Bridges Books

Even Bunting has written another great book with this one about the Golden Gate bridge. I bought it for a school library and it's a big hit with students.

This must be one of prolific writer Eve Bunting's best works, personalizing the fantastic story of the Golden Gate Bridge through the eyes of a construction worker's son. "There's a crew of more than a thousand men working on that bridge, Robert, including [your friend] Charlie's dad," says mom. "I know that, but I just shrug. To me, it's Pop's bridge." Robert's dad is a "high iron man, "balancing on the catwalks, spinning and bending the cables....When the fog rollss in, he disappears completely." Charlie's dad is a painter, painting the bridge the now famous shade of "International Orange" before it's even finished.

However, Robert's a bit of a snob when it comes to bridge building. In his hierarchy, iron men are --literally and figuratively--much higher than mere painters. One day,, however, there's an accident at the bridge, and the boys watch in horror as "scaffolding crashes down into the safety net. The net tears loose, and men go with it into the swirling tide." (This scene is based on an actual event.) Through RObert's binoculars, they see that both of their dads are ok.

Later, in a somber, reflective mood, Robert realizes that there is equal work and risk for all the workers, no matter what their job. The book concludes on a celebratory note; however, as Robert and Charlie traverse the bridge on opening day, and share a meal of sarsaparilla. stewed chicken. a Chinese noodle dish made by Charlie's dad, and a snickerdoodle pie. Robert shares a surprise intended for his dad alone with both his and Charlie's dad: The last piece of a jigsaw puzzle of the bridge that both men put in together.

The narrative is superb, combining historical facts (there's an excellent afterward with more information) with a story of friendship and maturity. The illustrations are equally outstanding, and rank with the finest in kids' books. C. F. Payne perfectly captures the awesome magic and mystery of the bridge, and his facial close-ups--very slightly exaggerated--recall the work of Norman Rockwell and Patricia Polacco. Payne even paints the period clothes and other details (e.g., room interiors) accurately. An outstanding work--certainly one of the best I've read this year.

I originally borrowed a copy from the library, and many other books about working in Japan. This is the most useful book out of all of them. The information is quite recent(2002), and it has a load of contact details in the back, airlines, embassy addresses and much more. It also contains useful pictures, and good tips to surviving in Japan. Definitely a must have. Suitable for anyone looking to move or live in Japan.

A Practical Guide To Living In Japan: Everything You Need To Know To Successfully Settle In by travel expert Jarrell D. Sieff is a definitive, "user friendly" guide for students, business travelers, and vacationers arriving in Japan for their studies, business operations, or sight-seeing. A Practical Guide To Living In Japan covers immigration matters, finding a place to stay, money and banking, studying the Japanese language, getting around Japanese cities and countryside, health and insurance, as well as Japanese customs and social etiquette. A Practical Guide To Living In Japan is a highly recommended resource that will save the traveler, businessman or student an immeasurably valuable amount of time, expense, anxiety, confusion, and hassle.

Buy it just to see what others are doing.
Fun read too! Not a boring book by any stretch of the imagination.

Good coverage.

This book 'tells it like it is' on preemptive tactics in the modern game. It will add zest to your preemption while improving your defense against enemy preempts.

I used this book as a primary reference for a senior/graduate prestressed class. Overall, the book is clear and wonderful. I really appreciated the way the author stressed fundamental behavior.

I found the section on deflections heavy going for my students so I picked a simpler, but less accurate, approach from Scordelis's report.

I strongly encourage the author to update this book or publish a new text.

A "must have" reference book for Structural Engineers in the area of prestressed concrete.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 9 are the most comprehensive single source of information on the Modified Compression Filed Theory and procedures for the design of disturbed regions(corbels, dapped ends, ledges,etc.) on concrete structures(except maybe for MacGreggor's).

The book is advanced and requires some knowledge of concrete behavior, prestressed concrete design and mechanics of materials.

Software has been updated and is available on the Toronto University web page (Response 2000-compute Moment Curvature Diagrams of Prestressed Concrete Beams). The software is excellent and easy to use.

I don't usually read poetry, but this collection of poems about all aspects of marriage, from engagement to divorce to 50th wedding anniversaries, is a poetry book that I will enjoy and pass on to others. Suitable for weddings, anniversaries, breakups, make-ups, and birthdays. More poems by women than men, but both sexes should relate to this anthology.

This is one of the best recent poetry anthologies I've seen. It addresses the topic of marriage from multiple viewpoints, from the tender moments of first love, to the satisfactions of a long-lasting union, and including arguments, separations (emotional or physical), illnesses, and intimacies. I find myself dipping into this volume again and again, finding a new treasure each time, and recognizing aspects of my own marriage in many of the poems. The book includes some of my favorite poets, but also includes some wonderful poets I had never heard of before. I have given three copies of this book away to friends,and every one of them has reported back to me on particular poems that they loved. It's a wonderful collection.

...and I don't plan on stopping. There are 176 verses in Psalm 119. Charles Bridges spends an average of two pages per verse. That is just about the right size for a five to seven minute session. I cover two verses a day - one in the morning and one in the evening. I should go through it four times a year.

I have always understood that Psalm 119 is about the Word of God. What I am finding in Bridges is that it is about how the Christian experiences the Word of God in about 176 ways. He finds the essence of a verse and shows the truth of it from many other scriptures using illustrations where appropriate. He shows how the verse fits with the previous verse. He is very Christ centered throughout showing the necessity and effects of the gospel on the Christian. It was written in 1827 and Spurgeon said it is "worth it's weight in gold."

I find that it exhorts, convicts, challenges, encourages, and enlightens. There is plenty of motivation and material for confession and praise. If you love God's Word (Written and Living) or want to -- you won't be disappointed by this book.

Rich Truth. Can be read as devotional (one verse a day) or cover to cover. Comforting. Convicting. Challenging. This book stirs the spirit to passionate obedience and love for God's Word.

"RECAPTURING THE AFRICAN MIND AND MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUTHOR BRUCE BRIDGES" By Fahim A. Knight

Brother Bruce Bridges in thought, had giving birth to this project titled, "Recapturing the African Mind" published 2006, long before it actually became a published work; thus as an idea, it had its inception some twelve years ago. Bridges through a tedious process and long hours of revisions and transcriptions, is now prepared to give birth to a work that will rank beside the works, authored by some of the most well respected African centered thinkers and intellectuals in America. This book thoroughly investigates the affects Christianity had on the social and psychological development of African people. It is a must read for all the serious minded African-centered scholars and lay persons. Brother Bridges has picked up the torch left by our African elders John G. Jackson and John Henrik Clarke two of our greatest African intellectual warriors. This article will give the reader a behind the scene look at the author and my journey with him.

Moreover, I accompanied Bridges on numerous trips to North Carolina State University perhaps in the early 1990's at the invitation of Dr. Thomas Hammonds who was a professor of French language and Culture in the North Carolina State University Foreign Languages and Communications Department. Dr. Hammonds was attempting to establish and develop a Black Studies program and curriculum, in which students could receive major and minor degrees in this discipline.

Dr. Hammonds organized an evening study group forum on the campus in order to initiate student interest, in at least taking Black Studies courses and with a long ranged objective of getting the university to formalize, sanction and grant Black Studies degrees, as well as funnel the necessary resources to hire qualified Black professors and build a credible Black Studies Department, at this predominately white university campus.

This effort at North Carolina State University was also taking place at the height of the Afrocentric Movement in America, where Black scholars such as Marimba Ani, Leonard Jeffries, Ivan Van Sertima, Maulana Karenga, Frances Cress Welsing, John Henrik Clarke, Anthony T. Browder, Na'im Akbar, Ashri Kwesi, Molefi Asante, IshakaMusa Barashango, Amos Wilson, Yosef A.A. Ben-Johannan, etc., were redefining the African world view and challenging white academia to reconsider the facts of history, which in many instances had covertly and overtly omitted the African contribution to humanity; thus, at the detriment of human progress in order to continue to perpetuate a white supremacy ideology.

Bridges and I, would travel to North Carolina State University Campus, which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina three times a week and he would lecture to fifty (50) too one hundred (100) students on various topics of African History. Some of the initial study groups evolved from intense discussions relative to the Negritude Movement and how French culture in the 1930's had impacted and influenced African and Caribbean cultures, i.e., literature, politics, art, music, folkways, mores, etc.

The Negritude Movement was coexisting simultaneously during the latter years with the Harlem Renaissance Movement, which was in gulfing Black America; it was a cultural explosion perhaps unmatched in the history of Black America. However, I was always of the opinion, that Dr. Hammonds was much more fond and passionate about the Negritude Movement than Bridges.

Although, I learned a lot from Bridges about the likes of Leon Damas (French Guyana), Aime Cesaire (Martinique) and Leopold Senghor (Senegal), it was not his discussion of choice, but he had a love for teaching and inspiring young African-American students and he had the intellectual ability to adapt and use his excellent skills as an orator to make any subject come to life, including the Negritude Movement.

The relationship between Dr. Hammonds and Bridges in my opinion, was based on expediency because Dr. Hammonds could not have built a credible and viable Black Studies program without the likes of a Bridges who although was not a "trained Historian", but possessed a love and passion for historical research and more importantly was eager to teach and share this wealth of knowledge, he had acquired over many years of study. Bridges wanted to get back into the classroom and Dr. Hammonds offered him this opportunity.

Bridges began his teaching profession at North Carolina Central University, his alma mater, from which he graduated in 1973 and went on to the University of Cincinnati earning a Masters of Arts degree in geography. In 1976 at the age of twenty-six Bridges was teaching geography full-time at North Carolina Central University.

He later would make his mark as a professor at Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina teaching both geography and African History. Thus, the academic classroom was not unfamiliar territory for Bridges and he would seized the moment at North Carolina State University to shape these young fashionable minds, as well as stretch the concept of academic freedom.

He began a lecture series at North Carolina State University titled, "Recapturing the African Mind", Bridges and I, would spend many hours in his old model vehicle talking about the plight of Black people and listening to the Temptations, The Last Poets, Modulations, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Sam Cooke, the sounds of Philly International, the sounds of Motown, etc.

Bridges music interest led him across status and class lines and he was drawn and attracted to street personalities such as Daryl "Slack" Smith" (and believe me this cat could sing), Clyde Lockhart, William Harper and between imitating the Temptations and expressing the humor of PigMeat Markham and Moms Mabel was all encompassing of Bridges personality. Bridges enjoyed nostalgia and he very seldom ventured outside music beyond the date of 1976. But next to music and comedy, what intrigued him the most was the acquisition of knowledge and information, which he took very serious.

Bridges would often say to me "that we (meaning black people) were out of our minds" and he would often point to chattel slavery and the negative affect this 310 year systematic process had on the mental development of continental and disaporian Africans, which continues to plague us as a race of people even in 2007. The title, "Recapturing the African Mind" evolved out this social dilemma and historical antagonistic contradiction. He never missed an opportunity to condemn King Leopold of Belgium and the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 for dividing and partitioning Africa. In his mind this was an unforgivable sin.

"Recapturing the African Mind" goes after the myths, lies, deceptions, false symbolism and it challenges the disease of white supremacy and like the book titled, The Mis-education of the Negro, written by Carter Godwin Woodson in 1933, it explains and diagnosis our psychological, political, economic and social condition. Bridges would often state to me, "we must answer the who, what, where, when and how question", because of all our studies history is best qualified to reward all research and those who fail to learn from the lessons of history are doomed to repeat those lessons.

Bridges has edited, revised, and rewritten portions of this book over, and over again; moreover, he has finally decided to bring it to fruition and I can only say that he has been in labor with this book for over ten years. I was there, when he first started to have these labor pains as it related to writing "Recapturing the African Mind".

But I am fully aware that nothing comes into existence without the permission of the Creator. The time is ripe and perhaps for the first time the community would get a chance to experience Bridges gift for writing because many of us have been well acquainted with his ability to orate and finally he has put some of his thoughts on paper; thus, giving the scholars and layman alike, the opportunity to assess, evaluate and render critical analysis of his intellectual ideas.

Bridges would often tell me how grateful he was as young man to have had been introduced early on to the Durham based Civil Rights Movement and its leader Howard Fuller who led many protest marches, boycotts, picket lines, sit-ins, etc., and he was inspired by Fuller's strength, tenacity, intellect and his willingness to fight for justice for the Black citizens of Durham. Bridges told me how Fuller and the Civil Rights organizers would always give him a spot on the program to read some Black inspired poetry when he was in his early teens.

Bridges deeply admired Howard Fuller's ability to organize and often told me about Fuller's effort to establish Malcolm X College and the revolutionary programming that was being aired on WAFR radio station. This all took place in Hayti, the Mecca of Black Durham.

Bridges and I, would talk for hours and hours at a time, about when he was first invited to the Nation of Islam Temple number 34 in the early 1970's and he heard a young minister named Kenneth X (Murray) from Baltimore, Maryland who was sent to Durham by minister Malcolm X to establish the work of Elijah Muhammad in North Carolina. Murray who later changed his name to Kenneth Muhammad taught a fiery brand of Islam, which Bridges found attractive and inspiring as a young college student.

Bridge said he never joined the Nation of Islam, but he would recruit carloads of students from North Carolina Central University and bring them to Temple number 34 to hear Minister Kenneth X deliver the life giving teachings. Bridges in 1973 had recruited so many people to Muhammad's Temple #34 that his efforts won him a free trip to the Nation of Islam Savior's Day Convention in Chicago to hear its late leader Elijah Muhammad. Many old Nation of Islam followers have told me that indeed Bridges was a fisher of men. Bridges said what he enjoyed the most about attending the Nation of Islam meetings was the teaching aspect and their usage of the chalkboard.

I gave this background information because it is necessary to understand the institutions, personalities, environment and events that helped shape the man and his ideas.

I first met Bridges in 1982, twenty-three years ago, I had just come to Durham, North Carolina from Newark, New Jersey as a freshman at North Carolina Central University and someone gave me a flier that stated Bridges was conducting what he called the Cultural Awareness Seminar at Saint Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church. I attended the meeting that evening out of sheer curiosity, but I left inspired by Bridges message; his central theme has always been some aspect of Black history whether it is of antiquity or contemporary.

Bridges also had a knack for uncovering word origins, and getting to the root of a word or concept and was a serious student of etymology. He didn't mind referring to a dictionary in order to ascertain a definition, as well as break down a word. In addition, he loved the science of epistemology and He would often quote from Albert Churchward book titled, "Signs and Symbols of Primordial Man" and Gerald Massey's book titled, "A Book of the Beginnings", where Churchward and Massey gives the evolution of words and the nature of phrases and there interconnection to human development.

Bridges in his lectures always imparted non-traditional information and he kept his philosophical ideas outside the box and he challenged us all, to look deeper into a subject because "branch knowledge" was shallow and it was "root knowledge" that was worth investigating. I attended many of his talks over a twelve-year period and at the conclusion of each lecture, one always left feeling better informed and educated about some aspect of African history.

Bridges also use to host a weekly talk show on WDUR radio titled, "The Cultural Awareness Seminar" your radio classroom, a call-in format and every Saturday morning Bridges would introduce facts, events about some aspect of Black History. He would always cite dates, facts and events relative to the Black experience from the "Black Seeds" calendar and would often teach from the calendar.

Bridges always opened his radio program with his national anthem "Redemption Song" by Bob Nesta Marley, who he would quote throughout the program, "none can free our minds but ourselves". Bridges was very intrigued by the Rastafarian movement and culture; thus, I never knew his motivations behind this other than he appreciated the Rasta's non-conformist, resistance, anti-establishment life style and I knew he was aware of the revolutionary actions the Maroons of Jamaica had taken historically, these warrior men and women never accepted slavery and fought and rebelled against the British slave makers.

This spirit was also embodied in the lyrics of Marley's Reggae music and Bridges could appreciate all aspect of protest. But I was intelligent enough to reason that Bridges loved and respected Marcus Mosiah Garvey and his back the Africa Movement, which the Rastafarian held in high esteem and this perhaps was the cement that held this complex ideological relationship together.

If there were three (3) or perhaps four (4) books that stood out separate and apart in my many discussions with Bridges it would be, Marcus Garvey's book titled, "Message to the People: The Course of African Philosophy" edited by Tony Martin, "As A Man Thinketh", James Allen, "100 Amazing Facts About the Negro", by Joel Augusta Rogers and "What They Never Told You in History Class". These monumental works to a lesser degree or perhaps even to a greater extent serves as the fundamental basis that under girds Bridges impetus and ideological formulations as a teacher and social activist.

Bridges "Cultural Awareness Seminar" Topics ranged from the origin of the Black Panther Movement to Ancient Kamit (Egypt) and he would rescue Kamit (Egypt) from the half-truths, lies, historical deceptions and would often use Dr. George G. M. James book titled, Stolen Legacy, and John G. Jackson's book titled, Introduction to African Civilization, to reinstall African People (Black People) as the major contributors to the development of medicine, architecture, mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, physics, art, Music, etc. He demystified Rome and Greece and taught that Kamit (Egypt and Cush) had enlightened the entire world and this included Europe.

Bridges and I, use to travel throughout America vending books from his KNOW BOOK STORE, which he founded in 1983. The KNOW BOOK STORE was a haven for grassroots and Black intellectuals meetings and discussions. The KNOW BOOK STORE had played host to many guests such as the late Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael), Jamil Abdullah EL-Amin (H.Rapp Brown), Sun-Ra, Ben Ammi, Abdul Alim Muhammad, Susan Taylor, Steve Cokley, Ishakamusa Barshango, C. Eric Lincoln, Andrew Young, J. Anthony Brown, Michael Eric Dyson, Llaila O. Africa, etc.

There are two incidents that come to mind and if one was not prepared to adequately defend their political arguments, then the Cultural Awareness Seminar regulars could be unforgiving. There was a brother by the name of Rudolph Windsor who authored a very good book titled, "Dry Bones in the Valley", but he took an intellectual whipping like never before and there was George Subira who authored a book which dealt with Black economics and he too had underestimated how prepared the KNOW BOOK STORE regulars were and he received the same fate of brother Windsor.

I can recall Bridges and I, traveling to New York in 1988 to City College and attending the Melanin Conference and vending books. These type conferences were often well attended by non-traditional Black intellectuals, nationalist, Pan-Africanist, academicians, and some petite bourgeoisie.

Bridges could have been one of the presenters and could have run circles around most of the Afrocentic lecturers that were present. He knew that, and of course, I knew that. However, our purpose was to sell books and Bridges was also unmatched as an entrepreneur and I also can recall me standing on a table selling and promoting the books. Many people could not accept the fact that we were from Durham, North Carolina (in essence two country boys) because they had reserved hustling and bold salesmanship to New Yorkers. One gentleman said jokingly, "book man go home".

Bridges and I, during this same year traveled to Coppin State College in Baltimore, Maryland to sell books at the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations and once again we were among the cream of crop, as far as non-traditional Black intellectuals. Bridges did not allow his ego to get in the way of business but once again he could have delivered the keynote address and it would have been well received.

In conclusion, Bridges established another radio program on WDUR -AM Radio, which we titled, "Talk Harambee" translate to mean talk unity in Ki-Swahili. This program was aired from 12:00am to 6:00am and we could have live guest and/or format the program as we saw fit.

Bridges and a brother by the name of Imam Mathew Hamidullah (who now works for the United States Department of Justice) co-hosted the first three hours of the program. Hamidullah was an interesting brother; he once held the national spokesmen position for the American Muslim Mission and Imam Warithudeen Mohammed and served as Bridges co-host. Bridges was an African History expert and Hamidullah was more of a public policy and current event individual; thus, looking back at Hamidullah's training and holding a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, it was not surprising giving his academic orientation that he would be issue oriented. But as co-host, they complimented each other very well.

Bridges and Hamidullah radio highlight was when they put Santa Claus on trial and the listening audience took great interest in this particular series of shows, both supporters and pundits alike responded with their opinion and views. They charged Santa Clause with grand larceny, breaking and entering, perjury, embezzlement, etc. Mr. Claus was found guilty of various felonies, but I cannot recall what penalty was imposed.

Bridges later added Alice Ailey-Jones and sister Alice would be considered more of a trained historian and possessed a real professional approach to interpreting past, present and future events. She added balanced to the "Talk Harambee" discussions and Bridges relied on her for that balance. Bridges would always open up this midnight show with "Wake Up Everybody" by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

He permitted me to host the latter three hours of the show and I added a brother by the name of Adrian Bishop who was originally from Asbury Park, New Jersey and we were both young radicals and our approach to formatting the program reflected our youthful spirit and our rebellious disposition.

But Bridges never attempted to censor and/or water down our message and I believe he saw himself in our nonconforming and raw approach to the issues. We later would add a brother named Rod Barbee and he gave us our theme song "Fight The Power" by Public Enemy. The callers would call us at three o'clock in the morning, which just to state they were checking in. And of course we never disappointed our support base.

Bridges has made two pilgrimages to West and East Africa and he continues to lecture at some of America's most prestigious colleges and universities. There is much more I can say, but this backdrop will provide the reader with a prelude to understanding the motivations behind Recapturing the African Mind.

I Fahim A. Knight, Chief Researcher of KEEPING it REAL THINK TANK in Durham, NC; we are dedicated to the upliftment of Black people and all people of goodwill. We espouse the principles of FREEDOM, JUSTICE and EQULAITY. Our motto is speaking truth to power. Fahim A. Knight can be contacted at fahimknight@yahoo.com.

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
By: Fahim A. Knight

Dr. Bruce Bridges has written a great history book here, but in an easy to read and condensed manner. This book is a necessity in progressive high schools and college campuses throughout the U.S.--particulary now, when so many African American males are failing in the education system and being imprisoned. With a "renewing of their minds", and them learning WHO they are and of their proud history, perhaps the tide of negative headlines can be turned around.

This book is a very useful tool in being able to define relationships and the various types that exist. Pastor Matthews explicitly articulates the importance of engaging in relationships with individuals that will enhance you and not those who suffer from the "parasite syndrome" in sucking everything out of you for what they can get. The individual must set standards in his or her own life to develop a personal criteria in allowing others to establish a relationship with them. Pastor Matthews has done a great job writing and I highly recommend this book to clergy and laity alike whether single or married as a possible text book for a Marriage or Singles Conference.

The "fireside chat" style of presentation makes Relationships: A Bridge or a Burden an easy and interesting read. Though some of the author's opinions are slightly controversial, the book offers sound scriptural reference to support a common sense approach to decision making in relationships. Written from a Christian perspective, the commentary predictably addresses male/female relationships, but creates a sense of balance by exploring other types. I recommend this book for those seeking an objective second opinion or a directed focus in their pursuit of a satisfying relationship.

Whether you're a new believer, thriving saint, or old traditionalist this book gives new light to why we are here on earth. For everyone that comes to a point where they question the things they where taught or need encouragement for what they know to be true, this book is for anyone that cares to know. After feeling discouraged about what I know to be true and in a current state that causes me to be forced in to a box, this book as given more reason to continue on my journey toward what I have always known to be true. I now realize that the uncomfortable state I am currently in has caused me to get back out of my four walls where freedom resides.

Although it's not a theological thesis, this book captures a crucial element of tactical evangelism, that is to say -- change. Throughout the tide of history, cultures continue to change much like the currents of a river. The author stresses that it's our responsibility as Christ-followers to examine these changes and adapt our evangelism to the moving ideas, beliefs, values, and social trends of our culture.

This book describes a current Christian church that has become burdened with the baggage of religion, which is really a man-made counteroffer to a God who demands much more than pharasaic ritualism and doctrinal narcissism.

And finally, the author pushes the reader to examine the broken bridge and to reconsider what it really means to be a Christian. Is Christianity a title of membership, or is it a way of life? Is being Christian a mere collection of doctrinal creeds and ritualistic observances, or is it much more?

Regardless whether you're a conservative or a liberal Christian, this book is a must read for those of you who have, at one time or another, scratched your head and wondered why we continue to do some of things we do!!!

Full of real world advice and thoughtful suggestions, the book uses examples based on personal experience as well as sound research to educate others about the complex subject of retirement planning. I especially appreciated the well thought out worksheets covering all aspects of this life event.
It's refreshing to find a road map written by someone who has been there before, and is not afraid to admit there may have been other routes he could have taken. An excellent book to read and re-read.

Unlike so many other Retirement "advisories" this author relates his real experiences with real world scenarios rather than the "high road" of other financial authors. He clearly describes his/the situation, why/how he made his choices and the result. Sometimes good and sometimes he explains how he could have made a better choice using hindsight as his guide. For someone like me, just entering retirement, his aptly described experiences will allow me to make better decisions and have confidence that my decisions are the best option for me. Mr. Bridges clearly defines the un-controlables (and there are many) but also presents options/solutions to position oneself for the best result.