Resources Books

What a wonderful book! I have just started using this in my third grade classroom and only wish I'd discovered it sooner. It can easily be used in a variety of ways as an activity for early finishers, a whole class exercise, or a centers activity. Sometimes I have my students complete it in groups and we have word ladder races. They're always begging me for just one more. Money very well spent!

Recieved item on time, right when we were told it would arrive. Book in very good condition.

My students enjoy these word puzzles. It's great for improving their vocabulary. They get to play with the language!

This has been a big hit in my second grade classroom. We are learning new vocabulary each time we use on of these sheets. It has been a good buy for me!

This is a solid book for building elementary vocabulary. It has 100 reproducible word study lessons that help kids boost reading, spelling and phonics skills independently. Among the many activities, kids read clues on each rung, then change and rearrange letters to create words until they reach the top. All the while, they are boosting decoding and spelling skills, broadening vocabulary, and becoming better, more fluent readers. Lesson by lesson, kids can "climb" to new heights in reading and writing with these engaging word-building games.

The workbook is not thick (about 100 pages). My child finished it in 2 months with a lot fun. His vocabulary improved significantly. In Beestar online assessment, his reading has rised to the next grade level largely attributed to this workbook. Highly recommend.

As a local of Baltimore, I enjoyed reading a local author's input. As a past Orioles fan of our baseball team, Ron Shapiro was one of the few people I still admire and trust, from a "press" or "in the news" standpoint.

As a professional, I test hardware. I am new to this line of work and needed a base from which to learn. This book helped outline a gameplan for me to approach my day-to-day work load and also look long term at where I want to be as an employee of a Fortune 500 company.

Per the title of my review, the anecdotes Ron uses are from cool people, some everyday "Joe's" and some superstar, living the high-life people. The anecdotes apply to each idea he presents, which make them relevant. However, some of these anecdotes are very high-level and don't hammer out many details. For instance, one person might say, "You have to make a plan and stick to it!" That's great, but what was your plan and how did you execute?

I recommend this book for anyone, as the material is transitive and can be applied to any situation in life.

I am not a natural leader, but "Dare to Prepare," by Ronald M. Shapiro, gave me great insights on how preparation can create success. Following his outline minimizes time spent in the nebulous world of ideas; instead, he gives practical information to make those ideas a reality. Easy to read, well organized, practical advice that almost anyone can use. I stumbled across this book in the local library, and as I read it, I realized that I had to have my own copy. Now I refer to it as I plan meetings and projects for the workgroup I chair at church. I can't believe how much more efficient I am as a result of following Shapiro's suggestions. Business settings, civic/religious groups, social groups, even personal life decisions can all benefit from your reading this book.

I loved this book. I wish I had read this book back when I was a teenager. Better yet, I wish I had remembered to apply its messages when I tried to start my first few businesses. As a SCORE counselor I find myself preaching, yes preaching, to most of my clients about the importance of researching and writing a sound business business plan BEFORE they file for incorporation or register an LLC, get a bank account in the company name, and start generating revenues. And I read this book last night in order to see if I should recommend it to my clients so they MIGHT get the message that a sound busness plan will be their key to success. Now that I've read it - Yes, this is the book a wanta-be entrepreneur should read in order to KNOW they need a sound WRITTEN business plan.

This book has 14 chapters and an appendix:

1. Put me in coach
2. I would like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ and Eric Mangini
3. What's your destination? Understand your objectives
4. Someone, somewhere has done this before. Plan with precedents
5. What's the forecast? Know the alternatives
6. It's in the best interest to know their interests. Define the interests
7. Look before you leap. Set your strategy
8. When the rubber meets the road. Do a timeline
9. The right parts for the right people. Pick your team
10. What you say and how you say it. Write the script
11. The constant preparer. Adjust and learn from your mistakes
12. Confidence
13. Prepare and conquer. A mantra for effective people
14. You can get some satisfaction
Appendix: The preparation principles checklist

Chapters 1 and 2 are kind of an introduction to the book. Chapters 3 through 11 are the various preparation principles that one follows in order to hedge their bets at being successful. All these principles are important to consider when writing a business plan for a new business or doing strategic planning for an existing one. And chapters 12 through 14 cover the benefits one receives from doing the proper preparation.

The material contained in this book is obvious stuff. It's unfortunate that most of us need to be reminded that planning and preparation for a game, whatever game that is, is necessary if we want to do well. Is it a sporting competition? A test in school? A job interview? A management meeting? A contract negotiation? A closing? Qualifying for a loan? Starting a business? Or selling a business? All the big things I have accomplished in my lifetime I planned for and done the required preparation in order to succeed. Read this book and be reminded that you too must plan and prepare for the things that are important to you. 5 stars!

Success stories from the people interviewd by the authors are what makes this book really come to life. Even though the people profiled in this book are from so many diverse professions, the power of preparation carries each of them to the top. I especially like the book's core philosophy - preparation is the only aspect over a situation that one has control. Shapiro and Jordan have cleanly mapped out a systematic approach to preparation that everyone can put into place immediately after finishing this book. They even give you the preparation checklist as an appendix. I use it for every one of my sales calls, and I have noticed a BIG increase in confidence, which has allowed me to close more deals.

Dare to Prepare is probably the single most useful how to book I have ever read. And the stories are entertaining, so in addition to the tangible tools the book lends, it is also a quick read. If you're looking to improve upon your confidence so that you can perform at a higher level, check out this book.

I desperately needed this book. Not because I'm not successful; I've won many awards in my field and the last time my employer made me take a cognitive test I astonished them by getting a perfect score. No, I needed this book because I want something more. I want the next level up, the bigger stage. You know the level I'm talking about, the big-gun level. And on that level, as one person in this wonderful books states, "EVERYONE is talented." You have to be more than just talented, you have to be prepapred.

And so we have "Dare to Prepare", a brilliant distillation of the anatomy of success. The book urges to you to prepare until failure is not a possibilty, and to not waste time in the wrong types of preparation. I will not outline the tips here, as they so beautifully intergrate into the whole. People from all professions are interviewed, people with nothing in common except wild success and serious, serious preparation skills. The steps to being fully prepared for opportunity if it comes knocking and even if it doesn't flow perfectly into one another; I can safely say there isn't anyone who wouldn't benefit from following them, no matter how good you may think you already are.

That's pretty much it. A short review for me, but there isn't much more I can say. I picked up the book on a whim, began reading before bed in an effort to fall asleep, and ten minutes later was wide-awake, completely wired. Shapiro's little masterpiece will excite you, inspire you, and guide you like nothing I've read in a very long time. And in the Codemaster's book, that gets "Dare to Prepare" the rarely bestowed-

GRADE: A

I ordered this book because I saw it associated with some training and wanted to check out the content without attending the class. This was a quick read (approx 45 min). What I liked best about this book was that it offered practical, simple suggestions for action. I gave this to my boss to read and she asked me to order several more to share with others. This is a quick, simple book that is worth taking the time to read.

There were many things in the book I was already aware of but it offered some new insights as well. It was short and a quick read which I appreciate when trying to read business related materials.

This is the the most practicle book on employee retention we have purchased. It's short, straight forward, and gives you a plan of action.. rather than just pie in the sky ideas. We were able to implement several ideas from the book within the first 7 days. Our managers were each given a copy, and they also implemented specific, trackable policies within the first 7 days of receiving the book as well.

As my company grew into the hundreds, my old leadership style didn't work anymore. The common sense techniques in Mark's book make my life easier, my employees happier, and my business more successful. The Deadly Sins of Employee Retention is mandatory reading for our managers. I learn more every time I pick it up. -- Dennis Hoffman, President, CashBox

This is a superb book for some one who is just starting to investigate the subject of employee retention. It is short, easy to understand, and flows well. The information that is provided is practical and timely. A quick read on the subject of employee retention for those who do not have a lot of time to find, read, and analyze the multitude of books available on the subject.

This is the best book available on making diversity work!

Dr. Michael Beitler
Author of "Strategic Organizational Change"

Each chapter begins with a question: "What is diversity in the workplace?", "How do I begin to improve my understanding of people different from me?", "In today's environment of political correctness, it's too difficult to know what to do. Isn't it easier just to treat everybody the same?" After every heartened answer, she ends the chapter with practical tips.

I recommend this to everyone migrating or moving into North America.

I just read The Diversity Advantage. It was packed full of great ideas and easy to read. In a short time I gained useful knowledge and ideas for diversity training activities.

A short and concise guide to learning about the diversity that makes the United States the richest country in the world in more ways than monetarily. The excercises help to learn about diversity. Enjoyed the chance to read it.

This book represents a conversational approach to sharing critical information. Common sense steps to digging into our head regarding the value of tolerance and inclusiveness. I had the feeling of "being there" in a true teaching session. The analogy of The Wizard of OZ was delightful. The exercises are thought out and well organized. Thank you for providing steps on "how to make a difference"!

This book gave me insight into the methods, trials and tribulations of early precious metal miners in he US. Great Photographs! Fascinating page after page because the writer expressed himself in a way that an interested novice could understand. I read the paperback edition, known as the second (revised and expanded) edition, first printing 2003, purchase price $30.00 new.

As someone with very little mining knowledge, I greatly appreciated the explanations of the various mining techniques. The author's obvious enthusiasm for the subject made the book a joy to read. Highly recommended for both mining experts and for those simply wishing to understand more about mining in earlier years.

A very comprehensive book that is compelling and fascinating. I learned many unusual and intriguing facts. I thought that I was familiar with historical mining technology, but this book covers many topics with a new and different perspective. The chemistry of precious metal recovery is explained in such a way as to be informative and educational. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that is informative while still being lively and entertaining with great references.

Great Resource

I thought this book was very well written and researched. I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about precious metal mining in the old west. This book covers many subjects in detailed chapters that include the Gold Rush, Hard Rock Mining, Timbering, Pumping, Explosives, Machine Drills, Transportation, Power & Fuel, Fire Assay, Mills & Smelters, Mill Machinery, and an appendices that includes Mining & Milling Hazards. The many photographs, illustrations and tables were interesting which added to the pleasant reading experience.

Drills and Mills, which covers the history of mining, milling and smelting from the 1848 gold discovery in California to the late 19th century is a wonderful, well researched book.

Loaded with pictures,tables,illustrations,chemical formulae and many interesting side notes (factoids),the author covers the gamut in the machinery used to win the metals from the earth.
Excellent review on the evolution of the rock drill,explosives, crushing equipment, pumps, timbering, etc etc.

Also included within the 250 plus pages of good reading, is an excellent 10 page bibliography which is referenced to the chapter footnotes, to assist those who may have a futher interest in any of the subject matter. This is a must have book for the mining historian and for anyone interested in 19th century mining. In short a great book.

This little book is perhaps the best management book ever written. It is so simple, and describes the most important principles for managing, and just getting along with others. I love his emphasis on KINDNESS. I imagine this one principle is maybe the greatest of all. Read the book two or three times, and it sort of becomes ingrained in your life and how you treat other people.

Ed Nichols is a personal friend of mine, and I know for a fact that he uses these same principles of mangement to guide his personal life as well as his business experiences. The principles are simple and easy to understand and they can work miracles for those who use them.

I attended one of Ed Nichols' seminars and then read his book. The book is as great as his seminar. I only wish that I had read a book like this years ago when just starting my career. His EIGHT GREAT PRINCIPLES are so true and down-to-earth. Any manager who wants to advance should definitely read this book. And, if possible attend one of Ed's seminars.

Once I started reading this book, it was hard to put it down. How refreshing to be able to relate the suggestions and exercises to real life. By reminding us of these simple yet powerful principles of management in this easy-to-read format, Mr. Nichols' book may well be one of the most valuable management tools on the market. It should be read, re-read, and then kept handy for future reference.

When I started in management my thinking was totally different than it is now after reading this book. I have found it to be a great aid in my handling of people and in my personal life as well. A must for everybody who has to deal with people.

For years, companies and individuals alike have struggled to understand ERP concepts and systems. Many books have been written to assist the readers with everything from selecting an ERP solution to implementing the solution. None have addressed these issues as completely as this book.

The simple, concise, easy-to-understand way in which the author, Travis Anderegg, presents the information slowly `strips' away the layers of mystery and misunderstanding that have often been associated with ERP projects - small or large. Not only does a reader gain insight into the history of ERP but also is introduced to definitions and terminology associated with Enterprise Resource Planning.

It is a known fact that approximately 80% of all ERP projects fail. Many times, companies will blame the vendor (they misled us), the software (it does not fit our business), the consultant (they should have told us not to pick this package), etc. Often times, no one was `truly' at fault; it is a matter of not understanding how to plan, select, implement, maintain, and take ownership of an ERP system. This book covers all these areas from the initial decision to consider a company's ERP software strategy through planning, evaluation, decision, negotiation, implementation, and change management. Various critical success factors are identified throughout the chapters.

It also provides diagrams, charts, and questions to aid the reader in `gleaning' the pertinent points from the chapters. The book also points out the `pitfalls' and how to avoid making costly mistakes. The concepts presented in this book can be applied not only to ERP but also to other major IT procurements, such as HR/PR systems, CRM, and DPM. This book can also prepare individuals to pass the CIERP examination and be recognized as CIERP (certified implementer of enterprise resource planning) certified.

As the book shows ERP is very much a people system - not just software. The more educated people are, in regards to ERP, the more likely that a company will be successful. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone who is or will be involved with Enterprise Resource Planning:

· Business executives, senior decision makers, IT/IS managers, Department managers, and Project managers who are or will be in the market for an ERP solution

· Consultants, industry analysts, software vendors, and their staff who are in some way connected with the sales of ERP, as it provides insight into the buying cycle and the "contortions" that companies go through when purchasing this type of technology

· College and University level professors or students in Marketing, Information Systems/Technology and Project Management

This book is filled with all the knowledge anyone would need for preparing and successfully implementing Enterprise Resource Planning.

The 20 chapters in this remarkable book make this a true A to Z implementation guide. The author starts with a clearly written intoduction to ERP and follows this with a detailed overview of concepts and design. The third chapter covers functional modules that need to be incorporated into ERP systems, which completes the foundation.

Chapters 4 through 8 cover the implemention details, beginning with life cycles and sequences, addressing project teams and transition strategies, and the nuts and bolts considerations of data conversion, prototyping and testing. The information in these chapters is a good basis for an implementation work breakdown structure.

I liked the chapters on organizational change management and consultants, which are critical success factors for implementing an ERP system. I also thought that the chapter on project planning sessions was a highlight of this book and something that anyone who is involved in managing the implementation needs to carefully read.

The remainder of the book covers developing a request for proposal and evaluating vendor responses, total quality management, ROI and other factors that are extremely important to ERP (or any system) implementation project.

Some of the things that make this book invaluable include: (1) clear writing and innovative use of graphics to display relationships, comparisons and workflow; (2) the fact that each chapter can stand alone as a focused and complete discussion of the topic covered, and (3) the common sense approach taken by the author.

I strongly recommend that this book be augmented by Scorecard System For World Class Enterprise Resource Management by the same author. These two books combined with provide you with all of the information you need to select and successfully implement an ERP system that fully meets your requirements.

The book provides you all you need to know about the implementation of ERP and it'll greatly help build your background on this issue. The book is not about "how" to implement for a specific software but is about "why" and "what" you should know about implemenation. You need retain sufficient knowledge to help your company make wise decisions, rather than let consultants make decision for you and your company. I am a recent MBA graduate and I found this book is a great supplement to the area that I lack from my education.

A must for everybody who is involved in ERP project. once you start reading it you don't want to stop. so smooth and understandable, the writing is very clear and the graphics will help you a lot to understand each chapter. There are 20 chapters each will take you automatically to the other i highly recommend to start reading chapter by chapter. chapter 1-3 gives detailed information about ERP definition and differences between ERP & ERM, ERP concepts and design, and ERP functional modules.

Implementation details are cover in chapters 4 to 8, starting with life cycle, building your project team, prototype and testing and other important implementation issues. I think this is the best book ever written about ERP, don't waste your time searching for other books. You will find everything related to the ERP in "ERP: A-Z Implementer's Guide For Success"

This is a great introduction to the world of ERP. After reading the book I bought copies for all the members of the team implementing the new ERP at my company. It helps you get a handle on the whole process from 20,000 ft, and makes the idea of totally changing the company not so scary. The only problem I had with the book is that the binding was terrible. The book fell apart on my first reading. But I liked it so much, I put in in a two ring binder.

If you have been asked to work on your company's ERP and are not sure what you got into, this is the book for you.

This book is a good read for anyone, especially those interested in or having adopted a child. It is directed at the professed believer who claims to want to honor and obey God. The author gives many scriptural examples of how the Father intended his children to behave in relation to those among us who are less fortunate and therefore needy. It touched my husband and me deeply as we are the parents of an adopted daughter who died four years ago. We have purchased several additional copies to give to others who for different reasons will be blessed by this excellent book.

This book is absolutely fabulous! I read it in less than 24 hours. It will move you to ACT. It is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. I sent an email to the author through his website - just for feedback - and received a personal response! This guy is 'for real' and is committed to helping orphans. Check out the Children's Hopechest organization after you read this book.

.......and you will hear Him, loud and clear. Beautifully written and easy to read. This book is not complex and meant for study. It is a quick read of 2 hrs or so. It is a book of receiving and giving. You will receive a fresh anointing, a new hope and in turn you will be called to give it away. To share the hope and joy of Christ with those who are fatherless in spirit and in body. Amazing read!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Tom Davis for this powerful reminder.
This is a great book that will provoke the reader, gently prodding them into activity...and all the while raising our awareness of God's blessing in our lives.
A memorable read!

"In this world you are an orphan; eagerly anticipating your adoption as God's child.
In this world you are a widow; longing for reunion with your Bridegroom.
In this world you are a stranger; a pilgrim waiting to become a citizen of heaven.
And in this world, God has called you to care for the orphan, the stranger, and the widow."

So starts Tom Davis' short, but powerful book on compassion to the orphan, the stranger, and the widow in Fields of the Fatherless.
I'd highly recommend this book to all followers of Jesus, regardless of your call to adopt. It's applicable to the entire body of Christ.

Ultilizing the metaphor of the Old Testament practice of leaving a portion of your field for the 'stranger, the fatherless, and the widow' (Deut. 24:19f), Davis offers a passionate plea for living a life of compassion to the less fortunate.

These less fortunate (strangers, widows, orphans) are mentioned over 60 times in Scripture! Yet we tend to have blinders on when reading our Bibles. Studies show that Christians give less than non Christians to AIDS related causes (the leprosy of our day).

But in ignoring the orphans, the widows, and the strangers, we are missing out on an incredible, joy that can only come with sacrifice. For in the eyes of the orphan, we catch a glimpse of God.

Davis writes: "To feed, clothe, and treat the fatherless as members of one's own family is to live out the call of Christ." (55) This book is a great advocacy tool in raising up the church to live out its call to the fatherless. I will be passing it out to my senior pastor, and our mission board to read and (I hope) inspire. We'd encourage you to do the same. It's a quick read, consisting of over 6 chapters, and refrains from using technical adoption jargon. Rather, it simply and passionate pleads the case for the downtrodden in our world.

"But whoever has this world's gods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"--I John 3-16-17

Until search engines get a heck of a lot more intelligent than they are now, the best source for web site recommendations is from human beings. Particularly humans passionate about their subject matter. Judy and Gloria won't waste your time with a bazillion irrelevant links. They know their subject matter, and they know a good site when they see one. They're also a stitch. Or perhaps two stitches. Buy this book!

In addition to extremely helpful tips throughout, this little book is jammed-packed with great sites that are nicely arranged. No more wasting time with a search engine for me! I give it two thumbs way up!

Judy and Gloria have done it again! They've boiled down all the obfuscations of the net into discussions that quilters will enjoy. They offer their picks for the best Web sites to find free patterns, free quilting how-tos, and even free stuff for doll-makers. It would be hard to find this kind of stuff with a searcher. The net information in this book is completely different from what's in their Quilter's Computer Companion. That's a good book too, but this is more updated and complete. This is a very easy book to read, learn from and enjoy.

This book is a valuable resource for quilters at all levels of computer knowledge. It explains away a lot of the "mysteries" of why your computer acts the way it does and points you in various directions to research out your own particular interests. Written in an easy conversational tone, it imparts a lot of information without talking down or over your head.

Every quilter should own this book. Thanks Judy and Gloria for putting together such a wonderful book. Keep up the good work!!

Misti Burmeister has a wonderful ability to teach through experience. Her knowledge of generational differences and how to bring them together is terrific. I recommend this book to anyone struggling with "How do I reach the upcoming generation?"

This book came to me with high recommendation and it is covers the topic of workplace relationships much more in depth than I expected.

It has helped me better understand the communication dynamics that I encounter in the workplace. It certainly clears up some of the difficulties I experienced in dealing with Bloggers.

When it comes right down to it, many of our workplace frustrations come from unclear communication. This books should be used in colleges to educate the new workforce. It would be great to see businesses using it as a topic for training.

In fact I will be training the principles highlighted in this book.

A very valuable resource for everyone.

I highly recommend Misti Burmeister's new book "From Boomers to Bloggers:
Success Strategies Across Generations." Ms. Burmeister explains the puzzling
but very real conflicts that often occur in today's work place between seasoned
and entering professionals. She then provides practical communication techniques
for bridging this generation gap that will improve productivity, efficiency, and personal
satisfaction. Arguing persuasively for mentoring relationships that benefit
all parties, Burmeister offers many examples based on her own experiences
and those of colleagues in readable and entertaining prose enlivened by a
variety of inspiring and memorable quotations on leadership and the "good
life."

This book is a nice introduction to life in the working world. It's more than just making money for the weekends... working can be a lot of fun if you take it seriously and understand teamwork is needed to be successful. I am sending this to my nephew (in college) to give him a competitive edge since this is material not even discussed in college. It is written with two perspectives, for the young professional and for the seasoned pro. I feel college grads would be better prepared and more mature after reading this one book.

I have found the biggest challenge in business to be the ability to communicate with the people around you, and there is no question that cross-generational communication presents the biggest challenge of all. Misti Burmeister has changed that with one of the most important publications of our time on the subject.

from Boomers to Bloggers should be required reading for baby boomers and the young professionals to whom they will pass the baton. Misti has done us all a service with specific advice on ways to communicate effectively, to break down artificial barriers and to celebrate relationships that would otherwise have been lost in the translation.

Thanks Misti! Awesome work!