Book Review: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

This is quite literally the best book I have ever read. If I have a daughter I will be naming her Dagny. It is not the prettiest name but it represents a great source of strength.

This book contains the greatest speech I have ever heard as well. If you an American you should really read this book. Especially; in regards to the upcoming elections. We stand to lose everything this country stands for.

Do you know what I can't say enough about this book. I wish I had read it ten times from grade school through college. Instead, I hadn't read the book once. Please, please get this book. It has truly influenced and inspired my life.

Book Review: A Wolf At The Table by Augusten Burroughs

Well, I haven't read any of this authors other books and apparently this is not his typical style. The good thing is that I am not familiar with hsi style otherwise I may not have been an enthuasist of this book.

If you do know this author I suggest that you read this book and get in a mind set for something a bit more depressing. This is definitely not funny or humerous. The book is about Augusten's relationship with his father. From reading the title you should be able to infer what the book is about and decide whether you won't to read it or nto.

Sometimes they way we coup with circumstances of our childhoods define who we are able to break that cycle. It really, is amazing the strengh of character some people have. Especially when the rise from a tragic upgringing.

Book Review: Made In America by Matt Hughes

I actually, have an autographed copy of this book at a MMA event in the St. Louis area. It was at the Family Arena Center for those of you familiar with the area, GI's vs Joes.

Well this book is definitely worth reading, but you have to get pass the seventy pages of pain that begin the book. These seventy pages literally seem to be written by a retard. Sorry, about being so mean but it is the truth. You'll definitely know when he hire a ghost writer.

The book takes a look in the upbringing of Matt Hughes and releases some real juicy bits about MMA fighters and what goes on behind the scene. I am kind of suprised that he wrote some of this stuff considering the company he keeps. I guess it is a good thing that he is near the top of the heap.

This book definitely isn't for a lot of you but I would encourage you to read the book. I would really like to see the UFC really break into the mainstream. It is nearly there.

Currently, my favorite sporting events of the UFC pay-per-views. I also really like Fight Night on Spike. The last one was awesome. There were really some great fights. Side note Joe Rogan is the bomb, he does a great job announcing.

My favorite T.V. show is The Ultimate Fighter. This season really is shaping up to be the best season ever. On the first episode we found out that they had to fight their way into the house. I think that it is a great idea. By the way this is really the only television show that I watch. I don't want to hear any criticism.

Book Review: Busting Vegas: The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought Vegas to Their Knees by Ben Mezrich

Alright this is a must read. I went and saw the movie last weekend and decided to pick up this book. I read the first chapter and I hate it when books start describing things in too much detail off the bat. To me, "It was Friday when I decide to follow a lead I recieved on a cocktail napkin. It took me to a whore house where the women were as hot as the scorching sun that day." I don't need to know what month it was and all of the other bull crap details.

Anyway, I persevered and purchased the book despite my apprehension. It was really goo and I think I even want to learn how to count cards I don't know if I really have the talent or time to pick up te skill. This is definitely a must read I just wish I read it before going to the movies. My read time was three days.

Book Review: Fit For Life by Harvey Diamond

This is a book I have implemented in my life. It has helped me lose fifty pounds and I have kept it off. The only unfortunate thing is that this book isn't more expensive. I think you can buy it for a penny and as a matter of fact I have written an article about the basic principles. That means you can get a lot of the information the book contains in one page for free right here. Well what can I say, I like reviewing books that have helped me make changes in my life.

Well the diet definitely isn't fun, it is tought but worth the while. I followed the diet very closely during the first few months and still follow it closely to this day. Now I am just maintaining my current weight. I am right at 200 lbs. and I am 6' 3", I guess I should try that exercise part. Harvey Diamond does mention that several times in his book. I will say it is tougher to get the calories I need when I follow the principles in this book than it is to over eat. It seems like I am eating all day and keep in mind I am a vegetarian. Meat has a lot of calories, it is easy to eat too much meat.

Book Review: Lush Life by Richard Price

Crime investigations in Manhattan. We are definitely off to a good start. What do you know this is elaborately written plot. A murder during a mugging leads to the cops investigation. Leads fail and a suspect is released. Okay, well I don't want to say too much, but this book is a really good read.

This author really has the ability to intrigue the reader. I could have read this book straight through. Unfortunately, I am due to buy another book. It only took me a couple of days to read this book. So much, for my Easter Sunday. Well this is definitely a good book. Maybe you can give it a read next week.

Book Review: Eat This Not That by David Zenozenko

I think this book should be burned. It is basically how to choose the most healthy unhealthy option. The author just wants you to die a little slower than your counterparts. Well please do not take the advice of this jerk. I personally am a vegetarian, but not the hippy type. I just think that natural order of the body does not call for the consumption of meat.

If you want to lose weight excercise and don't shop in the middle of the gorcery store. Stay on the premiter. The only time you should diviate from the premiter is to find the organic isle. If you live in the St. Louis area Dierberg's has a great organic section but they are kind of expensive. Check out Schnucks as well and vice versa if price is not a factor goto Trader Joe's or Wholefoods. Wholefood's is painful for a guy like me, but do not waste your money on this book.

At the end of the day I am a capatilist pig. If you do decide you want to eat from a healthier criteria and use this book on rare occasion when you cheat. Please, use my link to make your a poor decision.

Book Review: Horton Hears a Who

This is more of a movie review than book review. I just saw this movie and I thought it was absolutely great. Mainly from the perspective that it encourages children to think at a philosophical level. I had some of the thoughts about how world's may be broken down and if there were world within us and so on.

It also encourages creativity. I can say from personal experience that I have always been found of Dr. Seuss's books as an adult. When I was a kid I didn't like these books for some reason.

Well I really would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone to encourage your kids to read. This may be a great book to start them with if they are very young. It is good for kids to know that not all entertainment comes from the television.

Book Review: Managerial Accounting by Ray H Garrison

I was reviewing my old text books to get a grasp on an accounting concept and this is the book that ended up helping me find the information I needed. Unfortunately, for me I do not have to do a lot of managerial accounting and I had grown rusty on some of the more basic concepts. Specifically, using the standard cost method. Okay, okay I'll shutup. The point of this review is that I was surfin the Internet and I found that this book had not recieved the greatest reviews. I've gone back and I have reviewed bits and pieces of this book and I think it is a great book.

I discovered when I was in college that the less a class was recommended by other students the more there was to learn. My Cost and Managerial Accounting classes were two of the hardest classes I have ever taken. I struggled to get an A in managerial accounting and the B+ I recieved is Cost Accounting was hard fought as well. I will say my cost accounting book was better but I would not have been able to do well is Cost Accounting if I didn't have the knowledge taught from this book in Managerial Accounting. The book problems really increased my analytical skills.

In addition, I have been able to directly apply the knowledge in this book to my work. I have been able to quickly reference the information I needed and used it in my research. I properly applied the knowledge to my work problem and it the information was reliable (i.e. The auditors didn't ding me for the cost work). I really recommend this book to students or to simply use as a work tool.

I think I am going to review all the books I have read and use in the course of my work. Please, keep in mind that I do not typically use these books to their full potential. Large portions are left unread, but when you are in a profession books are tools not entertainment. You pick your tool up when needed and set it down immediately after your done fixing the problem.

Book Review: Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman

Just go out and get this book it is literally that good. Laura Lippman is an author from Baltimore, Maryland and man does that girl know how to write. This book is intensely engaging.

This book is based off of a classic storyline. A private investigator with a history is assigned to protect a rising starlet. Laura Lippman uses the PI's shortcomings with the starlet's need for concern to draw you right into the book.

Throw in Hollywood, a movie production and Laura Lippman's knowledge of Baltimore and you've got one really good book. I liked this book so much I researched some of Laura's other books.

It is seldom that I find a really good author and I think I could go back and read several of her books. She certainly has a bunch of them out there.

Book Review: Cookies by Martha Stewart Living Magazine

Wow, this is really shameful. I don't really care to read this because I can't cook. I actually stand a good chance at burning microwaveable popcorn. Yeah, I know I should stay out of the kitchen. I do love to eat stuff that other people cook and I especially love cookies who doesn't.

The cookies on the cover alone are enought to make my mouth water. You should get this book for sure if you can cook. I will make my intention clear by telling you that I recommend this book in order to stand a better chance at getting cookies. Most of the readers of this blog are currently friends and I figure if I spark their interest I have the potential to be standing knee high in cookies.

Just so everyone knows I like soft baked cookies, the hotter the better. If you want to invite me over to be the official cookie taster I may be able to find time in my busy schedule.

Book Review: A Change Of Heart by Jodi Picoult

This book review is just in from my beloved Mama. Nobody better disagree with anything written here, I'll have to break your fingers. Well she told me it was one of the better books she has read lately. She does say that about a lot of books she reads though, I really have to base her opinion off of what she told me about the content.

She told me it was written from the view point of several different narrators, which actually has sparked my interest in the book. It is about really about a guy on death row and the family he destroyed. The book explores the death penalty and forgiveness. Now seeing that it is written from the view points of several different narrator they book seems to almost envoke a debate. That concerns me but I think if the author does have an agenda this is a very good way to get one's point across. Jodi Picoult is definitely a very intelligent writer. If I get the time I am definitely going to borrow this from my Mama the next time she is in town.

Book Review: Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2008

This book came recommended to me by a friend. Basically, it is to help you with taking the right dosages of prescription drugs. I am obviously not going to read this one. It is simply a reference guide. I normal won't even take asprin, but recently my girlfriend sprained her and and a friend offered her some codeine.

I have heard of codiene before, but I haven't the slightest clue what its effects are. Her friends offer made me nervous and I was relieved that she opted to take a couple of Advil. Well she was in quite a bit of pain until we made it to the doctor's office. Guess what he prescribed, Codeine. My thing is I knew that codeine was a pain killer, and I would never encourage anyone to take prescription medicine without a prescription but I would have liked to know the dangers. At least I could have measured the benefit versus the risk and made my own decision.

I would never take prescription drugs in the States without a prescription but in a foreign country away from trustworthy doctors or in a life or death situation I would. This is a nice book for me to keep around in my suitcase for those just in case circumstances. In case you are wandering yes I am one of those people that have a suitcase in my trunk for those just in case moments in life. I also have a portable tire inflator, first aid kit, jumper cables and a small tool kit. Always be prepared. I really recommend getting a tire pump, they are quick and mine has saved me at least five or six times. Most recently I rescued my girlfriend with it and I didn't have to change her tire in the cold. It was 17 degrees that day. We simply sat in my car for five minutes and let her tire inflate.

By the way I posted a tire inflator for sale. My personal inflator is quite a bit nicer than this one, but I am sure this one will do if you haven't had one before. I have had three, I keep giving them to people who refuse to purchase their own, and no you can't have mine.

Book Review: The Revolution by Ron Pual

Well for all of you that complain that politicians do not clearly outline their views and are always trying to cater to whatever pulls in the votes, this maybe the book for you. That is basically what this book is about. Ron Pauls view on all the political issues of the day. At least the ones that most voters are concerned with. I really, disagree with what a lot of what Ron Paul advocates and will not be voting for him.

That being said I am glad I bought his book. I really repect the fact that he takes a firm stand on his positions and is willing to put in writing what he intends to do. Now, if only a republican candidate I agreed with would take the same action. It is unfortunate that leaders can no longer be found in the world and when we get close liberals always try to tear them down. Well I highly recommend Ron Paul's book. I am glad to have at least supported his honesty by buying this book.

Book Review: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

To start I just love the title of this book Predictably Irrational. This is book is about how consumers make financial decisions. The reason I love the title though is because I look at some people's thought process and laugh. There are a few people that I know when they are confronted by a situation they will do something foolish (irrational) and I know they are going to do it. Maybe, I am the only one who gets this.

Moving on. This book really give the reader a unique perspective on a lot of aspect related to consumerism. I think that anyone heavily involved in business should give this a read. Especially, people in marketing. He presents the idea that people don't buy just for pleasure there are a whole array of tricks that the mind plays to cause financial decision making.

I really find that this book has the ability to be read into as well. By that I mean you can read this book and draw parallels into other topics. Such as I did with the title. A really thing is relationship in particular, "How we choose are partner?" Irrational always applies not so much predictable. Okay my jokes might not be funny but buy this book it is a must read.

Book Review: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

This is the first books of one of the best fantasy series. This is the third fantasy series of books I have gotten into. It is the only fantasy series I have read as and adult. This book is a part of the seven book series of A Song of Ice and Fire. I really do not get into fantasy books very often but after reading A Game of Thorns I became hooked. Be careful if you buy one of the books in this series your going to end up buying all seven and you'll have to wait to get the last two books.

George R.R. Martin is a creative author and his stories are really captivating. It was like reading The Hobbit for the first time when I was twelve. I will never forget that book either. Very few authors are able to capture the attention of the reader like George Marten. He really brings you to a world of imagery with his writing, instead of you just staring at the words in the book.

Every time I pick up one of his books I read them intensely. I can't wait for the next release. This series is really good. I'd say it even has movie potential. Directors a movie goers are getting more and more interested in the genre of book. I think the mind needs a break from reality every once in a while this book give me that chance.

Book Review: A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

Second on the reading list. This book is a part of the seven book series of A Song of Ice and Fire. I really do not get into fantasy books very often but after reading A Game of Thorns I became hooked. Be careful if you buy one of the books in this series your going to end up buying all seven and you'll have to wait to get the last two books.

George R.R. Martin is a creative author and his stories are really captivating. It was like reading The Hobbit for the first time when I was twelve. I will never forget that book either. Very few authors are able to capture the attention of the reader like George Marten. He really brings you to a world of imagery with his writing, instead of you just staring at the words in the book.

Every time I pick up one of his books I read them intensely. I can't wait for the next release. This series is really good. I'd say it even has movie potential. Directors a movie goers are getting more and more interested in the genre of book. I think the mind needs a break from reality every once in a while this book give me that chance.

Book Review: A Dance With Dragon by George R.R. Martin

The release of this book prompted me to write a series of posts. I just wanted to let everyone know about this author and his books. This book is a part of the seven book series of A Song of Ice and Fire. I really do not get into fantasy books very often but after reading A Game of Thorns I became hooked. Be careful if you buy one of the books in this series your going to end up buying all seven and you'll have to wait to get the last two books.

George R.R. Martin is a creative author and his stories are really captivating. It was like reading The Hobbit for the first time when I was twelve. I will never forget that book either. Very few authors are able to capture the attention of the reader like George Martin. He really brings you to a world of imagery with his writing, instead of you just staring at the words in the book.

Every time I pick up one of his books I read them intensely. I can't wait for the next release. This series is really good. I'd say it even has movie potential. Directors a movie goers are getting more and more interested in the genre of book. I think the mind needs a break from reality every once in a while this book give me that chance.

Book Review: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

This is a part of the seven book series of A Song of Ice and Fire. I really do not get into fantasy books very often but after reading A Game of Thorns I became hooked. Be careful if you buy one of the books in this series your going to end up buying all seven and you'll have to wait to get the last two books.

George R.R. Martin is a creative author and his stories are really captivating. It was like reading The Hobbit for the first time when I was twelve. I will never forget that book either. Very few authors are able to capture the attention of the reader like George Martin. He really brings you to a world of imagery with his writing, instead of you just staring at the words in the book.

Every time I pick up one of his books I read them intensely. I can't wait for the next release. This series is really good. I'd say it even has movie potential. Directors a movie goers are getting more and more interested in the genre of book. I think the mind needs a break from reality every once in a while this book give me that chance.

Book Review: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

This is a part of the seven book series of A Song of Ice and Fire. I really do not get into fantasy books very often but after reading A Game of Thorns I became hooked.

George R.R. Martin is a creative author and his stories are really captivating. It was like reading The Hobbit for the first time when I was twelve. I will never forget that book either. Very few authors are able to capture the attention of the reader like George Martin. He really brings you to a world of imagery with his writing, instead of you just staring at the words in the book.

Every time I pick up one of his books I read them intensely. I can't wait for the next release. This series is really good. It has movie potential.

Book Review: The Sex Live of Cannibals by J Maarten Troost

What the heck? I was cruising the shelves and I came upon this book. I only skimmed a bit of it at the book store because it has a really odd title.

The title is obviously there to capture your attention and I bought right into it. The book appeared to be about this guy and his girl who took a trip to some island.

It really isn't my kind of book. It is one of those liberal things and although I am open minded I don't read books like this.

If you are a liberal check it out. He may have found something interesting that you will be able to relate. This book has the potential to lead people to new cultural experiences. I can't even find ten people to go have a traditional chinese meal with. Who needs to read the menu. Just eat the crap the give you for the sake of trying new things.

Book Review: In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Anybody who knows me knows that I do eat a very healthy diet. This book is basically about eating foods that are whole. The simple premise is that many of the foods that are eating today are manufactured in a way that the body doesn't recognize or absorb them.

One of the Arguments Michael makes is don't eat food that you gammy wouldn't recognize. I don't agree with this totally. I eat quite a bit of tofu. If would say if they didn't eat it one hundred years ago then your not supposed to be eating it now. He also despises vitamins. I agree get these from eating foods as they come. This is a really good book and the author does a good job of avoiding the pulpit.

Book Review: Storming Las Vegas by John Huddy

My buddy read this book. I am not into the whole Vegas thing and gambling. He keeps tauting it as one of the best books he's read in a long time. That is only because it is one of the only books he has read in a long time. Should I breakdown and read this one? So far, I think I will stand strong. What do you think?

Apparently this is about a refugee from Cuba who unleashes a violent wave of robberies on Las Vegas. He robs banks and casinos to strike a blow against our captalist society. Again, not my type of book. My bud acts like this is a true story but I've never heard about any of this on the news. Maybe I am just out of the loop.

Book Review: Reconciliation by Benazir Bhutto

This is truly a book written by a great person. It is unfortunate that she died before her time. She stood for the people of Pakistan even though the politics of the country had already taken the lives of four of her relatives.

This book is about the way Benazir Bhutto sees her culture evolving. She finished this book just before she was assassinated and this book is her last cry to the people she worked so hard to benefit.

Any intelligent reader will make a quick read out of this book. I absolutely suggest getting your hands on this book as soon as possible.

Book Review: Duma Key by Stephen King

This book is about a guy who loses his limb in an accident. This causes him to lose his cool as well. He chases most of the people out of his life who love him and at the urging of his therapist takes a change of scenery.

Where else should he go other than a small island. Here he takes interest in his new hobbie, which is comparable to his phantom limb. Sounds kind of paranormal to me. Remember this book was written by Stephen King. His new hobbie causes him a lot of trouble and at first he is able to his advantage. Then come the twist and turns. Most good things don't last right.

This book is not my cup of tea but I still like it. I'd suggest giving this one a read. If you are not typically into these types of novels you may want to skip reading the book. I think the book has the ability to capture reader outside of the normal niche. I typically hate Stephen King, but I liked this novel.

Book Review: The Appeal by John Grisham

With the upcoming elections this book seems appropriately entertaining. It is about rigging an election. If an eletion is rigged it takes all of the suprise away. This time around I think the democrats will have to take some of the John's tactics from the book to get a win. Clinton and Obama what a laugh. Not that I am happy with the republican candidates.

Well this book is really intriguing. It actually, makes politics really interesting. The book is a real political roller coaster. It really does have a lot of suspense. It brings together the Mississippi political process, ghost coporations, senators and billionaire CEO's together to make a spiderweb of scheming and moral dilemna.

I really recommend this book it is a great read. The only thing is that it is a really quick read. I didn't think I would be ready to move on to the next book so quickly. Maybe I will revisit this book in a month or so.