The Naked Truth About Your Money

The Naked Truth About Your Money Review

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What Bill has accomplished here, is the perfect storm, or shall I say the Perfect $$$torm of Kiyosaki, Orman, Cramer, and Financial Empowerment 101. Intended for youths fresh out of college and those fairly new in their career, Bill has managed to encompass information that is essential to the aforementioned and for many that are well into their careers and just need straight talk about finances from mortgages to 401K's. Wow, the 401K section really did it for me!

Let's face it we've all said had I only known this then... Well, in "The Naked Truth" author Bill DeShurko not only will make you ask that question but will answer it in a way that informs you of how to be proactive about other financial enigmas. Job well done. Thank you for helping me, help ME. Straight talk for ‘Generation Broke’ on building a financial future.

People in their twenties and thirties have special financial needs: college loans, building good credit, buying a car, financing their first home, and—while they don’t like to admit it—even planning already for their retirement. Aimed at Gen Xers and Yers, this book is a no b-s guide to money management and investment strategies that helps readers learn about—and care about— their financial future while they’re still young enough to make a positive impact on it. Free of jargon, double-talk, and boring lectures, financial expert DeShurko cuts to the quick on:

—401(k)s
—Finding the right bank
—Understanding and improving FICO scores
—Credit card interest rates
—Budgets to avoid—or get out of—debt
—Debt-consolidation and savings accounts
—Investment options, insurance, and taxes

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Customer Reviews

The ABC's of sensible financial living - gail - Ohio
I am not a financial genius. I have struggled all my life with finances. I have read books, taken classes, and advice. I have never been able to get my finances under control. This book is easy to read, easy to understand and easy to follow. For the first time in many years, I have a balance in my savings account and am beginning to get myself into a better financial position. I really didn't think anyone could help me do that. I would highly recommend this book to anyone (any age) who has personal finances and wants to know the best way to handle them. --gail

surprisingly enjoyable and informative - A. Barr Howard - new york, NY
This book is easy to read and even entertaining at times, and the author does not talk down to the reader. Like the other reviewers, I bought it for my young adult children, but I learned quite a lot more than I anticipated. Bill's ability to explain terms briefly and clearly clarified some of my misconceptions. The book also brings home the idea that budgeting needn't be torture, but instead ita road to real savings in the future. How to deal with your your paycheck inclusions and how to manage your taxes are covered well. Bill explains from soup to nuts a vast amount of information in an appealing way, I'm even giving it as a Christmas gift to some of my less than financially savvy friends.


Jul 01, 2010 06:48:05

A Quick Guide to Reaching Struggling Writers, K-5 (Workshop Help Desk)

A Quick Guide to Reaching Struggling Writers, K-5 (Workshop Help Desk) Review

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I'm glad I began to use amazon because i've never been unhappy with what i've bought fromm you. I get great deals and great books. I find titles I can't locate andywhere else. I always come back to amazon. I usually buy professional books. Thanks!

In A Quick Guide to Reaching Struggling Writers Colleen Cruz shows how to stop struggling with writers who struggle. You'll find effective support for students who say: I'm not a good writer; My hand hurts; I don't know how to spell; I don't have anything to write about; I never get to write anything I want to write; I'm done.

A Quick Guide to Reaching Struggling Writers is part of the Workshop Help Desk series.

About the Workshop Help Desk series
The Workshop Help Desk series is designed for teachers who believe in workshop teaching and who have already rolled up their sleeves enough to have encountered the predictable challenges. If you've struggled to get around quickly enough to help all your writers, if you've wondered how to tweak your teaching to make it more effective and lasting, if you've needed to adapt your teaching for English learners, if you've struggled to teach grammar or nonfiction writing or test prep...if you've faced these and other specific, pressing challenges, then this series is for you. Provided in a compact 5" x 7" format, the Workshop Help Desk series offers pocket-sized professional development.

For a comprehensive overview of theUnits of Study for Teaching Writing series, including sample minilessons, sample videos, curricular calendars, overview presentations, frequently asked questions, and information on the companion principal's guide and the Workshop Help Desk series visit unitsofstudy.com.

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Customer Reviews

Jun 30, 2010 04:57:08

Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8

Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8 Review

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Several years ago I never would have bought a book or attended a workshop like Math in Motion because I did not think it was relevant. But from the moment we started, Ms. Pearl made us all feel so comfortable-an ideal environment for learning, especially a subject like mathematics, which may be stressful. I wanted to create the same atmosphere and remove the fear element from learning mathematics. The workshop experience made us feel like we were a team. I felt like I could do anything. And it gave me the motivation to try more. Ms. Pearl's book outlines lesson plans that support NCTM Standards and has teaching scripts and tips for developing a warm and inviting hands-on learning environment that is educational and fun. The multidisciplinary approach connects math to other subjects including reading, science, and social studies. The step-by-step directions are clear and easy to follow. Multicultural activities teach an appreciation of other cultures from exploring tangrams to writing Haiku. The three most exciting words from my students were, "I did it!" I think this is also great for building kids' self-esteem. The book encourages you to have students write down on their paper manipulatives math vocabulary that helps them to remember it--younger kids can trace the place with their fingers as they say it. Now, I know that math is not BAD. When adults feel good about what they are teaching, children will feel better too. I know this book will help you create a room where children (and adults too) will love to come to learn and grow. The innovative hands-on resource guide for grades K-8 presents practical techniques and strategies to teach mathematics across the curriculum using origami. NEW full color illustrations and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions develop basic educational skills. Interdisciplinary lessons and teacher scripts support National Mathematics Standards, cultural and cooperative learning activities that make learning FUN for kids of all ages...where EVERY child counts! MATH IN MOTION is designed to: 1) Support National Mathematics Standards 2) Develop a Positive Attitude Towards Learning 3) Integrate Literacy and Cross-Curricular Skills 4) Accommodate a Variety of Learning Styles. MATH IN MOTION offers a variety of TEACHERS INSERVICE, FAMILY AND STUDENT WORKSHOPS custom tailored to meet YOUR exact needs. For more information, visit: the Math in Motion website.

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Customer Reviews

Math in Motion:Origami in the Classroom - Lorna Wooldridge - New Jersey
As a homeschool parent and teacher this book has been a wonderful resource. My nine year old son, Jack, and I love using it. I tell all my homeschooling friends about it as well as friends whose children struggle with math in school. When I asked Jack about a review, he said, "You must tell everyone that I love this hands on approach!" I also tutor a young lady who admitted that she hated math, but I convinced her to have a go by using Math in Motion and she now loves to fold, feels she can can attempt a math problem without falling apart and is open to a hands on approach to learning about place value,which we have just started. Thank you, Ms Pearl

Math in Motion - a totally enjoyable learning experience - Maryanne Appel - Boothwyn, PA United States
Although I am neither a teacher nor a grade schooler, I found exceeding pleasure, while reading "Math in Motion," in brushing up on aspects of math that I had long ago forgotten. But beyond the math, I thoroughly enjoyed making the origamis depicted in the book. While using this book to create each of the origamis, I found the instructions easy to both read and follow. (Of course, the spiral binding is yet another much-appreciated feature.) I had never been successful in Japanese paper folding before in my 60+ years, even though I had attempted it several times, and so it was exciting for me to complete my very first origami!
Written primarily as a teacher's guide, I still highly recommend "Math in Motion" for anyone between the ages of 5 and 105! If you are looking for a way to spend a marvelous afternoon at home, I suggest purchasing, reading, and using "Math in Motion." The author, Barbara Pearl, is a jewel! Thank you, Barbara, for this wonderful gift - a book to treasure, to use, and to share with friends and family alike.


Jun 29, 2010 02:47:11

Horus Heresy: Tales of Heresy (The Horus Heresy)

Horus Heresy: Tales of Heresy (The Horus Heresy) Review

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Most great sagas evolve around a really small cadre of characters and geographical places. It's almost inevitable.

Frequently those works lose some coherency, almost like if there is nothing outside the events evolving around the main characters. With this 10 th installment of the horus heresy, Black Library and Games Workshop managed to create depth and consistency in a remarkable way.

I will not comment a lot about the seven short stories (each could lead to a main book), although they are all interesting and well written. Obviously the quality varies, but the writters were well chosen. Here at Amazon are great reviews where you can find abstracts on those stories.

Contrary to some opinions I believe that all the stories have a lot about the Horus Heresy. How it changed the face of Terra, the purpose of the Adeptus Custodes (and their motivations, finally they will see action), how the saviors of humanity (the space wolves story) can do to a non compliant world, the fact that the terrible war could probably be avoided but someone prevented it (spoiler: probably the emperor...see the sisters of silence story), the insights and purposes of the emperor in the story "the last church" that shows that the Emperor plan is much larger than simply abolishing religion...he knows that people will substitute their faiths; also interesting the almost worship and shows of extreme loyalty to the Primarchs reflected in the Angron story...etc.

All stories show events that lead to the rebellion of Horus, explain reactions and why entire legions followed their Primarchs and worlds rebelled, shows us fears and reactions during the crusade, before the heresy and during the Horus Rebellion.

Horus Heresy: Tales of Heresy (The Horus Heresy) Feature

• ISBN13: 9781844166824
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

An anthology of short stories set during the time of the Horus Heresy, featuring tales by star writers Dan Abnett, Graham McNeill, James Swallow, Mike Lee and more.

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Customer Reviews

It's about time!!!! - G. Razo - Vault City, CA
I really enjoyed this book. I have read all the Horus Heresy novels up to this one. I skipped Mechanicum based on the reviews posted here on Amazon, but I intend to read that one as well. That being said, you will really enjoy this book of short stories. Each one has a small twist to it where you will find yourself turning those pages quite quickly! The only one I had a hard time trying to figure out was the last story of the book regarding the World Eaters. I read it anyway just for the sake of completion. Again, if you suffered through Descent of Angels and Mechanicum then you will find sweet relief reading this book!



Jun 27, 2010 23:29:04

Falsely Accused

Falsely Accused Review

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Having eagerly devoured the previous Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampi novels, I was disappointed with the last one, Corruption of Blood, which dealt with the Kennedy assassination. But luckily Falsely Accused is right back on track, with our heroes in New York again. Although Butch is working for a firm of civil lawyers and Marlene is striking out on a new and different career, their cases lead them to dealings with the DA's department and the infamous DA himself, Sandy Bloom. Will Karp get revenge at last for Bloom's treatment of himself and Marlene?

The plot develops satisfyingly, with Karp's and Marlene's separate cases meshing, as they so often do, to enable a joint (if not wholly plausible) resolution. But hey, who's counting!

It's not just the plotting which I find so enchanting about these books. The characterisation is fine, with the good guys being reassuringly flawed - even the rather goody-goody Butch is rounding out as the series develops. Lucy is perhaps less well-drawn, being by turns baby-ish for a 7-year old and then stunningly precocious.

Most of all, I enjoy the style, the quality of the writing itself. Tanenbaum has a great ear for dialogue, for the way people switch topics in mid-conversation; his characters talk like real people, only more amusingly. Altogether, he has a delightful way with words, being at times wry, whimsical and ironic. I find myself jotting down some of his wittier phrases to use, er, spontaneously myself in conversation... Sincerest form of flattery, and all that!

I'm glad I've read the series in order, and if someone was thinking of starting with this book I'd recommend them to go back to the beginning. Maybe skip out Corruption of Blood unless you're really keen to read more Kennedy assassination theories - and enjoy Falsely Accused, which finds Tanenbaum once more at the height of his powers. Now with a powerful New York law firm, Butch Karp finds himself battling his former employer, City Hall, in the name of the city's chief medical examiner. Meanwhile, his wife Marlene has opened a private detective agency specializing in protection from domestic violence. But even though their careers seem miles apart, a series of shocking crimes will merge their two situations into one sprawling case of sinister corruption and cold-blooded murder!.

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Customer Reviews

My first Tanenbaum read - Nancy Eckert - Bellefontaine, OH USA
Well! I found his story telling excellent and his use of language the same. I had no trouble with the ending, although I knew immediately whom not to trust - and it wasn't one of the children. My confusion lies in having looked up the author on the good ol' internet and finding he has a ghost writer, his cousin. I have no way to prove or disprove that allegation and was hoping someone on this forum could add some intelligence.

TIA

Well done, But....... - Samuel Levin - Pikesville, Maryland USA
This is one of the best books in the Kaep/Ciampi series. The writer stays with two major scenarios and is able to skillfully intertwine numerous others that add to a well told story. The book has the tedency to drag slightly, although thses instances are few and far between. Perhaps the greatest area of weakness comes in the inability of the writer to develop characters that are realistic. Although he draws upon his legal knowledge to create a Karp who is believable, the same cannot be said about Ciampi who appears to be a cardboard cutoutof a character. In spite of these flaws, the book moves along at agood pace with some twists that are of interest, even if they are somewhat predictable.


Jun 26, 2010 16:39:06

The Title I Teacher's Guide to Teaching Reading, K-3

The Title I Teacher's Guide to Teaching Reading, K-3 Review

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I just finished reading this book. I will be teaching first grade next year and the reading specialist at my school recommended it as a summer reading. I had a million questions about how to go about setting up my reading program--what the components should be, how to organize my library, leveled reading, what approach and program to follow, reading workshop or guided reading etc. etc. After finishing reading another book called Guided Reading, I was still feeling unsure about many pieces of teaching reading. I started into Title 1 teacher's guide to teaching reading. I was amazed how well the book has been laid out. It addresses everything I needed to know--all the pieces come together. It is based on the same philosophy as the writing workshop starting with a focused minilesson, workshop time and sharing. Very clearly described! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get an overview of a great and solid reading program.
A big thumbs up for the book!  

When linguistic diversity meets poverty in a Title I school, teaching reading can seem like an impossible task. It doesn't have to be, but you've got to be focused - on the children, on the standards, and on your own teaching. The Title I Teacher's Guide to Teaching Reading, K - 3 offers classroom-tested solutions to the unique challenges of Title I schools. You'll find methods for teaching reading that improve student performance without resorting to prescriptive interventions while meeting important state standards and successfully addressing funding-dependent federal mandates.

 

In The Title I Teacher's Guide to Teaching Reading, K - 3, Nancy Akhavan, a Title I principal, takes a pragmatic, goal-oriented approach to meeting reading benchmarks. She illustrates instruction that looks beyond the government's free-lunch label to see exciting possibilities for every child, showing how:

• reading workshop and units of study can augment or supplement - yet not supplant - a textbook and improve children's reading
• meaningful instructional routines foster good reading habits in students who don't come from homes with strong models of literacy
• strategy-based instruction gives students the tools to move toward independence
• careful scaffolding can help English learners raise their achievement
• well-planned, well-sequenced instruction makes it easier for teachers to document their activities for administrators.

Throughout, Akhavan's encouraging, practical advice focuses on what's really important in helping struggling students, on finding doable solutions to instructional problems, and on connecting your professional learning to your students' learning.

 

You understand the obstacles, hurdles, and hoops of teaching in Title I classrooms. Now learn how to overcome them. Read The Title I Teacher's Guide to Teaching Reading, K - 3 and take the advice of a Title I veteran. You'll find proven ways to help your students grow into lifelong readers and to help your school exceed expectations.

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Customer Reviews

Jun 25, 2010 13:18:09

Runaways, Vol. 2 (Vol 2)

Runaways, Vol. 2 (Vol 2) Review

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I said it before and I'll say it again. This is THE way to read Runaways. Under the attractive dust jacket, the cover is made up of a soft black vinyl material that is extremely durable. The book itself is huge, letting you appreciate the art in a way that it may not have been able to be appreciated in the original comics and the infinitely smaller digest trade paperbacks. Plus, the book is loaded with extras.

This time around, we get twelve issues. One six issue arc, one two issue mini-arc, and one four issue arc. The cherry that tops off this Comic Sundae is a twelve page Runaways/X-Men crossover story that was given out on Free Comic Book Day. Other than the original comic, you can't find this story anywhere else. But, that being said, there's no reason why you'd want to. The story is inconsequential and the art is horrific. It's cool as an extra, but don't look forward to it as an epic super-team crossover issue.

Now, about the actual story: I reviewed the individual arcs here Runaways Vol. 4: True Believers and here Runaways Vol. 5: Escape to New York, but I'll reiterate. The stories are great and the dialogue is snappy as always. This is Brian K. Vaughan here. Its elementary knowledge that he'll always deliver a story that'll make you laugh and nod appreciatively at the talent of his writing. The art ranges from okay to great; Alphona isn't great at drawing the major marvel superheroes, but he excels at drawing the major "Runaways" characters. Speaking of those good ol' kids, I'm sure you returning readers are wondering how they've been. Their lives are no less tumultuous than they were in Runaways, Vol. 1, but the situation(s) they're in are nowhere near as epic as that of the first eighteen issues. In fact, this entire volume feels like set-up for a big story to come. That's both exciting and disheartening. This book could've been bigger and included more plot development than hinting at what is going to come, but even so; the more-or-less standalone arcs of this series are always entertaining, funny, and often poignant and, as an aspiring writer, I can safely say that Vaughan's writing is inspiring.

8/10

Runaways, Vol. 2 (Vol 2) Feature

• ISBN13: 9780785123583
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

This deluxe hardcover collects Runaways Vols. 5-7, plus extras. In True Believers, it's an all-new beginning for the book that Wizard calls "the best original concept from Marvel in thirty years!" When a group of teenagers discovers that their parents are actually super-villains, they run away from home... but that's only step one! Now that the evil Pride is gone, nearly every bad guy in the Marvel Universe is trying to fill the power vacuum in Los Angeles, and the Runaways are the only heroes who can stop them! Plus: What does a mysterious new team of young heroes want with the Runaways, and which fan-favorite Marvel characters are part of this group? In Escape to New York, the Runaways embark on a coast-to-coast adventure, guest-starring Cloak and Dagger AND the New Avengers! When Cloak is accused of a crime he didn't commit by the heroes of New York City, the vigilante is forced to turn to the teenage Runaways for help. This story will take our teens to a place they've never been: NYC! And in Parental Guidance, the villainous Pride returns, but this all-new group isn't made up of the Runaways' evil parents. Who are these shadowy players, and what do they want with the Marvel Universe's next generation of heroes? Collects Runaways (Vol. 2) #1-18.

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Customer Reviews

Amazon Has The Covers Wrong... - Theseus - US of A
...for these Runaways books. If you want Runaways Vol 2 in hardback, the ISBN # is 078512358x. The cover for this is the multicolored DNA-like swirl with all the characters against a light blue sky, despite what Amazon has posted as the image! This book collects Runaways Vol 2 #1-12 and the X-Men/Runaways one-shot.

Not What It Claims, but I Still Love It! - Zach Stewart -
Just so everyone is away aware, this collects trades 4-6 not 5-7. The story winds in new and wonderful ways that make it a joy to read. Brian K. Vaughn continues his amazing writing with true dialog and moments when you just realize how great the series is.


Jun 20, 2010 16:40:08

K.

K. Review

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Calasso understands that "Kafka was a verist," or, as another translator might have put it: "Kafka was a realist." Always remaining repectfully close to the Kafka's text, Calasso finds its meaning not by abstracting, generalizing or inferring, but by reading closely the turns of phrase overlooked on first reading, repeated phrases, points made only once in all his works, and phrases crossed out in manuscript drafts. At this depth, it's plain that Kafka understood what's essential about the modern world, and that his cruel and phantasmagorical universe was simply this one. Calasso tells us nothing: he shows us what is already there and that is this: what Myth was to ancient times, Kafka is to our own. From the internationally acclaimed author of The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony comes one of the most significant books in recent years on a writer of perennial interest–a virtuoso interpretation of the work of Franz Kafka.

What are Kafka’s fictions about? Are they dreams? Allegories? Symbols? Countless answers have been offered, but the essential mystery remains intact. Setting out on his own exploration, Roberto Calasso enters the flow, the tortuous movement, the physiology of Kafka’s work to discover why K. and Josef K.–the protagonists of The Castle and The Trial–are so radically different from any other character in the history of the novel, and to determine who, in the end, is K. The culmination of Calasso’s lifelong fascination with Kafka’s work, K. is also an unprecedented consideration of the mystery of Kafka himself.

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Customer Reviews

Forceful and fresh insights revive pleasure in endless unfinished novels - Antoine Boisvert - Salem, MA
Sometimes when faced with a difficult work of literature, it takes the right work of criticism to bring an appreciation of it to birth. Calasso provides that, or seeks to, in his work on Kafka's novels, whose fundamental plotlessness and lack of resolution can make one throw them across the room. I had always liked Kafka's short works, but thrown up my hands at the Castle, and never even attempted The Trial. Calasso is bringing me around.



Jun 14, 2010 18:00:05