Cleaning Books

If you thinking about entering the professional cleaning industry but are unsure of how to start. This is book is where to start! Estimating, bidding, taxes, employees, sample forms and sample business letter's are included. I have found that most books don't live up to there reviews. I found this book to be the exception.

I had never performed nor bid for commercial maintenance work and this book helped tremendously. The author has obviously been "in the trenches" and explains real-world solutions and answers to real-world situations and questions - not just theory! In fact, although the book (which I refer to as "the bible") advises against it, I recently started out by landing a nice 30,000 square foot job with a competitive bid (arrived at by using the book's extensive methods for bidding). Well worth every penny! The only negative point one might consider is that the latest revision was published in 1989 so it's a bit old, but one can easily extrapolate and infer to make up for that.

This is an excellent book that will take you from the planning stages and well past the initial startup. It gives a valuable outline of the many obstacles you will face as well as offering excellent advice on every aspect of the business. I will refer back to it for years to come.

This book covers every aspect you need to know about starting a business, even if you know nothing to start with. It was my bible in starting from scratch,with no previous business experiance, a home based janitorial business that has grown to over one million in revenews and 100 employees in five years. A must read and have for referance as you grow.

Notwithstanding the fact that I read probably at least 300 books a year, I have never reviewed a book on amazon.com before. But "Keeping Kids Reading" is so inspirational and helpful that I decided to share my enthusiasm. Ms. Leonhardt, a veteran English teacher, clearly explains how to ensure your kids become lifelong, passionate readers. Since the day my kids were born, this has been a goal of mine. When my kids were quite young, I read aloud to them constantly. (If you haven't read Jim Trelease's "The Read-Aloud Handbook," it's also excellent). But once my guys reached elementary school and started to read independently, I felt a bit lost. Sure, I still read aloud nightly, but have been feeling I could / should be doing more, but wasn't sure what. Ms. Leonhardt's delightful and compelling book has provided the missing link for me. I now have a whole toolkit of practical ideas to ensure that my kids become avid readers. Her book reassures me that I've done many things right and has given me plenty of ideas to ensure my boys' continued reading success. Thank you, Ms. Leonhardt, for making the wisdom you've gleaned in 28 years of teaching in the classroom available to all parents. This book is going to all of my mom friends for Christmas this year!

This is Leonhardt's second book, published three years after Parents Who Love Reading, Kids Who Don't: How It Happens and What You Can Do About It (see my review). In it she again shares her experience as a parent and an educator and breaks some new ground from the previous volume. As early as page 19 she flatly states, "Children must love reading. This goal is absolute. No one--teachers, parents, librarians, curriculum directors, book reviewers--must do or recommend anything that puts [it] in jeopardy...[A]ll of the skill exercises that children dislike--but are 'good' for them--are not allowed if they cause a child to dislike reading." She later adds that, as a parent, you shouldn't "try to force [your child] to read [a specific book] or argue her out of her dislike of [it]." From a teacher, this is, of course, a radical stand: doubtless all of us can remember plowing through some such title as "A Tale of Two Cities," or picking Shakespeare to pieces, because they were "required reading" (even some of the librarians I know, who have somehow managed to retain their love of books despite such experiences, recount them with bitterness). Leonhardt explains that in the high-school classes she teaches, any kid can get an A for his weekly reading if he reads 200 or more pages *of a book or books chosen by himself*. She also tells how all the young avid readers she has interviewed either grew up in homes filled with books, or lived within biking (or walking) distance of a library. (Having done both myself, I can testify that they are indispensable--although once a kid is 10 or 12, I would add that bussing distance, or perhaps nearness to the child's school, is also permissible.) And, as if picking up on my previous review, she declares that "Turning kids off...by insisting on too much analysis and criticism is winning a battle only to lose the war...[Many kids are] turned off by English teachers who insist that they analyze difficult poems they don't even like..." She points out, too, that reading often leads to writing, which, since most teens are reluctant to talk to their parents about their troubles (or just can't find the words to express their feelings), may help your kids to stay out of trouble as they enter "the angst-filled teen years. You want them home writing poetry and stories when they're troubled--not looking for the nearest drug dealer." Most important, she describes four basic "reading paths" and explains how to use them to find books that kids--at any age and reading level--can enjoy, books that will make them want to read not only the current title but more books, and eventually adult-level and even "difficult" or "classic" books. While many books about kids' or teens' lit break books into broad categories, such as animal stories, adventure, or nonfiction, this is the first time I've seen anyone try to separate those categories according to the type of kid who may be attracted to them.

As might be expected of a teacher, Leonhardt unfortunately shares the unhealthy fixation we have about college in the US; she describes how, on a visit to Ireland, she told young people there that to get a "good job" here, you have to attend college--which severely disappointed her listeners, who wanted to know about jobs for "ordinary lads like us." (It's true, of course, that we're moving rapidly away from an industrial economy, but there are still plenty of useful, good-paying jobs that can be learned through apprenticeship (like welding or construction) or at community colleges (which continue to prosper).) But the chief problem I have with her is that, for the most part, she tends to ignore a great many fine old books--in all possible paths--in favor of books that are current, recent, or in print, even as she praises libraries for offering the books that aren't. She says, for example, that "...most multicultural literature pushed in the schools is boring even to the group it showcases." Yet I can remember reading many fascinating books about what was then called "children of other lands," books like Robert Davis's Pepperfoot of Thursday market,or Louise Rankin's Daughter of the Mountains (Newbery Library, Puffin)--many of which are now OP, and which had the great merit of (because of their age) not being "dumbed down" as so many more recent titles are. One of her recommendations is to "keep trying poetry," particularly for elementary-schoolers, yet she doesn't suggest themed poetry anthologies like the many assembled by William Cole or the Brewtons. In describing Path #4, "Action/Adventure Reading With Realistic Elements," she laments that readers of this type (almost always boys) find a paucity of books, especially fiction, about sports or military subjects in libraries; for example, she suggests only Matt Christopher, without seeming to realize that he can lead to, say, Lester Chadwick's Baseball Joe series (a Stratemeyer Syndicate offering to be sure, but so are Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, both of which she praises as the kind of books that can ignite a child's love of reading) or Clair Bee's Chip Hilton or John R. Tunis's long string of sports novels. She also totally ignores the girls (often tomboys, if not necessarily sports freaks) who may be of this type (and having been one, I can say without fear of contradiction that they do exist--and they enjoy "boys' books" too). And she doesn't even mention such excellent (and prolific) authors for older readers (boys and girls alike) as Stephen W. Meader and G. A. Henty, both of whom are currently being brought back into print by specialty publishers, or Joseph A. Altsheler (all of them adventure tales focusing on "realistic," as opposed to magical or relationship-oriented, action). It has long seemed to me that if we want our kids to read "good books," we have to make *all* books available to them, and in that Leonhardt and I agree; but so many libraries subscribe to ruthless age-based weeding policies, and so many publishers are so totally focused on the bottom line, that our youngsters grow up completely unaware of the treasure trove of well-written and interesting older titles that we baby-boomers knew and loved. I hope that in a future volume Leonhardt may begin to relate these authors to her "fourfold path." The fact that she hasn't in this one is the reason I give it only a four-star rating: she's definitely on the right track as far as she goes, but she hasn't yet gone quite far enough.

Having just finished this book for the third time, I figured it was time to give the author kudos for this wonderful book. My husband and I are lifelong avid readers and it is very important to us to share our love of reading with our children. This book has given me so much help in choosing books for my children by helping me to identify their reading "paths". For a while, I kept offering the wrong books to the kids, and I was baffled by their disinterest. Now that I understand their preferences better thanks to this book, I am so much more successful at offering books that they will like. It really works! My boys read all the time; I'd estimate at least 3 hours a day of books they choose.

Over and over, this author repeats the message to trust your children. That can be so hard to do, which is why I've needed to reread the book several times. But it works! I've watched the children move from easy readers to longer books to Tolkein, and I've known that they're doing it in their own time. If I start worrying that they've been reading "below their level" or conversely that they may be choosing books that are too hard, I remember the goals of making them love reading, and have a habit of reading, and I realize they are on the right track.

I rarely take the time to review books that I read, but I feel strongly enough in favor of this one to chime in with BIG thumbs-up.

If you love reading the way I do, there is very little more important to you than raising children who love to read. I thought this book was wonderful. The author is obviously passionate about getting kids hooked on reading, and believes that you should do just about anything to acheive this goal. She points out how many parents that don't hesitate to spend tons of money on toys and clothes balk at buying kids books, and points out how books can be found at lawn sales and book sales by the ton for very cheap, and how money spent on books is an investment of the best kind. She advocates letting kids read what they enjoy reading, and letting that lead to reading you find more worthwhile, but wants us to keep in mind that just getting them to READ is the goal. Her kids loved Richie Rich comics (as did I as a kid!) I love her writing style---it's very honest and direct. A great book!

A funny book that actually will make you laugh out loud. Beautifully written with engaging and unexpected characters. Peter J Smith is a wonderful writer. Do yourself a favour and buy this book today!

This book is conceivably the funniest book that I have ever read! A must-read for anyone with a quirky and creative sense of humor!

I love this book. Even after several readings, it still causes me to laugh aloud. "Make Believe Ballrooms" has seriously affected the way I look at Maxfield Parrish paintings, and that is probably a good thing. If only there were more . . . .

We have here what we may term the Seinfield of fiction. A story about so much, yet when trying to put it into words one comes up with "it's sort of a story about...nothing." However, among the barrage of "meaningful" fiction loitering pretentiously on bookstore fiction shelves, this novel says infinitely more about life, with its simple and effecting prose and utterly laugh at loud situations and characters, than any torturous "story with a moral" that you'll find on the best seller list. You will laugh out loud...I am not being figurative. You will laugh out loud often and with the unembarassed intensity that usually only a witty best friend can inspire. You will also feel strangely touched by this book. I say "strangely" because, perhaps like me, you won't be able to quite put your finger on why. Perhaps it is because life consists of a series of "nothing" events and coincidences, challenges and changes, silly as they may be. You will see the absurdity of life in this book and, upon closing it, realize how beautiful that absurdity is. Risk your life to find a copy of this amazing book...it is difficult to find, but then again, so are most worthwhile things. Find it, read it, and then write Mr. Smith a thank you letter for writing it. It is a rare gem in a slough of mediocrity.

This is my favorite commentary on Thessalonians. There is solid exegesis without being too wordy and the application to today's world is insightful. This quality puts this book at the top of the list.

Anything by John Stott has to be good. I am preaching a series through Thessalonians and have found Stott's work to be my favorite. Stott offers the meat, veggies, and potatoes. Good stuff.

If you are not familiar with Stott, he is a conservative evangelical with faith in the integrity of Scripture. He seeks to interpret objectively, seeking the meaning intended by the human author and how the original recepients would have understood these letters.

Although I do not necessarily agree with every single interpretation, I confidently recommend this one for pastors, Bible teachers, or serious laymen.

This is classic Stott -- scholarly aware but relentlessly pastoral. This BST is my favorite series.

Stott's was the most helpful commentary I found for teaching and preaching. Also decent was Leon Morris (1991 - in the excellent NICNT series -- more technical than Stott); Leon Morris' earlier work in the shorter Tyndale series (1956); and the Ancient Christian Commentary (2000 - more novelty than practical help), vol. IX.

If you're at all familiar with Stott, you know that he is one of the finest Christian writers of the 20th century. Anything he writes is a pleasure to read in terms of sheer literary quality, perhaps even on the level of a C.S. Lewis. This commentary is no exception.

As for substance, this is an excellent commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Stott's emphasis is more pastoral and practical than academic. Though he does occasionally discuss the Greek text, he does so in a way that is easily understandable by those not familiar with Greek. His insights are, well, insightful, and easily applied to the life of any Christian. I used this commentary to prepare a Sunday School lesson this summer; none of the other commentaries I consulted offered anything substantial that I did not already have from Stott.

If you're looking for cleaning tips and helpful hints, flip to the "Time Saver" and "Super Solutions" sections throughout the entire book. If you want to totally revolutionize your way of thinking, take the quiz on page 11 and read the book from cover to cover. I purchased this book as a sophomore in high school looking for tips on how to clean my room. Fourteen years later it remains on my dresser with my dictionary and the Bible. It's that important! like a daily reference guide to sanity. Sandra Felton's words ring true because she herself is a Messie and understands how we think.

The reason that it's the best is that all of the other books on organization that are out there are great for giving you hints of what to do and how, but they rarely deal with the "Why?" This book has space dedicated to your thinking about your life and why you have a desperate need to hoard and save everything. The steps to freedom from clutter are slow and easy, with a definite lean toward taking a break now and then! There is nothing overwhelming about this book and its approach. Most of us feel overwhelmed enough, thanks!

This book is as good as all of Sandra Felton's in describing Messies and how to rise up out of it.

But this book has an added bonus in its chapters on decorating. Messies have a hard time pulling beauty out of the mess, even once the mess itself is cleared away. This book describes HOW to gather colors, textures, lines you really like. And then it describes HOW to turn those ideas into reality, as well as HOW to consider easy maintenance and cleaning alternatives to achieve the look.

I really liked this book. Very aptly describes the difference between a messie and a cleanie. As a textbook messie I no longer feel alone! Great ideas to help you overcome clutter.

For Health we are looking at the people who help out in a community. This book gives information on street sweepers as it compares to other trucks. It is a cute book that uses cartoon pictures with simple text. I would recommend it for grades PS - 1st.

Nice images and colorful, easy to follow pictures and story lines even for someone who has no memory like myself. I don't know about the first comment, about liking to "watch" the street sweeper. In New York City, it's more about getting out of the way of them! Patrick Moore, not to be confused with that other Patrick Moore, has incorporated squirrels and life into an otherwise mundane subject. Children who enjoy a big, loud, snorting vehicle in real life, will truly enjoy Mr. Moore's bringing them down to size and into their livingrooms. Nice illustrations. A new classic. Next time I hope to see more monkey based story lines.

This is a really adorable book. The drawings in particular are very alive and happy and the story was very entertaining. I'm a pretty picky kid's book reader-- so many of them are bland and predictable, but this one's got heart and soul!

When the current crop of picture books seems dominated by celebrity authors along comes a real star! Moore's pictures are funny and sly and you and your children will have fun spotting the clever ways in which they reveal a very simple story. This is a must for squirrel lovers, construction vehicle admirers and most of all, the many people between 2 and 100 who just love to watch that mighty street sweeper that visits their own neighborhood.