Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

The Whuffie Factor
August 2010

Social Capitalism created a platform to elect our 44th president, while seemingly standardizing the virtual channel on how we communicate with one another. From the 1988 invention of Internet Relay Chatting (IRC) by Jarkko Oikarinen to real time status updates via the web, viral dialogue reigns supreme on how we conduct our business, casual, and interpersonal relationships.

Then Whuffie Factor, in laments terms, is the “How To” source for effectively growing your brand through the phenomena of Social media. Tara’s “Whuffie Factor” is a collection of short stories where she recounts successes, as well as, failures as she worked to anchor her consulting and marketing firm in the disenchanting utopia of online businesses.

Tara’s success trek is passionately authentic.  Through and through, her book reveals that even with technology and all of its social graces; it should never be a road block for individuals to embrace the human connection, and that’s what Whuffie’s all about!

Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating
August 2010

Jennifer JJ Smith has the best of both worlds. Her looks are sensibly sexy that women appreciate her beauty, and she can chime into the machismo of her metro male counterparts.  Yet for Jennifer, the confidence and candor is a fairly new existence of sorts, which is the mainstay of her popular dating journal “Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating”. Smith placed herself under the microscope in her personal case study to gain a better understanding of what works, what weirds men out, and simple, sensible advice on what women can do to really employ the Wow Factor when shopping the market for a new male suitor.

From exploring the idea of an “Open Relationship” to a step by step checklist on how to steer clear of the “Unavailable Men”, Jennifer is quintessential Queen on getting and keeping the man you want.

In 25 Segments and 220 pages, this dating playbook will coach any star player into the league of extraordinary women who score in the boardroom and in the bedroom!

The Life After
July 2009


There’s one thing in life that is guaranteed without a doubt and that’s death. Some of us can cope with the death of a loved one more than others and to some it is hard to bear.

The Crossing Over of Mattie Pearl is a great book written by Andrea Garrison about her mother’s vivid vision of her life after death. The book was very easy to read and well written. Garrison’s ability to take you to the final days before her mother’s transition was very calming. It gave me the sense of peace and tranquility.

The quotes she included on the left side pages of the book preps you for what you are about to read next; inspiring. “Few books move the spirit as this one has for me. It is powerfully stirring, emotionally peaceful and above all it tells a story of crossing over. Having lost my own mother, I often wondered what she must have gone through those last moments. Now I know.” says Fred Brito; a good friend of Garrison’s who lost his mother and recently lost his father.

The Crossing Over of Mattie Pearl comes in paper back and DVD formats. This is a must read if you are dealing with the lost of a loved one or know someone who is.

You can purchase the book here.

Definition of Etiquette: BEREOLAESQUE
July 2009

BEREOLAESQUE: The Contemporary Gentleman; Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate is a prime example of why you should judge a book by its cover.

This book has an impressive amount of research and time spent on etiquette and personal style. Enitan Bereola II exuldes personal style and personal responsibility; it’s very apparent in this book.

This is a must read for men and women especially if you are raising young men. It sets the tone and teaches them to respect themselves and the people they will come in contact with during their adult life.

When you first read the title, Bereolasque, it may take you for a loop because the title is tricky to read at first. Bereola used his last name and added -esque to the end to come up with Bereolasque. That was a smart and cleaver decision. Kinda like a personal touch.

The meaning of BEREOLAESQUE: highly appealing and pleasing to the human senses and/or mind; captivating; providing or delight, especially in appearance or manner; charming, alluring, attractive.

As you read through the book, you will realize your lack of etiquette and/or style on some of the things you may take for granted. BEREOLAESQUE allows you to refresh on some of your styling and etiquette issues.

Here are a few key points in the book that caught my eye:

  • The Diagnosis: Member Orientation. Cleaver! You must follow keys rules to be considered a gentleman.
  • You should bring me flowers. Learning what flowers to give for the right occasion. Very important.
  • Sound. When to say…Thank You, May I, etc.
  • The Cool: The Style Guide. Learning Power Colors.
  • Smile. Do I need to explain…lol?
  • Debt. Paying it off and living within your means.
  • Women 101. Rule #14: When she is not, tell her she is beautiful. When she is beautiful, tell her she is stunning. A gentleman recognizes beauty is internal.

With any book recommendation, you must make the first step. If you are a man who is aware of lack of etiquette and personal style, this is your book. If you are a man who’s know-it-all, this book is for you and if you’re a man who just doesn’t care about his look, this book is for you too.

Enjoy. I did.

Purchase book here

Book Recommedations: Self-Empowerment
May 2009

With the entire Planet preparing itself for the wave of the future and going Green – slowly but surely we’re all catching on to the new wave of improving our vitals and becoming the real masters of our existence. With the mind, body, and soul at hand, we’re on the verge of implementing a more natural way to advance our nutrition. The following books offer insightful and easy-to-follow steps for revising and promoting your unique & obvious existence.

Energy to Burn: The Ultimate Food and Nutrition Guide to Fuel Your Active Life by Julie Upton

(National journalist and dietitian; National spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Featured as a writer for the New York Times, Shape) & Jenna Bell-Wilson (Ph.D., R.D., C.S.S.D., is a registered dietitian, a certified specialist in sports dietetics, and a nutrition consultant; Published in Fitness and Men’s Health).

“Get the Energy Boost to Power Your Performance Every day.”

Whether you’re a serious athlete, a weekend warrior, or an active person constantly on the go, proper nutrition can help you optimize your performance and reach your goals. This accessible guide equips you with the most current, science-based sports nutrition information and tools available to help you maximize your energy and your results. First, the book lays out the foundation of healthy eating by explaining the role of carbohydrates, protein, and fats in a performance diet. It helps you energize with pre-competition meals, guidance on what to eat and drink during exercise, and post-competition nutrition for optimal recovery. You’ll also find a complete 14-day diet plan to help you start fulfilling your energy requirements right away.

Energy to Burn also gives you:

  • An Energy Quotient quiz to see how you’re doing right now
  • Information on how to determine, reach, and maintain your best body weight
  • The lowdown on supplements and energy bars
  • A look at professional athletes’ kitchens-and the foods they can’t live without

The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene

(An exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer specializing in fitness, metabolism, and weight loss. Master’s degree from the University of Arizona and member of the American College of Sports Medicine & the American Council on Exercise. Contributing writer and editor for O the Oprah magazine Bestselling author of The Best Life Diet Cookbook, The Best Life Diet,Revised and Updated, The Best Life Diet,The Best Life Diet Daily Journal, The Total Body Makeover, Get With the Program!, The Get With the Program! Daily Journal, The Get With the Program! Guide to Good Eating, and Make the Connection.John J. & Merendino Jr., M.D. (Graduate of Yale Medical School. Internship and residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and endocrine training at the National Institutes of Health. Board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Janis Jibrin, M.S., R.D., (Lead nutritionist for thebestlife.com, Bob Greene’s weight loss and fitness website. Contributing editor for Self Magazine Latest books are The Supermarket Diet and The Supermarket Diet Cookbook.

Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan by Suze Orman

“The Year You Can’t Afford to Make Any Mistakes with Your Money.

The credit crunch, the stock market freefall, the staggering toll of home foreclosures and job losses: The economic crisis that struck in 2008 has left no one untouched and everybody reeling. Seemingly overnight, the financial landscape has undergone seismic changes that suddenly have you asking all kinds of questions: Are your savings safe? Should you continue to invest in your retirement account? Should you keep your home if it’s worth less than what you owe or should you sell it? How do you pay your bills if you’ve just been laid off?

The nation’s go-to expert on financial matters, Suze Orman, believes that 2009 is a critical year for your money. There are safeguards to put in place, actions to take, costly mistakes to avoid, and even opportunities to be had, so that you are protected during the bad times and prepared to prosper when things take a turn for the better. No matter what situation you’re in, you will find a plan of action and the answers to your questions about:

  • Credit
  • Retirement
  • Savings and Spending
  • Real Estate
  • Paying for College
  • Protecting your Family

Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan delivers honest, straightforward guidance—what to do, when to do it, and how to do it—as only Suze Orman can.

The Think Big Manifesto by Michael Port and Mina Samuels

Michael Port, bestselling author and creator of ThinkBigRevolution.com, knows it’s not always easy to think big. But big thinking must happen now; today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

At this very moment, you are the change you want to see in the world—should you choose to accept personal responsibility. Devour every word of The Think Big Manifesto. It is the handbook to your personal revolution.

You are more than you know. And you can do more with less than you think..

  • Unhook from the guru track
  • Learn how to be comfortable with discomfort
  • Join people doing powerful things
  • Be one of the big thinkers that others rave about

This book, and life, is not a conceptual, theoretical experiment in how to do big things. No, this is just what you need if you’re on, or want to be on, the path to doing big things and are willing to invest in your future.

Join or incite a worldwide revolution that inspires others to follow. All it takes is one big thought and the revolution is unleashed. One thought, one person at a time, quickly followed by another—soon big thinking becomes the norm. Your big thoughts enable you to achieve greatness, be remarkable, and create a better world.

“Are you a member of the Think Big Revolution? If so, this is your Manifesto.

Whether its health, nutrition, mental stimulation, or manifesting your finances to become the better man you are, a few tips from these great selections can not only assist you on your journey, but serve great knowledge to your own progress. Its time to move from survival mode to existence mode – it’s obvious we exist!