolation of forced termination. Employers' alternatives are stark: expand their supply, increase their appeal, or prepare for shortfalls and belt-tightening. Recruitment, retention, recession - remorse.

Were companies to examine their own assumptions on hiring and firing, they would find a pervasive and self-destructive premise: old is bad. But as Beverly Goldberg argues in _Age Works_, employers - indeed, society as a whole - have built this premise on an ill-considered, ill-defined congeries of prejudices and presuppositions. Believe it or not, Americans age 55 and above take fewer sick days, adapt to new technologies successfully, and are more loyal to their employer than are their colleagues thirty years younger. And perhaps more importantly, they may be the only untapped workforce available. As hidebound organizations throw fortunes at untested youth, others more far-seeing (including Travelers, GTE, and Baxter Health Care) actively recruit, train, and depend upon senior workers. In a shrinking labor market, corporations and their HR departments may find a surprising competitive advantage in coaxing older employees away from the brink of an often sterile and impoverished retirement.

Eager to dismiss this challenge to their standard practices, naysayers and doomsayers will demand proof. Fortunately _Age Works_ reads more like a position paper than a business book, and like any good position paper, it's loaded with facts. Age Works is the ideal volume for anyone itching for a statistical analysis of the American workforce 1950-2050, in all its hues and strata. Arguably Goldberg's love of statistics verges on addiction, but in the pharmacy of authorial dependence, statistics are a pretty benign habit. More distracting, although again less than fatal, is the book's policy-wonk style. Goldberg stands foursquare in the school of tell-`em-what-you're-going-to-tell-`em, tell-`em-, tell-`em-what-you-told-`em, and _Age Works_ sometimes reads like an executive summary that cannot bear to end.

Nonetheless, _Age Works_ is a cogent, serious, undeniably well-supported piece. Even those who resist the proposed solutions (admittedly the book's weakest section) will find the diagnosis difficult to dispute. Like it or not, America's workforce will continue to grow smaller and grayer over the next twenty years. And by the time the population bounces back, corporations' hiring practices will have appealed to all ages - or to none.

I read Age Works with great interest since I have been involved with this problem for 25 years and have recently published a web site exclusively for older workers. It is a free non- profit referral service. Go to seniorjobbank.org

For a decade we've heard a steady chorus of despair about the graying of America--that graying means paying, in the words of one leading credit. Beverly Goldberg, in this carefully researched, tightly argued, fluidly written, and ultimately extremely important book, shows us a different path. She demonstrates that older Americans are a potential boon to the economy and to the bottom line of forward thinking companies. She shows that they are a group that brings considerable experience and great stability to those that will make use of their talents. And she supplies a roadmap for how we can get there--as indivuals, as companies, and as a society. A great read and a great contribution to the growing body of literature about navigating what may well be the great demographic transition in our country's history, the aging of America.

Since the idea of totally retiring is not something that appeals to me, I found the suggestions for building different kinds of flexible work arrangements very thought-provoking. The numbers in the first couple of chapters will help build a compelling case for allowing those who want such arrangements to have them. I also found the stories of those who wanted out fascinating-they are an indictment of companies for the ways they handled downsizing and mergers. It clearly is time for all businesses to rethink their dealings with the people who work for them and to reconsider the value of older workers.

If managers think they have problems attracting and retaining human capital in today's economy, they haven't seen anything yet. Get set for the massive wave of retirements over the next ten (10) years. Beverly Goldberg conveys a compelling picture of why managers need to learn the value of recognizing, retraining, and retaining older workers. Age Works is a wakeup call to those caught up in the wastefulness of our "throw away" society. Older workers are a precious resource that can ill afford to be squandered. Ms. Goldberg demonstrates a better path and presents concrete ways for managers to benefit from the graying of America.