Library of the Gods

The REAL Founding Fathers

2009-10-23T12:18:00.001-07:00

From the people who brought you The Five Thousand Year Leap (National Center for Constitutional Studies) comes three of THE most useful books on George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.

Are there better biographies of these Founders that should be in the Library? A definite yes! But what makes these three particular books so wonderful is you get a good biography PLUS a fairly extensive compendium of their words (quotes) organized by subject.

I'd recommend purchasing all three books as a set directly from the NCCS for a better deal. The books are:

The Real George Washington
The Real Thomas Jefferson
The Real Benjamin Franklin

Job Search

2009-10-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Back in college, I attended a lecture given by Stephen R. Covey - long before he figured out seven ways to become highly successful. In that lecture, he talked about being proactive and discussed how a student could be proactive in his job hunting. He recommended a book that would help in that process.

So, I not only took his advice, but I also resolved that I would use that proactive process on him. I purchased the recommended book, read it carefully, and applied it's principles and practices to land me a job with the Covey Organization. I was responsible for the planning and promotion of a seminar Mr. Covey did with featured speakers: management guru Tom Peters, cookie queen Debbie Fields, and legendary coach LaVell Edwards.

I've since moved on but have fond memories of the whole proactive experience. Having watched Mr. Covey's success over the years, I've wondered what my life would have been like if I had stayed with his very young company (perhaps ten employees at the time).

Well, Microsoft-type riches aren't for everybody....

And the book? What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles

The best book on how to find a job - colorfully written - and never more timely than in today's economic environment.

Reagan, Radicals, and Republicans

2009-09-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

You know, “R” is an interesting letter. Think about it, while most American toddlers can’t even say it properly, UnAmericans give it a foreigner flourish by trilling it. The Japanese like it so much they use it in place of the letter “L”. I heard one Japanese lounge singer render White Christmas this way, “Where the tree tops gristen, and children risten. R's popularity has even gone to the dogs: Scooby-doo and Astro start every word with it….

So, in tribute to the letter R - and for those leaders of the R party who can take time away from their religious reading of the legislation placed before them - I give you the newest additions to our Library:

1) Ronald Reagan: An American Life - THE best autobiography on Ronald Reagan. OK, so it's the only autobiography by Ronald Reagan. But, by default, that makes it the best. Which goes to show you, be the only one to write a book on a particular subject and you're sure of getting into the Library of the Gods.

2) Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky - In the spirit of "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," what could be closer than having THE book on radicalism on your nightstand? Patton was reading "The Tank in Battle" by Erwin Rommel the night before their military engagement. As his forces began to defeat the enemy, Patton uttered these gentle words, "Rommel! You magnificent @#$*!%, I read your book!!!" (and the historical truth of the foregoing can all be verified by watching the movie).

In the interest of bipartisanship, I would love to honor the letter "D" in an upcoming "Delano, Demons, and Democrats" offering, but I think I would have to get some help (pardon me, my conservative streak is showing).

MAN: His Rise and Fall

2009-08-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Through the mists of time, we reflect on the eloquent words of that immortal statesman, Apollo Creed: "Be a thinker - not a stinker."

Creed is now gone - having suffered an untimely death in that horrible East beats, and beats, and beats West boxing match we all endured so many sequels ago. And sadly, we men no longer heed Creed's proffered advice (should I have said "wee men"?).

Nowhere is the contrast in Creed's admonition more evident than in this weeks' entries in the Library of the Gods....

1) Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski - an almost word-for-word transcription of the groundbreaking BBC series which chronicles the progression of human society through its knowledge of science. Don't let the mention of science scare you from this book. It describes the progression of science in a cultural sort of way that is very readable and enlightening.

The next title speaks more about man, in specific, and less about his progression....

2) The Big Damn Book of Sheer Manliness by The Von Hoffman Bros.

This is the definitive work that answers the question: What makes a man tick... or itch, or scratch, burp, fart, cuss, or beat his chest. It describes what makes men cry (John Wayne being shot in the back) and what makes them laugh (blowing stuff up).

If you have a man in your life - of whatever age, size, or variety - you and he need this book to understand one another.

Survival

2009-08-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

Written by an ex-member of the Special Air Services (SAS), a British elite special forces regiment that has served as the model for the special forces of other countries, this is considered THE book to get on survival.

Striving to be the definitive work, this book covers a lot of territory. Consequently, there are those who point out that it does not cover certain topics in great depth (some have noted the section on "Spear Throwing" is a tad light).

So, with apologies to all you stay-at-home spear chuckers, this is still the book to get if you want to survive:

SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea by John "Lofty" Wiseman

Advertising: How to create

2009-08-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have been a student, teacher, and practitioner of advertising for quite some time. I have used Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples over and over again. I believe it is the best book to read on how to create an advertisement.

But even that is too limiting. The principles and practices outlined in the book make it applicable to so many different marketing applications. If you are creating an ad, a flyer, a website - anything where you want to get someone's attention - then this book can help you create something that will get results.

Bubbles

2009-08-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Written over 100 years ago, this is the bible on soap bubbles. While not for the serious soap bubble scientist (yes, there are such people), the book is filled with simple experiments, scarce on technical jargon and perfect for the laybubbleperson.

This is for the parent who isn't content with buying little Timmy a bottle of bubbles but feels it absolutely necessary to understand the science behind the silliness. Enjoy...

The book is Soap Bubbles: Their Colors and Forces Which Mold Them by C.V. Boys

Marketing: Positioning

2009-08-13T12:54:00.001-07:00

You can be a me-too competitor and still win in the marketplace - but you will have to outwork/outspend to outlast your look-alike adversaries.

This book describes how it's better to start by outthinking your competition, creating a position in the customer's mind so they will understand and appreciate your valuable difference.

This is the classic book that will teach you how:

Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout

Writing: Getting Published

2009-08-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is the bible for those aspiring authors, freelancers, and bloggers who want to get published (be sure and get the latest annual edition):

Writer's Market: Where and How to Sell What You Write by Robert Brewer

Fertility

2009-07-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

THE book to read on the topic of Fertility (as recommended by our fertility specialist - we'll let you know when it works...).

It is so helpful and thorough that many feel it should be considered a Woman's User Manual. The book is:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH

Facial Expressions

2009-07-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Dr. Paul Ekman is a psychologist and a pioneer in the study of emotions as they relate to facial expressions. The popular Fox TV series "Lie to Me" is loosely based on him and his work.

While the reading of this book is a tad challenging, it represents the best book to read on facial expressions:

Unmasking the Face by Paul Ekman

Selling

2009-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Whether closing the million dollar deal or convincing your child to take out the trash - it's all about selling...

And this was recommended by a top insurance executive from Mutual of New York (MONY) as THE book to read on selling:

How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling by Frank Bettger

Organizing

2009-07-24T12:55:00.001-07:00

The best book on organizing was recommended by someone who kept apologizing for how disorganized she was: Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern

Shackleton

2009-07-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Be sure and read Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing - if only to understand why this wonderful compliment exists:

"For swift and efficient travel, give me Amundsen; for scientific investigation, give me Scott; but when you are at your wits' end and all else fails, go down on your knees and pray for Shackleton." Raymond Priestley

Marketing: Publicity

2009-07-21T13:01:00.001-07:00

Our waitress at the restaurant was pleasant and very attentive (and had a nice complexion, according to my wife). Come to find out that she was in the middle of a course correction in her career which would, hopefully, lead into becoming a pastry chef.

Her past two jobs afforded her the opportunity of watching two different public relations firms sink into oblivion because of our struggling economy.

Despite her rocky ride in the public relations field, she said that The Purple Cow by Seth Godin is THE book to read to obtain publicity.

Cooking

2009-07-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

He's currently writing his own cookbook and would recommend it - if only it was finished. Instead, Jeff Crosland, the fabulous chef at the Parallel 88 restaurant in Zion National Park recommended this:

The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer

Constitution: Principles

2009-07-09T12:23:00.001-07:00

On the subject of the US Constitution and our Freedoms as Americans, may I recommend the book: "The 5000 Year Leap", by W. Cleon Skousen.

The 5000 Year Leap explores the ideals of the Founding Fathers and their 28 principles for success. The values reviewed in detail by Dr. Skousen range from the Founder's prerequisite that the Constitution was designed for a moral people, to a government empowered by the people with checks and balances, along with an understanding of the critical nature of fiscal responsibility and family values. This book sums up the secrets to what James Madison called a miracle.

Recommended by John Johnson

Business: Corporate Management

2009-07-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

In the corporate world, the book "de jour" could likely be, "Good to Great" by Jim Collins.

This book addresses a single question: Can a good company become a great company, and if so, how?

Based on a five year research project comparing teams that made a leap to those that did not, Good to Great shows that greatness is not primarily a function of circumstance; but largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline.

Recommended by: John Johnson

Abraham Lincoln

2009-07-03T20:37:00.001-07:00

I finally remembered a book I want to recommend. When I was younger I was really awed by Abraham Lincoln. In my 20's I read a Biograph by Carl Sandburg. "Abraham Lincoln, The Prairie Years and The War Years. I can't even begin to tell you how interesting and insightful that was. Sandburg did such a good job researching it, I think he won a pulitzer for it.

Recommended by June Bassett Spencer

Political Economy

2009-07-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

Thomas Jefferson said, "In political economy, I think Smith's Wealth of Nations the best book extant (standing out)."

Life's Journey

2009-07-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

One of the most definitive works on the subject of the soul and lifes journey, was written in 1909 by William George Jordan, called The Crown of Individuality. It is out of print, but can be found on google, amazon, ebay. Its a handbook for life. He has written others, such as The Majesty of Calmness, and Kingship of Self Control, and Power of Truth, All are excellent, easy reads, but powerful content.
William George Jordan was a writer for the Saturday Evening Post among other things.

Kelene Clarke Rosenburg

The Holocaust

2009-07-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

The Diary of Anne Frank puts words to the experience many Jews had during the war and brought it to light for the rest of the world. I walked through her house as a boy and it was an unforgettable and moving experience.

Guy Stephenson

Psychology: Logotherapy

2009-06-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Victor Frank's Man's Search for Meaning touches at the very heart of the human spirit, purpose of life and faith. It's an easy read, one that can and should be re-read over a lifetime.

LeAnna Waite Thomas

Service-oriented Management

2009-06-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

I just finished a great book...

"Built to Serve"
how to drive the bottom line with people-first practices

It is by Dan J. Sanders and was an easy quick read (perfect for me).

It is great as it talks about putting people first and service the corner stone instead of spread sheets and bottom lines.

It was all about having a higher purpose other than profits.

Chad Packard

Childhood Education

2009-06-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

I was recently reminded of a book I read a little over a year ago that I bought after hearing a woman at a homeschool conference talk about it and how it's changed her life and her childrens lives. I love it so much that I have let a friend borrow it and she let her friends borrow it and I'm just not getting it back. It's called A Thomas Jefferson Education : Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century, by Oliver Van Demille. Though the author does homeschool his children it's not necessarily a homeschooling book. I was inspired myself to continue learning and in doing that, my children will learn by my own example. I found it an interesting read but also very inspiring to use the tools in my own life and with my children.

Cristin Carter

Iraq War

2009-06-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

I don't read too many non-fiction books yet, but i have read The Lone Survivor. It's a great book that opens your eyes to the War in Iraq.

submitted by Chad Packard

Influence and Thinking

2009-06-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Recommended by Scott Nugent:

Alright I initally thought this would be a group where we would only recommend books that are now films, which makes for much easier reading...2-2.5 hours. But never the less i must recommend "Tipping Point" and "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. Both are very insightful and break down some very complicated processes into easy to understand tid bits. I'm getting ready to tackle his latest "Outliers".
Now if you want a good book to movie offering, I believe the "Dumb and Dumber" book was much better then the movie.
-Scott

Truth in the News

2009-06-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Truth in the News by Thomas Sowell - as suggested by member Todd Crowley

The book I have in mind is probably not what you'd expect, but its impact on me has expanded my mind more than any other as to what is the truth in news. The book is Civil Rights: Rhetoric or Reality by Thomas Sowell.

Networking

2009-06-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Greatest book on Personal Networking

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazi

Recommended by Member Chad Packard: "It's all about maximizing your ability to market yourself and your business. So many of us are so busy that we cannot fit one more thing into our schedule. We all eat. So, if there is a time that we take to eat, we may as well not eat alone... I hope you enjoy."

Innovation

2009-06-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

The book "The Venturesome Economy" by Amar Bhide is a fantastic read about what it takes to create and improve prosperity in the world today. It is all about innovation and making new innovations accessible to the masses. The US is most prosperous because we are most capable of implementing innovation.

Added by Member Tony Brown

Nutrition

2009-06-09T12:24:00.001-07:00

Member Kelene Clarke Rosenberg recommends:

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell

One of the best books on Nutrition I have read, and in this country of unhealthy Americans. I believe this is an excellent resource.

U.S. Consitution

2009-06-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Member Guy Stephenson recommends:

The Great Rehearsal by Carl Van Doren utilizes journal entries and official records kept by the founding fathers on the progress of the constitutional convention and the creation of the greatest document ever written by man. Each professes a profound sense of destiny and ever present guidance by Providence (God) in it's creation. Excellent read and gives great insight to our nations beginnings. It's also noteworthy that the U.S. Constitution became the model for many democratic nations as well since the time it was written.

Make your own Movie

2009-06-03T12:32:00.001-07:00

R. Scott Budge created the independent film "The Messenger: 360 Days of Bolvar" which recently took first place in the Documentary category at the Boomtown Music & Film Festival.

He says, "Trust me, everyone's got a movie in them. It's really not that difficult as one thinks if you can get past the "money barrier." BUT. If you write a script that's worthy - the money will come...

Scott recommends the following three books for Making your own Movie:

Guerilla Film Makers Movie Blueprint by Chris Jones
The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook by Chris Jones
Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions) by Steven D. Katz