Way Books

Mr. Grundling takes us inside 3M and tells the story of the mining company which turned into a tape manufacturer and much more. Grundling shows us how heavily relies on the innovative spirit and how nurturing it is part of the core value of the company. This also explains why it is difficult to transplant 3M's philosophy to other established companies, as it affects every aspect of the company. In order to use the 3M way it would have to be introduced right from the inception of a new company. On the other hand it is also obvious that one should not copy 3M directly today, as they may have difficulties adjusting to today's faster development pace. All in all an interesting book, which states a lot of good practices and also some not so good ones.

I have been looking for a book with good practical insights on managing complex multinational operations. Gundling's study of 3M, it seems to me, gets it just right. Gundling has lots of practical examples from interviews with 3M personnel, apparently over a fairly long period of time, to go along with his formal analysis of how technical information is transferred among 3M subsidiaries. Chapter 5 on global innovation is especially good. As a professor, I had a particular reason to search out a book like this, but I would suspect that managers could adapt many of the best practices that Gundling identifies within 3M to their own companies.

What would you do if you were one of five promoters who put down $ 5000 each to buy a piece of land, believing it to contain corundum (a mineral used to make abrasives) and discovered that it contained none?

What would you do if you then decided to import Spanish garnet to make the abrasives and had the bad luck of its becoming soaked with olive oil during the voyage, resulting in abrasives of such poor quality that it took several years to restore consumer confidence?

What would you do if the floor of your new factory building collapsed on the very first day under the weight of sacks of material stacked seven high for inventory purposes?
Why, simple! If you are 3M Corporation, you would learn from adversity and go on to become arguably the world's most innovative corporation! With an arsenal of over 50,000 products.

Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, the authors of "Build To Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies" say that if they were asked to bet their lives on the continued success of a single company over the next 50 to 100 years, they would bet on 3M.
What are the ingredients of this unique corporate culture that makes 3M the most innovative company in the world and that which thus assures its durability?

The book does a wonderful job in taking one through these ingredients and giving readers a feel of this unique corporation. It talks of how corporate values were first introduced by William McKnight, who was one of the first to stress on quality and innovation and employee satisfaction (3M was one of the first companies to implement company sponsored unemployment insurance during the Great Depression). Part of the principles he enunciated for human resource management (long before this was practiced elsewhere) included to foster a climate which would respect the dignity and worth of individuals, encourage initiative, challenge individual capabilities and provide equal opportunity.

What are the ingredients of this unique corporate culture that makes 3M the most innovative company in the world and that which thus assures its durability?

The book does a wonderful job in taking one through these ingredients and giving readers a feel of this unique corporation. It talks of how corporate values were first introduced by William McKnight, who was one of the first to stress on quality and innovation and employee satisfaction (3M was one of the first companies to implement company sponsored unemployment insurance during the Great Depression). Part of the principles he enunciated for human resource management (long before this was practiced elsewhere) included to foster a climate which would respect the dignity and worth of individuals, encourage initiative, challenge individual capabilities and provide equal opportunity.

One of several management practices that fosters a culture of innovation is, for example, that of the 15 per cent Rule under which aspiring innovators with an idea rejected by management can continue to work on it invoking the rule. Another rule is The Benevolent Blind Eye, which asks 3M managers to be tolerant of such displays of independence.

3M thus encourages `inventorpreneurs' with a culture that does not come down hard on failure, resulting in its having today, a hundred years after being established, a company with one of the highest employee satisfaction levels. All this, with an eye on commercial success. 3M's definition of invention is " New idea + action or implementation which results in an iprovement, gain or profit'

The book and indeed 3Ms culture, is full of anecdotal history. Like, for example how Al Boese, in the 1930s, whilst playing around with a machine that heated and kneaded rubber, used clumps of cellulose acetate fibres instead. What emerged from the machine, and from 3M, is nonwoven material. Initially, the only application for this was in decorative ribbons. But the interesting thing about 3M is how it uses technology effectively; it has 30 different technology platforms and one thing leads to another in amazing leaps of technology. The nonwover material was later used to make surgical masks, which has contributed significantly to medical and occupational health and safety businesses.

3M encourages different employees working on different ideas to interact and exchange notes, what the authors call `structured serendipity'. Art Fry, a 3M scientist, found that the markers of his hymnal were dropping off and wanted to develop one which would stick, but be peelable too. Structured serendipity was what caused Art Fry to recall hearing a co worker Spence Silver, talking about an adhesive he had invented but which failed to stick properly. And Post-It was born! Initially, Post-It met with resistance from the marketing department, compelling Fry to think like an inventopreneur and distribute them for use to their colleagues. Today Post It is one of the five most popular office products in the US.

Will this unique organizational culture carry 3M forward? The authors feel that today 3M is at a crossroad. `Perhaps at no time in the organization's modern history has the resilience and adaptability of its tradition of innovation been more severely tested. Top executives are being forced to weigh their own commitment to 3M's unique tradition and culture against the experience of Wall Street'

A book worth reading for its insights into the most innovative company in the world; one which is regarded by several to be resilient enough to last out the next five to ten decades.
Highly recommended by .......J Mulraj

As a 30 year student of innovation and change in complex organizations, I view the 3M Way by Gundling as an excellent resource for students of organizational communication and change. Working internationally with corporations like IBM, Hewlett-Packard and U.S. West in project management, I have found that Gundling is clear about innovations across borders which 3M practices. This is very useful information for the global networks in business. The ideas about "five innovative openings" as a model for change goes well in the high tech dot.com world because the key to survival in the business world is innovation. How to innovate has always been the key question for international managers. Gundling has organized, for the practitioner, key questions to ask about innovation based upon his 10 year work with 3M. This is a good analytical tool for others to use. Hats off to 3M for allowing this kind of disclosure, analysis and critique.

I thought that this book was well writen. It is very informative. It gives a lot of ways to relax, enjoy and pamper yourself. I think that the suggestions to heath and beaty are very good considering our society today. I would deffinetly recommend this book to others especially if they need to destress and relax.

At times we all need a little pampering and relaxation. One of the first things Stephanie Tourles book 50 SIMPLE WAYS TO PAMPER YOURSELF points out is the need to realize our bodies can only take so much. Our lives are so stress filled these days, we need to be able to release that stress or our bodies will go haywire. When we even think about taking time for ourselves we feel guilty, well, Ms. Tourles tells us to forget the guilt and relax because it well help to make us calmer, better people if we do.

Did you know that stress restricts blood flow to the skin preventing moisture and nutrients from getting where they need to go? Or that stress promotes the production of the male hormone testosterone, which stimulates oil production that in turn promotes pimple formation and clogged pores? Stephanie Tourles tells us that lowering our stress level will dramatically improve the texture and condition of our skin.

Ms. Tourles doesn't just fill her feminine readers in on all the information they need to know to help them understand why they should take the time to pamper themselves; she also gives us ways to do it.

Such as: Use aromatherapy to relax and recharge in the bath. Get steamed with an herbal facial, which will leave your face clean and toned. She offers a list of 10 top healing foods and ideas on how to nourish your hair.

I chose this one to review because I needed it. It's a fascinating read full of wonderful ideas; I did not find anything that sound ridiculous or extreme. Get the book for the wonderful ways to pamper yourself. Throw away all the guilt and go for it, you will be so glad you did, and you will also have a more productive life.

Pam Stone back to the top

I thought this book was a neat idea and decided to order it. I'm really glad that I did. Each of the 50 ways to pamper yourself is only a few (2-3) pages long, so you can read it in a few minutes.

My favorite is #50. "Words of Wisdom" It is full of little tips you can do for yourself. "Trust yourself." "Stop blaming yourself and others." "Ask for hugs from those you love." It also has a list of 7 self-affirmations like "I can do anything I set my mind to."

This book is just full of little tricks to perk you up after a bad day!

I'm guilty of getting too busy and forgetting to take proper care of myself, but since I read this book, I've been making a greater effort to do little things that make me feel good, and that don't take a lot of time -- like lighting scented candles in my bedroom or rubbing my feet with peppermint lotion. (Mmmmm!) This book would make a great gift for a busy friend or a new mom.

Bernard certainly can cash in on his success as a cardiac surgeon. He can also help us all step back and take a look at our diet and lifestyle. This book has been the best I have read so far on over all health/heart health. Any book on "diets" make fantastic claims...Christiaan Bernard cools the jets on these approaches, tells people not to go on diets, but to simply eat less. He also tells us to enjoy life and all it has to offer, including food. "A burger won't kill you..." and "There are no such things as a bad food, just too much of certain foods..." (paraphrases)is a new look at food in today's panic stricken approach to eating. I believe he also quipped (paraphrase)- "People do more to harm their health when the worry about what they eat than if they just eat..."

He adds exercise, good stress, and no smoking to the list to heart improvement.

This is an excellent book, well written and in alanguage anyone can unserstand. It addresses many of us who have punished ourselves over the years, dieting for fat loss or heart health, and let's us know just to relax, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and well balanced diet.

One of the world's most famous heart specialists indicates that
diet, stress control and nutrition are important conditions
precedent for a healthy heart. Conquering obesity involves burning
fat efficiently and building muscle. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are
important nutritional supplements , in addition to, Mg., K, Ca.,
Se, and Zinc. Increased stress levels lead to death and divorce.
Music can be a good health tonic to manage stress. Transfats are
dangerous to the body. These are found in red meat, frozen foods
and sweets. The greatest danger is that the transfats may be
carcinogenic. The author cautions us to eat slowly and chew
the food thoroughly. Red wine is cited as a good health tonic
for the blood and protection against arteriosclerosis. Grape
and elderberry juice can be substitutes for red wine. Overall,
this acquisition is worth the price paid for the extraordinary
level of research scholarship employed in the health and dietary
sciences.

The publication date of this book on September 1, 2001 preceded the author's death with only one day, at the age of 79. The author's age is relevant to the tone of the book, which involved too much emphasis on the value of wine, sex, stress, and walking, which occupy the center of mind of old people. In many instances in the book, the author addresses readers of age 60 and older. Most of the author's advices are very personal and reflect the nature of well disciplined and educated person, despite few imperfections. Some of the chapters' titles reflect the odd nature of an aloof professional, such as "Learn Greek", "Create your own stress", "Take Viagra", "Sleep at the office", "Bare your teeth", "Don't give in to your mobile", and "Phone your way to fitness".

The 50 ways for healthy heart are equally split into five segments on nutrition, stress, environment, activity, and attitude. In the "Introduction", this renowned heart surgeon reveals his humble way of dignified living. He lives on a monthly $700 pension; never accepted money from those he tended medical attention, and turned down offers to make millions of dollars.

The 10 chapters on NUTRITION address these issues:

1- A prophecy that obesity will be the epidemic of the 21st century. He contends that diets make people fat, sick, and depressed and a simple mechanism is to burn fat and build muscles. He sets 22% body fat as an upper limit for women and 17% for men.
2- Eating the right fat (such as monounsaturated ones in the olive oil, rapeseed oil, hemp oil, peanut, and avocado) is the true winner in reducing bad cholesterol. Yet, he stress on the need for moderation even with god fats.
3- "Drink Red Wine" is one of his poor advices, since he admits that grape and elderly berry juices are almost as good as red wine and that wine could be your enemy if taken in excess. In addition, his advocacy for red wine neglects the negative impact on reducing activity.
4- Proper chewing, walking with groceries for exercise, concentration during eating, eating with passion, relaxing while eating, and shopping frequently in order to maintain fresh vegetables with untainted vitamin content.
5- Eating vitamins for combating the free radicals that cause cancer, disease, and aging.
6- Using Crete Island, Greek, as a role model for cutting heart attacks by consuming more vegetables, fruits, and red wine and less meat (32% less tham northern Europe) and sausage (54% less). (The author died in Cyprus, across from Greece in the Mediterranean).
7- Eating the most important minerals (potassium, magnesium, and selenium) that greatly impact the heart function.
8- Criticizing Cholesterol testing before the age of 35 for men, 45 for women, and over 75, as unnecessary.
9- Emphasizing the need for natural living with moderation on eating saturated fats, drinking wine, and using chocolate as an example for its very high content of poly-phenols compared to tomato

The 10 chapters on STRESS address the following issues:

1- Recognizes the need for stress as a motivation and sorts out the things that are unworthy for stressing.
2- The mobile phone techno-stress and the traps of TV, Internet, and Information.
3- Viagra for men, apomorphine for women, modern sexual impotence, and the role of enjoyment of sex in protecting the heart.
4- The role of music in taking our fear away, enhancing problem solving, balm for the soul, and relief for the heart.
5- Midday 30-minute nap in the office as relaxing as two hours of night sleep.
6- Quality time off of 3 weeks for action, swimming, or hiking.
7- Sleep well to combat weakness, sickness, and impotence, but too much sleep also causes heart disease.
8- Cooling down during conflicts and learning to fly and let off steam.
9- Relaxed thinking by walking or looking out for a window.
10- Stopping smoking by six different methods, from cold-turkey abstinence to using Zyban, new medicine to block brain receptors for longing for cigarettes.

The 10 chapters on ENVIRONMENT address the following issues:

1- Avoidance of noise and passive smoking.
2- Caring for workplace safety and cleanliness.
3- Marriage and relationships as the most important business in the world.
4- Quitting a stinking job before sickening your heart.
5- The role of sun and fresh are on health
6- The role of pets on our happiness and diligence.

The 10 chapters on ACTIVITY address the following issues:

1- Starting now in sport will lower risk of heart attack by 72%. This is a contradiction of the author's claim that Red Wine drinking reduces heart disease by 60%. If exercise can do 72%, while red wine only 60% in addition to its detrimental effect of exercising ability, then exercise is the way to go.
2- Getting into sport at any age is a winning lifestyle and great role model.
3- Fitness exercising while on the phone is the best part of the book. It raises you awareness to the possibility of gaining a lot from every minute of your life if you know how to benefit from exercise even while talking on the phone.
4- Blood donation as a way of removing ferrite from the body and protecting the heart from the free radicals, while saving the lives of others.
5- Walking 2 miles per day cuts hear attacks by 50% and that exercise lowers your resting heart rate from 70 to 50 per minute thus saving you 13 million heartbeats per year.
6- The importance of patience and planning long-term exercise plan.

The 10 chapters on ATTITUDE address the following issues:

1- Admitting to weakness as a sign of strength in reasoning.
2- Laughing loud as a healing process.
3- Releasing grief is safer than hiding it.
4- Managing anger relieves the immune system and prevents cancer and heart disease.
5- Honesty saves the heart the trouble of stressful concerns of lying.
6- Friends and social living defeat illness.
7- Programming the mind by deleting, relaxing, loading, and believing enhances healthy living.

Okay. Barnard is NOT a German living is South Africa as the Amazon review by "Publishers Weekly" wrongly states. Chris Barnard was born and bred in South Africa and lived there most of his life - though he did spend some years overseas. Barnard died earlier this year (2001), apparantly from an asthma attack.

I have just finished this book. Not completely what I expected, but quite useful nevertheless. I expected a sermon on diet and cholestrol, but the book is in fact much more. It covers a range of lifestyle strategies, such as avoiding diets, eating the right fats, drinking red wine, laughing and having fun, socialising, avoiding stress, activity and exercise, and enjoying sex.

The book is easy to read, and medical jargon is hard to come by. It is practical and straight-forward. I guess a lot of the advice is common sense, but sometimes one needs to have these points reinforced. Barnard reckons that he could have saved more people by educating them about lifestyle than by doing heart transplants. A point well worth considering.

This book was an easy read. I was able to concentrate on any chapter that I chose, as each one focuses on a particular aspect of living a Jewish life.

The background, the suggestions, the humor made the book not only enjoyable reading, but truly informative.

This is a great book to serve as an introduction to Jewish life.

I was attracted to this book primarily because of its subtitle: "Simon & Garfunkel: Jesus loves you less than you will know." I suspected that I would find an original approach to Jewish life. I was not disappointed. Fifty Ways to be Jewish was both serious and entertaining, informative and creative, absorbing and innovative.

Rabbi Forman finds a way to touch upon all aspects of one's personal and communal life. I learned so much about Judaism, recognizing for the first time that Judaism can speak to me in the most intimate way; helping me to deal with a variety of issues in my life.

Since reading his book, I have found a small group of Jews to pray with, who, like me, are not inspired by conventional synagogue life. I had never heard of the concept of "havurot," small learning and praying groups, until I read about such a thing in this book. Forman awakened in me thoughts about the people I voted for, the car I drive - even who are the friends I have chosen. He does this all in a Jewish context, and his approach is so common sensical that it is difficult to resist his pulling one into a Jewish life-style.

His more serious chapters on Jewish culture, theology, history, Israel and the Holocaust are sensitive and compelling. Yet, even the seeming lighter subjects, such as using the Internet, choosing a name, wearing clothes, eating, are all laced with pearls of Jewish wisdom.

I recommend this book to anyone who not only wants to learn about Judaism, but also to those who want to know how, in Forman's words: "To Jew it" - that is, to become a more knowledgeable and committed Jew.

This book has an admirable intention. It aims to bring young Jews who no little about the tradition back to connection with Jewish life and culture.
David Forman attempts to do this by integrating stories of his own experience and perceptions, including especially those of popular music and culture to Jewish principles.
The problem is not so much with the principles as with his own account of his own experience. It is not done, I am afraid in a very convincing way.
The book has a good idea, but its execution leaves much to be desired.

The president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Reform Judaism), Rabbi Eric Yoffe, issued a statement that every Jew should read at least three Jewish books a year. This may seem arduous to some, but as an educator, I feel compelled to suggest that if you can only read one book, I highly recommend "Fifty Ways to be Jewish" by Rabbi David Forman.

Parents often discuss with me the gaps between what our youth are
learning and how they can live and react with Judaism in mind. This book closes that gap. Rabbi Forman shows the reader that Judaism can and should be woven into every aspect of one's life. What makes this book so readable, especially for those of us who grew up in the Sixties, is the author's constant reference to the popular music and culture of that time.

Rabbi Forman's insights into our total being; from the cars we
choose to our leisure time and our pets, speaks to our very essence as members of society. Want to know how to talk about films, our bodies, sexuality, our kids, schooling and profession? Rabbi Forman's insights will not only set the thought process in motion, he will keep you entertained.

Rabbi Forman is the Director of Education Programs in Israel for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He is also the activist founder of Israel Rabbis for Human Rights. He knows how to speak to North American Jews. His book is a must for all parents who are raising kids to be Jewish in our North American culture.

The question: can a ten-year-old topical reference still be relevant? The answer: in the case of 50 Ways to Fight Censorship, you bet. This slim, plain-speaking book by former Rolling Stone editor Dave Marsh, with several contributors who range from author and Paris Review editor George Plimpton to poet Allen Ginsberg and a television writer, has very sound, constitutional advice that remains current, even if it was around before the Internet. Now that the Supreme Court has conferred the presidential tiara on George W. Bush, we are seeing the return of the right-wing censors of the Reagan-Bush era, like Dick Cheney and James Baker. We already have been hearing proposals for limiting speech on the Internet. We need a manual like this to make sure we act, not just react, to preserve our first and most fundamental right as Americans, to speak freely and to decide for ourselves what is appropriate to read, hear and view.

For all those people out there who want to stand up, who want to make their voices heard in the ongoing battle against censorship, but just don't know what to do: Dave Marsh has your answer. "50 Ways to Fight Censorship..." is packed with ideas of how you can join in the fight, be it locally or nationally. Marsh provides lists of oranizations you can get in touch with to help get you started, and his suggestions are practical enough for just about anybody to make an impact.

Finally, a book that tells the truth about censorship, and what you can do to provent it. This is a must for everyone who is interested in stopping censorship, and I think the censors should read it too. As a relaty check. Sorry to be sor preachy, but The book is great. Read it!

Have you ever walked into a library and not been able to get the book you wanted? Or walk into a movie store, but the title had been banned? Perhaps you aked yourself why? Or what you could do to stop the government from pulling titles simply because they dont like it. The first thing that you could do, is read this book. This book talks about numerous things you can do to stop the censors for taking away your first amendment right. Everytime you are denied anything because of censorship, your freedom of speech is being violated. Authors, artists, musicians, and directors are all being halted from showing the world their thoughts due to censorship, and we have to stop it now!

I thought I knew how to handle high cholesterol, but this book taught me stuff I didn't know I didn't know. Besides a good treatment on self-help options, it has a nice overview of different cholesterol-lowering drugs that gives me the language to be able to discuss these issues intelligently with my doctor. She writes in a friendly, accessible style but still goes into fairly good detail about specific items that are easy to skip if they don't pertain. (For example, I thought her advice on how to handle a cigarette addiction was great, but I don't smoke.)

In my last physical exam, my blood tests showed that I have high cholesterol for the first time in my life. I wanted to learn about high cholesterol before my appointment with my doctor to discuss treatment. I read several books on the subject and found this one to be the best! Dr McGowan explained what cholesterol is in terms I could actually understand. Besides that, she covers all areas that affect your cholesterol level with suggestions on how to lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. Specific topics covered include: Diet, Supplements, Exercise, Quit Smoking, and Medications. After reading and studying this book, I feel ready to discuss my options intelligently with my doctor. I wish there were more practical and down-to-earth books on this subject....like this one. Most books about cholesterol read like they are written for doctors and scientists instead of the common people like me.

Mary McGowan,M.D., well known and highly respected expert on the treatment of lipids, previously wrote an extremely helpful book titled: "Heartfitness for Life".(Read the customer reviews for that book!). Among the many areas she covers are treatment for homocysteine, for which many physicians don't bother to test, and for LPa,which is "badder" than the "bad" cholesterol,LDL. Too many physicians have no idea what LPa is, and some actually argue against testing for it, as they have no idea how to treat it. In this her latest book, she adds additional information on lowering LPa. The book is full of new, clearly explained practical information. I can't recommend it too highly, for anyone, beginner or long time learner having concerns about their lipid status. It should be required reading for cardiologists, internists, and family physicians, who could use this book as a resource for their patients, and in many cases for themselves.

A wonderfully down to Earth and sensible book. Lots of tips for everyday things you can easily do. Very helpful and useful! I highly recommned this book to everyone.

I am a training consultant and have a whole bookshelf of books like this. I find i come back to this one and "quick Teambuilding Activities for busy managers" over and over again. This one has GREAT activities that are so effective and relatively easy to use. All have a specific learning objective. Descriptions are easy to follow. But most importantly, the activities are truly wonderful. Puzzel, especially...if I had to give the author royalties everytime i used that activity, he'd be rich!

I have placed this book on the desks of all my managers and instructed them to follow it to the letter.

It has been instrumental in motivating under compensated employees into thinking they have a chance of achieving the American Dream. The "team" concept is brilliant!
This book is great for the high technology company trying to compete with low wage Asian labor.
The "team" concept of Rose & Buckley with show you how to motivate "team members" while paying them subsistence wages.

OUTSTANDING!

This book is outstanding. I have now facilitated several offsites company-wide and gained my popularity in doing so from Ed Rose's book! Sincerely, honestly. The interactive exercises he shares with you as a reader are excellent. I have received nothing but commendable feedback after each of my offsites when using his ideas. I highly recommend this book to those of you who facilitate annual offsites for your work teams. There is something in this book for every group and all team dynamics. This book will show you how to have a great time (lots of laughs and smiles and bonding) while really engraving a strong, memorable message in each and every persons head! My copy is lent out to people company-wide all the time. Trust me, this book is a keeper! Thank you Ed for writing such a valueable resource for us team-leaders!!! I truly appreciate your quality book.

Another great training resource from Ed Rose working with Steve Buckley. Practical exercises, well described, well illustrated, and full of additional trainer insights.

This is one of the best books written on poker cheating, and should be in the hands of everyone who plays for money -- from friendly Friday night games, to people who play in card rooms, to tournament pros. The author has done his homework, and gives the reader a superb education in the varied ways that hustlers and cheaters rob you of your money. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Then read it. You will not be disappointed.

Allan Kronzek tackles cheating in poker as a magician and treats the subject with a conjurer's dispassion. This is a relief; if there's one thing we don't need, it's another self-congratulatory, non-falsifiable "insider's" story of how to cheat people. Instead, we get a quick but surprisingly serious volume that manages to feed the reader some history amid the tricks.

The title isn't an attempt at misdirection: after a brief introduction, Kronzek runs through 52 short chapters, each detailing one or more methods of cheating. Generally, Kronzek explains the technique involved, offers notes on historical uses, and closes by telling the reader how he can protect himself. Miscellanea scatter throughout the text, such as reproductions of cheating house catalogs and excerpts from landmark books, enliven the story.

52 Ways is written to be accessible to a novice who doesn't know a shiner from a holdout. But even veteran card mechanics could probably learn a thing or two from this book. Whatever your level of experience, reading 52 Ways will at least help you appreciate the ways that you can be cheated.

That's the rub: Kronzek is honest enough to admit that no anti-cheating tactic is absolutely guaranteed. The final proof is in the pudding: if you find yourself losing one suspicious pot too many, you should suspect malfeasance.

If nothing else, incorporating some of Kronzek's anti-cheating suggestions into your "friendly" home game will, at the very least, raise the bar for cheaters and help to keep honest players honest. You'll also gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity with which cheaters have approached poker.

There's only one class of person who I'd warn away from 52 Ways: those that combine a tendency towards paranoia with an overactive imagination. If you're the kind of person who can't browse WebMD because you start imagining you have symptoms for every malady you read about, perhaps this book is not for you. By lifting the veil on cheaters and the innumerable deceptions, Kronzek has made sitting at any card table a supreme act of faith-and vigilance.

This book is a pleasant surprise. The author updates all of the standard cheating methods that have been described in the past, and adds many new ones that can be used in Texas hold 'em and other popular games. He also provides a context for the scams, and shows how many go back several hundred years. I doubt that anyone can learn to deal "seconds" or "bottoms" by reading this book, but that doesn't seem to be the intention. Rather, you learn what these techniques are, what they are used for--and there are several surprising uses--and what to look for during a game. The "protection tips" alone are worth the price of the book. It's also a good bedside read. Two chapters and lights out.

After hearing the author describe some cheating methods in a radio interview, I decided to check out the book. It turns out to be a really fun read. The chapters are short and packed with information, and there are lots of amusing anecdotes. I also enjoyed the historical approach, which explains cheating methods from the days of Mississippi riverboat con-men up to the present. I have no plans to cheat anyone at poker, but I do like knowing how it's done. Great for anyone who enjoys reading about clever and devious thinking.

"60 Ways" really helped shape my office systems and helped me organize my speaker efficiently. I feel this book is an excellent resource for all offices, no matter what industry you work in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to manage better and create a successful work environment for yourself, your staff and your customers!

Teresa Esparza
National Sales Director for Jack Canfield
"Chicken Soup for the Soul"

This is a great quick, easy read for anyone involved in the speaking industry. Vic is a leader in knowing how to market a professional speaker and shares his years of experience in this book. If you are serious about growing any business you need to read this book.

60 Ways is practical, insightful and on target for veterans and newbies. It helped me get focused on activities that matter. For people new to the speaking industry it's a great book to read to get started.

Vic literally 'wrote the book' about running a speaker's business! Kerry Huntington

I wish I had this book ten years ago. I will pass it on to my adult children hoping it will help them recover from bad financial choises.

This is a great book. I'm a very busy woman, mom, shop owner, home-business, etc. I read it and immediatelly started applying things I learned. I doesn't make me an instant millionaire, but it's given me techniques & things to do to actually make my money work better for me. A great gift to new parents, newlyweds, kids off to college....anyone!

Ed's wife, Marie-anne in Beautiful Hawaii

80 Proven Ways to Become A Millionaire by Paul S. Damazo is an inspiring book for a time when Americans need to learn how to create their own wealth. Damazo explains Albert Einstein's Rule of 72, showing how 15% compound interest doubles your money every 4.8 years. He provides a chart that shows $5000 invested at birth will result in $2,560,000 at age 45.

Of course, the inexperienced investor may have trouble finding a sound 15% investment opportunity, but this book has several pages of high yield investment suggestions. The first is an interest-only home mortgage. The second is to "marry the one you cannot live without." He says "80% of all success depends on whom you marry."

Damazo also advises waiting six years to have children and living on one salary and investing the other while the wife is working. Giving children instruction in money management is essential, he says.

Among the characteristics of millionaires, Damazo says they create goals and commit to them. They watch for bargains, and they never pay interest by buying on time. Millionaires don't show off their wealth and they don't tell their children they're wealthy.

Filled with wisdom and tips for money-making success, this is an excellent book for anyone's financial library.

Mary Montague Sikes, author Secrets by the Sea, Eagle Rising, Hearts Across Forever, Published! Now $ell It!, Hotels to Remember

I own this book and found it to be a great financial book for anyone. It is not just ways to make money but ways to save and invest money. It would be great for anyone considering starting a business. It also discusses mindset and how to do it whether starting out or retireing.

It discusses how to get out of debt, how to invest, how to make money, how to think about money.

I highly recommend it.